Can't Miss Musky Gear - Gift Guide - Monster Muskies
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Holiday Special!
Welcome to a special holiday edition of Musky Insider. Once a year we highlight some musky fishin' gear that would make great holiday gifts for the musky chasin’ members in the family.
And we know some of you might also want to forward this email to your family members so you can get what you really want this year! 😉
Alright, let's kick this off with some musky baits!
Gift Ideas: Musky Baits
Custom Red October Tubes
If Santa actually fished for muskies, his sack would be stuffed with Red October tubes. These things have been responsible for a pile of giants the past few years and remain a go to bait for a ton of musky guides and tournament pros.
If you like tubin' for muskies, you will definitely want to check out these fresh custom colored Red October tubes that just dropped at Team Rhino Outdoors.
Pictured above from top to bottom are White Shad, Night Fury, and TRO Perch. A couple of them might be festive enough to hang on the tree, but you will want them in the water come musky season.
If you want to give someone a holiday gift that might legitimately be responsible for their next personal best, this might be it.
Metalheads 🤘
Josh Borovsky let the cat out of the bag on these dive and rise baits last year during one of our Musky Insider PRO live Q&A sessions, and he has continued to lean on them for highly pressured metro fish with solid results.
Metalheads come in 10, 11.5, and 13 inch sizes. The name fits. Each bait has a metal plate that wraps over and protrudes past the wedge shaped head. That metal lets you dance or crash into rocks without worrying about wrecking your bait.
The wedge shaped head and optional screw in weights help you get these things down deep where a lot of other dive and rise baits cannot reach. You can weight them for a slow rise, quick rise, or a virtually neutral buoyancy. This one looks too pretty to throw but you absolutely should. 👇 😍
The small attractor blade on the back adds action and vibration on both the pull and the pause. You can remove it or swap it out for a different size or color if you want to tweak the profile.
You can grab Metalheads on the Ezoko website. If you have something more exotic in mind or Ezoko is sold out, you can connect with Joe Sampson through his Sampson Baitworks site.
This is a great gift for the musky angler who seems to have everything, especially if you want to throw something under the tree that will actually get used.
Cranky Nitro Halftail by H20 Tackle
If you have ever wanted a crankbait with some real attitude, the Cranky Nitro Halftail checks that box.
This thing is built like a tank with solid plastic construction, full through wire, a Lexan lip and ready to get to work.
On the retrieve, the Cranky Nitro Halftail rises fairly slow and has a front to back wobble, a nice belly roll, and a whole lot of tail action.
It runs about four to six feet on the cast. The replaceable rubber tail is turned onto a heavy duty custom spring with a centering pin, and the rear hook hanger is rotated so you can tuck one barb right into the tail. That little detail helps convert those tail nippers into actual hookups.
Toddy Tickle’s 14” War Hammer Swimbait
Next up, a gift that says “I love you” and “hope you have strong forearms” at the same time.
Toddy Tickle Baits just dropped the 14-inch, 11-ounce War Hammer at Ezoko. Burn it, slow-roll it, or intimidate smaller predators.
Rigged with twin 5/0 trebles, it will look great:
✅ Hanging proudly on your Christmas tree
✅ In the mouth of a 50-incher
✅ Or doubling as home defense if Harry and Marv swing by
#HomeAloneHumor #ThatThingWillTakeAnEyeOut
In all seriousness, the War Hammer has been putting the hurt on big fish this year. These baits are high-quality, hard to find, and guaranteed to make any musky angler smile.
Angling Revolution: “The One”
Bucktails are a must-have in any musky angler’s arsenal for most of the season.
Now’s the perfect time to snag some of what Angling Revolution has on deck!
Pictured above, clockwise from top-left: “The One” 8/8, “The One” 8/9, “The Heavy One” 9/10, and “The Big One” 10/10.
What really sets these baits apart is their one-of-a-kind clevis system. It creates a growling noise that’s officially “musky approved” and makes swapping blades quick and easy when you want to mix things up.
Even better, they’re spreading some holiday cheer with 15% off all in-stock items through Thursday, December 12 at 11:59 PM CST with code: INSIDER15
If you’re an Insider PRO member, it might be worth sleighing over to the members discount portal before pulling the trigger on that code. 😉
Assault Eel by Toothy Tuff Tackle
If you’ve got a musky nut on your list who loves baits with big-time personality, the Assault Eel is the kind of gift that’ll light up their tree.
This bait is all about action, so let’s get right to the good stuff.
Looks alive, right? That long tail has a crazy wiggle with tons of built in vibration. You can work it slow, pump it with some rhythm, or just straight retrieve it. Most days it cruises in that 4 to 6 foot zone, but you can count it down or grab the weighted version to dig deeper.
Hand poured, beefy body, and a tail that goes on forever. Total length is about 17 to 18 inches and roughly 10 ounces, so it has that perfect heavy soft plastic feel without turning into a workout tool.
A killer stocking stuffer for anyone who likes to sling big plastics with serious wiggle.
Blue Water Baits: Gong Show 10 Spinnerbait
Meet the little brother of the legendary Magnum Gong Show, the Gong Show 10. And don’t let the word little fool you. This thing is a serious piece of hardware.
Perfect for both trolling and casting, the Gong Show 10 is built on a stainless steel wire frame and rigged with chunky 6/0 trebles that mean business.
Big blades, solid thump, tough components, and a profile that gets noticed. If someone on your list likes throwing or dragging baits with some muscle behind them, this one delivers.
Gift Ideas: Accessories
Muskie Bumper Bump Boards
You can’t go wrong with a Muskie Bumper bump board. These things are the gold standard for measuring anything with fins. 👊🏻
The material floats so you can even measure your fish in the water. Less slime removal, less fumbling around, and clean measurements up to 60 inches.
They come in right hand and left hand models and the Fat Boy version has extra depth for those heavy fall tanks.
Net Buddy: DWF Hookout
Fish safety is ALWAYS #1. And you can never have too many release tools. The new Net Buddy DWF Hookout is one slick piece of gear. 🔥
At 22 inches, this stainless steel and anodized aluminum beast keeps your hands well away from sharp teeth while wrangling hooks from 3/0 all the way up to 10/0. Heavy-duty? You bet. 👀
True Grip Fishing - Rod Handle
If you’ve ever burned big blades or spent a whole day rippin’ Monster Medusas, you already know that sometimes your hand, wrist, or forearm will tap out before the rest of you.
That’s where this slick little add-on from True Grip Fishing comes in.
Mounted under your rod with heavy-duty Velcro straps, it gives you a 90 degree ergonomic handle that takes the pressure off your hand, wrist, and forearm. It works a different set of muscles, adds leverage on hooksets, and makes those big, high-drag baits way less fatiguing. It’s especially helpful if you deal with carpal tunnel, tendinitis, or just the general wear and tear that comes with chuckin’ big baits for too many years.
Custom Just Encase Deck Box
Talk about a game-changer for your boat setup. A Just Encase Deck Box isn’t just a tackle box. It is a full-on casting deck and tackle storage system in one. Built to fit any make, model, or year of boat, this bad boy can be sized just right for your rig.
Made from the same virtually unbreakable clear polycarbonate as their ClearView cases, it is strong enough to stand on and has a non-slip translucent top so you are not doing the slip and slide when the water gets bumpy. And because it is clear, you can spot the bait you want instantly.
Bonus points: ventilation holes and bottom feet keep water draining, and UV protection keeps your baits looking fresh. This is not just a box. It is a custom, tough, smart, boat upgrade that keeps your baits and your sanity in the right place.
Brotherhood Baits Trolling Rod Leash
A gift that could save you hundreds of dollars and a full-blown boat-ramp meltdown.
The Brotherhood Baits Trolling Rod Leash is simple and brilliant.
Attach the teardrop paracord to your reel, cinch it to your rod, clip the leash to your rod holder or anything solid, and boom. Your trolling rod is now flight-proof.
No more watching your favorite setup launch into the depths while you scream into the November wind.
Gift Ideas: Apparel
Headwater Hat Co. Lids
MN guide and Musky Insider PRO instructor Kevin Cochran has been cookin’ up some absolute dome candy over at Headwater Hat Co. and this year’s lineup is straight fire for the musky-obsessed angler on your list.
We pulled together four of our favorites from his latest drops and each one hits a little different:
• Top left: Circus Tiger Musky Seafoam Trucker. Loud. Bright. Screams “I fish too much” in the best way possible.
• Top right: Tarpon Collection. Not musky but too cool to ignore. Saltwater swagger with retro carnival vibes.
Simms x Ezoko “Home Water Edition” Shirt
Simms teamed up with Ezoko to slap a full Lake of the Woods map on the back of this Home Water Edition Tech Hoodie. GPS dies? No problem. You can read your buddy’s shirt like your grandpa used to read a map. A shirt and a map. Survival gear. Fashion. Cartography. The Swiss Army Hoodie you never knew you needed.
Clam Ice Armor Ascent Float Parka and Bibs
For the angler in your life who laughs at the cold and actually enjoys grinding late November marathon sessions, the Clam Ice Armor Ascent Float Parka and Float Bibs are absolute game changers.
This combo is built for those frosty, late fall musky missions that toe the line between determination and pure craziness. Warmth, durability, and tons of pockets for all the random gear you pretend you do not hoard.
Gift Ideas: Rod/Reel
Thorne Brothers Stealth Custom Musky Rods
Want a holiday gift that’s impossible to screw up? Thorne Bros Stealth Custom Musky Rods have set the new standard for premium musky sticks.
Let the musky angler in your life build a fully custom rod, either online or in person at the shop.
They use premium blanks and components, and you can customize EVERY part of the build… guides, wrap colors, length, action, handle material, handle length, handle thickness, and more.
If you’ve got a musky-head in the family, chances are they already own some nice rods. But as you already know, there is ALWAYS room for more.
Don’t live in Minnesota? Thorne Bros is offering free delivery to the musky expos they will be attending in places like New York, Ohio, Milwaukee, and Chicago.
BTW, the Chicago Musky Expo is the first expo of the year and it isn’t too far away (January 16th-18th). Make sure you get your orders placed in time for pickup at the shows. You can find the order deadlines for each expo right here. The Chicago deadline is December 14, which is coming up fast.👀
Daiwa Lexa TW 400
There are tons of great reels on the market, and most musky anglers are already loaded up with high speed models. They’re awesome for turnin’ and burnin’ and a bunch of other applications.
But several of our Musky Insider PRO instructors have talked about the advantage of having slower reels in the lineup for a variety of situations.
If you’ve been around musky folks long enough, you already know the Lexa TW is a straight-up workhorse with an attitude.
These reels are built to take a beating. You get corrosion resistant bearings and that wider, less restrictive T-Wing line guide system that helps launch baits like you’re firing from a cannon. 💪🏻
If you or someone you’re gift hunting for needs a lower geared reel (5.3 to 1 ratio) or just wants a screaming deal on another reel for the arsenal, Thorne Bros has a slick offer running right now on the Lexa TW 400s. 🤫
Might wanna jump on that one before they disappear.
The Gift That Pays You Back
There are a bunch of great gift ideas in this issue, but only one of them helps someone catch more fish, learn faster, and save money all year long… Musky Insider PRO.
✅ Monthly live Q&A sessions
✅ Exclusive access to custom color musky baits
✅ Forecasting tools including the 2026 Pink Days and big fish analytics
✅ 115+ hours of recorded Q&A sessions
✅ Instant access to 32+ hours of virtual musky classes
A full year of PRO is $199, but you can grab it right now for $169 with promo code HOLIDAY30.
Enrollment closes December 25 at 11:59 PM CDT. This one pays for itself fast and keeps delivering long after the wrapping paper hits the floor.
👉 Click here to join or gift a membership
Last minute update!
Right before this newsletter was about to be sent, we got some exciting news. We just added the reigning PMTT Top Gun, Gregg Thomas to the Insider PRO roster and he is hosting a live virtual class for our PRO crew on fishing Southern Reservoirs on December 17.
Gregg is one of the most well traveled musky guides on the planet with four PMTT Top Gun titles and two PMTT Championship titles on his resume.
Many of you also know him as the host of the Musky Road Rules Podcast. This class will dig into how he breaks down Southern Reservoirs and the seasonal patterns and movements throughout the entire year.
If you want in on this one, make sure your PRO membership is active before the class goes live.
QUICK HITTERS:
– AN EPIC MUSKY DAY (video) w/ Smith’s Fishing Outdoors
– EAGLE LAKE MUSKY FISHING!! - Northwest Ontario Muskies and Big Pike (video) w/ Angling Anarchy
This Week's Monster Muskies:
Check out King of the Musky Kayak Dan Joseph ‘s 55.75.” No net, no problem. He’s been putting up 50’s at a pace that most of us can only dream about.
Cole Martin keeps stacking Eagle Lake hammers. This 50+ tank was built for both feed and speed.
Late fall on the French River delivered for Kevin Bryant, a chunky brute that crushed a 13” BR Minnow.
LSC Musky Fly Fishing guide Eric Grajewski was targeting smallmouth when this tank rolled in. He said it’s probably the heaviest musky he’s ever caught and that belly backs him up.
Wanna be featured in Musky Insider? Send in your recent trophy musky photos by replying to this email. You might just see your pic in next week's newsletter. 🤙
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