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Today’s Target Walleye is a special issue jammed FULL of new ice baits and other stuff you absolutely “need” lol. Hope you dig it!
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We can never have enough baits!!!
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Can catch ’em lots of different ways early-ice while oxygen levels are high and the fish are active. Spoons, rattlebaits, jigs, plastics...we’ve got you covered!
Lots of brand new schtuff for the 2024/2025 ice season below, plus a few other must-haves it’s about dang time you tried! 🤤
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VMC Hatchet Spoon
> When the Hatchet Spoon hits the water its intense rapid start & fluttering energy delivers maximum action and vibration grabbing the attention of aggressive fish. We’ve dressed this spoon with a Marabou teaser tail which conceals a super sharp VMC treble hook. Oversized holographic eye and a variety of UV polished metal attractor and custom color patterns. Ultra Glow colors last up to 15 min.
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> The Ice-Winder flutter spoon can be jigged with short, quick lifts of the rod, creating an upwards darting action followed by a falling fluttering action to imitate an injured or scared baitfish. Slower jigging strokes allow the spoon to move in a unique rocking motion that triggers stubborn fish.
> The Hyper-Rattle has been crushing fish during ice and open water for years. Crappie, perch, bluegill and walleye can't resist the balanced, life-like swimming action and rattling sound that the Hyper-Rattle is known for. Finished in the unique and durable Moonshine Custom Glow for long lasting luminescence to attract more attention.
> The legendary Acme Kastmaster combined with the innovative glow finishes from Moonshine Lures delivers a unique, fish-attracting luminescence to dark waters. When vertically fished this spoon provides wild action and comes in 8 Moonshine Custom Glow colors.
Clam Psycho Shad
> ...back and better than ever! This bait has a one-of-a-kind action that rattles and shakes in the upward motion, then has a subtle dying minnow action as the bait free falls...this combination is simply irresistible to fish!
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Even if you’re not quite mentally prepared to switch gears over to ice yet (getting there lol) how magical does this look right about now?!
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Those Manitoba “greenbacks” hit different. 😮💨
VMC Bladed Bull Spoon
> The original proven Bull Spoon just got blinged out with a bladed hybrid treble hook for maximum flash and vibration! Erratic, wounded baitfish action, quick sinking, minnow shaped profile and life-like 3D holographic eye. A wide variety of patterns Ultra Glow colors last up to 15 min.
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EuroTackle I-Shimmer
> The Eurotackle I-Shimmer is much more than just a 0.6" Micro Tail Spin. Thanks to a flexible double high quality swivel linking the body to a small Colorado blade, this bait will not only rotate perfectly but also will flow naturally while jigging moves occur. The high quality and super sharp #20 Mustad Hook is perfectly placed for optimized hook-up ratio.
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> Excellent for trout and panfish such as bluegill, crappie and perch. ...made out of bismuth (lead free) to limit our impact on the environment. Available in realistic, classic and glow colors.
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Bill Lewis Hammer Trap
> The Hammer-Trap is the newest offering from Bill Lewis in the lipless category, which they put on the map over 50 yrs ago. The Hammer-Trap’s name is derived from the incredible hammering action. This action, which will literally rock your rod tip, also activates the Tri-Tone sound chambers. In turn, this emits 3 distinct tonal frequencies as well as the next-level vibration. When stopped on the retrieve the Hammer-Trap will fall with a fluttering action. ...comes equipped with Mustad Triple Grip hooks.
And some glorious looking colors!
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> ...Clam Pro Tackle team collaborated with The Crappie Chronicles, with the goal of pushing the plastics market in the ice fishing industry towards new heights by focusing on more fine details such as: bait profile, unique color pallets, fall rate, the use of fleck to create depth, and finishing it all off with freshwater shrimp scent.
> As the production of the Niku line began, the team at CPT developed their own precision molds to ensure the finest, and correct, details were captured. While doing this, the team insisted on creating a plastic that would be more durable than any competition on the market, while still bringing the liveliness needed to coerce lethargic wintering fish to bite.
> The biggest goal of this project? To create a plastic that would be utilized by the top Tournament Pro's, as well as any family or group of friends heading out to enjoy a weekend on the ice together. Niku translated from Japanese to English, simply means "Meat", however there was a significant amount of thought put into this "Meat".
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I’ll have more deets coming your way soon-ish.
VMC Tungsten Roach Jig
> Natural flowing Marabou creates action and mimics natural prey. The VMC Tungsten Jig Head delivers your presentation to the strike zone faster with better sonar return than lead. Exclusive VMC Power Gap hook features a wider round gap greatly increasing your hook rate percentage.
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The Spade Blade was born from a collaboration between Travis Krousie from J&S Custom Jigs and Eurotackle:
> The ‘Spade’ combines aspects of a variety of spoons to make the ultimate package. The spoon starts off with a metal base which is formed in a distinctive spade design. The distinctive design causes the spoon to flutter with every drop. “It’s a really unique flutter too...this isn’t your standard flutter spoon.”
> ...also combines aspects of attracting spoons with the addition of internal rattles and micro blades. The internal rattle chamber is placed centrally so it doesn’t impact the fluttering action, but still helps to call fish in.... The micro blades also have their own fish-drawing power. “Obviously, the external blades add some additional sound attraction, but they also aid in visual attraction. The blades are designed to complement the overall color patterns of the individual spoons, while maintaining some contrast from the spoon itself.”
> The Spade Blade features premium quality Mustad treble hooks [and] is offered in two sizes (1/16 oz and 1/4 oz). The 7 color schemes include some familiar options, as well as some new options that have never before been seen in the Eurotackle lineup.
Berkley Vibrato
Overlooked bait (both open-water and ice) that can catch ‘em when other stuff isn’t making it happen. It’s a secret weapon of numerous folks who asked that I don’t mention their name...or the bait 👀 LOL sorry....
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> “Slow flutter rate on the fall creates flash and disturbance which allows the angler to target pressure and suspended predators by allowing the Vibrato to drop while popping intermittently.”
VMC Rattling Roach Spoon
Came out in the middle of last year’s ice season, but might still be new to you due to the lack of ice!
> ...VMC connected with Tony Roach to work on the Rattling Roach Spoon. VMC leaned on Roach’s experience as a heavily booked, multi-species, all-season guide on MN’s Mille Lacs Lake to develop its new killer bait.
> The Rattling Roach Spoon features an intense fluttering action combined with an exposed rattle chamber to deliver maximum sound vibrations. ...a marabou teaser tail and a holographic eye...16 eye-popping colors....
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> To give hardwater anglers an additional edge, 14 of the 16 Rattling Roach Spoon finishes feature an Ultra Glow finish and 3 feature a UV Bright finish. Ultra Glow colors give off a glowing effect that lasts for 15 min in dark water – all to make sure this lure is seen by fish.
Clam CPT Jointed Pinhead Pro PT
It’s no secret how well jointed baits can work during the open-water season – gives the bait an extra little wobble – and the CPT Jointed Pinhead was the first I had ever seen designed specifically for ice with a darting, dancing, injured-minnow profile. And that face-down design is for upward feeding fish. This newest version now features a Painted Treble Hook. It’s also made of environmentally friendly Zinc Alloy that provides a unique flash, sound, and vibration in the water.
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We wouldn't want all those new lures to get lonely....
StrikeMaster USA Lite-Flite Lazer 8" Drill
You already know just how amazing the SM Lite-Flite Lazer Drill Unit is, but how dang cool is their new USA bit?! 🇺🇸🦅 #Merica
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Yup, I’ll be snagging one of those!
Clam is bringing the heat 🔥
> The Clam CH-10000vh Portable Propane Radiant Heater is the ultimate in portable heaters for sportsmen. This incredibly durable heater is ruggedly built for the ice fisherman, but excels in all situations where a portable heater is required. ...has a maximum BTU of 10,000 and is an industry first propane heater with a variable heat range! No more being cold on low power and shedding all your layers on high. ...you have full control of the temperature in your shelter...fully adjustable output ranges of 5,500 to 10,000 BTU. ...dependable electronic ignition so starting your heater has never been easier. ...can utilize a disposable 1-lb propane cylinder or can be attached to a refillable tank.
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> Highest capacity battery to fit Garmin Bag in the industry today! Our new 52Ah (769.6Wh) 14.8V NMC Lithium Ion Battery is the highest capacity and longest lasting battery designed specifically for our advanced fishing electronics of today. Running out of power is no longer an issue when running high current 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 the competition selling 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.
> Will fit: HD Innovations - Summit Fishing - Garmin (all units) - Lowrance (all units) - BassKhang - ArcLabs - FinGear - TKI - and many more!
Can I get a...
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😂😅
Not sure how big (aH) of lithium battery you need? This AWESOME graphic on Amped Outdoors' site will give you expected hours of operation based on the ice unit you have – love stuff like this:
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> For anglers seeking an upgraded shuttle to run their sonar, the Ice Electronics Shuttle presents a high quality, durable, neat and organized platform. The Ice Electronics Shuttle is constructed with marine grade 11ga aluminum to provide lightweight transportation of your electronics. This shuttle works with a variety of sonar and live imaging systems, and includes accessories for anglers to build out their shuttle based on the unit they run. This shuttle fits a variety of batteries and has multiple ports and plugs for anglers to connect their electronics to.
Versa “The Walter” hat
LOVE the classic look of this hat! It’s become my new favorite daily wear. Btw if you want one for yourself, you can plug in the discount code: TargetWalleye at checkout for 10% off your first order.
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Garmin Panoptix PS22-IF Ice Fishing Bundle
A compact, portable, touchscreen live-sonar unit with Forward and Down modes that does NOT need a bulky pole! Full setup goes for under $2K. Should be an awesome little unit for chasing around panfish:
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Both the parka and bibs are “engineered for maximum buoyancy and mobility” and designed to “comfortably withstand temperatures as low as -25°F.”
But get this....
The Norfin EVOLUTION FLT LED Parka 💡 is “equipped with 8 LED lights that can be powered via a Type-C connection located in the front pocket. You can easily power the lights from your phone or any other portable power source, ensuring visibility and safety in low-light conditions.” And the Norfin EVOLUTION FLT Heated Bibs 🥵 have a “built-in [battery powered] adjustable heat system.” Wild!
Catch Cover wheelhouse goodies
The ice-heads over at Catch Cover have a bunch of slick gadgets for wheelhouses – if you don’t have Safety Covers or Hole Sleeves yet...what are you even doing?!
Couple other slick accessories = their wall-mounted Utility Tackle Box Holder that’ll hold one 3700-size box, two 3600s or three 3500s. Of course it comes with a “handy-dandy beverage holder” built in. And don’t forget about their rod rack that’s actually designed for thin ice rods. Can even store ’em up on the ceiling if you want, outta the way.
And I’m a big fan of their glowing hole sleeves!
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> The Gale Jacket with StormSkin technology has all of the comfort and features anglers want in an all-weather jacket. With its ultra-soft fleece lining, you will stay warm and comfortable in any weather you may face. Featuring StormSkin Technology that combines a premium windproof and waterproof soft-shell fabric with a free hanging long nap soft fleece lining that traps heat inside and creates both a waterproof and thermal barrier this hoodie will keep you warm, dry and comfortable! This jacket is 100% waterproof and will withstand any conditions anglers face because you can't choose the temperature when you want to go out on the water.
Elliott Rods Evolution Ice Series
You diehard hole-hoppers already know the benefits of longer ice rods – better hooksets, keep fish pinned, more control over your bait, etc – and Elliott now has 5 different models in their "Evolution Ice Series" ranging from 42" to 45" and UL to M powers. High-end, ultra-sensitive hardwater sticks with Syncork handles and all:
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Oh yeah, and not having to crouch over will have your back and knees mucho happier:
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So how the heck do you store and travel around with such long ice rods? Well, Elliott made an XL Rod & Gear Case that holds 4 rod/reel combos up to 48” long:
> Each rod safely sits in its own PVC tube for extra security and to prevent tangling. Two front zippered compartments and mesh pockets keep gear in easy reach and organized. Covered in high quality water resistant fabric and user friendly details like a shoulder strap, side handle and hanging loop as well as ratchet strap loops for worry free transport on ATVs & snowmobiles.
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If you’ve never seen a “baitfeeder” spinning reel, they are THE DEAL for set-lines or deadsticks. Lets you disengage the spool so the fish can run – then just flip the switch or start reeling and your normal drag is automatically engaged again = never miss a beat on the hookset. The 1000 is my go-to size on walleye setups.
Something that isn’t talked about a lot, is that these “baitfeeder” reels basically let you use ANY rod as a deadstick. You don’t really need a super mushy, soft rod anymore so that the fish doesn’t feel any resistance when grabbing the bait....
Beaver Dam ‘Snot Rocket’ Tip-up
> Get your hands on the 2024 Beaver Dam FB contest-winning design [by David Burgess] while you can! We'll have a limited production run and will only be available for two ice seasons. This tip-up features legendary Beaver Dam Smooth-Spool Technology and Freezeproof Grease to ensure that even the most finicky fish won’t drop the bait, helping you put more fish on the ice.
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IceArmor Insulated Chopper Combo Mitt
> The Insulated Chopper Combo Mitt is the best of both the Insulated Chopper Mitt and The Wooly Fingerless Glove! These items can be worn together for extreme warmth or separately when you need more dexterity with just the Fingerless Gloves or only want the easy on and off features of the Insulated Chopper Mitt.
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Norfin ice-fishing boots
Specifically designed for ice fishing. Warm, lightweight, removable moisture-wicking liners, waterproof...yes please!
The Klondike 2 (left) has retractable ice cleats built right into ‘em – sounds pretty cool. And I ordered a pair of Yukons (right) because it’s their warmest boot and rated for temps down to -60°F, yet so dang lightweight it feels like your wearing slippers:
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Rapala R12 Heated Jacket and Vest
> The new Rapala R12 Heated jacket and Vest is fueled and ready for action. Powered by Rapala’s exclusive R12 Lithium series battery system, the R12 Heated Jacket and Vest consistently deliver strength, durability, and reliability day after day, year after year, to keep you on the water longer.
> Both the jacket and the vest feature a tri-zone heating system – heating coils are embedded in the chest, the shoulders and the neck to provide hours of warmth. A push-button temperature control with an LED indicator allows for high, medium and low heating settings.
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> The Rapala R12 battery 2Ah (included) provides up to 4 hours of warmth at the low setting, 3 hours at medium, and 2 hours at high. A removable R12 power bank connects through the side/back pocket to allow for the easy changing of batteries. A USB-C cord allows for battery charging with the power bank.
Amped Outdoors Portable Power Stations
> Introducing our new 600W and 1500W Portable Power Stations. The perfect solution for any outdoors person camping and ice camping or have a backup solution during power outages!
I can already tell you I’m gonna need to snag one of these for “Clamping” trips this ice season. 🤤
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Some new open-water treats
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Still some diehards hitting the open-water. Go big or go home...and they ain’t goin’ home:
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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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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. 👀
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And just a couple days ago they added a new custom color called “Cinderella” that a bunch of Lake Oahe folks were requesting because “the natural look of the bait paired with the holographic fleck in the clear coat” makes it a great option in clean water. Short video clip here because pics don’t do it justice:
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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!
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 👀 so how about thru the ice?!
Oh, and trollers rejoice ‘cuz you’re going to get the same flash in Reef Runner 800. 💥
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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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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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Berkley PowerBait Drip Minnow
These Drip Minnows look incredible in person. Berkley 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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Lindy B-MAX Jigs
> Using a proprietary blend of bismuth and other metals, B-Max [Bismuth Maximum Performance] is comparable in size to lead but harder, which allows for greater sensitivity and stronger returns on live sonar...at a fraction of the cost of tungsten.
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> ...launch will include several proven Lindy jigs re-created in B-MAX...enhanced versions of the current Lindy Jig, Live Bait Jig, and Little Nipper, along with the re-introduction of the famous Max Gap Jig, with 144 variations to provide the right sizes and colors for a vast range of situations and species.
Lunkerhunt’s Impact Series Hitch JM
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> ...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.
She looks nasty underwater:
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Berkley Finisher
These were launched at the beginning of the year and 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.”
Moonshine Lures Hammered Shiver Minnow
They've got 5 new patterns hitting the Hammered Gold Series – throw around some light!
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Okuma Coldwater "A" Series Line Counter Reel
The new generation of their ultra-popular Coldwater Line Counter reels. They brought the body sizing down, but maintained the spool. Improved drag, upgraded anti-reverse, and a beefed-up spool-engagement system...among other upgrades. 💯
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Stay strong, ice-heads! 🥶
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Btw I’m not trying to be insensitive to those who are actually struggling with depression (by sharing that ^ meme). I’ve been stuck deep down in those trenches too – you’re not alone! It may be hard to believe right now, but the way you're feeling will change. And I encourage you to open up about it and chat with close friends/family that you trust, because they care about you! And it can help you to start feeling more like yourself.
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We're in that awkward time of year when fishing and hunting seasons mix, but that's not stopping folks from doing both – maybe in the same day – up at Lake of the Woods. 😏
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Looks cold, but for sure worth it!
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Of course can’t fit every cool new thing in a single email...so we’ll keep sprinkling ’em in upcoming Target Walleyes going forward. Thx SO much for reading!
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Sign up another fish-head!
If you're forwarding Target Walleye to a friend who loves to walleye fish or want your fishing buddies to get these emails, just send us their email addresses and we'll take care of it! (We won't sell the addresses, use them for spam, etc.)
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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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