L&H Outdoors Magazine Spring '18

Fishing with Worms | Food Plots | Spring Turnover in Our Lakes | Rod & Reel Favorites

Contents

In This Issue

10

Summer Boating Guide 20

from Local Dealers

by Tyler Wirth

Buggin’ Sunnies 30 in the Lakes Area

by Garhart Stephenson

Not Your Ordinary ATV 40 Side-by-Side Vehicles Expand the All Terrain Market

by Patrice Peterson

40 3 MN Fishing Facts 6 From the Office

19

by Erin Hintz

8

Rod & Reel Recommendations

by Jadyn Thomas, SCHEELS Fishing Expert

10 Spring Fishing with the Experts

by Alicia Underlee Nelson

19

Governor’s Fishing Opener

4

by MN DNR

Lake & Home Outdoors SPRING 2018

20

Volume 1, Issue 3 • SPRING 2018

BUSINESS OFFICE 118 South Vine Fergus Falls, MN

30

American Federal Expert 48 American Federal

50

Fish Love Worms, But Why?

PUBLISHED BY Compass Media

Publisher Kip Johnson

EDITOR Brent Rogness

Sales manager

by Ross Hagemeister, Meister Guide Service

John Burns

56

Becoming Your Own Fishing Guide

ART DIRECTOR

by Tim Bosworth

Kip Johnson

Sales staff

62

50 Lake Learning: Spring 58 Turnover in Our Lakes

by Moriya Rufer, RMB Laboratories

Food Plots 62

by Ted Wawrzyniak, MN State QDMA Chapter President

66 Service Directory

by Tina Shaw, US FWS

For advertising rates and information, contact artwork@lakeandhomemagazine.com.

Subscriptions available upon request.

Jerry Shea jerry@lakeandhomemagazine.com 218.205.7454 Erin Hintz erin@lakeandhomemagazine.com 218.205.2120 Tyler Wirth 320.828.1248

MAILING ADDRESS Compass Media PO Box 9761 Fargo, ND 58106

As a female, I don’t believe I’m a stereotype. I’m happy to spend the day in the woods, I can swing a hammer, and yard work is my game. However, as I processed writing for Lake and Home’s Outdoors Magazine, I came to the realization that I might just be more stereotypical than I like to admit. I own a fishing pole (it’s pink and lights up) but I’ve never used it. I feel sorry for a fish on a hook. I love venison and I’m glad someone is willing to hunt, but that’s not going to be me. My family jokes about buying my daughter camo and guns, because they knew from the time I was a little girl, I dreamed of playing Barbies and dress-up with my own little girl. And yes, I’m the wife who nags at her husband for spending too much time fishing and hunting (we’ve had some good “discussions” about that one).

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Lake & Home Outdoors SPRING 2018

However, when I think of the topics covered in this magazine, my first thought is my family’s hunting land south of Wadena. My grandpa purchased it when my dad was young and it’s been a prize in our family ever since. It’s rough and primitive but I have wonderful memories there growing up. Canoeing on the lake, building stick forts and riding stick horses, learning tree and plant species, numerous campfires, building log bridges through the swamps, cutting shooting lanes with my dad and brother, and taking midnight moonless walks in the woods where you’re so remote that you can’t see your hand in front of your face. That old shack and the land around it definitely enriched my life, but what meant, and still means the most is how much my dad loves that place. A lifelong hobby, or passion really, that he now shares with my brother and my husband.

We’re fortunate to live where we do.

Despite my nagging, I’m grateful that my husband wants to spend time with my brother and my dad in those woods, and that they want him there. And all joking aside, if my daughter prefers a fishing pole and camo to Barbies and dress-up, then we’ll get matching camo. I’ll even try to nag a little less about time spent away from home. Because, after all, that’s why we live here, right? These lakes and woods are pretty hard to beat, and the seasons are short. Who knows, maybe this year I’ll dust off that pink fishing pole.

In the spirit of the spring season, in this issue you’ll find an article on boats, highlight features of various types and manufacturers, and side-by-sides. We also have some great tips in a spring fishing with the experts article as well as an article on worms and bait. And of course, in preparation for hunting season, you’ll find an article on planting food plots.

Now get out and enjoy what is, in my opinion, the best season in Minnesota.

Erin Hintz

Marketing Consultant Lake & Home Outdoors

SPRING 2018 Lake & Home Outdoors

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8

Lake & Home Outdoors SPRING 2018

PHEASANTS FISHING

10 Lake & Home Outdoors SPRING 2018

As told to Alicia Underlee Nelson Comments have been edited for brevity

Take your fishing to the next level this season with tips from the experts. We asked local guides Ross Hagemeister of Meister Guide Service and Tim Bosworth of Out of the Blue Fishing Tackle, as well as Jadyn Thomas, a fishing expert at SCHEELS in Fargo, for their tips, tricks and tools – and where they’re fishing next. They have very different fishing styles, goals and philosophies, but they’re all committed to helping anglers catch more fish and get the most out of every moment on the water.

How do you adjust your fishing strategies for t he season?

THOMAS: Water temperature is a major factor in determining strategy.

The water temperature determines where and what type of weeds grow, which is where fish look for food and comfort. Another key factor to keep in mind is that later in the season, most species of fish will move to deeper water, which means you will need to change your fishing strategy to catch the deeper fish.

BOSWORTH: The season typically has three patterns–your spring, your summer and your fall fishing. Spring and fall, fish typically are shallower than they are in midsummer. In late summer, they’ll be deeper. I always consult with a good lake map with contour lines related to depth, and then also use my Humminbird fish finder to locate prime fishing locations.

HAGEMEISTER: What I like to do right away is choose a water depth and stick with it. It’s something I’d call a zone. I give a zone about an hour or an hour and a half. It’s a process of elimination.

Jadyn Thomas Fishing expert at SCHEELS in Fargo

I’m using my electronics to see fish, but I’m trying to figure out how that lake works. It’s not uncommon on a new lake to be wrong the first try, the first hour or hour and a half. If the first zone was a weedy area, I spend the next hour or so at a different depth level and maybe even away from weeds.

A prominent zone in a lot of lakes in Minnesota would be the weed line in a lake. The weed lines in our lakes around here are in the 12 to 20 foot range, which is pretty common.

Tim Boswort h

Out of the Blue Fishing Tackle

12 Lake & Home Outdoors SPRING 2018

Is t here such a t hing as an opt imal dept h?

Ross Hagemeister Meister Guide Service

BOSWORTH: Well, that varies with the season, but it’s critical to have good electronics to locate fish. If you’re seeing nothing on your depth finder, you’re likely not going to catch anything. The key is locating fish with a good depth finder and good images anywhere between 3 feet to 32 feet.

THOMAS: I tell people that if you’re fishing walleye or perch, you will want to fish at a lower depth, as they prefer hugging the lake bottom. I always try to keep my bait above fish, since fish feed looking up. As we start getting into middle to late summer, you can usually find crappies at lower depths as well.

BOSWORTH: You’ll find them suspended, so you don’t fish the bottom for crappies. You want to be a minimum of four feet off the bottom for crappies.

HAGEMEISTER: There’s no such thing as an optimal depth, as far as I’m concerned. Fishing is a problemsolving event every time you go out. And to solve problems, you need to have more than one tool. So in my opinion, it’s kind of dangerous to have a favorite depth. Not relying on a favorite depth keeps you out of superstition and out of panic.

What should everyone have in his or her tackle box?

THOMAS: If there’s one type of lure that everyone should be good at, it’s the jig. A jig can catch everything from bass to walleye. If you’re a good jig fisherman, you’ll have success any time of year with any species.

HAGEMEISTER: I’m a minimalist, really. I believe in taking one or two fishing methods and really doing what I call super refinement. I’ll take minimal tackle and minimum components and figure out the best way to work with minimal stuff, and that’s a personal choice. There’s no right or wrong way to go fishing.

My walleye tackle box is like a button box in a sewer’s room. If you looked at it, there would be some weights, there would be a component we call a swivel (the little junction in your line that keeps the sliding weight away from your hook) a lead of line and then a hook of some kind.

Ultimately, I’m kind of a hook and weight guy.

BOSWORTH: I would say Out of the Blue Walleye Spinner Rigs. I personally design them, and they work very well.

SPRING 2018 Lake & Home Outdoors 13

What is your go-to lure?

BOSWORTH: For trolling walleyes, it would be trolling bottom bouncers and custom designed #3 Colorado or Indiana spinners with 5mm beads. Walleye jigging, I have so many choices, but I usually go Gold and Glow.

For bass, I like to Texas rig a plastic worm or lizard in a red, shad, or chartreuse color.

Mid-summer bass lures include skirted deep jigs, tube jigs in shad, and orange/ black colors on a 1/4 ounce or less jig, including craw plastics and craw crankbaits in the spectrum of color.

HAGEMEISTER: Favorites will kill you. They’ll slow you up. One thing that worked really good last year–whether it’s a lure or a hook color–might not work this year. I try to keep an open slate so that when I enter a new situation, I’m not bound by this one thing that maybe will not work. Part of that is that I’m never satisfied. I’m always pressing to see if there’s something better.

THOMAS: If I could pick one lure to have, I would pick the Rapala Jigging Rap®.

It literally catches everything. It looks like a dying baitfish and that triggers a fish’s primal instinct.

What are your t ips for figuring out which bait to use?

BOSWORTH: The amateur can talk to anyone at a bait store about what’s working on that lake, or river.

I adjust to each pattern seasonally. An example would be using minnows early in the spring and then crossing over to crawlers in early summer and leeches in late summer and then back to minnows in the fall. The fish adapt to what’s available to them to eat, so that’s kind of what they’re looking for.

14 Lake & Home Outdoors SPRING 2018

THOMAS: The old rule is “match the hatch.” Look at what the fish are eating at that time of year, in that body of water, and match your lure to the natural food source. When I’m out fishing, I will look down in the water to see what types of school fish are in the lake and match my bait accordingly. Sometimes you can also find out what the fish are eating just by simply looking in the fish’s mouth.

Another great resource are the state officials. (Anglers) can go to their local DNR website and it will give you lots of good info for your next fishing trip. You can search county by county and dig through a lot of info that most of the public doesn’t know about. The DNR provides bait lists and will also include information such as counter maps, boat access and oftentimes provide a species list on what’s available to catch on that lake. This information will make your fishing trip more successful.

SPRING 2018 Lake & Home Outdoors 15

Any t ips for fishing wit hout a boat ?

THOMAS: If you’re a shore fisherman, your best time of the year will be spring and fall. This is when fish are going to be up shallow. I would also suggest picking smaller bodies of water and to fish more rivers and streams. In smaller bodies of water, the water values are constantly changing, which makes the fish more likely to come to you.

HAGEMEISTER: I think most people are looking at inlets and outlets to rivers and creeks that go into lakes, because those are open areas to fish. You almost have to scan maps, trying to find the little quiet spots that aren’t fished a lot.

We have nice DNR docks, public fishing piers. If you own a pair of waders, you’re going to be better off, because you can

walk out into the lake and get more fish with more specialized gear like a pair of waders and rods that can cast out further, that’s going to be beneficial.

BOSWORTH: There’s some real good opportunities to shore fish in spring because the water warms up in the shallows first. The north side of the lake or a channel between lakes–it’s amazing what you’ll find in the spring, because the sunfish and crappies will come into as low as a foot of water to spawn.

But it’s important to not harvest the females full of eggs. If you squeeze the fish a little bit, eggs will come out. Throw her back in. You want to maintain your fishery.

16 Lake & Home Outdoors SPRING 2018

How can experienced anglers take fishing to t he next level t his year?

HAGEMEISTER: My golden rule is to never think you know anything. I’m an open page to fishing every day. Each of us fish as our own individual and I think it’s a good idea to refine your own ideology and methodology, especially if something is working there. Just keep refining something that seems to be working for you. It’s like golf. You can watch golf, but if you put a golf club in your hand and actually do it, it’s a whole other deal. There are things you just need to keep practicing and get better at.

BOSWORTH: Definitely look at how up-to-date you are on your electronics. There have been so many advancements in electronics like the i-Pilot, for example. If I was to take my game to the next level, that’s the first place that I would invest in.

THOMAS: Pick three bodies of water you have never tried before, this change in scenery gets you out of your element. If you’ve only fished a 2,000-acre lake, try fishing Lake of the Woods or Mille Lacs. You can also pay attention to tournament and professional fishermen. You can learn a lot from them, as this is their job–to catch fish under different conditions.

SPRING 2018 Lake & Home Outdoors 17

How does t he weat her influence your fishing plans?

THOMAS: Weather can play a big part.

The main factors that I pay attention to is temperature, wind and barometric pressure. You want the days leading up to your big fishing trip to be really stable. If you get a big cold front coming through, that’s going to make fish really sluggish, same thing with a big heat wave. You don’t want a lot of turmoil under the water. Wind can also impact current and where baitfish are going to be positioned.

BOSWORTH: Wind is good. They call it walleye chop. A light wind is good to break the amount of light going into a lake, so it creates a better environment for walleye fishing. Also it’s a good idea to fish the windswept shore, because the wind pushes baitfish into that shore.

HAGEMEISTER: It affects things. I’ve done this full time for 23 years. I’m literally on the lake with customers all day, every day in the summer. That means that I get to fish through every scenario in the season.

This weather definitely does influence fish positively and negatively, but it happens so rapidly and the fish will continue to feed often anyway.

It’s really easy to say “Gosh, the weather changed, so therefore the fish aren’t biting.” It doesn’t mean you should ever stop. It doesn’t mean you won’t find something along the way. I feel very strongly that there’s something biting all the time somewhere, you just have to figure that out.

What t ips can you offer for anglers who like to troll t he shallows?

HAGEMEISTER: Cover as much ground as possible. When people talk about trolling shallow, they’re typically making reference to what we call “big flats.”

So based on that, it does take some coverage to find those walleye. Your flat might be one-mile by one-mile square.

Troll at maximum effective speeds, if you’re trolling with crankbait.

I troll a lot of big lines and circles and curves and I try to find a bite. And once I find it I mark it with a visual buoy or a GPS mark and then I fish that zone. Some good fishermen like to stand and cast big circles–what they call fan casting– and that’s one way to cover big areas quickly.

18 Lake & Home Outdoors SPRING 2018

BOSWORTH: I’d troll the shallow end of the windswept side of the lake. You also want to troll the shallow end of a deep break. The fish will ambush baitfish from a deep hole onto the shallows.

If you look at a lake map and you see where the break lines are tight together, that’s a steep drop off. You can troll up and down that steep drop off to find the fish.

THOMAS: For crappies and bluegills, you’re going to find them in your shallow reeds and weed beds in the spring when they are starting to spawn. When trolling the shallows, I usually use a pretty aggressive bait that has a lot of action.

Shallow fish are aggressive fish, you want to match their aggression.

OUTDOORS

FISHING

The Minnesota Governor’s Fishing Opener has been a tradition in Minnesota since 1948. It was designed to improve Minnesota’s economy through the development and promotion of the state’s recreational opportunities, especially fishing. The first opener was a cooperative promotion between the state’s resort industry, media, and public officials. Today, the emphasis is even broader. It celebrates the kickoff of the summer tourism season. The special partnership between Explore Minnesota, the Minnesota DNR and a host community continues today to promote the area as well as recreational opportunities statewide.

This year’s opener will be held May 10-13 in the Willmar Lakes Area. Within this area, there are 29 lakes (29,040 total acres) managed for angling by staff at the DNR area fisheries office in Spicer. These 29 lakes have public access ramps and parking.

Willmar area lakes offer a fantastic variety of angling opportunities, and the mobile angler can nearly always find willing sunfish up to 10 inches long. The area is also known for great largemouth bass action with some lakes offering an opportunity to catch a bass that weighs more than seven pounds. Walleye populations are strong, and jumbo perch that tip the scales at a pound or more are found in shallow prairie lakes including Wakanda, Lillian and Big Kandiyohi. Opportunities for smallmouth bass are found at Green and Nest lakes, and northern pike, including an occasional trophy-sized fish, can be hooked in many area lakes.

Fishing regulations for northern pike will be different in the Willmar Lakes Area this year starting with the May 12 opener. Licensed anglers can possess 10 northern pike; however, only two can be larger than 26 inches, and all between 22-26 inches must be immediately returned.

No boat? No problem! There are many shore fishing opportunities in the Willmar Lakes Area. Some of the best shore fishing areas are at Foot Lake in Willmar, Ringo Lake, the outlets of Green and Florida lakes, the piers and bridges of Mud Lake above New London, and beneath the Hwy. 23 bridge at Nest Lake.

OUTDOORS

Green Lake is the largest and deepest lake in the Willmar Lakes Area at 5,406 acres and 114 feet deep. Walleye are the most sought-after species on Green Lake, but if the sometimes finicky walleye aren’t biting, Green also supports large sunfish as well as crappies, smallmouth and largemouth bass, and northern pike.

SPRING 2018 Lake & Home Outdoors 19

by Tyler Wirth

With summer just around the corner, we’ve taken a closer, more in-depth look at some great boating options from some of our favorite dealers right here in the lakes area.

With a variety of new features, options and styles to choose from, you’re sure to find the right fit for all your summer adventures.

SPRING 2018 Lake & Home Outdoors 21

UNDER THE HOOD The model shown, a G23 Swingback Sport Arch, is paired with a 200-HP Yamaha 4 STROKE Digital Electronic Control via the SPS Performance Package. While a larger, 25-inch transom is needed to accommodate the larger engine, the SPS Performance Package accommodates up to 13 passengers and can still get on plane quickly, perform recreational towing, or quickly get to a desired destination.

This model also features slightly thicker

Cruising in the mid-class luxury category, the Bennington G Series pontoon allows extreme flexibility for owners looking to customize the layout, use, and overall look of their craft. With a range of engines available, one can opt for up to 350-hp for heavier recreation or dial it back with 150-hp for the more casual cruise. Either way, Bennington is a wonderful way to spend quality time on the lake.

pontoons for added safety and buoyancy, however, what is gained in capacity does cost a bit more in dry weight (i.e. may need different boat lift considerations as compared to other models).

Additional powertrain-related features with this package include Sea Star Hydraulic steering, an underdeck wave shield, and a Yamaha Command Link with D.E.C. (digital GPS speedometer, tachometer, fuel gauge, and water separator).

KICKER SPEAKERS Rearward facing speakers in the Swingback base along with aft stereo controls distinguish the G23 from many.

200-HP YAMAHA 4 STROKE ENGINE 2.8L 4 Cylinder with D.E.C. (Digital Electronic Control) – digital gauge cluster provides any needed information at a glance.

SWINGBACK

22 Lake & Home Outdoors SPRING 2018

The signature stern lounge features an adjustable back bolster to accommodate forward or rearward seating, with the base containing additional storage and pop-up changing room.

LAKE AND HOME OUTDOORS \\ BOAT GUIDE Together, these amenities not only make it comfortable and easy to drive, being the captain is truly a privilege.

Recreational towing and faster speeds or maneuvering will undoubtedly play into the fuel consumption, however, a 35-gallon fuel tank should meet a wide variety of stamina needs and help owners worry less about frequent refueling.

EXTRAS The Sportback Arch feature on the G23 creates a more open stern of the craft where a small gate replaces the more traditional door, creating easier aft entrance/egress for swimming and sunning. The overall look and feel of the

boat can be greatly customized with six of either the base vinyl or six accent choices available. Along with two-tone vinyl furniture, the G23 comes with a Quick Release 10’ Bimini top for on-demand shade.

Within the layout and seating arrangement, further refining can be achieved via furniture add-ons such as reclining chairs, a refreshment table with cooler, or even portable cupholders. As with anything, adding extras comes with a price, but many find the Bennington customization and tailoring options worthwhile and a signature of the brand.

SUMMARY Be it a craft an owner desires to make their all-around boat or one they simply use for cruising, the Bennington name, no doubt, is synonymous with quality, luxury, and simply having a good time on the water.

Frontier Marine and Powersports will ensure both the buying and overall Bennington experience meet expectations as “…we stand behind all the products we sell and service.”

OUTDOORS

ELEVATED HELM Elevated helm assists the pilot’s field of vision and all-new Zebrawood with beige accents on the dash create an elegant, yet functional captain’s space.

PREMIUM FURNITURE Ergonomically-designed, proprietary blend of five compressions of high-density foam pair with self-draining channels to provide superior aesthetics and resistance to the elements.

BOW Pillowtop furniture upholstered in Napa Beige Simtex accented with Tuscan Dune Diamante with Dzingo pattern – removable seat tops reveal ample storage.

HULL DESIGN Fully-welded aluminum over the triple pontoons ensures a strong and rigid structure, and also features a 10-year bow-to-stern structural warranty.

Photo and information provided by:

See our ad on page 45 SPRING 2018 Lake & Home Outdoors 23

PHEASANTS

Whether a pro or novice, the Warrior V208 creates fishing experiences like few boats can through a wide range of options to accommodate any skill level. The power, ease-of-use, and ability to fish multiple species puts the V208 in the upper ranks for boats in the same price range.

Warrior Boats is owned by local and avid walleye fishermen, with components manufactured and assembled in the heart of the Lakes Area out of a 13,500 square foot factory in Melrose, Minn. The standard dual consoles, ability to power

match with Evinrude, Mercury, Yamaha, or Suzuki, and overall layout not only adapt well to the type of owner, but to just about any weather condition encountered as well.

UNDER THE HOOD The V208 can be married with a variety of powerplants with the one shown boasting a Mercury Verado 350 which certainly moves boat and crew to and from quickly. The inline 6-cylinder engine leads the same class as Yamaha and Suzuki

350-HP engines, yet features new options such as counter-rotating propellers for better control and hole-shot as well as an engine cowling air intake for additional air cooling. The Electro-Hydraulic steering system allows for greater control at higher speeds, putting Warrior boats in a unique position to host larger engines than many a competitor. A generous 65-gallon fuel tank undoubtedly increases on-the-water pleasure, travel distance/time, and fishing capabilities.

SEATING MERCURY VERADO 350 In-line six-cylinder engine with charge air cooling and electronic boost pressure control. Standard electrohydraulic steering and counter rotation is available if desired.

Four custom Warrior seats with power bell & slide at consoles.

TROLLING MOTOR 60� 112# Terrova i-Pilot w/MKA-21 Quick Release & RAM Stabilizer

LIVEWELLS Two five-gallon bait and one 30-gallon fish livewell all with EZ Pump Fast Speed, lights, and recirculating air systems.

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LAKE AND HOME OUTDOORS \\ BOAT GUIDE With dual consoles and component controls appropriately placed, few functionalities lay beyond an arm’s length to control, which is crucial for anglers wanting to maximize the time their line is in the water. Other standard items include ample rod storage lockers on both sides of the craft, two five-gallon bait and a 30-gallon aerated livewell, and a 112-lb thrust Terrova i-Pilot trolling motor.

For anglers interested in getting a leg up on their competition, or perhaps those who want the red-carpet fishing experience, most upgrades can be found in the types of fishing conveniences available, however, the 112-lb thrust Terrova i-Pilot trolling motor is already a phenomenal, included component. This GPS-enabled

unit allows hands-free autopilot trolling so anglers can hit the same spot time and again at the touch of a button – long gone are the days of dropping and later retrieving a brightly colored milk jug buoy.

Paired with full-lifetime hull and threeyear topside warranties, the engineering of Warrior boats is definitely noteworthy.

The Warrior Smart Trolling Keel™ improves overall boat control by distributing weight and limiting bow drift in windy conditions.

Additionally, unidirectional layers of Knytex® fiberglass strengthen the overall structure such that wood (which can eventually weather) is no longer used in overall construction.

SUMMARY To have a local company with local owners build boats like the Warrior V208 is pretty incredible, and Chuck Barth (one of the company owners) adds “…the ability to be a fishing boat along with a pleasure boat is simply amazing; it provides the best of both worlds. When you compare the quality and workmanship of Warrior, you’ll find we have superior handling on the water.”

OUTDOORS

DUAL CONSOLE Allow for improved passenger comfort during higher speeds and additional storage.

JBL RADIO Superior sound and Bluetooth operation with two speakers.

HULL DESIGN Knytex® Fiberglass construction with even weight distribution to increase overall strength and prevent bow drift.

Photo and information provided by:

BOW CONTROL PANEL Livewell control center with timer; trim switch and trolling motor receptacle.

See our ad on page 21 SPRING 2018 Lake & Home Outdoors 25

PHEASANTS

2018 SEA-DOO GTI SE When it comes to personal watercraft, few match up to the name that Sea-Doo has built for itself over the years. The new model year brings yet more innovation with the 2018 Sea-Doo GTI SE. With an advanced Intelligent Brake and Reverse (iBR®), Variable Trim System (VTS), and the iControl® which acts as the ‘brain’ of the

machine, riders will enjoy these features which allow a more customized ride and greater safety. The “SE” line comes in two available horsepowers – 130 and 155.

UNDER THE HOOD The Rotax® 1503 4-TEC® 130-hp engine is a stalwart that has proven itself over the last decade, providing the GTI model reliable

powertrain in the Sea-Doo family. The 155-hp model is more powerful, but both boast reliability and fuel efficiency while offering riders of all types instantaneous acceleration and a wide range of power to cruise, pull, or simply play on the lake.

The Intelligent Throttle Control (iTC®) and the iControl® work in harmony to start the

ICONTROL® Selectable “Touring” or “Sport” modes allow riders to customize their riding style.

INTELLIGENT BRAKE AND REVERSE (IBR) True brake system (U.S. Coast Guard recognized) and electronic reverse for enhanced maneuverability.

INTELLIGENT THROTTLE CONTROL (ITC®) ECO® mode automatically determines optimal RPM for maximum fuel efficiency.

VARIABLE TRIM SYSTEM (VTS™)

26 Lake & Home Outdoors SPRING 2018

“Parallels” the Sea-Doo with the water for enhanced ride.

LAKE AND HOME OUTDOORS \\ BOAT GUIDE

machine off in neutral, providing riders greater flexibility in starting from various settings. Additionally, the two systems work together to give riders a choice of a “Touring” or “Sport” mode. The touring mode creates a consistent acceleration while the sport mode provides for a more aggressive approach.

Along with the ride mode selection, riders can use the Variable Trim System (VTS™) to further enhance their preferred style of ride through adjusting the angle of the nozzle.

A third-generation Intelligent Brake System (iBR®) rounds out the propulsion unit with a unique, lever-operated brake that will stop the unit nearly 160 feet sooner than prior models. This, combined with the electronic

reverse, increases overall maneuverability for easier docking.

EXTRAS In and of itself, the 2018 Sea-Doo GTI SE model is an incredible piece of machinery that is sure to turn heads on the lake. From a retractable ski pylon to sandbag anchor, or any other accessory available in a wide variety, owners have ample ability to customize their Sea-Doo and create their true personal watercraft.

It may go without saying, but adding any of the many options available can meet just about any owner’s overall need and likely feed the neighbor’s jealous eye along the way.

SUMMARY Whether you’re a personal watercraft rider who wants to “tear up the lake,” or one who prefers a flat ride with a gentle breeze, the Sea-Doo GTI series has a machine that will meet your needs. Brad Noetzelman of Ollie’s Service adds, “These machines are so simple, you just hop on and go…and to start them up and be able to have instant control with the iBR is just awesome.”

OUTDOORS

TOURING SEAT Ergonomic design allows for 3 riders comfortably, with rear-facing “spotter” ability for watersports.

ROTAX® 1503 4-TEC® ENGINE Reliable, efficient, and the most powerful Sea-Doo engine available.

D-Sea-Bel™ system combines resonators and vibration-absorbing materials to make Sea-Doo craft some of the quietest on the water.

Photo and information provided by: ICONTROL® LEARNING KEY® GTI® HULL Medium-sized V-hull that is agile yet forgiving.

Programmable key allows owner to limit performance based on riders’ skill-level.

See our ad on page 43 SPRING 2018 Lake & Home Outdoors 27

RANGER 621FS With standard features that many would consider extras, the Ranger 621FS puts owners in an incredible position to fish for multiple species on big or small water without needing to worry about changing any other equipment than the fishing tackle required for the targeted species.

At 21 feet 8 inches in length, the craft comes with low or high windshields, engine options Driven to Dominate™, and enough standard amenities to make just about any angler smile when boarding the boat for the first time.

UNDER THE HOOD The Ranger 621FS is compatible with a number of engine suppliers, with Central Marine and Sports supporting Mercury and Evinrude. The model shown has mounted a Mercury Verado® 300 XL Pro engine, which is more than plenty for quick hole shots and a zippy top-end speed for less transit and more fishing time. Additionally, Sea Star Pro® hydraulic steering comes standard to ensure maximum control and comfort when traveling at higher speeds.

The cockpit of the 621FS has plenty of room to comfortably manage any of

one’s rigging or play fish as needed. With integrated tool holders and additional storage lockers, not only are tools easily accessible, but gear can stay dry or out of the way for more efficient use of onboard space. The Power Ventilated Rod Storage System™, for example, is a standard which helps keep rods and gear dry, ultimately reducing post-fishing gear duties that provide peace of mind one’s gear will work properly upon access.

ELECTRONICS

MERCURY VERADO® 300XL PRO 300-HP with high durability and low maintenance. Supercharged Pro FourStrokes give superior holeshot and excellent mid-range punch and top speed.

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12”, flush-mounted spaces provide best-in-class fish-finding options and customization.

CONTROL PANEL Keyless digital ignition along with custom gauges and digital switches (speed, tach, trim, fuel, water pressure, volt, temp).

LAKE AND HOME OUTDOORS \\ BOAT GUIDE Four all-weather custom-fitted premium marine-upholstered chairs come standard. All are fold-down with two that are side-swivel/power to make seating very comfortable and durable under the harshest of weather conditions.

The electronics options/packages available for the 621FS are no doubt impressive, with the availability of 12’, flush-mounted screens in both the bow and main console, putting tournamentlevel fish-finding performance within easy reading and reach of the captain and passengers alike. Much like a smartphone, most touchscreens are easily customized with grab-and-drag functionality and offers best-in-class screen clarity and target separation. This, along with a wide variety

of trolling motor compatibility provide anglers with the advantage of finding and staying on good fishing as easy and long as desired.

EXTRAS While standard equipment on the Ranger 621FS is very impressive, add-ons such as engine upgrades, additional accessory batteries, a kicker engine, or even a tow bar create an unparalleled level of convenience. Talk to your dealer to find the right upgrades to match your desires.

SUMMARY For most anglers in the market for a craft such as the Ranger 621FS, much of the research and desired amenities are known prior to visiting a dealer, so to

say ‘do your research’ might be a bit of a given. Eric Thesing, owner of Central Marine and Sports, adds that “…service is very important and we want all our customers to have a good experience on the lake. With Ranger celebrating 50 years in operation, you know they’re doing things right.”

OUTDOORS

CAPACITIES Hull Length – 21’8” Beam – 100” Horsepower – 250-350 Fuel Capacity – 56 Gal. Approx Boat Weight – 2,400 lb.

Center Rod Box Length – Row 1: 8’6” Row 2: 8’

POWER VENTILATION ROD STORAGE™

TROLLING MOTOR OPTIONS

Ensures quick drying of fishing gear to increase overall life of fishing gear.

Trolling system mounts come standard to host nearly any trolling options and sizes, further tailoring to anglers’ preferences.

HULL Upright, level flotation – in case of a breech or capsize, the craft will not sink.

LIVEWELLS

SEATING Four all-weather Soft Ride Seating (SRS) fold-down chairs.

Photo and information provided by:

Large aft livewell and forward bait livewell with Venturi Air and Pump-Out system.

See our ad on page 15 SPRING 2018 Lake & Home Outdoors 29

FISHING

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I

f there is any better way to ring in the month of June than bugging sunfish in Otter Tail County, I have yet to be enlightened as to just what that might be.

By bugging I do not mean “bother.” No sir, by “bugging” I mean using a fly rod to roll flies out to the pugnacious little brutes.

A wispy two weight rod arching hard, bouncing in response to the rhythmic tugs of a 10-inch sunfish is absolutely addictive. It’s a privilege I do not enjoy on any regular basis in my home state of Wyoming.

A few years ago, wanderlust inspired a phone call to my friend Vince Frost who resides in the Detroit Lakes region. My impetus was to arrange a meeting in North Dakota as part of an angling quest. He inquired just what I wished to accomplish.

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I offered that I needed some variety and named off a long list of possibilities, with emphasis on panfish.

Well, Vince had other thoughts. “I have a better idea, we have all of those fish right here. Why don’t you come and stay with me for a while?” Add to this the fact that he had another friend, Mike Illg, who really knows his stuff when it comes to saucer shaped fish. I pondered the situation. Stay with a cherished friend, go fishing with somebody that knows the whereabouts of the region’s entire sunfish population, see new territory, watch fireflies at night, and did I mention there’s a pool table in Vince’s garage? Of life’s more difficult decisions, this was not one of them. Not knowing what to expect, I loaded the car with gear until it was ready to pop its pinch welds then drove over 900 miles straight to Vince’s place.

I met Mike Illg the following morning. I was unable to repress my enthusiasm. Our number one priority was sunfish. In my mind I recalled childhood memories of Dad introducing me to bluegills, big ones, during a Christmas visit to the deep south.

Not since then had I seen large bluegills and sunfish in respectable numbers. Mike was about to change that.

We started out pitching beetle spins. Mike blew me away by catching and releasing a pumpkinseed that measured over 11 inches. I later learned that the state

record is smaller than that fish. Impressive.

I followed his advice and caught plenty of good fish too. One little problem we experienced though was the “bite-off blues.” Northern pike are vicious devils and exhausting our supply of little whirly bladed lures seemed to be their life’s calling.

Not one to ignore a golden opportunity, I pulled a large fly rod from its case and clipped a massive streamer to the titanium leader. With the huge twohand outfit I was able to plop this “road

kill special” out before the toothy ones. I must say it was mighty fun. Eventually my urge was satisfied and the big rod went back into its case.

Since my teens I dreamed of catching sunfish on a fly rod. These fish are bug eaters just like trout and there seemed no reason not to treat them as such. Since the fish were holding in submerged weed beds (often along the edges) in six to ten feet of water I chose a four weight setup with a clear, slow sinking fly line. When we pushed away from shore a proliferation

of damselflies and empty nymph shucks indicating a very recent hatch caught my attention; fly choice appeared obvious. Odds were that the sunfish were eating these bugs.

I rolled out a cast and let the fly drop down into the strike zone as we drifted along on a gentle breeze. A short stripping action imparted by drawing the line in and back, created the illusion of a damselfly nymph darting along. Bingo!

Fish on.

Mike was a bit intrigued. I assured him that it really was as fun as it looked. Of course, he was still catching plenty of fish with lures. However, he continued cursing the pike for stealing lures. On my end of things the problem had vanished.

Hmmm... It appears that while sunfish are bug eaters, pike are not.

My catch rate for crappie did drop noticeably, but bluegill and pumpkinseed provided cause not to care. I love these colorful fish. Pumpkinseeds in full hue absolutely enthrall me; they are perhaps the one fish that truly rivals our golden trout for sheer beauty.

Mike took me on a local tour that week, showing me a variety of great lakes. I fished out of my single seat kickboat while Mike fished alongside from his Lund on a couple of days when our schedules overlapped for only an hour or two. He thought that my tiny craft would be perfect for a lake that had motor restrictions where few people bothered to go. I paid heed to his recommendation.

After all, the man does have the statue of a giant bull horned bluegill in his yard.

This tiny gem of a lake turned out to be my favorite. Not only did I find solitude there, the lake afforded shelter from the raucous crashing waves of larger water on windy days. Of course, I didn’t hit a home run immediately. My initial foray started as a bust.

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I worked weed edges for two hours without action. I worried about winterkill, a genuine possibility. Mike indicated that new fish would migrate up the channel from a much larger lake anyway. Out of desperation to catch anything, the pike rod went into action. The results were anything but fast and furious but a few little “snakes” were present. At least there was life. However, when I left the gravel launch site, two rather large pumpkinseed did exit quickly. Perhaps I was beating a dead horse out deep.

Slowly I rowed into the wild rice zone, watching for signs of life. The first large opening contained fish, dozens. Good enough! I caught fish but experienced difficulty fishing heavily weighted damsel nymphs so shallow. Between the

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challenges of keeping the nymph up out of the vegetation along the bottom and then between folded blades of wild rice, I had my work cut out for me. There had to be a better option. About this time a caddis fly drifted across the surface carried randomly by the vagaries of air currents. I recalled making note of the insects to Mike when we fished the big lake downstream. I didn’t see enough of them to indicate a major emergence.

Still, it was an option and I had the flies to match. If sunnies would take dry flies it would totally solve the weed problem.

Well, these fish greedily plucked my caddis flies from the surface! By this point I switched to a 2 weight rod with a floating line. The ‘seeds were bigger than the ‘gills here and a few went past the 10 inch

mark. When matched against ultra light tackle and a strong 8 lb. test 3X tippet, the battle is quite compelling. I must, to my chagrin, admit losing a battle with a specimen that appeared to eclipse the 10 inch mark when it broke surface then dove back down just beyond my net.

I pulled hard to stop its run for the rice and the fish simply bored against my effort and snapped the tippet; never saw that coming. Oh well, it’s my ham fisted mistake and I accept that. The fish did what it takes to win; I salute her for it.

Over the past few years I have shared this fascinating adventure with a friend, Dave Mattocks. He moved back to Minnesota from Wyoming some years back. As luck would have it he lives not far from Detroit Lakes. Dave is a quick study and spent

little time learning the art with an old fly outfit that dates back to the time when I first learned to sling hackle. Each year I haul an extra kickboat for him to borrow and we spend a few days harassing feisty sunfish. Some are treated to a one-way ride…on the end of our stringers. The lion’s share get returned to the water in hopes of tricking them again some other day.

Dave now owns one of these super convenient kickboats of his own. While nowhere near as fast as a canoe, these craft allow the advantages of being propelled and controlled by fins on the end of one’s feet (dive fins or strap on styles both work) and portability. With pontoons deflated and the metal rowing frame disassembled, the boat easily fits in the trunk of a car. There are even

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frameless versions. The part I like best is the fact that my feet maneuver the boat while my upper body is busy catching fish. Consider these boats a one-angler, launch anywhere, panfish assault vehicle.

This past year, after spending two weeks in Otter Tail County catching a wide variety of fish species, it only seemed appropriate to end on the sunfish note. Several of us, all friends from days spent hunting snow geese, gathered at a placid lake I had yet to fish. One friend, Dave Coleman, lives right along the shore and he sent word to Dave Lunde that the bite was on.

The hot ticket was a lively leach squirming below a Rocket bobber, with emphasis on the Rocket bobber due to its ease of tilting to indicate the slightest take.

I started with leeches and the bite seemed too steady not to try my damselfly nymphs again. With sufficient lanes to work a fly between reed stalks I just simply could not resist. The 2 weight rod soon occupied my hand after an olive colored bug-eyed damsel nymph was quickly knotted to a

3X fluorocarbon tippet. I really like Trout Hunter brand tippet, the stuff is resilient and proved itself on some dandy bass that also inhaled the fat green nymph.

Those were invigorating touch and go battles. I won more of them than I really should have but will never complain of good fortune. The Daves, both of them, couldn’t help but comment on how much fun I appeared to be having, and fun it was. I also didn’t have to mess with bait.

Miss a strike? Whip, whip, bam, the hook is right back in front of the fish for another shot. I foresee a fly-fishing session for all. I will be sure to bring a lot more flies. I was down to my last nymph when we motored back to the dock.

Otter Tail panfish on the fly; it really doesn’t take much. Truth be known, I have caught almost all of my sunfish here over the past several years on three different flies: small black bead-head wooly buggers with grizzly hackle, “airhead” style elk hair caddis, and olive damselfly nymphs. I like my 2 weight fly rod best, but any fly outfit works. Fluorocarbon tippet does catch

more fish on days when they get real picky. Beyond that, all that is needed are fish and some way to get to them.

When the first days of June arrive, I intend to be bobbing around on picturesque lakes of western Minnesota enjoying the satisfaction of a robust sunfish doing its best to part my hand tied fly from the tippet. There will also be time spent discussing the day’s bite in the company of cherished friends over a game of pool in the garage.

These are moments by which life’s events of lesser importance are gauged, and then dismissed. These are moments destined to be repeated.

OUTDOORS

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All terrain vehicles

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ATV

The name and the image are recognizable to most people. These all-terrain vehicles have been around for a while, with wide usage since the 1980s. Typically limited to one rider who sits on and operates the vehicle like a motorcycle, they became popular for riding off road, carrying equipment, pulling small trailers, and even racing in some areas.

In the Midwest, their popularity soared, particularly in rural areas as owners of farms and lake property found practical uses for their hauling and towing capabilities. They’re also fun to ride.

In the past few years, a growing trend has been emerging as manufacturers began releasing a new “class” of ATVs that can do all that – and more. Commonly referred to as a side-by-side (up to three people can sit together across the seat) or

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a UTV (for its expanded utility capabilities), these vehicles boast a larger seating and payload capacity, which makes them appealing to a wider segment of the population.

“The basic ATV model is not going away anytime soon,” says Lee Bakken, general manager of Frontier Sports in Fergus Falls.

“But these UTVs are a little more user friendly, can seat from 3-6 passengers, and have the capability of adding a windshield, roof, doors, heaters and more to accessorize. For people who want a functional cab and additional seating, you can’t get that with an ATV, so this adds another attractive option to the all-terrain market.”

Brad Noetzelman, sales and parts manager at Ollie’s Service in Alexandria, agrees. “It’s almost like a mini truck. You don’t have to swing your leg over like you do on an ATV, so it’s easy to get in and out of – like a golf cart,” he says, adding that they’re also very quiet and have a tight turning radius.

Steve and Char Fog sold their ATV about a year ago and bought a 2016 Polaris Ranger side-by-side. Their home on Lake Seven in Frazee sits on a two-acre lot with a gradual, continuous slope from the top of the driveway down to their 180 feet of shoreline. Hauling wood to the lakeside firepit is now an easier task. So is getting the jet ski or ice fish house down to the lake, and pulling the docks and boat lift out of the lake.

With several impressive levels of flower and vegetable gardens, Char finds plenty of her own practical uses for the versatile and comfortable utility vehicle. It goes anywhere on their uneven, wooded lot, and in turf mode, it does not “eat up” the lawn.

“I love driving it – it’s so much easier to handle and steer, plus it has a bed in the back for hauling rocks, tools or gardening supplies, so I don’t have to hook up a trailer all the time,” she says. “Going up and down the hill is much simpler, and with the windshield, I don’t get as dirty!”

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With a full cab, including doors and a heater, Steve doesn’t get as cold, either.

When he plows the snow on that long, massive driveway, it’s a comfortable experience for both him and their dog, Rosa, who loves to sit in the passenger seat and ride alongside him.

While Char insists their side-by-side is more than a “toy” for them, there is no denying the fun factor.

“We’ve always enjoyed trail riding, both near our home and on state trails,” she says. “But when we went out last year with friends who have ATVs, we found that some of the trails are narrower and hairier when you have a side-by-side. We hadn’t realized ahead of time that several trails were marked for single ATV use, and we could only go on the wider ones.”

Noetzelman explains that on certain terrain, depending on usage, it’s important to be careful where you ride.

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“You have to remember that a side-byside is longer and wider, usually a 62-64inch wheel base, and an ATV is a 48-inch wheel base,” he says. “That can make quite a bit of difference when it comes to trail riding.”

SAFETY There may have been concerns about stability issues with these larger sideby-side vehicles when they were first introduced, but Noetzelman maintains that they’re very stable now, as long as they’re driven responsibly.

In the 2018 OHV Regulations, the Minnesota DNR classifies ATVs into two categories by size: Class 1 has a width of less than 50 inches, and Class 2 has a width greater than 50 but less than 65 inches. Along with registration information, required equipment, age restrictions and trail accessibility, the booklet also provides additional safety requirements.

According to Bakken, ATV safety abuses aren’t as much of an issue anymore, and injuries are actually down (in percentage) in the past five years.

“I feel that all the manufacturers are serious about safety, especially considering these vehicles, unlike a regular ATV, can now be driven on most county or township roads, as long as you’re off to the side,” he says.

“The majority of them come with seat belts and a factory-equipped rollover protection system, and they’re always improving their technology to continue to get better in every aspect.”

THE SKY IS THE LIMIT All those improvements and accessories come at a cost, of course. Bakken estimates that side-by-sides cost 40 percent more than a traditional ATV. A number of variables go into those costs, however, so it’s impossible to completely compare them, and there are trade-offs for where and how you can operate and utilize each one.

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Whether it’s an ATV or a UTV, there are usually 4-5 models to choose from with each manufacturer, but a base price can go sky high with add-ons for a sideby-side, and end up costing as much as an automobile or small truck, when you consider, among other things:

- SIZE OF THE ENGINE - STANDARD OR ALUMINUM WHEELS - STANDARD OR SPECIALIZED AUTOMOTIVE PAINT - ELECTRONIC POWER STEERING - 3-PASSENGER OR 6-PASSENGER - WINDSHIELD - ROOF - HEATED CAB

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Noetzelman mentions one rather unique specialty item that is available to replace wheels when navigating muddy or swampy conditions. “The track kit is becoming more popular as an add-on item for snowy conditions, too, and a few years ago a couple of young men from far northern Minnesota came into Ollie’s to purchase a track system for their Can-Am Defender side-by-side,” he recalls. “The ice house removal date was approaching, but cars, trucks, and even ATVs were getting hung up on the snowcovered lakes in their area. They went back up there, installed the track system, and it worked so well that they started their own little business removing ice fishing houses – even the larger ones.”

DOWN THE ROAD “How you plan to use an ATV or UTV can make all the difference in the world, but in the end, it’s all about personal preference,” Noetzelman adds, “I see the popularity of these side-by-sides as a future, not a trend. With all the comfort and safety features, it’s becoming more family oriented, especially in rural areas and lake country, where the family can all get into the vehicle and take a ride together.”

Will the side-by-side all-terrain vehicles replace the standard ATV?

Bakken doesn’t think so, and he says the dramatic shift in sales for side-by-sides could be leveling off.

“With the cab, ride handling and ease of use, these side-by-sides are comfortable and very, very nice, but there will always be a place for the basic ATV models that allow you to be out on your own and enjoying the total outdoor experience,” he claims. “The smaller size and affordability of a basic ATV will never lose its appeal.”

OUTDOORS

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EXPERT

Chris Marvel

American Federal Bank

QUESTION

WHAT ARE SOME OF THE ADVANTAGES TO THE CONSUMER OF AN IN-HOUSE MORTGAGE VERSUS ONE THAT WILL BE SOLD ON THE SECONDARY MARKET? Answer: In-house mortgages are ones that will be serviced by the bank that made the loan. They have greater flexibility in underwriting.

Underwriting is the decisionmaking process that banks go through in determining whether to make a loan.

Secondary market mortgage loans underwriting guidelines are very black and white. Banks often err on the conservative

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side to avoid the risk of having to buy back the mortgage and carry a long term fixed rate loan in their portfolio.

In-house mortgage loans may allow a consumer more options regarding the property that is secured by the loan, such as a seasonal cabin. In-house loans are serviced at the bank so you make your payments to the bank; and local staff can answer any questions about your loan.

Secondary market loans could be serviced locally, but are more often serviced by larger banks and pooled in with thousands of other loans. Most local banks offer both options and I would recommend making an appointment to meet with an experienced mortgage lender to determine the option that best suits your situation.

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FISHING

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N

ight crawlers and their smaller counterpart, angleworms, are synonymous with angling.

They are such indispensable baits that you can find them anywhere.

Bait shops, grocery stores, gas stations, drug stores and, of course, on the internet (Amazon Prime will have them at your door in a matter of hours). I may even recall finding a night crawler or two as the prize in a Cracker Jacks box back in the 80s.

Worms are the perfect bait. They can be fished at anytime in any fashion. Fish them whole or halved, straight, sideways, curved, curly, or bent. Use a night crawler with any technique. They can be castand-retrieved, flipped, trolled, twitched or jerked, or fished completely still. Crawlers and worms can be fished from a boat, bridge, or bank, off a dock at night or a pond’s edge at noon. It never ends!

Spring, winter, summer, or fall, put them on one hook, two hooks or even three.

Give them a spinner for flash or tip them on a jig that’s lead or one that floats. Fish them on a lake bottom, in a river eddy, or murky slough—and don’t forget to try stumps, rocks, sand or mud. Everything will eat a worm!

They’ll catch catfish, pike, walleye, bass, bluegill, crappie, red horse, grass carp, sucker, bull head or a mighty sturgeon— everybody makes a meal of the worm!

It’s amazing!

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Here’s the kicker—the big weird thing.

Worms don’t live in lakes! Or do they?

Nope. It’s common to see nightcrawlers and angleworms crawling on lawns and roadways after heavy rains because their houses are full of water. If they don’t crawl out of the saturated soil they’ll drown. They’d rather chance hungry birds, children, and car tires than drown. That suggests they are not water critters.

You’ll also notice that after they spend two days in a puddle, they die. Therefore, we can conclude that night crawlers do not live in water. That raises the almighty nightcrawler fishing question, the one I get nearly every day when I’m guiding— and a very good question, indeed: “Why do fish like nightcrawlers if they don’t live in lakes?”

I usually respond by saying something fishy and smart like, “Because they are representational.”

That means, worms might mimic something that fish instinctively and positively respond to by scent or vision, or both.

Do they smell and look like crawdads/ crayfish? Are there other nematodes that wiggle on the lake’s bottom that are a tasty cousin of the angleworm or night crawler? It’s the best most difficult question I run into every year, forever.

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PHEASANTS By the time I’m done with my professional opinions and scientific guesses (although I’m not a scientist), I typically conclude the discussion with the simple and effective notion that perhaps it’s one of the great fishing mysteries that really just needs to be left alone.

What we know for sure is what’s most important; fish LOVE them and we should be at peace with that.

I want to conclude with a list of fishing tips for summer walleye fishing with night crawlers:

Tip #1 Bring lots of nightcrawlers fishing. Know that when you buy a dozen crawlers they are not all “good.” Some are too small/ skinny, some are dead, and panfish and other non-walleye species will get a bunch. Consider buying an entire flat. For about 45 dollars you get about 500 night crawlers—now that’s a good selection!

Tip #2 Even though walleye don’t know what night crawlers are, they do know when they are dead. Dead worms have zero value, so you need to replace them.

To test a worm for life, just give it a little pinch in the middle and it should reflex or constrict a bit—no reflex, no good. By the time water temps reach the low to mid 70s (late June, July, and August), night crawlers may only live 10-15 minutes!

Tip #3 When you troll a night crawler through the water in the middle of summer, they stretch. A worm that starts out six inches long on your hook will be 13 inches long after about 10 minutes in warm lake water

and that’s too long for most walleye.

I recommend shortening your night crawler; three or four inches seems to be optimal.

Tip #4 Be sure to have a “worm blower” in your boat or tackle box. Worm blowers add heft to otherwise scrawny worms and will also add buoyancy, which helps keep the night crawler out of bottom crud.

Tip #5 Night crawlers live in dirt so it makes good sense that humans keep them in dirt or bedding that is usually made of newsprint material. When the consumer/anglers buy crawlers they come in styrofoam cups. The cups spill easily and break apart if you sit on them and they also act as worm ovens when the sun is out.

Consider keeping your worms in a small amount of ice-water while fishing. They survive very well and the fish love a nice cold worm! Just be sure to put them back in dirt after you’re done fishing. If you do decide to start putting your night crawlers in ice water for your fishing outings, note how clean your boat floor is and how notdirty your hands are!

Good luck fishing with worms this summer!

OUTDOORS

From the Author: Fish of all makes and models love night crawlers.

Sturgeon, like this one, seem especially fond of them. As a fishing guide, I consider lake sturgeon to be “awesome bonus fish” on guide outings.

They are a catch-and-release only species, so if you boat one while fishing Otter Tail County. this summer, take a quick photo and release it right away. For more information regarding lake sturgeon, refer to your 2018 fishing rules and regulations.

In case you’re wondering, I’m on the left and my fishing guest who caught it is on the right.

Photo by Ross Hagemeister, Meister Guide Service.

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FISHING

PHOTO: Otter Tail County walleye using Fenwick Walleye Elite Series 6’6” Rod paired with a Pluefer Supreme spinning reel. My go-to combo for jigging and rigging!

I

n 2014, after 20 years of managing in a major retail store, I decided it was time to get out of the 60 hour corporate weeks, and start my own business. I had always had the entrepreneurial spirit, but never had enough time to develop anything. The career I was in was critical to raising a family with four children. Capitalizing on tenure and staying with the same company for over 27 years now, I accepted an hourly position, and devoted the extra time to develop plans for a start-up company.

Initially, I did some research on some franchise opportunities. I thought that Fergus Falls could use a Dairy Queen on the west side of town. I took notes and explored the possibility of opening a music store in Fergus Falls. Ultimately, the decision to not pursue these ideas was about changing my lifestyle, and not just jumping from one stressful career to another.

Fishing has been my passion for as long as I can remember. Having grown up in Bismarck, ND in the 70s, the Big Muddy Missouri was the playground for me. As a kid on a bike and a Zebco 202 combo borrowed from my dad’s garage, I would peddle west to the river with wide eyes of adventure. On any family camping trip, I was the first one to run to the lakeshore with a can of crawlers or corn to fish from shore.

At 51 years old, I was working just a 40 hour week. For the first time in 30 years, I had more time to go fishing. In October of 2014, I was able to accept an invitation to join a group of guys to fish out of Selkirk, Manitoba, chasing greenbacks on the Upper Red River, and the Winnipeg River up into Traverse Bay. While this has become an annual event for me, it was that first fishing trip to Canada that influenced me to pursue my passion to the next level.

With my desire to start my own company, and knowing that my best resources and talents lined up with my passion for fishing, I launched a project to start Out of the Blue Fishing Tackle Company,

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because most of my ideas come “out of the blue.” I spent the winter and spring of 2015 developing products and a logo.

As I was developing my first hand-painted jigs and walleye spinner rigs, I was also creating a logo with the help of artistic family members. My goal was to create a strong brand, and I was very pleased with the outcome of the initial Out of the Blue Willy image! The original logo has only been modified once since, with the help of Nick at Sign Works in Fergus Falls who added the signature white tip on the tail.

Once I had a logo and some products, I contacted the Secretary of State Office in Minnesota and registered to do business, and went through that process to receive a Minnesota Tax ID. With a sales tax permit in hand and registered as an L.L.C. (Limited Liability Company) in Minnesota, I was off to the races to sell my product.

I worked with a friend to set up a website.

I contacted GoDaddy.com to get my URL, and with the help of that friend, I opened up a website to introduce my first items and new guide service.

As I was creating Out of the Blue, my largest concern was brought to my attention by a number of influential people. That is – “If you make your passion your business, will it take away the enjoyment of your personal experience with that passion?”

That is a very important question to ponder for any outdoor enthusiast who is considering creating a business around their favorite sport. I have experienced that when selling custom tackle at a craft fair on a perfect fishing day, when every fishing buddy I know is catching their limit of walleyes in Otter Tail County!

I have also guided people to catch fish and have so much fun that it has been extremely rewarding!

In developing Out of the Blue Fishing Tackle Company over the last three years, many other partnerships have been established to develop a product line of custom designed tackle, and develop a local fishing guide service. I

now fully understand the need to reach out locally for support. Local partnerships with Frontier Marine and Power Sports, the Fergus Falls Area Chamber of Commerce, Mimi Rae’s & Addy Grace, Summer Fest, Battle Lake Craft Fair, Sign Works, and 88 Graphics have been key to the successful development of the business.

In the development of my hand-painted jigs, I enlisted Facebook friend and local artist Carissa Baez. She helped with the Orion’s Belt Series where she developed the detail and finishing work on that inspired hand painted jig, and others including the Alien’s Eyes. Carissa came in at the ground floor of Out of the Blue Fishing Tackle Company, and has assisted with product design, product marketing, and Guide Service Connection in Otter Tail County.

Out of the Blue Fishing Tackle Company has a mission statement, and a vision to... “promote local entrepreneurs who have dedicated themselves to hand-crafting tackle.”

Yaeger Feather Bombs are the creation of Mike Yaeger and are packaged and marketed by Out of the Blue. Mike produces an impressive line of bucktail feather jigs with six products on the website, and a marketing plan for the Out of the Blue Fishing Tackle Company Facebook site to launch in May 2018.

Mike has been a partner with Out of the Blue for over two years. While the Spinner Rigs and Feather Bombs are shown on the website, it is preferred that if customers are interested in buying, they should choose the “Contact the Captain” button, so they can custom design exactly what they want.

Out of the Blue set up a Facebook page in 2017, and that has been a great link to new business opportunities.

Mudd Butt Baits www.muddbuttbaits. com has partnered with www. outofthebluefishingtackle.com. Bill Copus at Mudd Butt Baits has given me a soft plastics vendor that I will represent at my upcoming shows including Summer Fest at the Regional Treatment Center Grounds June 8th through June 9th.

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Lake learning

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We are now near the summer season on our lakes again. Once the ice melts off the lake, the lake goes through a period of mixing like it did back in the fall.

the denser water is heavier and will be at the bottom of a lake while the less dense water is lighter and will generally be at the top of the lake.

The layering of lakes has to do with the relationship between water density and temperature. Water is most dense at 39 degrees Fahrenheit (4 degrees Celsius), and as water warms or cools from that mark it gets less dense. This has implications for a lake’s structure because

In the winter, most of the water under the ice is 39 F; however, there is a thin layer of water under the ice that is colder than 39 and therefore less dense. This thin layer of water floats on top of the lake under the ice throughout the winter.

In the spring in Minnesota the ice melts off the lake, and the top layer of water on the lake gets warmed by the sun to 39 F, which matches the temperature of the rest of the lake water. Then the spring wind picks up and the lake mixes. This is called spring turnover. Oxygen and nutrients get distributed throughout the water column as the water mixes.

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PHEASANTS

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As nutrients are available at the surface of the water again and the sun gets stronger, the first algae are able to grow. In May the water may look somewhat brownish, which is due to the type of algae that grows at that time of year. The earliest algae are called diatoms, and they have more of a brownish color than a green color.

In the winter, the fish go where there is oxygen in the lake. That usually means the deeper spots. As the lake turns over and plants start growing in the shallow areas again, they add oxygen to the water through photosynthesis and provide cover for fish from predators. The fish then begin returning to shallow water.

The timing and duration of spring turnover depends on the size and depth of the lake. As the weather becomes warmer in late May, the surface water warms again and begins to float on top of the cold deeper water. Once the lake begins to form into layers, summer stratification (layering) has begun.

You can track spring turnover in an individual lake with a Secchi disk. A Secchi disk measures water clarity. During spring turnover, the clarity of a lake usually decreases because mixing brings up nutrient rich water from the bottom of the lake and causes the lake to look cloudy.

Also, the algae start growing due to the available nutrients, which decreases water clarity. Then, when turnover is complete, the clarity increases. If you take Secchi disk readings and surface water temperature readings every few days in May and early June, you can track spring turnover.

Most lakes in northern Minnesota are considered dimictic, meaning they mix twice a year - spring and fall. Shallow lakes, less than 15-20 feet, behave differently and can mix more often throughout the summer.

You can read more about lake mixing at: https://www.rmbel.info/primer/ stratification-and-mixing/.

Enjoy the lakes! This article was written and shared by Moriya Rufer at RMB Environmental Laboratories as part of continuing education for their Lakes Monitoring Program (218-846-1465, lakes@rmbel.info). To learn more, visit www.rmbel.info.

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PHEASANTS Fo od plots

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I

remember several years ago when I harvested my first deer in a food plot I had planted. The food plot looked great after spending time all summer getting the soil in the proper condition.

I sprayed it a couple times during the summer, worked it up three or four times, fertilized it heavily, and planted some brassica out of a very nice looking bag that I found in a sporting goods store.

That brassica/winter wheat plot grew above my knees that fall and when the mature doe stepped out on that late September day, I arrowed her and she ran less than 70 yards before collapsing.

As I field dressed her, I thought it would be interesting to cut open the stomach of that doe to see what she had been eating. To my surprise, her stomach was not full of luscious green vegetation.

Sure there was a bit of plant material that I could make out as the wheat and brassica I had planted, but the majority of the contents were other materials, including what looked like twigs, leaves, weeds, seeds, and berries.

At first, I think I was a bit offended. How dare that deer eat anything other than what I had planted?

After all, I worked very hard on the plot and spent a great deal of money doing it.

It wasn’t until a few more years into my journey in the practice of quality deer management (QDM) that I understood what was going on. Deer are browsers and simply will not rely on one source of food for its diet.

Many people I talk to now who are new to QDM and land management talk about managing their habitat to support more deer. The first thing people generally talk about next is

how they want to plant as many acres of food plots as possible. Food plots play a very important role in the overall management of deer, especially in the Midwest, but I want to get you to think big picture and understand what you need to do to fulfill your long term goals.

Deer need food, cover, and water to survive and thrive. If you want to maximize the number of deer on your land, you must provide all three, so it is important to understand when you have met the needs for each one of these.

This article will focus on the food component of this trio of needs. Before we talk about how to provide food for deer, it is important to know how much food the deer will need. Each deer will consume roughly one ton of food per year. Of course, the amount they eat on a daily basis will vary by time of year, but knowing that you must provide one ton per deer is critical.

As I mentioned earlier, the deer I shot years ago had a very diverse diet, so knowing that, let’s take a look at how much forage different types of habitat will provide.

If you have a mature forest, with a closed canopy “park” appearance, you can expect your habitat to produce about 50-100 pounds of food per acre annually, depending on how much of that forest is hard mast trees such as oaks. This is the type of habitat that really looks nice and you are able to see a few hundred feet through the woods. It has big tall trees with lots of shade. There is very little vegetation growing on the forest floor due to the shade of the big, tall trees. Keeping the one ton per deer number in mind, 100 acres of mature forest alone can support four deer.

A young forest will provide about 1,000 pounds of food per acre. Young forest is achieved when timber is cut/ harvested or an old field is allowed to grow up into trees. You may have a few oaks starting to produce acorns and a mix of other trees. In a young forest, you will have the presence of fruit-bearing shrubs and numerous native plants that deer have eaten for centuries before food plots were ever planted. This happens because the trees are not big enough to close the forest canopy and sun is allowed to hit the ground. In contrast to the mature forest, you cannot see very far through this woods and you may even classify it as “thick brush,” providing the added benefit of cover. If you had 100 acres of this type of habitat, you could support 50 deer. Take this one step further and add a prescribed fire to this young forest in an effort to keep the forest young, and you can now provide 1,500 pounds of food per acre, supporting 75 deer on that same 100 acres. I hope to provide more information on the benefits of fire in a future article.

A technique called old field management can provide up to 3,000 pounds of food per year.

Old field management is pretty much what it sounds like. Old field management is simply managing a piece of land to maintain a composition of early successional plants, meaning you simply do not ever let trees creep in or allow a few non-preferred species of plants to dominate the landscape. In a field like this, you may have native grasses that you either planted or simply allowed to grow from the natural seed bank. This type of habitat will have a large diversity of plants called forbes.

Some of the ones that deer highly prefer are pokeweed, oldfield aster, prickly lettuce, blackberry, partridge

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pea, beggar’s lice, ragweed, sumac, and goldenrod. Many people see a field full of these plants and they are disgusted with all the “weeds.” A trained eye, however, can look at this field and see a whitetail heaven. Not only does this field provide large amounts of food, but it also contains great bedding and escape cover.

Through management, you can influence this composition. Burning or light disking of the field is all that is needed (mowing is not nearly as effective). Do it in the spring, and you will promote grasses or perform this in the fall and you will encourage more forbes. If you are starting to see trees get established, you might have to do this in the fall or even spray them with something like Arsenal. Doing this once every 3-5 years is adequate. One hundred acres of this type of habitat will produce enough food for 150 deer.

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Finally, there are food plots. Food plots can provide anywhere from 1.5 – 5 tons of food per acre. Yes, I said TONS. Here are some common food plot species and their respective annual production per acre:

Turnips & Brassica: 2-5 tons Wheat: 3 tons Soybeans: 2 - 4 tons Corn: 2-3 tons Alfalfa: 5-6 tons Red Clover: 5 tons White Clover: 2-5 tons If we use an average of four tons per acre, food plots can support 200 deer in that same 100 acres, or essentially, two deer per acre.

With all this data, the answer is clear, right? Plant as much land into food plots and you will have deer all over the place, right? Not so fast. The reason I listed the number of deer that various habitat types will support, is to show you that you don’t necessarily need food plots to fill the nutritional needs of the deer in your area.

The number of deer on a given landscape are influenced by many factors and the numbers that I list are not possible in a wild population. With that said, the timing of availability of the non-food plot habitat types peak in early to mid-summer, with another bump in the fall with the acorn crop. If you are trying to use food plots to provide better nutrition, it is best to target availability for the late fall to very early spring timeframe when the other habitat types are at their lowest production. I like to use brassica, winter wheat, soybeans, and

corn to provide food in that window. Food plots, however, can be very expensive to establish. Managing the other types of habitat are significantly cheaper and less labor intensive.

some highly attractive areas to hunt over, but in the grand scheme of providing nutrition to deer, they are less important if you manage the other areas of your property.

Now think back to my opening story where the deer I shot had the wide variety of food in its stomach. No matter how much food we plant in food plots, deer will require a high diversity of plants in their diet. If you have a high amount of mature woods, you might need to provide more food plots to give deer all the nutrition they need, however, you might also want to start planning to take some areas that are in mature forest and do a timber harvest or perform some smaller areas of timber stand improvement. Instead of always mowing that meadow, you might want to start doing some old field management.

Whatever you do, be sure to offer diversity.

Having some food plots can be very beneficial in that it allows you to create

I personally will always have some acreage on every one of my properties in food plots, but I won’t create more food plots until the other habitat types have been addressed as well.

The percentage of acres in food plots needed will vary, but if you manage and balance your old fields, young forests, and mature forests, you will find that you will not need more than 5-10 percent of your property in food plots.

I hope this article can start getting you to think big picture and create some long-term goals for your property as it relates to deer management.

I have introduced a few terms and techniques in this article that I hope to address in future articles, but you may also get a wealth of habitat improvement information by joining the Quality Deer Management Association (www.qdma. com). I wish you luck this year in your habitat planning and improvement projects.

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