From Montana Outdoors:

> “Jason Mundel an outfitter on Fort Peck caught a huge walleye Sunday [4/28/24]. The walleye weighed over 18 lbs and started losing eggs. He measured the fish again and came up with the impressive 17.76 lbs and released it back in the water. The fish was just shy of the Montana walleye state record which stands at over 18 lbs!”

Wish I had more info for you, but that’s all that’s out there.

I wish these walleye guys weren’t so dang secretive about everything lol. If this were an almost-state-record bass you know there’d be a full breakdown of the specific bait, technique, depth, color, speed, something, anything. C’mon walleye peeps! Help me to help you to help us LOL. I can’t track it all down myself....

But I do have the details on the current MT record walleye for you....

And she was an absolute blimp at 18.02 lbs boasting a 32.25” x 22” stature. Can you even imagine?!

Jigged-up by Trevor Johnson, guide/owner of Kit’s Tackle Outfitters (on May 10, 2021) while fishing Holter Lake near Helena, MontanYaaaa. The previous record was set in 2007 with a 17.75-lber from Tiber Reservoir.

Trevor caught that bruiser on a “lunch lady” color 1/4-oz Kit’s Tackle Glass Minnow – they hand tie ’em themselves! – with a Keitech Swing Impact paddletail on the back:

Little more info on Trevor’s record catch from this Tom Kuglin write-up:

> “This spring has been a beast out there, not because there’s no walleyes, but it’s been cold and the flows have been way below normal. Trout have been great but the walleyes...are in there doing something different this year.

> “I bet I’m close to 120 hours out there this year and I’ve only caught 3 walleyes.... Most people would say, ‘What are you doing, you’re crazy,’ but it’s just knowing that potential is there.”

> Trevor says his dad [Kit] had been taking him to chase pre-spawn walleye before he can even remember. “The fact Dad and I are both guiding now, we’re both busy so we don’t get to fish as much as we used to...so it was pretty special to be able to get out there with him.”

Said he thought it was a burbot at first because he couldn’t raise it off the bottom, but papa Kit knew what was up.

> “We just got a little glimpse and knew it was big. We’ve seen a lot of big fish so we’re thinking maybe it’s 13, 14, 15 lbs. She dove a few more times and then we were able to net her and get her in the boat, that’s when it got really big.

> “It was obviously a really weighty fish, but we just had no idea because we’d never seen a girth like that.”

> When it comes to keeping fish, the Johnsons like to practice selective harvest. That means letting the bigger and older fish go. Even though they knew the walleye could be the biggest ever landed in the state, they attempted a release by moving the fish back and forth in the water for a few minutes to force water through the gills. Unfortunately the fish with its epic weight and after the long battle did not survive.

> “You know there really are a lot of mixed emotions. It’s a potential state record but we’re catch-and-release guys. It’s an amazing fish and it shows people the potential of what you can catch around here. We both still preach selective harvest, but yeah, still some mixed emotions, but it’s a great honor especially here in the state of MT.

> “It doesn’t even sound believable. I almost feel like I’m undeserving, like does anyone deserve something like that. You joke about it but you’re not looking to go out and catch the new state record. I’m just out there looking to explore the unknown and I managed to bump into the fish of a million lifetimes.”

Freakin’ AMAZING and well-deserved, man! Big congrats again.

Few gems coming your way that were sent in recently from Target Walleye readers...

1) Holy plumpness! Brian Kramer caught this Lake Erie butterball running a "voodo haze" color #14 Rapala Down Deep Husky Jerk 60’ back (roughly 17’ down) at 1.4 mph while fishing the cans north of Port Clinton, OH. Biggest of the trip and I’m sure will add some fuel to their brotherly competition – you’re up next, Mike!

2) We’re a day early for “Fish-Flop Friday” (btw I’m trying to switch the schedule up to Tues/Thurs instead of Wed/Fri) but I wasn’t going to let that deprive you of this floppy goodness. Sent in from Sharon Kormilo who was fall fishing on the Red River north of Selkirk, Manitoba when this “greenback” walleye decided to get squirrely:

Even looked her right in the eyes before it did it lol:

Thanks for being a good sport, Sharon!

3) Mark Zinken stuck this paunchy 30.75-incher pulling custom-painted Berkley Flicker Minnows on Green Bay.

Sure it's a rather-generous hold, but as always: That fish would still be 30.75" if Mark was holding it behind his back. #ProveIt

Congrats dude!

Whether he's trying to be or not.

I was re-watching this AnglingBuzz "Spring Walleye Mastery" episode from last spring when the Al Lindner jumped in (from about 1:05 - 4:44) and dropped some knowledge on spring walleye locations + presentations + how he consistently catches ‘em without using live bait. And it instantly got me so fired-up to get back out on the water!

His energy and passion for all things fishy is so dang contagious.

It's going to take more than a little 'bokeh' and a VMC Moontail Jig to hide that big grin, man! Coming to a lake near you SOON:

‘Cuz this whole fishin’ thing is more than just a hobby...it’s a lifestyle:

1) This is my kind of abstract painting! Obviously NWT pro Bill Shimota has cracked his fair share of walleyes along this stretch of Lowrance GPS trails.

Keep after 'em, Bill!

We all know that walleyes are made of delicious meat, but there’s a few other things they can be made of...

2) This masterpiece from @carvingantlers3 was hand carved from deer antler.

Dude does a little bit of everything! But here’s a few more “fishy” designs along with a bonus squatch for my buddy Jay Kumar:

3) My buddy Scott Mackenthun said he got the inspiration from @codyrichardsonscreations on Insta to take on this project:

> Scott: “A couple trim screws, a jigsaw, tin snips, and a hammer and you are good to go. Interesting medium differences in old versus new license plates. I love all fish, but figured I better stick to the MN state fish. Another addition to the man cave.”

4) Turkey meets walleye with this Moonshine Shiver Minnow inspired piece from Carlson Wildlife Art:

5) This “house-warming gift” created by @georgianbaydriftwoodart went a staggering 48-inches and should be anyone’s new PB:

Think I’ve broken off on that biggun a few times now.

6) Not a walleye, but this trout piece from Ryan Smith (@reel_carvings) is on a whole 'nother level:

Mind boggling talent.

1. SD: Rost/Danforth win Missouri River MWC.

Out of Chamberlain/Oacoma. Corey Rost and Ryan Danforth won ‘er with a 2-day total of 23-06 lbs and took home over $20K in cash and prizes. Congrats fellas!

I’ve scoured everywhere and there’s zero details on how they caught ‘em. If either of you happen to be reading this, shoot me some of the specifics if you’d like....

2. ND: Irey/Butts win Missouri River AIM.

Out of Bismarck. Cullen Irey and Lucas Butts sacked-up 49.27 lbs pitching jigs and minnows (couple on plastics) in the current seams. They also had ‘big fish’ of the derby with a 32-incher!

3. MN: Bricko/Maki win Mississippi River AIM.

Out of Hager City. The details sound like the definition of combat fishing – my biggest nightmare lol. Props for grinding it out, fellas! And congrats on sticking this ridiculous 30.75-incher that made the length-to-weight conversion much closer.

4. WI: Walser/Fields win Winneconne AIM w/ 20.45 lbs.

Good story in the write-up about not giving up.

5. MD: Crazy 3D imagery of the Francis Scott Key Bridge.

> This imagery, supplied by the U.S. Navy’s Naval Sea Systems Command (NAVSEA) Supervisor of Salvage and Diving (SUPSALV), shows the wreckage resting at the bottom of the river where the Francis Scott Key Bridge once stood.

> The underwater sonar imaging tool, known as CODA Octopus, is the primary survey tool used by divers, with visibility clouded to just one to two feet because of the four to five feet of mud and loose bottom of the Patapsco River.

Lots of updates to follow along on Baltimore District, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers FB page.

6. MN: Big Stone MTT kicks off this weekend.

Some big changes have been happening with the Minnesota Tournament Trail this season. If you hadn’t heard, RLVNT (primarily known for making some incredible outdoor eyewear – but that’s not all they’ve got up their sleeves) purchased the MTT from the Holt family and is "excited to continue the legacy that Mike and Renee built over so many years." Meet MTT’s new tourney director Jim Stevenson in this FB post.

7. MN: Mississippi River NWT coming up May 23-24.

Out of Red Wing.... More details on that soon.

8. MN: HOF’er Tom Neustrom is speaking TONIGHT.

At Twin Cities Walleyes Unlimited's open-to-the-public club meeting in the Bloomington Event Center.

9. MN-FISH's “World’s Greatest Fishing Auction” ends TONIGHT.

> The MN-FISH Sportfishing Foundation is a 501c3 nonprofit organization designed to inspire Minnesotans to restore, protect and enhance sportfishing for the present and future generations to enjoy. All funds raised from this auction will go towards the betterment of fishing in Minnesota.

Still some wild trips and deals up for grabs.

10. GSM Outdoors acquires Dobyns Rods.

> “The difference with GSM is the leadership – it’s the place to be,” says owner of Dobyns Rods, Gary Dobyns. “The company is run by friends that, over the years, I’ve learned to fully trust with the growth and expansion of my brand. I am confident they will elevate it to new heights. I will now be a shareholder of GSM and will remain involved with the company’s product development initiatives. GSM is making all the right moves, quickly becoming a force to be reckoned with in the fishing industry and they are just getting started!”

11. Garmin’s Q1 up again, and again.

> Consolidated revenue of $1.38 billion, a 20% increase compared to the prior year quarter.

> Operating income of $298 million, a 51% increase compared to the prior year quarter

> Revenue from the marine segment increased 17%.... Gross and operating margins were 55% and 27%....

12. MN: Gary Roach will be at Swanson's Bait and Tackle…

...in Hackensack on Fri, May 10 from 9am-4pm.

13. Humminbird upgraded its MEGA Live Imaging.

The latest version (free software update) of MEGA Live features improved bait presentation and reduced noise. I’ve heard from multiple folks that they saw a huge improvement with this newest update.

14. Minn Kota’s new QUEST Series is crazy.

Things have sure come a long ways!

I finally got to hop in a boat with Minn Kota’s new QUEST Series (this one was the Ultrex) and it was incredible. It’s WAY quieter and more powerful. In case you haven’t seen ‘em yet, here’s a few other things that make the QUEST model different:

> QUEST gives anglers everything they love about Ultrex with a more robust and powerful brushless motor capable of enduring the most punishing environments.

> 30% longer runtime and 50% greater torque (torque = more control, sheds weeds better)

> Improved battery life with a real-time battery monitoring system, option to enter a power-saving “eco mode” when batteries get to 20%.

> Enhanced GPS Suite Including Drift Mode [you can program a drift, like making your own current and]…combats current and wind by automatically adjusting speed and direction to keep the boat on a true drift. Drift Mode acts as a gps drift sock….

> For the 36v motor, you can go from 36v to 24v if a battery goes down.

> Redesigned and upgraded mount NOT for weight but because of the torque increase.

> New lift assist makes dropping in and pulling out easier.

> Carbon fiber-infused shaft that is NOT round – helps with transducer brackets staying true.

> Out of the box connection to Humminbird via the One-Boat Network by including all necessary adapters required for networking without additional need for setup.

> One app for everything [no longer multiple apps] – The One-Boat Network App can control everything on the boat from the trolling motor and shallow water anchors to the Humminbird head units.

> Enhanced Built-in 2D Sonar with Dual Spectrum CHIRP adds Humminbird’s sonar clarity to every Minn Kota motor.

Bunch more info, videos, etc here on their site.

15. RBFF hires JD Strong as Sr. Director of Industry Engagement.

RBFF = Recreational Boating & Fishing Foundation.

> Prior to RBFF, Strong served as the Director of the Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation (ODWC) where he made significant improvements to the agency’s licensing system, developed strategic partnerships with country music star Blake Shelton and NBA star Paul George and formed important partnerships with Oklahoma fishing license retailers, Bass Pro Shops/Cabela’s, Academy Sports and Outdoors, OKC Latina, and more.

> Strong is the former Executive Director of the Oklahoma Water Resources Board (OWRB) and has held a number of leadership positions at both the state and national level with organizations including the Association of Fish & Wildlife Agencies (AFWA) and the Sport Fishing & Boating Partnership Council (SFBPC). He holds a bachelor’s degree in wildlife ecology from Oklahoma State University.

16. VT stocked a new (to them) strain of rainbow trout.

> “We are evaluating the new Eagle Lake strain of rainbow trout against our traditionally stocked Erwin-Arlee strain to ensure we are providing the highest quality fishery possible with these stocked trout. The Eagle Lake strain is currently stocked in many states including ME and MI and could be a great fit for VT as well.”

> The two strains are the same species, but genetic differences can impact their behavior and performance. Both strains will be stocked side-by-side into 12 waterbodies across VT and will be compared based on their catchability, survivability and growth to see if the Eagle Lake Strain performs better after stocking.

> The two strains look very similar but can be identified by a clipped ventral fin, the paired fins found on the underside of the fish about halfway along its body. A missing left fin indicates the new Eagle Lake strain while a missing right fin indicates the Erwin-Arlee strain.

Walleye are struggling to adapt to rapid seasonal changes?

Keep in mind this is coming from something called Earth.com who is using a stock picture of a zander, instead of a walleye, for the featured pic.

But then on the complete opposite end of that write-up's ^ spectrum...I find it interesting that nearly every walleye egg take/collection I've seen from fisheries crews across the walleye world has been off-the-charts good this spring....

Some springtime walleye crankbait basics.

From AnglingBuzz:

> As walleyes wrap up their spawn, they begin moving out to adjacent flats and shallow water structure. Crankbaits can be an excellent tool for intercepting these wandering walleyes, which can be scattered anywhere between 4-12’.

> Look for shallow-running walleye crankbaits that drive down and hit the bottom as you retrieve them back to the boat. Bottom contact is important, but don’t opt for baits that dive too deep as they won’t run optimally in the shallow water.

> Make sure you’re fishing your cranks slowly this time of year, as that’s often the only way to get bit. A couple of retrieves work well in the spring:

> Slow and steady. Simply cast out the lure and retrieve it slowly back to the boat. Anyone, even beginners, pull this one off.

> Pull and pause. Sometimes this is the deal. Cast your lure out, reel it down and then slowly pull the lure forward with your rod tip. Reel up the slack in your line, and then slowly pull the crank forward again. Continue this retrieve all the way back to the boat.

> With either of these retrieves, it’s important that you’re fishing the bait slow. Ultimately, you need to experiment with different speeds to find out what’s working best on that particular day.

Video on this page with Troy Lindner showing how he works ‘em.

***But worth it....

If you’re wondering why most of the “firetiger” color Berkley Hit Sticks went missing from this box....

It’s 'cuz Bill Shimota stole ’em all after this happened, again and again:

Dangit I can NOT wait to get out and chase some waldos but we still have 9-ish days to go before the season opens here in MN. If your season is already open or opening this weekend, catch a few for me! Pics or it didn’t happen....

Thx SO much for reading!

National Professional Anglers Assoc.

MN-FISH

Target Walleye LLC

422 Laurel Street

P.O. BOX 541

Brainerd, MN 56401

 (218) 824 5026