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Yo! I’m comin’ at you with some new walleye and ice-fishing schtuff that caught my eye while at ICAST (the fishing biz trade show) in Orlando, FL. Some of it’s available right now, others will be released in the coming months.
Of course I can’t fit every cool new thing in a single email, so I'll be sprinkling in more of the fishy goodness in upcoming Target Walleyes. Hope this holds you off until next week – 👊 enjoy, fish-heads!
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Slinging minnow-profile baits at suspended walleyes with FFS (LiveScope, MEGA Live, ActiveTarget, etc) has been all the rage.
Why? Because prior to FFS the only way to really target those suspended walleyes was by trolling and covering a TON of water until you finally crossed paths with one that 1) didn’t spook from the boat going over the top of it, 2) happened to be/stay at the same-ish level you were running your baits, and 3) actually decided to eat or react to a bait going by pretty dang quick. 👀😳
Of course there’s a time and place for everything, but “pinging minnows” (name some folks gave it since you’re throwing minnow baits in the sonar cone) allows folks to cast at individual fish and adjust the way they’re working the bait based on the fish’s mood and how it’s reacting to what you’re doing.
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You DO NOT need FFS to fish with these new baits – everyone can benefit from better action, more realistic color patterns, finesse-y profiles, etc – but of course they can be even more effective/efficient when paired with it.
In no particular order…
1. Berkley PowerBait Drip Minnow
These Drip Minnows look incredible in person. Berkley absolutely nailed the "Ultra High-Definition" colors. Comes in 3”, 4” and 5”, has flatter sides, and that “drip”-shaped bulbous tail has a nice subtle action when twitching or shaking.
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They also have another version of this coming called the Drip Swimmer with a micro-boot tail that "delivers tight actions for finesse swimbaiting."
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2. Rapala CrushCity Mooch Minnow
They couldn’t keep this little fish-catcher a secret lol! Folks have been dominating big bass derbies throwing it...and now Duane 'Dewey' Hjelm just won the most recent NWT event on Lake Sakakawea using it as a part of his 1-2 punch.
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> Poured out of super TPE material [the stretchy, super durable stuff] to allow the bait to float and hover in the water column...subtle upright swimming action.... Built with Rapala’s Smart Injection Technology...combines custom colors with flake, salt, and scent precisely where needed to deliver the perfect small forage-imitating presentation.
I was able to get my hands on a pack of "perch" color ones early and can confirm they crush!
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I’ve caught a pile of fish throwing ‘em on numerous lakes this season (Mille Lacs, Gull, Pelican, North Long, little sloughy bass lakes 😏, etc) and my confidence is sky high.
I legit can’t wait for them to be released here soon-ish so I can play with other colors and stock up! I’d probably still be fishing with the same one (thx to the TPE material and a dot of super glue) but pike like to engulf ‘em too lol. ✂️
3. Z-Man Graph ShadZ
> A pre-rigged, line-through FFS bait that is designed to keep your bait constantly running true. The line-through design (eliminates the possibility of your knot becoming manipulated in a way that hinders the action of the bait)...perfect line angle for precise horizontal balance, pendulum swings, and depth control.
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> ...balanced head design and naturally buoyant [Elaztech] material that provides the perfect horizontal posture.
> ...an air cavity in the body increases the strength of forward-facing sonar returns, as the molded scale pattern traps air and releases air bubbles for increased sonar visibility. 👀
4. Z-Man Drop Kickerz
> ...the new Z-Man Drop KickerZ endows creative anglers with a sneaky little finesse trick – an extra supple baitfish-profile exhibiting equal talents as a soft jerkbait, swimbait or forward-facing sonar minnow.
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> Lined with prominent body ribbing, the Drop KickerZ’ belly section produces subtle bubble trails and underwater pulsations, enabling fish to better detect and locate the bait. Topside, concave dorsal grooves support the bait’s crisp action on the lift, while its ribs produce a slightly different motion when it descends. “This is a cool, overlooked advantage over other finesse baits...delicately different look throughout the retrieve, which gives fish the impression of random motion....”
> To enable quick, dead-on rigging with a jighead or EWG-style hook, the Drop KickerZ offers dorsal and ventral hook slots. The bait is also impregnated with 20% salt (by weight) for a natural horizontal posture on dropshot or hover-strolling rigs.
> ...the Z-Man Drop KickerZ features two sizes – a diminutive 2.75” and a slightly upsized 3.5” profile – to cover a broad spectrum of applications, from hover strolling and FFS patterns to Ned and dropshot rigging and beyond. Injected in 10 hand-picked color patterns by Z-Man pros, the Drop KickerZ covers diverse fisheries and an array of conditions.
5. 2.75" Great Lakes Finesse Hover Minnow
Has a concave belly [!] that makes it fall slower and more erratically:
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> ...excels in techniques like Cindy Rig, Hover Strolling, Mid Strolling, and Moping. ...glides in a spiraling pattern on the fall and randomly darts when jigged in place, making it highly effective in vertical and horizontal presentations. As fish become more conditioned to traditional lures, the Hover Minnow's innovative action and design will help you stand out....
Btw the Hover Minnow is paired up with a Great Lakes Finesse Hanging Head in that ^ pic. Little more info on the head:
> ...perfectly balanced to present any softbait horizontally in the water column when dropping or swinging over fish.
> ...fine wire Gamakatsu hook, wire bait keeper, and lifelike 3D eyes.
Comes in 4 weights (1/8, 3/16, 1/4 and 5/16) and 6 patterns – I really like the no-shine, matte colors. 😍
Speaking of jigs...
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Na-na, na, na, na-na-na.... Na-na, na, na, na-na:
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On your mark, ready, set, let’s go! In no particular order....
1. VMC RedLine Tungsten Swimbait Head
Haven't had a chance to fish 'em yet, but these things look flawless! 🥵
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> ...high-density tungsten construction that enhances returns for improved visibility. Backed by a premium 1X Strong VMC Redline Round Bend Hook...includes a razor-sharp needlepoint and slick PTFE coating that delivers rapid hook penetration.
> ...lightweight conical bait keeper allows soft baits to collapse around it, locks them firmly in place, and is positioned in the optimal location to maintain balance throughout the retrieve.
> Available in a wide range of hook and weight sizes to accommodate various depths and soft baits [1/8 to 3/4 with 1/0, 2/0 or 3/0 hooks], the VMC Redline Tungsten Swimbait Heads are finished with laser-etched weight sizes on each head that resist wear even after use.
2. Queen Tackle LS Tungsten Rollin Strollin Jighead
Bet you’ve never seen a jighead like THIS?!
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All the benefits of tungsten, but also:
> Its unique rear-facing line tie imparts a rolling action to your soft plastic minnow baits, significantly increasing the number of strikes.
Quick preview starts out in real speed, then switches to slo-mo:
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WHOA. 🤯
3. All Terrain Tackle Scope TG Tungsten Jighead
Of course it has all the benefits of tungsten jigheads, like being...
> ...40% more dense than standard lead giving you a smaller profile while increasing your return on forward-facing sonar.
But also this might be the first tungsten, open-water jig that you can get in numerous painted colors?
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And if you’re like me, then you love playing with matching jigheads to your plastics, or sometimes doing the opposite and adding a brighter eye-catching color.
4. Berkley Fusion19 Hybrid Jighead
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Few details:
- Ballast weighting keeps everything upright/tracks true
- 90-degree line tie
- High-def detail and 3D eye for max realism
- Ultra-sharp double-conical point for easy hook sets
- Conical bait-keeper
- 6 weights in 2 hook sizes each (1/0 to 5/0), 6 colors
Part of their growing bait systems.... 👀
5. Eurotackle Finesse ESR Jig Head
> Thanks to its two big flat sides and its Tungsten build, one of the main advantages of the ESR Tungsten Jig is its "enhanced sonar return." You'll be able to have a straight and strong sonar wave return to your transducer, translating to a much brighter and steady view of your jig on the screen.
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Comes in 1/8, 1/4 and 3/8 oz...each with 1/0 hooks.
They also have a Micro version (1/32 - #6 hook, 1/16 - #6 hook, 1/8 - #4 hook) where they “added our Soft-Lock lure keeper to prevent your Micro Finesse soft lures from ripping but still stay securely locked on the jig.”
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> ...designed for mid and deep strolling and features a Tournament Grade Wire (TGW) hook with Nano Alpha finish = 2X slicker for improved hooking ratios and 4X more corrosion resistant than traditional finishes.
> Like the original Horizon Head, it also features a unique, elongated keeper which promotes a balanced horizontal presentation when retrieved or falling.
> The LG version features a larger-gap hook with a focus on the hook tip angle and a center of gravity to produce a rolling action on the retrieve.
Comes in 1/8- to 1/5-oz and 1/0, 2/0 and 3/0.
7. VMC Tungsten Ned Head
My favorite Ned Rig Jig is getting a tungsten version with an even better hook?! Yes, please!
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> A premium Ned jig designed to enhance returns on forward-facing sonar, the VMC Redline Series Tungsten Ned Heads feature a high-density tungsten construction that boosts returns for enhanced visibility. Backed by a premium 1X Strong VMC Redline Round Bend Hook to ensure your success with large predators, the fine-wire 1/0 hook has a razor-sharp needlepoint and slick PTFE coating that delivers rapid penetration.
> Built using a lightweight conical bait keeper positioned in the optimal location, the unique design maintains optimal balance and allows soft plastics to collapse around it while locking them firmly in place. Finished with laser-etched weight sizes on each head for quick and easy identification, the VMC Redline Series Tungsten Ned Heads maximize hooksets with a hybrid bend that provides added strength and durability.
Btw VMC Ned Rig Jigs also work incredible for throwing nightcrawlers 🤫 they stay pinned (don’t slide down!) really well thx to that conical bait keeper.
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There’s a bunch of new hardbaits coming down the pipeline, too. Quick glance at a few...
1. Reef Runner FLASH
Sheesh did this thing ever throw out an insane amount of flash – in all different directions thx to the little recessed mirrors being set at different angles – imagine it underwater!
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Tom Boley got to play with it a bunch this spring and said that it has a tighter action = takes a smaller lift to get the rattles going, and that it has a slower fall than similar lipless cranks which can be money in cold water.
Oh, and trollers rejoice ‘cuz you’re going to get the same flash in Reef Runner 800. 💥
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If you haven’t fished the WNC Reapers yet...where ya been?! 🥵 This is the same bait that caught 2 different SD state-record walleyes last fall.
On Fri, Oct 27: Aaron Schuck caught a 16-08 (33” long x 21” girth) out of Lake Oahe (Missouri River reservoir) near Akaska, SD. He was trolling a “Mcgannon Special” color Walleye Nation Creation’s Reaper about 187′ back.
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The previous record had stood for 21 years, but then this one ^ made it a whole 15-ish days before being absolutely shattered....
*Keith Pazour has entered the chat*
Keith Pazour’s new state-record walleye hit a certified scale at 17 lbs 13.92 oz and measured a paunchy 33” long x 22” girth! 🤯 Wild enough it was caught on the same bait as the fish from a couple weeks prior! Only this time the Walleye Nation Creations Reaper was in the “McGannon Special” flavor.
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So, um, yeah...I definitely recommend adding some WNC Reapers to your arsenal!
Side note: Walleye Nation Creations said, "We once again for the 4th year in a row are NOT increasing our prices.” 🙌 Which in today’s world is absolutely crazy.
3. Berkley Stunna jerkbaits
They have a 100-size coming, which is a downsized version of the 112. Berkley bait designer Dan Spengler says it’s the best jerkbait he’s ever fished, and that dude is an absolute tackle junky.
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They also have a new 112+2 sinking model with a bigger bill to get down as deep as 14’ 👀 which I’m most pumped about because it seems like (no matter the brand) I am alwayyyys wishing my jerkbait would be running a bit deeper than it is:
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4. Rapala Gold Miner
This bad boy is designed to dive deep...VERY deep. Will reach depths of 30'+ unassisted! Lake Erie guide Ross Robertson says it's also the loudest Rap out there for off-color water or to draw fish in from further away. And of course their color game = strong.
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5. BOOYAH Flashpoint Jerkbait
It’s called the Flashpoint because it has a sonically-welded blade embedded atop its head that shines like a beacon on FFS 💥 while also adding a subtle baitfish flash and target point. Really aggressive left-to-right darting action (dives 4-6', up to 8’ on a longer cast) and suspends with a 40° nose-down angle on the pause.
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Looks like Bill Dance keyed-in on the blade when he hit this one lol!
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Also if there’s anyone in the world that does NOT need a name tag at a fishing show, it’s gotta be Bill Dance!
6. Lunkerhunt’s Impact Series Hitch JM
> ...designed to captivate even the most elusive gamefish. With an exaggerated “baitfish in distress” swimming action, this jointed lure attracts otherwise disinterested predators. Ideal for trolling or cast-and-retrieve, in popular patterns. Some patterns feature glow colors for enhanced visibility and a weight transfer system.
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2. Bill Lewis Depth Charge
> "... innovative sinking twitch bait optimized for forward facing sonar. Designed without a lip, the Depth Charge sinks quickly on a slack line with a back-and-forth shimmy.... Available in 3 sizes and 14 colors, the Depth Charge can be twitched, ripped, pulled, or simply retrieved and is absolute dynamite on schooling fish."
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3. Berkley Finisher
These were launched at the beginning of the year, but are technically still ICAST new. And of course have already been winning derbies across the walleye world. 💯
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Of course the Berkley Finisher can be fished super erratically like most walleye folks fish glide baits, but it can also do more finesse-y things – including a nasty little tail wag – you just don’t see other hard baits doing:
> “The Finisher is the first of its kind, a hovering hard bait we call it. It truly gives anglers ultimate control of their bait. Being able to manipulate it in several ways based on what fish are responding to, especially when pairing this bait with forward-facing sonar.
> “What makes this bait unique is that it has no fin structure, which can allow it to do a multitude of actions. From erratic darting to natural minnow-like tail movement, what makes the Finisher deadly is its flat bottom which allows it to hover or hang in the water column. A bait with such diversity truly allows anglers to have control of how they’re interacting with fish on forward-facing sonar.”
4. Moonshine Lures Hammered Shiver Minnow
They've got 5 new patterns hitting the Hammered Gold Series – throw around some light!
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Funny enough I could use one of those right now. 🤦♂️
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Always something 😅 but I guess it’s the kind of thing that keeps you on your toes!
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This is just barely scratching the surface...will have way more new walleye and ice-fishing stuff coming your way soon-ish. Thanks much for reading!
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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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