I finally met BrianK this morning in Everts shop. What a nice guy. Fishing sucked for me today so that was pretty much the highlight of the day.
Actually, I spent the day running to LOTS of spots exploring new areas so the intent was more to learn and not be so concerned if I caught anything. This year I’m experimenting with Gulp minnows. Last week I got several ‘eye on the 3″ minnow but I wanted to target bigger fish so I came with 4″ minnows. I got bit, but most came unbuttoned before I got them to the surface. So I think the 4″ is too big. I may try a stinger hook next time. I did manage to hook some white bass so at least I didn’t get skunked. I was jigging 3″ and 4″ at the same time and all bites came on the 4″ so the fish seemed to prefer the bigger one – but like I said I couldn’t get a hookset.
I did my jigging in the current and learned how to use my trolling motor to keep the jig vertical, even with 1/8 to 3/16 oz. in current. That’s actually a decent way to cover water. I’m a bit of a boat control nut and love my pull-pull cable style of trolling motor because that gives me better control than the fancy electronic models.
I also continue to work on the blade bait for the 4th year, and I still haven’t caught anything on a blade. Seems they’re better for dredging junk off the bottom versus catching fish. But I am learning to lift slower and not so high. I don’t have much confidence in it though.
We hit a bunch of areas from the dam down to Lake Pepin then worked back up the “wisconsin channel” I think it’s called. So it was a great learning day. I just couldn’t figure out where to get a consistent bite. Maybe next week…
John S.
