Marginal success trolling unless you can do it quietly and at a very slow speed... I would concentrate on casting heavy tackle, wire leaders, (or braided steel). Heavy main line, with steel leaders. (FYI, have used guitar strings, and piano wire.)
on clouded days. throw large colorful lures with (leaves, spinners, feathers). on sun lit days run large minnow reps, as realistic as you can find or make.Larger lures seem to trigger their fight response since they are very territorial. If you run a large jointed minnow, chub representation past them it will get their interest.
When you catch one, take it's picture and please release it. They are a great query for other fisherman to enjoy.
Good luck.
Marsh
Best disposal is BURY it in the dirt. A garden, a flower bed, whatever. 8-12 inches down to avoid animals trying to dig it up. Bury it seriously and you will end up having excellent growing dirt along with solving the e problem. Good luck.
Marsh
I strongly suggest that you spend some time seriously studying your query. Musky are very illusive. Can hunt them for years and, as previously well said, good days are sightings or follows. Spend some time studying their habits, diet, haunts, preferences. When you understand why they are where they are, or moving from one location to another you will have more success. How they behave in various weather conditions, water temps, depths, you will increase your chances of meeting one (esox) personally.
color, size, speed of retrieve, flash, action of lure, are key. Trailer hooks can be very helpful.
I have been hunting musky for many years along with other species, with conventional gear and fly gear as well. Have been all over the continental US hunting and fishing. Have used both clear line and piano wire leaders. Have found that braided is best, supple and strong.
Just as an aside, I have had a home in Clare county for many years and spent many wonderful hours hunting musky and bass as well in the area lakes and streams.
All the fancy gear in the world will not replace the success you will have once you understand what drives this animal and how to insert yourself into it's world. Good luck.
There is no doubt that connecting with bass, steel head, salmon, trout walleye is exciting, but when you connect with a musky you can feel it's power, it's fearlessness. Make sure you treat them with respect and make sure you turn them lose.
Good hunting.
Marsh