So far this season, the most consistently good angler on the National Walleye Tour is a 19-year-old rookie from Selby, South Dakota.... 👀

* Beau Schilling has entered the chat *

Okay to be fair that picture is from a few years back lol. Sorry, had to.

Nowadays Beau prefers his main course to be gold with a large side of hardware. 🏆

Beau has guided with his father’s business, Oahe Wings and Walleyes, since he was 14 years old 💯 and has clearly developed into one heck of a walleye hammer. So we caught up with him to ask a few quick Qs about his season so far....

Q: What's been the biggest key to having the season you've had to make a run at AOY?

> "Honestly, just covering a lot of water. Obviously I knew Oahe pretty well because I live there, but Erie was all about covering water, and same with Oahe.

> "Pretty much, I just absolutely try to kill my trolling batteries every day, trying to cast at as many big fish as I can. Just trying to get a couple of them to go, or depending on the tournament scenario, if you can keep 5 overs or only can keep 2 over, whatever."

I’m assuming he likes his Coca-Cola shaken, not stirred:

Q: Do you think covering water is something more general fishermen need to do more?

> "If you're fishing for fun, it's not a super big deal. But if you're fishing to get a couple big bites a day, and the bite is tough, or there ain't that many big ones around...covering water is definitely a key part in that.

> "If you're looking at having fun and catching big ones, yeah, it would definitely help a lot just to cover as much water as you can. Learn how to run your trolling motor on 10 or whatever it goes all the way up to."

Q: What do you feel like you've done better this year than you've done in the past?

> "Everything. I'm kind of new to this, so I'm just kind of winging it.

> "Probably not wasting time on fish, and identifying the right fish. I've probably gotten a lot better at that.”

Q: What baits have been key?

> "I've got all my big fish this year on the same thing – 4.5-inch [Rapala Crush City] Mooch Minnow."

> “ ...I just call it my reliable bait. It's never bad. It seems like it works everywhere I go.

> "The action, there ain't really a boot-tail fluke kind of like that. It's kind of in its own realm, so it's kind of unique and something they haven't seen before.”

> "Obviously they're seeing it more now, people are starting to feel it, but the Mooch Minnow has been deadly everywhere I've went so far."

He likes pairing it up with a 3/0 VMC Redline Series Tungsten Swimbait Jig and adjusts the weight depending on the wind, depth, etc. At Oahe he was throwing 1/2 oz for his unders and bumped up to 3/4 oz when hog hunting. 

Said he throws a lot of whites, and then the green pumpkin chartreuse pepper and sungill colors. Know you’re running the right program when they’re eating it like this:

Keep doing your thing, Beau! 🙌

Walleye-tournament phenom Tom Huynh needs no introduction...his unlikely ascension from a part-time bass fisherman born and raised in rural Arkansas, to dominant walleye pro is well documented 🏆 including back-to-back NWT Championship wins.

We got the champ on the phone to ask a few electronics Qs and see how he first goes about breaking down a new lake....

Q: What do you think are pieces of technology or resources on the boat that people don't use enough to find and catch fish? Mapping, side imaging, down imaging, stuff like that?

> "I think we all still kind of glance at our mapping. I think side scan, down scan and all that stuff can be useful in certain situations, but I think our forward-facing sonar is kind of doing the job of that.

> "I'll be honest, I am heavy on forward-facing sonar. I don't think there's anything else in my boat that – other than my trolling motor – I'm using all the time. I don't think there's anything that I use that other people should use more, as far as the other types of technology.”

Q: Let's say you go to a lake to practice for an NWT. How much of that day are you actually spending on forward-facing sonar, and how are you using it to break down a lake? Surely there's more to it than dropping the trolling motor and going.

> "I use forward-facing sonar to find fish. I'd say that's 99% how we find fish, but there is a method.

> "We all have our confidence-type fishing, confidence-type areas in lake structure. For me, I always try, no matter what lake I go to, I always try to start looking for weeds. Or coves, bays, like if you're in the river system or a big lake, I like to find those bays and work the outside edges of the bays...just out of confidence.”

> "...just because I'm working a weed edge outside of a bay doesn’t mean I'm going to be fishing a tournament there. But I'll start there, and then I'll see where the fish are, and I'll just cruise. I will spend a whole day on my trolling motor looking for the highest-density areas of fish.

> "If I'm cruising along and I catch a walleye, I'll mark a waypoint. I'll go down the shoreline, down the weedline, catch another one, I'll mark a waypoint.

> "Every day of pre-fish I'll change my icons on the waypoint for each day, and then come back toward the end of practice and be like, okay, this day caught most of them here, this day caught most of them here, and try to develop a pattern like that.

> "It's not all about just dropping it and going. You are developing a pattern."

Q: This time of year, if you were to drop into a lake, what are the signs you're looking for to find the biggest fish population?

> "Just for example, in Minnesota, if I'm going to any of our thousands of lakes, I am going into the weeds. This time of year they are at the end of their post-spawn.

> "During that post-spawn phase, they get lethargic, they're just recovering, and now is almost that perfect time to get out there and find those fish. 

> "Where they like to recover a lot of times is in these weeds, because these weeds are new for the season. The weeds are strong, they're growing, and weeds produce oxygen like crazy when they're growing.

> "The other thing that's in those oxygen-producing weeds are baitfish, and also bluegills are going to start spawning soon. So those bluegills are starting to stage around those weeds, and now is when those walleyes are just turning that feed bag back on and chomping."

> "I was just out a few days ago and casting in the weeds in Minnesota, and there was barely a jig that ever hit the bottom when I cast it on a fish. They were just super active.

> "I think there's like a 2- or 3-week stretch here where we could take advantage of that before they start kind of getting full and slowing down in the summer."

Q: Do you think most anglers struggle with LiveScope because they don't know how to use the technology, or because they don't know how to apply it?

> "I think the biggest thing is people see those of us who are catching fish with it, whether you fish tournaments or not. They see people who are effective with it, they buy it, and they don't realize that it's not actually magic. You have to learn it, you have to understand fish returns and study it, and it takes time."

> "There's so much information online, YouTube, things like that, that they're kind of all over the place. 

> “They'll see all these people's different opinions on what the best setting is for different situations, whether it's cloudy days, sunny days, dirty water, clean water, windy days, and they can't remember all those combinations of settings."

> "Anglers just overload their units with settings that nothing makes sense anymore, and then they're not confident. So basically, that's where I'm trying to teach people like I do. 

> "I set my settings in the beginning of the year and I don't touch them all the way to the end of the year, no matter the water type or anything like that. My settings are the same [outside of bumping the gain up or down]. That just shows people that they can have confidence just going fishing. Just set your settings and go."

Q: What does your LiveScope setup look like? How many graphs, and what are you using for what?

> "For my LiveScope setup up front, the one I'm staring at all the time, I have a 19-inch Garmin...and my LiveScope transducer is on the trolling motor on my Garmin Kraken.

> "The 19" screen – it's kind of overkill, but it's eye relief. It's nice for eye relief. With me recording all the time, it's just easier to look at.

> "It's showing you everything that a 12-inch screen or 10-inch screen will do, but it spreads everything out way more. So yes, it does make it easier.

> "It's the first 4K screen from Garmin, the 9019, before they came out with the 9200 this year. But just to be clear, the 4K technology in the screen does nothing for resolution for LiveScope right now, because our LiveScopes can't output that kind of [resolution]."

Bonus Q: What's the biggest LiveScope secret you've never told anyone, but you'd feel better getting off your chest? It'll hurt your competitive edge, but you'll feel better about it. 😂

> "If you know me, or anybody knows me, there's nothing I don't tell. I was literally trying to think if I learned anything recently, but no, literally, I don't have secrets.

> "I still want to be one step ahead, and if I can learn something just every time I go out, that's what I'm trying."

Tom Huynh truly doesn’t keep any secrets. In case you didn’t know, he offers a forward-facing sonar master class that’s packed with tips, tricks, and know-how to seriously help folks step up their FFS game. Go at your own pace with videos, guides, and testing models for a simple, easy learning environment. 👊 He puts it all on the table.

Over the past few years, Tom Huynh has made his signature (he helped design) Northland Tungsten Short-Shank Jig famous.

And while catching walleye on jigs and ‘crawlers is finally no secret...the way Tom most commonly fishes ‘em is unconventional to say the least.

The type of info that no one else would be willing to give up!

> “...I don’t ever mix up my cadence when I’m fishing a finesse presentation. I force every fish to pick the bait up off the bottom – every single time. I never target a walleye where I bring the bait above them [when finesse fishing]. I don’t play the cat-and-mouse game.”

> “Most people just can’t grasp it. But I feel like when I do bring it above them, they can see me, or they’re more aware of me. When it’s a reactionary style bait, yes, that’s above them. But if it’s finesse, I’m dropping it to the bottom, forcing them to touch the bottom with their lips.”

He doesn’t see bites on his LiveScope, but he can see where the walleye disappears on the bottom.

> “I want the bait to move, but I don’t want to take it off the bottom. Then I very slowly raise it just to see if the fish is still on it. If it is, then I will lower it back to the bottom. If he’s not there once I lift it, I move on. Most of the time, the fish that are willing to bite will bite the first time. It’s rare that you get one to eventually bite after continuing to chase it. I think people generally spend way too much time on one fish.”

Thank YOU for always telling it how it is, Tom! 🙌

And folks have noticed...to the point there’s literally been a song released called “Heyyy Professa” that’s all about Tom’s winning ways, and dang is it catchy lol.

1. We lost John Simms, founder of Simms Fishing 🙏

2. MI: Bay De Noc NWT happening Jun 18-19

Out of Gladstone.

3. WI: Mueller/Becker win Winnebago MWC

> "Pitching jigs and crawlers at fish they were seeing one the side imaging and forward-facing sonar."

4. WI: 48th-annual Merc National Walleye tourney this weekend

5. Merc's new Boost feature sounds filthy!

I’ve never heard of such a thing:

Apparently it will be a standard feature on some Verado, ProXS and Racing motors as of this quarter, but also can be retrofitted to compatible existing Merc outboards from 175 to 350 hp.

Some details from Boating Magazine:

> Boost's technology can generate a 5-21 % increase in midrange acceleration and zero to top speed performance....

> "The system engages automatically when the engine's throttle position exceeds 97% below 5,000 rpm and when the throttle is advanced rapidly enough to trigger activation of the feature."

> Boost is active only during midrange acceleration and does not enhance hole shot, peak hp rating or maximum speed. "It is available from 4,000 rpm upward while the boat is on plane."

> "Bass boats are probably one of the most obvious applications for Boost. But Boost can make a difference in just about any planing hull."

> ...test data for a 21' bass boat with a Mercury 250 ProXS. With Boost, the boat accelerated 14% faster to top speed, reaching that speed 2.8 boat lengths sooner than without Boost.

> Boost is standard on the ProXS 175, 200, 225, 250 and 300; Verado 250, 300 and 350; and Mercury Racing 150R.

> Existing outboards eligible for...upgrades include the FourStroke 175, 200, 250 and 300 (serial numbers starting at 2B529482); ProXS 175, 200, 225, 250 and 300 (starting at 2B529482); Verado 250 and 300 (starting at 2B529482); Verado 350 (serial numbers from 3B266064 to 3B578266); and Mercury Racing 150R (serial numbers starting at 3B547096).

6. MN anglers harvest 80 million lbs of fish per year

According to a recent study, which is more than double the state's official estimate 😳 but that was last updated in 2001.

> Researchers at the University of Minnesota are launching a 3-year project aimed specifically at understanding how FFS affects fish populations. The study will survey anglers about how they use the technology and compare catch results with and without it during both open-water and ice fishing seasons.

> Researcher Cam Mosley told Minnesota Public Radio that the goal is to give fisheries managers better data before they write new rules. Right now, there is almost no hard science on whether FFS is actually depleting fish populations. The new study aims to fix that.

7. WI: Natural Resources Board approves hearing for a plan...

...to speed action when walleye populations are in trouble:

> ...the proposed regulation would apply to “walleye lakes of concern” where they’re not seeing enough natural reproduction.

> “Under very specific circumstances, biologists would like to apply a certain regulation to help in the rehabilitation of the walleye fishery....”

> The DNR is proposing a 1-fish-a-day bag limit for walleye on lakes where populations are struggling. The agency would require an 18-inch minimum length for fish caught. But it also would bar anglers from keeping fish between 22 and 28 inches, the fish most likely to increase spawning or natural reproduction.

> Under the rule, the DNR could move more quickly to apply those limits on lakes where most surveys over the past 5 years have detected fewer than 15 juvenile fish per mile.

> The DNR has previously enacted such limits on the Minocqua Chain of Lakes, as well as four other lakes in Oneida and Vilas counties.

8. MN: Knights of Columbus walleye derby is this weekend

On Lake Bemidji.

9. OH: Port Clinton just cut all streetlights downtown...

...thx to the annual mayfly hatch along the shoreline of Lake Erie.

10. MI: Commercial walleye fishing proposed in bills

> Two bills introduced in the Michigan Legislature would expand commercial fishing rights on the state’s Great Lakes waters by allowing licensed commercial fishermen to harvest walleyes and certain trout species, a shift supporters say would modernize the industry while critics warn could threaten popular sport fisheries and ecosystem balance.

11. You seen the new Rapala Floater Elite?

The Floater Elite is part of Rapala’s Elite Series, which “reimagines Rapala’s most iconic lures with more durable construction and premium finishes.” Pics don’t do those premium finishes justice – gotta check ‘em out in person AND in the water:

> Built around the core features of the proven Original Floating, the Floater Elite consists of premium balsa wood, a natural baitfish profile and the classic Rapala wounded-minnow action. Its increased weight generates longer, more accurate casts; while the forged, flattened, one-piece through wire construction maximizes durability. High-definition patterns with metallic gilded faces bring these finishes to a new level. Whether cast or trolled, the Elite performs at ultra-slow retrieves to super-fast without fail.

12. Boat-stable binos help see what they're catching 'em on 😅

Guess 'Wisconsin fish-finders' got an upgrade LOL. Don't do it!

13. WI: Numerous UTV/ATV law changes 👨‍⚖️

Couple of ‘em to keep in mind this ice fishing season:

> ATV or UTV operators may not tow objects bearing any person on a trail or route. Towing persons on ice is limited to 10 mph.

And:

> Operators and passengers are all required to wear a seatbelt in a UTV. 

Which I understand on land, but on ice? Outside of keeping speeds down, the golden rule of ice travel is to never wear a seatbelt since if you break thru, you’re way more likely to be going down with the machine. Curious to hear comments on that...

14. MN: 2 new teams join DNR's K9 Unit

15. ID approved 5-yr plan to get rid of milfoil at Payette

Herbicide and mechanical removal 🤿 where divers are deployed "with mechanical dredges that remove milfoil from the lakebed without allowing any plant fragments to escape," by essentially vacuuming them up:

Do you have a mono jig-crawler setup at the ready?

Frank Weeda says you should for shallow or neutral fish:

> When it comes to jig-and-crawler walleye fishing, small gear choices can make a big difference. Line type, reel size, spool speed, and how quickly you can pick up slack all play into how many bites you get...and how many fish you actually land.

> For Frank Weeda, one of the most important starting points is simple: always have an 8-lb mono rod ready. While braid with a fluorocarbon leader has its place, especially when fishing deeper water, mono can be a major advantage when walleyes are being picky.

> Frank’s reasoning is straightforward. Braid is incredibly sensitive, but that sensitivity works both ways. It telegraphs the bite to the angler, but it can also telegraph the angler back to the fish. When a walleye grabs the bait, it may feel that direct connection and drop it faster.

> With monofilament, there is more stretch and a duller feel. That gives the fish a little more time to hold onto the bait without immediately feeling resistance. For jig and crawler fishing in northern MN, Frank says 8-lb mono is where he starts every time.

> A quality mono like Sufix Advance Monofilament Line is a great fit for this presentation. It provides the stretch, manageability, and forgiveness that can help with light-biting walleyes.

"Good thing it wasn’t a bass tourney...they woulda canceled!"

- Funny comment under this post from the day-2 takeoff at the inaugural AIM NXT event on Mille Lacs. #sporty

Sounds like the Andersen brothers (Kent and Adam) might have pulled off the win! I’ll follow up with more on this NXT event next week.

Sending 'er off with this glorious snap 🔥 from Randy Thomas of a Lake Vermilion walleye that has no idea how lucky it is to see another day. 🍽️

Have a great + safe weekend, Target Walleye fam! 👊

National Professional Anglers Assoc.

MN-FISH

Target Walleye LLC

422 Laurel Street

P.O. BOX 541

Brainerd, MN 56401

 (218) 824 5026