Outdoor Connection May 2013

May 2013

OUTDOOR CONNECTION

Walleye opener options Positive qualities of pontoon boats New rod and reel ideas

2-Estherville (Ia.) Outdoor Connection, FRIDAY, May 3, 2013

POSITIVE QUALITIES OF PONTOON BOATS

I

have to admit it. I just plain love boats.

After over 40 years of boat ownership, I still become excited each time I begin the process of purchasing a different boat. It began back in 1972 with a 14-year-old 14-foot Crestliner and a 10 hp Evinrude motor. Since that time, I have purchased all brands of boats: Alumacrafts, Lunds, Rangers and Skeeters. From 17’ tillers to 22’ fiberglass big water walleye boats, they have all served their purpose, and each time I tried to refine my search to give me the most positives. I regret none of my purchases.

However, in the past decade, I have gone a different direction. I began to look at fishable space and comfort, and I started researching fishing pontoons. Bill Elling, a friend of mine who has a cabin on Big Spirit, introduced me to pontoon fishing, and after a few times, I never looked back.

Right away I can hear a lot of readers going, “A pontoon, ya’ right. Not on my lake and not for me.” I’ve been on fishing websites and seen the way pontoons have been dismissed and labeled as a bad fishing boat option. I’m here to tell you this: I would never go back.

I’m not necessarily trying to persuade readers to do something against the grain.

I just want to give you the facts about the positive qualities of fishing from a pontoon boat. So, I ask you to stick with me as we go through my fishing pontoon process.

As with fishing boats, there are a lot of options on the market. Just check out the Internet and search for

fishing pontoons. Several manufacturer websites will come up. As with other boat types, you can get into an entry level fishing pontoon pretty reasonably. Prices will go up dramatically as you add upgrade, add special features, increase size, etc. I’ve gone through the

STEVE WEISMAN OUTDOOR EDITOR

process in pontoon ownership just as I did with my boat ownership: moving up from the entry level to midlevel. Now with my third pontoon, my current one is what I consider top of the line just as boat anglers (as I used to be) look at Lund, Ranger and Skeeter.

For me, my Premier 221 Castaway powered with a 115 hp Yamaha 4-stroke is the best fishing option on the market today for the way I fish. It spends most of its time on Big Spirit Lake and West Lake Okoboji. In my research, I found both warranties and customer satisfaction surveys to be excellent.

Fishing space How much fishing space is on a pontoon’s 21’ deck?

Well, it’s 21’ long X 8’ 6” wide. That’s slightly over 180’ of surface space. No pointed bow, no loss of space. It’s flat out 180’ rectangle of fishable space.

Each corner has a cushioned fishing chair that swivels, while the left side has a sofa bench that can serve as seating for anglers.

The right side has an elevat-

Walleye opener 2012 on Big Spirit. The three youngsters each caught their limit and at least one over 20 inches (released).

Photo submitted

ed captain’s chair. I’ve drifted for walleyes with five of us fishing and had plenty of room for everyone. It has a capacity of 11, which definitely would make things crowded. However, I have comfortably fished seven of us slip bobbering for bluegills and perch. There was room all around for each angler to fish two lines if they chose to do so.

Castaway has two livewells: one up front (with a bait bucket) and one in the

aft. Rod storage is somewhat limited, but 3-4 6+ footers can go into the side rod storage. All lifejackets, throwable cushion, rain gear will fit under the left side sofa.

Remember, too, that this large rectangle is a flat surface with a railing all the way around. So, even when we’re drifting in a 10-20 mph wind and rolling with the waves, people feel secure enough to be able to get up and walk around. It’s

really nice to be able to do this.

Fishing Options With the help of Shane Kendall, owner of Great Lakes Marine and Service (www.greatlakesmarineservice.biz/) in Spirit Lake, I rigged the Castaway to best accommodate the way I fish.

I spend much of the spring fishing for crappies and bluegills until the walleye opener in early May, and then I’m after walleyes until

probably mid-July, when I turn to the weedlines and weedbeds in search of panfish and an occasional bass and walleye. So, basically I am a multi-species angler.

First off, I took the Humminbird 598CI and put it on the top of the rear fishing station (where the livewell is). It’s centrally placed so that anglers on both sides can look at it.

Then off the captain’s staTurn to PONTOONS, Page 3

Estherville (Ia.) Outdoor Connection, FRIDAY, May 3, 2013-3

PONTOONS, Continued from Page 2 tion, toward the middle of the Castaway, we put the Humminbird 998C with side imaging on a Ram mount so that I can turn it to the side and to the front if I want.

Because I drift and troll for walleyes, I placed seven rod holders at strategic spots on the railing of the Castaway: one in each corner, two about four feet back of the front holders and one about four feet forward of the right rear angler seat. I did not place any on the sofa side, because you can slide a rod into the sectioned part of the sofa and have a “do it yourself” pair of rod holders!

Next, since I troll a lot, I added a 60” MinnKota Terrova 80 trolling motor with IPilot. Talk about awesome. With the wireless remote, I can control the motor from anywhere I want to fish. I can follow contours, go back and forth over the same course automatically, use spot-lock as an anchor, save waypoints…what an awesome fishing tool. Since I fish walleyes a lot, the I-Pilot takes away a lot of the work and helps offset when there is a cross or quarter wind. When I fish the bull rushes for bluegills and crappies, the spot-lock makes it a breeze. No more lifting an anchor time after time after time. If I do need an anchor, I have a MinnKota 40 Anchor Mate. With a push of a button it deploys and pulls back up.

Ride and control This is where a lot of people say “good bye to the pontoon.” They feel that a pontoon is nothing but a huge barge that gets buffeted when it’s windy. I will agree that this can be an issue, DEPENDING on the pontoon.

Here is why I chose the Castaway. First

The author nets a nice keeper walleye.

off, the tubes (toons) are 25 inches and have patented lifting strakes on the inside of the two tubes, which allow the pontoon to get up on plane faster and increases top speed by about 10 percent. With the 115 hp 4stroke Yamaha, top speed is 26 mph. I know that’s not 60 mph like some of the big walleye boats go, but if I added PTX performance package (third tube) and went with a 175 hp motor, I’d probably run close to 40 mph. However, even at 26 mph, I’m going faster than several of my early boats. The 115 4-stroke also works great for slow or fast cranking with planer boards in the summer.

How does it handle in the wind? Well, 2’ waves are nothing with 25” tubes. You don’t even know the waves are there. The lifting strakes get the Castaway up quickly, so that the waves don’t spray the passengers.

I took a couple out for a demo ride on a day when there were 2’ foot waves. Nobody got wet, and we went every direction.

Next how about the 2-3’ waves that come with the 10-20 mph winds on Big Spirit?

Again, get up on plane, and the tubes cut the waves and the waves hit under the deck.

Certainly, if you go sideways at full speed in the wind, there will be spray coming up. So, you quarter and do what you need to do.

However, there is no bucking or hammering the passengers.

So, how is drifting? Well, in up to 3’ waves, the Castaway will drift at .8 to .9 mph based on what my gps says. I’ve been drifting in an area with other boats and found them to need boat brakes to slow them down. I’ve not had to do that. That’s perfect, as far as I am concerned. I have found that the Castaway sits solidly in the water and does not get buffeted around by the wind.

Trailering This was one of my major concerns. How will it load and unload. Well, with a custom bunk trailer and loading guides, even when there is a wind, just get the pontoon on the bunk and the guides straighten it right out.

Certainly, just as I did with my previous boats, I try to launch and load from the calmer side of the lake.

It trailers easily, and even with wind a tiedown on each side in the back will make sure it stays in place. The only negative I can find is its size when you want to store it in a garage. You need to have a higher door opening and, of course, have the length of garage to handle it. If, however, you want to leave it out, putting on the cover is the easiest and slickest I have ever used. No more snaps. Instead, the exclusive J-Clip™ canvas cover fastening system is so easy that one individual can put on the cover alone.

Those are all of the reasons that I chose to switch to a pontoon and made my latest move to a 221 Premier Castaway. It fits my needs perfectly. Plus, I know I will never forget to put in the plug!

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4-Estherville (Ia.) Outdoor Connection, FRIDAY, May 3, 2013

Opener options

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hile many anglers put all of their planning and efforts toward getting their boats out and fishing walleyes on the May opener, there are lots of options for those who want to fish from shore.

When the ice went out and water levels pretty low, I was worried about this fishing option. However, the recent rains and snows have brought the levels within a few inches of the Big Spirit spillway, thus raising the levels of our shore fishing options. With the temperatures finally hitting over 70 degrees for several days, water temperatures have risen. The result?

Fish have become more active in the shallows. The past weekend was outstanding for bluegill and crappie action in the area. Although there are other places to fish, let’s take a look at the top places to fish.

Big Spirit You can’t mention this lake without thinking about the Grade at the north end. With water warming, the entire

stretch from west to east can A second option is the be a good fishing area. Templar boat ramp, where However, where the water the newly wood pier is located. Look to catch bluegills and crappies.

West Okoboji Two key areas exist with TEVE public access, while two key EISMAN areas are only accessed OUTDOOR EDITOR through private property.

The first is the Triboji boat ramp area. The docks in this circular area are publicly owned and privately mainflows in from Loon Lake (the tained. The wood docks protrap area) is always top pro- vide lots of structure for ducer. Lots of anglers will bluegill, crappie and largealso fish the pier casting out mouth bass. At times, the into the area in front of the fish are also located across trap and also working the toward the island in the cencement pilings. Bluegill and ter of the circle. crappie are two of the most The second public area is targeted fish, but any game the south side of Turtle Lake fish can be taken in front of (the small shallow lake locatthe trap. I’ve seen some real- ed east of Crescent Beach). ly nice walleyes caught right Many people fish in the cirthere! Obviously, with the cular area near the old supper lily pads and other weeds, club area, where parking largemouth bass will also be areas are plentiful. Heading around. If the water warms east along the south side, enough, look for catches of where the lake opens up are the famous big yellow bellies more areas to fish, but park(bullheads). With water lev- ing can be a problem when els improving, the north side there are a lot of people fishof the Grade can also be a ing this area, because there good fishing option. are lots of No Parking signs and only a couple of areas at the east end where vehicles can be parked. Fish can be caught all along this south side from shore, and there are a few docks from which Bait • Tackle & Convenience Store Steve Pflueger - Owner to fish. The north side conave We H HING tains quite a few docks, but T Fish Cleaning EVERY they can only be accessed “Stump the eed!

N u 7 am - 9 pm Yo through private property, so Pump Monday Daily having permission is needed. & Wednesday” Once again, bluegill, crappie and largemouth bass are most common fish.

Two other areas are the Harbor on the northwest side of West Lake and Miller’s per gallon Bay canals on the west side of gas of West Lake. They are both purchased! great areas with the Harbor producing lots of big crapHwy 86 • 1 1/2 miles west of U.S. 71 • Milford pies and Miller’s Bay canals OPEN 6 A.M. - 10 P.M. DAILY 338-2087 producing both bluegill and

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LARGEST

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Nice bluegill taken from shore last week.

Photo by Steve Weisman

crappie. However, you must get permission from the owner of one of these docks before you can fish there.

East Okoboji Fish like wood, and the Trestle located at the west end of East Okoboji, just across the road from Smith’s Bay on West Okoboji, is all wood! Expect to catch bluegill, crappie, yellow bass and some yellow perch.

However, don’t be surprised if you catch largemouth bass, sheephead and even a walleye. Last weekend was packed with anglers all along the area, and the fishing was excellent. There are catwalk areas on both the north and south sides with lots of submerged cross braces and corner posts. Huge wood structures support the bike/walking path that goes across the area supporting the two arches where boats go through to West Okoboji and back into East Okoboji. Fish congregate along all of this wood.

Each spring for a short time, the open water area along the Rescue Boat hoist on the south side can be alive with yellow bass.

What to use Presentations are varied, and it seems the anglers that consistently fish these areas develop their own “special” strategy. Personally, I will use four-pound Berkley XL and a 6-foot ultralight combo. If depth is less than 4 feet, I will use a small egg bobber that will put the bait within six inches of the bottom. If I am working the wood right below me, I will often take off the bobber and straight-line.

For lures, I will go small with the smallest Rat Finke, a size 16 Diamond Jig, a Gill Pill, a size 14 Marmooska Tungsten Jig or a tiny black hair jig. Early on, I will tip the jig with a waxworm or a silver wiggler, and when the water temperature warms, I’ll go to a Red worm, often

called Belgium or Trout worm. They are both lively and tough, not easily snapped off by a fish.

For the most part, the presentation is all about a subtle jiggle, jiggle, jiggle. A bobber makes it easier to detect the bite, while you have to feel the bite if you are straight-lining.

If you are going strictly for crappie, consider a tiny, lively minnow beneath a bobber.

Final thoughts Where to start? If you have been working these areas for a while, you already know where to go and what to use.

If this will be your first time out, head to your favorite baitshop. Nothing worse than having a few hours to fish and no idea about the recent bite. They will have the baits you need and can also point you in the right direction.

While putting the pieces of the puzzle together and the catching are fun, nothing can beat a meal of fresh fish.

Estherville (Ia.) Outdoor Connection, FRIDAY, May 3, 2013-5

A look at Emmet County Water Trails Association

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n 2005, a group of river enthusiasts in Emmet County formed the Emmet County Water Trails Association in the hopes of utilizing the water ways of Emmet County for environmental education and recreation.

The ECWTA received a grant from the Iowa DNR to work towards designating the West Fork of the Des Moines River as a State Water Trail.

The Iowa DNR Water Trails Program has experienced vast growth over the past eight years. The program’s success can be attributed to collaboration between landowners, river enthusiasts, county conservation boards, DNR, law enforcement, and dedicated citizens. Communication is vital to the success of uniform river trails across the state.

The ECWTA also received funds from local county agencies that supported the project. That money will be used to improve current river accesses, and develop

informational kiosks and signage to designate the Emmet County Water Trail.

The West Fork of the Des

JENNA POLLOCK EMMET COUNTY NATURALIST

Moines River in Emmet County is classified as a non-meandering river. This classification emphasizes the rights of private landowners.

The land leading up to and under the river is private property. The water and ice of the river are available for public access and use. If boaters portage along the river at a point that is not an identified public access, they are more than likely trespassing on private property. That’s why the ECWTA views shared information between private landowners and people that

will utilize the river for recreation means as paramount to the water trails project.

A goal of the Iowa River Trails Program is to uniformly identify public access points and amenities along the Des Moines River Water Trail. The ECWTA shares that goal with the hopes of disseminating information about safe public access sites to all navigable bodies of water in Emmet County including lakes and sloughs. Proper signage and continued maintenance of public access points benefits paddlers and private landowners through shared knowledge and communication.

The current access points along the West Fork of the Des Moines River in Emmet County are either owned by the Iowa DNR, Emmet County Conservation Board or the City of Estherville.

Informational kiosks placed at these locations will benefit residents and visitors of Emmet County by informing them of public areas and

POPULAR LOESS HILLS PRAIRIE SEMINAR SET ONAWA — The public is invited to the 37th Annual Loess Hills Prairie Seminar May 31June 2, at the Loess Hills Wildlife Management Area, northeast of Onawa.

There is no fee to attend.

There are more than 40 field sessions and programs covering many topics for participants of all ages. The seminar began in 1977 as part of the Western Hills, now Northwest, Area Education Agency's role in providing education and training for K-12 educators in the areas of conservation, environmental and science education.

The seminar is regularly attended by 250 to 300 adults and students each year.

Participants may attend all of or any part of the seminarʼs indoor programs or field sessions. Registration is necessary only if requesting meals or requesting the Missouri River ecology boat tour.

Evening programs are held at West Monona High School in Onawa.

Attendees can kick off the seminar by volunteering with prairie management at the Loess Hills Wildlife Management Area by

removing shrubs and shade from 9 a.m. to noon on May 31. The project will begin at the campground parking lot.

Volunteers should bring sunscreen, bug spray, water, and loppers and hand saw if possible.

For more information on the volunteer project, contact Doug Chafa, wildlife biologist, at 712-420-2437.

In the event of rain, indoor space is reserved at West Monona High School in Onawa on beginning at 9:30 a.m., Saturday.

The Sunday morning rain site is the Monona County Conservation Board Office in Onawa.

The Loess Hills Prairie Seminar is sponsored annually by Northwest Area Education Agency, the Iowa Department of Natural Resources and Monona County Conservation Board, with additional support from many organizations and individuals.

For more information, contact Gloria Kistner at gkistner@nwaea.org or call her at 800-352-9040, Ext. 6080 or 712-222-6080, or contact Dianne Blankenship at bennaid@hotmail.com.

Public landings should be used when accessing the West Fork of the Des Moines River.

Photo submitted

educational opportunities.

Water quality becomes the focus of environmental education programming stemming from water trail devel-

opment. This benefits all residents and visitors of a river trail corridor through increased knowledge, appreciation, and stewardship of

natural resources.

The ECWTA is becoming more active as local law enforcement, city personnel, river enthusiasts, county employees, river outfitters and dedicated individuals progress forward in the development of water trails in Emmet County.

The ECWTA currently holds monthly meetings to evaluate current conditions along the water trail and to advance water trail improvement measures. If you would like more information please attend the Watershed program, “Every Last Drop,” at the Emmet County Nature Center during Wings & Wetlands Weekend on Saturday, May 11th at 3 p.m. Contact Emmet County Naturalist, Jenna Pollock, for more information: 712-8674422.

6-Estherville (Ia.) Outdoor Connection, FRIDAY, May 3, 2013

BY BOB JENSEN

New rod and reel ideas

FISHING THE MIDWEST FISHING TEAM

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herever people fish, North, East, South, or West, we're getting excited about returning to the water to go fishing. Some folks fish year 'round, whether it be through the ice in the north country or from a boat or shore in places where the water doesn't freeze.

The reality is though, that there are more people fishing in most places in the warmer months than in the cooler months, and the warmer months are fast approaching. It's at this time of year that lots of anglers are in the market for a new rod and reel. Following are some things to consider when choosing a new rod and reel and spooling up.

Maybe you've seen one of

those anglers who takes a bunch of rods along when they go fishing: Maybe you're one of those anglers. While it's wonderful to be able to have a rod for every technique that might be employed in your day on the water, most of us just can't have all those rods. We need to find a rod that will perform several tasks adequately.

If you're a walleye angler who sometimes chases bass or panfish, and you're looking for a rod that will enable you to practice several techniques on each of those species, you should look into a medium action 6'6" or seven foot spinning rod. With a rod of that length and action, you can jig or rig or pull small

crankbaits for walleyes. You can also use slip-bobbers. For walleye anglers, this rod will do a lot of things.

It will also serve well as a jigworm rod for largemouth bass, and in many parts of the world jig-worming is very popular and productive for bass.

This set-up will also be suitable for throwing sixteenth ounce jigs for panfish. Add a slip-bobber and a small splitshot or two and it will handle tiny baits as well.

This action rod won't do every-

thing. It's not going to do the job when you want to throw a spoon into the slop for largemouth bass. It's just not built for that. If you golf, you wouldn't use a putter to tee off, same thing here.

If you are looking for a bass rod that will serve well for several different techniques, you should look at a flippin' rod or maybe a pitching rod. These are longer rods with a heavier action, but there are several different actions available. You can find a rod of this style that will work well for spinnerbaits, spoons, heavy jigs, maybe even some crankbaits.

Once you've selected the rod that you think best suits your needs, you need to decide if you want a new reel or if you'll use a

reel that you already have. If you're going the new route, it works really well to go to a store where you can attach different reels to the rod you've selected.

Find something that feels good to you. Some like a larger reel, some prefer smaller. Go with what you like.

Don't let all the rod choices confuse you. Determine your budget, then go shopping.

Cabela's has developed a complete line of rods that will fit anyone's budget. Many anglers like to go to a store and shake all the different rod actions and lengths and compare models. That's part of the fun of getting ready to go fishing. I'm in the market for a new trolling rod/reel set-up for walleyes and will be at Cabela's this weekend shaking fishin' poles. Maybe we'll see you there.

Hunter ed course options for adults begin July 1 2006 Okoboji Ave N • Milford, IA Hours: M-F 8-5 Sat 8-noon

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Adults who have prior hunting or firearms handling experience and are looking to satisfy their hunter education requirement to purchase a hunting license will have a new option beginning July 1 – a hunter education course online.

The online course will have the same materials as their classroom counterparts and students will be tested in the same way.

The online course will last 7-8 hours, and students will need to pass a quiz at the end of each chapter, plus a final exam.

The course is designed for students age 18 and older with prior hunting or gun handling experience. The classroom course is for students age 11 and older with or without firearm handling experience.

“We will continue to offer our traditional classroom course and onlinefield day course as options for

younger students and encourage the older students will little or no firearms handling or hunting experience to consider that option as well so they can gain some firearms handling experience,” said Megan Wisecup, hunter education administrator for the Iowa Department of Natural Resources.

“Having the necessary knowledge, skills and experience is critical to a successful hunt.”

If adult students take the course prior to July 1, they will either need to complete a field day or retake the online course after July 1.

The new adult online course is an effort to reduce the barriers to attract new hunters into the field, by allowing them to satisfy the hunter education requirement on their schedule and at their own pace.

For a current listing of hunter education courses, go to www.iowadnr.gov/training.

Estherville (Ia.) Outdoor Connection, FRIDAY, May 3, 2013-7

STEWARDSHIP TIP: CLEAN UP STYROFOAM Rathbun netting crews

BY BEN LEAL RECYCLED FISH PROGRAM DIRECTOR

Spring in Iowa beckons anglers to grab rods, reels, and boats, and head out to local lakes and rivers to chase after that spring bite. Others look forward to seeing the new flowers and blooms on trees and enjoy a day out in nature. As we all head out, whether to fish or just enjoy the outdoors, one thing is prevalent along the highway, in ditches and favorite spots; Styrofoam...What a shame.

The simplest solution: Clean it up when we see it, and of course make sure we're never the ones littering.

A little more work: Don't cause it to come into use in the first place. That means carrying a reusable mug instead of using disposable cups. It means taking Tupperware with you when you eat out, so that you can bring leftovers home in reusable, instead of disposable packaging. It means buying products that use less, or use recycled packaging instead of Styrofoam, or it means buying products secondhand so there's no packaging at all.

Why it is important to the fish: Styrofoam is a brand name for Polystyrene. A 1986 EPA report on solid waste named the polystyrene manufacturing process as the 5th largest creator of hazardous waste.

The National Bureau of Standards Center for Fire Research identified 57 chemical byproducts released during the combustion of polystyrene foam.

The process of making polystyrene pollutes the air and creates large amounts of liquid and solid waste.

In the wild, Styrofoam breaks down into tiny white pellets. Birds, fish and other wildlife can eat those pellets and become sick or die.

Serious props to the good people at DMF Bait Co.The largest distributors of live packaged bait in the country, DMF Bait worms are the ones that "catch fish or die trying;" you'll find them in the bait coolers at places like DICK'S Sporting Goods, Bass Pro Shops and Wal-Mart. DMF has done away with Styrofoam packaging, and now they package their 'crawlers in biodegradable containers. DMF Bait Co. has also added the non-profit organization Recycled Fish logo along with a short stewardship tip to the new packaging.

Be a steward – Being a steward means that you are taking charge of and help manage our environment.

Taking time to pick up where others have not sets an example for those around you, especially our young outdoors men and women. The future of our fisheries and the outdoor way of life is in their hands. Stewardship Has Its Rewards!

strike while walleyes are hot

MORAVIA — Rathbun Lake had one of its best walleye netting seasons in years, filling the hatcheries incubators with eggs to spare.

Rathbun Fish Hatchery supervisor Jay Rudacille said hatchery staff are expecting those eggs to start hatching any day now.

“It’s just over three weeks for the first eggs taken, which is a concern, but the hatch is being delayed by the 45-49 degree water, which is on the cool side,” he said. “Typically we get a hatch rate of 70 to 75 percent. The longer it takes the eggs to hatch, the poorer the hatch rate.”

Netting crews hit the water on April 6, and caught the spawn just right. “We want to be as efficient as possible with our netting crews and this year we nailed it,” Rudacille said. “Our netting operations caught the spawn on the upswing, we netted through the peak and some on the downside and we were done.

“It was an excellent season,” he said.

Female walleyes from Rathbun averaged 1.4 quarts of eggs, an increase over the 1.04 quarts per female in 2012, and 1.11 quarts in 2011.

Crews netted 817 females and spawned 450 that provided 631 quarts of eggs.

Rudacille estimates that each quart contains 135,000 eggs bringing the egg take total to a little more than 85 million for 2013. They collected 978 males to fertilize the eggs.

Rudacille said at least 30 quarts of eggs will go to Guttenberg after they receive a triple rinsing of water filtered through a 10 micron filter to ensure that no invasive species go along for the ride.

Once the eggs begin to hatch, 38.5 million of the young fry will go back in to Rathbun and 16 million will go to Clear Lake. Other fry will grow in Rathbun’s ponds to larger fingerlings before being stocked.

Editorʼs note: Each month the Outdoor Connection tab will feature a column by Recycled Fish, a nonprofit organization founded

by Teeg Stouffer in 2003. Originally a Catch and Release education organization, it is now a national movement of anglers who live and promote a lifestyle of stewardship both on and off the water.

SPENCER MAN WINS ADVENTURE READY GIFT CARD GIVEAWAY SPENCER - Kevin M. Rossiter, from Spencer, is this week’s winner of the Iowa Department of Natural Resources’ Adventure Ready Gift Card Giveaway.

Rossiter won a $50 gift card generously donate by Jerry’s Live Bait and Tackle, from Anamosa.

Hunters and anglers who purchase one of four new licenses in 2013 will be automatically entered into a weekly drawing for a $50 gift card.

To participate in the drawing, Iowans can simply purchase one of the four qualifying licenses at any license retailer or on the DNR’s website at www.iowadnr.gov. The four qualifying licenses are: ■ Bonus Line License – resident and nonresident anglers can fish with one additional line (with the purchase of the annual fishing

license, which allows two lines), for $12.

■ Outdoor Combo License – annual resident hunting/fishing/habitat combo license for $47.

■ Angler’s Special – a three-year resident fishing license for $53.

■ Hunter’s Special – a three-year resident hunting license with habitat included for $86.

The DNR will draw every Monday at noon and announce the weekly winner on its website and through Twitter on Tuesday afternoon. The promotion will run through December 23, 2013.

Scheels All Sports, in West Des Moines, is sponsoring the May 7 gift card drawing.

Weekly winner announcements, gift card sponsors and complete drawing details can be found at www.iowadnr.gov/giveaway.

1907 18th St. Spirit Lake

www.greatlakesmarineservice.biz

8-Estherville (Ia.) Outdoor Connection, FRIDAY, May 3, 2013

Go slow in the spring

BY BOB JENSEN FISHING

I

THE

MIDWEST FISHING TEAM

f you want to be successful when you go fishing, you need to first, find the fish. Once you've done that, you need to give them what they want to eat. If you do those two things, you'll catch more fish more often.

One really important thing to remember is that fish behave differently at different times of the year.

Sometimes they want a bait that's moving fast, other times they want a slower moving bait. In the spring when the water is cooler, a slow moving bait will usually catch more fish. Here are some ideas on slow moving baits that will catch more fish in the next few weeks.

Jigs are perhaps the best presentation for walleyes in the spring in most places where walleyes live. In many situations you'll be fishing for walleyes over sand, pea gravel, and emerging vegetation.

Dragging a jig/minnow will be a very good technique, and the best style of jig to drag will be a stand-up jig.

When you drag a jig, you're casting the jig out, letting it sink to the bottom,

then crawling, or dragging it, along the bottom.

Frequent pauses in your retrieve will get reluctant fish to bite.

You don't want to be hopping the jig, you want a slow retrieve.

A stand-up jig does just that: When you stop the jig, it stands up on the bottom.

A round head jig lays flat on the bottom at rest. The fish can see the minnow on the stand-up jig much better when the jig is sitting still, which increases your odds for getting bit. One of the most popular and effective stand-up jigs is the stand-up Fire-Ball jig.

Probably the ultimate way to present a bait slowly is a slip-bobber rig. With a slipbobber, you can dangle a bait right on a fish's nose.

Wherever people fish, they're using bobbers or slip-bobbers for panfish, walleyes, bass, pike, and muskies.

The key to bobber success is figuring out how deep you should set the bobber, and how deep the bobber is set depends on where the fish are. If the fish are near the bottom, you want the bobber set so your bait is near the bottom. You want your bait just a little bit above the fish, because fish will move up to take a bait,

To see all the newest episodes of Fishing the Midwest TV, visit FISHINGTHEMIDWEST.COM but rarely will they go down to take a bait. They can see up better than they can see down, which explains the likelihood of them moving up but not down.

You can use a small jig or hook below the bobber, and you can attach live bait, probably a minnow but maybe a leech in the spring.

If panfish are the quarry, plastics can be very good on the jig also. I've done very well with the Impulse line of plastics for panfish.

When using plastics, you're going to need to impart some action by jiggling the rod tip. Live bait will provide their own action, and there are times when the action of live bait will be more productive.

Trial and success are the best way to figure this out.

Once an angler understands that fish behave differently in different seasons, that angler will be more successful. For the most part, if you move your bait slower in the spring, In cold spring waters, a slow moving presentation will take panfish when nothing you'll catch more fish. else will.

Photo by Bob Jensen

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