Over the years, I’ve offered up a seat in my boat to quite a few different members of the IDO family. Many have wanted to come but it always seemed as though the logistics just would not work for one party or the other.
Due to extremely high water on the Mississippi, Bret Clark & Tom Donaldson (Blue Fleck) were looking to go someplace where they could chase pre-spawn walleyes without dodging full grown trees, piers and other debris. Several pm’s were fired back and forth between Bret & I, yet another offer was made to jump in my boat and despite warnings from me that the bite was pretty tough, we all agreed to go give her hell, have fun and see what happens.
It didn’t take long for me to figure out that the “Have fun” part of the equation was going to be pretty easy with these two guys in the boat. And the catch fish part got off to a better start than I expected when Bret stuck a good looking, fat 21 incher while casting a firecracker chartreuse ringworm on a 1/8oz jig into 3′ of water. That was less than 20 minutes after anchoring up at the first spot.
Atta boy Bret! Having fun while you’re fishing is even easier when you’re actually catching some decent fish.
Unfortunately, the bite went south after that first fish. We re-anchored several times along different current eddies & seams, cast and lost quite a few jig @ ringworm combination’s along with a few jigs tipped with minnows, all to no avail.
We then started working our way down river while casting the shorelines, vertical jigging or dragging with various combination’s of jig colors, ringworm’s, paddle tails and anything else we though might work. Nothing did for several hours.
I decided to relocate a few miles downstream to check out some different spots that had put fish in the boat at one time or another in the past. We were all pretty much dragging jigs by this time and I think it was Bret who finally connected on a small sauger, which meant we would need to drag that stretch again. After several more runs and one or two more shorties we started moving further downstream again when Blue connected on a eaten size sauger that look like it hadn’t missed a meal in quite a while. Unfortunately, several more passes in this area didn’t produce anything of significance. Meanwhile, I was thinking about a similar spot upstream that I had blown right by to get down here. Not sure why I did that but the decision was made to go back up and drag that section.
Good decision!
Bret would later ask how come we didn’t stop here on the way down and all I could say was….. don’t know why but sure wish we had.
This spot produced several small walleyes & saugers but it also kicked out two more 20″ plus walleyes. The first good walleye of the afternoon absolutely crushed Blue’s chartreuse/orange core ringworm on a 1/8oz black precision jig head. It had the ringworm so deep down its gullet nothing but power pro was visible when we netted her. We snapped a couple quick photo’s and back in the river she went.
Bret connected shortly after on a big fish that was fighting in a manner not quite consistent with other big walleyes. He did land this dandy fish but he wouldn’t let us take a picture and before we knew it, Bret had already released the big brown specimen so that other fishermen to follow would be able to enjoy battling her someday as well. Nice job Bret! No time for pictures with a fish like that.
Finally, late in the afternoon I finally felt the distinct, “ka-thunk”, of a hard hitting walleye smacking my ringworm.
She put up a pretty good fight but Blue was right there with the net first time she popped up to the surface. Yee-Haa! Man that’s fun when a good walleye wallops a ringworm like that. She measured a shade under 24 inches but I’ll bet she was pushing well over six pounds.
The bite went south again for us after that big girl but it was getting close to quitting time anyway.
Bret & Blue, that was the most fun I’ve had in a boat in a long time! You guys are welcome on-board my rig anytime.
Great report Joel. I know Bret and I had one heck of a fun day with you. It was great to get away from the Mighty(muddy) Mississippi. The scenery was amazing.
You were a wonderful host and very patient with Mr. Clark & myself.
Anyone who’s looking to fish with a VERY knowledgeable guide should contact Joel. He’s a topnotch guide who really knows his stuff.
Thanks for allowing Bret & mysef to join you for the day. I hope to do it again soon.
Good job guys. Maybe I should have skipped cutting wood over the weekend and fished instead. Dragging is a very under utilized tactic up there and has resulted in my best catches, often times when others are finding it hard to put fish in the boat. As usual, Joel finds fish when others can’t.
If you need a break from fishing Joel, I’ve got 6 trees left to split. You’re welcome any time.
Great report Joel, you guys stuck some dandies with a tough bite
Glad you guys finally hooked, I know Bret has wanted to fish with you for quite a few years. 
Guessing that there were a few laughs and a little ribbing going on?
Good report Joel .
From Jeff
Fantastic!
Look’s like fun guys!
Boog,hope you are recovering from being in the same boat with those 2 guys.
I’m doing pretty good actually. Bret was planning ahead. He brought along some medication. Apparently, there’s a pork chop in every can.
Great report Joel.
Those were some nice fish you guys caught. 
It never gets boring with Bret in the boat does it?? 
Blue holds his own too with him. 
And yes I can confirm that there is a pork chop in every can – at least the “premium” types he brings along.
Looks like you had a way better day than anyone else has been posting from that body of water. Even with this warming trend it’s great to keep your hands dry using ringworms and catch as many or more than jig and minnow fisherman. Looks like I need to get that green one.
Nice work boy’s!!
Joel – Your a brave soul
could only imagine the fun you guys had. No bloody marys???
Nice report and a lot of useful information
How on earth could you even concentrate with those two comics in the boat ?
Well Done Boys !!!
Next time
Now I know where I am headed for Thursday.
Thanks for the report Joel.
Art
It was a tough an thankless job, but I got it done.
What a treat to come home after being on the road and read the recap…..That was a hoot on the water even with a promised tough bite. Thanks for the great outing and read Joel… can’t thank you enough
And a big thanks for letting Blue tag along 
Your Lund is very comfortable, even with the three of us plus gear there was room to move around 
We defiantly need to make another trip together. Pool 7 or 8 in a boat that fits inside of your rig
The tour Joel provided us was second to none. The scenery shots I took turned out pretty good but trust me people…..if you haven’t seen it up close, you should.
Thanks Joel also for letting me bring my own pork chop sandwiches
Old Style Rocks
I guess someone has to be the buzz killer
Nice scenery shots Bret!
It was a blast and I’m looking forward to fishing with the two of you again.
Joel,
Great report and some pretty darn good fishing too.
Congrats.
Jack
Looks like a great time boys!