How Tom Huynh hawg hunts with the Finisher
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2024 National Walleye Tour Champ Tom Huynh teams up with The Next Bite crew on Lake of the Woods, armed with forward-facing sonar (FFS) and the Berkley Finisher glide bait. They’re targeting giant, basin-roaming, cisco-munching walleye – and they don’t mess around.
The boys put on a no-nonsense clinic, scoping fish with deadly precision. The video spills all the goods – worth a watch if you’re hunting heavyweights.
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No time to watch the full vid? Here’s a few key highlights:
FFS done right
> "With the advent of forward-facing sonar, you no longer have to take the time to sort through all the small fish."
> "By cruising around the basin and using your FFS on the trolling motor, you’re able to seek out and target individual fish – especially the big ones."
> "When I do get that target in the sights, I want to get it between 20 and 30 feet."
And his boat control = smooth as butter:
> "When I see it, I’m spinning the boat around into the wind and just tapping on the throttle of the motor – just to bump it along, not continuous."
Built for big bites
> "First thing you’ll notice with this bait is it looks different than other glide baits – there’s no fins, no stationary hooks, none of that stuff that can break on ‘em."
> "There’s also two trebles on this bait – so phenomenal for hookups."
The real magic is in the slow sink rate:
> "Some of these fish are suspended – might be in 30-35’ of water, these fish might be 10’ off the bottom – and this thing sinks a little slower than your typical real heavy glide baits."
> "What it allows you to do is keep the bait above those suspended fish."
> "Having a lighter bait that you’re able to hover over open-water fish was the main goal – and it pairs perfectly with forward-facing sonar."
Works well up shallow too:
> "It’s also available in a size 7 and a size 5 – those are gonna be the ones you use in shallower water. I’ve found good success with the 5 along weed edges and stuff like that too."
And it’s tough as nails:
> "Developing a glide bait that addresses some of the weaknesses in other glide baits is a difficult task...."
> "We’re in the mud basin, basically using forward-facing sonar to go around and find these fish roaming the basin."
Level up with Tom Huynh University
Want to fish like a champ? Tom’s Master Forward Facing Sonar course spills all his pro secrets – works with any FFS brand, not just Garmin (Tom specifically addresses that common Q in this recent post). Lifetime access, 24/7, and Target Walleye readers snag 10% off with code READY2LEARN thru March 23, 2025. Don’t sleep on it!
Btw I also just came across this FB post from walleye-pro Jake Caughey, who keep in mind was one of the single best performers in numerous high-caliber walleye derbies across the Midwest last year, and also already one of the best “scopers” in the walleye game:
> Jake Caughey: “4th time listening to Tom Huynh tonight in the last couple years. Every time I listen I learn something. I hear people who are too proud to go listen to a competitor give seminars and it blows my mind. I don’t think there has ever been a tournament angler that is constantly competing for money, give out so many details and intricacies of what he is doing to be successful to the public. Never stop learning.”
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Mount that walleye right!
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You just caught a walleye worthy of your wall – one of those fish that makes your buddies think you're the man for a hot second. You know you want it mounted – what's next?
We talked to SD's Tyler Erickson who's blending art, conservation and some serious craftsmanship with his World-Class Replicas line. Whether you’re leaning toward a skin mount or a replica, here are 5 things to consider on the water before the fish is dead – plan ahead:
1. Snap quick, quality photos
> “If you’re thinking replica, grab your camera fast,” Erickson urges. “Get side, top, fins spread – mouth open if you can. Shoot in natural light while it’s wet, before colors fade. Those pics are gold for matching a blank.” Good photos are key to a spot-on replica – capture the fish fresh and vibrant.
2. Don’t gut the fish
> “Biggest mistake I see – gutting the fish. It throws off the body [distorts the shape] and makes it a pain to work with. Keep it whole – freeze it right or let it go with good photos.”
3. Freeze it right if you’re keeping it
“The worst move is wrapping a fish in newspaper – it’s a disaster. Instead, lay it flat, tuck the fins in, wrap it in a wet towel, squeeze out excess water, and bag it so your freezer stays clean. It’s gotta stay pristine for a skin mount. That frozen towel shields those fins...that’s the way to keep it perfect.”
4. Don’t keep every big fish
> “Unless it’s a freak – record-worthy or crazy fat – let it swim,” he insists. “A 30-inch walleye doesn’t need to die when a replica can nail it. Think conservation – let it fight again.” Save the fishery – only keep the truly exceptional, not every lunker.
5. Know when to cut it loose
> “If it’s scarred or torn up, don’t bother,” he advises. “Skin mounts can’t hide flaws. Snap pics, release it, and we’ll build a perfect blank.” Beat-up fish won’t mount well – let them go and opt for a flawless replica.
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Tyler Erickson is a name you need to know if you’re an angler who’s ever dreamed of preserving a trophy catch. From his roots in southern MN to his world-champion titles, Erickson has spent two decades perfecting fish taxidermy – and he’s on a mission to change how we think about mounting fish. Based in Brookings, SD, this wildlife-and-fisheries grad turned taxidermy innovator is bridging the gap between art, conservation, and cutting-edge craftsmanship with his World-Class Replicas line.
We sat down with him in this Target Walleye exclusive write-up to unpack his journey, his process, and why replicas might just be the future of trophy fish preservation. For sure worth diving into – as you can see, the dude is incredibly talented. 🤯
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Awesome “hybrid bait” when walleyes don’t want rattles
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There’s almost no better feeling than when a walleye comes flying in and absolutely crushes a rattlebait. 💣
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Those are the days we live for!
Unfortunately you also have days where rattlebaits will actually spook the fish off, and send them fleeing in the opposite direction waaaay faster than they were coming in.
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If walleye’s aren’t reacting positively to all that thunder down under 🛎️🪇📣 that’s when I like to bust-out the “silent but deadly” Rapala Slab Rap:
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> “With quick rod snaps the Slab Rap searches in wide, erratic directions, circling back to center after pause. Lift-drop motion creates subtle vibration on rise, followed by evasive side-to-side motion on the fall. Weight forward design enables a rocking action for triggering negative fish.”
Here’s a full breakdown of when/where/why/how I fish ‘em, complete with multiple fish catches and some tasty LiveScope footage. Hope you dig it!
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1. OH: 10 Lake Erie anglers charged for overfishing
Multiple anglers were fined and had walleye forfeited to the ODNR after being convicted of exceeding the daily limit of 6 fish on Lake Erie, with fines ranging from $210 to $310 per person across two separate court cases.
2. MN: The 25/26 fishing regs are out now
Reminder you need(ed) a new MN fishing license as of Mar 1....
3. MN: Mille Lacs Lake walleye limits increased
> Mille Lacs Lake anglers can harvest two walleye daily from May 10 to Nov 30, with a minimum size of 17” and only 1 over 20”, thanks to a recovering fishery supported by years of strict harvest limits by the MN DNR and Ojibwe Tribes. The 2025 season reflects a healthy walleye population, abundant forage, and a collaborative state-Tribal agreement setting harvest limits at 113,600 lbs for state anglers and 88,000 lbs for treaty fishers, while adapting to ecological changes and invasive species.
4. WI: Fox River is heating up
> Warm weather draws anglers to the Fox River in De Pere as the annual walleye spawning run kicks off. The WI DNR continues its walleye reward tag study in Green Bay and its tributaries, offering $100 for red tags, with the run expected to last into May, though shore catches remain limited compared to boats.
5. WI: Possible reg change for Crescent Lake walleye
> The DNR proposes to change fishing regulations for walleye on Crescent Lake in Oneida County to match the standard Ceded Territory walleye regulation of a minimum length of 15 inches.
> Walleye from 20-24” could not be kept, with a daily bag limit of 3 fish with only 1 fish over 24”.
> This proposed reg change comes after the Crescent Lake rehabilitation partner group detected a strong year class of age-1 walleye in fall 2024.
> The change is meant to minimize the harvest of juvenile walleye while protecting the current spawning adult population.
6. Heads up! TUCR just got a few more...
...of the Target Walleye Signature Edition Commanders in stock. This is a limited run, but Tuned Up Custom Rods has ‘em ready to ship right NOW! (while supplies last)
I absolutely love the sensitivity and power of the Commander when fishing medium rattlebaits, glide baits, and bigger spoons for walleyes! The Gold REC Recoil Ice Guides are a super classy + sharp touch. The 7” Carbon-Fiber Handle doesn’t get dirty like cork, has a flat bottom for mounting/keeping reels straight, is light, sensitive and looks awesome. Black main wraps with a gold trim – TUCR nailed it!
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7. OH: Warriors Wangling Walleye charity tourney is Apr 25
9th-annual derby out of Port Clinton.
> Warriors Wangling Walleye is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization founded to honor, engage and assist veterans of the United States military and their families by capitalizing on the outstanding sport-fishing on Lake Erie. By hosting this tournament each year, they raise funds to support a variety of programs which help veterans thrive in their communities.
8. SD: AFTCO Walleye Throwdown, Lake Oahe, July 26-27
The biggest walleye weighed in during the 2 days wins $10K.
9. MI: 2nd-annual Denali Myriad Walleye Tournament, Oct 11
On Saginaw Bay:
> “After a successful inaugural event, we’re bringing the excitement back for another year, giving anglers the perfect opportunity to kick off the fall walleye season in style. Once again, the Michigan Walleye Tour will host the event, ensuring a professionally run tournament and weigh-in experience. Competitors will have the chance to test their skills on one of the Midwest’s top walleye fisheries while enjoying a day of competition, camaraderie, and appreciation.
> “Denali’s Myriad Series [rods] has continued to gain strong support from Michigan walleye anglers, and this tournament serves as our way of giving back to the community that has embraced the brand. Whether you competed last year or are new to the event, we invite you to join us for what promises to be an unforgettable day on the water....”
More details on registration, prizes, and event logistics to come.
I believe they paid out almost 40 spots last year with either cash or merchandise. It was Kenneth Salwa and Matt Lafreniere who won the inaugural derby (full results) with 27.25 lbs, taking home $5K!
10. Shimano expanded its jerkbait lineup
11. Minn Kota intros Kayak Terrova
> Minn Kota introduces the Kayak Terrova, a trolling motor designed for kayak anglers, featuring advanced GPS navigation with Spot-Lock, Autopilot, and Drift Mode, plus One-Boat Network integration with Humminbird fish finders for effortless, precise control. Priced at $1,499.99 and available Mar 20, 2025, it offers a durable 55-lb thrust motor, Digital Maximizer for extended battery life, and a weedless prop, enhancing the fishing experience with reliable performance.
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These things are getting so dialed that pretty soon we won’t need separate tourney divisions for boats vs kayaks hahaha!
12. Good In-Fisherman post on Humminbird MEGA 360
Talkin' use, settings, mounting, such like:
> One of the major seasonal changes I work through each year is an algae bloom...clutters the top 4-6' of the water, or more, making it hard to discern fish profiles or activity. A reduction in sensitivity and increase in contrast helps declutter that section of the water column, and you can identify larger fish like carp, pike or bigger bass that may be suspended.
> ...options to switch between Mega 360 and 455 kHz, much like Side Imaging and Down Imaging. The 2 options work best under different conditions. For example, shallow and warm water is ideal for Mega, while deeper, cooler water might be ideal for 455 kHz.
13. ME: Lead-head trade-in at Maine Sportsmen's Shows
Lead tackle is illegal in ME due to loons.
14. MN: Land deal leads to 450-acre WMA on Mantrap Lake
> Hubbard County’s new 449-acre Mantrap Lake WMA, acquired for $5.3 mill from a former 3M corporate retreat on Big Mantrap Lake, will open to the public this autumn, offering hunting, fishing, and recreation on a pristine property with 6 miles of shoreline, thanks to a historic purchase by the Minnesota Land Trust and Northern Waters Land Trust. The land, featuring untouched woods, wild rice wetlands, and trails, preserves critical habitat and cultural value, funded by the Outdoor Heritage Fund and federal contributions, ensuring access for all while protecting the lake’s loons, muskies, and diverse wildlife.
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“And this is how dreams and goals start....”
Amazing pic from an NWT event. 🙌 Dream big, little man!
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I had the exact same reaction to seeing Korey Sprengel’s rig a couple summers ago at a media event on Oneida Lake, NY. 😅🙋♂️
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Hope you’re able to get back on the water soon(er than me), too! Lol Thanks so much for reading and have a great weekend!
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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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