Definitely all the barge traffic.

I have a JT Shiver Stick and also a Tuned Up Power Precision. You can’t go wrong with either of those two rods.

I highly recommend Slate Falls Outposts. They have several lakes to choose from. Our group has been on several trips with them and everyone of them has provided excellent service, accommodations and fishing.
I’m partial to their Root Bay and Eagle Island outposts on Lake St Joseph. The best walleye fishing I’ve experienced is on that lake for average size and numbers. Also has monster northerns.

Fly-in Fishing at Slate Falls Outposts

Matt Moen wrote:

Me and a buddy did a guide trip with Griz last week. Had a great time and caught a whole pile of fish. We’ve always wanted to get out with him given his legendary status on the river.

He’s still guiding a few times a week…his website has his phone number. Even if you are an experienced P2 fisherman it’s worth just hearing his stories. I’d encourage anyone to book a trip with him.

He did mention he’s probably doing the Hog Haul this year so make sure your hooks are sharp gentlemen!

I had the chance to fish with the Griz about 20 years ago on the St Croix. I took a customer fishing for a day and hired Griz. We had a great day catching walleyes, smallies and some other fish. He was a wealth of info and a master with a jig.
Found him to be friendly and very willing to teach about river fishing.

Our group has 2 already planned. Red Lake in December and Devils Lake in January. We are working on 2 more. Lake Winnipeg and possibly Tamarack Island/LOTW in Ontario once again.

The Untiedt’s stands in some of the mall parking lots have great sweet corn this year.
They supply all the corn for the State Fair booths.

Bearcat is right. Too close to the bottom. Get the bait 18″-24″ off the bottom.

The St Croix Legend Elite ML is a great rod. The 6’10” version is my favorite rod.

I recently bought the Trika 7’ ML. It is their 6X model. Used it in Canada for a week and it was excellent. Comparable to the St Croix and $100 less expensive.

I used the Heddon Sonars up on Hooker Lake last summer. They still work!

Fuzz-E Grubs

We’ve used Icebound Excursions the last 2 winters. Matt does a great job of putting you on fish. We haven’t had any problems getting our limits either year plus serveral bigger fish.
https://www.snobearrental.ca/

X2 on the Canalta in Selkirk is a very nice hotel. The location is nice with stores and restaurants all nearby.

Ours is up over 20%. No claims no traffic tickets for years.
My wife called the agent and asked why.
Cars cost more to repair, parts and labor both cost more.
Damage from natural causes.
Auto theft, catalytic converter theft and other vandalism.

Brittman wrote:

Eureka Timberline tent.

They may have equals, but these tents yield to no other on quality and durability.

They withstand heavy rain and higher winds pretty well.

X2…Outfitters for BWCA used them for years. They perform well, pack small, are light but durable.

Order from Hutch Tackle.

riverwalleyes.com

Great jigs and great service.

crawdaddy wrote:

Try 10lb. Or 12lb. Nanofil if they still make it. Outcasts anything, and doesn’t freeze up like braid. No leader, direct tie or snap if you want one. The green color has nice visibility.

I wish they still made Nanofil. it didn’t do well on abrasion, but it did cast a mile and not freeze up. It was great for pitching jigs in cold weather. It had no stretch, and you felt every bite just as you would with braid. I also use it for ice fishing to avoid freeze up.

Charlie W wrote:

Fished for 7 hours today. Boated somewhere around 60. Largest went 29”. Lots of 20-26”

That’s one still on my bucket list…would love to do it one of these years.

The question is if we have a few years or more with very few claims will the premiums come down?

If you’re staying in Kihei you’ll be close to Molokini Crater. The snorkeling there was fantastic.

I have 2 of the older Shimano Sienna 500s. The gray ones. They’ve been rock solid. I think I paid $19.99 for them 6-7 years ago.

We just got back from 2 days at Devil’s Lake. Unfortunately we hit the first 2 days of the wicked cold front that hit right after the many days of steady above average temps. Steady 20 mph NW winds both days.
We struggled to even mark fish working with guides from McQuoids…we caught about 10 fish for the two days. It was brutal.
We heard 4 Snowbears from Perch Patrol took out a large group and they caught a total of 2 walleyes…no perch!

Buster’s on 28th in South Minneapolis has an excellent burger and a great rotating tap of micro brews.

It’s an amazing winter so far if you can call call it that.
I haven’t used the snowblower or even a shovel yet here in Bloomington.

It’s been much better recently.

Jimmy Jones wrote:

As soon as the overnight temps drop into the low 30’s, I take rods with the gray colored Clam Frost braid, 6 pound, during the open water period. The line is very soft and has no coiling, but it’s miserable thin line so knot tying can be a challenge when windy or low light. The lightest jigs drop on a straight line but the line will bow in a heartbeat to show an upward hit. It doesn’t seem to collect ice like some lines will when the freezing mark is neared. As the overnight temps drop into the twentys and open water starts shaling over at night I’ll switch to the same line in 3 pound for jigging dock pilings and submerged trees and other structure under the surface. I’ve used the Clam Frost braid in the gray since it was first out and love the stuff.

You’re 100% right. Clam Frost braid is great but a total PITA to tie.

Take a look at the Blackfish Arid glove. They’re excellent. Waterproof and warm and still flexible.

The Cougar was hit on 394 and killed. Reported by StarTribune online.

I’ve always had good customer service from St. Croix. The only issue I ever had that wasn’t handled in a timely fashion was when there was an issue getting parts during the Covid pandemic.

Just take off some of the old line and add new hi-vis. Connect with a uni to uni knot.

Yep…bad call. The kick returner was signaling to his teammates to stay away from the ball.
His hand was never over his head.