When you name a topwater muskie and pike bait after the living legend Al Maas of Walker Minnesota, then it better be right. The all new Maas Marauder may look something like other large “walk the dog” type lures, but looks are deceiving. First off, the size of the bait is key to triggering more fish—the Marauder is the perfect size.
Hook placement is also critical to getting more successful hook-ups. Correct balance of the bait lets it ride high enough to walk easily, but at the same time float low enough in the water to make it easy for those big toothy critters to grab.
Fishing a Maas Marauder one of the most enjoyable baits you will ever fish. There is no set way to fish them, although some anglers would like you to think there is. The Marauder is the perfect size to work slow or fast. You can work it with long sweeping pulls, or you can make a series of quick snaps of your rod tip as it is pointed downward. The Marauder responds with an easy snap of your rod tip and jumps from one direction to another. We’ve seen Al fish this bait and it almost seemed to stand still as it flops from side to side. Needless to say this injured baitfish action is simply unbeatable for getting pike and muskie to strike.
Wire leaders are a must with this topwater walker since many fish will inhale the entire lure in one gulp. Don’t fall into the trap of casting long distances, the closer you stay to your boat, the more success you will have at hooking those monster fish.. any anglers love to fish topwater because of the very visual strike, but be warned, a strike you can see is often one you will miss. The rule is to often count to yourself one thousand one, thousand two once you see the strike before you set the hooks.
