Rainy River Walleye fishing 4-09-10

When I am looking to add words or phrases to the Rainydaze Dictionary of Epic fishing you know it is good. “Stupid Good” now shall be defined as catching 40 walleyes over 27 inches with 2 people in 1 boat in 1 day of fishing. I know this is not with “Dazelike” creativity, but I’m seemingly suffering from a Brain Meltdown after fighting these bruising fish hitting like “Freighttrains” this spring. Our AVERAGE sized fish yesterday was literally 27 inches in length. The fish are very heavy as many of the 28 inch fish were weighing nearly 9lbs with the biggest we encountered pushing the 13lb threshold. Again………”STUPID GOOD” walleye fishing!!

Suffering from a case of Forearm tightness I find myself “Henpecking” our lastest big fish beatdown excursion while I know my good friend who is still suffering from a serious case of “Netters Elbow” will be back aboard the big fish parade shortly!! We’ve found a Rober Palmer “Simply Irresistable” bite by hucking big plastics at these eager fish. We’ve called on the H20 Precision Jigs in a variety of weights depending on our locations. My personal favorite Orange/Tiger with Glow eyes laced up with either Firecracker/Chart tailed Ringworms, or 5 inch shad bodies in a 2 toned Silver are as sought after as the last candybar in your cooler after a long day of fishing for these Walleyes. As a full-time fishing guide seldom do I get the “Knees shaking Syndrome” like a hunter might experience after shooting a trophy whitetail like I’ve experienced as of late. I suspect there is no known cure, yet often reminds me to the core of my soul why I continue “Seek and Destroy” missions for the areas biggest and baddest that swim. Come spring anglers know they need to understand river spawning cyles front to back while attempting to locate the large concentrations of elite fish. Many anglers will happen upon smaller pods of nice fish, but to truly define the specific holding areas for these staging fish will forever be the key to endless PB’s over this period. Much different than our Lake strategies we’ll focus our “Spot on Spot” to current seams or what I like to refer as “Turnarounds” A turnaround is an area that splits current in 2 directions leaving a diamond of a big walleye spot which often will clearly outproduce all other areas everyday of the week.

While boating such tremendous amounts of large fish I’d like to spend a paragraph of your time discussing the importance of proper CPR. I believe IDO followers are a group of elite anglers, and I truly think we cannot overstate how vital it is that anglers value these special fish enough to educate ourselves on releasing these fish unharmed. CPR is generally considered COOL by many anglers, but I’m less convinced as a whole fisherman truly are understanding the complete process yet. If you plan on catching, and releasing big fish have your camera in a position you can quickly grab and shoot your pics. When netting the big fish keep the fish in a bigger hooped net, and in the water over the side of the boat where it can breathe. Beckman nets are arguably the dominate net, and offer the deep pocket!! The fish is much less likely to be harmed while in the net IN THE WATER rather than banging around in the bottom of your boat. Plan for success, and try not spend 15 minutes searching the 25 different pockets in the modern day fishermans jacket for your camera. When your personal cameraman finally has your camera figured out pick up the fish without slipping fingers into the red gills of the fish. Hold your breathe when the fish comes out of the water for a nice quality picture. If your blue in the picture the fish also is likely feeling a bit stressed. When finished with the “Photo Shoot” your PB has so graciously agreed too, gently place the fish back in the water right side up. Grasp the tail of the fish, and allow the fish to pull away from your hand. Then feel free to simply lose your mind as you knuckle bump everyone in your boat, and lose all sense of dignity making a fool of yourself with your patented ri-DONK-ulous walleye dance. Chicks surely dig it, and guys certainly respect it!!

As our Guide service continues to focus attention on the areas biggest and baddest fish we will quickly be shifting gears to isolate Rainy Lakes Black Jacks!! Keep in mind our Northern Pike are open all year on Rainy Lake. Once again Fiberglass replicas are encouraged, but not demanded of fish heading for a place in your cabin or office. Last year we were fortunate enough to place our Beckman nets around 49 pike that tipped the scales over 10lbs, and 3 over the 20lb threshold in a mere 3 week time period. I expect nothing less spectacular this year as our focus shifts attention to these special, yet angry fish. For all those who are looking to team up during this open water season, and all those repeat customers already inked in fish blood on the Daze Guide Schedule BRING YOUR DIGITAL CAMERA!! If you don’t have one we’ll gladly email pics of your excursion. We’ll handle the rest!! See you on the water Team!! We’ll be the boat with the Net out!!