How Boley bug hatches, Biggest Merp yet, Why shorter trolling rods

Check it out – info from here:

> No two technologies have done more to transform fishing than Humminbird MEGA Live Imaging and Minn Kota Spot-Lock. But only one of these difference-making features could be used at a given time. Not anymore. With the MEGA Live Imaging TargetLock accessory, the MEGA Live transducer beam can be steered independently of the trolling motor – from the foot pedal, the fish finder, or optional hand remote.

A couple of quickie things reeeeally stood out to me after running forward-facing sonar the last few seasons:

> Control both your trolling motor and the MEGA Live transducer at the same time using the foot pedal of your i-Pilot Link Ultrex.

> The TargetLock feature allows anglers to lock the MEGA Live beam in the direction of structure, so even when the boat moves, the MEGA Live view stays fixed in that direction.

If you’ve ever fished with forward-facing sonar, you know the biggest debate (and probably toughest thing to figure out for your style of fishing) is whether you should have the transducer mounted on the trolling motor or on a separate pole. No right answer because both shine in many different scenarios.

So the fact that this new technology lets you essentially get all the pros and none of the cons of the two very different styles = big news for diehard fish-heads…if you’re willing to fork over the dough.

Side note: I’ll now be mowing lawns and shoveling driveways until I save up enough coin to invest in one lol.

Ahhhh, those dreaded bug hatches. Some folks swear it’s not even worth hitting the water when a big bug hatch is going on…but Tom Boley isn’t some folks. Lot of the times bug hatches are the first big push for walleyes to move out deep. Of course to gorge on bugs, larva, and leeches…but also on the baitfish that are eating those little treats too.

Tom posted a video this morning where they absolutely crushed walleyes (what’s new?!) despite what most folks would consider tough conditions.

His secret? They were running 1-oz bottom-bouncers with the Mack’s Smile Blade Slow Death Rigs – and also his own spin on Slow Death – to catch suspended basin-swellers.

He always makes it look so easy 🔥 except for maybve when they were quadrupled-up lol:

Apparently Korey runs a 7′ rod for open-water trolling (while most folks use sticks up to 10’+) and it’s not technically a trolling rod…it’s a 7′ Fenwick HMG Casting Rod. Here’s why from a podcast he did with Chip Leer a couple summers back:

> Korey: “I like short rods because I have more control and they’re easier to use. Can stand closer to the side of the boat…when it comes to netting the fish I can see what’s going on – I don’t need to back up. Know when to lift the fish…know when it’s turning…know where it is compared to the net.

> “Can literally stand right over the side of the boat…makes it easier and faster for getting planer board on and off. …as long as you balance the rod action – limber enough at the tip but some backbone – you can do just as much with a shorter rod.

> “Only downfall is they’re not as high in the rod holders…so I use rod-holder extensions to get those rods propped up so those lines aren’t dragging in front of each other.”

Just one more thing Korey does that goes against what everyone else is saying/doing…but obviously works. Don’t mind me, just feeling absolutely fish-clueless over here:

Okay, here’s what’s actually going on:

> Garrett: “No I am not eating Big Bite Baits Pro Swimmers for dinner tonight! In storage I had some of the tails get bent…so I threw them in boiling water for 10-15 seconds and let them cool off – while laying straight – to take back their proper shape.”

Slick tip! Btw I’ve also heard that some folks stretch the tails out just a bit while they’re still hot…gives them a bit more action!

Might not hurt to add a little garlic powder, too…. 😜

1. ND: Mussel-sniffing dogs will be at the Governor’s Walleye Cup.

To combat the spread/introduction of invasive zebra mussels in ND waters.

> The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers has partnered with WA State Dept of Fish and Wildlife wardens who will employ their professionally trained K-9 companions to detect the presence of zebra and quagga mussels on boats being launched in the ND Governor’s Walleye Cup tournament [on Lake Sakakawea].

> “The opportunity to have these ANS [aquatic nuisance species] sniffing dogs take part in the Governor’s Walleye Cup and to assist with keeping our lake free of ANS is fantastic. Hopefully, with bringing these dogs to ND, it will open up the possibility of having ANS dogs here permanently. This would be one positive, additional step in the fight against ANS.”

This one must be “Snoop Dog:”

2. MI: Tribe’s stocking program strengthens walleye fishery.

> The Sault Ste. Marie Tribe of Chippewa Indian’s Walleye Stocking Program released 2.1 mil walleye this year (1 mil fry and over 1 mil summer fingerlings) from its walleye rearing ponds in the eastern Upper Peninsula and northern Lower Peninsula.

> Making a major impact on local fisheries, the tribe’s program has stocked nearly 19 mil walleye fingerlings throughout the Great Lakes, inland lakes and the St. Mary’s River since 1995.

3. MB: Next ‘Walleye Wars’ round is happening July 15-24.

Province-wide (Manitoba this time) catch-photo-release walleye derby thru Angler’s Atlas where folks register their longest walleye caught for a shot at some serious dough and prizes.

4. GSM Outdoors buys 2 more fishing companies.

First it was 1) Yamamoto, then 2) Bill Lewis…now 3) Buckeye Lures and 4) SteelShad Lures who makes some cool-looking blade baits.

5. AL: Fallon Clepper = first female HS national champion. 🏆

After her and Wyatt Ford won the 2022 High School Bass Fishing National Championship on AL’s Pickwick Lake against a stacked field of 416 boats! BIG congrats!!!

The “Dynamic Duo” were rewarded with over $250K in prizes and scholarship opportunities, and also earned a bid to fish as co-anglers at the 2022 Toyota Series Championship happening Nov 3-5 on Lake Guntersville, AL. 👏👏👏

6. OH: If you’ve been ripped off by…

…the “National Anglers Association” – NOT the legit National Professional Anglers Association – get in touch with the the Ohio Attorney General’s Office at OhioProtects.org or 800-282-0515.

7. Recreational Fishing Alliance names new executive director.

> “After an exhaustive nationwide talent search for a new executive director, vetting over 60 qualified candidates, one name rose to the top – Robert A. Nixon. Mr. Nixon has made a name for himself as one of NJ’s leading legislative lobbyists and strategists. He’s the founder and president of State House Strategies, a government affairs consulting firm. He also serves as director of government affairs for the NJ State Policemen’s Benevolent Assn, NJ’s largest law enforcement officer union.”

8. Do you tie your own spinner rigs?

Sure there’s a TON of great pre-tied rigs on the market, but there’s also just something special about tying up your own the night before a trip.

I just saw that PK Lures now carries a full lineup of Wobblers, Dakota Discs, and Reeff Blades for the DIY folks that prefer to customize their own rigs.

They even have a mondo 432-piece kit with 2 sizes of PK Dakota Discs and Reeff Blades.

9. Frabill has a rechargeable lithium aerator coming.

Called the ReCharge Deluxe Aerator and should be out late-fall this year.

10. WY Walleye Stampede Championship happening July 16-17.

On Seminoe Reservoir.

11. Reminder that MN has “pike zones.”

In case you’re looking to pickle some up:

• North-central: Limit of 10 northern pike – must release all fish 22-26″, with only 2 fish > 26″ allowed in possession.
• Northeast: Limit of 2 northern pike – must release all fish 30-40″, with only 1 fish > 40″ allowed in possession.
• South: Limit of 2 northern pike – minimum size 24″.

Of course some lakes have special regulations that take priority, so always check for yourself instead of listening to some yahoo behind the email curtains lol.

Btw if you’re hesitant to keep northern pike because of those pesky “Y” bones 🙋‍♂️ there’s a lot of great videos out there to help walk you thru it. Like this one from ND Game and Fish.

Bro’s summertime walleye strategies.

Of course “Bro” = The one and only Brian Brosdahl. I dig when he does these rapid fire 🔥 types of videos:

Or fireworks after this weekend lol.

But big-fish specialist Spenser Samplawski is out there proving that sunset pics don’t always have to be cliche…. Posted on @simmsfishing’s Insta:

No offense, Gussy HAHAHA!

My man Jeff “Gussy” Gustafson got himself a Ned Rig GIANT throwing a Z-Man Hula Stickz in 8′ on Lake of the Woods. He said it’s the biggest one he’s caught in a long time at 31″ 👀😳 which also means he has caught bigger at some point lol. Thing literally has shoulders = absolutely incredible fish, dude!

National Professional Anglers Assoc. 

MN-FISH