Crawler harnesses still working…

My 2 oldest boys and I were at Mille Lacs last week for the big inland hurricane. Fortunately we got some good fishing in on Tuesday before the storm hit, including a 25″, 26″ and a 27.5 “. Whereas in years past I’ve used live bait rigging exclusively this year I’ve switched to bottom bouncers and worm harnesses with great success. Not only are we catching more fish but it’s a much easier method for my 10 year old and my inexperienced buddies I take up on occasion. When the wind is up, which is most of the time, you can drift with the spinners rigs and not have to worry about your speed, drift sock, etc.

Incidentally, those 3 big eyes I mentioned were all taken in 35′-37′ depths northwest of Sloppy Joes, much deeper than I normally fish.

I’m taking 2 more inexperienced friends up on Friday, thank heavens for spinners rigs and rod holders!

I can attest to the success of spinner rigs. We had a nice bite in the morn on leeches and lindys, but the eyes were really spanking the crawlers and spinners. Drop the bouncer down and hang on. Safer for the fish as well. There was no paying out line in anticipation of the hook set…..pole bends and set the hook. We had no fish hooked deep on rigs, all hooked in the lip.
Good luck to all.

way to go Biglug, getting those youngsters on some nice fish. ! from the depths you were mentioning which sounds a little deep, were there any airbladders showing in their mouths. of so you may need to stay under 30 feet. good fishing. Jack.