Something New...

They say the definition of insanity is doing the same thing over and over while expecting different results.  Fishing for walleyes in the cold frontal rain 2 nights in a row and expecting the bite to suddenly turn on, seemed kinda foolish.  Besides, anything I learned that day was sure to change by the next.  So, to avoid insanity I decided that prepping for my upcoming guide trips was not a solid move.  Instead, I decided to throw a curve ball into the mix and try something new. 

With the evening free, I chose to hit a lake that I've never fished.  I had no clients, no expectations and no pressure to perform.  It was a mind free outing.  To make it better, I was after Tigers.  The cross between a gator and a muskie.  A hybrid.  In my opinion, it's the coolest looking freshwater fish.  My goal was simple: just catch one.  I didn't care about the size or the details.  Joining me were my fishin' pals Eric and Sean.  I told them that I wanted to leave the lake with a sweet picture.

Tonight I am speaking for a group of anglers at the Gander Mountain in Blaine.  At lunch today I asked my friend, Mitch, what I should talk about.  He told me to talk about my passion.  The passion for what I do and why it never gets old to catch a fish.  Even after thousands have come and gone.

Would it make for a good speaking topic?  I will soon find out.  But for now, I can tell you that the passion was out in full force last night.  In the wind and rain we threw our baits for 3 hours straight.  We had no idea what we could catch, when, where or how big it would be.  Heck, we didn't even know if the lake froze out from the severe winter.  It was a new adventure to us and it brought the excitement of trying something different.  In my world of guiding the same lakes over and over, it's something that I often forget about. 

One hour into our evening a giant gator exploded and grabbed Sean's lure boatside.  It pulled line and threw him around the boat like I haven't seen in years.  It was pure, simple and clean fun.  I believe this was the climax of the passion Mitch spoke of at lunch.  It wasn't the tiger muskie that I was after, but in some respects it was better.  Finding a gator that big stuck in the metro is like finding a needle in a you know what.  Before we were soaked completely, we managed 3 more pike (smaller of course), 1 big bass and a close encounter with a trophy tiger.   Even though we left without my muskie, the night was perfect.  There is nothing better than trying something new.  Plus, I got my sweet picture.  What would I do if God didn't create fish?  I'm so glad I don't have to answer that.  Until the next fish strikes, keep livin' the dream!

Big Musky Smiles :)

It doesn't matter what fish you chase or where, you have likely heard a fishing story about a muskie.  Whether it chased down a bucktail, hit a spinnerbait while bass fishing, or just swam by the dock - muskie encounters stand out.  They do something to you that lasts forever.  With one swoosh of the tail, that fish can create a positive memory for anybody that see's it. 

"Muskies make bigger smiles."  It's a true statement, and it's the tag-line from a new campaign called "Big Musky Smiles."  A non-profit organization formed by a few muskie nuts (myself included) that have teamed up to help promote our sport in a positive light.  We're not looking to take a stance, stock fish, or talk politics.  We're simply looking to spread the excitement that is muskie fishing.  We want to change the image that they are "monster man eating" fish.  Ya know, share the "good" word.

There's a new website that launched today, called www.bigmuskysmiles.com. There, you can share photo's and memories of your big catch.  If you travel I-94 northbound, you'll likely see a billboard showcasing one of the biggest muskie smiles to date.  A 57 inch monster caught by 8 year old, David Jacobson.  That's just the start, we plan to expand.

What does all of this mean?  Truthfully, we don't know yet.  We just love muskies and everything that goes with them.  We think it's ok for us to be proud of the fish we chase.  Minnesota is easily the top destination in the world for big muskies.  It's a good time to reflect on that and share the positive side. 

For more information, check out today's story in the Star Tribune Newspaper.  There's a cool write-up with the slimy details.  The next time you encounter a muskie, look around.  My guess is that everyone in the boat will have a smile on their face.  You probably will too.  Celebrate the moment.  It's why we fish.  Until the next muskie strikes, keep on livin' your dream!

Muskie Time 2011...

Ready.  Set.  Fish!  In case you have been living under a rock for the past few days, Saturday was the final Minnesota opener of the season.  The "official" opener for 2011.  For many of you, it's the only season that matters.  It's muskie time!

Judging by the view of the metro lakes this weekend, many of you got the memo about the opener.  I feel kind of dumb admitting this, but I might have been the last muskie diehard to wet a line this year.  I didn't start my season until about 7:30 PM on Sunday night.  Approximately 43 and a half hours into the game.  Several factors kept me from chasing the toothy fella's sooner.  As it turns out, the old saying still holds true.  Good things come to those who wait!

Call it mojo, luck, or "the right place at the right time," but we got it done last night.  Joined by my muskie friend Matt Hennen, we were both primed for the game.  Fish numbers 1 and two reminded me why they are the toughest freshwater fish to catch.  "Fish on," followed by, "fish off" were repeated twice.  Maybe it was rust, but that's how it goes in the muskie world.  Truthfully, I didn't deserve a fish in my first 30 minutes of casting.  It just wouldn't have seemed right.  As the sun set and darkness fell over us, Matt was hooked up on the figure eight and mayhem ensued.  Perfection! 

The muskie Gods were smiling on us and 5 casts later, I hooked another.  Both fish were in the 43 inch range.  Nothing massive, but a good way to start our season and end the night.  In our short 3 hours of muskie fishing, we managed to catch 2, lose 2, and see 5 others.  I feel pretty good about that kind of action.  Now, if I can only keep this average up?  Ha, I wish!  I am once again looking forward to a great year on the water.  It promises to be filled with many great people, laughs and trophy encounters.  I hope to yell "fish on" over and again.  I also hope that you enjoyed your muskie opener and found a couple of takers.  If there is anything I can do to make your 2011 season a little brighter, please let me know.  Until the next muskie strikes, keep on living your dream!

Walleyes, Crappies, Bass, And More...

Where to begin?  Life on the water has been a treat.  Less time in front of a PC and more time in front of the fish.  That's how things have gone, and that's how I like it!  Rather than get into the details of every outing, I'll just recap of few of my favorite events.

A few fishy fella's from Texas made a two day adventure to Minnesota in search of our state fish.  A tough road and some interesting storms made for a rewarding finish when Don, "the birthday man," hooked into the first walleye of his life.  His effort was worth gold and he took home his first "fresh walleye" dinner.

Crankbaits and walleyes continue to go hand in hand.  The cool weather has locked the lake temperature between 59 and 62 degrees.  The weeds have yet to grow tall, and the crankbaits are still kicking out fish after dark. This is still my favorite spring technique.  We continue to throw back the big ones and the walleye smiles aren't soon growing old. 

After 11 trips, I managed to find the first skunk of the year.  No walleyes in the boat came as a surprise that night.  What appeared to be ideal conditions, were only true for the anglers.  But, that's ok.  It turns out that a walleye skunk isn't always a bad thing.  My favorite fish made an appearance, and that night I crossed my first muskie off the list for 2011.

Memorial Day weekend has also come and gone.  I spent the majority of it with my fishin' pals.  After nearly 2 decades of traveling north, I stuck around home for some local flavor.  With ridiculous results up north every year, my expectations were lower for the weekend at home.  Boy, was I wrong.  The bass were eager and several of them on the large side.  The walleyes were hungry and we mixed between big ones and perfect eaters.  Nobody was complaining! 

Even though the walleyes and bass were both great, the biggest surprise came from a school of giant crappies.  It was easily the best action I've had on a metro lake in years.  The school of crappie was small, but they averaged a pound in size and bigger.  If we were "up north," this would be the norm, but on my home water this is a huge treat.  We hooked one after another and never found one under 3/4 of a pound.  Needless to say our fish fry was a memorable one. 

As I look back on the first two weeks of the 2011 season, several things come to mind.  First, I am reminded how lucky I am to make my passion my career.  The people I meet and the fishy memories will never grow old.  Second, I think mother nature is out to make us better anglers.  Every day has had a twist and this funky weather has kept me on my toes.  I believe the experiences from this odd spring will only make me a better guide for the future.  Lastly, I am fully energized for another great season on the water.  In a few short days my favorite season will open.  I will close this journal by saying four short words.  Muskies, are you ready?

Big Walleye Smiles!

Few things bring more joy into my life than good friends and good fishin'!  Last night I had the best of both.  As the sun set, Eric Wolf closed the In Towne Marina Doors and jumped into my boat.  This will likely go down as one of the shortest outings of the year, yet I believe it may also be one of the best.  Why?  Becuase in a few short minutes, we boated some magnificent walleyes and shared many laughs.  Not to mention, Eric boating his largest walleye ever. 

Our secret was very simple.  Crankbaits.  We didn't start fishing until the sun had called it a day.  The timing worked well, because darkness and crankbaits can be a deadly combo.  A  few casts into the evening and I was hooked up.  Walleye number one was in the boat and the skunk was gone.  A quick pic and she was swimming again. 

Next, it was Eric's turn.  A couple of grunts from the back of the boat meant that he was in battle.  Sadly, it came unbuttoned and he was left wondering.  "It felt really heavy," was all he could say about it.  The dissapointment didn't last long.  Soon he hooked another.  Then another.  Each one growing in size.  Back and forth we traded photographing duties.  In our very short time on the water we boated a handful of dandy walleyes and released them all. 

One of the perks of a good crankbait bite is the fact that you may connect with some hogs.  Many times they are all too big for the grease.  Isn't that a sweet problem?  Good weather, good company, and good fishin'.  Does it get any better?  And to think, I am lucky enough to have this opportunity 2 minutes from my house.  I am truly blessed.  Congrats to Eric for his new walleye of a lifetime!  Until the next big walleye strikes, keep on livin' your dream!