Mille Lacs – Full Moon Fever 2004

Just wanted to put up another report to fill the gap between now and when James and Dustin get back. Had the opportunity to fish a few nights over the last full moon phase. My plan of attack was to work over the east side rock reefs and points. I live or die on the east side and this year “We wuz a livin’ baby!” Surprisingly few boats out this year. Many times having spots like Big Point and Doe Island all to myself or just one other boat.

I have to laugh at all of my pictures. I may be accused of shooting 30 pictured of the same 27 incher – LOL. Believe me that is not the case. After the first night I had that “Shoot me now and I’ll die happy feeling”. Cookie cutter 26-27 inchers with a couple that tapped a little over 28.

We had equal success on the “FireTiger” and “Tennesee Shad” pattern of the #12 Husky Jerk. The TS is a metallic green with an orange belly. I believe the orange belly was key and other patterns with orange would also be good. I can confirm the earlier reports of short strikes and lost fish. I had this happen to me the first night. I made the switch from Spider Wire Stealth to the old reliable 10 pound mono on a very soft tipped pole. (I used my glass 9 foot trolling rod. Same pole I use when pulling boards in the summer) After that switch, I never lost another fish!

Concentrate on the 10 foot depths, give or take a couple of feet. Vary speeds from “As slow as you can go” to 2.5 mph. Let the fish tell you what they like. In other words, playing with your speed may be better than moving to another spot. Also be prepared to bump into a bonus musky. Bring the BIG net.

Good Luck.