MN Fisher

Question - what rod and reel are you using. Could be that your current rig can be used for other techniques. My luck lately hasn't been the best, but as one canoeist fisher to another there are things you can do.

Actually - I re-started bass fishing last year after over a decade's hiatus - all my rigs were purchased/acquired in the last 18 months.

Does that mean I've been dead for almost 20 years? I'll be 60 before the year is out and I don't wake up hurting...

I haven't found a need for expensive gear. Currently I have six combos, One reel was a gift from a generous person here, one rod was an old one I had sitting around. The rest cost me less than $350 total. You don't need to spend bucco bucks to have usable rigs.

Jig Man is correct. That's why Ni-Cad and Ni-MH batteries have fallen by the wayside as they both have charge memory. Flooded, Gel-Cell and Lithium batteries do not have charge memory. I charge mine every time the night before going out, no matter how 'down' it is.

I'm only frustrated when catching nothing. Last two trips were semi-frustrating...one decent bass in 3&1/2 hours last trip, one dink bass and snake northern in 3 hours the previous trip. Otherwise nothing - not even a sunnie...that gets frustrating.

I was confused that a M/M rod was only rated to 3/8 oz so I did a little searching. According to the specs on Academy, the 6'8" M/F is only rated to 3/8 but the 7' M/M (LHA70M-CB) is rated 1/4-3/4. I'd check the rod itself, it should have the line/lure ratings printed between the grip and the first guide.

Wasn't skunked today, only got one...but what a one. 3.92 lbs - best of the year

Shallow running cranks - 10-12# mono or 20#braid Deeper running cranks - 10# Yo-Zuri hybrid

Two kids lassoed a 6' sturgeon in the Minnehaha Creek, took pictures, then let it go. Now the DNR is trying to capture it to move it to larger waters - the Minnehaha is around 8' across and 4' depth average. The DNR is failing with nets where the kids succeeded with just some rope. https://www.twincities.com/2019/07/27/huge-sturgeon-eludes-capture-by-dnr-becomes-edinas-own-fish-legend/

It's in the switch - I did electronics design and construction years ago and a timing circuit is fairly simple and small even using analog parts. With the new programmable, digital chips - one chip to rule them all.

I looked around for Fuego CT spare spools...when I can buy a whole new reel for only $10 more than a spare spool, I'd do that. Changing out a reel is less frustrating in some ways to changing out a spool.

Except, just like when I hunted, I only target thing's I'll eat...and I don't like catfish.

Anything fresh-water over 8lbs.

4WD means it's easier to get it going as all four tires are involved. The tranny cooler means your transmission won't overheat and the heavy-duty brakes means you can stop somewhat before a 1/2 mile. I'd take one of two routes myself - more powerful tow vehicle, or the lighter boat.

That's right on the edge, and the towing rating is mainly for level ground. You want some extra capacity if you're going to be backing that thing down a hill. Does the Escape have an optional towing package? Tranny cooler is the main thing, extra heavy-duty brakes is the second thing. Might want to think about those options.

That's on an aluminum boat though..right? MEK and plastic (like my canoe) don't play well together.

Lake Minnetonka has produced smallmouths. Here's tournament statistics from the MN-DNR https://www.dnr.state.mn.us/areas/fisheries/westmetro/mtka_bass_tourney_summary.html So they're there...just might have to search a bit to find them.

This is how I have my reels set, slight slip on the hook-set. Though since I have my anti-reverse ON on my spinners, I use my right (reeling) hand to adjust the drag as needed during a fight.

My 7' H/F is a one piece, my 6'6" M/F is a two piece...I haven't noticed any difference in sensitivity between them - so I'd say no difference. The old two piece rods used a metal ferrule to join the pieces, the new two-piece rods just use the blank itself, so it's all graphite (or whatever) the full length. I think this makes the two piece rods the equal of one piece. Others might have other opinions on that.

Personally...I'd move up a bit and get a Diawa Aird-X. You can find several of the 2-piece versions on Amazon for around $40.

When I lived up in Bemidji - Wolf and Andrusia, just east of Bemidji, were pretty good for bass. Irving, which is connected to Bemidji by a short, navigable channel, was also fairly good.

Bass is mainly what I'm after - but if it's getting to the end of the trip and I'm being skunked...out come the UL with a worm and bobber. At least that way I can say I caught something.

You and I are of an era...same area too. Mid to late 60s I was living in Worcester, MA...Greendale section. Indian Lake was a short walk away where I'd catch sunnies, yellow perch, white perch and LMBs. My favorite fishing at that time though was to troop through the woods behind the Animal Rescue League to the stream that ran through Nick's Woods. There I caught brook and brown trout. Occasionally dad would take me to Wachusett Reservoir too.

Does that particular rod come in a Light? Split the difference. Personally, I wouldn't try to toss anything less than 1/16 on a ML rated at 1/8...and even that's pushing it.