I have been on the water three full days in the last two weeks. Trying to stay versitile and mixing up presentations have been the goal. Pulling double raps, single raps, Miller rigs and ring worms on three-ways along with casting and vertical jigging have all taken some fish on these trips.
Last Tuesday Scott Krakow,”Vandy” and I set out to see how many we could catch “Pulling”. We had a double rap rig and some sort of a ringworm rig in the water at all times.
After a slow start and a little switching around it became evident that a #9 firetiger rap fished on the front of the double rig was REALLY what they wanted. While Scott banged away at fish with this rig, Vandy and I expirimented with other colors and rigs. Oystershell ringworms on the bottom end of the Miller Rig gave up a few fish as did other rap colors but the ft #9 was steady all day.
This would have been a fun day with these two even without the many fish that came to the boat.
Scott and I put away the pulling sticks on Wednesday and concentrated our efforts casting. We sure didn’t catch them everywhere on this day but found a couple areas we coaxed a few decent fish.
Pro blue paddles and ringworms seemed to be the ticket in the morning as we found a few upper teens to low 20″ walleyes.
After leaving this pod of fish we struck out in a couple areas before finding another bunch to finish out the day. Purple paddletails were what we settled in on for the afternoon bite. Mostly saugers in this bunch with just a couple eyes caught a touch shallower.
Sunday proved the toughest day of the three. Mark Turnquist and I really sorted through a bunch of presetations to catch our fish. One of those days when you catch a fish and then switch.
We started our day pulling, swithed to vertical jigging, went casting, back to pulling and ended casting.
Top producers by days end were small firetiger raps, catalpa orange superdoos and purple paddletails.
I would consider the bite right now kind of day to day but with the cool down that is coming it would be a good idea to get yourself to the water. There is usually a great bite in December and I expect this year to be no exception.
Great read. Thanx Marty
have you ever tried dragging a rapala with a 1/2 once jig as your weight with a plastic as your 3way rather than a bottom bouncer….I just retired and I coming up their very soon!!!!!!! is a exra wide and deep jon boat with a 15 4 stroke big enough..It,s just me and the river
Capt.
Yes and Yes. Jig on the bottom turns this setup into what we refer to as a Dubuque rig. A very good variation to try anytime. You may have to beef up that jig a little depending on the area you fish.
Your jon boat will be just fine. The water here is pretty tame.
Good luck!
Capt Ehab,
Welcome to IDO, your johnboat would not be a problem, as anywhere just be a little cautious, most days the current, and water conditions is quite gentle. There are many smaller boats out there.
good luck.
Jack
and again Welcome
You & Vandy in the same boat,that isnt fair to the fish at all.I bet your still laughing,I had fun and I wasnt even in the boat with ya!
Marty and Vandy…
Two absolutely unselfish, top River Guides and excellent fishermen. Sometime I’d love to join you two guys. I know one thing…the fishing would be just as much fun as the catching!!
Marty Thanks again for the ride along, I had a great time.
Nice post Marty!
Turk