To address the questions surrounding the single hook rig, a spinoff study, hereinafter known as the Chippewa Flowage Musky Study -Year Two (CFMS-Y2), has been initiated. The CFMS-Y2 study team includes Scott Allen, former study coordinator of the CFMS-Y I; Chippewa Flowage Guide and resort owner John Dettloff, who will manage the spin-off study. Hayward guide and Muskies, Inc., representative Art Malin will help monitor the study Muskies. The spin-off study, or CFMS-Y2, has received funding from two Muskies, Inc. chapters: the Hayward Lakes Chapter donated $4,250; and the South of the Border Chapter donated $2,000. Hayward Lakes Chapter President Mike Persson probably said it best when he stated, "What good does it do to talk about such things as size limit adjustments and stocking levels if single hook rigs are killing Muskies before they get the chance to grow to their full potential?" HISTORY OF SUCKER RIGS Long before musky anglers had much to choose from in the line of artificial bait selection, live bait was a frequently used method. At first, bait choices weren't just limited to suckers, either. Any critter, such as bullheads, perch, frogs, and even mice and chipmunks were often used. But suckers soon surfaced as the live bait of preference. Large suckers are effective, but the chances of hooking a musky in the mouth with such a large bait are diminished. Since Muskies grab suckers at mid-body and a single hook rig places the hook in the sucker's mouth, it is necessary for the angler to wait for the musky to swallow the sucker to ensure a hookup. These Muskies are usually hooked in the stomach. This technique has been used for Muskies for years.
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