1. ND: Devils Lake NWT happenin’ Jul 26-27.
Here’s what the pros think it’ll take to win. Will just say this: The last 2 NWT events on Devils Lake (2013 and 2015) were won with Rapala Jigging Raps….
2. MN: Mille Lacs has 2x as many walleyes as ’14.
That’s an early guesstimate of a study the DNR will be completing this fall. Write-up also said:
> The DNR blames climate change and invasive species like zebra mussels for affecting the walleye count. Parsons [new fisheries chief] says the lake has a high number of walleye born in 2013. And now that they are fully grown, it’s helping the overall count.
> That’s the issue we’ve had in Mille Lacs is survival of little fish to become big fish. That’s dropped in the past 10 years pretty substantially. So that’s what we need to see turn around.
Still sayin’ this is some of the best walleye fishing I’ve ever seen (or heard of) on “The Big Pond for both size and numbers.
3. ON: Davey/Haisell win Kenora Walleye Open.
4. WI making room for walleyes…
…by removing bass and panfish from McDermott Lake:
> Researchers know warming lake temps and changing habitats have led to a reduction in walleye and an increase in bass and panfish populations…[also] want to know whether interaction between the species plays a role.
> Thought is that panfish and bass are in so much higher numbers than walleye that they’re [potentially] monopolizing resources and out-competing those really early life stages of walleye…don’t know if it will work — that’s something I want to emphasize…this is an experiment.
Said they keep some of fish they remove for further study…rest go to “wildlife rehab centers, serving as food for birds and other animals.”
5. MN: Lake of the Woods Tourism is hiring…
…an Assistant Director. More info here.
6. MN: Sauk Rapids/Sartell high school fishin’ team…
…has exploded in its 1st year — believe they’re now the 2nd largest high school fishin’ team in the Midwest behind the Brainerd Warriors. More and more teams poppin’ up all over the country = #Stout
> Mike Danielson (co-founder of the group): “We had an informational meeting in Oct and I think we had about 100 people show up to that…took off from there.
> “(It’s) to create opportunity in the fishing world that may not have been known to kids before this. Whether a kid wants to be a bass tourney guru or learn how to fish carp on the bank…just to be a resource for these kids to let them know all these opportunities that are out there.”
The team literally had to close registration for the 2018 season because there were so many students interested — didn’t have enough volunteers.
> Danielson: “We hate to turn any kids away from doing this…it kind of crushes us a little bit.”
Said they’re hoping when registration opens again in March, new members will bring more people looking to help out. No doubt they will, man!
Hit ’em up here if you’re from the area and willing to help.
7. New ‘Rude marketing VP.
8. Great Shaw Grigsby post on trolling motor maintenance.
Says in there his batteries have lasted up to 10 yrs!?!
9. MN: Fishing Careers Workshop in Oct.
> …hosted by Al Lindner, Troy Lindner and Joel Nelson…held at Madden’s Resort on Gull Lake in the Brainerd Lakes Area on Saturday, Oct 27.
> Al Lindner: “If you’re in the tackle, marine or tourism industry — you need to attend or send a representative. We have a fantastic line-up of mover and shakers, each sharing their personal journey and step-by-step details, wisdom and practical guidance on how to create and navigate a successful career or business in today’s sport fishing industry. Our goal is inspire and encourage your life path and to pursue your dreams.”
So grateful to be a part of this event again this fall. It’s truly a special thing when careers and passions align — hard work is everything.
10. Savage Gear and Okuma part ways.
Was forwarded an email from the head of Savage that says:
> “After the recent mutual agreement between Okuma, former distributor of the global lure brand Savage Gear, [and Savage Gear] to part ways, we can announce that Savage Gear from Sept will open its own office and showroom in Miami, FL. ”
11. Tracker tin boat biz hurt by new import tariffs?
12. New global brand manager for Mustad.
13. National fishin’ trends.
Nothing walleye-specific but:
> Freshwater fishing was once again the most popular form of fishing with a participation rate that held steady…from 2016 to 2017. …38.3 million participants, which was 3 times the amount of people that participated in saltwater fishing….
> In general, children ages 6-12 participated in fishing at a higher rate than teenagers, ages 13-17. Both groups fished more than they did the year before. Among children, fishing grew by half a million people to reach 7.3 million…or 24.2% of American kids. Teens added 200,000 participants to 4.3 million people or 20.1% of American teens….
> …Hispanic Americans continued to significantly increase…from 10.6% to a record high…11.7%, or 4.2 million people. …tended to be avid participants, embarking on 22.2 average annual outings per participant — nearly 4 more outings than the typical [angler].
Thought this graphic was interesting:
Feel like the Midwest makes up a big chunk of the 20% that like to switch it up. On the other hand, the #1 other reason given for fishing was to “get exercise,” which sounds sketchy lol.
14. Boat dealers still seeing lots of ethanol damage.
> 85% of our respondents said they have seen damage to engines or other components caused by ethanol in their business. That was down from 92% last year and 87% in 2016.
