In the overall world of fishing, the words “Missouri” and “musky” are seldom used in the same sentence.
There is good and bad in that fact. The good is that Missouri fisheries biologists have worked hard to make places like Pomme de Terre, in west-central Missouri, quality musky fishing destinations.
The bad is that so few anglers know about this and take advantage of it.
I have personally tried to catch musky in Canada and at Lake Vermillion, Minnesota. Both were unsuccessful attempts.
So, during a minor epiphany, I decided to try catching some southern musky, for a change.
I learned long ago that the price of a guide, when fishing a lake for the first time, is worth every penny.
So my search was for a Pomme de Terre musky expert. After some surfing and a couple of calls, I found myself talking to Jim Wilson, from Hermitage, Mo.
Jim is the “Coach” of “COACHES GUIDE SERVICE.” I was going to be near Pomme de Terre in the middle of December and Jim said he had an open day.
My first Missouri musky fishing trip was set.
I only had a few hours in the afternoon in which to fish. It was overcast and windy and when I met Jim, he was smiling.