As “In Depth” anglers we know we’ll kick off 2012 in a slightly different fishing arena. Those fisherman that rely on the calendar versus current conditions are always at an immediate dis-advantage. As I’ve discussed a thousand times…….Last year is LAST year. Though here on Rainy lake the variables we face aren’t nearly as volatile as the Rainy river system; Fisherman still remain challenged with a slightly different puzzle to put together each and every season. How quickly and efficiently we’re able to piece together this year’s variables will play a critical role in our level of success.
As a fishing guide I set out each and every season with one clear objective. Keep customers on the best pattern I believe gives them the greatest chance at lacing up elite caliber fish. Let fish dictate to me and never dictate to the fish. Learn more about our fishery and a bite than I knew last year. Anglers at all levels needs to keep learning to achieve greater success. I’ve been doing this long enough to realize there isn’t an exact science when it comes to lacing up big fish on a daily basis. Big fish can dictate your success on a day to day basis. Still I look to stack the odds in my favor when at all possible.
Here are a few tips to consider. As water temperatures warm throughout the season each fish will experience an increased metabolism. Increased Metabolism equates to more feeding slots for fisherman to target. Fish are not only becoming more active by consuming more food, but are also more prone to active presentations.
This year anglers might want to consider that the action of your presentations might be MORE important than color selection. I’ll give 2 examples to chew on 
. On the hard bait side of the equation the tight wobble of a stickbait such as a size 13 floating rapala will often out produce the slash style X-Rap in cool water. This preference by fish will often change as the water warms into early summer.
On the plastic side of the equation a plastic such as the Pulse-R or Paddletail produces a tight tail action which can be deadly in cool water. As the water warms I’ll be more apt to throw a K-Grub with a bigger thump and a looser action.
The way an angler in turn works the presentation is also as important. Challenge yourself to step outside your comfort zone in baits, presentations and fishing locations to experience better results. 
As a side note I look forward to taking many of you along with us as I tackle our open water season on camera. There is a good chance you’ll experiene the glory of greatness and the agony of defeat with PASSION!!
Coming soon!! Monster Rainy Lake Pike make sawdust out of my Rapala selections!! Guys are encouraged to never develop and sentimental relationship with tackle soaked in these waters!
Pictured here is Shawn with his PB 46.5 inch 25.4lb Rainy Lake pike caught with us on a size 13 floating rapala last May!! 30 minutes later Shawn backed up this catch with a 27 inch Walleye!! 
