How to use muddy water to your advantage
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Talking on Lake Erie (and other Great Lakes) which is a little different than how they play in the mud down south:
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This interesting write-up with Ross Robertson and John Gillman talks how they use dirty water to their advantage to make big water fish much smaller. Full read here, but a few excerpts below:
> This is one time of year that driving around the lake at 30 mph is very productive as we look for the mud transitions. Muddy water becomes like an invisible fence to help anglers eliminate water without ever wetting a line or even coming off plane. Make a big lake small, and a small lake even smaller.
> ...this pattern applies to many inland lakes and nearly all of the Great Lakes, but doesn’t apply to...bodies of water that have year-round muddy water. Fish in those types of environments seem to adapt and break typical walleye behavior.
> Fish too clean of water (real blue) and you are likely to not see, mark or catch much. Fish too dirty (cardboard color)...and all you do is make yourself sick with the number of seemingly uncatchable marks on the fish finder. It’s that in-between color that’s the sweet spot. This water is generally a little green under ideal conditions, to a little chalky.
> ...look at the big engine’s cavitation plate to determine clarity before setting up. For me it’s a control, the distance never changes and it serves as a way for other anglers to stay on the same page when discussing water clarity in different areas of the lake.
> One key item to be aware of that will drastically alter clarity is bottom composition. ...rock reefs are the first to clean up. A loose mud silt bottom takes more time to clear when compared to a hard compacted mud bottom.
> While water clarity is likely the most important factor, temperature is a close second…has as much to do with bait as anything.... I believe that is the biggest reason walleyes are void in the super clean “blue” areas [often a few degrees colder]. No bait = no walleyes...it’s that simple.
And in case you’re curious...Ross (aka Bigwater Fishing) has already been leaning into those BIG, Lake Erie walleyes! Like this paunchy critter he caught a few days ago. 🐷
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He said, “they have been deeper than normal and that’s Gold Miner 30 territory.” 👀 That’s the new Rapala Gold Miner 30 he’s talking about, which is designed to dive deep...VERY deep. Will reach 30’+ unassisted [!] and Ross says it’s also the loudest Rap out there for off-colo water or to draw fish in from further away:
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I can’t wait to take one out for a rip in OH sometime soon...like say in just a few weeks....
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Helicopter ice fishing?! 🤯
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I thought this pic from Marc LeNeau on Instagram was a Pho(ny)toshop at first, but turns out it’s the real deal – he’s got vids on his IG to prove it:
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No public access? No problem. That’s one way to get on those little lakes without ever stepping foot on private land lol. Oh, the Places You'll I Would Go! 😅
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Speaking of (very) public fishing places...
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Check out this wild aerial shot from Doug Hinebaughof (near Side Cut Metropark) of folks fishing shoulder-to-shoulder during this spring’s Maumee River walleye run. 😳 They MUST be biting lol:
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Guess it’s such a popular area that a dude named Josh sets up this slick lil operation where he’ll clean anyone’s catch for just $2 a fish!
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Man, $2 seems like a steal at the end of the day! I hope the tips are hefty.
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How the stork drops off baby walleyes
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Some interesting walleye-spawn factoids from this Hunt Fish Manitoba blog post:
> The walleye spawn has a plethora of factors that affect and trigger the spawn. Of these factors, the photoperiod and water temperature are kings.
> The photoperiod is a key signal for the walleyes spawning journey.... The amount of light a walleye encounters throughout the day will eventually hit a critical point. ...triggers an internal signal in the body which initiates the releasing of hormones to begin preparing the walleyes for the spawn.
> ...one of the only factors that allows for an exact date every year in relation to the spawn. No matter the weather or temperature, the amount of sunlight during a specific time will always be the same year after year.
> In Manitoba’s northern climate, this magic temperature is typically around the mid-40°F range. During a warm spring this 44-48°F range can happen very early...during the fishing closures across the province. ...cool springs like the one we just had can yield waters too cold for the walleye spawn right away. This can push the spawn much later into the spring. In some cases, this will leave you with pre-spawn walleyes into the early weeks of the reopened angling seasons.
> ...the average female deposits around 100K eggs at once and after fertilized neither the male or female [protects them].
> The majority of walleyes actually spawn during the night, and a singular walleye will completely spawn out in only one night. With that being said, although the migratory spawning journey takes time, the actual act of depositing and fertilizing tens of thousands of eggs happens in only a few hours.
> Typically, female walleye mature around the age of 5 and males around the age of 3. ...it’s good to keep this in mind when deciding which fish to keep and release. Due to natural selection, there’s way more...immature [fish] than are mature in a water body. ...keeping sexually mature fish does much more damage on a fishery than keeping an immature fish.
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Can keep reading the full Hunt Fish MB blog post here.
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The latest “Top 5” of the week vid! 🍿
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In case you missed it on YouTube, here’s episode 84. Hope you enjoy it!
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Big thx to our friends at Sea Foam for making this fun video series possible! 👊
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> Virginia DWR is making a huge effort to bring back this native fish. This beauty – along with two males – was transported to Buller Fish Hatchery to help produce the next generation of walleye for future stockings across the state.
2. CAN imposes 25% retaliatory tariff on U.S. fishing products
> Canada has fired back at recent U.S. trade actions by imposing a steep 25% retaliatory tariff on American fishing rods, nets, hooks, lines, and other tackle, effective as of Mar 13, 2025.
> This latest development comes as trade tensions continue to escalate following the Trump administration’s implementation of a 25% tariff on aluminum imports from Canada, Mexico, and China. These tariffs significantly impact fishing reels and accessories due to their aluminum components. According to the American Sportfishing Association (ASA), the U.S. imports roughly 60% of its fishing equipment, with two-thirds originating from China.
> This new retaliatory tariff not only raises costs for Canadian anglers but also burdens the U.S. sportfishing industry. The industry already contributes heavily to conservation efforts through a dedicated 10% excise tax that funds the Sport Fish Restoration program. Additional strain is sure to increase costs across the board.
3. Pure Fishing has opted out of ICAST
They’ll instead host events for industry professionals at its new showroom in Charleston, SC.
Pure Fishing is the parent company of Berkley, Abu Garcia, Fenwick, Plano, Ugly Stik, and many more.
ICAST (International Convention of Allied Sportfishing Trades) is a yearly trade show that takes place every summer in Orlando, FL It’s the largest convention in the fishing world.
Some insight from this GearJunkie write-up:
> In early March, Pure Fishing hosted a media event to present a new showroom and make a big announcement.
> “This event, and this headquarters, represent a significant investment in the future of our brands and our ability to engage directly with the industry. It’s also part of why we made the decision not to attend ICAST this year,” said Jon Schlosser, Pure Fishing’s Chief Brand and Product Officer.
> “That said, we remain committed to supporting key industry initiatives, such as hosting the upcoming ‘Partner with a Payer’ event in Iowa this April alongside ASA, RBFF, Iowa DNR and USFWS, reinforcing our dedication to the broader fishing community efforts.”
> GearJunkie's Morgan Nowels: “While at the new showroom, Pure Fishing employees made it very clear why they were moving from ICAST to a new showroom. They wanted to have the full, undivided attention of customers and media without the noise and chaos a large show could create. This will allow industry professionals to have a real one-on-one connection with the Pure Fishing brands and gain better insight into what Pure Fishing is doing and offering.
> “...walking away from ICAST does not mean Pure Fishing is abandoning the ASA. The company has been, is currently, and will continue to be a strong supporter of the organization. The move is simply the company investing in itself as well.”
4. MI: DNR walleye-egg collection starting soon
On the Muskegon River below the Croton Dam:
> Approx 26 mil walleye eggs are expected to be collected from the Muskegon River this year [starting as early as the week of Mar 24 and concluding by Apr 12]. That's projected to come from about 400 adult fish, all but 60 of which are immediately returned to the river.
5. MN: New C&R record lake trout caught
Isaiah Bartlet was fishing Lake Superior with charter captain Ethan Waytashek on Mar 12 when he caught the 43.25-incher! They were jigging white 2-oz tubes on a slight drop-off in 165’ about 1.5 miles from shore. The water temp was just 32.6°F – 🥶 brrrr! But obviously worth it:
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Congrats! That fish edges out Kelsey Vanderheyden’s previous catch-and-release state record laker (42.5”) which was caught outta Lake Superior last Apr...also while fishing with cap’n Ethan Waytashek.
6. MN: Lund Boats’ Ultimate Fishing Camp, Jun 22-25
Out of Trappers Landing Lodge on Leech Lake:
> Learn about fish behavior, seasonal patterns, and perfect your fishing techniques through practical knowledge. Whether it's refining your use of electronics or learning key strategies, this camp is packed with valuable insights to boost your success on the water. Enjoy a fun-filled experience with the Lund Pro Staff [Jeff Gustafson, James Lindner, Jeremy Smith, Ted Takasaki, Perry Good, and Mandy Uhrich] while mastering the skills that will take your fishing to the next level.
7. MO: Tom Boley road-tripped to Table Rock Lake...
...to take a crack at some southern walleye! It's an hour-long YT video, but an awesome adventure as he takes you along from start to finish.
8. Rapala’s new PXR Mavrik 110 Deep Jerkbait is here
The original PXR Mavrik 110 runs about 5-6', and a lot of folks say it’s “the best jerkbait Rapala has ever built,” 😳 which is REALLY saying something. Has me super pumped about this new Deep version that’ll hit 10' on the cast!
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Little more info:
> Precision Xtreme Series is made with the finest construction and unrivaled technical qualities. The PXR Deep Mavrik 110 provides jerkbait features, starting with a Tungsten, Long-Cast System which provides accurate, ultra-long casts to maximize time in the strike zone. Suspending head-down posture mimics an injured baitfish. Hard-cutting, semi-erratic action makes the Mavrik versatile jerkbait for any condition. Fish it slow with short twitches to walk the bait side-to-side or give it a quick snap to get the bait to turn nearly 180 degrees. Armed with premium VMC RedLine Series treble hooks make this a complete fish-catching jerkbait.
9. Bush Light’s making someone a private fishing pond
They’re launching the Stream Home Makeover contest that will turn one lucky fan’s yard into the ultimate fishing retreat...digging a real fishing hole in your yard, fully-stocked with fish, just for you.
Have until Mar 29 to tell them in 250 words or less why your backyard deserves to be transformed into a personal fishing paradise....
10. Sharrow Marine launches dealer network
> More than 1,000 U.S. marine retailers are expected to join the propeller manufacturer’s sales network in 2025.
Reminder that Sharrow Marine makes those ultra-efficient props that are also wildly expensive (but I’m sure amazing). Looks like they start at around $1,995 to $4,995.
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> Its design, enabled by modern computer modeling and additive manufacturing, has solved the most basic problem of rotary propulsion. Specifically, tip cavitation and vortices have been eliminated or significantly reduced....
They say: Up to 30% more efficient, significant speed increases at mid-range RPMs, 50% more reverse thrust, noise reduction, better handling in tight turns at high speeds, planes at 500-1000 lower RPMs, etc
11. Z-Man outs new ChatterBait JackHammer ‘Baby Jack’
A more-compact version of the legendary JackHammer made for fishing in tough conditions (clear water or heavily-pressured fish). Moves with a tighter vibration and a more restrained flash.
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> “We’ve combined the high action and vibration of traditional blade baits with the attraction of a crankbait rattle system. The RIP~N~RATTLE has a strong vibration on the up stroke and resembles a dying baitfish on the fall. A very versatile bait that can be casted and retrieved or vertically snapped and is a great reactionary bait.”
13. Clam's gotta ice-fishing March Madness bracket
Fun idea!
14. AFTCO + Skeeter 🤝 collab
> Skeeter Boats and AFTCO are proud to introduce a premium collection of Skeeter-branded AFTCO apparel and hats, featuring an exclusive camo pattern. This limited-edition lineup – set to debut at the 2025 Bassmaster Classic – includes hats, tees, and outerwear, all designed with the iconic Skeeter logo woven into the custom camo.
15. Bassmaster honors Rick Clunn with Person of the Year Award
16. ASA Government Affairs update: Excise Tax Slippage
Not sure exactly where this quote I was sent came from, but it said:
> The sport fishing world’s been bankrolling conservation for 75 years through excise taxes on gear, but foreign online sellers are dodging the tax, screwing over legit companies and draining millions from fish habitat funds. Reps Panetta and Moore dropped the Sporting Goods Excise Tax Modernization Act to fix this mess, level the game, and pump cash back into conservation.
17. RBFF adds to its Board of Directors
RBFF = Recreational Boating & Fishing Foundation.
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“At Monday’s city council meeting, almost every seat in the audience was filled, many with men wearing camo, fishing coveralls, and baseball hats.”
- Some walleye-chasers made their presence known at a Maumee, OH city council meeting.... Apparently folks who have participated in the spring walleye run for decades are saying “parking was shut down and camping was taken away from us,” and that the city’s decisions will end up driving dollars from the city.
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Killer pic of a "greenback" walleye (from Lake Winnipeg, Manitoba) that was posted in honor of St. Patrick’s Day. Ice-head Tony Mariotti fooled her with a 1/4-oz Clam Rattlin' PT Spoon in the fish-sexxy “glow white/chart koi” color. 🔥
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Btw it looks like the Manitoba’s ‘Southern Division’ walleye season is open until April 6 this year...so I’m thinking I may need to sneak in one more hardwater slugfest up at Lake Winnipeg before putting the gear in the rafters.... 🤞
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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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