Target Walleye/Ice email

Stop setting the hook like this, Open water Slab Rappin’, Golden white bass caught

Today’s Top 5

How walleyes position on wing dams.

NWT pro Korey Sprengel talks how/when walleyes migrate to a wing dam, and where they position on ’em. It’s incredible how much knowledge he can drop in 60 sec:

Lots of walleye guys prefer “bass-style crankbaits” — like Berkley Diggers and Dredgers — when fishing wing dams because they do a better job of getting down quickly and can be easier to cast.

Also something special about that wobble….

Open water Slab Rappin’.

The Rapala Slab Rap isn’t just for ice fishing, it’s also one heck of an open-water bait. Here’s when Tony “catch ’em all” Roach likes to throw it:

> “I like to throw them in situations where you’ve got structure on the bottom: whether it’s sand grass, moss, zebra mussels, or even pitching it in cabbage. Really anytime I don’t want a bait to fall all the way to the bottom.

> “…falls much slower than a Rippin’ Rap, but still has that weight-forward design and shimmy so that you can yo-yo it through structure without getting hung up.

> “…prefer the slower fall rate when there’s cooler water temps, a cold front or earlier in the morning when fish are not as aggressive.”

Now with a bigger #6 size coming out — believe it’s 2.5″ and 3/8-oz — bet this is something you’re gonna be hearing a lot more about in the future….

How walleye fishermen cool off.

Jeremy got himself a float tube walldawg strolling down Manitoba’s Pinawa River with an ice rod in hand. Freakin’ LOVE it!

The dog days of summer don’t stop Derek Lamash from enjoying the lake. Instead of sweating the small stuff, he turns himself into a fish finder:

Troy “Mr. Bluegill” Peterson said this one “ate a 3-oz Snickers just 3′ behind the boat and buried the planer board” yet he was somehow able to get that giant water-wallowing sucker in the net:

Golden white bass caught.

Was sent this pic from TW fan Jason Anakkala of an interesting catch that came outta Waubay Lake, SD last weekend. Believe it’s an albino white bass [?]…was 14″, so a pretty good one at that:

Was his first fish of the day (targeting walleyes) pulling #4 Salmo Hornets on leadcore in 15-20′. Jason also said, “Oh yeah…the walleye fishing was good too.” Lol sounds like an awesome trip.

“I’m guessing these are going to get CRUSHED this fall!”

– That’s Walleyedan talking about the Green Bay Packers these collector’s edition “Lambeau Field” Rapala Shad Raps:

 

News

1. MN Fishing Hall of Fame and Museum…

…in danger of closing. Major road construction has blocked the main entrance since Jun 14! Obviously has put traffic at an all-time low and now has ’em facing a $35K deficit:

They’re asking for donations to help keep the Little Falls landmark open — more info here on how to donate.

Anyone who donates $100+ will automatically be entered to win a guided fishing trip for two with Gary “Mr. Walleye” Roach — he will draw the winner on Aug 26. Super awesome of Gary to donate a trip!

2. Abu Garcia and Berkley gettin’ in the zander biz.

Added “European predator specialist” Freddy Harbort to the team, who’s Instagram page makes me wanna hop on a plane tomorrow and head over to the land of everything-grows-stupid-big:

3. Oh snap! FishUSA already has….

…the new VMC Bladed Hybrid Trebles in stock! Won “Best Terminal Tackle” at ICAST 2019. Modeled after a longtime secret among pros to add extra flash to your favorite baits. Has a resin-sealed swivel and blade for maximum rotation and flashy goodness:

Tons of open-water applications for you tackle junkies and gear tweakers, but don’t forget about hardwater. Here’s what it looks like (underwater video) rigged on a VMC Tingler Spoon.

4. Lowrance and MotorGuide playing nicely together.

> Both brands will continue to collaborate on sonar compatibility and chartplotter integration between MotorGuide trolling motors and Lowrance sonar and chartplotter technologies.

5. MN: Lake of the Woods bite is strong.

Full fishing report right here, but check this portly feller (30″!) Jon Thelen anded during a Fish Ed TV shoot:

6. MN: Fishing to End Hunger charity tourney…

…on Gull Lake is happening Oct 5. Already has 83 boats registered ‘cuz 1) it’s a great cause, 2) has BIG-time payouts, and 3) the fish are usually snapping on Gull that time of year. More info here.

7. Lew’s/Strike King expands again.

This time sounds like more of a merger deal:

> One of Wall Street’s most prominent financiers has lured a prized catch with a £150m takeover of Fox International, Europe’s largest privately-owned provider of fishing tackle.

> Sky News understands that Lew’s Holdings, a US-based leader in the fishing equipment market which is backed by Byron Trott’s BDT Capital Partners, has struck a deal to merge with Fox.

> Banking sources said the deal was expected to be announced by the end of the week.

> The merger of Lew’s and Fox will create a major transatlantic player in the sports fishing sector.

> None of those involved in the talks would comment, but one source said Lew’s was paying in the region of £150m for Fox….

> Lew’s and Fox are said to be planning to retain their existing management structures and brands following the transaction, with further deals in the [fishing] sector being sought by Mr Trott, according to insiders.

> …Fox has made two international acquisitions: Salmo, a [European] lure brand [now in the U.S.], and Spomb, a bait dispenser.

Couple other details sent in by Lew’s:

> Fox International, Europe’s largest privately-owned fishing tackle company, today announced that it has agreed to be acquired by Lew’s Holdings Corp.

> This combination will enable an enhanced route to market for both businesses. This will be driven by an expanded geographical footprint, deeper innovation, R&D sharing capabilities….

8. Johnson Outdoors Q3 earnings up.

> Fishing revenue increased 5% due to continued success of new products in both Minn Kota and Humminbird.

Tip of the Day

Live-bait rigging: Are you setting the hook wrong?

Best way to increase your hookup ratio while rigging is to make sure you’re setting the hook correctly. Joel Nelson says that a vertical hookset could actually be “sling-shotting” the bait right out of the fish’s mouth:

Meme of the Day

All those late nights and early mornings sure can catch up on a guy/gal:

**chugs coffee**

Today’s ‘Eye Candy

Dylan Nussbaum smoked this 31.5″ Lake Erie freakazoid trolling a Dutch Fork custom-painted (kold steel) Rapala Down Deep Husky Jerk. I need a fish that big in my life asap lol:

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Who is Target Walleye
Target Walleye — walleye during open water and all species during hardwater — is brought to you by Al and Ron Lindner, Jim Kalkofen, Brett McComas and other diehard fish-nuts like you! #fishheads
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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