rdj3385

Have you ever tried pulling the hook out of the top of the bait, just enough so that it is running parralel to it, and then sticking the very point of the hook back in? I've found my catch rate goes up when I do this. It does, ocassionally, come out and cause a snag, but very infrequently.

As a newb to BR I have to say...that was a riot. Thank you all. FWIW (which is literally nothing) I'm gonna go ahead and conclude that temp is in fact the primary factor in 99.8257% of waters. That should settle the debate. *drops keyboard, walks away*

Did you have any luck on Pepin? We went out there last week (a warm and very windy Wednesday) and got nothing but a 5# pike that shook at the last second and sliced the finger I had stuck in his gills. But hey, I guess a fish is a fish. But yeah, we've gone down there three years running around this time of year to relieve cabin fever and have never been able to find em. Tough conditions. Cold, muddy water and a lot of current with a ton of space for em to hide. I've never found someone else who has ventured down there to hunt bass so I'm curious as hell if/where you found em. Also, I would put my hat in the ring as weekend fishing partner. I almost exclusively fish with my father-in-law right now. He has the boat, and we fish 5 weekend tourney's throughout the year. Unfortunately, he doesn't like to get out on the weekends beyond that. I'm 30 and live in Brooklyn Park, so not far from Blaine. I don't have my own boat, but my FIL will let me take his out occasionally. Combined with using yours from time to time, I could double my time on the water this year, which is my goal. Let me know.

I could'nt agree more. Here I was counting down the days until the 23rd. What a blessing. I think it should have happened long ago, and from what I've read, they could even open the season earlier without harming the population, but better late than never. Can't wait is an understatement.

Wow. I remember reading this thread years ago when I had just started fishing. It was neat because I fished Demontreville alot and the kid said he had a 7 outta there. Never did get the picture though, lol. Anywas, glad to see an active board of MN bass anglers. I started fishing a tournament curcuit last year and had a lot of fun. Favorite tourney was on the Whitefish Chain by Brainard. This year, they've decided to hit Minnetonka to both open and close the season. I've been doing a lot of research on it, and I've never really had a chance to fish much around the spawning season. So, does anyone have any info they'd be willing to share about Minnetonka during the spawn? It'll be June 9th, so I'm guessing most of the big girls will be off of the beds by then. but what do I know? Seriously, any info would be much appreciated. I hope to get out at least a couple times prior, but my father-in-law/boat owner doesn't like the "big lakes" So I'm aftaid we'll be spending a lot of time on Bald Eagle and Centerville again. Not bad lakes, don't get me wrong, but they don't come close to the allure of the big clear lakes with such beautiful fish as Minnie, Thanks in advance for the advice. I hope to be sharing a lot of info in the months to come. P.S. Who else is as stoked as I am for the May 9th opener? If you ask me, it's long overdue, but better late than never, right?

So my father-in-law and I are planning our first fishing trip of the year (thank God its finally here!!!) Because Lake Pepin is further south and the ice is mostly out and allows for catch and release of bass, we will be going there on Monday 4-21. Ive only been fishing for a couple years and have mainly fished just largemouth. I can only assume that Pepin is a smallmouth fishery as its a rocky river Lake, but I don't know much about how to target/pattern them. Anybody be willing to share some tactics or spots specific to Pepin or smallmouths? It would be very much appreciated. It's been about 60 degrees over the weekend with a bit of rain. I'm hoping that the semi warm streak will start moving em up a bit, but it's probably a bit too early for that. Anyways, anything would help. Thanks Guys!

Just a general tip that can save you a lot of time and line while learning the baitcaster. I always have my Rapala nail clipper with me. Great for cutting line, of course, but more importantly, it has a hook type tool that is absolutely essential when you do get the ol' rat's nest. It helps to pull out some line behind any spot where the line may be stuck. I must have cut my line a half a dozen times unnecessarily before learning how to use this little gem. Tight lines!

Hello fellow Minnesotan. I'm 28 and boatless. Just started fishing last year and always looking for advice/lake info/fishing partners in the Twin Cities area. Hopefully we get some sun here to get these fish going.

Hey guys! Really happy to have found such a wonderful collection of fisherman and articles. I started "seriously" fishing last year when my father-in-law bought a boat. By seriously fishing I mean getting out as often as I can, but generally 1-2 X's a week. I am hooked to say the least. I am looking to gain as much knowledge about the sport and tactics as I possibly can before the opener here in late May (boo)! I have had the most success with a Texas-Rigged worm to this point, and that is pretty much the only lure/bait I feel really confident in. We fish primarily the lakes in the North East metro of the twin cities in MN, though my favorite lake thus far is Lake Minnetonka. I had pretty good success here, but unfotunately, my father-in-law doesn't like the bigger lakes. Anyways, just thought I would say hello to you all. I am a beginner, and looking to soak up as much as I possibly can from the folks that have been at this a while. Always looking for new lakes, strategies, pretty much anything helpful. Feel free to PM if you have anything you think could help me come along. Thanks Guys! Looking forward to open waters!