Photograph by Andrew Ragas Fishing-Headquarters.com
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Fishing-Headquarters Magazine Volume 3. Issue 4 Num. 15
September, October, November, 2013 Fall Edition
• Paddling Out: A Shark’s Tale . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13
About Fishing-Headquarters The Fishing-Headquarters began as a small homepage in 2005, featuring a collection of photos and YouTube fishing videos. It even featured a small contingency of misfits and rebellious anglers who were tired of the internet elitism and racism expressed by other websites built by uneducated nonangling entities towards specific groups of anglers and species of freshwater gamefish.
• Fishing For Flippin’ Fall Bass . . . . . . . . . . 27 • Northern Pike on the Cooldown . . . . . . . . . . . . 39 • Fall Muskie Destinations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 57
Formally established in January 2007, the FHQ was created for like-minded anglers to share the wealth of information, and enjoy the beauty in diverse fishing. This greatness as we presently know it is multi-species fishing.
• Nude Beach Muskie Party . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 75
Designed and created by posessed and gravely obsessed angler, Andrew Ragas, the website has grown to a large world audience. Our basis as an online media platform is to drop the ego, and catch anything that swims and has fins.
• Tournament Day . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 107
• Lake of the Woods Muskellunge Mystique . . 85
All fish are created as equals. Only to be pursued as opposites.
COVER STORY Important Biz Stuff http://www.fishing-headquarters.com info@fishing-headquarters.com telephone - 708. 256. 2201
Pictured on the Issue-15 cover is a release shot of a 50 inch muskie fron Lake of the Woods, Ontario.
Questions or Comments, and if interested in contributing or sponsoring, please contact Andrew Ragas at: andrew@fishing-headquarters.com
In this issue, we showcase Lake of the Woods as the best muskie fishing destination in North America, and take readers on a virtual tour, showcasing the fishery and type of trip that can be expected.
Magazine layout and design by Ragas Media http://www.ragasmedia.com
Turn to page 85 to begin your big fish adventure for 2014!
Fishing-Headquarters Issue-15 Another autumn season is here and what better way to showcase some of the best in fall fishing than turning through the pages of Issue 15 of Fishing-Headquarters Magazine!
Andrew Ragas
Editor In-Chief, Designer, and Owner.
2013 Issue Releases Remaining Schedule
• Issue 16: December 2, 2013
Our annual fall issue is dedicated to the fishes with teeth. The 2013 edition is for muskies, northern pike, sharks for the beach partiers and go’ers, and anything else we can collectively think of and showcase. We’ve even included autumn tips for successful bass fishing and other short stories and contributions. The only species that eluded us, fittingly, were walleyes. We’re not very good walleye anglers, I guess. With ice fishing on the horizon, we’re not much in tune with winter yet, nor cold or hard water. 2013 has been such an incredible year of fishing for us that we don’t even want to think of ice fishing yet. Until then, our writers, contributors, designers and friends will enjoy the next several weeks of open water fishing to the fullest. With great pleasure, I introduce you to issue 15 of Fishing-Headquarters Magazine. I would like to thank our team of writers, friends, and all contributors for allowing us to make this one again possible. Be sure to visit their websites and links where listed, and give them the support they deserve.
Click to Subscribe
Copyright © 2013 Fishing-Headquarters. All rights reserved. The usage of articles, excerpts, photographs, and any reproduction of this material is strictly prohibited.
I S S U E 15 F E A T U R E D W R I
Cory Allen
Robert Conley
Adam M. Glickman
Contributed Photographs • Erin Graham • Jacob Saylor • Frank Weilnhammer Issue 15 Editorial Staff • Paul Ragas Layout and Design By • Ragas Media Designs Sponsors and Advertising Partners • Bearpaw’s Handpoured Baits • CB’s Hawg Sauce • CAST Crew 312 • Cortland Line • Dragin Bait Company • Eagle Claw Fishing Tackle • Go-Pro Camera • Heartland Outdoors • Lazer Trokar Hooks • Midwest Digital Corp. • PivotHead Video Eyewear • Quantum Fishing • Ragas Media Designs • Stankx Bait Company • Time on the Water Outdoors • Videosunglasses.net
TERS AND CONTRIBUTORS
David Graham
Josh B. Peacock
Andrew Ragas
NEWS AND NOTEWORTHY TOPICS. Video Camera Sunglasses From Midwest Digital Corporation. Video camera sunglasses are the newest technological craze. Available in polarized lenses and 1080HD resolution, these sunglasses available thru Videosunglasses.net (Chicago, IL) have become a hit with fishermen and outdoorsmen. Available for $299, they give GoPro and all over point-of-view cameras a run for their money in terms of BOTH audio and picture quality. http://www.videosunglasses.net
Cortland Line Company Rebrands For The Present and Expands Product Line For Future One of the most storied names in fishing writes a new chapter. Not only did the domestic line manufacturer get a new logo, but a new website is finally on the verge of completion. Not only are new things happening for the present, but the future too. New fly lines, monofilaments, and fluorocarbons are set to hit shelves in 2014. http://www.cortlandline.com
Icast 2013 News: LazerTrokar Unveils New Hook Packs For 2014 As the world’s first surgically sharpened hooks, they have gained a lot of attention from anglers who want the very best in hook penetration and strength. At the ICAST show, several of their latest offerings were on display. The new Elite 110 hook kit joins the Elite, Mini Elite 2, and Mini Elite 3 family of hook kits to round out a nice variety of prepackaged selections. Additionally, several new hook styles are being offered for fresh and saltwater anglers: TK6- Non-offset Kahle Circle hook; TK12- Non-offset saltwater bait hook; TK13- Offset saltwater bait hook; TK14- Offset saltwater octopus hook; TK440- Open-eye siwash hook; and XL Hook Packs for freshwater anglers which are valued at $15.99 per sets of 15. http://www.lazertrokar.com
Quantum Introduces Its First Magnesium Reel and Other Models For 2014. Released at Icast 2013 is the new Quantum MG casting reel. Additionally, the Energy PT, Catalyst PT, and Accurist PT are finally available in left-handed retrieve. http://www.quantumfishing.com Fishing-Headquarters.com
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Smallmouth Bass on the Fly Wisconsin River, Oneida County
SOLUNAR CALENDAR September 2013
October 2013
This fishing forecast is based on solar and lunar influences that cycle daily. The chart shows each hour of the day. For instance the hours with the higher rating, and days shaded the darkest have a greater combination of solar and lunar influence and thus indicate the best times to fish. This chart is a general recommendation and all data has been compiled by Weather & Wildlife.
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LEADING OFF. Fishing-Headquarters Magazine - Fall Fishes With Teeth Issue In this issue, David Graham shares a shark’s tale by recklessly and ruthlessly pursuing sharks from the surf. Aided by his NuCanoe Frontier, this is a fishing technique that bleeds of adventure! And not to mention, sharp teeth, which this annual fall issue commemorates. Page 13
Photograph by Erin Graham Fishing-Headquarters.com
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LEADING OFF. Lake of the Woods: The Best Inland Muskellunge Fishery in North America. Lake of the Woods, a million acre freshwater sea bordering the United States and Canada, boasts a muskellunge fishery that is among North America’s best. Fishing-Headquarters Magazine takes you on a virtual journey, through the eyes of a Canon DSLR camera lens, that any serious angler should add to the lifetime bucketlist for muskie trips and getaways. Visualize it now, and we hope you can experience it like this sometime next year. Page 85
Brian Malack releasing 50 incher. Photograph August 4, 2013. Fishing-Headquarters.com
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Photograph by Andrew Ragas
Fishing-Headquarters | Page 10
Photograph by Andrew Ragas
Graham’s accomplice, Wesley Allsbrook, paddles several hundred yards out to set the baits. Then proceeds to land the beast and pose for the classic beaching shot.
Paddling O
The idea of intentionally pursuing what is arguably the most dynamic predator the world has ever known m disregard for more common practices of complex fishing pursuits simplified to nothing more than the th chronicle but even the most seasoned shark anglers are familiar with the sweaty palms a
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Out
By David Graham
Photographs by David Graham
A Shark’s Tale
means reaching the pinnacle of the angling experience. Shark fishing is taboo. It is generally the rustic hrill of catching something big, mean, and dangerous. The thrill of tangling with a large shark is hard to and tingling spine resulting from a breached dorsal cutting through the water’s surface. Fishing Headquarters Fishing Headquarters | Page 14 | Page 14
PADDLING OUT An angler seeking to utilize a kayak in the surf should also know the differences between kayak variations. A kayak used in white water and for diving off of a waterfall may not be convenient for the ocean. There are many kayaks designed specifically for ocean use. Ocean Kayak manufactures a number of quality models for bait deployment. Kayaking can be the funnest part of land based shark fishing, short of actually catching the fish, but it can also be the most dangerous.
Photograph by Erin Graham Fishing-Headquarters.com
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By: David Graham
Fishing-Headquarters Contributor
O
ne cannot have casual conversation on the topic of dangerous predators without placing some species of shark at or near the top. It is an animal so crowded with fable and lore that every year millions of people anchor themselves to the couch with popcorn in hand to tune into an entire week devoted to them. Even in the landlocked comfort of our own livingroom we are forced to respect an animal that has dominated its ecosystem for nearly as long as human beings have had an intelligent means by which to docuPhotograph by David Graham ment time. Anglers take it a step further. There are a lot of different ways For this style of fishing, Graham uses his NuCanoe Frontier 12 for bait deployto pursue sharks, but regardless of ment. It is possible that sharks can bite this small craft in half, but let’s hope it the foundation we squarely plant never happens here. our feet in battle; be it boat, dock, bridge, or shore, the hands are still sticky with blood, salt, and sweat. Land based shark fisherman are often ill-equipped to pursue sharks by vessel, but many simply prefer the thrill of bringing this creature to the shore. Beach goers are taught from an early age that sharks do not belong on the beach, or that we do not belong on the beach while sharks are there. Many beaches are lined with warning signs and stations particularly designed to bring attention Fishing Headquarters | Page 16 to the realistic threat that swim-
PADDLING OUT I tell you, it is the paddle out that really sells it for land based shark anglers. You become surrounded by an ocean with no shortage of danger. Separated from the safety and comfort of a solid ground where phones, friends, or ambulance can be of immediate assistance. Every stroke of the paddle separates you from those things and the mind races. Where this conflicts with appropriate tactic is that bait deployment by this method is crucially important.
Photograps by Erin Graham
mers can and have been killed and maimed by this animal. Where the threat of such peril sends most heading for high ground, some folks are crazy enough to lug a bloody fish carcass out into those waters with a kayak! In my experience with land based shark fishing it is the paddle out that instills most fear within me. The fear of the unknown and the ever present reality that those animals are underneath, coupled with the darkness of the night and the chop of a turbid sea fuels the stroke of a padFishing-Headquarters.com
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dle that may be over 400 yards from the safety of the shore. Landing a shark is personal and intimidating, but the threat can mostly be seen and assessed, and the fish is usually well fatigued. De-hooking a landed shark is close quarter and places the angler into immediate danger but by this stage there is more respect and awe than fear or anxiety. I tell you, it is the paddle out that really sells it for land based shark anglers. You become surrounded by an ocean with no shortage of danger. Separated from the safety and comfort
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of a solid ground where phones, friends, or ambulance can be of immediate assistance. Every stroke of the paddle separates you from those things and the mind races. Where this conflicts with appropriate tactic is that bait deployment by this method is crucially important. Anglers who intend to deliver a bait by kayak should do their research. It starts days in advance and there are more than enough dangers involved to warrant some safety precaution and preparation. Weather reports should be followed
Photograph by Andrew Ragas
Lazer Trokar TK3 Lancet Circle
Fishing Headquarters | Page 18
PADDLING OUT and documented daily leading up to a planned excursion. High pressure, wind, or current can create violent surf. Inexperienced paddlers should take the time to prepare accordingly and that could be as simple as wearing a lifejacket, having a noise maker, or simply not going in the first place if the seas will be rough. Keep in mind that while paddling out, the bait is in tow or in the kayak with you. That means there is fishing line, wire, and hooks that could create obvious problems should one get dumped over and washed around by a big wave. That may also mean getting a paddle tether. A paddle tether will prevent an angler from losing his only means by which to engine the kayak. Recognition of current movement is important because that is generally the direction that the waves are coming from and for safety purposes you usually want to paddle nose first into the rollers. To be tactically sound, anglers should angle the direction the paddle and place a bait towards the current for both safety reasons and to compensate for drag or pull of a bait. Swift currents can displace a bait by pushing them far away from the intended drop location. Using Google Earth or other satellite imagery is a must. Satellite images of the surf will show where the sandbars are at. That is where the waves are cresting and from the high vantage of satellite imagery you can usually see two to three long rows of white cresting water near where the ocean meets the land. Most anglers prefer to place their baits beyond the last sandbar, but Fishing-Headquarters.com
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there is often great fishing to be had between bars. Sharks will move in closer to shore during high tides and during overcast conditions. They are usually further out when the sun is bright or at lower tides. Because of this anglers should familiarize themselves with tide charts and weather reports. An angler seeking to utilize a kayak in the surf should also know the differences between kayak variations. A kayak used in white water and for diving off of a waterfall may not be convenient for the ocean. There are many kayaks designed specifically for ocean use. Ocean Kayak manufactures a number of quality models for bait deployment. Kayaking can be the funnest part of land based shark fishing, short of actually catching the fish, but it can also be the most dangerous. Anglers should be extremely cognizant of the dangers involved and keen focus is utmost importance during the paddle out.
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Wesley Allsbrook poses with a beached bull shark from Alligator Point, FL. Photograph by David Graham
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PADDLING OUT
Boundless Pursuit A non-species specific approach to angling by David Graham.
David Graham is an extreme multi-species angler and featured columnist for Fishing-Headquarters Magazine. Follow his monster fish adventures by visiting his blog:
http://www.fishing-headquarters.com/boundlesspursuit/
Photograph by David Graham Fishing-Headquarters.com
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Wesley Allsbrook poses with a beached bull shark from Alligator Point, FL.
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PADDLING OUT
Photograph by David Graham Fishing-Headquarters.com
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By: David Graham
Fishing-Headquarters Contributor
Fishing-Headquarters | Page 24
FLIPPIN’ FALL BASS Photograph by Josh B. Peacock Fishing-Headquarters.com
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SIN’ !
Downsizing to the Lazer Trokar TK130 Flippin’ Hook in the Fall? Say What? an extreme shift from something like a big flippin’ stick with heavy braid, to a spinning rod with light line, and a finesse worm – but more often, just a subtle difference in lure weight or profile is all it takes... Flippin’ Tournament Success
By: Josh B. Peacock
Fishing-Headquarters Contributor
W
ith fall fast approaching, us hardcore anglers can look forward to the pleasure craft boaters retreating to their urban winter habitat and confines, specifically the dreaded wakeboard boats, and mosquito like annoyances of the throngs of jet-skis. Fall fishing can be downright phenomenal, Zen-like moments are often as you may find yourself experiencing unforgettable days on the water while returning to the launch with only your lone tow vehicle occupying the parking lot. As such, with the 17th Annual Bassin’ for Bucks tournament held on Lake of the Woods, Ontario, Canada fast approaching; I thought it would be a good time to reflect on last years tournament (one of my personal favorites). When we think of downsizing, usually common thought is to make
My practice had been solid, I was targeting largemouth on “out spots”, isolated patches of coontail and rocks adjacent to deep water (12-20+ Feet). Each practice day I kept building and expanding on my pattern and area with a ½ oz Venom flippin’ jig and dream craw trailer. I was catching one good kicker each day, and a bunch of solid ones to go with it. Day one of the 16th Annual Bassin’ for Bucks tournament (September 7th,8th,9th 2012) went as planned, with a 17.84 lb limit, anchored by a 4.30 kicker, all on the jig. Day two was an entirely different story, something had changed, and we were struggling. At 1 pm with only two small keepers in the boat, I put down my 7’11 St.Croix Legend Tournament Flippin’ stick, 50 lb Vicious braid, and jig, and picked up a Texas rig. I was still fishing Vicous braid (30 lb), and a 7’6 St.Croix Legend Tournament Pitchin’ stick, and I was still pitching to the same targets, but instead Fishing-Headquarters | Page 28
FLIPPIN‘ FALL BASSIN‘
Photograph by Josh B. Peacock
“When you set the hook with the Lazer Trokar TK130, you set it, and forget it, period,” says Peacock. “Every key fish on the third day of Bassin’ for Bucks was absolutely pinned. In fact the majority of my fish had that big TK130 blown right through the side of their operculum (gill plate). When they are hooked like that, the rest is a formality.” of the big bulky profile of the jig, I switched to a sleeker, streamlined, and natural falling Texas rigged creature bait. There wasn’t a huge weather change between the first and second days. But for whatever reason they didn’t want the bulk of the flippin’ jig anymore, and wanted the smaller profile and slower falling Texas rigged creature bait. My Texas rig consisted of a 4/0 Lazer Trokar TK130 Flippin’ hook, Venom Better Beaver, and 3/8 oz tungsten flippin’ weight, all pegged with an Eagle Claw bobber stop. In a matter of 2 hours my partner Kris Soderman (Soddy) and I salvaged our day and put 14.37 lbs in the boat. I’ve really started to notice in the last couple of years that despite Fishing-Headquarters.com
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my obsession and affinity for catching big largemouth on jigs, that some days I have to put my stubbornness aside and pick up a Texas rig. I’ve found that Texas rigs garner a lot more bites on tougher, “off bite” days, whether that be from a cold front, bluebird skies, or fishing pressure. Another great aspect of a Texas rig is the “Bonus Smallie Factor”. Lake of the Woods is a smallmouth dominated watershed, we are talking in the neighborhood of a 50 to 1 ratio. I’ve discovered that a smallmouth is much more apt to take a Texas rig, than a jig. I think this is largely in part to the morphological features of the smallmouth. Simply put, that big ½ oz. jig just doesn’t fit into their yap as easily as their large jawed cousins. There are a handful of us up here in this
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region that forgo the numbers game and consistency of the smallmouth bite, to target the larger average size of the relatively rare largemouth. However, a chance encounter with a smallmouth is increased with with the Texas rig and is always welcome on the largemouth gear. Hooked on Confidence My mindset is that I can guarantee myself 12.50 to 16.00 lbs of smallmouth each day if I commit to fishing them all day long, I will probably catch 20 to 50 bass in order to achieve that weight too, and look, that is a great way to cash a check in a three day tournament. BUT, if I want to win, and if I want to win big, I need to be fishing blacks. Every tournament day, I’m hoping for
Photograph by Josh B. Peacock Fishing-Headquarters | Page 30
FLIPPIN‘ FALL BASSIN‘ Despite his obsession and affinity for catching big largemouth on jigs, Peacock has to put his stubbornness aside and pick up a Texas rig. He’s found that Texas rigs garner a lot more bites on tougher, “off bite” days, whether that be from a cold front, bluebird skies, or fishing pressure. Another great aspect of a Texas rig is the “Bonus Smallie Factor”.
about 7 to 10 bites, some days I only get 5 or 6. My chances of catching 17 to 20 + lbs are much greater and with far fewer fish. It has taken me close to a decade to get comfortable in this approach. The downside of this swing for the fences mentality is the high probability of “bombing” one of the three days. It is a risk reward type deal. Learning when and how to make those subtle changes like we talked about is the difference between making the top 10, or crashing and burning on that third and final day. Fishing-Headquarters.com
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On day three, we were dialed in on the change that had happened. Despite bright blue skies, light winds, and two full tournament days of pressured fish, we crushed them! When you set the hook with the Lazer Trokar TK130, you set it, and forget it, period. Every key fish on the third day of Bassin’ for Bucks was absolutely pinned. In fact the majority of my fish had that big TK130 blown right through the side of their operculum (gill plate). When they are hooked like that, the rest is a formality. In fact we didn’t
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lose a single fish the final two days on the 4/0 TK130. We rocketed up the standings from 13th place all the way into the Top 5 with an 18.78 lb limit. On top of that we cashed cheques not only for 5th overall, but having the 2nd biggest bag of the final day too. That was a $2,000.00 adjustment thanks in large part to the Lazer Trokar TK130 Flippin’ Hook! Catch Flippin’ Fall Bass If you’re new to Texas rigging
soft plastics, and or pitching and flipping in general, Lazer Trokar has come up with a great idea, the Trokar Mini Elite Pitchin’ & Heavy Cover Kit (TKMINIELITE2). Essentially, you get 15 hooks in their best styles and sizes for flippin’ and pitchin’, which all comes in this sweet and convenient little plastic box with foam slots that will fit in your day box. It comes with 6, TK120 Magworm Hooks in 4/0 and 5/0 sizes which are perfect for Texas rigging and wacky rigging senko-style baits, and 9 lethal TK130 Flippin’ Hooks in 4/0, 5/0, and 6/0 sizes.
Photograph by Josh B. Peacock
“The old adage, ‘set it, and forget it’ directly pertains to these Lazer Trokars, especially the TK130 Flippin’ Hook. They are flat out mean, and when money and pride is on the line, I’ll fish with nothing else!” – Josh Peacock. Fishing-Headquarters | Page 32
FLIPPIN‘ FALL BASSIN‘
Photograph by Josh B. Peacock Fishing-Headquarters.com
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<<< Josh Peacock, 28, has a diverse background in everything fishing. He cut his teeth at just 16 years old as a fishing guide on Lake of the Woods. He graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree in Fisheries Management from Lake Superior State University. His current ‘9 to 5 job’ is a Fisheries Biologist. And if that wasn’t enough, all of his vacation days are dedicated to, and coincide with bass tournaments. Boasting a list of top 10 tournament finishes in prominent Canadian Bass Tournaments; Josh is always a threat, and downright scary when the ‘long rod’, and flippin’ & pitchin’ bite comes into play. In 2013 he is fishing the FLW circuit as co-angler. Fishing-Headquarters | Page 34
FLIPPIN‘ FALL BASSIN‘ In this fall 2012 tournament, Peacock and crew rocketed up the standings from 13th place all the way into the Top 5 with an 18.78 lb limit. On top of that they cashed checks not only for 5th overall, but having the 2nd biggest bag of the final day too. That was a $2,000.00 adjustment thanks in large part to the Lazer Trokar TK130 Flippin’ Hooks.
Photograph by Josh B. Peacock Fishing-Headquarters.com
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“When you’re up against fish, fishermen and everything Mother Nature can throw your way, you want every edge you can get. You want the Ultimate hook. You want TroKar.” - Brent Chapman, 2012 Angler of the Year
the world’s first surgically sharpened hook Featuring a wicked point that is so sharp, it penetrates twice as fast as anything else out there. Fishing-Headquarters | Page 36 LazerTrokar.com
EAGLE CLAW FISHING TACKLE
Denver, co
GATOR COOLDOWN
Patterning T Look for drastic weather changes and cooling
Photograph by Brian Malack
The Fall Frenzy
temperatures to trigger feeding binges of peak pike activity. By Andrew Ragas Photographs by Andrew Ragas Fishing-Headquarters | Page 40
FEEDING FRENZY PIKE where they roam and suspend above the thermocline and off the edges of deeper reefs, points, and weedlines. While these types of locations can lead to difficult but not impossible fishing conditions, waiting for the calendar to turn and weather to change for the worst can dramatically improve the fishing.
northern pike. It also happens to be the best time of year for catching the largest specimens. In the north, this pike feeding phenomenon comes into play during late summer and lasts throughout September and October. Cooling Water Temperatures
By: Andrew Ragas Editor In-Chief
andrew@fishing-headquarters.com
A
nglers can catch big fish on any cast during any portion of the season. As it happens with every species of fish, the odds obviously rise during specific times and conditions. During end of summer and early fall, northern pike experience a gathering of teeth. This gathering is a congregation of actively feeding fish that are influenced by coldfronts, wind, low pressure, lowlight conditions and cooling water temperatures. The environment during this period of seasonal change, from summer peak to early fall, brings pike together for one single purpose; to feed heavily. As it occurs during every warm water season, the largest and most desirable northern pike in every system are restricted to habitats offering the most suitable thermal conditions. Nearly everywhere I fish throughout the north, most of the larger northern pike will be found relating to open water: Deep basins and cooler areas of the main lake Fishing-Headquarters.com
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Photograph by Andrew Ragas
At some point, depending on geographical region and where you primarily fish, the late summer season begins its slow day-by-day transition into the fall. Along the way will come successive low pressure systems, coldfronts, and colder nights. As the weather gradually turns from warm to cool, a steady drop in water temperature follows suit. Because of cooling water, vulnerable forage - and free reign of migrations from deep main lake basins to the feeding flats of autumn northern pike are in their healthiest form and motivated to feed. This period of change is undoubtedly my favorite time of year for catching incredible numbers of
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All species of fish are affected by weather changes. Depending on the combination of conditions, these changes can cause fish to feed more aggressively or make fishing difficult. In the hunt for esox lucius, forecasting their feeding isnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t a science, but weather and water temperature greatly influences their feeding habits and helps you determine what lures to fish with. Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m not a certified meteorologist, but I am a believer that low pressure systems and coldfronts are a northern pikeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s greatest ally. These two weather patterns ignite the fishes feeding response, and the alterations in pressure play positive roles in how good the fishing can be.
Photograph by Andrew Ragas
was observed on the northwest angle of Lake of the Woods. During three days of high pressure prior to the two day low pressure system we dealt with, water temperatures were 72-74 degrees (summer peak) and muskies were active in the shallows. When a massive low pressure system arrived and brought its accompanying coldfront, wind, and post frontal conditions, water temperatures drastically fell to 64 degrees in less than 36 hours. As expected, muskies became dormant and went into temporary hibernation. During this process, northern pike grew increasingly active. An environmental role change took place as the muskies we were locating on the shallow rock reefs and in cabbage beds were LATE SUMMER – The dog days forced out by massive numbers of of summer in August have to end at violently feeding northern pike. some point, right? 2012 was one of the hottest summers on record in the EARLY FALL - Meanwhile, early Upper Midwest. It officially ended fall is prime time for amazing pike for me during the second week of activity levels too. Depending on August 2012. This period of change your geographic location, late SepWhile other species retreat and become dormant during these weather patterns, pike come to life and assume the role of top predator. Steep pressure drops with overcast skies are the best and often coincide with feeding sprees. Additionally, post-frontal conditions that result in significantly dropping water temperatures also trigger the same. Wind from the north is beneficial too, especially long-term periods as it drives pike shallow, creating ideal light and temperature conditions. Hungry wolf packs of Northern pike will travel from deep open water main lake basins into the shallows for a furious midday binge.
tember through mid October can be just as good, if not better for fast and furious action. There is something to be said about layering up and withstanding the elements on the coldest, most miserable days possible. I’ve had my best ever pike fishing on the cloudiest, windiest, and rainiest autumn days in Northern Wisconsin. At this time of the year, fishing isn’t for everyone or the ill-prepared. But the colder the day, the better the fishing will be. The waters of Northern Wisconsin aren’t managed for pike, but some big fish do exist if you know where to look on the lakes still containing adequate pike fisheries that don’t compete with muskies. Typically, one can expect to catch a load of aggressive 30 inchers and an occasional trophy during these miserable angling days by focusing on weeds and their deeper edges. Fishing-Headquarters | Page 42
FEEDING FRENZY PIKE
I am so convinced by miserable weather that unless I have a commitment to go fishing, I will never fish for pike under bluebird skies or warm summertime periods. It’s been well documented that pike feed more actively on cloudy, overcast days than on bright sunny ones. Since that’s the case, why waste the time when I can easily fish for something else? In recent years, I’ve witnessed that weather and water conditions play a more significant role than presentation in determining pike activity and location. Weather and conditions that are otherwise miserable to most other anglers and species of fish affects pike in a positive way. Fishing-Headquarters.com
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Pike tend to bite with greater vengeance and fury on the coldest days. Small fish like this are typical of Wisconsin, but dozens were caught in 30 degree air temperatures on this October 2012 outing.
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Photograph by Jacob Saylor
Weed patterns, which I tend to fish most, are a classic late summer and early fall pattern in mid- to latemesotrophic and early-stage eutrophic lakes. When pike move in shallow to feed, some of the best areas I look for are large, weedy, main lake flats and rock points. Green cabbage such as pondweed and brown broadleaf cabbage is ideal for predator and prey. This situation develops when water temperatures drop into the low 60 degree range and will be in effect until temperatures fall into the high 40â&#x20AC;&#x2122;s.
Photograph by Andrew Ragas
Feeding Locations Changes in pike location can offer many potential patterns for good fishing. One of the most common environmental transitions is larger pike returning to littoral zones (shallow water areas) to take advantage of the abundant forage. Pike will remain in these areas through fall until the green weeds die off and disappear. Following, they will eventually return to main lake areas to roam during the coldwater period. Weed patterns, which I tend to fish most, are a classic late summer and early fall pattern in mid- to latemesotrophic and early-stage eutrophic lakes. When pike move in shallow to feed, some of the best areas I
look for are large, weedy, main lake flats and rock points. On shield lakes such as Lake of the Woods and most glacial lakes I fish in Northern Wisconsin, the primary forage that will be buried in the weeds and seeking refuge during these adverse conditions are yellow perch, shiners, juvenile walleyes and suckers. Green cabbage such as pondweed and brown broadleaf cabbage is ideal for predator and prey. This situation develops when water temperatures drop into the low 60 degree range and will be in effect until temperatures fall into the high 40â&#x20AC;&#x2122;s. This type of environmental transition of fish moving from deep to shallow is exactly what took place for us during that 2012 Lake
of the Woods trip. Due to the overabundance of pike in the shallows, we temporarily gave up musky fishing and focused on large pike in the expansive, shallow weedy flats located near deepwater basins. In only a few short hours of fishing one large weedbed, the greatest feeding frenzy of northern pike I had ever experienced in my life took place. My partner Brian Malack nor I remember our exact totals from that day, but a substantial number of 30 to 44 inch fish were caught (sometimes on every cast!) fishing with 6 inch cranes and grandmas. Along with the ones that were caught and released, a couple heartbreaking 45â&#x20AC;? aerial jumpers were lost too. It was Fishing-Headquarters | Page 44
FEEDING FRENZY PIKE typical Canadian fishing at its finest make casts into the open water befor those few hours, and a phenom- hind you. In these bays, the largenon I will remember forever. est fish are moving, searching, and feeding. Occasionally casting out Presentations – The Triggering into the middle of nowhere often catch the largest fish prowling open Effect water. In lakes with a traditional weed For this type of fishing, I use 7 pattern, I find that sunny, high pres- 1/2 foot medium heavy fast action sure conditions make for difficult casting rods with 50 and 65 pound fishing, pushing inactive pike deep Cortland Masterbraid. My favorites into the vegetation. But on a great are fishing with 6 inch jerkbaits and day with overcast skies and wind, twitch baits. If I know there are giactive fish will roam the weedlines ants roaming in the vicinity, I’ll go in the 8 to 15 foot levels and travel as large as something measuring 8 deep into the shallow water bays – inches or more. The crane bait (205 sometimes going as shallow as 2 and 206 model) is a classic balsa feet. It is important to not only fish minnowbait that runs down to 5 feet the shallow vegetation, but to also with a quick rise. It is deadly for
pike when twitched and ripped over the shallow weeds, and often elicits strikes during the pause. However, before fishing with it always replace the stock hooks with Mustad 2X or something of similar strength and sharpness. Another bait with similar properties is a Grandma lure, a 6 inch model. Fished the same way as you would with a crane, it is a tremendous fish catcher. Color patterns resembling yellow perch and sucker fare best. It’s also worthwhile to experiment with gaudy colors such as firetigers, clowns, and fluorescents as it can pay dividends on conditioned fish, or if a simple change is needed. Also, because pike are cannibalistic, trying pike imitators will
>>> The Crane Bait 205 proved effective on northern pike like the kind netted below.
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Crane Bait 205 work too. If fishing deeper, such as the nearby deeper basin or sparse vegetation outside of weedlines, glidebaits, divers, and swimbaits are tough to beat. A handful of soft swimbaits such as Storm WildEye Perch and Shads in 4 and 5 inch models often produce outrageous numbers of fish, and sometimes catch the big ones when downsizing is needed.
Grandma Lure
Storm Wildeye Perch
Photograph by David Graham
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FEEDING FRENZY PIKE Additionally, medium divers such as the jointed magnum X-Rap and Savage Gear 4-play produce wobble and vibration, and entice bites with a straight power cranking retrieve during windy conditions and lowlight hours. Meanwhile, gliders such as 6 inch Softail Phantoms and Savage Gear Deviator and Freestyler should not be overlooked either. Finally, during the coldest, windiest, most miserable days that can be fished, I’ve done my best with loud rattlebaits. A large Rattlin Rapala or Clackin Rap works well, but bombing long casts with a loud 1.5 oz. Windel’s Rattle Snack wakes them up. Rip it through the weeds or swim it across the basin, it generates vicious reactionary strikes from any opportunistic feeder. Besides the traditional weedline coverage, I also like to go deep into the jungle. As conditions grow worse such as coldfronts and windy days, I go shallow, often times to as shallow as two feet. Also, as the season progresses deeper into the fall, I will keep going shallower until the weeds fully decay, forcing pike to retreat towards their wintering areas. These shallower feeding zones fish best in lowlight and wind. Oftentimes, I fish the shallows with weedless jigs and oversized trailers that allow for a swimming presentation. Some of my recent favorites, new for 2013, are the Hydra and Stealth jigs from Freedom Tackle Corporation. Both are based on hydrodynamic head designs, and are weedless, minnow styled jigs that feature interchangeable hook designs – meaning they can be fished Fishing-Headquarters.com
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Savage Gear 4Play
Savage Gear Deviator
Windel’s Musky Rattle Snack
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On shield lakes such as Lake of the Woods and most glacial lakes I fish in Northern Wisconsin, the primary forage that will be buried in the weeds and seeking refuge during these adverse conditions are yellow perch, shiners, juvenile walleyes and suckers.
Photograph by Jacob Saylor
with any brand and size hook. Available in ½, ž and 1 oz models, they fish best with swimbait trailers such as the new Swankz and Swimz from Stankx Bait Company, including my favorite Thug Grubz. Additionally, oversized spinnerbaits with magnum Colorado blades, and inline spinners and bucktails can work as well. But in my opinion they are better reserved for spring and early summer as pike
are primarily focusing on preyfish ing pike move in and have feeding and baitfish during this summer to sprees on their minds, the fishing is fun. Pike, in general, are aggressive fall transitional period. feeders, and can be caught at anyExpect Numbers and Big Fish time. However, certain times are better. The worst weather days of Wind, rain, low pressure sys- fishing are usually the best for numtems, coldfronts and post-frontal bers and sizes of big northern pike. conditions: Making the trek across the lake in these adverse conditions is not enjoyable or comfortable for Fishing-Headquarters | Page 48 the average angler. But once feed-
FEEDING FRENZY PIKE
I am so convinced by miserable weather that unless I have a commitment to go fishing, I will never fish for pike under bluebird skies or warm summertime periods. Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s been well documented that pike feed more actively on cloudy, overcast days than on bright sunny ones. Weather and conditions that are otherwise miserable to most other anglers and species of fish affects pike in a positive way. Fishing-Headquarters.com
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FEEDING FRENZY PIKE
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10 Fall Musky Destin
Photograph by Bass Utopia Fishing-Headquarters.com
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nations AUTUMN ADVENTURES Fall musky fishing is great almost everywhere, but certain destinations stand out in my mind more than others. Some I think of for shear productivity, some for easy convenient fall fishing, and yet others for that feeling of magic I get when I step outside in the morning, take a deep breath, and just know that I am in for an unforgettable day of fishing. By Adam M. Glickman
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FALL MUSKIES
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Hayward Lakes, Wisconsin
By: Adam M. Glickman
Fishing-Headquarters Contributor
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ummer continues to be the time that the most muskies are caught. However, that is only because summer is the time that the most angler effort hours are put in chasing after muskies. I think that for many outdoorsmen summer musky fishing is a way to pass the time when waiting for fall hunting seasons to open. I am waiting for the hunting seasons as well, because as the various seasons open I have less and less people pounding the waters I fish. This reduction in pressure culminates with the ultimate opener, fire arms deer season, at which point my waters are almost a ghost town. Luckily this is when musky fishing is at its best, and I cash in on my most productive effort of the entire season. If total numbers and size of muskies caught were weighted against total angler effort at this time, statistics of real time productivity would be shocking. Fall musky fishing is great almost everywhere, but certain destinations stand out in my mind more than others. Some I think of for shear productivity, some for easy convenient fall fishing, and yet others for that feeling of magic I get when I step outside in the morning, take a deep breath, and just know that I am in for an unforgettable day of fishing.
The Hayward area lakes in northern WI are steeped with musky tradition. They have been prime musky fishing destinations for a century now, and remain excellent fisheries to this day. Natural lakes, man made lakes, and small rivers in the area all hold muskies. Some have high density populations of smaller muskies. Others have sparse numbers of much larger fish. All of these waters turn on in the fall and anglers targeting the area have a multitude of fisheries to choose from to meet almost any expectations.
For those seeking large clear natural lakes; Round, Grindstone, Lac Courte Oreilles, and Whitefish Lakes seldom disappoint. All have the added element of ciscoes in their forage base, which means many of the lakesâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; largest muskies will chase the pelagic forage year round. Most of the year this is done suspended over main lake basins. However, just before freeze up, the ciscoes move to main lake structure to spawn over a bottom of clean sand and fine gravel. Giant muskies follow, and the best shot at a true WI
Photograph by Adam M. Glickman
The Chippewa Flowage is a large man made lake that offers all types of musky cover and water clarity ranging from a dark stain in the east half to crystal clear waters in the west side. It harbors good numbers of muskies and a real chance at a truly huge individual. Forage on the â&#x20AC;&#x153;Chipâ&#x20AC;? consists of suckers, walleye, and panfish; and therefore the muskies are fairly cover orientated.
trophy occurs. Waters such as Moose Lake, the Spider Chain, and the Tiger Cat Flowage harbor huge numbers of muskies; though encountering very large fish in these systems is rare. These systems experience intense fall action as competition for prime areas and forage becomes fierce. Days of multiple boated muskies are common. Fishing-Headquarters | Page 58
FALL MUSKIES
Twin Cities Metro, Minnesota Musky waters of Minneapolis, St. Paul, and the immediate surrounding area are the last things that come to mind when thinking of classic fall water, but for easy access to excellent fall action, they are often tough to beat. I have taken pictures of mid 30 lb. muskies with the Minneapolis skyline and evening rush
traffic in the background. White Bear, Bald Eagle, Minnetonka, Harriet, Independence, and Waconia have all been stocked with Leech Lake strain muskies long enough to produce 30 and 40 lb. class fish. Elmo, Phalen, Calhoun, Nokomis, and Bryant are designated tiger musky lakes that regularly produce
trophy specimens of the beautiful hybrids. Mostly this is all a vegetation orientated bite. Depending on the lake, outside weed edges exist in 2-20â&#x20AC;&#x2122; of water, and the muskies will be tight to these edges until freeze up and after. Keeping artificial lures and live baits no further than 5-10â&#x20AC;&#x2122; from the edge is the key to success.
Today Minnesota has about 80 muskie lakes, about twice as many as the state originally had. In the Twin Cities area, a half-dozen lakes are true muskie lakes and the DNR manages 30 lakes and rivers for hybrid muskies. With tales of 20- and 30-pound catches, these places have become magnets for muskie anglers.
Photograph by Adam M. Glickman
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FALL MUSKIES
Madison Chain, Wisconsin Other prime urban lakes are Monona, Waubesa, and Wingra Lakes located in the city of Madison WI. This lakes lie well into the southern WI musky management zone and therefore are open to legal fishing until the end of December. Monona and Waubesa are connected via a navigable channel, and have begun to put out some real tanks in recent years. Smaller Wingra is connected, but is a separate launch in terms of boat access. Wingra offers a good fishery, and is a good choice for those looking for a smaller water experience. Its trophy potential however is less than the other two waters. Like other urban waters, fall is pretty much the Photograph by Adam M. Glickman only peaceful open water period. The cold water is luckily not conThe Madison Chain has had a good muskie population for years and it seems to ducive to the hoards of recreational be getting better. This chain has been heavily stocked by the Wisconsin DNR for boaters. Muskies and those who decades, since there is no known natural reproduction in any of these waters. fish them both seem to respond well to the absence of such nuisances. Fishing-Headquarters.com
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Lake Vermilion, Minnesota
Photograph by Adam M. Glickman
Lake Vermilion is fast becoming known for big muskies. In their last year of netting, 15% of the muskies recorded by the Minnesota DNR were over 50 inches. Minimum size limit is 48â&#x20AC;?.
Lake Vermilion, located in northeast MN, sprawls over 40,000 acres of islands, reefs, and separate basins carved into the granite shield rock. The lake supports some of the largest muskies in North America. The Leech Lake Strain muskies first introduced into the lake in 1987 show excellent natural reproduction and are supplemented by stocking. The muskies grow long and girthy on a rich forage base of ciscoes, suckers, walleye, and panfish. Some are very structure orientated. Others roam the lake chasing vast schools of ciscoes that often cover several football fields in area. Muskies school heavily in Vermilion, where there is one there will be more. However, this also means that there is a lot of dead water. Vermilion is full of serious navigational hazards, and the buoys that mark the shallow boulder and bedrock reefs get pulled in October. Extreme caution is advised. Fishing-Headquarters | Page 62
FALL MUSKIES
Turtle Flambeau Flowage, Wisconsin The Turtle Flambeau Flowage takes up much of southern Iron County in northern WI. The shallow winding reservoir consists of many flooded lake basins, islands, channels, reefs, and flooded timber fields. It is mostly wilderness with little development, and harbors one of the stateâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s better fisheries for many species, including muskies. It is located far enough from any population center or tourism mecca that it receives very little fishing pressure when compared to its vast inviting waters. Muskies are numerous and run large with excellent trophy potential. The rock structure of the many islands and reefs is prime come fall especially if it Contributed Photograph is near old flooded river channels. The channels act as highways for forage as well as muskies, and are Muskies provide outstanding trophy angling. In the past muskies in excess of 50 also productive when scoured with pounds have been caught. Annual stocking is used to supplement the limited natural reproduction. deep running presentations. Fishing-Headquarters.com
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Cass Lake, Minnesota Cass lake is a 15,000 acre crystal clear lake in north central MN that harbors depths well in excess of 100â&#x20AC;&#x2122;. Muskies grow old and huge in these pristine waters feeding on perch, walleyes, ciscoes, and even whitefish (the presence of whitefish being indicative of just how much deeper and colder Cass is than other musky lakes south of the Canadian border). Cassâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s basin consists mostly of sand and fine gravel. Main lake areas have little vegetation. It is well known that the few areas that have both rocks and weeds hold muskies, but these spots are also well known and pounded. Casting over the lakes many breaklines in 15-60â&#x20AC;&#x2122; is a daunting task, but is also one of the better ways to encounter one of the lakes massive pelagic muskies. Locating schools of open water forage is a great way to pinpoint the presence of muskies when using this approach on this vast lake. As the water cools in late
fall, both ciscoes and whitefish draw tighter and tighter to the clean sand Cass Lake is second only to Leech Lake and gravel breaks to spawn, and the in the number of Muskies caught annumuskies follow. ally in Minnesota. Many of these trophies top the 40-pound mark.
Photograph by Adam M. Glickman Fishing-Headquarters | Page 64
FALL MUSKIES
Wisconsin River & Flambeau River, Wisconsin The Watersheds of the Wisconsin, Flambeau, and Chippewa Rivers in WI are what I often like to refer to as the cradle of life. After the last glciation receded, these were the first WI waters inhabited by muskies. Today, these rivers look much different, as they are segmented by dozens of dams, but the muskies within are still very much a reality. The upper stretches and tributaries are smaller and are best fished from small water craft or even on foot. Lower reaches of these rivers are much deeper and wider and require water craft to fish thoroughly. Some areas have dense populations, others are more sparse. Large muskies can be found throughout, but large areas with many holes 10â&#x20AC;&#x2122; deep and deeper will grow the largest muskPhotograph by Andrew Ragas ies. As the water cools in fall, muskies abandon shallower fast areas and concentrate heavily in deeper slow- The Flambeau River system (North and South Forks) are home to an abundant er areas, especially those with dense self-sustaining muskellunge population. Many of its river miles are comprised of a 100% wilderness setting. forage.
Photograph by Andrew Ragas Fishing-Headquarters.com
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The Wisconsin River system is one of the top muskie fisheries in the state. Recently, a number of muskies in the 50-inch class and topping 40 pounds have been documented from the Wisconsin. In mid- to late September, muskies start fattening up for the winter and the river becomes a place for size and action.
Photograph by Adam M. Glickman Fishing-Headquarters | Page 66
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Mille Lacs Lake, Minnesota At just under 220,000 acres, MNâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Lake Mille Lacs is the largest inland musky lake in the U.S. Mille Lacs is a classic windswept mesotrophic MN lake. It is not that deep, fairly fertile, and has high water quality. The lake is no deeper than 40â&#x20AC;&#x2122;, and due to its vast surface area, does not stratify as wind driven currents mix it throughout the entire open water season. Mille Lacs has an excellent forage base of cisco, walleye, sucker, and perch, and is most likely the only water in the state capable of producing a musky larger than Vermilion. Vast weed beds and rock reefs provide ample structure and cover for the muskies that prefer to ambush. Other muskies spend their lives chasing the ciscoes in open water. As fall progresses, areas with green weeds will still hold some fish, but rock reefs produce better. Again, before freeze up, ciscoes move into clean Fishing-Headquarters.com
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Photograph by Adam M. Glickman
sand and gravel reefs to spawn and some of the largest and least pressured muskies move in with them. Moderate winds make much of Mille Lacs tough to fish and navigate safely. The weather can turn
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on a dime, and in there is little room for error due to cold water temperatures. Close attention to weather forecasts is a must, as is complete preparedness. Extreme caution is advised.
Melton Hill, Tennessee Many great musky opportunities exist in central and eastern TN on the stateâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s reservoirs, rivers and streams. The fishing is great September through December. The muskies grow fast and large, and the young giants are often ready to strike a lure. For the best bet at good action, contact Corey Allen at www. stonesthrowadventures.com
Native Tennessee muskies originally occurred in both the Cumberland and Tennessee watersheds. Impoundments have destroyed most of these native populations, but some may persist in streams of the Big South Fork and Obed River systems. The 42 lb. 8 oz. Tennessee state record was caught from Norris Reservoir in 1983.
Photograph by Cory Allen Fishing-Headquarters | Page 68
FALL MUSKIES
Vilas & Oneida Counties, Wisconsin Wisconsin has more individual musky waters than any other state, and Oneida and Vilas counties in Northeast WI have the greatest concentration of musky waters in the state. The two counties literally have hundreds of musky waters of almost every conceivable type. The beauty of having so many different musky waters at such a close proximity to one another is that at least a few of them are usually going to be on fire, especially during fall. If one lake is failing to give up desired results, simply switch to another nearby without loosing too much precious fall time on the water.
Photograph by Andrew Ragas
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The lakes and rivers of Wisconsinâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s north are the natural home for muskellunge, but stocking has expanded the muskellungeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s original range into the southern part of the state. The heaviest concentration of muskellunge is found in the headwaters of the Chippewa, Flambeau and the Wisconsin River systems. More than 660 lakes and 48 streams in 53 counties have muskellunge populations abundant enough for fishing.
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FALL MUSKIES The End Everything comes to an end. Unfortunately, fall musky fishing comes to an end all too quickly. If there is one main idea I would like to reiterate before we part ways, it is not to waste time on the water during fall. The season is short and the days are short, wasting any of it is a mortal sin in my book. Unless there is something terrible going on with the weather, the muskies will be biting well somewhere. If they are not moving and responding on the body of water I am fishing, I move. The time I spend moving is always better spent than time spent beating a dead horse. I canâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t count how many times squeezing in just an hour before dark on a different body of water has paid off big time.
Photograph by Adam M. Glickman Fishing-Headquarters.com
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Adamâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Honest Musky Adam Glickman, 32, has musky fished since 12. Born and raised in Northern WI, but currently residing west of Minneapolis MN, he fishes heavily throughout the musky range and travels the country in search of quality fisheries whenever he can. Adam is a field editor with MUSKIE Magazine, and has put hundreds of muskies in the bottom of the net. Visit Adamâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s website dedicated to musky fishing information, education, and multimedia at:
http://www.honestmusky.com
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< Applying Buck Perry’s lessons on structure to catch muski
^ Allen’s friend, Bill Bogusz, with a 54 inch Tennessee muskie.
NUDE BEACH It’s a little bit funny. Some of the most simplistic forms of structure to fish are often the most complex and difficult to understand by most anglers. Fishermen of all pursuits always seem to need a visual cue such as a tree, rock, or a dock. But the fact remains that any and all of the above objects, though referred to as “structure” by many, by the man who coined the word in an angling context, E.L. Perry... is not. Structure by the original definition is basically “what holds water,” the form of the bottom of the lake. We know it more commonly and accurately as “topography.” It is these features that statically dictate the movements, orientation, and nature of the fish we pursue. They are constantly relating directly or indirectly to these features, dependent upon the strength of other environmental variables. The fact remains that without it, the clockwork of the aquatic world would fall apart. Hence, it’s adaptation to rely upon it solely with all other variables being complementary or irrelevant due to their orientation to true “structure.”
MUS Photographs by Cory Allen
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ies from featureless flats.
SKIES By Cory Allen
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NUDE BEACH MUSKIES One of the most overlooked aspects of fishing featureless flats is mindlessly flailing into the wild blue, and not realizing that a flat will usually have a concentration or “contact point” that will draw a majority of the fish to a single area until they disperse into the flat. Once found, these can be some of the most intense moments of angling you’ll ever experience.
Photograph by Cory Allen
By: Cory Allen
Fishing-Headquarters Contributor
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s I stated before, one of the most misunderstood and readily identified as their potential for fish interaction is the “flat.” To call it structure seems to be a conFishing-Headquarters.com
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tradictory to the topographical features that draw and hold fish. Yet these “nude beaches,” featureless expanses of floor with little depth deviation, are often some of the most fruitful areas to fish, especially for muskellunge …. to those who realize how to approach them and dissect them. Now there’s as many flats as there are Baskin Robbins flavors.... wood flats, weed flats, sand flats... but the ones I’m referring to are the ones that have no definitive distinction from their surrounding in substrate. Their only true justification is their relative location. Fish of all species require basically one thing to exist, water. For them to occupy a specific an area of water they require two things:
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Shallows and depth. It’s that simple. Those two things allow them to find a constant equilibrium with the environmental factors that govern their moment to moment activity. Half the places I fish appear as if I’m casting into open water... But that’s only a human perception. Water isn’t flat to a fish. It’s the atmosphere of their 360 degree habitat. In the heat of summer, when muskies often reach peak metabolic stimulus, they are often drawn to and utilize extended shallow flats, with virtually no ancillary factors that most anglers are so compelled to fish, for extended periods of shallow water activity. Not only are these flats like a Savannah for these apex predators, but due to their size with a proximity to deeper water,
often with a consistent breakline ad- Johnny Edenfield with a 50 jacent, they draw an exponentially incher, from a first time trip larger number of fish and concen- with Allen. trate them in an area that is not only relatively easy to cover, but has virtually none of the trials associated with deep cover fishing. Featureless Flats One of the most overlooked aspects of fishing these areas is the mindlessly flailing into the wild blue, and not realizing that a flat will usually have a concentration or “contact point” (another Perry term) that will draw a majority of the fish to a single area until they disperse into the flat. It could be a slight extension into the deep water, a slightly deeper slope, or even a complementary factor such as a stump or substrate change. But once found, these can be some of the most intense moments of angling you’ll ever experience, drawing a broad spectrum of muskies to a single focal point before shallow water dispersal, and often times the largest fish will never move past this point. This was evidenced during late August with a client from Chicago, Brian Pentecost, who on his first trip musky angling, was part of a 3 consecutive cast tag-team effort on 50”, 51”, and 48” muskies. Unheard of you say? I think so too....but such is the fruit of finding the contact point along a flat. This was placing single casts to the single preordained area during an activity period. Game, set, match. During this time we also locked horns with a mid 40” further up on the flat and had several more follow, but our presentation angle and lure selection made for some unreal fishing that repeated itself that evening with Brian landing a 47” at the end of the day with two others lost. The next day activity
Photograph by Cory Allen Fishing-Headquarters | Page 78
NUDE BEACH MUSKIES
Photograph by Cory Allen
was a bit decreased but we still managed to pull a 52.5” behemoth slow rolling off the edge with a Llungen DC-10. Though the fish never made it up to the flat that day, they were somewhat inactive relating directly to its border and we not only managed to boat a hoss, but also identify yet another focal point a hundred yards down the flat. The next day however, the “contact point” nearly produced another 2-on-2 with a 48” musky landed and the next cast having a 50” plus fish take a swipe at Brian’s feet. Choosing the tools for covering such water should be defined by the habitat itself. We’re talking Fishing-Headquarters.com
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about massive expanses of relatively featureless, snagless topography. If there is EVER a time to burn a buck tail, this would be it. Give that baby a runway to strut down. I prefer the Llungen DC-10 and DC-9 as well as their safety-pin counterparts the Nutbuster series for slicing up a flat, using the blades like a Ginsu to quickly find the points of focus for active muskies. When fish are simply following a presentation that is a straight path with little speed or direction variation (a innate flaw in the bucktail presentation) a shallow twitch bait such as Double D or a wide gliding bait such as a Manta Hang 10 can hack the speed control
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at the sacrifice of water coverage vs. time. Word of warning: Fishing featureless flats will draw looks of complete perplexity from both other anglers and the co-ed chicks in the Crownline (though you do see a lot more of them out there...yet another incentive), but trust me, there’s not a bigger high than pulling big ass muskies without a visual cue in sight. Look at the water through a fish-eye lens, realize the value of the “nude beaches” and enjoy your time amongst the resident bronze beauties that are just waiting to sink their teeth into you.
Photographs by Cory Allen Fishing-Headquarters | Page 80
NUDE BEACH MUSKIES
Cory Allen, 27, of Cookeville, Tennessee is the founder and lead guide of Stone’s Throw Adventures. Cory’s specialty is casting and trolling for muskellunge on the reservoirs and river systems of the south. Allen’s team of guides fish the waters throughout Tennessee and Kentucky, guiding on a year-round basis, and offer their clients a wide variety of boat and wading trips for all species of gamefish. Book your fall and winter fishing trip by visiting:
http://www.stonesthrowadventures.com/
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Photograph by Cory Allen Fishing-Headquarters | Page 82
Mystiq
Muskellunge
Photograph by Brian Malack Fishing-Headquarters.com
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que Lake of the Woods, Ontario Lake of the Woods, a million acre freshwater sea bordering the United States and Canada, boasts a muskellunge fishery that is among North Americaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s best. Fishing-Headquarters Magazine takes you on a pictorial journey, through the eyes of a Canon DSLR camera lens, that any serious angler should add to the lifetime bucketlist for muskie trips and getaways. Visualize it now, and we hope you can experience it like this sometime next year. By Andrew Ragas
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LOTW MUSKIES
By: Andrew Ragas Editor In-Chief
andrew@fishing-headquarters.com
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I think I should reconsider this first week of August trip!” exclaimed my expert musky friend and boat captain, Brian Malack after complaining about the unproductive fishing experienced at this time a year ago. After all, he had just experienced a career afternoon on August 4th, 2013 with a trio of 50, 48.5, and 47.5 inch muskies that fell into the bag of my Frabill Conservation series net. “Thanks for providing all of today’s entertainment. It’s been a blast being your net man and filming all of this. I couldn’t agree more!” I concluded. As most anglers are aware, muskies are the fish of ten thousand casts. It takes up to a full day for some of the very best in our game to connect with the elusive, opportunistic feeding predator. However, it happened to us quicker than imagined in less than 3 hours. After a rough season, Lake of the Woods, along with many other waterbodies in the northern muskellunge range have treated many anglers whom Fishing-Headquarters.com
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I personally know with an unkind attitude and scrooge-like characteristics. A one-of-a-kind day as experienced by Malack can quickly change one’s angling perspective and mentality. Muskie fishing is 10 percent catching and 90 percent mental. The 21 fish trip we had can positively adjust the mindsets of a muskie fishing tandem. Thanks to this trip, which was undoubtedly the highlight to both of our fishing seasons, Malack and Ragas will be back again next year.
Operated and managed by Dan Schmidt, Flag Island Resort is an affordable trip that doesn’t cost an arm and a leg like most premier fishing getwaways do. They offer everything from cabin rentals, boat rentals, guides and outfitters, dock and boat services, meals, wifi and many more convenient accommodations. The remote location provides serious anglers and outdoorsmen with a convenient location, and a world of endless water, greenery, abundant wildlife and many sought-after gamefish species.
Photograph by Andrew Ragas
The Trip For the second consecutive season, I was picked up by Malack’s F150 with Ranger boat in tow and departed from my home base in Northern Wisconsin for a week of fishing on Lake of the Woods. From August 2 through 10, 2013, our home for the week was Flag Island Resort, located at the Northwest Angle of the lake in the northernmost tip of the continental United States in Minnesota.
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To get there, you need to travel through Northcentral Minnesota to the south shores of Lake of the Woods. Pass through the towns of Baudette and Warroad on Rte. 11 where you will then be greeted by border patrol and agents at the Canadian Port of Entry. Have your U.S. passports handy with a smile on your face. When granted access into Canuck Country, take Rte. 12 through Southeast Manitoba into the town of Sprague, cut around the lake on 308, and follow the signs to Angle
The Northwest Angle is the most fertile region of the lake, containing a combination of fast-warming shallower waters and weedy habitats along with deeper basins. Brian Malack lifts his 50 incher that struck a Jr. Cowgirl.
Photograph by Andrew Ragas Fishing-Headquarters | Page 88
LOTW MUSKIES
Inlet, Minnesota. Drop the boat into Youngs Bay, park the vehicle on the mainland for a week, and transport yourselves across water to the resort for your entire week’s trip. The Northwest Angle is the most fertile region of the lake, containing a combination of fast-warming shallower waters and weedy habitats along with deeper basins. The darker, shallower waters of the Angle allow for longer growing seasons, abundant forage and diverse sport fisheries. Fish species that can be enjoyed in the Northwest Angle are muskies, pike, walleyes, smallmouth bass, perch, crappies, whitefish and lake trout. A typical day of muskie fishing on Lake of the Woods begins whenever you choose to set the bedside alarm and wake up. On most days, Fishing-Headquarters.com
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we’d have our morning coffee and group meal around 9am, and enjoy discussing and analyzing each boat’s strategies. Usually by 10am, we’d be out on the water and fishing our first of many spots for the day. Due
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to size and acreage (950,000 acres), it takes a while for the lake’s water temperatures to warm and peak for the day following cool nights. It also takes a bit of warmth to get muskies moving and on the feed as most
Location is the most important component to muskie fishing. Lake of the Woods is full of muskie-holding areas and they all look good. But here’s the problem: only a few of these areas will consistently produce big fish or any at all. Because of this, it’s best to run and gun on Lake of the Woods, and cover as many spots as possible.
Photographs by Andrew Ragas
productive hours tend to be anytime from 12 noon until dark. Therefore, and in our experience, it’s best to get a good night’s sleep and begin the day later in the morning as daily water temperatures usually don’t peak until the afternoon hours. Due to its convenient location,
gas burners like us may elect to take longer runs and go farther north or east into the lake’s more remote locations, or south into the big wide open waters of Whitefish Bay. On this trip, Malack and I filled up his Ranger 619vs to the maximum each morning with $5/gal as we’d effortlessly burn through 1420 gallons on his 2 stroke 200 horse Yamaha Vmax. We ended up fishing almost everywhere and venturing off in every direction within a 30 to 40 mile radius around camp. The cumulative gas bill for the week was a staggering number, but the amount many of our favorite fishing regions of muskies we encountered and are located within a 40 minute boat caught along the way of each daily ride from Flag Island. Visiting an- run made the painful aftermath to glers tend to fish the basins of the our bank accounts worthwhile. nearby Windigo Islands, Bishops Bay and Big Narrows which is about The Fishing 15 to 30 minutes north. Meanwhile, Fishing-Headquarters | Page 90 die-hards, aggressive anglers, and
LOTW MUSKIES As Malack and I are Cortland Line wielding anglers, 99% of this trip was dedicated to running and gunning for muskies while the remaining 1% went toward jigging for walleyes and the sustenance of shore lunch. Along the way, we were greeted by dozens of other vicious toothies which included aggressive and abundant 30 to 40+ inch northern pike that were strangely occupying the same spots we were locating our muskies. In 7 ½ days of casting we enjoyed one 6 fish day, and another 5 fish day. Along the way and in between our numbers, we endured two days of getting shut-out. That’s musky fishing for you. The midweek futility that we experienced can be attributed to the coldfront. However, the two and a half days before and after the coldfront hit the fishing was fantastic, as six fish in the range of 46 to 50 inches were caught. Location is the most important component to muskie fishing. Lake of the Woods is full of muskie-hold-
ing areas and they all look good. But here’s the problem: only a few of these areas will consistently produce big fish or any at all. Because of this, it’s best to run and gun on Lake of the Woods, and cover as many spots as possible. Due to its acreage and thousands of islands, covering water on LOTW is a daunting task. There is only so much water and acreage that can be covered per day. However, by breaking down the lake into small sections and sticking with them, then revisiting productive spots you’ve found, and expanding your range from there makes it possible to fish as many as 30 to 40 spots per day which is what we had to do in order to contact fish. Because LOTW is loaded with an infinite amount of spots that have the possibilities of all containing muskies, certain areas stand out to us more than others. Generally, we look for the following areas to help narrow down the choices for best time management:
Malack with a 48.5” from a spot we named “Costa Rica”. Fishing-Headquarters.com
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Large complexes that contain several smaller spots within (think of the term “spot on a spot”). On our big fish areas for this trip, many of the spots were sizeable rock reefs and fingers extending from islands, containing a combination of weeds or transitions to different bottom substrates such as sand. If it contained saddles, fish were almost always present. Weedy areas or shallow open pockets near large areas of open water. This is a trick we’ve learned from fishing with Doug Johnson and it’s something we usually keep in mind. Big fish like big water, and bays exposed to deep open water are big fish magnets. Sandy bays and pockets baking in sunlight that contain shallow vegetation deep inside of them were visited often and usually held muskies. These spots were our best producers as a pair of 48 inchers and a number of smaller fish were caught. Cabbage – sparse beds and not the thick walled ones: Rusty crayfish have decimated about 99%
Photograph by Andrew Ragas
It takes up to a full day for some of the very best in our game to connect with the elusive, opportunistic feeding predator. However, it happened to us quicker than imagined in less than 3 hours as a trio of 47.5, 48.5, and 50 inch muskies were caught.
Photograph by Andrew Ragas
of Lake of the Woods weedgrowth and it has become a huge cause for concern. Any remaining cabbage beds and “sexual” weeds are high on the list and rare to find, as they attract prey fish followed by muskies. Junkweed is good too, especially in coldfront conditions. I caught a four footer sitting in shallow junkweed during the midst of one coldfront. Island complexes near deep open water, and steep drop-offs. Windblown rock points and island fingers. Reed beds that give way to depth and rock substrate. Random tip: Any stars or asterisk icons on your GPS units are always worth checking out for a quick cast, as these are rock hazards and large boulder fields. In Malack’s case, the biggest advantage of being granted the luxury of precious vacation time away from Chicago and fishing LOTW an average of 30 days per year gives him the opportunity to fish many spots like these over and over again.
This allows him to pattern fish throughout the summer months, and practice the necessary time management skills for adequately fishing and working each spot. Unless fish are present, 10 to 15 minutes will usually be granted for a typical spot that is either new or has produced fish before. However, spots that have active fish, or multiples of them, will be camped on for up to 30-40 minutes at a time. On days I managed the boat control, I elected to camp out on a few spots neither of us had ever fished before and this decision resulted in catching two of our largest fish of the week. In many Canadian waters such as Lake of the Woods, there are many presentations that muskies and other fish have not been yet subjected to. Like every body of water I’ve fished, there are a few techniques and presentations that stand out, and anglers use and continually produce with them. Additionally, with some experimentation, there are also many techniques just as effective that are haven’t been tried
and aren’t yet mainstream. As we know, different weather conditions, fish locations, and habitats dictate lure selections. Experienced Lake of the Woods muskie anglers like Malack have an LOTW go-to lure. It is the standby black and nickel bucktail. Fished extensively throughout the week before getting destroyed by muskies and banging over rocks, the Jr. Double Cowgirl by Musky Mayhem Tackle was the #1 producer of big fish for the week. Additionally, downsized throwback lures such as black & nickel Musky Mayhem Showgirls and Shumway Flashers connected with fish too. The Jr. Double Cowgirl features two size 9 magnum blades and produces increased vibration at a slimmed down size for muskies to feel. Malack’s winning combination for the week was a 9 foot St. Croix Legend Tournament Big & Nasty rod, and the big blades were burned back to boatside with a Shimano Trankx reel spooled with Fishing-Headquarters | Page 92
LOTW MUSKIES 80lb Cortland Spectron. We both theorize that the bait was the perfect size and retrieved at the proper consistently fast speed that triggered both reactionary and figure 8 strikes. The length of rod also aided in boatside strikes with the figure-8 technique as all of Malack’s strikes occurred at least two feet below surface where he said “They couldn’t be seen.” We’ve observed that Lake of the Woods muskies tend to spook less and are more willing to bite the deeper the lure is presented from surface. Rather than visualize strikes, Malack altered his tactics to feel the strikes and blindly play figure-8 fish that wouldn’t be seen by him. In terms of figure 8 fishing, Malack is a closer. He is one of the best musky sticks I’ve fished with. His creativeness with the figure 8 resulted in catching an outstanding 13 muskies for the week. Unless a pattern has been established I’m not much of a lure changer, but I’m an experimentalist angler when the results aren’t happening. If the LOTW mainstream of black and nickel or walleye isn’t producing, I will experiment with everything I have and throw anything I feel good about. During my first LOTW trip in 2012, I experimented with my custom built walleye pattern flashabou bucktails and they put most of my fish into the boat. On this trip, absolutely none were boated. After experimentation, I recalled a few LOTW presentations I knew how to fish well, and had observed on television and from other anglers in person. I was able to narrow my selections down to a walleye patterned Crazy Crank Rumbler Fishing-Headquarters.com
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The Jr. Double Cowgirl features two size 9 magnum blades and produces increased vibration at a slimmed down size for muskies to feel. Malack’s winning combination for the week was a 9 foot St. Croix Legend Tournament Big & Nasty rod, and the big blades were burned back to boatside with a Shimano Trankx reel spooled with 80lb Cortland Spectron.
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Photographs by Andrew Ragas
^ Muskie fishing is 10 percent catching and 90 percent mental. The 21 fish trip we had can positively adjust the mindsets of a muskie fishing tandem. Thanks to this trip, which was undoubtedly the highlight to both of our fishing seasons, Malack and Ragas will be back again next year. Fishing-Headquarters | Page 94
LOTW MUSKIES topwater (which was developed on LOTW) that raised and caught fish, and a 10 inch rare original wooden Suick I borrowed from Malack in the Lemonhead pattern. I learned about the Lemonhead during a 2012 summer outing with Doug Johnson as he raised a 52 incher with one on our first spot. Witnessing that paid off in a hurry as most of my 8 fish for the week and during miserable coldfront conditions were caught with it. A like-new bait at the beginning of the week was abused and severely beaten up by muskies and pike by the week’s end. As a professional staff member for Cortland Line Company, one of my favorite tackle trends to both follow and participate in right now is the proliferation and usage of superbraids for muskies. When it comes to smooth effortless casting for 12+ hours per day, and strong hook-ups and landing muskies, Cortland Masterbraid and Spectron are the best things I’ve ever seen and used for this sport. Malack and I had all of our casting rods and reels spooled with an assortment of 65 to 100lb Masterbraid and Spectron. Line is more important to me than rod and reel. Once you start using this stuff, forget it. Nothing else compares. The Fishery Lake of the Woods is one of North America’s top musky fishing destinations. As all of my muskie fishing is predominantly centered on the Upper Midwest, Lake of the Woods is by far the best muskie fishery I’ve ever been on. It’s not a painfully long trip to make for a enFishing-Headquarters.com
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I learned that the Suick is deadly in a heavy weedbed or dense junkweed. A buoyant bait that runs straight like this and evades the weeds works well. I caught my 48 incher after Malack made his pass by with a fast moving Jr Cowgirl that garnered zero interest. I lined up my open pockets and plopped the lure into the opening. Two jerks into the retrieve and I got smashed by a fat and hungry four footer.
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Photograph by Brian Malack Fishing-Headquarters | Page 96
LOTW MUSKIES Outside of specific regions of the Great Lakes system, there are more 50-inch plus muskies residing in this drive-to destination than anywhere else in the world. Most states and Canadian provinces have enhanced fish protection with higher size limits. These regulations have all encouraged voluntary catch and release, and ensure that the big fish will remain in the system for future angling generations to come.
On the right: Measuring a 50 incher. Below: Measuring a 46 incher.
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Photographs by Andrew Ragas
tire week’s fishing: 5 hrs from Central MN, 6 hrs from Duluth, 8hrs from Northern WI, and 15hrs from Chicago. Outside of specific regions of the Great Lakes system, there are more 50-inch plus muskies residing in this drive-to destination than anywhere else in the world. Most states and Canadian provinces have enhanced fish protection with higher size limits. These regulations have all encouraged voluntary catch and release, and ensure that the big fish will remain in the system (unless tribal netted) for future angling generations to come. The reasons for big fish abundance are largely due
to progressive management practices by Minnesota and Ontario’s Ministry of Natural Resources. The musky fishing is on the upswing today thanks to a 54 inch size limit and numerous good year classes of fish. According to guides and other anglers, the good old days are presently occurring, for both the sport of musky fishing and LOTW’s self sustaining fishery. Little is known whether the invasive rusty crayfish has affected the spawning cycles, YOY recruitment, and baitfish movements thanks to their destruction in weedbeds, but to us it is a concern. Lake of the Woods is the most
traveled fishing destination in North America and continues to become more popular with muskie anglers each year. Despite the number of anglers visiting LOTW on an annual basis, fishing pressure remains light within its 100% wilderness setting. For all of the reasons mentioned, I hope I’ve made this 2013 trip showcase compelling. Make the Northwest Angle of Lake of the Woods a destination for your musky fishing in 2013.
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LOTW MUSKIES As a professional staff member for Cortland Line Company, one of my favorite tackle trends to both follow and participate in right now is the proliferation and usage of superbraids for muskies. When it comes to smooth effortless casting for 12+ hours per day, and strong hook-ups and landing muskies, Cortland Masterbraid and Spectron are the best things Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve ever seen and used for this sport. Malack and I had all of our casting rods and reels spooled with an assortment of 65 to 100lb Masterbraid and Spectron. Line is more important to me than rod and reel. Once you start using this stuff, forget it. Nothing else compares.
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September / October / November, 2013
Photograph by Andrew Ragas Fishing-Headquarters | Page 100
LOTW MUSKIES The musky fishing is on the upswing today thanks to a 54 inch size limit and numerous good year classes of fish. According to guides and other anglers, the good old days are presently occurring, for both the sport of musky fishing and LOTWâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s self sustaining fishery. Little is known whether the invasive rusty crayfish has affected the spawning cycles, YOY recruitment, and baitfish movements thanks to their destruction in weedbeds, but to us it is a concern.
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Photograph by Andrew Ragas Fishing-Headquarters | Page 102
LOTW MUSKIES Lake of the Woods is the most traveled fishing destination in North America and continues to become more popular with muskie anglers each year. Despite the number of anglers visiting LOTW on an annual basis, fishing pressure remains light within its 100% wilderness setting.
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Photograph by Andrew Ragas Fishing-Headquarters | Page 104
TOURNAM
Photograph by Robert Conley Fishing-Headquarters.com
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MENT DAY 08/25/13 - This date had been circled on
my calendar for months. The nerves and excitement building each and every time I saw it. What would it be like? How would it turn out? Was I ready for this? Always sitting in the back of my mind every time I hit the water, my confidence would waver with the bad days and be heightened with the good. I took advantage of every opportunity I could to learn, practice and perfect my skills that could make the difference. Some say it is the most humbling sport there is, even the best of the best have off days... Is tournament fishing for me? Could I compete? By Robert Conley
By: Robert Conley
Fishing-Headquarters Contributor
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quipment checked multiple times just to humor my anxiety, boat loaded and clothes laid out perfectly. It was finally the moment for my head to hit the pillow one last time before the big day. My mind swirled in and out of reality with thoughts of giant bass, raccoons tipping garbage cans outside, rods breaking on hook sets and sleeping through my alarm. The 4am buzzing of my phone was music to my ears and brought an instant sense of excitement, this was bigger than other fishing days. I would have ranked the feelings up there with Christmas morning or the first day of school and I shared that same gleeful hapFishing-Headquarters | Page 108
TOURNAMENT DAY
Photographs by Robert Conley Fishing-Headquarters.com
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piness that only a child seems to possess. It’s TOURNAMENT DAY and I am PUMPED!!! The antagonizing wait for the sun to rise seemed to last hours as we sat under the single lamp post at the water’s edge just waiting to drop the boat in. Those first few rays of sunlight appearing down river couldn’t come soon enough and as they finally our time had arrived. A quick, cool run down river to the tournament harbor felt like a blink of the eye and boat 32 was ready to rock. In charge of keeping count of the boats leaving before us sounded simple enough but truly was a difficult task. With such incredible machines ripping away at full pin creating havoc on the calm water it was very easy to become hypnotized by their power and beauty... 30... 31... 32 – that’s us, game on! The adrenaline surged as we blasted off, racing away from the 27 boats left sitting at the launch. Those feelings were quickly replaced with nervousness again as it was now fishing time, 9 hours to put 5 fish in the boat that beat the other 59 teams. Our plan was smallmouth in the morning, largemouth the rest of the day and my captain had all the locations picked out from past experience. Prep work had been done and it was time to put it all to task. With that first cast, first strike and first fish my nerves calmed as I quickly realized it’s just another day of fishing. All of the buildup but when we hit the water with rods in hand a warm comfort of being at home came over me. The fishing is a lot more focused on specific structure and locations, the movement around the boat is at an elevated pace and you make sure to set that hook with more purpose but it’s a day on the water doing what you love, fishing.
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TOURNAMENT DAY
If you are seeing our work for the first time we are Rob Fuchs (Basstard) and Rob Conley (Smooth). Two best buds from Ottawa, Ontario that spend every free moment on the water all year long. Whether itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s wading the rivers or braving the ice, we always stay passionate and dedicated in pursuit of the biggest and meanest Ontario has to offer. To follow our adventures or see more of our work please check out www.thebassassins.com or www.facebook.com/TheBassassins. Photographs by Robert Conley Fishing-Headquarters.com
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The tournament played out as planned picking up fish in all of our locations. We lacked great size but where able to find enough fishing to post a weight. The excitement and nervousness all came rushing back as you return to the harbor you vacated at top speed only hours before. The chatter of anglers over the water as our boats idle for our turn to step up to the stage. Tired from a long day of fishing hard we couldn’t
help but discuss the highs and lows we had just encountered. The addiction anglers have to tournaments could not have been clearer at that exact moment, although exhausted your brain is racing with decisions you could have made differently and you want to rush right out there to do it all over again. Is tournament fishing for me? There is no doubt it is. Could I compete? A weight of 12.11 pounds and
25th place finish out of 60 boats definitely says that I can. I already have the next date circled on my calendar and next time I will look to answer new questions, next time I with bring a more educated approach to the day, next time can’t get here soon enough. Never stop pushing yourself… - Smooth
Photograph by Rob Wendel Fishing-Headquarters | Page 112
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December 2013, January & February, 2014
WINTER ISSUE WE DONâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;T WANT TO THINK ABOUT ICE FISHING JUST YET . . . . . .
Photograph by Kenny Lookingbill
Expected Release Date: December 2, 2013.
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