A Walleye For Walt...

This morning I walked through the office building door that I call my work, kicked the fresh snow off my shoes and stepped into Mitch's room.  He was still smiling from the night before and staring at pictures of a certain fish.  Mitch is my boss, and the smiles were from our ice fishing outing the evening before.  Joining us on the outing was Walt Larsen.  He's the guy in the picture holding the fish. 

As I said good morning to Mitch, the first thing out of his mouth was, "you know, I was having a great time even without catching a big fish. Walt and I both agreed after we left the fish house that it was a perfect night, but that we are glad we didn't have to make an excuse about why we didn't catch a fish."  Whew, that was a relief.  But in all honesty it was a perfect night.  Our goal was not about catching numbers, but to ice a big fat walleye that struggles to slip through the ice hole.  It was the topic of our entire conversation leading up to the excursion.  It was the topic of several emails on who would land the biggest one, and it was even the entire topic of conversation while in the fish house.  We weren't going for a meal, rather one to brag about in a photo session.  That banter is what inspired me to move the "Shangri-la" to one of our favorite "big fish" spots for last nights activities.  As I scrolled through the photo albums on my laptop showing the boys the certain monstrous fish caught off of this exact same spot, I could sense they were starting to get tired of looking at the ones previously caught and wanted a 'Tonka fatty of their own. 

This is where the story gets good.  After about a half hour wait the sun set and the pesky perch fled the scene.  The electronic screens were blank except for Walt and Mitch's bouncing jigs.  It was very obvious that the next fish on the screen would be a walleye.  Mitch was new to this whole walleye jigging scene and received some schooling on the do's and dont's, but Walt was a seasoned pro.  This became evident as our perfect evening was about to culminate.  Little did we know that the first walleye Mitch was to see come through an ice hole was going to be a dandy on Walt's line.  After an intense battle and a struggle at the ice, we all were reminded of why I use a 10 inch hole instead of an 8.  Moments seemed like hours as we struggled to get Walt's big fish headed up in the right direction - my hands.  Screams could be heard across the lake as all the banter, chatter and big talking became reality.  It was a gem of a fish.  A beautiful walleye that would make anyone proud.  A few shots and the walleye was back in the water for the next eager angler.   It simply doesn't get any better than that, and with that excitement, we were satisfied and called it a night.  If only it was that easy every time... Until the next fish strikes, keep on livin' the dream!

Happy Holidays...Walleyes...Muskies...and More!

First off, Happy Holidays to you and yours!  Secondly I am sorry for the longest drought in my journal since the creation of this site.  I want to thank all of you for your patience and for continuing to watch for something new to pop up. 

I should probably recap all of the events since I last updated.  The muskie quest was one heck of an exciting, frustrating and rewarding time all wrapped into one.  I have never spent so much effort for one big fish, but the results weren't exactly what I was hoping for.  During the month of November I got my butt kicked more than once.  I was persistent and patient, but that didn't prove to land the next state record.  I have never seen so many November monsters as I did this season, but the 9 potential record breakers we had boatside during the several days on the water decided that this season wasn't for me.  Unfortunately, most of the other 70 plus fish that we had boatside also felt the same way.  I had so many great guests join the excursion as well and for that I want to say thanks.  You all know who you are, and your presence made it one of the most enjoyable stretches I have had on the water yet.  Watch for a new show on television in the near future as "the hook" takes shape.  I am now looking forward to 2010 to do it all over again!

With the Holiday season, comes first ice.  I typically update after every trip on the water, but my schedule has obviously kept me from doing so.  While I haven't been updating, I have still been pounding through the ice every chance I get.  The results?  Pretty good.  The ice has been as good, or better than I can ever remember.  Thus far I have fished a few different lakes for walleyes and a few for panfish.  Some days have been better than others, but limits of walleyes have been had and some very ncie picture takers to boot.  We haven't landed any 10 pounders yet, but I expect that to change very soon.  What else would a guy expect from the early ice season?

The next few days and weeks should be spectacular as this season is starting out with a bang.  If you haven't hit the water yet, I strongly encourage you to do so.  This is not a secret, but the ice is in great shape, and the fish are biting!  I have caught up on several of my current responsibilities and I now will do my best to keep you informed of every outing I go on.  I hope you stay tuned.  From the frozen tundra of the north, keep on livin' the dream!

Check out the photo galleries to see more early ice photos!

The Quest, Part 3

No new pics of obese muskies to report.  Not for lack of effort, but it has been one of the most exciting and discouraging times for my boat in recent memory.  The first three days of last week, Mon - Wed, I was joined by two incredibly persistent and skilled muskie anglers.  Mike and his Buddy Dylan flew all the way from New York and Colorado respectively, to land what they hoped to be a state record Minnesota muskie.  Our phone conversations before the trip made it clear for all of us what we were up against, but nothing could prepare us for what we actually experienced.  I was expecting cold, windy and brutal conditions, typical for Mille Lacs in mid-November.  What we received was beautiful, flat calm and sunny weather for three straight days.  This did not pose well for the fishing.  Ughh...

Our first day was a bit of an encouragement, but unfortunately a prelude to the next two.  Mike and I started out the trip by fishing day one together.  Dylan was to fly in later that day, but Mike was not about to let one day pass without flopping the giant lures in the water.  Muskie sighting number one was an absolute monster.  A fish that no doubt would have challenged the record of 54 pounds.  It was encouraging to see that fish right out of the gate, but only a start to what we would experience.  Shortly after, another fish came boatside, followed by yet another record breaker.  That fish definitely gave Mike a clear understanding of the absolute monstrosity that swims in that water.  "It was the biggest fish I have ever seen," was all that Mike could muster.  A true giant that pretty much left him speechless.  By the end of that day, we had brought 9 different muskies to the boat.  A number that blew my mind.  Typically I see two or three fish in a full day, and get one or two to eat.  This was not the case, and while it was encouraging to see so many huge fish that day, it was very discouraging for us to have zero strikes.

Day two Dylan hopped in the boat with us.  After such an intense first day, we were jacked up to have an opportunity at some of the monsters we located.  The only problem was that conditions stayed exactly the same.  No wind, no clouds and crystal clear lake Mille Lacs waters.  The results were also the same.  This time we only raised 4 fish, which I still consider above average, but no takers.  We discussed alternative plans and alternative waters, but these two boys were persistent, and they decided to "go big, or go home."

Wednesday was our third and final day together.  We had high hopes yet again with so many fish located the previous two days.  After all, we knew that one strike would change the outcome of the entire trip.  We pounded away in another warm, calm and sunny day.  Once again we brought some dandy fish to the boat.  Again, we located some new fish, but it was obvious that they weren't having anything we were offering.  Our day ended and the trip was over before we even realized what happened.  In total we had 18 different muskies come boatside during that three day run.  The weather remained a carbon copy of the day before, and the water temps didn't fluctuate a single degree.  If you would have told me that we would see 18 muskies on that lake in mid November, I would have said we would have landed at least 5.  That would have been more typical of what I am use to, but these fish had serious lock-jaw.  Regardless, we shared many laughs, and I now have a newfound respect for cancer research.  Also, Dylan, I sure hope your wife doesn't find out you were on a fishing trip instead of a work trip... Thanks guys, I hope the next outing rewards you for your hard work and efforts!

Friday I was back on the pond.  My two eager guests were again Todd and Theo.  These guys can't get enough of the Mille Lacs abuse and were as jazzed as I was to get back on the water.  We were also joined that day by Brian Peterson, the outdoor editor for the Brainerd Dispatch.  He has written several stories on the potential swimming in that lake, and wanted to come out to witness it all first hand.  As we approached the waters, we realized that it was going to be quite an interesting day.  Fog had set in, and it was as thick as I have ever seen.  What made it even funnier for me was that I was the only person that had the slightest clue where we were on the lake.  Visibility was about 50 yards, and I could have told them anything and they would have believed it.  "Cast here, now over here, and over there," were my commands for the day, and with the lake flatter than a mirror, it was hard to keep your mind and sanity straight.  You couldn't tell if you were looking up or down, left or right.  It was slightly spooky.

The fish were once again eager to follow, and showed slightly more spunk than the previous few outings.  Theo and I had some dandies screaming boatside to no avail.  Shortly after we picked Brian up from the dock, we had a record class fish dancing under Todd's feet.  Brian was next with a nice one of his own, but again we were left with stories of what could have been.  At about 3:30 that afternoon, the fog finally lifted and we were able to watch the sun set.  Moments after the sun had faded we had our most promising opportunity below our feet.  A giant of a fall fatty followed Todd's lure boatside and turned.  A quick cast back brought the fish screaming back in at a pace that made me whisper to Todd, "He's yours."  That's all I said, because I figured it was a done deal.  I have never seen such a hot fish flying around the boat that didn't gulp it's prize.  But, as the week had gone all along, this fish again swam away hungry.  It was dissapointing, depressing and heartbreaking, but I guess leaves me excited for the next adventure.  Our day ended with another astonishing 9 fish to the boat with zero hookups.  I'm beginning to wonder if these beasts are going to start shrinking in size due to their lack of eating. 

Over the last four days on the water we have had 27 different muskies boatside.  5 of which could have contended as a new state record.  Not a single one of these fish has eaten.  The weather and water temps haven't changed a bit.  Something has to give.  I'm hoping that this happens over the next two days.  We are going to be filming a pilot for a new extreme fishing show tomorrow and Wednesday, and nothing would make me happier than to see any one of these giant fish come in the boat.  I guess we will see how it all plays out.  I hope you stick around to find out.  Until that monster strikes, keep on livin' the dream!

The Quest, Part 2

If you stepped outside yesterday, you probably weren't thinking it would be a good day to be on the lake.  Of all lakes, Mille Lacs was our choice.  The weather man called for some wind, but what we encountered was more than what we bargained for.  Bret and his fishing buddy Jordan hopped in the boat on the record quest.  These boys were from Wisconsin, and while they love muskie fishing, they quickly admitted that they had never experienced anything like this back home.  The waves were simply ridiculous.  There's no other way to say it.  When Mother Mille Lacs rears her ugly head, she can be down right brutal.  The only plus side was that the temps jumped up to around 50 by mid day. 

Our morning was rather uneventful - fish wise, but the waves and wind kept us on our toes.  In fact, we were jumping around, spot to spot, doing our thing all morning, and didn't even realize that we forgot to eat lunch.  It was 2:30 before we even checked the time, and couldn't believe how fast the day had passed us by.  I guess when you are fishing with great guys the time just flies by.

I didn't have much to report on this day other than the conditions were favorable and we weren't seeing any muskies.  It was somewhat frustrating to watch these two guys hammer away all day to see only Tullibee follow their lures to the boat.  In fact, the Tullibees were everywhere and made for an added challenge.  Why in the heck would a muskie eat our meager offering when she had several thousand tasty meals swimming around her all day long.  It was humbling on my part to get the results we were experiencing, but we knew that it could all change with one cast.  Later in the afternoon the wind got the best of me.  I had a slight chill and decided to warm up by tossing the abnormally large baits.  I didn't want to catch a fish, but rather would accept the results of my casting.  After all, my goal was for one of the boys to get bit.  Not me.  For some reason the fish decided they liked my offering, even though it was exactly the same as Bret's.  I had a follow shortly before dark.  At that point it was our only muskie sighting of the day.  As darkness fell, we continued to pound the waters to a froth.  Just when we thought it wasn't going to happen, I received a throttling, and as I set the hook, the abnormally fat muskie went airborne.  "I got him," was all I could muster as I tried to tame the beast.  Seconds later we struggled to net the fish as it got caught up on the outside of the netting.  It was actually kind of comical to watch, but luckily we got her in.  She wasn't a state record, but dang are they fat right now.  I guess that's a reminder as to why we put ourselves through such misery on the water.  It's all for the love of fall fatties!  The quest will continue tomorrow, so until that state record strikes, keep on livin' the dream!

The Quest, Part 1

Thursday morning started off without a flaw.  I met Todd and Theo for our first epic quest in two years.  These boys weren't able to make it last November, but were very eager to hit the water in '09.  We met up at the lake and eagerly started putting on the warm gear.  It would be an understatement to say that we were all pumped up.  The smiles, laughs and jokes started before we even hit the water.  This reunion was worth the wait.  Todd and Theo are two of my favorite guys to have on the water.  There is never a dull moment, and their patience and hard work for the fish is almost unmatched.  They always have the "musky mojo" running at full speed, and this day was not any different. 

Of course with this being my first attempt at the mille lacs muskies in quite some time, I figured it would take us a while to get things dialed in.  The morning came and passed and not a fish was seen.  With the temps starting to climb, the action was assumably going to happen during the afternoon hours.  As I approached a favorite haunt, Theo had the first bite of action.  A fish that stopped him dead in his tracks, gave him a few giant headshakes and just as quickly escaped the grips of the hooks.  Bummer!  That was all we could say.  This time of the year things happen very quickly, and sometimes you are only given one chance.  With the hours of anticipation and casting without seeing a thing, one can often become sluggish and the unknowing strike can quickly result in a fish that got away.  This wasn't the case as Theo did everything correct with that fish, but somehow she still managed to shake the hooks.  About 2 hours later we had another very hot fish come boatside from the same exact spot, but that 40 pounder decided our lure was not going to be dinner either.  With that, our action for the day was through.  The sun faded on our glory and we now have to start up a new streak when we hit the pond next time.

Friday I was graced to have two incredible men in the boat with me.  Pete and his father-in-law Marcus met me at the water for an outing to remember.  Marcus is a lifelong member of muskies inc. and the stories this man could tell made me feel honored to be in his presence.  He was part of the original muskies inc, and the guys that started it all.  Heck, even some of his good ol' fishing buddies that we now have tournaments for and do things in honor of were in his fish tales.  Needless to say, this was a cool experience for me.  With that said, I wanted nothing more than to get Marcus his largest muskie ever. 

While the goal was to get one for Marcus, Pete was the one finding the first muskie on his ine.  About an hour into our morning he was stopped in his tracks over an open water trolling run.  Dang!  Again, that was all that I could muster after the fish shook the hooks.  We will never know what we had on, or lost, but it did give us encouragement for the rest of the day.  That day, and that afternoon could be summed up in one word - almost.  Almost, because we "almost" had several fish in the boat.  Everything came together and the fish cooperated, but they just didn't come into our boat.  At one point the window of opportunity opened up for us, and we had 3 seperate fish screaming in boatside, with two coming literally at the exact same time, doing simultaneous figure 8's.  Unfortunately, as fast as that window of chance opened up, it closed even faster.  The three of us saw 4 more muskies that afternoon, but we once again came up on the short end of the battle.  Oh well, that is how things can go in the November muskie outings. 

During the two days, we saw some nice fish, but I have yet to locate that monster.  I have learned a few new tricks and located a few more concentrations of fish that I hope will provide action over the next two weeks.  The Tullibee numbers are mind boggling, and we accidentally snagged and had thousands follow over the two days.  It was simply ridiculous.  I also have to laugh at myself, because I somehow got my schedule mixed up, which meant that my outing this Monday actually happens next Monday.  I think that is a sign that it has been a long year!

Deer camp was the object of my affection from Saturday through Monday.  I was dreaming of that big muskie the entire time in the stand, but had a goal to see antlers in my scope at some point.  That too did not happen, and for the first time since I was old enough to hunt, I have failed to tag a deer.  The season isn't over yet, and I still have a bow tag, so who knows?  Our group of 8 mighty hunters managed to take 7 deer the first two days, with Bails taking home bragging rights with a nice 8 pointer.  Congrats buddy, and thanks to all that made the last several days so enjoyable.  I now am looking forward to the next few as my fire to catch that record is burning more than ever.  Until she strikes, keep on livin' the dream!