Short Version:
Went to Newton Sunday afternoon. Practically had the lake to myself. Caught a bunch of fish.
More of da details:
Couple boats out - DNR doing checkups, full boat inspection (Oars and lifejackets) - good for them! Especially when the next guy up was a waverunner that got turned away (teeheee!). Several bank-tangling groups abouts.
Welp - caught a TON of Musky, but couldn’t take those fine Trophy Pics running solo, so you’ll just have to believe me. [;)] But I did get a shot of ONE toothy bugger (hehe).
Quickly got onto some perch-jigging, but it got windy, then windier from the South - figured I’d cruise to the far end of the lake and find some shelter. Trolled along the way - why not. No takers. Hit a quiet cove and got onto bass. Major bass-attack, mostly a bunch of teenage punks trying to swipe my worms! Cast to shore - get a bass, cast out from shore - get a perch. It was pretty well non-stop, so couldn’t even work a second pole. I didn’t keep accurate count, but caught probably 30-40 perch, and almost as many bass. Figured I’d do the lake a favor and get some of these young punks off the street (and into my cooler).
Did manage into an 11", then a 12" bass that had a bit more shoulders and muscle to em. Had one of the little punks take off under the log I was working. Was sure I was snagged - watching the log move, then let off, and feel it wiggle - fish on - still. Finally got him out - yay for braid! Everytime I pulled up anchor I found (not muscles) micro snails. What did I find lining the guts of many of those perch? Loads of snails. Think they need to chew harder - seemed like most were passing through in the shell.
Right as sunset came on, so did the lake! Boils all around - flip, blip, plop. Stealthed my way into 'em thinking maybe a Musky was below scaring 'em up. But I realized it was a combination of basslings, perch, and - surprise - crappie! Don’t know if they were all working in tandem, or scarfing surface hatches. Wish’d I’d had a fly rod. My curly-tail spinner kept taking short hits, but I’d about had my fill by then.
Chosen not to post my “basket picture” unless someone wants to see it.
Okay, they call it 'BIGfishtackle.com for a REASON! Let’s see the lunkers! haha
Before anyone freaks out, I know Coyote so I’ve gotta rib him a little.
Seriously, I’m glad you got into your targeted perchies- everyone says they are the best eating fish around along with the crappies. And that bass looked like he’s been eating well. Loved to glassy pic too.
I guess I get things mixed up. Must be the dyslexia.
I thought it was “Big Tackle for Fish”. Shoot!
Welp at least I have LOTS of tackle, then catch fish on a worm/hook!
Thought my stringer dangling off the side might get me some action!
You and Ben are gonna have to learn me up where you find those toothers. I was pitching that big Perch Jig left, right, and sideways. Plus cranks, X-raps, yes - even the Blue Fox came out to play! Really didn’t see the rises and slams I’ve noticed there other trips. Really thought the sunset boils were “it”. Shoulda snapped a shot - they were EVERYWHERE. (mini-Willard!)
Such a different lake from spring - when there’s so much structure and sunken weed/brush lines.
Need to practice more deep-water dropshotting. There’s some lunker bass in there!
I believe you on those numbers of perch and bass. It has totally been hit and miss for me going out there. On Labor Day, we didn’t get a bite after 9 am. Saturday, we caught all of our fish after 9 am. Crazy! I am no expert on the muskie and their behavior. I think it is just a case of good luck for me. But I haven’t had a day like lavaman had on the open water yet. I might catch more if I used perch meat or something, but I prefer to cast and be a little more active. I enjoy it more. I am going to be out there Saturday morning with a friend who hasn’t ever even seen a muskie. If you are up to it, come on out and find us.
Oh, and that dead one you took a pic of is (I am pretty sure) the same one I did last Monday. Been out there three time and have seen it in 3 different spots. All the wakes from the big boats have helped move further north in the lake.
Where I saw it - there was a nice little log there, and pitched all around it to bass-action. Not a whole lot of structure out there - so they seem to really crave what they can find.
(maybe they oughta drop some Xmas trees in there like at Willard!)
Planning to come join ya Saturday. I think it’s time to really pull out the Bass-box, and get some spinner action going. Plus I hear “tails” are big this season. Curly or Paddle - I’ll try them all. Some profess the http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MP7qp2-q0CM&feature=relatedswimbaits - I could see them do well for bass, but figure a Musky’ll end up shredding those pups!
This site has a nice array of lures, and some funny videos. Yes - size matters! These guys too have some wicked big-ass baits, but with so many hooks - might be time to invest in one one of those NICE cutters.
Saw a video yesterday of a feller net-landing, the cutting the hook, then hoisting up by grabbing the chin. Still would hate to reach around those pokey mouths - quick as they can slash around!
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Oh, and that dead one you took a pic of is (I am pretty sure) the same one I did last Monday. Been out there three time and have seen it in 3 different spots. All the wakes from the big boats have helped move further north in the lake.
Actually, I went around the shoreline of the entire lake - and there are 3 separate dead TM’s.
I saw that musky on Friday. He beached himself on the land then came swimming right up to my boat with his head out of the water the entire way. I could see a wire leader hanging out of his mouth I was gonna net him but I could see a big treble hook very deep in his throat from a bait fisherman, I figured it wouldnt be too long till he died, sad deal. BTW the crappie are biting pretty good at the marina right now most are huge 13-14 inchers, I also landed a 14 pound cat and released it last week, still trying to get the pic of the phone and onto the computer.
I guess if there are 3 dead ones might not be the same musky. With warm water people need to be more carefull taking there sweet time putting the muskies back. Also fishing with bait is a great way to kill one off, 1 inch of cutbait takes about 1/2 a second to end up in the stomach of those beasts. My opinion is it should be outlawed, if we really want to keep these awesome fish alive.
