Nighttime walleye on sand, Burbot record broke again, Fish vs birds

Where I’m at in central MN you’ve typically only got about a 1-hour window at sunrise/sunset where you can consistently catch a couple of walleyes (if you’re lucky) outside of that = good luck! Basically have to burn-up PTO to make it for either of those bites…. 😡

If you want to try and catch a few walleyes during “working man’s hours” (on average, backyard lakes) try setting up on a gradual, sandy break-line or point and catch ’em roaming thru after dark. Also a great spot to setup the wheelhouse if you want those rattle-reel alarm clocks to cut into your sleep hahaha.

Btw all of the gear I used (specific sizes, weights, rod, reel, you name it) is linked in the video’s description. 👊 Hope you dig it and thx SO much for watching!

A state record that was previously held for 32 yrs! 😳

Dec 30: Scott Skafar broke the state burbot record that had been set in 1990 with a 10.2-lb fish he caught from Lake Michigan.

Crazy enough, Scott actually beat the state record twice in the same day using “a 3/8-oz jighead with a white Zoom 5″ Fluke….”

Welllll, here’s why – from Daryl Bauer, the fisheries outreach program manager with NE Game & Parks Commission, who knows a whoooole lot more ’bout that kind of stuff than I ever will:

> Daryl “Saw your photos of healed-up injuries on fish and your question on the cause? Injuries like that are most often caused by fish-eating birds (e.g. herons, cormorants).

> “One thing is for sure, the instinct to survive is strong! It is amazing what some of those fish come through, survive and thrive!”

Thx again, Daryl!

He just posted a new YouTube video chasing those emerald green beauties on Lake Winnipeg, Manitoba that has me itching to get a road trip on the calendar:

> “Ice fishing for the infamous greenback walleye on Lake Winnipeg. Winnipeg is a massive body of water with tremendous walleye populations. One of the very best ice fishing destinations if your goal is to catch a giant walleye. This fishery produces some of the biggest walleye caught through the ice.

> “Jason Mitchell and a crew of friends join up with longtime guide, Dan Kiazyk. We try to explain the mentality and attitude required to catch fish on this lake. With very subtle structure and very nomadic fish, anglers need to make big moves to break down water and find fish. Productive lures and presentations are explained. Information packed episode for any ice angler planning to fish Lake Winnipeg.”

And it was nice of him to let Scott catch one. 😉 Hahaha here’s the vid:

1. Never know what you’re going to see…

… at the Brainerd Jaycees Ice Fishing Extravaganza. Last year they had an engagement on stage 👏 and if you’re curious, she said “yes.”

I mean if you’re not going to win her that new truck, a 💍 will probably do lol.

2. MN-FISH is fighting to keep MN fishing strong. 💪

First off: MN-FISH is a non-profit fishing organization “formed to bring a strong, unified voice to St. Paul to represent the interests of MN anglers and other stakeholders…increase state investment into fisheries and fishing-related programs…improve fishing opportunities in MN and shorten the time between bites.”

They recently posted a MN budget announcement on their FB page:

> “The Governor’s budget has allocated $110 mil toward fishing in MN!
$60 mil will be put toward fish hatcheries and $50 mil are intended for public water access.

> “MN-FISH has been a huge advocate pushing for this funding and we want to thank everyone that helps support us in our fight for better fishing across the state of MN!

> “This budget still needs to get approved and we are hopeful that this goes through!

> “Please continue to show us your support as we keep fighting for you, the anglers of MN.”

3. US/CAN: Last chance to register for “Clam Trap Attack.”

Virtual, multispecies derby (northern pike, walleye, sunfish, yellow perch, crappie and lake trout) happening THIS WEEKEND.

Costs just $10 to enter and can be fished by any ice angler thru the FishDonkey app. Thousands of $$$ in Clam goodies up for grabs and a pile of different ways to win. Full scoop here.

4. Not sure how big (aH) of lithium battery you need?

Came across this AWESOME graphic on Amped Outdoors site that’ll give you expected hours of operation based on the unit you have – love stuff like this:

This is my 4th year running their 30Ah LiFePO4 Wide in my LiveScope bundle (both open water and ice) and the thing is a beast! Literally could not be happier with it.

I see they now have a new 32Ah 14.8V NMC Lithium Ion Battery that’s nearly 2 lbs lighter [!] and designed for big-screen units. Their site says it’s “the highest capacity and longest lasting battery designed specifically for our advanced fishing electronics of today.”

> “Why 14.8V NMC Lithium Ion? Since most of our fishing electronics today are made to operate up to 17+ volts, this battery has a working voltage of 16.8V when fully charged and 12V when fully depleted. That means you have the most usable capacity and zero worries of low voltage poor returns/images from your electronics.

> “Unlike…similar NMC batteries (Usually 11.1V), our batteries use only the best NMC Lithium from Japan. Instead of getting 300-400 charge cycles with NMC from others, Amped Outdoors NMC will give you 800-1000 Charge cycles and a longer life expectancy.”

Man, I don’t really need to upgrade…but I sure want to LOL. 🔥 Check their full lineup of ice-fishing batteries here.

Using artificial lights to attract crappies?

Literally using lights to create structure where there’s not…and apparently keeps fish under the hole the entire time?! We can’t do anything fun like this in MN 😂😢but after watching this video I sure wish we could:

Match the hatch? Nah! Not always, anyway….

There’s just something special about PINK baits 💖🌸🎀🐽👚👛🦩🩰 they drive walleye nuts in a reeeeally good way. I don’t understand it either LOL but they definitely work. So I was pumped to see the new Berkley Money Badger had it in the lineup.

Now, somebody tell Berkley bait-developer Dan Spengler he doesn’t need to field test 👀 the “pink pearl” color Berkley Money Badger anymore…we already know it crushes!

National Professional Anglers Assoc. 

MN-FISH