Pool 2 October 25th

Tonight I was able to spend a few hours out on Pool 2 with Sharon from IDO, who is my daughter. I’ve been trying to get her into some big Walleyes and once again tonight wasn’t the night. However the Smallies and White Bass were in a biting mood. We also ran into several Saugers, but no Walleyes. And just like last week as soon as it got dark the river went dead on us. I’m guessing we need better water clarity before the night bite really takes off, and there’s too much barge traffic for that to happen yet. I also talked to a couple of guys who were trolling on the sand and they found some very nice Saugers. While Sharon didn’t catch a big Pool 2 Walleye tonight, she did catch three new species: Sauger, White Bass, and Sheephead. We were mainly throwing hair jigs tonight, and brighter colors were the ticket.

Attachments:

1. 

   Picture-0071.jpg
   

2. 

   Picture-0062.jpg
   

3. 

   Picture-0041.jpg
   

4. 

   Picture-001.jpg
   

A couple more.

Attachments:

1. 

   Picture-009.jpg
   

2. 

   Picture-008.jpg
   

Those big white bass sure are fun to catch right now! Think we need a good blast of cold weather to get those walleyes going.

-J.

Sounds like some fun catching. Here are a few we found Saturday right before dark. Did you measure any of those whites Steve? The one Jon is holding was 18″s. Seem to remember thats getting close to the state record.

Attachments:

1. 

   12096021_10153624552614526_8905581442526301096_n.jpg
   

2. 

   12046998_10153624552664526_8505916986868118066_n.jpg
   

Here is what is listed as the mn state record White Bass.

Bass, White 4#2oz 18½” 15″ girth. Mississippi River Pool 5 Wabasha 5/4/2004

Mike, one of them we caught was over 18 inches. I did think about it but what if the fish was a couple of ounces shy of the record and I killed it? I couldn’t do that. They sure are fun to catch and your advice was spot on, many thanks.

Sharon caught her first Sheephead…….she gets it in the boat, takes a look at it, and says “What the H*** is this thing?”. I’m still laughing about that.

Water temp last night was 54, I think it needs to drop some before the Walleyes get all cranked up.

SR

Do you think the 18″ whites we are catching on pool 2 are hitting close to the 4 pound mark? My guess would be closer to 3 pounds. Might have to bring a scale with next time to check some weights. Pretty sure the state records go on weight alone and not length.

Not sure if I would keep one either. If I did pretty sure I would lie about where it came from. Dont want that much company on pool 2.

“Not sure if I would keep one either. If I did pretty sure I would lie about where it came from. Dont want that much company on pool 2. ”

I couldn’t agree more

I’m not sure of the weight. I have a Crappie that’s just short of three pounds, and the biggest White Bass I caught last night was 2 inches longer and a lot thicker. But again I agree with you, I’d rather have that big one swimming around in the river than be dead and stuffed.

Looks like you guys found bigger Smallies than we did. Lots of 12 inchers, our best was maybe 14 or 15 inches. Still great fun watching them charge around and jump.

SR

Last night was a blast! Thanks Dad! There’s nothing like being able to spend time with your dad in his boat. I had a great time catching new species and learning about them. I thoroughly enjoyed bringing in that sauger, so now I’m all that much more excited to get out there again and finally land one of those elusive walleyes. Watch out for the geese poop!

Attachments:

1. 

   Sauger-Selfie.jpg
   

Mike W wrote:

If I did pretty sure I would lie about where it came from. Dont want that much company on pool 2.

Absolutely. Blame it on the Croix!!

I went out twice in the past week and was able to find a few eyes both trips. Started out the one morning a few hrs before the sun came up and never caught a fish until it started getting light out.

Man O’ man that sauger has some cool markings. Beautiful fish Sharon…RR

suzuki wrote:

<div class=”d4p-bbt-quote-title”>Mike W wrote:</div>
If I did pretty sure I would lie about where it came from. Dont want that much company on pool 2.

Absolutely. Blame it on the Croix!!

Am I the only one reading this who sees the irony in posting Pool 2 walleye reports on a public website and worrying out loud that a state record white bass would somehow increase the traffic out there? Or maybe you were joking, Mike?

Anyway, nice report Rootski! I agree that white bass are a blast — sounds like you guys had a lot of fun!!

roosterrouster wrote:

Man O’ man that sauger has some cool markings. Beautiful fish Sharon…RR

Thanks! My dad caught the first sauger and I thought it was a walleye at first. My dad said look again, and pointed out some differences. They’re cool looking alright. It was awesome getting to know some different fish species other than panfish and northerns!