Open up Instagram, FB, YouTube, the Target Walleye email (you name it)...and all you see is folks crushing big fish and tons of ’em.

Big to some isn’t always big to others. What do YOU consider a big walleye in the lakes you fish? It really depends on where you’re fishing – here’s Al’s take on it:

> You go to TargetWalleye.com and see all these pictures of big walleye up to 34”, but pay attention to the big-water systems they’re coming from. If you fish the Great Lakes, western reservoirs or a handful of lakes up in Canada...8-lbers are common.

> You would say, “Well a big fish to me is a 10- or 12-lber.” Well in these smaller natural walleye lakes – that are peppered all over the heart of the walleye world – a big fish is simply a 6-lber. A giant fish (which you see rarely out of these lakes) is a true 8-lber. So everything is relative.

> In these smaller natural mesotrophic/slightly-eutrophic lakes we have a lot of 1.5- to 3-lbers, but when you get a 4, 5 or 6 that’s really good.... Now and again if you’re fishing a tournament or in the fall, you may see an 8-lber, but it’s rare.

> You’ve got big lakes like Lake of the Woods, Upper Red Lake, Mille Lacs, Leech Lake, Winnebago – well-known walleye lakes, but even in smaller lakes 8-lbers are really, really, big, big fish. The reality check for most of us is that a handful of walleyes from 16-20” is a great day on the water.

You feel better now? Because I do!

Speaking of walleyes that impress Al...this one might not be all that long, but it definitely caught his attention!

I believe that was an incredible gift he received from someone at the Minnesota Fishing Challenge last weekend. Pics don't do it justice!

Doesn’t matter if it’s overcast or sunny...windy or glass calm...shallow or deep...Ned Rigs straight-up catch the snot out of walleyes all year round.

Why? Because they’re super versatile and can be presented to look like anything walleyes are eating: shiners, perch, crayfish, bugs, etc.

Reminds me of this steak that has a little bit of something for anyone whether they want their bite to be rare, medium, well done, or something in between.

Okay, bad analogy...that thing is freakin’ disgusting LOL. Maybe Neapolitan ice cream would’ve been a better comparison?

Whatever walleyes think the Rapala CrushCity Ned BLT is, they usually don’t want to give it back:

Any-who!

Whether you're a beginner or pro, here's 15+ tips and tricks to help step up your Ned Rig game for walleyes. Stuff I wish someone would have shown me YEARS ago:

Thank YOU for taking time out of your day to watch a comment on these YouTube videos – I really do read 'em all! Also please let me know if there's anything specific you want to see next....

...you know what this is. And no, it’s not an antique toy tank:

It’s an Airstream Minnow Bucket that was posted by Chris Kunze in a FB group called “If you grew up in Nashwauk, MN you remember....” Believed to be created by a guy named Matt Tuomala and wait until you hear how it’s used!

I saw a comment under the post from my friend Greg Clusiau that said:

> Greg: “I remember Matt telling me of how he drove several hours with his new invention, a self-aerating minnow bucket that was fastened to the front bumper of his car. Never lost a minnow!”

Chris also posted a snap of some original paperwork with it that said:

> “By simply attaching this amazing minnow bucket to the door of your car you will be able to carry as many as 40 dozen minnows for several hundred miles without changing water.

> “This new bucket uses the air pressure provided by a moving car as a means of furnishing oxygen to the minnows. Enough air is forced through the air scoop when your car is traveling at a speed as low as 28 mph to maintain oxygen in the water for 40 dozen minnows.”

How wild is that? But I’d be willing to bet there’s some diehard walleye tourney anglers out there that have created a similar DIY oxygen get-up in their truck bed for transporting redtails and creek chubs! The things we do to try and catch a fish hahaha.

Apparently this dealio posted by Alberta Boys Custom on FB is called a Delta Van Cruiser, and it even has a dang fireplace!

But no Airstream Minnow Bucket strapped onto it somewhere?! Lol.

And yes, she was actually in production.

You know Matt Foley would rock one:

Heard of snapping turtles and otters pulling this off...but have you ever had a northern pike steal your shore lunch? #Greedy

I swear sometimes the fish in Manitoba try to get caught.

1. MN: McKee father-son duo wins LLWT.

With a 2-day total of 54.70 lbs. Got ‘em a $13,500 1st-place check, killer trophies, and ultimate bragging rights. Absolutly love it, fellas!

Justin said they caught their 'unders' pitching jigs and shiners on shallow 10-15' sand. For their 'overs' they were Lindy rigging with big minnows anywhere from 15-30' but would only drop on 'em if they knew they were BIG fish with their electronics.

Crazy enough Justin McKee – and, well, folks from 3 of the top 4 teams – fish in our local Tuesday night Walleye Wackers league in the Brainerd Lakes Area. Straight-up hammers! And make for some ridiculously stiff competition in our little 24-boat walleye league lol.

2. Acme Tackle acquires Two Brothers Innovations.

The makers of Elliott Rods and 2B Fishing.

> Acme Tackle Company, made by Hard and Soft Fishing and the makers of Acme, Kalin’s, Beaver Dam, Moonshine, Reef Runner, Uncle Josh, Atom and Bead, is excited to announce that it has acquired Two Brothers LLC. Two Brothers owners, Paul Thorne, Gregg Thorne and Aaron Templin will remain with Acme post-acquisition and continue the tradition of designing high-performing fishing rods that both brands are known for.

> “We are thrilled to add Elliott Rods and 2B FISHING to Acme’s family of brands and portfolio of industry leading products”, said Robin Hancock, President of Acme Tackle Company. “We have been catching fish with their rods for years and are honored to continue their legacy of quality, performance, innovation and bringing products to market that deliver the best fishing experience for anglers.”

> Paul Thorne, co-founder of Two Brothers Innovations, said “to have 2B FISHING and Elliott Rods join this group of exceptional brands is very exciting. We share many similar values and knew this was a fantastic opportunity to continue building both brands that we could not afford to miss. Partnering with Acme Tackle helps Two Brothers Innovations to further establish itself as a market leader while continuing its strong focus on quality and innovation.”

> “We are delighted to have this opportunity for Two Brothers Innovations and to see Elliott Rods and 2B FISHING grow into bigger and better things. It’s what our vision for these brands always was and we know the potential ahead of us is huge” states brother and co-founder Gregg Thorne.

> “I am proud of how Elliott and 2B FISHING has grown over the years. I’m excited about joining the Acme Tackle team and for the opportunity to achieve new heights in rod development, as well as other products that give anglers more tools for success” states Aaron Templin, co-owner of Two Brothers Innovations.

3. WI: Green Bay NWT registration deadline TODAY at 4pm.

4. MN: Knights of Columbus walleye derby is TOMORROW.

On Lake Bemidji.

Last year it was won by Dan Fuller (left) and Pat McSharry (right) with 38.70 lbs and also had ‘big fish’ with a 28-incher. Caught ‘em with a 1-2 punch of casting #7 Rapala Jigging Raps and slip-bobbers. Big congrats again, fellas!

Round 2 – fight! *Mortal Combat voice*

5. WY: Rangel/McLarney win inaugural Walleye Stampede Gov Cup.

On Glendo Reservoir with a 2-day total of 49.13 lbs.

If this gets to you fellas, let us know how you catch ‘em over yonder! Would love to know similarities or differences compared to this area.

6. NBT Marine has a new 18" screen.

This is the company that has that giant 22” screen (and also a 16” version) that folks are hooking up to their high-end Garmin units thru an HDMI cable.

7. WNC showing love to the custom painters.

Walleye Nation Creations said that their "chrome" and "naked" color WNC Reapers will now come with the hooks already off and in the package:

8. Z-Man has Tungsten ChatterBaits coming.

Dang! Tough to imagine that bait getting any better than it already is.

Btw I saw that FishUSA has 15% off all Z-Man goodies today.

9. Gamakatsu brought “Nano Alpha” hook tech to The States.

> Gamakatsu USA Sales Manager, Ted Thibault is excited to introduce them to the U.S. market. “We have been utilizing the Nano Alpha finish on a variety of hooks in Japan over the last few years and felt it was time to offer this superior technology in the USA. Anglers expect the best when they tie on a Gamakatsu hook, and this is exactly what Nano Alpha offers.”

Japan always has the best schtuff first lol! Okay little more info…

> Gamakatsu Nano Alpha technology raises the bar in what was previously unattainable in hook manufacturing. Nano Alpha represents a paradigm shift in hook performance with increased penetration and corrosion resistance. Nano Alpha sets a new standard and stays true to our ongoing commitment of “Innovation not Imitation”.

> 2X Better hook penetration: Nano Alpha features an exceptionally smooth surface which increases penetration by two times over standard plated hooks. Hooks penetrate quicker and much deeper than standard finishes. Anglers will quickly see a much higher hook to land ratio not previously seen in other finishes.

> 4X Better Corrosion Resistance: Nano Alpha technology provides superior corrosion resistance over standard hook coatings. Nano Alpha prolongs the life of the hook which ensures peak performance in both freshwater and saltwater environments. Nano Alpha’s corrosion resistance measures four times more effective than traditional plating.

Saw that FishUSA just got several styles of Nano Alpha hooks in stock, including the walleye-friendly Octopus Hook.

10. MidWest Outdoors TV celebrates its 2,000th episode .

> The hit TV show “Friends” produced 236 episodes over 10 seasons; “MASH” had 251; “The Simpsons” are up to 768. But they all pale in comparison to a fishing and hunting show based in IL, “MidWest Outdoors TV.” This weekend, MidWest Outdoors Television (MWO TV) premieres their 2000th episode.

> Founded in 1967, MidWest Outdoors became a household name in the outdoor community with “MidWest Outdoors” magazine. Expanding their reach, they launched the MidWest Outdoors TV show in November of 1985. Since then, MWO TV has been on the air every single week.

11. TN: Bill Carson of Johnson Outdoors going in Legends HOF.

Field marketing manager in the Fishing Group at Johnson Outdoors (Humminbird, Minn Kota, Lakemaster, etc).

12. Merc released 75 and 110 electric outboards.

13. BRP (ex Evinrude) marine segment way down in Q1.

> Revenues from the Marine segment decreased by $69.2 mil, or 56.6%, to $53.1 mil for the 3-month period ended Apr 30, 2024, compared to $122.3 mil for the corresponding period ended Apr 30, 2023.

> The decrease was mainly attributable to a lower volume due to high dealer inventory, softer consumer demand and higher sales programs.

14. US marine economy continues upward trend?

I thought I’ve been hearing nothing but the opposite...but this new press release also seems to be talking about 2022 numbers???

15. TN: Field & Stream returns to print.

For the first time in 4 years.

16. MA: Alex Blackwell = new OTW creative director.

> Since 1996, On The Water (OTW) has been the leading resource for information about fishing and boating in the New England and Mid-Atlantic regions through a print magazine and expansive digital and social content including videos and podcasts.

> Blackwell is joining the team with extensive digital marketing, video production, and video editing experience. He has worked with brands including Flylords, Columbia Sportswear, Grundens, Googan Squad, and Renegade Fly Rods.

17. I didn’t realize that Polaris rented out boats.

And they’re expanding their offerings:

> Polaris Adventures, the experience business of global powersports leader Polaris Inc. (NYSE: PII), announces the expansion of boat rentals across its ever growing network, providing more ways for customers to enjoy the outdoors. Polaris Adventures offers boat rentals at 35 locations across AZ, FL, IL, ME, MI, MN, NC, PA, TX, UT, WV and WI.

18. NY: DEC adds nearly 8K acres to WMA system.

19. New fishy book coming for the kiddos.

Called "All Fish Are Awesome" by Noel Vick that's filled with fun facts and illustrations.

20. MN: Starry Stonewort confirmed in Pokegama Lake.

Itasca County.

> Starry stonewort is usually identified by the star-shaped white bulbils for which it is named. These bulbils typically don’t become visible until late summer but were observed on the starry stonewort in Pokegama Lake and in other locations this spring. The early visibility of bulbils might be due to unusually warm winter temperatures and below-average snowfall this past winter.

> Starry stonewort has now been confirmed in 30 water bodies in MN. It was first confirmed in MN in 2015.

Fly fishing: It’s not your grandfather’s sport anymore.

Times they are a-changin’, but one thing that will never change:

LOL. Don’t take it personally, fly fishermen look down on other fly fishermen too. Relax people, I’m kidding...sorta.

How Tom Huynh uses FFS in heavy wind.

I’m not talking your average “walleye chop” where he would typically just fish with the nose of the boat always pointed into the wind...I’m talking about the kind of rollers they get on big systems like the Great Lakes, basin fishing on Lake of the Woods, etc.

The only good thing about all this dang wind lately is it helps keep the bloodsuckers at bay.

Topwater walleyes? It happens more often than you’d think, but usually by accident. Not sure if this one from Derek Her was on purpose or a bonus, but that chunk for sure wanted the Rapala X-Rap Pop.

Have a GREAT weekend and 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