The Mid-Summer Bite!
We’re now into July and the days are getting shorter (Say it isn’t so!). Usually this time of year we’ve had typical summer bass patterns for a few weeks. But in 2008 the weather has been colder than normal, the wind seems to have a constant speed of 20+ mph and fish have stayed on the inside weed edge, a more typical spring location. But now things are moving ahead and fish can be found more consistently in deeper water in and along the deep edges. There will always be some shallow fish and usually can be counted on early and late in the day to be active. But for my money I’d prefer to find them in the deep water. Electronics become you’re eyes and the good spots usually hold fish longer. I rely exclusively on Humminbird electronics and once you see the “Side Imaging” in action absolutely nothing else will do. You can find individual rocks, transitions from mud to gravel can actually be seen. Now with the Interlink addition both units, dash and bow share the same coordinates. Last week on Lake Ida during a Reel Team Tournament Chad and I used this feature extensively as we stayed on fish all day long catching 25-30. It was great fun, financially rewarding and impossible to do without my Humminbird units.
So the next time on the water turn on your electronics, idle out to where the weeds no longer grow and zig zag along the edge looking for an inside turn or point in the weedline. Drop a marker and make a way point at the location. Put down the trolling motor cast a jig or tube just into the weeds off the deep edge. Note any line twich or tell-tale thump. When that happens SET THE HOOK! Once boated don’t leave because in deep water there could be a whole bunch of ‘em!
Capt’n
So the “Opener’s” right around the corner (well not really cause the “real” Opener comes Memorial weekend but…) and gas is $3.50 a gallon, a bunch of northern lakes still have and may have ice on the Opener. What do ya do? Here’s an option—grab a county map book and take a look within 30-50 miles of home. You’ll be surprised, as I was how many lakes we have to choose from in Minnesota that we never consider. I think “spoiled” comes to mind. In other states most anglers have to drive 3, 4 or even 5 hours one way to a body of water. You’ll be surprised to find all the options you have relatively close to home. They may not have the reputation of a Winnie, Leech or Mille Lacs but will offer some very good action and a chance to try some soft water after months of staring down a 8” hole.
A couple years ago I found, strictly by accident, a little lake a few hundred acres big that offered some excellent fishing and I never turned the key on the gas engine. Of course these places can’t stand a lot of pressure so practicing C&R is essential. The only issue I found was that the accesses are sometimes suspect. Check them before backing in and you may find, as I did that 4 wheel drive can be essential for loading up.
Walleye may be the MN state fish and a northern pike on the line may slice the water like a hot knife through butter but with this messed up spring I’d definitely bring along an ultra light, some crappie minnows and a few beetle spins because these fish may save your day. They haven’t spawned yet and if (and this year “if’s” a scary word) it warms up a bit they could offer some great fishing. Look for old rushes & reeds, overhanging trees in deeper water or muddy shallow coves as a starting point.
So whatever your plans are don’t overlook some local spots. Save some gas money for later in the year when fishing gets better and stay closer to home. Me? My opener’s on May 24th.
Good luck & Stay Safe! See ya on the Water!
Capt’n
Since our hard water season has now passed and the annual Gander Mountain Crappie Contest at Lord Fletchers on Lake Minnetonka is looming it’s time again to make plans for open water. There won’t be a better time all year for crappie fishing and here’s some ideas for the first few trips out.
I’ve never put much stock into the notions of starting on the north sides of lakes but rather begin on the north side of wherever you might be. It could be a mid-lake bay or the north end of the lake. More importantly look for soft muddy bottoms early on. These fish aren’t there to spawn yet they’re looking to eat. Critters living in the mud emerge as the black lake bottom warms beginning the food chain with you sitting at the top and crappies just below. Keep in mind that if they aren’t in that shallow muddy bottom area move out to the first break in deeper water. This is much the same as ice fishing requiring electronic eyes to see the fish. They’re probably suspended and just waiting to move up shallower. Other area types to keep in mind are old rushes or pencil reeds from a year ago and milfoil areas. The milfoil can be great and will usually be green already providing a canopy of cover with a hiding spot for small minnows ‘n critters which make a crappie meal.
One major component required this time of year is stealth! These fish are spooky and will scatter at any loud noise. Not only do I avoid banging stuff in the boat I also don’t play the radio. I’m not sure if it makes any difference or not but if it gives me a psychological edge it’s worth it.
Now that the “where” is done here’s a “what”. First put on fresh line—I usually start with 4lb mono on an untralight rig. After spooling it on I loop it on the front of the boat and walk across the yard while at home. With only the line I reel it back on eliminating any line twist that might have been part of the re-spool. Using a small slip bobber and bobber stop start with the smallest minnows in the bucket. Make some long casts and work it back slowly. When you get a bite make a mental note of where, what you were doing, minnow size and anything else that makes this bite different than somewhere else with no luck. That way you can hopefully duplicate it somewhere else. It's called a "Pattern" and will make you a better fisherman.
Good luck, have fun and remember to make smart and safe decisions!
Capt’n
© 2008