Just to add a bit more, I like to use 7½ and 8 foot rods. I like several brands of reels, but one important thing I like is an actual thumb-bar release...not the small button on the side of the reel. It's just a lot more comfortable for me.

When I figure-8, I'll click my reel to free line it...but keep my thumb pressed hard on the spool. If I get a strike, I can set the hook..and let the fish take some line out without taking my rod with it. It seems crazy, but a 30lbs fish is very powerful..and can take off in a flash.

I am a firm believer in very strong fluorocarbon leaders, and a heavy braided line. My leaders are 12" and 120lbs. I use Power Pro 80lbs line. I get great lure control, and have never had a bite off. Fluorocarbon is nearly invisible in the water, so the lure looks as natural as can be.

If you go with a couple friends, each person should start off throwing something different. We like to have the guy up front burning an in-line spinner. The guy in the middle usually has a bulldawg or a crank. The guy in the back has a topwater if we're shallow, or a jerkbait. Usually one guy will get a couple follows on a specific lure..or even a strike. By the end of the day, we're usually using the same lure..or something very close to it..and we'll vary colors.

If you have a good fish finder, locate schools of baitfish...and thentoss lures right thru them. If you can't find any, cruise until you find submerged weeds. These fish will bury themselves in weeds..then bolt out like a mad-man after a lure or prey. Some lures (bulldawgs) are GREAT at being ripped right thru weeds. It's not a bad thing to be tossing weeds back into the lake after a retrieve of a bulldawg. Shallow points near deeper drop offs hold muskies too. If you can find a hump, toss around it like crazy.

Other than that, make sure you have a good net, or a cradle. Hook cutters and pliers are a must too. These fish fight so hard they can easily die..even if they swim away perfectly fine (ESPECIALLY if the water temps are high!!). Handle them with care. We get the hook out while it's in the net in the water, then get it in the boat. We measure all of our catches, snap a picture, look them over really well...and then back in the water they go. Usually takes no more than a minute.

Muskie fishing rocks. One good 45" muskie trumps any bass I've ever caught.