What a year it has been on Mille Lacs in regard to the bite! 
I would rank this year one of the best in my seven years of trolling deep diving crankbaits via planer boards. 
There has been so many good reports on this subject including tactics and tips that everything has been pretty much been said. 
So… I decided it would make more sense to post one mid year report versus multiple daily reports.
I’ve been out 13 times since June 22nd and each time out has produced a 25 inch walleye or bigger! All I can say is what an amazing fishery! 
There are very few places you can go and match that type of consistency.
Numbers have ranged from 3 fish per outing to 22 fish. 12-15 fish have been the norm for a 6 hour trip.
Deep Tail Dancers, Reef Runners, #9 Shad Raps and the old Deep Thundersticks have produced the majority of the fish. Long lining, planer boards and leadcore have all produced. Recently, snap weights added to these cranks have been taking a lot of fish.
This year I’ve had the pleasure of rekindling some old relationships while also producing some new ones. Family members, friends and clients have all been in my boat. Trolling crankbaits via planer boards is as easy as it gets once you know what they want, what color, what depth and what speed. Yes, it does take some time to figure that out but it will produce big fish if you are willing to put in your time and have some patience.
I took my sister fishing for the first time and she had a blast catching 18 walleyes including her personal best – a 28 incher. Not only was it a great day, but it also has brought us closer and given us a reason to get together again.
Seven others in my boat have also caught their biggest walleye of their life with the smallest being 27 inches and the largest being 30 inches. Together we have caught over 20 fish between 27-30 inches.
The picture above is the biggest fish of the year – a 30 incher caught by my girlfriend.
I, personally, have only reeled in about 10 eyes this year on Mille Lacs and could really care less if I pull in another one. The thrill for me is to see others pull in those big females from the deep and see the look on their faces. It truly gives me joy.
If you have not experienced this type of fishing, and you want to, send me a PM. I would be more than happy to extend an invitation for someone who is interested. The only thing I expect is for you to return the favor to someone else some day.
Lastly, I just want to thank the IDA staff for creating this web site. There are so many good people that I have met over the last couple of years and I’ve learned so much from you. I truly believe we are not only creating a better fishing and hunting future, we are also making a difference in relationships and friendships.
Good luck to all and I hope to see you on the water.
Mike with a 25 incher and Tina with a 27 incher
. Has the bite slowed at all lately. I know usually this time of year a lot of the fish begin migrating back towards the shoreline weedlines. You and Lip Ripper gotta stop paying these women to be in your pictures 
It must be a Mille Lacs thing. 
