What baits typically catch muskies in the heat of the day?

Everything! Generally, in warmer weather, topwater, spinners and hot-twitched jerks and cranks will work best. But there are no rules that muskies follow (so don’t be guilty of it yourself). Usually, there is no real explanation for preferences, just theories. Based on past experience, seasonally and on the water (if you have previous experience), you start with what you think will work best first. These thoughts should be prioritized in your mind when you hit the water … work through this until something works … then do it some more.