I usually use the one in the bottom of your photo. That is the one that “feels” the best to me. 85% off the time I am use the 1/4 size, especially if I am pitching. Sometimes I will go up to 1/2 if I’m vertical jigging them in some current.

Always use a snap and a length of mono or fluorocarbon. This will give it the best action and help avoid the bait fouling up.

I have used the vrod (top of your photo) and they seem good as well, but it hurts a little more when you lose them because they cost more!

Don’t over work them! Quick pop of maybe a foot and let it drop. Try to not make big sweeps. It pulls the bait out of the strike zone and doesn’t look natural. The fish will sometimes hit on the drop but usually are just there when you go to pop out again.

Enjoy! They are probably my favorite way to catch walleye on a river!

I have 2 helix 9 units on my boat. A helix 9 SI G2 at the console and a helix 9 gps G3 on the bow. They are networked together. I can see the side/down imaging on both units. I also have a buddy with a similar set up and he can see SI and DI on both of his units. You do have to select the correct transducer. I believe this is in the network menu.

I have a Helix 9 G2 MSI and a Helix 9 G3 GPS/Sonar. I can see the SI and DI on both units. They share the transducer through. You can select which transducer to use in the settings.

Paul Krasin
Kyle Kuss

Paul Krasin
Jasen Brookshaw

Paul Krasin
Kyle Kuss

Paul Krasin
Jasen Brookshaw
(Boat #2)

PAUL KRASIN
KYLE KUSS

Paul Krasin
Jasen Brookshaw

Sounds like fun! I’ll be there!

Paul Krasin
Kyle Kuss

Thanks for all the responses! I ended up getting the non chirp model for $499. Great deal and I just couldn’t pass it up. Now I just need to get it on my boat!

Thanks for the responses! I am not planning on getting the panoptix transducer so it looks like the original one might be the choice for me. Does anyone know if the 73sv without chirp has the quick release bracket?

Total 14.5
Big sauger 3.4
Big walleye 5.8

Paul Krasin
Jasen Brookshaw

I use a 6’8″ MXF for rippin’ raps. I like the XF action because it lets you fish the bait without over working it. I spool with 10# braided line. It’s worked pretty well for me so far!

20.2
9.4

Paul Krasin
Kyle Kuss

Paul Krasin
Kyle Kuss

Thanks for the advice! That’s kind of what I thought. In the back of my head I just imagined myself accidentally hitting the “rabbit” button and it tossing a buddy out of the boat. That sounds like their problem anyway! I’m probably over thinking it.

I haven’t ruled out the xi5. Looks like a great motor! My my biggest hold up is the remote doesn’t have the display on it.

Total: 24.5
Big fish: 8.5

Paul Krasin
Jasen Brookshaw

Do you turn your own handles from cork rings or use stock handles?

The main reason I posted this is because of my last musky trip. Last year we had some good luck in early-mid October but this year it seems a bit slower on the body of water we were fishing. I looked back at a picture of a musky I caught on oct 10th last year and the water temp was 47 degrees. The same spot this year on oct 13th was about 57-58. This really sparked my interest in logging my trips!

Thanks for all the suggestions! I have a feeling that I’m not the only one who is going to be starting a fishing log because of this post. At first I was thinking of using a good old fashion notebook but I really like the binder idea to be able to add maps and thing. Nice to have all that info in one place. Sucks that it was stolen though !

Thanks for the quick advice!

I do have some stress coat fish tank treatment stuff laying around. Has anyone used that to “treat” city water with any success? I’m trying to find an alternative to going to my mother-in-law’s house with every container I own to get well water. Talk about PITA!!!

Do you use reels with a bait clicker? If so, do you close the bail or leave it open with the clicker on? I am using “musky” rods/reels so they are pretty heavy so it has been a little tricky detecting the subtle bites if there is any wind or boat movement.

36?

Just talked with a DNR rep. This was our conversation. I’m glad this topic was brought up because I misinterpreted this rule.

Leona:
Hello, how may I help you?
Paul :
I had a fishing regulation question about the St. Croix river (between Hudson and Stillwater)
Paul :
If I am a WI resident with a WI license how many lines can I use at a time?
Paul :
And does it matter where I am on the river itself (east or west side)
Leona:
If you are fishing on the WI side, you may not use more than 3 hooks, baits or lures.
Leona:
If you are fishing on the side of a different state, you would need to follow their regulations.
Paul :
So just to be clear…Is there a “line” down the middle of the river that divides MN and WI?
Leona:
I am not sure where the dividing line is. You may be able to google a map that shows that information.
Paul :
What if a MN resident is fishing on the WI side of the river? Would they follow the WI regs (3 hooks) or the MN regs (2 hooks)?
Leona:
The regulations state that you must obey the regulations of the state in which you are fishing. Therefore, if a MN resident is fishing on the WI side, it would be the WI regulations (3 hooks)
Paul :
Ok Thanks
Leona:
You’re welcome. Have a good evening
Chat Session Ended, Goodbye. (5010)

I believe that if you hold a WI license you can have 3 lines. If you have a MN license you can have 2 lines. I don’t think it matters which side of the body of water you are on if it is considered a MN/WI boundary water. I’m sure someone will correct me if I’m wrong but this was my understanding! Hope this helps!

Paul