1. WI: Merc Nationals cancelled.
First time cancelled since it all started in ’78. Believe the Lake Winnebago derby usually fills up with 300 teams each year. Will be relaunching the event next year.
2. MN: Fishing guides back in biz.
Starting Mon, May 18. Sounds like there can be a total of 3 people in the boat, which includes the guide.
3. “Bro” says we’re approaching peak spring bite.
> The peak spring walleye bite usually happens when surface water temps break the 60-deg mark. The males bite early in the season, but by late May the larger female walleyes are fully recovered and ready to feed.
> I measure surface water temps first thing in the morning on my Humminbird Helix 12. I always have water temp on my sonar readouts, regardless of the time of year. I like to track what temp the lakes are able to hold overnight — not the spikes in temperature that happen during the day.
4. South Africa banned online tackle sales?!
Here’s the crazy why:
> “…online sales continue to suffer under the Trade and Industry Minister’s decree that e-commerce is also not allowed simply because it is deemed ‘unfair’ to those businesses that do not have access to a digital sales platform.”
5. New FISHhead Video Library launched.
Launched by Lindner Media Productions…so you know it’s jammed full of some incredible content. Sorta reminds me of a fishing-version of Netflix. #BingeWatchFishing? #YesPlease
6. These Ezee Steps look legit.
Not cheap, but dang would they ever be slick for getting in and out of the rig:
Hey Ezee Steps folks – If you ever need a plus-size model to test out the weight capacity, I’m your guy! Lol
7. MN: Let the DNR know what you think…
…about their proposal to reduce sunfish bag limits on 150-ish lakes. Would either go to 5- or 10-fish bag limit in hopes of growing larger ‘gills. They’ve already seen some pretty incredible results in test runs:
> “We’ve tried [special] regs on about 60 lakes in MN. …lakes with the 10-fish limit have generally maintained [bluegill] size quality. When we go to a 5-fish limit we’ve seen an improvement in size quality. …average length has increased by almost an inch….”
I’m all for bigger ‘gills and already took the survey — hop on it here if you want.
8. FLW basser Sonar “Miles” Burghoff loves Zero-G Lift Assist…
…on the new MotorGuide Tour Pro, a true cable steer with GPS anchor. Says it’s the lightest-to-lift unit on the market if you’re a runnin’ and gunnin’ — takes half the effort to stow:
9. MN DNR says less small pike = more better-er fishing.
Want you to keep a few of those little “hammer handles” to help balance the fishery out:
> “The smaller pike do a number on perch and walleye fingerlings. By culling some of the smaller pike it not only takes some competition away from larger pike, it helps other fish populations like perch and walleye. So if you like catching walleye, it may be useful to you to keep some small pike.”
Okay, who knows a REALLY good pickling recipe?
10. MT: Out-of-staters must buy AIS pass to launch.
11. SD: GFD bought Roy Lake Resort.
> “The resort will now be managed by the Roy Lake State Park district office, including watercraft rental, hotel and cabin reservations and the management of the convenience store.”
