Mille Lacs

Dianne and I just got back from Reddoor Resort on Mille Lacs. We had a wonderful week inspite of a tree branch falling on the hood of the truck during a storm and denting the hood. At least it didn't hit the Ranger. :-) It rained and blew a couple of days as well.
However, we caught plenty of walleyes. Dianne caught her personal best Walleye of 26.75 inches and her personal best Smallmouth Bass of 18.5 inches. I put a 28.5 in the boat. We brought fish home and generally had a fine time with the Dicus's. Great food, great company etc. I did notice the bigger walleyes seemed to me to be skinny.
The Humminbird 998SI worked flawlessly and I got a chance to run the edges of the mudflats with side imaging to really put it through the paces. The technique that worked the best was #6 red hook, red or white bead, 10 foot lead and a large leech. We caught them on white Flicker Shads and 3 to 4 colors of lead core. We also caught some on Berkley's new Flicker Crawler rigs with #2 blades. The blades on these rigs are really nice.

The Summer Madness Begins

The madness of the crowds will begin this weekend. The annual neighborhood garage sale is on again. Mike,Susan and Caite are coming for the fun. Dianne will be working Saturday and Sunday morning, so she will miss the Garage Sale fun. :-(.  I think there will be smoked drummies and a fish fry in the offing.
We managed to get on the water Monday for about 4 hours. We quit one fish short of the 6 fish limit. We ended up catching 11 total. 2 short fish that went back and 4 slot fish that went back. All fish coming on an orange Gum Drop floater jigs with a stinger and a leech.Rig was fished off a bottom bouncer and a 4ft lead. I guess I did catch one on a crawler. Orange is not usually a good color for me on Big Spirit but it was Monday.
I am finally getting some time on the Humminbird 998si, it is an awesome tool.

GRRRRR

Got to whine a little. I have spent an average of an hour and half, four days this week talking to support technicians trying to figure out an issue on my brand new notebook computer. Man I hate it when stuff doesn't work properly. Oh well, they are calling me back tomorrow to see if the fix the tech did today has stuck.It is kind of cool and kind of creepy when the tech takes over your computer and you see the cursor on the screen start moving, seemingly on its own. Will see in the morning when I start the  puter up, if the fix is still working.

Dianne and I got out on Big Spirit yesterday, tried to fish, difficult, wind 20mph with gusts to 35. Rockin and Rollin!!! Managed a pretty good northern and had another good fish come off. We were only out about 2 hours. Wind beat us up and we came in. I must be getting too old for those conditions. I used to relish the challenge of being able to fish and produce in that kind of wind.

Walleye Opener/Not In Attendance

All the reports from around the area, indicate that the walleye opener was a huge success. They had about 600 more entrants than last year. Amazing what a crack at 30 Grand will do for the sign-up. Apparently the bite was really good on Big Spirit. Bare hook an a crawler, trolling cranks, casting cranks, pitching jigs, you name it.

I did not participate. Dianne and I were privileged to attend our oldest Grandson Stefan's graduation from the University of Nebraska at Lincoln. Wow, where does the time go. He graduated with Distinction, majoring in Mathematics, BS in Education and Human Services. Hope I got that right.

We enjoyed a fabulous lunch at Lazlo's in Lincoln, with Stefan and his fiancee Clair.,Dad,mom and sister Mike,Susan and Caitlin Elser. Grandpa John and Grandma Maxine Elser. Great Day!!

Time Well Spent (on the water)

Well, my bride and I took a little excursion on West Okoboji to test the new upgrade I downloaded to the Humminbird 998csi. Everything worked as advertised (whew) I am not sure I like them taking the Auto Sensitivity from the side imaging . But, you need to tweak it constantly anyway, so I guess it is all right. It looks like I am going to like the new waypoint, route,track management window. Looks complicated but will work through it. I used the Snapshot for the first time. I ran to my waypoint marking the Ice Truck in Smith's Bay and after about 20 minutes, I was able to get a pretty good sideimaging picture and recorded it on a chip. It isn't as good an image as Rick Dicus got so I will try to get a better angle the next time.
Didn't do any fishing to speak of, spent all my time learning the new electronics.
Well, I lied we pulled cranks for about 45 minutes in Upper Gar and Minnewashta, nothing caught.

Humminbird Downloads

I put the latest updates in the 788 and the 998, anxious to get on the water and see what the changes are. I don't know if I like the fact that they removed the Auto Sensitivity mode in the  SI modes of the 998. I will like the Waypoint Point management capability in the 998. I printed out a 40 page manual for it, so I may have to take the the liking it back. :-)
Got back from Elkhorn late Friday night after our babysitting for Caite duty, while Mike and Sue took grandson Jesse to Iowa State and University of Nebraska-Lincoln for the tours. Jesse has a big decision to make as to his choice of Universities. He will do well wherever he goes.
We head back down their Friday to watch Caite again while mom and dad go to the dinner for Stefan who will be graduating as a High Scholar.  He graduates Saturday. Man where the hell does the time go!!!!

Humminbird Seminar

Attended the Humminbird factory rep seminar, held at Great Lakes Marine in Spirit Lake, IA, yesterday. Well worth the time. I learned some new things and affirmed some things I was a little hazy about. Very well presented. Kudos to Shane and the staff at Great Lakes Marine!!!

Rick Dicus and I took a little road trip to Lost Island down by Ruthven today. Brr man it was cold, damp and windy. Fishing was very slow, I managed one Northern and missed another bite, Rick boated 2 fish, one was a keeper and had two nice ones come off. We were pulling Flicker Shads to start with and then switched to spinners and 4 inch "Gulp" crawlers. The people using live bait were doing better but not much. Water temp was 50.4 F, wind NW 15-25 MPH switching to NE later in the day, air temp never got higher than 48 F. I had a blast it was really good to be back out there after some time off from the action, the last 2 1/2 seasons.  Gotta love anytime on the water.

SSH

Shush, rumor has it the sun is going to come out and the wind is going to die down. About time. I had at tip from a friend today that the "eyes" are on a chew down at Lost Island Lake. I may have to get down there Sunday or Monday. There have been some big crappie caught on Big Spirit and some really nice bass as well.
I won't be able to fish The Great Walleye Weekend, our oldest grandson Stefan is graduating from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, that weekend. Priorities

Don't forget the Humminbird Seminar at Great Lakes Marine 4/21. I am really looking forward to it, hope to get up to speed on my 998. I can see all sorts of applications for sideimaging.

I'm Back

I am back on-line finally. My old laptop, went south on me this week and I finally got a new one yesterday. Damn technology!  I can go on-line, email etc with the Blackberry, but I hate typing with those little bitty keys. Anyway, back on the grid.
The wind is finally under 30 mph but thunderstorms in the forecast for today. Hopefully I will be back on the water soon. I NEED TO WET A LINE!!!!!!!!
Dianne and I went to see The Scottie Miller Band at the Pearson Lakes Art Center, Thursday night. Man what an awesome night of music. He really is a Piano Man. Blues, funky New Orleans riffs etc.


Later

Humminbird Seminar

Just a heads up folks. If any of you are using Humminbird or wondering about the side imaging and down imaging capabilities of some of these units. Exciting news, Great Lakes Marine in Spirit Lake is going to have a Humminbird rep at their facility on April 21st from 1-4 Saturday afternoon. They will have the 800 series and 900 series units on hand and set up  so we can get hands on experience with the products.
I signed up  today, sign up early so you can get a chair, bring your questions and notebooks!!!! Call 712 336 3822 and register.
No fishing reports, I haven't been out. I do know that the fish hatchery is in full swing, they have plenty of muskie and walleye at the hatchery to look at. Stop in if you have some time.
Later

First outing.

Well, my bride and I put the Ranger in Big Spirit for the first time yesterday. What a beautiful day to be on the water. It was mainly a boat ride, trying to burn up some of last fall's fuel. The side scan in the Humminbird 998 worked well, the 788 up front had no interference from the Terrova tolling motor. The water pressure gauge was not working, however. I will have to track this down. I had to put a new one in a couple of years ago, hope that isn't the case this time.
Of course, we had to wet a line. Threw some Flasher jigs and jerk baits on Stony to no avail. moved to another spot, on a little rock pile I have marked in the GPS. Oh, by the way I was looking for smallies. Anyway I was throwing a Rattletrap and had a huge muskie follow it to the boat. It really startled me, a muskie was the last thing I was expecting. This spot will bear another look after the muskie opener.
Today was spent getting a new wireless router set up in the house. My other one finally died last night after many years of service. I got stuck setting it up, a quick call to Grandson Stefan and I was good to go. Way cool.

Wind/Wind/Wind

Well, the wind is blowing again today, wind is 24mph gusting to 37mph. I'm glad we got the boat cleaned up Saturday and Sunday. Finally buffed the water line out of the hull, now if I could just figure out how to get the part of the hull that sits behind the trailer fenders cleaned and waxed without putting in a hoist or in the lake. Oh well.
I will be concentrating on learning the ins and outs of the the Humminbird 998si, in the coming weeks. Haven't got everything back in the Ranger but working on it.
I'm hoping to get out next weekend for some pig smallmouth fishing. 

Mighty Mo

Just got back from Chamberlain,SD. I had a great time fishing with friend Scott Berry. We caught 39 walleye on Wednesday and kept our 8 fish. They ranged from 15-18 inches,minimum is 15 inches. Today we caught 32 ranging from 17-19.5 inches. 95% of the fish were caught dragging either a 1/4 or 1/8 Reel Baits Flasher jig tipped with a minnow. The others were caught on a Precision Jig and a Berkley 3 inch Ripple Shad in smelt color. All fish were caught 13-4 ft of water, with the majority being in 4-5ft.
We put in at Ft Thompson Dam. What a great way to start the softwater season.

Fish Traps are in the shed

Well, my bride and I put away the ice fishing gear today. The FishTrap Pro and the FishTrap Guide are in the shed, as is the Strikemaster, all the rods and jig boxes are in the shop.

I have begun the process of getting all the tackle ready for the boat. The Ranger 619 is coming home Monday, with a new fuel filter and Air Compressor Filter for the Optimax and a new fuel filter for the Kicker.

We took a drive around this afternoon. Big Spirit is 75 % clear of ice, East Okoboji, Upper and Lower Gar and Minnewashta are 100% ice free. West Okoboji not so much it is still pretty much capped. With the high temps and high wind forecast for tomorrow, even West might be going soon. Hoorah Later

Ice Out (almost)

I just took a drive around Big Spirit it is about 1/3 out, the north end of East Okoboji is out and Center Lake is out, haven't been south so can't report on West Okoboji and the south part of East Okoboji, Upper Gar, Minnewashta and Lower Gar. More later.Looks like I'm behind on my tackle prep.

A Beautiful Day In The Neighborhood

Wow, it is going to get in the 70's today and stay there at least through next Monday. The ice is turning black on all the lakes. A huge area opened up on the north end of Big Spirit from Minnewaukon to Cottonwood and south almost to Red Nose Point. I will have to take a look at the Okobojis today. Must remember this is Iowa and the possibility of a March blizzard is always in the back of our minds.

I think I will go get the Ranger the first week in April. Visions of pig small mouth and Storm Lake walleye are dancing in my head. I have to check my records it might be time for a new impeller in the kicker motor. Time to put the ice shacks in the shed, summerize the gas ice auger and move reels from winter rods to summer rods.

I have decided to wait and see regarding upgrading the software in the electronics. I will watch the Humminbird message boards to see if any problems pop up with this latest round of upgrades.

Had a great weekend reunion with high school buddy Paul Namtvedt, he was down from Alaska, I hadn't seen or talked to him in years. It was great to visit. Paul and I were trapping, hunting, partying etc partners in high school and after. It was good to see and talk to other friends and classmates as well.

Invasive Species

Our precious Iowa Great Lakes Chain are threatened by invasive species, that would change the entire system and ruin the fishery as well as greatly affect the tourist industry the area depends upon so much. Last year the DNR caught a Big Head carp in a net. I believe the jumping Silver Carp will be close behind the Big Head, if it is not already here. We are in danger of Zebra Mussel infestation, and Eurasian Milfoil,and many other species all of which are in the systems in Minnesota,Wisconsin and Illinois. The Upper Great Plains Chapter of Muskies Inc. has found some funding to put an electrical barrier at the outlet at the lower end of Lower Gar. I fear that may be too little too late but one can be hopeful.
I think that the Iowa Legislature should give serious consideration to funding an Invasive Species research facility at Iowa State University in conjunction with the DNR to see what, if anything can be done. Minnesota is talking about doing this as well. Maybe it should be joint effort and be an upper midwest states facility. I don't know but something should be done and quickly or our wonderful waters as we know and love them will be history.

Spirit Opening

Well, there is a huge area of open water on Big Spirit, from just west of Big Stony Point north. With wind from the south gusting to 25 mph and high temps in the 50s today, the open area will enlarge.
Still some guys out from Marble Beach at least a mile, picking up perch I imagine.
I am probably going to pick the Ranger up at the end of the month. I predict an early ice out this year!
Looking forward to getting down to Storm Lake after the ice out there and pitching some Flasher Jigs. That water is awesome early! I will also be on Spirit immediately after ice out here to get on the ice out Smallie bite.
I have a lot to do to get the boat ready. Primary task will be to get a transducer for the 998si, glassed in the hull of the boat, so I can read depth on plane. I have never done this so I will be getting input from others on this. I do know that I hope I can glass it in next to the bilge and live well pumps, instead of in the transom setback. I will have to get someone to do it for me if I have to put it in the setback. I don't think I can physically stand on my head to get it in there, we will see.

Reel Bait

Just reconnected with Al Patterson of Reel BaitsTackle Company on Facebook today. I have used his Flasher Jigs for years, they are awesome  and my go to jig in most cases. I also like his Fergie Spoons and I imagine I will be trying the new Prototype Series of jigging spoons he has developed. Give the Flasher Jigs etc a try some time they will not disappoint. You can find them here www.reelbait.com
It is time to get tackle sorted and ready for this summer. I need to get cranks sorted and in their proper places. Inventory spinners and tie some new ones, jigs need to sorted, slip bobbers looked over, crankbait hooks sharpened and replaced where needed, reels spooled with fresh line etc.
So what the hell am I doing sitting here in my big chair typing this???

Humminbird Upgrades

Just got an email from Humminbird Select with the announcement of the following software upgrades for 1100 and 900 series units:
These updates on version 6.180 include:

• Casting Rings
• Waypoint Proximity Indicator
• Removable Readouts for 800/900 series Side Imaging Units
• Countdown timer
• Course Projection and Heading Lines
• Time To Go (TTG) 
• Lower Range
• Hide Track
• North Up Indicator
• Side Imaging Range Variable on SI units
• Side Imaging Auto Range on SI unit 
• Waypoint Management
• Radar Menus (with purchase of optional Radar Accessory) 

I will be looking at these new features to see if I will use them before putting them in my 998. I am leery of putting new software in anything after a bad experience with Lowrance. There is also a new software upgrade for my 788ci, same cautions. At first glance I am excited about the new stuff.