buckybadger wrote:

Any thoughts on lures? I know there’s a million ways to catch fish and not catch fish. My best luck out there has been on deadsticked fatheads in the past with a tough bite and clear water conditions late in the season, with buckshot spoons and slab raps more to bring fish in than sealing the deal. We will toss out some iFish Pros with shiners and suckers as well during the day.

Past years suckers definitely seemed to outproduce fatheads…this year, not so much. Walleyes are finicky and light biting. Fatheads seem to be just as effective.

Jigging spoon was a glow orange/chartreuse that did it tipped with minnow head.

Last evening was low pressure overhead and snowing. Today cloudless bright sunshine…very different conditions.

buckybadger wrote:

I’ll be hitting Mille Lacs with a group of guys. We are going out of Macs Twin Bay. During the day we will move around with trucks and cover some water, but stick to the shack later on for a rattle reel or two and some beverages.

If anyone wants to swap plans or ideas, I’d be fair game. We’re not expecting lights out fishing or anything close…but hopefully a few will come topside as a couple of the guys seem confident in their ability to get on fish out there.

I’m sitting in one of Mac’s houses right now. An early retirement allows me to go midweek and avoid weekends so this is likely my last hurrah for ice fishing walleye this year.

A few trips this winter all the same. Mostly slow but I always get a few. Much what I expected as it’s well known it’s been a struggle for most other’s as well. (Always a few exceptions)

Last evening I caught 3 walleyes, not much size to them but the thrill was 2 caught on jigging spoons. Been few and far between anything caught like that other than on rattle reels while sleeping at night. So much more fun to mark the fish, feel the thump and bend in the rod.

If anything better happens tonight, I might report back.

Peter Kissinger wrote:

The news contacted me because of this website and people sharing the story

Just glad to be sitting here with Sam and putting it all past us!

The “news” contacted you because of this website? Which one…WCCO-4 ?

That’s the one I saw the extensive segment on the 6 o’clock. Pretty sure it wasn’t Frank or Amelia on the trail…maybe Max? He’s sort of an outdoorsman…ice fishing he does.

I’m really curious who from the “news” happened upon this site to pick up on the story. Or if they (the news) lurk here more than we know?

Anyway, you Peter…incredible you and moreso Sam are here to live and tell.

Don’t have to lurk, we welcome more participation and info.

How was the bite out there? Getting anything?

WCCO TV channel 4 has this story on the news at 6.

I’m sure for many of you here this reel doesn’t even belong in the conversation but thought I’d throw it out here.

I picked the new Clam Voltage spinning reel to start the season for an ultra light panfish noodle rod and so far have been impressed.

Not sure it qualifies as a “micro” but is a bit smaller than the Sienna and Okuma I also have. Both of those are fine, no complaints but the Voltage is half the cost.

It has a composite housing as opposed to metal with an aluminum spool, so it’s lighter than the Sienna and Okuma’s.

Perhaps the nicest feature is the one touch button to collapse the handle should you need to fit in your rod case.

As far as how well it holds up…TBD.

Hi John

Are you just doing a day trip with portables or will you be staying in sleeper house?

I was out with my grandson last Wednesday thru Friday morning. Just like everyone else…slow, but we did manage a few.

28′ deep rocks/boulders. Just a heads up for you or anyone else fishing that deep or deeper, be patient bringing the fish up.

After repeatedly losing fish, when I finally hooked up I anxiously raced the fish up fearing I’d lose yet another. The swim bladder was appearing at the back of the throat, but not all the way to the mouth yet. This happened twice (I know my bad) but when you keep losing fish your mind and actions kind of go into overdrive.

I’m hopeful they survived (not slot fish) because the bladder was not yet to the mouth but lesson learned for me.

As far as the weather slowing the bite even more, you never know. I’ve done good out there at -25 and other times when you’d think they’d be snapping…nothing.

The best time to go fishing is whenever you can.

MNdrifter wrote:

But if I’m sleeping when this happens then my minnows go without the bubbler and I’ve killed a bunch because of it.

Well this surprises me?

I’ve just been using one of those battery operated bubble boxes that I turn on and off throughout the day. I’ll let it run for 10-15 minutes before I go to bed and it stays off all night until the next morning and I have very minimal minnow mortality even after 3 days.

This is with fatheads and suckers, maybe you’re having shiners die?

Anyway, sorry I can’t help at all with your electrical problem. I’m still trying to figure out how to change the light bulb with the ceiling fan spinning.

JoeMX1825 wrote:

Are the 500 series reels too small? I’m looking to catch bigger Walleye and Pike with this setup..

I’m using an Okuma Avenger ABF-500 on my Commander and it seems perfect for me. Not too small at all and seems to match up for a nice balance while jigging.

I like the ABF feature when I use it on some type of set line arrangement for pike (or walleye) using suckers too.

Sharon wrote:

Thanks for being such a great friend to me over this last year, generously helping me with my grief and healing, and for taking the time to make sure I find a reason to keep smiling! 🤗

Wow, that’s truly something special.

Sharon, if you haven’t yet you best bake Dan a cake. Or maybe he’d be just as happy if you bought him a beer.

iceager01 wrote:

I choose to meet an interested party at a public location in person (when possible) so that they can see the item I have posted for sale. Have a Great Day!

I have bought and sold many items here and always an in-person cash transaction. Always been a great exchange. See below vvv

marcolson13 wrote:

The one and only way someone pay… PayPal goods and services. Venmo is free but offers no real protection to the seller. PayPal friends and family is free but again, offers no real protection to the seller.

Don’t forget the cash paying in-person sale.

I finally got that TUCR Maestro out early ice season in search of bluegill and crappie. The only fish I caught were northerns but was that ever a fun experience on that little noodle rod.

Hey, hey now…today you should eat as much cake as you want.

Have a great day!

Charles wrote:

Seams like there is more, these resort owners must be making a killing.

Well no, not really. Keep in mind it’s an eight weekend season most years, this year even fewer with the late ice setting up. 6-8 weeks of revenue is a small window to make hay when there’s zero revenue during the off seasons.

lunker33 wrote:

Was it just me, or were there more wheel houses out last weekend than i have ever seen on Mille lacs?

It was just you, likely there’s fewer out there the last few weeks than there would’ve been during a typical year.

The “illusion” is that they’re all concentrated in smaller areas due to limited access farther out. Few resorts have been able to plow out and open up to the mid lake structure. Just starting to get out there now and most places have been limiting 1 tons and tandem houses. Once they’re able to open things farther out, wheelhouses will spread out and what looks like fewer will actually be more in total.

61orbt wrote:

- Congrats to TB and all the trolling Vikings fans that have nothing better to do with their lives than sit on an internet forum and talk crap

You’re really rather pathetic IMO.

You already got booted here for talking crap and you creep your way back in.

So?

Who? “nothing better to do with their lives than sit on an internet forum and talk crap”

Well that would be you!!

Eelpoutguy wrote:

I just sent them an email asking if/what specific issues they are working on and if they will let us know.

Stand by.

A few months later…

HI Eelpoutguy,

Thank you for contacting MN Fish I apologize for the delay in
responding. As you stated in your email, this is a new venture and the
set-up has taken longer than anticipated. Please feel free to continue
to reach out with any questions and/or concerns that you may have.

If you do have any other questions or concerns please let us know.

Sincerely,
Tiffany
MN Fish Representative
833-366-3474

Dutchboy wrote:

<div class=”d4p-bbt-quote-title”>Walleyestudent Andy Cox wrote:</div>
If you made any official announcement previously Dutchboy, evidently I missed it.

Are you now a year round resident of I-Falls?

Yes I am. Followed your lead, retired, divorced, moved.

I never made any kind of announcement, I don’t think anybody cares.

That’s a lot of lifestyle change in short order.

Been years since I’ve been to I-Falls and even then it was just driving through on the way and back from Canada.

You gotta Dollar General up there?

crappie55369 wrote:

Thanks for the clarification Andy

You’re welcome.

I was worried you might try to get married to a tribal member.

If you made any official announcement previously Dutchboy, evidently I missed it.

Are you now a year round resident of I-Falls?

crappie55369 wrote:

<div class=”d4p-bbt-quote-title”>Walleyestudent Andy Cox wrote:</div>
Lower Red Lake is off limits to non-tribal members no matter what.

I looked into this after it was brought up on this thread. From the documentation it seems there are 3 ways a non tribal member can fish LRL.

1. With the consent of the tribal council
2. You are married to a tribal member
3. At the discretion of a tribal officer

https://www.redlakednr.org/wp-content/uploads/Non_member_fishing_resolution_66_12.pdf

Not sure if this is true or not this was just what was outlined in this document

No crappie, maybe you didn’t look far enough.

On page 3 of the document you linked it clearly states…”non-tribal members are prohibited from fishing LRL and tribal portion of URL”.

Immediately below that is the list of lakes open to non-tribal members, and must be permitted and accompanied by a RL Tribal guide.

I would believe your guide will arrange for your permit.

Also I think you’ll be targeting trout.

suzuki wrote:

Kinda sucks but you got that rare chance to fish a nearby lake off limits to most fisherman.

You don’t need an invitation to fish with the guide. Anyone can book a trip with him and fish those lakes.
Red Lake Nation will allow non-tribal members but they must go through a tribal member guide.

Lower Red Lake is off limits to non-tribal members no matter what.

crappie55369 wrote:

Yes sir. Darius Rosebear is the name of the guide.

I have not fished with him personally but have heard nothing but good things about him.

Sounds like he is very well respected both within the tribal community as well as from non-tribal citizens.

If I was going into the Red Lake reservation that would be the one guy I’d trust, both as a fishing guide and to relax and have a safe experience.

Timmy wrote:

I under the impression that LRL was strictly off limits to non-band members

You are correct!

Crappie, do you know the name of the guide?

Darius Rosebear?

Eelpoutguy wrote:

Sippin on a cup Joe, listening to a little Blues, watching snow fall, wondering if I going to be punching holes later today.
Got 2+ in Outing.

Sippin a cup a joe at 2:30 in the afternoon? You just get outta bed?

I’ve cracked a beer open. I drilled a number of fruitless holes yesterday.

Just sippin some brew and looking out at the milky lakeview.

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Jon Jordan wrote:

Edit: Go to YouTube and search on “Marine Corp Boot Camp Day 1”.

I went to Youtube search and this came to the top.

Was it the shoes?

Deuces wrote:

Limit = how many fish can the mass keep yet still keep harvestable populations intact for years down the road.

Most ” natural walleye factory” lakes have special regs on them already.

Most walleye lakes in MN are stocked, so as of now they can’t even keep up to the “demand”.

Have to forgive me Andy for being suspicious of surveys, I’ve seen enough from my city leaders lately that ask what they want to hear and I know that’s not your intention.

But I ask the question, generally, how much easier was it to catch a walleye 35 years ago?

IDO is not average joe’s. Most average joe’s I know, it’s in their DNA to not allow a walleye to swim away from their boat. It’s getting kept, hence the reason for so many dam lakes in our state that have walleyes but hardly anyone will catch 6 at a time.

You pretty much summed up my thoughts Nick. Good perspective.

This survey was never meant to be all that scientific, rather to possibly confirm what I (and evidently many others) experiences are most common.

And just as I suspected…

1. The overall challenge for many in reaching a full 6 walleye daily limit.

2. The preference or decision to take less than the allowed limit, only keeping what they felt would provide enough for themselves or a family meal.

I thought this was revealing especially when thinking about the new proposed limit reduction.

Personally right now I’m neutral on the proposed change.

I’m glad we went through this little exercise, a lot of great input. Certainly I’m aware that the demographics on this forum don’t necessarily represent all anglers. I do believe more casual anglers may be more likely to keep every legal fish, but also more likely to lack knowledge and skills to accomplish catching a limit.

Thank you all for commenting and sharing, it stayed civil and no judgement on my part no matter what they practice.

One last thing, it’s fairly obvious how important even an occasional fish fry is for many. A tradition that must continue.

I’d have more fish fry’s myself if only I could figure out how catch a couple.

joe-winter wrote:

I just bought one for my son. it just rests in place. does not snap in. I have a 18 ultra pak that I have had for 20 years. absolutely bulletproof product regardless of transducer security.

Same here, I have a couple on Pro Packs I would describe it fits in slightly snug but does snap in.

Never had any issues.

Kyle M Rudderforth wrote:

are you still selling the electra ice auger.

Yes!!

Price reduced to $60

Not that there’s anything wrong with it but more that I’ve learned there’s not much market for used augers.

The Eskimo did find a new owner however.

I stopped in at Tutt’s in Garrison today and they had everything including shiners.

I wouldn’t suggest them as they are well out of the way from your destination when I believe most places will have everything being midweek.

I’ve done best with suckers on setlines, but like grubson suggested why not get a variety if you can. Plus the cheap fatheads are what you want to pinch the heads and use for jigging spoons.

Good luck!

eyeguy507 wrote:

I hope this doesn’t blow up in Strikemasters face like their first attempt at lithium augers. The ION’s seem to have theirs dialed. Kind of glad I decided to keep my Honda lite reading some of these issues…..love the purr of that little motor but mine don’t beep!

I highly doubt there’ll be any blow up in the face for SM. I believe this is the 3rd or 4th year for the 40V and thus far has had few issues/complaints especially relative to the # of units sold the last few years.

Certainly it’s possible there will be some that have an issue.

I’m not at all concerned about the quality or design, but I do wonder more how SM goes about resolving…obviously if within the warranty period.

Pushing back with dull blade diagnosis or improper pitch angle when the customer describes no such problem when drilling holes successfully. Other than randomly stopping.

The 40V owners here will be following to see how it is resolved.

CaptainMusky wrote:

<div class=”d4p-bbt-quote-title”>Walleyestudent Andy Cox wrote:</div>
Well, my question was for walldog…he’s the one who posted the pic of his manual. If you go back and compare his with mine, they’re definitely not the same.

Gotcha! I see his manual says 24v in it. Not 40V.

I know, I noticed that too. Yet he’s definitely talking about a 40V…that’s why I’m a little confused.
I’ll be curious how it ultimately gets resolved as I (and you) as well as many other’s have the same auger.

Matt Waste wrote:

What is going on with this damn puddle?

Well…it could be that it’s getting back to a normal balance.
BB sums it up pretty well here vv

buckybadger wrote:

The best “fix” or “repair”(not saying it needs one) for Mille Lacs is definitely multiple years of successful perch hatches. There are a lot of mouths to feed in that system.

That may not translate to a lights out <em class=”ido-tag-em”>walleye bite with increased forage and it seems most informed people here understand that. It will be interesting to see what some people around the Midwest may project this spring and early summer if the fish are tougher to catch. Don’t be shocked if some cast it as doom and gloom, when in reality that’s likely a sign of a healthier system. The easy catching of 40+ relatively skinny fish in an outing postspawn that takes place some years didn’t necessarily mean the fishery was balanced, rather the opposite.

I’d like to add a little along the lines of which came first…the chicken or the egg.

It’s been held for some time that there were too many big predators in the lake. Certainly there was relative to the available forage. Now, if in fact the forage is replenishing and catching up…will there still be too many predators in the lake?

Perhaps not, if in fact the available forage meets or exceeds minimum requirements to support them.

This would not only change the dynamics of the fishery but also the perceptions. Time will tell…