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Posts: 656
Location: Forest Lake, Mn. | Am surprised that this thread hasn't been started yet. It usally runs for pages and pages over the course of the season.
Was out on the Bear Sat. first time I had the boat in the water for a couple of years. It was nice to be out after a long break.
I see things haven't changed much out there. Traffic was intense to say the least.
Water temps 65 to 67 degrees according to my graph. Weeds seemed nicely developed and the water was clearer than I remember it, but then it's early season. Heard a report that fish were on the breaks but I didn't see any.
Partner caught a nice pike and said he had a follow but due to water glare I couldn't see it.
How is the rest of the Metro doing? I suspect slow. |
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Posts: 313
Location: On your favorite spot | Harriet was slower than slow on Saturday. I think I almost had a follow. Things are improving daily so here's hoping for a better weekend. |
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| Fished the superwindow last night on Tonka. 9pm sunset, 9:37 moonrise. Had a reel fixed and tested it out for the first cast. Wasn't paying attention and sure enough I had one explode at the boat.
Nine hours on Indy and nothing last Saturday. First cast is a 30 footer to check a reel and I get one to go. Go figure. Otherwise slow. Three smaller pike, had two hits on a Rad Dog between 9:30-10pm but couldn't hook up.
Main lake was 66-69*. Found one smaller bay that was 71*.
TW |
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Posts: 256
| I fished a north metro lake last weekend for about 6 hours on saturday and 4 hours on sunday. We had one follow and saw one on the surface. Based on the results of the Minnesota Muskie Tournament from last weekend it just looks the fish were not biting for the most part. I hope to hit the lake again Saturday morning and see if the warmer and stable weather has helped. |
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Location: Lake Geneva, WI | Fished north metro lake last Tuesday and last night. Saw a few fish lost one fish last Tuesday didn't get a look at it. Caught a nice pike last night right before we left at sundown. Temps were around 71-73 on my graph. |
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Location: Apple Valley | It's been pretty slow this week. Fished White Bear on Tuesday and moved a smaller muskie on a muskietreat. Fish French yesterday and moved a low 40" on a suzy sucker. Both follows were very slow and lazy. Going to be hot and muggy this weekend hopefully they will go this weekend.
Brian |
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| Fished Tonka on Tues. night for about 4 hours (from 5-9pm)and had seven up with one being an upper 40's, but none that were aggressive. All came on Ghosttails and Crane baits worked aggressively. |
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Posts: 8
| Also worked Tonka last night from 2000-0030, caught a huge bass and had the same 40-45 inch fish follow that I had opening weekend, she still wont bite.
saw some other boats on the water hunting, never saw or hear them land anything... |
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Posts: 128
| Fished Harriet, Calhoun, and Eagle in the last few days, all were very slow. The metro Tiger lakes have been quite productive though. 
Edited by schrump 6/19/2008 8:23 PM
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Posts: 275
| Thanks to Mr. Poop for starting the thread. It will be nice having him post again. We fished Deer in WI yesterday. We saw six, but they were very tight-lipped, however the bass are hitting senkos.
Tom |
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Posts: 654
Location: MPLS, MN | MuskyFlyGuy - 6/20/2008 2:56 PM
however the bass are hitting senkos.
Tom
Do they ever not hit Senkos? Man those things are magic on Bass.....Like the Double Cowgirl of the Bass world... |
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| 38" on Baldy Tues night - very light take on a topraider and put up essentailly no fight, no other fish followed but they were busting up schools of sunnies out off the edges. Pondweed is pretty much gone.
Had two lazy follows on Forest Wed night. With the full moon was hoping for more but very slow. Still some pondweed in 12-14' but it won't last much longer. Once it's gone maybe the fish will start to move shallower. There's some super cabbage in about 4-6' this year but fish don't seem to be in it yet.
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Posts: 128
| More Tigers....no pure strain yet. |
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Posts: 3
| bald eagle has been producing well. Not much luck yet in forest or white bear.
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Posts: 452
Location: Waconia, MN | Do I dare even ask how Tonka has been treating people? I haven't fished the metro yet this year.
Thanks |
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Posts: 193
Location: Mayer, MN | ArmPit - 6/23/2008 4:15 PM
Do I dare even ask how Tonka has been treating people? I haven't fished the metro yet this year.
Thanks
Scott I have gotten my arse handed to me on Tonka so far in three outings. Saw my first fish of the season Saturday. I think we just happened to cross paths. He didn't seem too interested.
Jason |
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Posts: 452
Location: Waconia, MN | Yeah, I've had a few fish like that this year as well. I'm gonna give it a shot tonight, and maybe I'll get lucky. |
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Posts: 158
| Tonka has been tough for me so far, three full days and three halfers, only one 46 in the net and I could count the follows on two hands. The one took a bulldawg and the follows all came on Cowgirls but nothing will go into the eight, everything has been coming off the outside edge for me so far.
TB |
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Posts: 452
Location: Waconia, MN | Thanks TB! I post my report when I return! |
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Posts: 256
| Fished a metro lake this weekend. Two follows, one of which was aggresive but missed the glide bait at the boat. Went back out to get it at sundown and caught a 30 inch northern of the spot on the second cast that went crazy so needless to say if the muskie was there the northern probably moved it out of the area. |
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Posts: 299
Location: Nowheresville, MN | Tonka hit 75 degrees today in shallow water, East West and Northwest. The fish should start to eat soon...I hope! |
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Posts: 454
| I hope so too!
Edited by asteffes 6/24/2008 3:30 AM
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| Me too... 3 times out on tonka this year and I've moved one fish. I'll be hitting it hard thur - sun and let you all know how I do. |
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Posts: 8
| fished tonka last night again, moved my same fish i've moved every time i have been out there (3 times), still wont bite, too much other food for her to eat 
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| Been fishing mpls. city lakes since opener 6 days a week. water temps on Calhoun 71-74, cedar running 2 degrees warmer, moving fish with a 40" on cedar with topwater in the boat. weeds are up to the surface. flats near deep water producing more action then shallows. |
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Posts: 256
| Fished a north metro lake last night water from 76-80. Caught a northern that was close to 20lbs. Had a muskie nail the bulldawg but somehow managed to avoid all of the hooks. |
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| 7 hours this a.m. on tonka moved one small dink. Killing the bass on topwaters, tho. I've thrown my entire tackle box everywhere, inside weedline, outside edge, up on top, on the breaks. Do I just suck this bad? |
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Posts: 8
| phil - 6/26/2008 3:18 PM
7 hours this a.m. on tonka moved one small dink. Killing the bass on topwaters, tho. I've thrown my entire tackle box everywhere, inside weedline, outside edge, up on top, on the breaks. Do I just suck this bad?
no, have we been fishing out of the same boat?!?! |
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Posts: 128
| Bald Eagle the last two nights. A few random follows here and there , one blow-up on topwater, no fish boated. Water temps were 74-79. |
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Posts: 256
| Fished this morning. I wasn't expecting much but nailed a nice 40 incher. |
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Posts: 697
Location: Minnetonka | Just came off a pretty good weekend... pretty good MONTH of fishing out of a boat that has been on fire (16 since opener). Lately, John Hoyer has managed to park his Ranger on a lot of active muskies on Lake Minnetonka, with 1-3 fish per day being eaters.
Quite simply, we've been throwing Curly Sues and Bulldawgs near prominent structure and they've been getting eaten. There has been no specific time for activity, as we've caught fish from 11 a.m. to 9:30 p.m. The magic lures have had orange tails while the walleye pattern has continued to produce. Good luck, and call John with 'Skie Patrol if you want to hit the water!
Below is a 49 from Friday... check out the site for the entire June '08 line-up!!!
http://www.skiepatrol.com
Andy
Edited by Hammskie 6/30/2008 3:07 PM
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Posts: 96
| Good deal...looks like I'm gonna have to get out there and nail a few myself. Been everywhere but my home waters since opener! |
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Posts: 256
| Got a 45 incher last night, lost another on the hook set and my boat partner had one blow up on the side of the boat pulling his lure out of the water... plus we got two nice northerns (34 and 34.5). Water temps on the lake ranged from 74 to 80. All the muskie strikes were in the 74-75 range of water.
Edit: By the way, I'm not fishing Minnetonka.
Edited by kustomboy 7/2/2008 11:04 AM
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Location: Twin Cities | They've really been going lately in the Metro, seen a lot of fish this last week. Caught a 46 last Sunday and have had several hit lures and very aggressive follows. My fishing partner lost two nice fish tonight, had hooks in them for quite a while and tossed them jumping at boatside. This weekend should be good! |
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Posts: 256
| Out this morning, water temps down 2-4 degrees. Had 4 follows and missed hook up and saw a few others cruising. Looks like it will be a slow day. Nobody on the lake was catching anything. |
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| it sounds like some people need to fish some states without a closed season to learn how to catch fish in colder water |
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Location: Twin Cities | kustomboy - 7/4/2008 12:49 AM
Out this morning, water temps down 2-4 degrees. Had 4 follows and missed hook up and saw a few others cruising. Looks like it will be a slow day. Nobody on the lake was catching anything.
That was certainly not the case where I was yesterday....
Colder water to me is 40 degree's, it's been good since it was over 60! |
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Posts: 256
| I wasn't saying the water was too cold to fish. I was just saying that the 2-4 degree drop had effected the activity level of the fish. (geez... Mr. Guest.....) |
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Posts: 155
Location: North Metro | nawnawanawnannannnananan |
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Posts: 256
| Fished last night. Had a few up but no takers.
Edited by kustomboy 7/6/2008 10:00 PM
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Posts: 227
Location: Maple Grove | Haven't been out for a week and that was on Indy. Nothing doing, but that trip was more of a get to know you in the new to me rig. Water temps were mid 70s. Anyone have current temps on Tonka? |
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Posts: 158
| Sundays temp on Tonka ranged from 81-77. Starting to get the fish going, we boated one Thurs and one Friday, in the 4th traffic! Missed a tank at the boat Sunday night also.
Oh yeah, all on cowgirls, surprise!
Edited by teddy b 7/7/2008 2:22 PM
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Posts: 3160
| Did anybody hear of some "Huge" muskie that was caught on Owasso lately??? I guess it was shown on the news one night??? somebody said 50lbs but Im guessing they got it confused with inches????
Edited by happy hooker 7/7/2008 2:47 PM
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Posts: 223
Location: minneapolis | Local man catches 31-pound musky
A Metro man pulled in a massive musky Friday and he says he’s not even much of a fisherman.
The musky weighs 31 pounds and is 49 and a half inches long. And it now belongs to George Ficocello.
Ficocello spend his Fourth of July at his brother’s place, fishing with his grandchildren on Lake Owasso in Shoreview.
The average musky lure is between eight and 12 inches. They are elusive fish and even called "the fish of a thousand casts."
KSTP report from July 5th
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Posts: 480
| We reeled in a muskie while my wife and daughter were riding in an innertube behind the boat. We were trolling about 3.3 mph with supershads. The baits were about 10-12ft in front of the tube. I wouldn't believe it unless I was there. |
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Posts: 697
Location: Minnetonka | 'Skie Patrol had a little "lull" in the activity last week, but things picked up this holiday weekend with 5 fish caught and released. Thursday we picked up a 45 and some change, along with a hook in the hand. After some dockside surgery, we went back to fishing and got another fish on topwater. We also caught 3 on Sunday, including 2 in under 15 minutes... they're still eating soft plastics!!! I love hearing that they're going on blades as well. The Metro bite is heating up... exciting. 
Andy
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Posts: 3160
| Thanks EL for the update on that rumor
Twin cities chapter is doing our on the water meeting tonite tues july 8th 6pm-10pm at Grays bay landing , anybodys welcome to come join us if you want,,anyways should have some reports for tonka |
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Posts: 20
| Why would they do that? Those states don't even compare to the fishery we have here. Coincidence? Doubt it. |
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Posts: 227
Location: Maple Grove | Fished Tonka yesterday from 7 to 11. Didn't move a fish. One pike I was able to shake off at boatside. I had temps about 77.
Hooker-I'm a new member that hasn't got to a meeting yet. I launched at gray's but sounds like I just missed you all. Maybe next time. |
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Posts: 6
| Fished WBL for the first time this year and it produced one 46" fish. Only one seen though. Caught over deep water.
(Muskie 002 (Medium).jpg)
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Posts: 3160
| went out on a city lake yesterday,,,,I have never seen it that dark ever,,,rare when we dont get a few follows but never saw a one,,,Im wondering if people are using some type of new lawn fertilizer it hasnt been that hot this year to make it this dark |
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Posts: 227
Location: Maple Grove | Once again haven't been out for about a week. Anyone have current water temps? Tonka or Indy? Thanks. |
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Posts: 36
Location: Blaine, MN | Got out on Forest on Sun morning w/ a 33" for my efforts. Caught it in about 7' of water. Moved 2 others in 3' or less of water. |
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Posts: 8
| tonka was 77-78 in most areas on sunday. |
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Posts: 96
| I'm assuming you were out in the afternoon Ducky? We had 72.5 at first light on Sunday and it warmed to 75.5 by 10 AM. Northerns were all over but the ski's weren't too hungry for us that day. |
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Posts: 8
| yeah, it was off the digital readout on the waverunner, got out at about 11am, and checked it again at about 2pm |
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Posts: 3160
| Both beaches are closed on Nokomis because of high bacteria count in the water,,swimmers itch!,,,keep that in mind if you wade fish the tigers,,some of the small metro lakes are awfully green now,,couple Ive never seen this dark before and it isnt eeven August |
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Posts: 291
Location: Minneapolis | Thanks for the tip, Happy. I was thinking of wading Nokomis before work tomorrow. Guess I'll use the fishing pier. Nice timing on the beach closure just a week AFTER the Life Time Fitness Triathlon there... |
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Posts: 47
| I think somebody tipped over the biffy and it went into the storm sewer which drains into the lake. ISHY! |
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Posts: 454
| Metro lakes have been good lately. 6 in the boat the past two days......Deep weed edges seem to be key - AND like everyone else has been saying about Vermillion holds true in the metro. Try to fish spots that look good that aren't the typical community spots. Waiting in line to throw the same cowgirls usually will end up in disappointment. A suick has been my go lately. |
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Posts: 275
| It is music to the ears of the inventor of the DCG, as we do hear them clanging across the lake.
Tom |
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Posts: 303
Location: WI | How's Indy doing these days? May be heading there mid-week. |
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Posts: 36
Location: Blaine, MN | Water temps in low 80's. I would troll the main lake. |
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Posts: 275
| We fished it two weeeks ago and there was a heavy bloom on it and not many boats. Ten years ago there was always a half dozen boats during the week and loaded parking spots on the week-end.
Tom |
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Posts: 8
| my fishing buddy and another guy got a 36" with really cool spots last night, had 2 other hits and 5 other follows, now i just have to get out of him what he was using....i'll have to investigate the pictures when he sends them to me.. |
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Posts: 275
| Actually I was being very serious. Everyone I have talked to at the landing has been great. I try to share what I find out, but it usually is not much help. Sorry for the confusion, the problem is that email does not show tone or inflection. I have yet to be cut off on a drift by a musky hunter, but I have had people going after bass jump in on the same dock I was fishing.
tom |
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Posts: 36
Location: Blaine, MN | Caught this nice 42" last night on Indy.
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Posts: 155
Location: North Metro | You know, I second that sentiment, that for the most part, the muskies guys I have run into on Tonka are pretty decent. I talk to many of them at the launch and we all share info and it is not in a way where people feel like they are giving up the "secret spots". Secret spots went out the window with the invention of the Lakemaster chip. Anyone who knows how to read a good lakemap can now plug and play the GPS to find the spots.
I've seen far worse on many other lakes to the north as far as respecting peoples space for casting purposes. Usually in the metro if someone sees you working an obvious structure, they will back off until you leave. Just my observations... |
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| Anybody doing in the cities lately?
Was out on Nokomis harvest moon night, and didn't move anything.
We did see a musky pushing half it's body out of the water vertical for a good few seconds. I've said it before, will say it again...goofy fish.
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| Just started fishing Tonka this past weekend for the first time (guilty, i am one of the new boats out there, just moved to thes Cities from up north). Tonka was just as bad as Vermilion in July!! |
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Posts: 11
Location: Minneapolis, MN | Anyone know who might have been out on the east end of Tonka (Wayzata Bay) last night w/ a film crew? I was fishing a break just out from the railroad tracks on the north side and ran into a real nice ranger with 3 guys musky fishing and a camera man. Whoever it was was all decked out in sponsor/tourney gear it looked like. Just curious if that was anyone on here. Didn't see excitement as far as fish went, but kinda fun to see a crew like that out on the water. |
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Posts: 719
| Jim Saric has been in town doing some fishing/filming so that would have been him, he was fishing with the Muskie Inovations (Bulldawgs) guys who are sponser's of his show.
Steve if you want the long version of how my year is going just Log on Thorne Bros site as I have been posting daily reports in my thread.
Short version, a decent year so far, a few real biggies up to 54", a bit down on numbers and average size is down a bit from the last few years as well, the upside is I have seen a LOT of 30-36 inchers so the stocking efforts referenced above have really taken hold and the future looks good....obviously some natural reprodution here as well but the sizes stocked in the past few years are what I am seeing a lot of. Definatly a different year in terms of patterns and what is working...other than the baits DCG, S Model , Dawgs and a few topwaters.
Edited by bturg 9/19/2008 9:45 PM
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Posts: 193
Location: Mayer, MN | Caught a small one, mid 30's, missed a few more. Hair and blades for us. Was cut off while working a shore line on the west side by a pair of guys in a dual console, black and white Champion, you know who you are. No finger gestures exchanged. Took a deep breath and moved on. Water temps ranged from the coldest we saw on Sunday was 64.5 to 67 or so. Saturday had very few fishermen, Sunday was much busier until the Vikes kicked off.
Anyone else dare to post a report? |
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Posts: 275
| Fished Saturday and Sunday on Tonka. Surface temps in the mid 60s. My wife outfished me, again...but it doesn't bother me. Bass and northerns were few and far between. Four muskie follows (the story of my life) They came on Cowgirls, Sillygirls, and spinner baits. They were more lookers than eaters, with enough size so they might have engaged in some reflective thinking about their behaviors. It was great during the Vikings game. It was like you were out in mid-week. I struggle on that lake after a cold front and with east winds. Got about a 60 hour workweek to get through before I can think about getting out again.
Tom |
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| fished minnetonka saturday and caught a 41" saw a few more around the upper 40 mark - we saw 2 behind topwater baits and one behind a cowgirl . all fish were seen after 4:00 pm. hit bald eagle sunday morning and saw nothing. i don't think you could see a follow in that lake. |
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| Managed a 47" fattie on Minnetonka Saturday. It was the only fish I saw in four hours. She majestically came up out of nowhere, purposefully cruised in and ate my bucktail right in front of my eyes. It was awesome.
Fish was caught on the outside weedline and was a spot I had never fished before. Throughout the morning I was thinking the weather was just too good to not see a fish. Nice for once to get one that simply wanted to eat. It was a long time coming and my second biggest ever. Water temp was 66.
TW |
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Location: Twin Cities | Had another great weekend, 8 fish in the net for the weekend in my boat. I caught a 48 for a new PB on saturday too! Had some crazy fish that couldn't hit the broad side of a barn and some awesome follows and strikes on topwaters which made for fun times. I love fall. |
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Posts: 734
Location: Watertown, MN | Topwalker, were you in a red ranger on sunday?
Troyz |
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| Wasn't me. I fished Saturday and drive tin. |
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Posts: 734
Location: Watertown, MN | We saw a guy with a upper 40 sunday taking photo's seem like a few are getting caught
Troyz |
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Posts: 275
| Does anyone know what the event was on Minnetonka this morning?
tom |
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Location: MN | Headed out on Tonka for the weekend. Wondering if anyone has a water temp reading after the cold air temps this week. I know on Monday I read 65.5 in the lower lake area. I heard that the bite has slowed a little, but that is only from one source. Should be soon when the cooler water temps get the fall bite in full swing. |
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Posts: 2384
Location: On the X that marks the mucky spot | Water temp on tonka was 57-60 last night. It'll be in the turn in a couple days at this rate |
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Posts: 193
Location: Mayer, MN | Muskie Treats - 10/3/2008 8:01 PM
Water temp on tonka was 57-60 last night. It'll be in the turn in a couple days at this rate
Right on, Saturday, west end had signs of floating plant debris, poor clarity and left a scum on the boat. Parts of east end we fished were gin clear still. Water temps of 60-62.
Moved one on a mag dawg, saw one swim/cruise through and one other swimming with its head out of the water.
Who else has a report? Don't be afraid, just don't give specifics. General information sharing is sufficient. I am urging all lurkers.
Edit: Let me add I was marking balls of bait fish nearby also.
Edited by lots of luck 10/5/2008 11:29 PM
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Posts: 227
Location: Maple Grove | Hit Tonka Sat evening. Partner got a 40.5 after dark. Water temps hovering around 62. |
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Location: MN | Thanks for the reports. I hit Tonka this past weekend; muskies were cranking on Saturday. Water temps were as noted, 60-62. Saturday ended great and Sunday was tough. Saturday, had three follows and put an additional three fish in the boat including a thick 48" 41" and 39". Two of the fish came on figure 8's and one came after dark. Was fishing darker water during the day and shallow. Moved to deeper weedlines and clearer water near dark. Two on Dbl 10's and one on a Bull Dawg. Sunday was tough. Took a friend out and only raised one fish... got the curve ball. |
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Posts: 96
| I fished Tonka in the AM last Sat. and it had to be one of my worst outings of the year. Didn't even see a fish. I had a hunch the PM would be better after a day of sun. Oh well, hind sight is 20/20. |
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Posts: 3160
| For all you Tonka guys,,,,you should attend our next TC Chapter meeting next tues 10-14 ,,,were having a new tonka pro who is averaging 2-3 fish an outing hes going to speak about tonka tactics |
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Posts: 670
Location: Otsego, MN | Who is it? sounds like a Tonka god, 2-3 per outing?? |
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| http://www.twincitiesmuskiesinc.org/ John Hoyer of Skie Patrol Guide Service, guide on Minnetonka and recently placed 3rd in the Minnesota Muskie Tournament Trail Cass/Leech Lake Tournament will be our guest speaker. The general meeting starts at 7pm on Tuesday October 14.
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Posts: 275
| Minnetonka on Saturday. Beautiful day. One musky follow off a deep weed edge. Caught a bunch of nice bass. Water temp got up to about 62 in late afternoon.
Tom |
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| Hit Minnetonka Saturday and Sunday. Nothing doing on Sunday. Saturday was good, could've been great.
Moved a mid 40 in the first 30 minutes on a bucktail; outside edge. Moved a lower 40 right at moonrise on a glider. Hanging in current/slack water area, shallow.
Then at sunset lost a tank at the boat. Fish was sitting under the boat and when I started the eight she nipped at it half way thru the first turn. I could only see a dark shadow but thought it was just a small northern nipping at it.
She broke the surface, headshaking and then she threw the hooks. We got a good look at her back and head. Nice 47-52" fish. Lesson learned, but excited that I finally got one to eat on the eight. Water temp 60-61. Fish was outside edge.
Common courtesy on the water continues to be a lost art, even in October.
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Posts: 654
Location: MPLS, MN | Fished Tonka also Sunday, had caught muskies the previous 2 times out there {41, 33} so I had high hopes. Moved 4 fish in 7 hours. Had one low 40"er hit and was hooked for a few seconds and got off. Hopefully this weekend I can get out again. Hopefully the lake isn't turning over. Fish have been moving on Double 10's, topraiders and Mag Dawgs. |
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Posts: 315
| any reports from forest lake lately? headed there on sunday....going to eagle in maple grove on saturday (i dunno bout that lake) i cant get anything goin there
-ba- |
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Posts: 37
| Fished Tonka Wed afternoon and I netted this 50x20 in about 4 f.o.w. on a Showgirl just as the clouds were breaking up.
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| Nice fish! The girth looks fatter than 20". Nice fish either way. |
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Location: Twin Cities | Nice catch! |
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| Fished Forest from 1-7 Thurs. Water temp was 55. Lake 3 was noticably clearer than 1 and 2. Maybe 1 and 2 are turning and 3 hasn't started yet - but at 55 I'd have thought they would all be turned.
Fish were very shallow but no real pattern (some on the sand in <1', some in the rushes, some in the weeds). Moved quite a few all afternoon long on jerkbaits and spinnerbaits but none would eat.
Any reports about turnover on other lakes? |
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Posts: 829
Location: Maple Grove, MN | Good job Mike. Way to go!
I haven't been out for a couple of weeks due to the boat being in the shop, but we were doing really well on Tonka and every other lake we fished in the past month. We've been going against the grain and throwing much different baits than the popular baits. It seems some of the ten year old baits have regained their affectiveness. |
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Posts: 315
| out on eagle today, had 1 good follow around 1030am on a cowgirl (i thought nate was gonna get her to go) temps were 55-56 and we were fishing deeper round 13-16ft. lots of bait stacked but nothing else except that one
-b.a. |
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Posts: 719
| Nice fat fish there Mike,
For those interested in attending a Seminar on Minnetonka I will be speaking this Tuesday 10/21 at the North Metro Muskies Inc. Chapter monthly meeting@ 7 PM . You do not have to be a Muskies Inc member to attend. Directions
www.nmmuskies.com |
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Posts: 36
Location: Blaine, MN | Fished Forest on Sun. Moved 6 fish, no eaters. Lake 1 & 2 have settled down from turnover, Lake 3 was still going thru it. Lots of floating weeds. |
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| Hit Minnetonka Saturday in the wind. Water temps 55-57.
Moved three. First was quite possibly the one I hooked a week ago. Outside edge.
Fish 2 was in shallow milfoil. Moved her twice in an hour, but she just wanted to play fetch on the 8 and would not eat. Length of that one fell into the "scary" category.
Fish 3 was also in the shallow milfoil. She came to the boat, stopped, then turned and hit me on the 8. I knew what was going to happen so I'm afraid I set the hook a touch too soon. Had her on for just a second.
All on blades. Fish are coming in three sizes right now. Big, Bigger, and Bigger Still.
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| Was on Tonka Saturday, raised birtha again for the second week. Managed 3 other follows and boated a nice 45 incher, all on blades! |
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Posts: 670
Location: Otsego, MN | Anyone boat a some fish on Tonka on Saturday?? We had probably the worst fishing day of the year, we didn't even see fish!
Fished lots of spots, and baitfish but couldn't move a thing. We fished 12-7. |
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| Boated a 36" Saturday morning. Blades over shallow weeds with the wind pushing in. Hit mid-retrieve which surprised me.
Raised a tank late afternoon on rubber. Outside edge. Guessing it was the same fish I hooked and lost a week ago. Same size, girth, area. Water temp was 49-53.
Picked up a couple of pike, too. Never have had to use a jawspreader til Saturday. Both pike and the muskie absolutely inhaled the lure, needed the spreader on all three.
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Posts: 118
Location: Minnesota | Fished Tonka on Saturday from 11 am till 5 pm, had 3 follows. Still moving on blades off the weed edge, looks like a week or so off for turn over. |
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| Tonka is done turnig over! Water temps are 49-53 degrees turnover happens somewhere in the 56-54 range. It isn't a week from now it's done, period! |
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Posts: 193
Location: Mayer, MN | Pedro - 10/27/2008 12:27 PM
Anyone boat a some fish on Tonka on Saturday?? We had probably the worst fishing day of the year, we didn't even see fish!
Fished lots of spots, and baitfish but couldn't move a thing. We fished 12-7.
Scored my personal best Saturday at 1:20, we were in the rollers and wind. It was the dead sea prior to this though. 46.25" x fat = personal best!
Edited by lots of luck 10/27/2008 4:09 PM
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Posts: 96
| Congrats Lot of Luck...that thing is definitley a PIG for Tonka!! We saw a couple decent fish that day but didn't boat anything.
BTW guest, as of last Sat Tonka was still in turnover. Most of the lake has turned but some bays are stil in-process. |
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Posts: 118
Location: Minnesota | Lots of luck that is nice fattie! I was the guy heading out from the landing in the Stratos boat. Congrats!! I was seeing 53.5 - 54.8 degree water temps all day. I know the southwest end is still in turn over mode. |
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Posts: 193
Location: Mayer, MN | Thanks Tonka Boy,
Are you still fishing out of that gray Crestliner, possibly a Phantom model? I'll keep my eyes peeled for you.
I heard from a friend that they moved a dozen fish that day. I think the fish knew the weather was about to take an abrupt turn.
Jason |
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Posts: 193
Location: Mayer, MN | W8N4SNO,
Nice to meet you, I had just released that fish and was still jacked up about it.
By the way, as we were pulling up to the pier I commented to my boat partner about how nice/clean your Stratos looked. What year is your boat? Good color scheme by the way. Were you able to ride out the waves or did you have to change the game plan? If I didn't have to be home I may have jumped in the boat with you.
Jason |
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Posts: 118
Location: Minnesota | Thanks for the compliments on my boat! My boat is actually 1994, but like you said it definatly does not look that old. I bought that boat from the original owner out of Texas. Surprisingly enough that boat rides very well in big waves, I just keep the trim down a bit. I kept the same game plan, because of the amount of fish I have been seeing the last 3 trips out. I'm heading out tomorrow afternoon and Sunday, but I'll probobly hit Waconia. If you are interested in hoping in, let me know. |
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Posts: 16
| W84NSNO- I was fishing with Lots of Luck and that was a gorgous looking boat.
Congrats to Lots of Luck on a great fish as well. That's the biggest musky that has ever been in the boat. Certanly exciting for the both of us as we both need to see some action and raise our optimsim. And of course...the season is not over yet! |
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Posts: 118
Location: Minnesota | Hillbiehle, Thanks for the compliments, they are greatly appreciated. I still have an open seat for Thursday night, Friday morning and afternoon, and more than likely Sunday. I can fish 3 comfortably, so if anyone of you guys care to join me, I'll be more than happy to net for you. I'm on Waconia tomorrow afternoon, and go from there for the other two days.
I'll check back in the morning. |
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Posts: 16
| PM Sent. I should be free Sunday (Saturday as well) |
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Posts: 118
Location: Minnesota | thanks for the replies guys, pm's sent. |
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Posts: 96
| lots of luck - 10/28/2008 12:44 PM
Are you still fishing out of that gray Crestliner, possibly a Phantom model? I'll keep my eyes peeled for you.
I've been fishing out of a gray Tundra for the last 1.5 seasons now. The Crestliner was/is a friends boat. I'm planning on taking about 1/2 of November off so I'll be out there a ton. At least until I can't break ice anymore. I'm sure I'll see you out there. |
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Posts: 215
Location: Twin Cities | TopWalker - 10/15/2008 9:12 AM
Common courtesy on the water continues to be a lost art, even in October.
Last night on Tonka, a lund with a 135 merc on it pulled up 100 yards in front of me on the point is was working. I said nothing but if that was you, get a common courtesy lesson soon. |
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Posts: 79
| Was out on Tonka Thursday no fish seen 2 One when I sat down to take a swig of Mountain dew muskie swam right up to boat... went from Grays to west end.west end still had Buoys on the way back they pulled the buoys lucky to have GPS.... Water temp 49 to 51 |
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Posts: 275
| Also out on Tonka on Thursday. Going out of Gray's Bay, we put the camera down to look for those walleyes we typically mark. Water temperature was 51 degress on the bottom in 21+ feet. It ranged from 49-50 on the surface throughout the afternoon. The wind got your attention most of the time and people were trolling or tucked behind islands or shore. We moved nothing. We saw alot of big arcs at 55 feet in Robinson's Bay, but did not fish for them.
Tom |
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Posts: 227
Location: Maple Grove | Was out on Thursday also. Slow was the word for us too. We however decided not to hide from the wind and fished main lake stuff. Deep edges mostly. Moved a smaller fish and that was it. Fished out of Grays over to Spring Park Bay and back. Water temps already reported are accurate. I'll be out tomorrow. |
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| Fished Tonka for two hours last night and raised one hot fish on a deep weedy saddle 46-48" range. Surprised by how charged the fish was and how i didn't catch it. She took three swipes on the eight then swan off. Never even looked at the throwback. Water temps. as noted. Bait all around the first and second breaks. |
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Posts: 118
Location: Minnesota | Fished Waconia on Friday, managed to boat a nice 44.5 incher and see one other. North winds seemed to have settled the action down a bit from last weekend. Water temps from 47-49 degrees, warm weather not helping the fall bite much. Miltona this Wednesday, we'll see how that goes.
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Posts: 4053
Location: Land of the Musky | W8N4SNO-Did you catch my fish? Need to get out this week on Waconia. Too much time in the basement selling lures and not enough time on the lake! I have one muskie with a nice prop scar running down its back that I see almost every year but can't seem to catch. He hangs on Cemetery reef. Need to get him this year! Going out on Tonka this week for sure! Test some lures and hope to get a little love from a 50 at the same time... We will see... |
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Posts: 4053
Location: Land of the Musky | Waconia today taking video of the new prototype lures. LOL did not see one fish. I had my udnerwater camera rig going so I was really hoping to see a musky or pike come up and smack one of my prototypes. What a great day though!
I did lose my plug in my baot when my wife adn kids came out to ride with me. LOL my daughter says, "daddy, water water yeah!!!!" Daddy looked back to see 6" of water on the floor. Speed up and put that pump on. LOL I am glad I have two backup plugs with me.
James
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Posts: 118
Location: Minnesota | Fished Waconia today for a solid 6 hours. We saw two fish and had one come and eat right at sunset. The picture is Chris and his nice 43 incher! All in all it was great to fish with Chris and I was glad to put him on a fish!
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Posts: 193
Location: Mayer, MN | Corey and Chris, I pulled into the driveway after a 570 mile drive at 6 p.m. and could not believe how nice the weather was for MN on Nov. 2nd. I then looked to see Chris's truck was not in the drive so I knew he was out chasing walleyes, that's not a walleye! 
When are we going fishing?
Jason |
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Posts: 118
Location: Minnesota | Jason, we had a pretty good weekend to say the least. One Friday and one Suday made for a productive weekend. We are always hoping to see more action, but I'll take what I can get this time of year. Looks like the weather is going to take a huge change Wednesday night, I'll let you know when I'm heading out again, maybe Wednesday and Sunday.
Corey |
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Posts: 4053
Location: Land of the Musky | Corey-I was out Sunday too adn did not see a thing on Waconia. Nice fish! Too bad I didn't see you. I gave 4 boats some SuperDs to have fun with. Sorry I missed you on the lake. I fished right were your boat is sitting too I should have stayed out a few more hours!!!! That water clearity was great! I bet I could almost see 20 foot down. |
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Posts: 118
Location: Minnesota | Wow, that would have been nice to get a couple of those from you. A good friend of mine has a couple, but I have not made the investment yet. next time... The water clearity this year is unbelievable! I've managed to catch more junk off the bottom this year, than any other. LOL |
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Posts: 275
| Minnetonka surface temp got up to 52 on Sunday. A CO was going around and checking licenses and boats. He was a nice young man and reported that nobody was having success. The water was very clear and I saw one take three swipes at an XRap and never touch it.
Tom |
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| Funny weekend for me in retrospect. Fished Saturday and Sunday on Tonka. Suturday it sounded like fish were going for many guys off the deep weed edge and Sunday seemed tough from the reports I have heard. Well, Saturday was tough for me, two follows, and Sunday was a good day. Sunday, landed a 45" fish and hooked/lost another 45/46 at boatside, had two follows. Water temps. as noted between 49-52. |
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| Calhoun has been pretty good! Seen an albino out there on Sun. Phone pic is pretty crappy though. |
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| Fished Tonka today. Water temps. were 45-47. Found bait in the weeds early in the day then it moved out to the breaks later on. Fished eleven hours and only raised one ~hot fish ~mid 40s. She kept nipping the tail of a bulldawg, following it around the figure eight four times. Spoke to a handful of walleye guys, same for them, nothing biting.
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Posts: 129
Location: North Metro - Twin Cities | Was out on North Metro yesterday from 10 till 2. Hoped to spend 50/50 casting verses trolling. Tuesday only one access was wide open but the high winds overnight had opened up most of the lake. Water temps were around 37 degrees. With the winds rapidly getting worse and rolling into my two favorite spots for casting, I ended up trolling the entire time. Was able to locate large clouds of bait but they were not on the break but suspended around 20’ in 25’ to 30’ of water. Trolled both bright and natural patterns around the baitfish in all shapes and sizes but couldn’t get a rip. Spent plenty of time on the break also but not even a sniff. Would have liked to check shallow but it wasn’t in the cards. Could be the last day of the year unless this wind keeps up? One clam night and it may be over. |
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Posts: 3160
| Chris
when are we gonna get another DVD???
Would you like to speak at the TC chapter sometime?? I lineup the speakers
Edited by happy hooker 11/20/2008 10:11 AM
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Posts: 829
Location: Maple Grove, MN | I got out on Tonka for one last time Tuesday. Luckily, I met another fisherman at the landing and we decided to fish together. So, Shawn H. hopped into my boat. Its always more fun to fish with someone else - especially with another hard-core Muskie fisherman.
The fishing conditions were not easy to say the least. We had to bust ice at the landing and for another 100 ft in Grays Bay just to get to open water. And it was cold.
Well, first we tried my favorite spot and all we saw was a little 3 fter that nipped at my bait. Then we tried a few other spots that Shawn suggested. I didn't care much where we fished because I was mostly out there to get enough stablized gas through the fuel system to make sure it was ready for winter. The fishing was a bonus and I was just hoping to see a decent Muskie.
Anyway, about 4:30 pm or so I was beginning to think about home where it was warm and supper would soon be ready. I was cold, the rod kept freezing up, and there were no fish showing themselves. I may have just called it a season and gone home had I been there by myself, but since Shawn was there I couldn't just wimp out. It was his fishing outing too.
And just then a Muskie came right in behind my big plastic bait, followed around on the figure-8, ate the bait, and it was fish on! A quick fight and she was in the net. Shawn said I sure went from hoping to see a fish to catching a big fish in a hurry.
The fish was a solid 52 inches long with a hefty girth. I've attached a picture so you can all see. It just goes to show that its best to keep fishing even when the fishing is not good, your rod and reel are freezing up, and you're cold and hungry and have begun to think about the dollar menu at MacDonalds.
A special thanks to Shawn for a great net job and being a great fishing partner. There is little chance that I would have ever caught that fish without Shawn in the boat.
Now the winter is going to seem a whole lot shorter.
Good fishing all.
Edited by Herb_b 11/20/2008 10:58 AM
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Location: Twin Cities | That is a helluva way to end the season, NICE going! |
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Posts: 118
Location: Minnesota | Awesome Fish Herb!!!! I am hoping to get out this coming weekend. Can anyone tell me if the 3 rivers access is usable, or is it froze over?
Thanks, Corey |
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Posts: 654
Location: MPLS, MN | I'm going to try to hit Tonka Sunday for one last chance. Hopefully I can get out, probably run to the launch in the AM to check it out. Nice fish Herb, next time your solo let me know lol... |
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Posts: 829
Location: Maple Grove, MN | Thanks much. If ever a man was lucky, it was I.
If you're going to Tonka, I don't know if the Grays Bay landing will still be usable due to the ice conditions. You may want to go over to the Marina in Wayzata Bay instead. From the Grays Bay landing, I believe you just go to the first stop-light north on 101 and then take a left and go west a little ways. It will be on your left.
Stay warm and good luck to everyone still fishing. Please post a picture if you catch something.
Herb
Edited by Herb_b 11/20/2008 3:12 PM
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Posts: 93
Location: Minneapolis, MN | Love the Polaroid -- old school! Very nice catch Herb. |
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Posts: 227
Location: Maple Grove | I drove by Grays yesterday and it was open, not sure now though. I plan on driving by again tomorrow as I'm going to try and get out Saturday. |
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Posts: 719
| Nice fish there Herb'
As of late Thursday the Grays ramp was open |
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Posts: 129
Location: North Metro - Twin Cities | Happy Hooker,
I have been doing some stuff with Brian and Erik of “Just Big Muskies” but because I’m no longer affiliated with FishFever, I haven’t had the resources to do the amount of shooting required to get enough footage for another topwater dvd. I have been experimenting with some self-camera setups but nothing takes the place of a cameraman in the boat…at least not yet. I’ve got some stuff in the can and plan on a new release or two down the road. Hopefully next season will allow for more opportunities to shoot and get the footage needed for another dvd or two.
I would be happy to speak at a TC Chapter meeting at some point, shoot me a pm.
Herb_b,
Congratulations on an awesome metro fish! I too have had many occasions when staying out longer when things were tough resulted in fish. I pushed myself an extra hour yesterday in the cold with no luck. Also I always wonder what would have happened if I had kept going a few hours more, you just never know?
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Posts: 654
Location: MPLS, MN | Drove by today and Grays Ramp is iced. Wayzada Bay is wide open though. |
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Posts: 227
Location: Maple Grove | I did the same thing at 11am. Rumor has it Spring Park landing is still open. Anyone know for sure? |
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Posts: 719
| I put in at Wayzata no problem, no report on Spring Park but is should be okay based on other northern shorelines today |
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