Walleyes, Largies, Smallies...OH MY!!

I have been guiding and fishing many species on many lakes.  Here are a few pics from some recent outings.  I apologize for the lack of content and updates but will get back on a timely manner.  I promise.  But for now here is some good eye candy for all of you that have been waiting or have recently fished with me.  

Lake Minnetonka and Lake Waconia also continue to be good fishing and lots of fun.  I have just started to move a few muskies but have not been chasing them hard with this recent warm weather.  After we hit the back side of this hot spell we should start seeing more muskies wanting to feed.  I have seen many fish in the 50" class or better in the last week just not that appt to bite yet.  

Many PB's or personal bests have been caught as of late on my boat.  I have had many guys catch their personal best smallie, walleye, and largemouth in the last few weeks.  With Mille Lacs still kicking out lots of big walleyes and dandy smallmouth, I would reckon it will continue.  This smallie photo is from a group of guys I recently guided and this gentleman was from LA.  He really enjoyed the MN fishing, hospitality, and tug that a smallmouth has to offer.  

By the time the weekend was all over the group had also enjoyed a "MN Matt" fresh walleye fish fry.  Stuff you don't get to eat very often in LA, and we sometimes take it for granted.  It was great to see big smiles from both the fishing and the cook out.  Big thank you to Dan McGannon (aka Jugs) from Lowrance for not only helping guide part of this group but also for helping with the feast.  

With the big holiday tomorrow I hope many of you have time or will be making it out to a lake near you.  The heat wave is on, the fishing is totally FIRE right now, and the lakes are calling.  Until next time, FISH ON and always stretch the string as often as possible.  

Smallie Kings

Been guiding and fishing for a bit of everything! This is a giant smallie that came in the boat on a recent outing on Lake Mille Lacs! The fish have been snapping for a few weeks now. The walleye bite is also on fire! If you have ever wanted to catch a giant walleye or smallie now is the time to get out-don't wait.

Hot!

The weather is not the only thing that has been hot, the fishing has also been HOT!  I have been guiding Waconia, Minnetonka, and also Lake Mille Lacs and all 3 have been treating me well.  This photo comes to you from Lake Mille Lacs where the smallmouth and the walleye have been snapping.  This smallmouth measured in at over 20" and was one of many that we landed on this outing.  After catching this giant Jen was happy to get a photo and let it go to fight another day.  

Most of our day was spent chasing big smallmouth on the rocks.  Our rig for smallie fishing was a G.Loomis BSR803 GLX outfitted with a Sustain FG 2500 spooled with 8lb power pro braid in green color.  Ideally you want to tie a 8lb fluorocarbon leader to the braid to act as a shock tip-it and also it is completely clear so in clear water it can not be seen by the fish.  We had our best luck on tube jigs and also fishing a drop shot rig.  Most of the smallmouth we caught were just finishing the spawn.  

We also managed to catch a few nice "raw ryes"!  We left the bank for the deeper water of the middle of the lake and found the "gold rush" was on out on the mud.  Jen caught this nice one along with a few others dragging a leech on a 8 ft snell with a #4 Octopus Gamakatsu.  

Gavin even enjoyed catching some gravel lizards of his own.  But he was not going to hold one on his own.  :)  The rigs I like to use for dragging snells are 7' G. Loomis rods that are med heavy action.  Depending on the size of the weight I will determine the action of the rod.  We were dragging 1/2oz weights and so we opted for a bit heavier rod.  You can use a 7' medium as well.  I prefer casting rods and reels but some prefer spinning set-up's, completely your choice.  The reel I outfit these rods with is a Shimano Chronarch 200E7 (high speed) so I can pick up line as quick as possible after getting a bite.  I will try and keep the updates coming a bit quicker but it is tough this time of year.  When the weather is hot and the fishing is hot it is hard to find the time to get online and update this darn thing.  Ha.  Until next time, Fish On and get out and stretch the string!  

Crushville

Started the MN bass tournament season yesterday on Lake Minnetonka and my partner Eric Schultz and I were fortunate enough to win. We weighed 8 bass for 26.7 lbs and got the hardware at the first derby of the year! The day was a total "crush" type of day. We could do no wrong. Every spot we pulled up on we caught fish and usually a few good ones. Thanks to everyone for the support and to my sponsors. Until next time, Fish On!