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Heads up: The Target Walleye emails will be coming at you a little off-schedule next week. I’m clicking send on this one, then packing and hitting the road in search of some hefty Lake Winnipeg, Manitoba greenbacks for a few days (season is open thru Apr 6 this year). Fingers crossed the camera also adds 10 lbs to each walleye. Here we go!
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Lake Erie winning details 
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The first Lake Erie Walleye Trail (LEWT) event of the season was held March 23 out of Magee East Marina in Oak Harbor, OH. Air temps were in the low-30s, but the fishing was hot, with the top-15 teams all having over a 7-lb avg!  Pre-spawn Lake Erie walleyes don't’ mess around.
It was Robert Scott and Billy Holley who bested the stacked 65-boat field with a 5-fish bag for 41.64 lbs that included a 9.64-lber!!!
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Couple lines from the LEWT recap:
> ...pulling crank baits near the Pickerel Reef system. ..stayed away from traffic to pull their fish knowing that boat traffic this time of year can shut things down with the big girls.
But I hit up Robert Scott on FB (thx man!) to snag some more specifics:
They were running unassisted Bandits 35-75’ back – behind Gator Boards – slow trolling at 1.1 to 1.4 mph for fish that were suspended 15-20’ down in 25-30’. 
One of those Bandits was a custom color called “Purple Threadfin” done-up by Matt Maynard of M&M Custom Lures:
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Big congrats on the win, fellas! That oversized, Happy Gilmore check looks great next to its antlered onlookers. 
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Btw - The Lake Erie Walleye Trail AND Masters Walleye Circuit will be holding a joint tourney, with a combined weigh-in, on Lake Erie coming up Apr 11-12 out of Port Clinton, OH. Allows folks to fish both events simultaneously, so someone could potentially win each of ‘em at the same time!
I know Robert Scott and Billy Holley will be looking to duplicate...so if you’ve got any gear you think they need to get their hands on before then, hit ‘em up. 
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Rant of the day 
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Are you reeling with the wrong hand...?
No matter which hand you reel with, someone will always call you out for using the “wrong” hand, reeling backwards, being a southpaw, whatever you wanna call it. So I wondered: Is there a “right” way?
Did a quick poll over on Facebook to see what people thought:
(37%) Switch hands if it’s a spinning reel vs baitcaster
(34%) Reel left-handed
(29%) Reel right-handed
That’s dang near an even split. Does that mean everyone’s wrong? And if anyone isn’t right, wouldn’t it be the people that switch hands and do both??
That’d be like writing left-handed with pencils, but right-handed with markers ‘cuz they’re beefier? Or shooting lefty with a .22, but switching to righty when you use a shotgun?? Never did understand the switching thing – most people that do it can’t explain how they got started with it lol.
What it all comes down to is just doing what feels comfortable to you...unless it’s this:
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That screenshot ^ is from this video, and to this day I still don't know if they're being serious, or it's satire. 
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Tom Huynh's 2¢ on Easton Fothergill's Bassmaster Classic win
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> “The 2025 Bassmaster Classic was nothing short of legendary, evoking memories of my own journey through the walleye world over these past 4+ years (though I have a good two decades on Easton). At just 22 yrs old, MN's very own Easton Fothergill captured the most prestigious title in professional bass fishing, the first ever for the state that I call home. His triumph wasn’t simply a showcase of youthful skill and unwavering determination...it stood as a true testament to the game-changing impact of forward-facing sonar (FFS), the pinnacle of modern fishing technology. The proof is in the weight – beating the 1984 record, Easton brought in 76 lbs 15 oz, 8.5 lbs ahead of 2nd place Trey McKinney. I can only imagine the heights Easton will reach with another 20 yrs of experience under his belt.
> “During the tournament I was fascinated by his ability to adapt and leverage the cutting-edge FFS technology to set him apart from a field of seasoned competitors. While people hesitate to fully embrace FFS, Easton used it masterfully, proving that the future of competitive fishing belongs to those who innovate...not those who resist change. He wasn’t guessing where the fish were. He wasn’t wasting time fishing empty water. He was hunting, targeting individual fish, and making precise presentations in ways that were impossible just a few years ago.
> “This wasn’t luck. It wasn’t a gimmick. It was skill, strategy, and technology working together at the highest level. Despite undeniable proof of its effectiveness, there are still anglers, fans, and even some pros who scoff at forward-facing sonar. They call it “cheating” or claim it’s ruining the sport. But here’s the reality: every major sport evolves. Golfers use rangefinders and advanced swing analysis. Baseball players study high-speed pitch tracking. Racing teams rely on telemetry and data analytics.
> “Fishing is no different. The anglers who refuse to adapt will find themselves left behind, watching younger, sharper competitors take home the trophies.
> “The choice is simple: Get on board or get left behind.
> “Easton Fothergill’s Bassmaster Classic win is proof that forward-facing sonar isn’t just part of the game. It is the game.
> “This is why I am passionate about teaching anglers how to maximize this game-changing technology.
> “If you’re serious about success on the water, use code: GAMECHANGER to save 15% at checkout [for Tom Huynh University's Master Forward Facing Sonar Class]. Code valid until March 31st.”
Speaking of screen time....
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Is this screen big enough for you?
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I'll take one! Oh, and 3 or 4 flats of crawlers hahahah.
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Study finds that nearly half of women are attracted to men holding fish
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We knew it, ladies! 
Came across this old write-up from Women’s Health magazine back in 2016, but it had too hilarious of a headline not to bring back to life:
> A study revealed that 46% of young American women find Tinder photos of men holding a fish more attractive than those of men without.
And 100% of them found walleye fishermen more attractive than bass guys.
Okay I might have made that last part up hahaha.
Now before you fellas get too excited, it’s been 7 years since that study came out...so they’re probably sick of us by now.... But we don’t do it for them, we do it for us!
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> They were fishing a large clam bed that is well known but had the area of Red Can to themselves. Pulling 3-ways with custom painted floating Rapalas...catching 1 or 2 fish a pass and doing it again. They sorted and upgraded pre-spawn female saugers....
Sweet! I haven’t spent much time at all pulling 3-way rigs, so would love to know more of the specifics (depth, type of structure, weight, speed, color, sizes, rod/reel/line setup, etc). But regardless it sounds like they earned that win AND were rewarded handsomely:
> Earning a champions trophy in this Illinois River Masters Walleye Circuit Qualifier also comes with a paid berth into the 2026 National Team Championship. Tyler Maney and Thor Wick took home $12,400 in cash, the NTC prize package valued at $1000 consisting of custom NTC jerseys, custom NTC plaques, and a cash travel stipend, and the Ranger Cup bonus of $8,000 for a total of $21,400 in cash and prizes!
2. MI: Bulbous beauty captured by the DNR...
...during their egg collection efforts on the Muskegon River this week:
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> Our fisheries staff collect 26 million eggs from the Muskegon River in the spring to produce walleye to stock in waterbodies throughout Michigan. (more eggs are collected elsewhere)
> These efforts help continue to make our fishing opportunities some of the best in the country, and we thank anglers for their support through fishing licenses.
3. OH: Lake Erie should be again this season
And sounds like many more years to come – especially if this new crew has anything to say about it:
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Okay, back to some Lake Erie walleye data:
> Walleye hatch success has been well above average for seven of the past 10 yrs, including the 3 largest hatches ever surveyed. In 2025, anglers will mostly catch abundant 2- to 6-yr-old-fish ranging from 15-24”. Larger fish from 2015 and earlier hatches will provide chances to reel in a Fish Ohio qualifying walleye (28” and up).
Btw - Lake Erie’s largest Fish Ohio walleye from 2024 were a pair of 34-inchers  caught just days apart in April.
> Abundant young fish will show up in the catch and range from 9-14”, with an increasing number of 2-yr-olds reaching 15” as the season progresses. Anglers are encouraged to release sub-legal fish with as little handling as possible so they can contribute to the future fishery.
4. WI: Real-time HD fish cam on the Wolf River
In case the boss is wondering about your recent drop in productivity HA! There’s a few different cameras you can cycle thru at the top. I hopped on the “Shiocton 1” camera for all of 4 sec before typing this and had a walleye sneak thru and then a big sucker give me the stink eye lol.
This is the 17th season of Wolf River Cam – created by lifelong Shiocton resident Gary Bunnell. Full scoop on how it came to be here.
5. SD: Lake Sharpe NWT, Pierre, Apr 24-25
6. WI: Merc National tourney happenin’ June 7-8
Registration opened up on Mar 10 (believe they usually fill up with 300 teams every year) for the 47th-annual derby on Lake Winnebago.
7. MN: Walleye Alliance Spring Banquet is happening Apr 24
At The Woods Event Center – can’t wait! They get an incredible turn out every year and it's always a blast chatting with other walleye-obsessed folks.  Big thx to all that help put on this fundraising event! Get your tickets here.
8. Here’s another look at the new Berkley Drip baits 
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The Drip Minnow (top) has a “drip”-shaped bulbous tail for a nice subtle action when twitching or shaking. And the Drip Swimmer (bottom) has a micro-boot tail that "delivers tight actions for finesse swimbaiting." Some in 3”, 4” and 5”, have flatter sides, and some killer "Ultra High-Definition" colors. FishUSA has ‘em in stock...for now....
9. Did you know Babe Ruth was an avid outdoorsman?
I dunno who needs to see this today, but here’s a pic of ‘The Great Bambino’ tipping back a beer after a successful day of fishing. 
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I know my dad will get a kick out of that!
10. NM: Couple of walleye derbies in NEW MEXICO this weekend
Not really much info there, but I just think it’s so dang cool that folks 1,300 miles south of here are going out specifically targeting walleye in a derby this weekend while we are still iced up lol.
Hosted by the Texas Walleye Association, tho it looks like they’ll be zipping across the border into New Mexico to fish Conchas Lake (Sat) and Ute Reservoir (Sun).
If any of you southerners happen to be reading this, please take some fish pics and send me a few details on how you’re catching ‘em!
11. You spooling up for the season yet?
I’ve mentioned it before, but one gadget EVERY fish-head should own is the Berkley Line Stripper Max – it attaches to a cordless drill so you can peel off a pile of line right quick, which is the worst part of re-spooling. Serious time-saver and actually makes me look forward to the job:
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They always seem to be sold-out, so do yourself a favor and snipe one early if you can find one.
12. IA: Bob Harris receives 2024 Brass Bluegill award...
...from the DNR's Fish Iowa! Program:
> Harris started a nonprofit organization in 2020 to promote fishing for Junior and Senior High School students. The Southwest Iowa Fishing Team aims to promote, advance, and sponsor amateur youth fishing for boys and girls in Southwest Iowa and surrounding communities.
> Their primary initiative is to instill the ideals of good sportsmanship, education, conservation, and fish care through instruction, seminars, and training during all outdoor youth activities.
> Dozens of Junior and Senior High school aged boys and girls from all over IA have joined this team and competed in youth bass fishing tournaments locally and nationally. Harris also provides students with educational opportunities. Using fishing as a springboard, he and his team gain a better understanding of fish biology, habitat, and water management. He works with local agencies, organizations and businesses to access equipment, local resources, and funds for supplies.
> The Southwest Iowa Fishing Team is committed to giving back to the natural resources in IA. Harris and his team successfully completed a fund-raising campaign to purchase materials the team used to build fish habitat at more than a dozen Southwest Iowa public fishing lakes.
13. VT’s proposing some reg changes to panfish
Some of the proposed updates would:
> Add daily limits for panfish on inland waters of 50 fish in total and no more than 25 of a given species
> Add black and white crappie to the list of game fish species that can't be sold or purchased
> Require anglers who want to sell panfish to have a new "fish seller's endorsement"
14. IA: DNR investigating fish kill at Dry Run Creek
In Winneshiek County.
> Officials identified overland runoff from an animal feeding operation near the headwaters of the unnamed tributary as the source of the release. The amount of manure released is unknown at this time. Dead fish have been observed for several miles in the creek.
15. CO: North Shore Marina to remain open
At Lake Pueblo State Park.
16. SD: Golf/fishing tourney to benefit Make-A-Wish, missionary work
> The Ty Eschenbaum Foundation’s Summer Classic, held June 6-7 at Lake Region Golf Club and Lake Poinsett, features a golf scramble, a new women’s golf tournament, and a walleye fishing event. It raises funds for Make-A-Wish South Dakota & Montana, youth cancer survivor scholarships, and missionary work. Last year, it raised over $30,000.
17. WY: Regional Fisheries Supervisor, Robb Keith, retiring
For the Green River Region, which is where one of WY’s top walleye factories, Boysen Reservoir, is located.
18. WY: AIS private inspector training, Apr 11
19. Last call! Win the latest Humminbird and MinnKota stuff
New Humminbird XPLORE 12 fish finder, new Humminbird MEGA Live 2 FFS, and a MinnKota Ultrex QUEST!
All entries are due by 11:59 pm CT on Mon, Mar 31.
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I mentioned the “Dodd knot” in the last TW. Never personally tried it, but some folks have told me they love it. Just wanted to give you a heads up that I got a message from a dude who said “after trying and double checking several times, the Dodd knot had terribly-reduced line strength. I would guess close to 50%.”
So I guess this is just a warning for you to do some checking/testing before diving all in – with anything. And also a reminder to me on why I don’t like to mention anything unless I’ve personally worked it over!
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> “Walleyes typically spawn once water temps reach the mid-40s. The exact number will vary from lake to lake, but it’s generally 44-48 F.
> “Walleyes tend to go back to their old spawning grounds year after year, so once you figure out where they’re dumping their eggs, you’ll have some valuable info you can rely on for years to come.
> “Depending where you’re fishing, walleyes will either spawn on main-lake shorelines, or in feeder rivers/creeks. This tends to be on some form of shallow rock or gravel in 3-6′.
> “Look for shallow-water structure between those spawning grounds and some of your favorite main-lake summertime spots.”
They didn’t forget about you river rats either:
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Keep reading here for more deets on baits and presentations.
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It’s pretty rare to see a non-cliche sunset fishing pic (when ya don’t catch ’em lol) but I managed to find one.... Incredibly paunchy shot of Tanner Wulfekuhle shipping some Lake Winnipeg, Manitoba green back. #ReturnToSender
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Hope YOU get the chance to set the hook this weekend, too!  Thx so much for reading!!
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Sign up another fish-head!
If you're forwarding Target Walleye to a friend who loves to walleye fish or want your fishing buddies to get these emails, just send us their email addresses and we'll take care of it! (We won't sell the addresses, use them for spam, etc.)
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FRIENDS OF TARGET WALLEYE
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Target Walleye – walleye during open water and all species during hardwater – is brought to you by Al Lindner, Jay Kumar, Chris Philen, Brett McComas and other diehard fish-heads like you!
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Brett McComas is the main man for Target Walleye He was discovered in Brainerd, MN after years of wondering how in the heck people break into the fishing biz. He's in it now, but still can't answer that question.... Brett is one of those guys who majored in marketing, only because there was no such thing as a "fishing degree" at the time.... Get him at brett@targetwalleye.com
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Tagged Lake Winnipeg fish, Male vs female walleyes, Can walleyes get cataracts
