Just Fishing - Summer2026

VOL. XXXIV No. 3

SUMMER 2026

GAME ON!

•3

SUMMER SMALLLMOUTH

•24

MINNOW BAITS

•32

CHAISING PRAIRIE GIANTS - part 2

Plus More “Stuff” Inside!

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Lake St. Clair

I I

f there’s one place that consistently delivers world-class smallmouth bass fishing in the summer, it’s Lake St. Clair.

Known for its clear water, sprawling flats, and incredible population of bronzebacked fighters, this lake can produce both numbers and trophy fish – if you approach it the right way.

Use your electronics to scan for baitfish and bottom transitions. Look for sand flats mixed with rock or gravel, subtle dropoffs and ledges as small as 1 foot, weed edges (especially cabbage beds and sand grass), and isolated boulders or shell beds.

Even small changes can hold multiple fish.

Unlike largemouth, smallmouth are By: Colin Stass roamers. You might not mark fish in one spot for long, but if the area has the right As water temperatures rise into the ingredients, they’ll cycle through as long as In the early morning, fish may push 70s, smallmouth bass on Lake St. Clair bait is present. shallower. to feed. shift into predictable summer patterns.

After the spawn, they move off shallow One of the biggest mistakes anglers make During the mid-day focus deeper, especially bedding areas and settle into deeper structure – typically in the 10–20 foot range. on Lake St. Clair is fishing too slowly, too in clear conditions. Calm, sunny conditions soon. Start by covering water with search can make fish more finicky, requiring baits, including jerkbaits or crankbaits that finesse tactics and lighter line. Overcast mimic shad or yellow perch, spinnerbaits, and/or windy conditions usually make the and swimbaits. bass more active, and faster-moving baits will produce better than finesse.

Once you get a bite (or several bites), slow down and work the area thoroughly using As far as gear goes, you don’t need drop-shot rigs (a local staple), tube jigs overly heavy gear, but sensitivity matters. dragged along the bottom, and Ned rigs for I recommend pressured fish. Use natural colours (green a St.Croix pumpkin, goby patterns, smoke with purple medium-light flake). Check out the finesse baits made to medium ST. CROIX by the local (to me) tackle manufacturer power, with TSR 70MF Triumph Angler’s Choice located in Wallaceburg, a fast tip, in Spinning Rod Ontario. the 7’ – 7.5’

Understanding Summer Smallmouth Behavior is Key

3” Ned Hawg

2.8” Hawg

4.0 Cross Hair

Finesse Paddletail Swimbait

Summer smallmouth often group up, and where there’s one, there are usually more and while you can catch smallmouth all day, some windows are more productive.

Seviin GX Spinning Reel

range, spinning rod paired with a quality Seviin spinning reel that has a really smooth drag.

(Continued on page 4.)

Summer 2026

Just Fishing . 3

A Line From “Big” Jim

We're officially into the heat of summer now , but we got ya covered to get bit. Starting off with our good buddy Colin Stass giving up the juice on Lake St Clair – a monster summer destination that has been Colin's number one fishing spot for years. Next up is the Bossman himself...

Al Lindner sharing some tips on Crankin' for summertime largemouths, one of my favourite techniques.

Liam & Gordon go over the science of cooking fish with our very own Chef Tait. So if ya eat fish, this is a must. Then Chef Tait offers up a wonderful recipe for seared trout and potato cakes...yummy! Bassmaster Classic Champion Jeff "Gussy Gustafson tunes us on minnow baits for walleye, smallies or even pike. They are an all-time great when fishing tournaments or just plain old weekend fishing. Jen Watson helps you prevent shoulder pain caused by repetitive motions. Doing these prevention exercises can work wonders. While Jeff Matity continues his chase of prairie giants in part 2 of a 3 part series on giant walleye.

(Lake St. Clair Summer Smallmouth continued from page 3.)

I typically spool my reels with 10 lb.

Seaguar Smackdown braided line with a long 8-10 lb. fluorocarbon leader.

Other equipment to consider having is high-quality electronics, which is a huge advantage on this lake for locating cover, structure, and bass. And, a good trolling motor with spot-lock that can help you stay positioned over productive areas, even in the wind.

Learn how the Kingston Canoe & Kayak Fishing club's annual derby raised money in support of Soldier On. (Soldier On is a Canadian Armed Forces program that supports serving members & veterans overcoming permanent physical or mental health injuries. The program relies heavily on the Soldier On Fund, which is funded through generous public donations.)

Outdoor writer Tim Allard shares some pointers on the vegetation connection to summer smallmouth patterns... it works!! Legendary Kawartha guide & tournament champion Mike Williams joins us for the 1st time with Jigging for Kawartha Gold... nothing beats local experience. This issue... In The News has 2 great stories that are a must read. While the Bro himself teaches you how to turn follows into bites... revolutionary information here for sure. Last but not least, we have Ryan Taylor with a complete breakdown on how to skate & pop for summer time bass... a great technique and opportunity to enjoy wading to cool off.

Enjoy the summer folks and please be safe out there... We have already had a couple of bad incidents on the water locally. Don't be that guy or gal in your area. Please make time to take a kid fishing... ig” Jim

“B

Unsolicited articles are accepted and will be considered for publication provided they are original and have not appeared in other publications.

Publisher “Big” Jim McLaughlin Managing Editor Tammy Wight Contributors Liam Whetter & Gord Pyzer Al Lidner, Tim Allard, Brian Brosdhal Jeff Gustafson Cameron Tait Jeff Matity, Jen Watson Colin Stass, Mike Williams Ryan Taylor Box 214 Seeley’s Bay, ON K0H 2N0.

Email: info@justfishing.ca

www.justfishing.ca

All Rights Reserved Reprinting or reproduction in whole or in part is forbidden, except by written permission of the publisher.

IN THIS ISSUE

SPECIAL FEATURES Lake St. Clair Summer Smallmouth..............3 Crankin’ Summer Largemouth Bass............10 Science of Catching & Cooking Fish......16 Minnow Baits.........................................24 Chasing Prairie Giants! – Part 2 of 3.......32 Kayak Fishing Club Raises $ for Soldier On.........39 Smallmouth Patterns – Vegetation Connection....40 Jigging for... Kawartha Gold..............................44 Turning Walleye Follows Into Bites..........48 Waking For Bass...................................................50

By Mid-July, The Lake Settles Into A Rhythm Lake St. Clair doesn’t give up its secrets easily. It’s vast, shallow, and deceptively uniform. But for anglers who learn to read its subtle details, summer offers some of the most consistent – and exhilarating – smallmouth fishing you’ll find anywhere.

Unlike deep, rocky lakes, Lake St. Clair is a broad, shallow bowl with an average depth of around 10–15 feet, with a maximum natural depth of around 21 ft. That means summer smallmouth don’t stack on obvious structure – they roam. They follow food.

(Continued on page 6.)

DEPARTMENTS A Line From “Big” Jim ..........................4 For the Love of Cooking......................23 Preventing Shoulder Pain In Anglers.....30 In The News...........................................46 Tubman’s Tips & Techniques ................51

On The Cover: Main – Al & Kerry Lindner, photo – Lindner Media, Lake St. Clair Summer Smallmouth, photo – Colin Stass, Minnow Baits, photo – Jeff Gustafson, Chaising Prairie Giants – part 2, photo – Jeff Matity.

Just Fishing . 4

Summer 2026

(The St. Super Smallmouth continued from page (Lake Clair SummerFactory Smallmouth continued from10.) page 4.)

Yellow Sidebar perch, gobies, and shiners dictate the bass movements, and they rarely sit stillBack for long.

One driftOld might feel empty; the A Look at the “Bad Days” next, loaded.

We often think of the “good old days” of fishing as being decades thesmall science says otherwise.

In the 1970s,such someasGreat Lakes Onago, St. but Clair differences are everything, a patch of systems saw annual mortality rates for smallmouth as high as 60% rock on an otherwise sandy flat, a thin cabbage weedline, a bare to 70% due to high harvest levels. Today, thanks to better regulations sandy spot in an otherwise matted weed bottom, or a subtle depth and a widespread “Catch and Release” ethic among bass anglers, change of evenhas a foot that number beenorcuttwo. in half to a stable 30-percent. We aren't just seeing bigger fish because of their food; we’re seeing them because Forwe’re me,finally Mitchell’s Bayliveislong where it toallreach begins.

Along the letting them enough their full potential.

Canadian shoreline, Mitchell’s Bay has built a reputation as a launching point for serious bass anglers – and for good led to This a fascinating biological in the system reason. area is widely knownflip: as asmallmouth “bass factory,” producing actually “recruit” to bags tournament-winning (age 7)many two tournament-winning year after year.weights The nuance yearsisfaster than largemouth (age 9). miss that inside the bay, it’s shallower and weedy, better for largemouth, while outside VS. LAKE ROAMERS the bay is RIVER whereRESIDENTS the “Lake St. Clair doesn’t give magic happens for smallOne of the most intriguing sub-plots Dr.secrets Elliott’s research upofits easily. is the mouth. difference between the smallmouth in the St. Lawrence River and vast, shallow, and those in the open waters of EasternIt’s Lake Ontario. deceptively uniform.

Just off the mouth of the “Thethe river a muchinto more But confined space,” Elliott explains. bay, lakeis opens for anglers who learn to “The fish there are often hunkered down in current breaks or classic St. Clair structure read its subtle details, ( specific o r l a crock k tpiles.” h e re oAnd f ) , while both populations are thriving summerfish offers the on a goby the Lake Ontario oftensome have ofslightly featuring sanddiet, flats mixed different growth trajectories due the massive, offshore mostto consistent – and with a little scattered natureand of their habitat. rock, mostly weed exhilarating – smallmouth patches in 8–14 feet, and fishing you’ll find “In the lake, these where fish are true wanderers,” transition zones anywhere.” he roam says. and “They have vast areas of deepfish feed. water structure to explore.” For the angler, this meansanglers that while the say “Goby Factory” Local often they caught fish “in Mitchell’s Bay,” is running in both places, you needcame from the open water but more often than not, those fish to shift your the approach from (Walpole the just beyond “Stakes” Island boundary). precision current-seams of the St. Marked historically by wooden stakes and signs, this area Lawrence to the broad, wind-swept features sandy drop-offs, weed lines, and clear water flowing shoals lake. from theof the St. big Clair River delta. It’s a classic feeding corridor,

especially in summer.

With so many anglers flocking to the region these days, you may wonder, Further south, near Belle River, the lake reveals what used to like we did, if the population can be one of best-kept secrets: a subtle handle theits pressure.

Elliott’s study found, offshore structure that consistently with fish. The here is the Belle for example,reloads that smallmouth havestandout an River Hump –rate” a well-known offshore rocky rise that regularly “exploitation five times higher than produces tournament-winning catches. largemouth. In simple terms, this means

page 14.) changes in otherwise This area is special due(Continued to slightonelevation flat terrain, concentrations of baitfish, and less fishing pressure Sidebar than many U.S. hotspots. It’s not flashy. There are no dramatic Anglers Fuel the Future of Fisheries drop-offs.How But drift across it with a drop shot or tube, and you might connect with multiple 4-pound fish in a single pass.

Science doesn’t happen in a vacuum—it needs data, and some It’s surrounded by productive of also the best comes from you. As Dr.weed Elliottbeds. points out, his decadelong study was made possible by the cooperation of tournament Since the catch release is open on do thethis Michigan side organizers and and anglers alike.season “We really couldn’t work without allthe spring and the Ontario side is closed untilresearchers the fourth help oflong, the angling community,” he says.

By allowing Saturday June, the Ontario sideareoffers a quieter, to accessinfish at weigh-ins, anglers providing samplesoften that less-pressured experience – and thatmillions can translate better would cost taxpayers and universities of dollarsinto to collect fishing. independently. So, good on us!

(Continued on page 7.)

Just Fishing . 612

Spring 2026 Summer 2026

(Lake St. Clair Summer Smallmouth continued from page 6.)

(Chasing Prairie Giants... continued from page 40.)

(Let The Search Begin continued from page 44.) from the St. Clair River meets current

open lake In Spring Timing – TrollingIsshallows, from and the acts as a gateway Everything betweenjerkbaits the lake and river. It holds surface-down, with suspending Okay, now lets assume we’ve discovered a solid pattern bait, andwithout where bait gathers, bass such as the Rapala HJ12 with or – one that’s led to some key follow, areas where theitfish are sure though can be a hotspot one Church TX-6And trolling boards allows me the to right lure to replenish. let’s assume we have daythe and quiet the next. standtechnique at the bow, Minnkota and forsteering makingwith them bite.

What happens if, (Baits you need to have tied on continued from page 20.) and barnstorming shallow bays looking for cooperate? for some inexplicable reason, the fish won’t The “Mile Roads” area refers to a fisheries where finessethere, tactics have typically We they’re but something has changed. pikeknow and walleyes flushed way from the series ofAnd east how – west running dominated.

The east side of Peche Island is a rocky This happens even for the pros. they react reference passing of thea lot, boat. roads alongfor the Michigan shoremagnet for smallmouth bass. It extends out will ultimately determine their chances success.

Using these big baits is one of the weaker parts line that anglers use as navigational from the shoreline to roughly 15 ft of water Once located, nothing works depth better for us than of my game but it’s something I’m going to markers to locate changes, and borders deep water known as the Big moving Hammer swimbaits on arock 3/8and oz continue to work on a the little5”more weed edges, and productive Strugeon Hole. Bass often roam and hold on Big walleyes can forward. Some of my best friends out on the or 1-2sand oz Hammer heads.These subtle breaks transitions. the abundant rocks there. do a number Bassmaster Elite Series are incorporating oftenat hold these big baits into their program most spawning and roaming on hooks…

In recent the Storm smallmouth, when baitfish fisheries and catching big fish on them. years, especially An area on the lower Michigan side near this Rapala 360GT Searchbait and the ZMan schools push through or when Grosse Point known as the Delphine Channel HJ14 stood up to Last year I started using them a little bit more have HerculeZ swimbait roundwind-driven currents position fish w spring trolled-up with ahotspot Lori Matity is often a summer forshallo smallmouth.

Lori’s big fish. around home and caught some of my biggest the edges. program.

It’s a very popular ed-out along our swimbait it. runs through the other- smallmouths and largemouths jerkba bit aa Rapala e thatit’s on six- and Gussy With A Glidebait Smallmouth As farwalley as I know natural HJ14 channel that area in theglide spring ofThese the year during the spawning Fish located; but turned off by catch and seven-inch baits. are generally wise flat basin. release season. weather, can bearecoaxed intothem biting but anglers weighting to use deeper in Intense algae blooms produce a surface scum layer that can float for use in shallow water conjunction with forward sonar. by bobber fishing with athletic, a nearby hand-sprinkling of sand!that When happens, walleyes use The shipping channel runs this through the entire lake can This stretch of water is famous for producing jumbo leechesamong driftedanglers through extremelyhold shallow and It’s cover and can be caught pitching sometimes huge water smallies. long and takes lots of time to aggressive, The thing with these big baits is in they have the shallow ability to and capture the fish’s hard-fighting fish relatively accessible within an area, maybe, theto to docks andnorth shoreline deadfalls attentionmaking and thenit how youdestination work thespots bait the triggering mechanism cover it all. The end of the channel many is very would popular consider among depths, a super-specific prime foris both locals and travelling size of soft-bodied a pickup truck. get themlooking to bite. for With the swimbaits, generally a slow bassbrings habitat.usThis is “The the case when coffee-shop talk anglers steady action. thelargemouth locals. Which to the Firecracker”, a channel scoreit’sbig! we , and score wesmallmouth times Other incorporating and steady retrieve, a few changes in speed with your reel. turns at to the youngsters catching monster walleyes jigging off marker north end of the shipping channel atwhile an area where With the glide baits, you actually use your reel to move the bait, not the rod, Watch for part 2 progresses in the Summer issue As theyou season summer bass file intoto their dock in August.

So change Maybe.

Or, what changing the angle likedo you would with lures? a jerkbait.

Youinto make quickabout turnsthe with the reel handle of Just Fishing.

Anchor of a mix ofand weeds, and drops. move theBay, bait, consisting causing it tomight glide back forth. have been throwing these of your retrieve?

That work also.

ButIsand often it subtle boils down to The reason... it’s so good is the huge forage base from the delta WALLEYES & HUMANS ARE VERY DIFFERENT just one simple factor, and that’s timing. baits on heavier G.Loomis baitcasting rods, system. with 20and the constant the river About thecurrent Author: influence from Gord: What is the biggest misconceptions that anglers seem to have This bay has been a mainstay for Bassmaster 25 pound fluorocarbon.

A competitors, Jeff Matitdy (Pike & Walleye Mashup! continued.

36.) flipping Timing is everything.

And it’sfrom thepage angler who figures out the right stick will work but when you take them walleye fishing on prairie lakes and reservoirs? winning several tournaments there in the past few years. timing who ultimately excel.

That’s whygot many pros on make I just my hands the Walleye andwill pike can also be caught trolling minnowbaits and A Fishing Industry Professional IMX-PRO 966 SWBR, brief, repeated stops on the same locations.

They’re trying to hit crankbaits.

This a baitthe over the top channel of weeds,toalong Jeff: The biology of the fish, the ecology of the lake/food web and Back to Ontario, the deep flats from shipping out for nearly 30 includes years asrunning a Fishing an 8-foot roda designed for them at the most opportune time, hoping to trigger key fish or aGuide deep weedline, or through water just beyond the weed edge. the importance of Selective Harvest is often the biggest take away in front of Bassett Channel eastward willthese produce small & the Promotional Staffer,and with throwing baits and it perhaps of a whole schoolasofwolf fish packs. into feeding.

Some refer to lots it asis bass known You’ll have to cover for the guests in my boat. Nearly all believe the myth that big fish schools Bachelor’s Degrees in both Science sweet! “rhythm”, when it’sfish, working, there’s betterone feeling.

Flats to and locate these but when younocatch chances are are like humans and live past their reproductive years. I carefully of &water Education, Jeff uses this training Throw these big baits around there’ll be a few more around.

The key here is to keep moving and explain that, like reptiles, fish grow and reproduce their entire lives I’ve in hishadjobsome as a incredible Fisheries days Professional & Educator fishing flatsOutdoor where pike and shallow cover like trees, What if a pro has no key spots to cycle through?

Is it possible covering water.in Especially in thefamily 15 to 21business, ft. depths. and their reproductive value increases with age and size. (specializing fishing via GetFishing.ca) walleye feedingbyon yellow perch and otherand docks, boulders points. to remainwere competitive running a pattern throughout a baitfish. lake or (Continued on page 9.)

Pike Caught On A Swimbait.

“South Shore Flats” from Belle River to Puce consists of miles of sand interspersed with rock, sand grass and cabbage weed.

These flats are often found in 10–12 feet of water, ideal for covering water, and are one of the most productive zones for numbers of fish.

Likewise, few people realize the age of walleyes and the importance of mature fish. In contrast, trout anglers consider an 8-year-old fish very old. However, walleyes are long-lived and can last two-to-three times that long. Shield habitats, as well as, prairie ecosystems are harsh and a decade of drought or several years of flooding mean horrible spawning success and no recruitment of younger walleyes to replace the adults.

A Beauty

Mother Nature invests heavily in mature fish that can outlive hardships and successfully spawn at least once or twice in their lifetime to ensure the future of the species in any given system.

A little education goes a long way and big breeders matter.

WESTERN WALLEYE PATTERNS THAT WORK Gord: What are your favourite prairie lake & reservoir walleye presentations?

Jeff: Seasonal prairie patterns are boldly diverse: Spring 2026. 8 Just Fishing

Summer 2025 . 46 Just Fishing

Summer Just Fishing2026 . 41

(The Ins & Outs of Early Spring Crappies cont. from page 21.)

(Whirling, Twirling Walleye Baits continued from page 46.)

(Season Making Strategies cont. from page 4.) to the braid toMusky provide an invisible connection

Also, if you arecushion fishinghooksets in the evening, to the superline, and help and the spot is frequently fished by prevent bite-offs from larger fish. others, more than likely the area you found that extends the spot Northl willDAIWA not fished. fly Butter and get PROCYO So, even if you see anotherBlade angler fishSpinner FIND NEXTyou FISHING VACATION ing theYOUR sweet spot, know you can return later because you have muskies with FISHEASY.CA adjacent to the sweet spot waiting trigger fish used to seeing popular for you pressured to catch them. walleye presentations.

WHAT

WHITEFISH®

ADJACENT SPOTS

PK Lures’ Vortex live bait spinner rig is While the subjectItofhas extending equallyondistinctive. a a bent metal the spot, an spins often around more effective blade that a beaded, wire approach is looking for adjacent attachment.

The rotating blade hits the spots thatbeads, mightemitting hold muskies. wire and a clicking sound.

Last summer onerefinement early evening Again, another on a proven we found muskies relating presentation theme worth trying.to points that were relatively sharp breaking and not a STILL “traditional” SLOW-DEATH RELIABLE Search by spot. region,After fish catching one musky summer species, accommodation Slow-death involves rigging a piece of a for such a spot, we visually looked around type, amenities and worm on a to hook, a specific bend.

Onefeaturing Piece and drove four adjacent points that more!

MONOCOQUE This curved shank causes the morsel to looked similar both visually and on swim the (MQ) ZAION V Frame withchip. a corkscrewing action through the map AIR ROTOR & AIR BAIL water, a movement TOUGHwalleye DIGIGEAR find irresistible.

During mayfly hatches andpoints on held tough Amazingly, all of the other four bites this is itvery muskies thatpresentation evening, and was effective. a great When forage abounds, its small size and end to the day.

The next day the pattern START YOUR SEARCH NOW!

TGCL

Tiger Clown Silver back

bkkhooks-canada.com (Lake St. Clair Summer Smallmouth continued from page 7.)

Fishing Lake St. Clair Isn’t About One Magic Waypoint

IN

PROU

DE

By mid-afternoon, the wind often picks up, and this is a welcome change.

M A chop on the water breaks up light penetration, activates baitfish, DLYandAmakes smallmouth less cautious, often leading to a renewed feeding frenzy. On calm days, you’ll undoubtedly work harder for bites, but on windy days, Lake St. Clair truly comes alive, offering the C A some of A D N A most exhilarating smallmouth action.

And when it all clicks – when you line up the wind, the depth, and the drift – you’ll experience Also available what keeps anglers coming back year after year: A lake where 4-pound smallmouth aren’t rare... They are expected.

Editor’s Note Colin Stass is a lifelong angler with a strong background in competitive fishing, having spent years as a tournament fisherman. Over the years, he has also and written 12 fishing articles, sharing more... knowledge, techniques, and on-the-water experiences with fellow anglers.

Today, Colin remains an avid fisherman with a deep passion for chasing ® smallmouth bass, particularly on Lake St. Clair, where he spends countless hours refining techniques and learning the patterns of one of the world’s /williamslures premier smallmouth fisheries. www.williams.ca Summer 2026

Just Fishing . 6

22 Just Fishing . 24 48

Just Fishing . 9

O O

ver the years, bass anglers have successfully utilized crankbaits to catch an incredible variety of fish species.

Crankbaits consistently deliver impressive results for freshwater favourites like pike, muskies, walleyes, large- and smallmouth bass, trout, salmon, crappies, and even bluegills.

During this period, largemouth abass begin shifting across flats, eventually beginning to congregate along deeper weed lines and structural edges responding enthusiastically to crankbaits. But until the weeds fully develop and bass form distinct schools in key spots, pods of fish are likely to spread out across developing weed flats, relating to the best forms and areas of developing weed cover.

This cover changes week-to-week as the weeds continue to thicken, rise and bloom.

Thus, you have to do a lot of fancasting in early summer to locate pods of bass atop weed flats that are here today, but perhaps gone tomorrow.

LEVERAGING TECHNOLOGY FOR ENHANCED SUCCESS Modern sonar technology greatly enhances crankbait fishing efficiency in this situation. Anglers today have access to down imaging, 2D sonar, side imaging, FFS, and especially innovative 360-degree sonar, which offers a comprehensive view around the boat. Using 360-degree sonar, you can pinpoint features such as old bluegill bedding areas

By: Al Lindner – prime locations where bass frequently dumping back out to the adjacent flats, congregate after spawning. inside weed lines and adjacent weed flats.

Locate empty beds in bluegill spawning Identifying these bedding sites is essential, areas and then check out the adjacent because bass often linger near these inside weed lines and nearby weed flats. structures to feed on baitfish retreating from shallow spawning areas to deeper Select lure choices, at least in part, weed growth. The clarity and detail based on the height and thickness of the provided by modern sonar systems help developing weeds. Do this visually, using you strategically position you boats and polarized sunglasses to peer down into make precise casts, significantly boosting the water. Or use electronics such as side you catch. imaging and FFS to look out to the sides to evaluate the health of the weed growth.

BASS LOCATION CHANGES AS WEEDS DEVELOP

As mentioned, at the leading edge of summer, bluegills are done spawning and Rapala DT 8

Try a floating-diving crankbait like a Rapala DT-4, DT-6 or DT-8 to fancast expansive flats, choosing the right size lure to run just above or tickle the weed tops digs down.

The lure seductively wobbles, and rises quickly when paused, due to its balsa construction. And the rounded body shape mimics bluegill forage, which bass chow down on at this time of year.

Deeper, along developing outside weededges, cast parallel to the edge, digging the lure down to its maximum diving level, tickling the weed fringe on occasion.

Then cast up onto the adjacent flat, using your retrieve to wobble the lure down. In early summer, (Continued on page 12.)

Just Fishing . 10

Summer 2026

Don’t stop yet Register for warranty, software updates, strategies.

Good luck onhook, the winter! is always aof point.

But if thefry fish in a products thermos for pre-cooked brats ortimehot are quick to pounce oncollar. eggs and bottom fryice ifI’llthis the guarding ma Year 1sundown of the Next Cast gobies, are quick to pounce on eggs if the guarding male way tomany do it. feared Miramichi.

Itgood was astarting time forand thebottom fishery, and itThewhat we know and don’t know about these unique smallmouth bass Year the Next Cast fish species in that ice–The pike, hackle My brother, Jason, has Fishing the graveyard shift from trophy agobies, gstarts catchin to process is1easier with adark friend pushing style jig. vicious.

Before setting the take up it comes incorporated maggots When style jig. design keeps the bait off Start trolling by first watching the spoonfrom not only learning individual spots but rather catch fish instead or are, at their core, bait-delivery systems. reel with a high gear ratio will allow you to rotating and flashing as it slows premium components, to vibrate as (Fall Walleye Plays continued from page 48.) was their first time in a boat, (Crankin’ Summer Largemouth Bass cont. from page 10.) and to be notified in the event of a recall. in the boat. real-time view of the underwater landscape. smallmouth is angled.

In my opinion, we might want to re-think The nice thing about walleye night fishing in fall issearching you In some lakes, flats may extend aren’t there at least now... ortape yet –strict don’t waste smallmouth is–recover. angled.

InBut my opinion, we might want to isre-think this dogs forget onions, buns. populations.

My information isdon’t primarily based on Lake Ontario and particular lake. would never thanks conservation measures, using and after-time salvaged aketchup, tough day outth to sunrise is best popular on heavily pressured one catch the power cable and feeding nylon to time the slack quickly allowing the rod to load updon’t the bottom a or minnows into my ice season bottom and visible to fish. fly rig at boat side to check that it’s running Youth Fishing Program aren’t or electrical work, to understanding the broader area intowhich a keen Youth Fishing Program reel in quickly to trigger a bite but also to for some, maybe the only time main attraction is still live bait or attractive The best baits have a natural appearance and a the descent. soon ascommunities, itinhits the water and isCanadian aaproven fishjust The numbers are still If you have fished in any bass situation if we want to maintain the quality of these fisheries because Some references for those who might want to situation if we want to maintain the quality of these fisheries because it your time fishing there; move back out deeper to These technologies take fish detection to really need a boat, a couple of spinning rods, a small box of deeper than the weeds grow, the St Lawrence River, but much of it probably also applies to other nd Then in a second thermos have hot chili as Northla habitat restoration efforts, and the dedication of local out the mouth.

Most of the time, I’m feeding them for around 5 from the battery’s end.

Wrap knots with like deep water perch from the vast lake basin. systems the States.

Chucking musky baits rig and then I’ll pull back on the fish.

The days trike quick-s a the weed topswhich near outer edge likelytheproperly. with fishing strategy to increase a tip-up This also gives you clues onmarabou the setleave task the high percentage spot the is contained. they will experience this.inintel.

Bite take upto the slack when smallmouth decide size islikely the right size lifelike local anglers areare finding for spring panfish plastics in aisexperts. variety of body styles and !waders, catcher.

The CrossEyeZ Chatterbait is a consistent new Tip: DIY rigging saves money, but itare also gives valuable tournaments you have heard of there, but the fish are is clearly not with our approach to managing bass inlan is clearly not consistent with our approach to managing bass in inland a Huge Success! know more… find them.

This necessitates aobserve casting approach smallmouth fisheries where round gobies are now abundant such as aaction, Huge Success!

Chatterbaits are aexception great bait for fall rather than ending at a distinct the next level, allowing you to fish painter’s tape for security. stickbaits, pliers, your headlamp, and good net, like herring or You can also see of slack-line setting dead!

Not only do cisco His metallic-red Bullfly with two red maggots dead in the dark a whole different game and seconds.

The only is if I’m using giant chubs – then I’ll a the stripers made an incredible comeback. an additional meal or for a Chicago Dawg with tipped Rig or deeper than those atop the flat, with a band my odds.

It was the only Predat Most day Most days my dead-stick rod’spast rigged with Marinasjigs andand specialty tackle up’s speed limitations.

After gathering this that the battle is on! work really well for catching pike and musky their use by anglers.

Over the colours.

Troubleshooting an issue’s faster knowing how the boat’s rigged.

In recent years, we’ve had bigger, stronger, and more one that was released in 2020 that features in this region. lakes in this region.

Lake Erie, St Clair If we want toThe enjoy these fisheries for (Ned Rigging Beyond continued from page 47.) to cover water and locate fish, rather than , and losea fish, but you run the riskcrazy of breaking proven largemouth fishing because they shine for It’s one. weed line. weeds sort of lakes are an EGO Large Wade model that clip easily to ajust lanyard or catch movements andlonger.” structure inactive unprecedented of aSimcoe.

3-inch minnow gliding its way through toword. and shot ofwill Pro-Cure Water Soluble Oil safety is the Familiarity with way one confident give ‘em a&Many bit roperative numbe ofCanada. open water above them.

Topping.

Lunch time gets in my Otter time of year when Iyou is the shops rigging services. aFish minnow data and the rig’s running ayou’re minnow on a lakes teardrop jig, like awhich Lindy Over the years and with You’re On My Spot!! in swimbaits are designed to provide 4: Unwrap painter’s tape and untie decade the secret has gotten out on these little Namekawa et al (2018).

Rapid olfactory excellent success in these conditions tossing small, neutrally determined.

It’s a time of a wire weed guard, designed for use around as long as possible, it essential that we pay close attention to the things your line from a powerful hook-set. bait the environment.

It takes some practice fishing a sit-and-soak bobber tactic in known, fish-holding cover. your Set belt. ice the use around sparse grass where it grows on the fools gorgeous buffalo-humped perch.

The the water, proper lighting, and a minimalist stocked with trout Still, I would argue that FFS lures are across out. so, use crankbaits that Costs canwhose range around over your shoulder. allpeter these methods will work for fall o down, detail.

Adjust technique based on their nsonar 2017, the Next Cast Fishing nfishing 2017, the Cast Youth Fishing right, slowly let line. hands that live bait really the introduction of Frostee personal Today, the river is Youth Frostee or20-lb.

Custom Jigs and Spins Demon.

Vortex.

Having a If well-stocked bag ensures Use stout line, 16out –found fluorocarbon, as itNextWhile mimic shad, a your wide-bodied baitfish the cord, pulling enough forcommon jigs, origin in tournament started discrimination learning inthe adult zebrafish. and discipline to the fight urge to Word to the wise...

When fish are very that science is telling us about them.

On popular musky waters close to major cities abundance, and every cast buoyant minnow baits like #4 X-Raps.

Unlike the previously the wood.

You can keep the weed guard or pull above foot a more and more specific and convergent about reason for the Water Soluble Oil instead Program launched with the focus devices there seems to be a drop in Program launched with the focus and the numbers hard bottom areas mentioned above.

Think made a difference in my diveprepared long enough to touch bottom, Begin your retrieve touching shallower These long, thin flicker as the favourite! minnow walleyes, this our Bro continued: “When I but feel aunderwater hit I’ll are feed around line, then I’ll check These of lon thriving, and the response.

Understanding the the has minimal stretch to ensuring you can mounting and operation needs. in most southern waters designs that you’re fortowork various conditions Lake of the Woods injigs thethat 90’s byis guys Experimental Brain Research 236: 2959–2969. jig, pop, stall or otherwise the bait.

Do not ever horse the fish the boat just in the US, it’s commonplace to find four . patient feels like a celebration of mentioned baits, these lures suspend when you pause your retrieve. be than the ever-expanding Ned/MWF and active, don’t abandon your larger lead of educating 10 13 year old children itLet out and you have a bottom great bait that has aIabove the next generation getting involved Visualize pods or schools of roaming crappies, slowly of educating 10getto 13 year old children the rig sink slowly so that it doesn’t our Pro-Cure Super Gel ison because that have been Then one day Afishing. split shot six to 10Pritchett inches the weeds, pausing as necessary toup let baita like places that are a to little clogged tothe throw swims. before Irun set the hook, pulling the chub little bit –swims. maybe aevery then back offtime your retrieve a isnatural little drive the hooks home time.

While many spring of striped available to imitate every baitfish and prey environment can be ato game-changer.

Norm and Dave Lindsay, Big Joe and can enjoy your the ice to theA References The Original 1/16 oz.

Slider head because you are fishing with heavier gear, 5: Tie off the nylon fish tape at both ends, leaving in place for future or five boats working a well-known spot the heads, body shapes, revolutionary patented from the community.

We’re not only in fishing or the outdoors in general. ghout from the community.

We’re not only nature’s resilience.

Throu Retrieves run the gamut from an aggressive twitch-twitch-twitch tangled.

One trick to help with this is feeding cruising their way across remnant weed growth, somewhere materials hair and feather are easily quality hook and is more affordable than ORGANIZING ALL THAT TACKLE experimented and realized head jigs spoons that with size stocked in like those hook pegs the minnow inthe the strike zone. float upshort a effectively. bit, and then aggressively hook pegs anglers fish braided line, this attract is not place fish you can think ofso including smalleats trout, acouple crankbait The effectiveness of a and pulls themore walleye it bit more.

Ior call this bass is nothing short so itas doesn’t plow, but rather skip Hiram Archibald.

These guys used tobelly-flat Jones KA. 2005.

Knowing Bass: the scientific which helps itsthe bottom surface trap, fullest.So, you gear upof for the early ice they’ll make you pay price every time. rigging needs. plastics materials and colour palettes. teaching them how to fish but how to This program creates a unique up while two or three more wait their turn. these teaching them how to fish but how to set winter, out one arm length of line at a time.

This (1) Nelson EJH, Holden J, Eves R, Tufts B (2017) Comparison diets for Largemouth pause, to a slow pull with the rod tip, then pause while reeling matted down and smothered by the gel while along a path between the shallows and the first drop-off that I could get a lot of the Hammer. lakes.

You lookwater up As lake or zone-specific perch, bassspectacular. and suckers. for Jack iteverything asgets you could easily tearfish the hooks1/16th outand retrieving the lure dig deeper follow and flash.

Always gauge attitude approach tocan catching more fish.

First Lyons Press. win and amazingly, a small the ‘tease.’

Teasing walleyes little bit really them to cup and ride on the throughout the these bladed jigs is to that they canaand be easily of along bottom. you do, you may season, remember that success on rd Clark) If Ifishing know that fish isusing over 4-lbs., I’ll take os: Bernaan The aggregate of the aforesaid lures and terminal tackle would explore, face new challenges, meet new rd Cla opportunity for youth who may (Photyou os: Berna explore, face new challenges, meet new (Phot spots Luckily in Canada, we rarely encounter same and Smallmouth Bass in Eastern Lake Ontario DNA barcoding and stable the on also gives idea of how much line’s Whether you’re a seasoned And Once Again, Be Safe! the Water Soluble Oil is light and fly-friendly. extra strikes from those less to deep water.

The more active they are, the more they’ll up slack.

Experiment to determine the most produce cadence. of their mouth unless you are using a softer fishing regulations, look at aerial maps of the the deeper, outer weed tops.

The trick is to retrieve.

The 4-inch Slider worm is straight ounce jig with marabou feathers tied to it was USE A mOUnTing PlATE commit.

Big walleyes are like ‘give me my steak back!’

Even in It’s not uncommon to match with proper presentations.

Match ripped from grass and that is one of the key find areas with rock or boulders We Carry: people, make new friends and to strengthen The program was not have had the chance to learn my time getting it in and allow the rod We Carry: If imitation is the sincerest form of flattery, the ice is a combination of preparation, people, make new friends and to strengthen The program wa isotope analysis.

PLoS ONE 12(8): e0181914. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal. s.cases seem heavy enough to awaddles boat. walleye for this level of competition but certain out.

When a fishaggressive hits, duplicate this youfish through mid-October and over the five It milks clean and will not muck upsome your Of course, these swimbaits will work instrike ifend I amount simply angler or aKrypte beginner, rod. is at the opposite of the and subtly through the water pushing Ogawa Kaway Jeven Caprio.

1999.

Citrate ionspast enhance tend tosome ride above the cover and aMonofilament moving bait.

The key in all isitflip how the bait hangs motionless and the weapon. touch occasionally without fouling province and see depth maps ofthere’s Istructured tipmain my Chatterbaits with afish Z-Man Razor tournament situations when I watch guys feed fish for minutes, have 100-fish days, triggering qualities to get bites.

EGO which can be surprisingly good aggressive with size and aggression of their confidence which can be applied to every around about the world of fishing. k Tackle Z-Man’s ElaZtech material has had some tire out taking up line slowly and never pone.0181914 their confidence which can be applied to every structured aroun Drilling holes in a boat makes most anglers a tad anxious.

Installing a move and use the same trolling get back pike skill, and abe touch of , to While backwaters offer walleye fishing opportunities inwon winter, rivers as aawards whole systems get pounded regularly.

Having March Inspeed Truthfully, though, they While ba years Ican have even ayou few big bass just enough water tostanding draw attention from the traditional pike and musky locations but an taste responses amino acids in the largemouth Restricted and Non Restricted Fire –weeks New &bait tipped my hard baits with spectrum itUsed has far too much stretch and you something truly special about inSling the cool autumn The active they are, the they penetrate down into the Restricted and Non Restricted Fire Arms – New & Used tungsten flies. your lure, both ensure thatmore your lureArms is ShadZ, vulnerable when not moving, tempting alargemouths, crappie below to rise, waters on this website.

Ifluck. like to do a as designed toterritory. be used on bladed Box all it less takes isto alives. little tease.”

Pack aspect of their 6your ofHowever, in-class the water alive with noteworthy followers.

I find, the Crush aspect of their lives. allowing the fish to put slack in the line.

6 weeks of in-clas spots for not just transducer mounting plates will reduce own. when you see perch or in the strike zone.

Investing in a line counter bays shallow are dangerous At the risk of sounding like a broken record, folks, stay s toward to share primo musky turf with other fishyour and give the illusion of life. are dange bass.

J. Neurophysiol.

1603–1607. stored transported in two, often-overlooked place to cast for these big won’t be able to hook fish atHanley, –and aMatstruggle Gulp products developed inused thealllabs Berkley. with big fall largemouths thatYouth I have caught Over the years, I have marabou jigs, cover, although they may rise up to strike a bait moving overhead air, feeling the tug of striper on 81: the line, and knowing running atflashes theavery right depth, and deflect off before investigate and strike.

(2) (2016) Changes inhomework theasmallmouths.

Ecology and teaching, using athrowing The Next Cast Fishing jigs.

Itrades) have been them on aperhaps G. City by Rapala stand outbaits with the release Crossbows & Compound Bows (we take teaching, using silvery and As a smallmouth approaches the end of the the number you bore through aluminium.

These are also easy to use.

Cast Crossbows & Compound Bows (we take trades) reel makes quick work of this exercise and spawn will clear away from fast flow areas, such as the main channel, and exercise caution at they walleye, on your Humminbird or Aqua-Vu where anglers is happening more frequently. predators during the spring and summer is to clear awa With the By safety measures, fineI’ve firstHumminbird hand.

Withthree aMega-Live which Islowly make myself, to The win several local maybe 3700-size utility tackle on Ned rigs. at right speed and depth.

The challenge ismore toexperienced move or the ripping through cover, which mimics aa mini you’re part offight, something much bigger than yourself.

Abundance ofproperly Smallmouth Bass inembracing Lake Ontario: Always details... you go fishing, this site The goal ofown this FREE program was to supply curriculum, which Program was developed to teach and of their super-duty, durable baits goal of this FREE program was to supply curriculum, which Loomis NRX+ 883 (7’4”) bladed jig rod Just cast, and either retrieve immediately be careful as they are often good for The exception is rigging during extreme high-pressure situations They look like version of a kitchen the thrill of the chase. is accurate. them out, let them get down in the water ing follow all times even in gear backwaters. iately immed fish shallow cover like docks and trees hanging tournaments.

They shine on hot, flat tunedI and set-up reel, you should be able to underwater camera, that torture you with Now can’t remember the last time that Ikeeping and Mega 360, you’re gaining tuning your and presentation, trays –those jig box, rig box, and hard1958-2014*.

Queen’s University MSc thesis. the knowledge and provide the tools required frightened baitfish in distress. provided the hands encourage young people getand out your boat along this path, fancasting in all directions, seeking to Always atools story has an endless amount called TPE (Thermoplastic Elastomer).

– off. the knowledge and provide the required provided the hand perch Crappies have relatively large mouths, and #4 to X-Raps track of how many seconds it jumbo r cutting board.

Mine mounted with with two anothe one least surge with explosive quickness and yet with Matity when the tease can turn some walleyes with a Shimano Metanium MGL150HGB Jeff It’s a testament to what • Live Bait: VERSATILE CRANKBAITS water deep to drop column for a few seconds and then start • Hunting Apparel: first in the water, a top tactic amongst Lake of the • Live Bait: the on up If avoiding the “weekend warrior” brigade Set . summer days when big smallmouths move ice-out cast into the wind without backlashing.

• Hunting Apparel: used live bait on the ice.

I’m just telling my their unwillingness to bait commit, take aahead page tocontact fish.considers Each received Shimano on knowledge and and enjoy this my favoured past time.

Go and mark ‘em staying informed about the best fishing anspooled edge that could significantly fish.participant Gord the when Crush City Neda BLT toinstalled My top bait choice also top smallmouth forper another takes handle turn (i.e., tobox. fish.

Each participant received aday.

Shimano on knowledge For me, Ron James Outdoors isais more than akey business –and of data to explore. screws.

Once you can then mount could be holding smallmouth and swim it resemble the 2-inch forage minnows common in their diet. power right at the boat.

Patience is and ing.ca getfish You can short and long line troll with this (7.1:1) reel up*Data with 20-lb.

Seaguar Suckers, Shiners, get canand be achieved you’ll “Always remember, when in1-mississippi, doubt, don’t go and Woods anglers.

Muskies in. crankbait, particular will bays Under Armour, Browning, shallow these into shallow water and cruise, lazily looking Suckers, Shiners, of analyzed in this thesis was collected by the fish producers that span decades.

These your retrieve.

Much like a I like out isn’t an option, all is not lost.

Many coming own story and have absolutely no connection Under Armour, Browning, rod reel, rod glove, tackle box, a variety of tools for each child Together we are guiding the youth 2-mississippi, 3-mississippi… in one handle be the best wintertime throwback lure for rod and reel, rod glove, tackle box, a variety of Much of the time, your lure runs free tools for each child with a Sharpie, too. out of Tom’s book and go small and heavy. spots, you’re setting yourself up for a Stay tuned!

Crankbaits come in numerous elevate your ice fishing transducers and other accessories directly bait, a Z-Man Hula StickZ. It’s a four inch past, never letting the jig touch the bottom.

Check it out and thank it’s a calling.

After a lifetime of fishing in some of the don’t swing them in the boat, it’s a great way Large bluegills are likely tolocations strike them asmusky well, evenlike though rig.

Less line makes performing sharper turns “If they don’t eat after the tease, they’re typically small fish. out,” Gruenwald said.

After all, there’s probably er! patrol ateaching piece ofHerring cover likelife athe dock and aribbed lifelike people come together Lake Ontario Management Unit, Ontario Ministry ofdown pound plus AbrazX fluorocarbon line.

Dace, for an easy meal.

Think of say these small jigs asturn) twenty a on hands There is no shame in using your magnets to musky anglers aren’t morning people. your attract boats honey Muck Boots to pause them a couple times during the to Berkley, although I will again that I’m lures, material, jacket, and a UPF Dace, Herring to practice the sport.

After completing the of today, for the community of tomorrow! or count the lure if fishing deeper Muck Boots lake trout fishing.

I find deeply lures, teaching material, life jacket, and a UPF to practice the sp between weed touches orupclumps.

As you to thegobble plastic board, and that means feweras A 7’ –down 7’6” medium action G.experience rod, a Over the years, anglers have become more in time, fancasting lures, your choice of line and wand isconfident thrilling and rewarding on shapes, sizes, and colours designed to break your rod! me later! most remote exotic locations on earth, I’ve come to straight tailed worm that has aLoomis few tentacles experience, you’re empowered easier, which iseven necessary when following their mouths are smaller.

Bass have even large mouths and But bug the big fish and almost every Natural Resources and Forestry. minnow imitator swimming along the aand lake the road where the walleye are an “after-dinner mint” as they float through to protect and preserve help control your spool over-runs, that’s why Torc, all made possible through sponsorship Being on your first spot at they’ll daybreak is aside in-class sessions, 10 volunteer anglers assisted impressed by the way that they’ve invested in attracts flies.

Expand your options by before starting the retrieve.

Regardless, it is retrieve to catch any potential followers, body with its dorsal wingpad looks very, Torc, all made possible through sponsorship in-class sessions, holes in the boat’s hull. reel, vary your retrieve – pump, pause, Shimano Stradic CI4 reel spooled with eight1/16-ounce jigs and softbaits these conditions, basically critical.

Premium Sufix monofilament orLarge And it’s your lucky day…

EGO’s athey’re small lake’s shoreline.

Less line’s also to attract fish under various For more information about this program, please the frozen frontier.

And as always, don’t10 realize that the Miramichi is Iretrieve belong.

This on the end.

It where wasthe the first bait a river, friend About the Author: Jeff Matity with real-time information that engulf them ease. of it is an easy meal.

Cast parallel toin theare dock during post-frontal conditions.” the water column, imitating aItournament. leech orwith small biting. soGRAB valuable to the reel! also allow for dollars and donations.

In and addition to this, each with a live release bass fishing the natural world. usually slowing down that gets • Inventory solid strategy.

Even though muskies a scientific approach to develop their products.

• Professional Staff finding secondary locations away fromba very dragonfly larva-like underwater, the dollars and donations.

In addition to this, each with a live release but for the most part these are cast and wind • Large Inventory THE NED RIG • Professional Staff pound Power Pro braid ismoment ticket for casting rise, thenyour dive again –and helpat trigger As ato student ofonto the game, Ithe spend a– lot of the ticket for shallow water trolling without visit: www.tncyouthfishingprogram.weebly.com. swimming the jigpersonalized across above the weedinvertebrate. tops.

Cast out, hold Fluorocarbon, rated at 2, 3toand, most, Kryptek Tackle Box Sling Pack with its rich history and vibrant ecosystem, is a place ofin conditions.

Natural colours imitate and retrieve swimbait about a foot beneath forget to savor every after all, turned me for this technique back I have tried every colour from few others possess. child received a team jersey fish bite versus a quick cast and retrieve. a very small amount of slip in the drag, it’s Editor’s Note: Jeff Gustafson grew up on the shores of Lake of the more active as the day progresses peaking ribbed body waggles in place when resting for Bow and Gun Repair child received aa and personalized team A Fishing Industry Professional for nearly 30 years as aIfjersey ofboat Ammunition the crowd. youBassmaster.com, choose to fish behind Tip: Fill holes in hull and coat back of Editor’s Note baits. for Bow Gun Repair of Ammunition these small jigs. strikes; you’re not just using a straight, time on Youtube.com, getting snagged.

More line is better when your rod tip high, and simply use a slow retrieve to tease the bait Alof Kerry with afeaturing doubleheader of the surface at a slow steady rate.FISHING NIGHT 4Fall pound fish tungsten gems tomarine their olive brown to orange, black remains the (Kryptek Pontus Typhon) handily renewal –& not just for the fish, but for the people who real while bright attractor Remember, the light lure and subtle worm featuring alltest of the sponsors.

Teams 2wife were drawn from the participants, it’s the stories and memories that truly 2016 and Ibaitfish, have really used anything I’m probably going to lose some street cred Ibut like to fish these baits on aboat, St. Croix Legend Panfish a must if&in you have any hope of landing that Woods Kenora, Ontario.

He has made his living in the fishing allng of the sponsors. on bottom.

Too, the Crush City Freeloader is grade Teams of 2him were fishing on the in the hour or so before and after sundown, “The fishing program not only opened up dr Fishing & Promotional Staffer, with Bachelor’s Degrees board with silicone togear seal.

Let Editor’s Note: Tim Allard ofElite Ottawa, another usenever different presentations than & Setup Onsite approach toGuide are mandatory.

It’s worth wormi jig Jason r Brothe r’s Editor’s Note: Dr. Bruce Tufts is a Professor and watching Major League Fishing.

From Autho lake has enough shoreline.

Long-lining also steady retrieve.

Rather, you retrieve, pause The & Setup Onsite Dr. Bruce Tufts is a Professor at Queen’s back to the boat.

Hits can range from sudden tugs to the line brutish bass. most widely used and the colour I have had the need to Slide with minimal action to best and then paired with one of the 10 anglers who come here to experience its magic. maximum effectiveness.

Solid graphite or holds a trio of 3700 utility boxes, in patterns are particularly effective in fish as you need a little bit of give to pop that community since he was a teenager as a tournament angler, guide, else because it has worked so well for me. spinning rod in light power and extra-fast action.

I team make these adventures unforgettable. with the hardcore largemouth anglers out The Nice Ice Essentials: Beyond aquality tapered-tail that works be onmoving walleye, perch mounting and paired inextra both Science & Education, Jeff usesyou this training infound his job cure before items to plate. fish can certainly caught atdifferent dawn. toaddition a new hobby, also opened him upwith to Miramichi is equally Ontario is ato hard-water expert and authorbait. ader your competition. the attention toFreelo detail.

Rarely City In fall, with walleyes shallow after dark, casting Crush at Queen’s University where he will teaches with In catching marabou each, I’ve learned a with few itsmallmouths, tricks to then improve helps troll deeper. when you feel weeds, letfully the bait float up Z-Man offers aplastic wide selection oftojig For larger soft swimbaits, you want trigger a murky strike and, practice, the lure where he teaches Fisheries most success with.

The model for the program was combine were assigned the task ofofUniversity guide and mentor. barely getting heavy, depending on how active the fish are. hook point into the mouth that smallmouth. outdoor writer and fishing promotor.

In 2019 he is competing on the noodle fiberglass rods such as HT Sapphire fact, comes with them.

Besides the The model for the program was to combine waters or aggressive feeding A reliable sonar unit gives you insights into and bass whether on the VMC Ned or on were assigned the it with a Procyon LT reel spooled with 6-pound-test Sufix there but the Ned rig is not only a deadly You can’t catch a fish from an office or as a Fisheries Professional & Outdoor Educator (specializing fishing gear, pack essentials: first aid kit, trying new things.

This has changed photographer ofthe the multi-award winning magical.

Asthen the air Fisheries Biology and for supervises research in the encounter another boat of any kind. stickbaits or swimbaits over sand, gravel, or sparsely weeded my spinnerbait game.

Ascrappie aessentially writer, had jigs arealong, phenomenal jigsI’ve and usually can travel just above or “polishing the a little, and resume.

If your lure hangs up, tighten up your to make sure you use an adequate hook so local youth with local businesses and to offer Chatterbaits to choose from.

Serious They were responsible each child’s safety Biology and supervises research in Freshwater Fisheries I sometimes like having my reels super-tuned Bassmaster Elite Series in addition to competing in several events in local youth with local businesses and to offer They were responsi any other rigpredators we’ve Sharing this river others, teaching them its inwhere fishing via family business, GetFishing.ca) tofish reach out and Ice Blues rods, respectively, have served included boxes, the rugged sling the movements ofused. fish, helping you tailor scenarios.

The explosion in custom colours further expanded BATTERy TiPS Nano Braid.

Leader for invisibility to prevent bite-offs. dry clothes, warm drinks, snacks, and an One tip for is to always put athe of smallmouth bait, itintocatches largemouths asrocks”. from aawith couch attoand home. book, ICE FISHING –has The Ultimate Guide, his entire outlook on how the world He’s not Many apex in 8/0 hunt inStudies no or Freshwater Fisheries Conservation Lab. He is turns crisp and the the privilege interviewing ofis.

Switch to aofrigging glide bait orboat. a some Shadzilla ifdab other Deadly! out live bait in my When crappies What’s important remember about this flats can be dynamite –nature again, especially areas the wind find yourself some large –aAT: 12/0 wide gap, line and give your rod tip hard jerk tothe cleanly rip the lure free an outlet with the opportunity to learn. and to assist them implementing what they Because of their light weight, marabou jigs Conservation Lab. He is also multi-species angler and has fished bass anglers have certainly heard of Southern anglers, in particular, use spinner jigs like Beetle Spins WHERE TO START? POLISH THE by adding ceramic bearings as it adds to Ontario.

You can find him on social media at @gussyoutdoors and on an outlet with the opportunity to learn.

Studies and to assist them ORDER ONLINE www.blackflylures.com rhythms and secrets, my way ofthe giving back. anyone interested inangler learning about fish. me very well. your approach to their behavior anda few pack features storage pockets galore, molle loops, comfortable available atison fine book stores, select outdoor anglers’ options, catering tobest specific local conditions and fishto i also acreek multi-species and has fished bass Otter Outdoors portable shelter for frigid so fearful.”– Parent of participant, 2017 low light conditions.

Power fishing productive Virtually every musky lake or river has super glue the collar of jig to hold well.

We have tournaments on across Add agoing short section of 8-pound Sufix Invisalign fluorocarbon leader leaves blaze with world’s anglers and hearing them speak move shallow to spawn in the spring, marabou trolling set-up is it’s weighted.

Stopping or anglers are throwing blades or top-waters. have shown that fishing and the outdoors have had been taught in class.

These volunteers gave screw-lock hooks.

I like to use the screw-lock has been blowing into for a sustained period or near mouths of the weeds, followed by letting it rise feet, once again must be fished slowly.

I like to cast past Disconnect batteries and shut off the boat’s master power when bass tournaments for a number of years.

ROCKS WITH SLIDER FISHING Jack Hammer.

The high-end model that have shown that fishing and the outdoors have had been taught in c casting distance.

Careful though, be sure you Add regular plastisol products, in a rainbow in these conditions, which provide thecan option towebsite pause and letfor his at: www.gussyoutdoors.com.

Only After my companion has a few Slider shops andAnglers! internet retailers.

(Continued on page 24.) increasing your chances ofdistress. athe successful catch. tournaments aclump number of years. areas before the sun tops tree line and adjustable strap, and a rod holder.

Good Luck Ice Bro preferences. obvious prime areas.

Some have reputations as days.

Consider bringing along a thermos Northwest Ontario on most weekends been recognized as a benefit when it comes to up a day out of their personal lives.

Not only www.blackflylures.com colour, the stripers bulk (Continued on page 22.)

(Continued on page 23.) hooks with some weight attached to the shank a likely boulder, log or of weed that 37.) rigging.

When done, connect wiring and power-up electronics and and points. mimicking a baitfish in (Continued on page 33.)

(Continued on page 20.) page 14.)

(Continued page 38.) recognized a benefit when itbelt, comes to(Continued up Swim aonday out of the of colours to the worms, crayfish, single- “These are notlures voiding the warranty on your reel. onon page 14.) under his/her I (Continued add the and cannot be fishedbeen wrong as long asfish

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tail and multi-limb creatures, swimbaits as you fish light line and lighter jig Summer2015 Just Fishing . 12 2015 finesse heads”, Shake retrieve and others. FishingFall or tube baits out there and... the sky is the advised Gord. Ned’s 14-minute mini-seminar baits slow enough is the hardest thing for (The Ins & Outs of Early Spring Crappies cont. from page 21.)

This setup allows you to toss these lures limit! multiply the multitude of soft (The Ins Further, & Outs of Early Spring Crappies cont. from page 21.) on the Six MWF Retrieves This setup allows you istovery tossinformative these lurespeople to master be that with a straight worm baits by growing light-tackle head options and remarkable distances, feel bites and set or a marabou jig. a video I review is called “The Ned Rigset to the braid to provide an invisible invisible connection (Season Making Strategies cont. from page 4.) remarkable distances, feel bites and changed, and the muskies were not using to thefootball, braid toMusky provide an connection (i.e., darter, shad, weedless, round the hook farhowever, outfrom from theboat, boat, and impart depth with Ned Kehde” check it impart out: to the cushion hooksets and help help in the hook far out and these points, itthewas a lesson in Also, if you fishing in the evening, BE A STUDENT OF THE GAME – to the superline, superline, hooksets and head, etc.) and are your imagination isfrom your only (Unexpected Genius of cushion Lake Trout continued page 14.) https://youtu.be/qqGTzPt6TIQ?si=gRv_Fpause, reposition, and thento follow your lure with eerie deliberation, you’ll know perfect lureadjacent action.

Just remember that prevent bite-offs from larger fish. searching for spots capitalize and the spot is frequently fished by others, perfect lure action.

Just remember that MWF CAN LEAD THE WAY prevent bite-offs from larger fish. limitation!

R0DB5GuY3exactly what’s happening.

You’re encountering one of the most intelligent fish in spring, cold water typically favours slow the situation.

We checked the adjacent more than likely the area you found on spring, cold water typically favours slow Fishing isTHE aall learned sportextraordinary. and passion to be After listening to Versteeg’s mind-blowing NEW J-FLUORO LEADER — DAIWA PROCYON AL &PROCYON PROCYON MQmakes THE PHYSIQUE IS INTHE FRAME freshwater.

And that every lakewith trout moment the more that extends the spot willDAIWA not get PROCYON fished. bays, to moderate lure action interspersed with and they all were holding muskies.

— AL & MQ THE PHYSIQUE IS IN FRAME For reference, light line to Gord is 6 pound to moderate lure action interspersed (Cash-in on green baits for walleye cont. from page 21) Sidebar: a great angler must be a life-long pursuit. research it’ssee clear lake trout The perfect way to top offthat J-Braid line.

So, even if–you another angler fish-deserve Different location, buta attract, the same result! long pauses to first then trigger fish test Fused braid on 7’6” GLoomis NRX FIND YOUR NEXT FISHING VACATION There are gimmicks that can distract you. long pauses to first attract, then trigger fish 100% Fluorocarbon leader material. farthe more respect than the you old stereotype Also good are bladebaits, like a Berkley FIND YOUR NEXTyou FISHING VACATION ing sweet spot, know can OTHER COLOURS rod.

For Ned, the line choice is the same; into striking.

(Sidebar) MWF is no gimmick.

MWF is a fundamental in metallic perch or a ThinFisher Daiwa Parallel Line System into striking. with FISHEASY.CA ofFeaturing “simple deepwater cruisers.”

Truth be return later because you have muskies with FISHEASY.CA but, wielded on a 5’4” Z-Man Drew spooling (DPLS). Available in 2 spool NOT TO BE IGNORED and blueprint for successful multiHeddon Sonar with green prism tape. adjacent toyard the sweet Five Ways to philosophy Fish Smarter told, thinkers, learners, sizesthey’re —100 spools (2lbspot -20lb)waiting and strategists, Cast AIR ROTOR Reese Ned Rod. For myself, a ML 6’6” species angling.

Join Gord, Ned, and the out the lure, let it get to bottom, AIR ROTOR Whenyou youlocate locateactive activeJim biters, eitherdrop drop silver, and shadAIRcoloured 50you yard to spools (25lb – 80lb) softfor catch them.

When biters, either BAIL navigators and individuals.

Saric with aorPearl, 13Fishing OMEN similar braid snap it up, and let itrod sinkwith back to bottom. greats that came before AIR BAILus in the most hands1.

Fish the “Decision Zones,” Not Just the Depth your anchor or, preferably, engage the Spotplastic minnows and swimbaits as DIGIGEAR beauty caugh your anchor or, preferably, engage the Spott #4 monofilament catches me a the bunch.

Walleye typically strike during drop. on, light-line, DIGIGEAR well as hard-baits replicate baitfish.

Lock feature feature onbait your Minn Kota trolling ADJACENT right at dark. also eat the offus the floor.

“The more we learn SPOTS about trout cognition, They’ll multi-species, Lock on your Minn Kota trolling Versteeg’s work shows that lake trout constantly evaluateblack/grey-pearl, trade-offs – for example, Black-gold, and energy I find, less is more...

Trying to forcemotor to hold the boat in place while fun fishing the more just complex these motor to hold the boat in place while While on we therealize subject ofhow extending costdoesn’t versus reward.

So, insteadinformation of campingblue-silver out over one depth, target edges where cold are the other reliable This just apply to much emerald shiners. an amateur too adventurehard-baits that fishspot, reallyan are,” saysmore Versteeg.

“They’re not Ifeed the often effective classic baitfish colour patterns. meets warm, where bait transitions from sparse to concentrated or where structure subtly walleye athave onceoften can observed be defeating and preferring takes away is Midwest out there drifting around.

They’re making flashy approach is looking for adjacent baits when they’re feeding on make softens.

These are the where trout make mistakes. the pure enjoyment ofzones MWF. I take a F decisions… i ngin e sclear s eandto spots that And might muskies. decisions. thathold changes everything.” suspending From tannic waters, dangling the baitfish.

Three reliable trolling lot of people fishing during the season. Fishing! bobberand andlive liveminnow, minnow, bobber dangling the Last summer one early evening lures for this scenario are the Rapala purple baits are a must.

Glow red 2. Treatthe Lakers Like Hunters, Wanderers bait in their faces for an extended While Midwest Finesse Not system period. in their faces for an extended period.

Dancerthe in flash yellowretrieves, perch, Storm we muskies relating another extremely versatile It isfound a far more nuanced and to perceptive Tail employs 6 specific I findpaint is bait It’s not easy – but better than going home Madflash Deep in –green, About the It’s not easy but better than home points relatively sharpimagined. ThunderStick and routes productive finish worth having ingoing trout driftcompanions aimlessly they plan based on –memory and conditions. itLake useful to don’t get my started vision that than were most of us have ever skunked!

Author: chrome, and and a green silver notyour collection. breaking and not a “traditional” skunked!

Mapone out the most logical travel and corridors, just classic hotspots. Long, gentle breaks, subtle with oforange, the 6, the Straight Retrieve, Search by region, fish Bandit Deep custom-painted by Wackm Search by region, fish Jeff Matitdy summer spot. After catching one musky that Charlie Brewer Slider“lanes” Fishing mid-lake humps, andof deep-basin often reveal their habitual travel paths.

“There’s a hidden accommodation J-BRAIDworld of fish cognition The basic approach tothe searching for D species, x8 species, accommodation Lastly, get yourself some crankbaits, thepast, past, anglers used to for such a spot, we visually looked around Tackle.

InInthe anglers used tofor saysay thatthat thethe company popularized back in 1970.

GRAND x8 type, amenities and adjacent spots is to look for a nearby A Fishing Industry Professional nearly that we’re only just beginning to uncover,” woven strands. type, amenities and One Piece spoons, and bladebaits painted with One Piece and drove toOurfour adjacent points that The crappies wereeither either& “in” “out” crappies were “in” or or “out” in in 3. or Make First onalsays casting more! most abrasion resistant above lures emitfind a Count lot of holding flash, MONOCOQUE 30 years as a Fishing Guide Promotional point if Contact you a bay more!

MONOCOQUE “Lake troutand are giving us a reef Saltwater Tough funky, custom-colour combinations. lookedVersteeg. similar both visually and on the Saltwater Tough By starting with the Straight Retrieve, I find ance. braid yet smooth strong. spring, meaning they were shallow, (MQ) Frame spring, they were up shallow, but evenLikewise, subtleSCAN flickers green (MQ) ZAION ZAION VV Frame with meaning Bachelor’s Degrees inup both SCAN HERE SEEof are if muskies usingForStaffer, Aluminum Frame HERE TOTO SEE Aluminum Frame from a new window intoMade that world and it’s pretty muskies. whatever reason these completely map itBecause to be an opportunity for the learning angler PROCYON SPINNING VIDEO trout learn from negative encounters, your first drop is often your best shot.

AIR ROTOR & AIR AIR–state-ofBAIL , soft andchip. silent— PROCYON ALAL SPINNING VIDEO AIR ROTOR & BAIL relating to flooded wood or weed Science & Education, Jeff uses this training are a powerful trigger for walleye. relating tofinishes flooded wood or weed material “IZANAS”. a toparticular point, look forconcept an adjacent unnatural looking can drive r allincredible.” applications the-art TOUGH DIGIGEAR become familiar with the of the TOUGH DIGIGEAR Start with your highest-confidence presentation your approach – especially in& inand his joborcleanest as a hadn’t Fisheries Professional Several favourite soft-plastics contain cover... or they hadn’t come in were cover... they yet,yet, andand were you make repeated casts around boat. bay tomake hold muskies, particularly ifthethe For more info visit:around Daiwa.us you repeated casts the boat.

For more info visit: Daiwa.us walleye wild,Educator and who’s to come arguein with ever-so-important, Do Nothing retrieve.

Amazingly, all of the other four points held green Outdoor (specializing in fishing via fleck in their bodies.

These tiny winter.

Don’t educate the trout before you fish for them. stillout out deep, not worth trying to catch until muskies seemed tocauses have disappeared still deep, not worth trying catch until If necessary, necessary, reposition thethe boatstraight, contact IfThe reposition the boat totocontact biting fish. presentation family business, GetFishing.ca) totoreach out muskies thatnext evening, and it the wasice, a great metallic squares reflect light, mimicking So, on your trip out onto when from the point.

Also, if there is an theyeventually eventually came shallow.

Nowadays, shallow.

Nowadays, www.JBraid.com additional biters.

You can very effectively anyone interestedcame in learning about fish.

Slider worm toofcoast orcan slide through additional biters. very effectively the off aYou baitfish’s scales andthe tothey end the START day.

The next day the pattern YOUR NOW! you to watch a mark rise on the sonar screen, adjacent SEARCH NOW! 4.sparkle Trigger Their Curiosity point nearby that could hold we know better.

Crappies can be in, we know better.

Crappies can be in, out,out, andand water giving off the ultimate impression giving the bait a natural appearance. cast and andas retrieve anX-Rap X-Rapininhigh highwinds winds cast retrieve an This spoon is well known as an ice-fishing muskies well. moving somewhere between, displaying moving in in between, displaying Just Fishing 12 Summer seem like a small detail, but you’d be change 50 Just Fishing . 21 2024 Just Fishing . ..48 48 Fall 2025 Summer 2024 Winter 2020 (There’s NO Such Thing as SAFE Ice! continued from page It 4.)may 2019 43 23 Spring 2025 36 Spring 18 32 Just Fishing 28 26 Winter Summer 2019 20 Lakers investigate disturbances.

A sudden – a lift, asomewhere stall, a fluttering drop, a direction Fall2026 2023 2018

WHAT’S YOUR YOUR BODY BODYTYPE? TYPE?

(Bluegill Fever continued from page 4.) continued from page 12.)

(Crankin’ Summer Largemouth Bass

When a bobber, small micro-hops, justaenough to tip Body pitching shape and divinggive lipsit significantly impact crankbait’s the bobber sideways and then reel in the slack.

If there’s no strike, performance, particularly its maximum running depth. let it sitexhibit for a moment. the jig with one or two wax worms or a Baits various Tip actions – some wiggle vigorously, others small chunk of crawler.

When bluegills turn on,others it will sink be a fantastic wobble subtly; some suspend at mid-depth, or float experience. rapidly. Each feature makes them adaptable for targeting fish at different depths andweather behaviour Bro Pro Tip: Spring canpatterns. be unpredictable, so I always wear

my AFTCO Reaper Hoodie and keep a Barricade rain suit packed At this time lures strongly come into and ready inof theyear, boat.lipped, I also floating-diving use Fish Monkey Stubby Guide Gloves. play PVC due togrip theirkeeps ability to dive, andand quicky rise The a light rodwobble secureseductively, in your hand protects above snaggy against sunfishweeds spines.without fouling.

Sunfish Bluegill?

Rapala’s DT (Dives-To) seriesorbaits feature a thin, precisiondesigned are diving lip andlittle are fighters, crafted and fromthey buoyant balsa Bluegills impressive still grow bigwood, in the complemented by internal rattle chambers.

The DT series ranges North Country. Don’t be surprised if you hook a plate-sized bluegill, in diving depth shallow-water models to deep-diving versions pumpkinseed or from hybrid sunfish. All are members of the sunfish family. reaching depths up to yellow 20 feet.with hints of purple, and males have Bluegills are slightly a red breast. Pumpkinseeds are very colourful, displaying shades of orange, and yellow.

Hybrids are slightly tiger-striped The DT’s green buoyancy is particularly advantageous: It backs and up mostly reddish in color.

Pumpkinseeds and hybrids rarely exceed quickly when paused, triggering reaction strikes from following fish.a pound. can reach pound half, and they may even Due to Bluegills these attributes, the aDT seriesand hasa consistently been one of push two pounds on rare occasions. the most productive crankbait families ever developed, especially for largemouth smallmouth bass.

For harvest, it’sand best to keep medium-sized fish under 9 inches.

This helps maintain healthy population dynamics and allows larger Recently,toRapala expanded theTake line awith theand DT-8, responding to bluegills continue growing. photo release the bigger anglers’ a lure ideally for the mid-depth lines ones – a requests forkful offormeat isn’t worthsuited stunting bluegillweed population andtrophy structural on lakes.edges, areas where summer peak bass frequently congregate.

Incidental Catches EFFECTIVE CRANKBAIT FISHING

While chasing bluegills, expect to catch other fish such as crappies, Successfully fishing isn’tAnglers merely aren’t about selecting the right largemouth bass, pikecrankbaits and walleye. the only ones who lure; ita involves preciseBluegills execution of larger bass enjoy bluegill dinner. areand on an theunderstanding menu for every predator in the lake.

Landing these predator fish on light finesse gear behaviour. When targeting deep weed edges, cast parallel casting isalong a realweed feat and addsmaintaining excitement to your bluegill outing.and Don’t forget lines, optimal lure depth, varying to bring aspeeds few Fire Ball jigs reaction and shiners so you can switch gears for retrieval to provoke strikes. some walleye fishing if you find a break from the bluegill action.

Parallel fishing involves aligning the boat at the depth where We’ll see you on the water this spring! Have fun chasing and weeds thin out, then casting along the contour rather than directly catching bluegills! perpendicular to it. This technique efficiently covers productive zones, allowing anglers on to systematically comb large areas and Follow my adventures the Bro identify active fish clusters.

Road Show podcast and at store visits, seminars and shows. You can also find me on retrieve YouTube, Instagram and Alternating speeds, incorporating pauses, and using rod tip Facebook! movements to impart erratic lure actions to significantly enhance strike rates. This approach keeps the bait in the strike zone longer and mimics distressed prey, appealing to aggressive bass.

About the Author:

Brian “Bro” Brosdahl, is a WITH THE RIGHT fishing TRIGGERING guide and STRIKES promoter.

One of the most recognized TACKLE & TECHNIQUE and respected anglers in North Crankbait boils to preciseangler timingbest and America fishing – Bro, success as he’s often known, is adown multispecies tactical Anglers on frequently encounter situations knownmaneuvers. for his influence the sport of ice fishing.

Hewhere can their becomes momentarily on weeds or underwater be bait booked for guided trips snagged at: bbro@paulbunyan.net or brosguideservice.com.

(Continued on page 15.)

Just Fishing . 14 6

Summer Spring 2026

Champion, Parker as he retired afterthe thisfirst event.

James River wasHank not only notable for having Canadian in vice.com.

2004, another Canadian wouldn’t even qualify for a Classic until Classic In the Spring rivers are traditional destinations to shake the postUpstream (Crankin’ Summer Largemouth Bass continued from page 14.) it.

Fishing in his 17th consecutive Bassmaster Classic, Rick Clunn IAshley likewill Sufix fluorocarbon for tipped cranking.

Fluorocarbon to 12-pound minimize Heavy hair jigs or jigheads with Traditions 2016 when qualified through B.A.S.S.Sufix Nation (Targeting Fall Charles Walleyescontinued in Sim Cdn. Lakes cont. from page 22) the8-pound (Panfish Pandemonium from page 22.)

(Outlier Trout Tactics continuedtip from page 30.) and small jigs with live wax sometimes her spoons (Ned This, Ned That! continued from page 50.) winter cabin fever out of your blood.

Meet with friends and family Z Hank Gibson’s top finish during his Bassmaster career was amy situation.

When people ask r provides excellent sensitivity, abrasion resistance, e line twist and prevent cut-offsor from soft plastics provide lift-drop lure action 2023, Gussy became the 2nd non-American Sometimes itIniscontinued just better to& Ago against the flow on atip river.

To Fluorocarbon Zinktoothy vegetation. such cases, a quick, sharp pop of the rod to free (On Being AIn Competent Fish Biologist Frustrated Angler continued from page 34.) h Championship. worms spikes for more scent and flavour.

If you’re carrying n a (River Run Walleyes from page 36.)

In the Spring rivers are traditional destinations to shake the postm outside the boulder zone, you can use an to the lineup with a couple Z but Iboat beginuto actually bunches up and concentrates the what Iwhere think fish mistake the place finish aediffer.

Florida Toptwo 100 event he took home for afirst remote northern getaway. ondragging the water walleyes. and visibility underwater –water, critical attributes when fishing attime, a low busy launch. use Amped Outdoors Lithium 36 helped coin the name of the theBassmaster lureGet in honour ofstrikes. excellent friend, 4th critters pike. inIItdeep although their and Canadian tocondition, win Classic on the Tennessee get in any try slow ahis 2 for to 3like oz. bottom Jason Matity & Jeff Matity areincreased helplessly, the baitbites can often trigger aggressive reaction reaswith a bait container wax worms, Maggots or spikes, keep that t r fish.

As a scientist I have much to learn from anglers and anglers can e winter cabin fever out of your blood.

Meet with friends and family upward flick of your wrist, followed by a p of new plastics, the Baby p trout, creating highly competitive atmosphere that you can exploit crankbaits around weeds and in structure. fluorocarbon sinks, oamp NedBesides, Rig fortrolling my to response is, Ned, who has turned it intoand awe lure ofRiver extreme value with a minnow cult-like USD inhour cash andbulk bonus winnings.

According to DeRose, C Gather around the campfire share stories.

Many have to $24,000 volt, 50 batteries tandem for my motor and Anglers Please Note: Detroit has lotsanglers of suspended and water resistance usually do‘I River in Knoxville.

Today, have a great roster of Canadian bouncer with afrom Northland Butterfly Blade Harness and aunlikely hopelessly addicted the sport of container somewhere close to your body so your body heat can certainly learn scientists, but those interactions are for a remote northern getaway.

Get on the water for walleyes. drop of the rod tip, to make the lure jump BallerZ and Micro Goat. for all that it is worth.

Especially, if there is a slight breeze blowing and allows your crankbaits to run a little deeper on the retrieve. following.

“We were always comparing notes” said Gord.

“We would don’t care what they mistake accomplished that by targeting spawning bass on stumps a second cycle for myallow graphs. fishing here since they were kids because their families Early toSunline mid-fall one of mydeep favourite fishing.

The only thingas they like better walleyes soanglers fish where you see them in water column. or aSeries crawler withthem apiles simple bead onTo alatest short 2 to 3the feet of FCisHank Elite including the member, Evan Kung. not you cover water quickly asit r been help anyone catch more fish! say that I am a frustrated angler keep them lively & wiggly!

Often the most effective presentation e z Southern reservoir bass anglers who don’t have to deal with weeds a Gather around the campfire and share stories.

Many anglers have up a foot or two, then immediately plummet H parallel to a shoreline that features a shallow – knee to waist deep alsoWide introduced amany, new in Rodman email backcoming and leader forthhere 4-5 times a day, They for weeks on end, over for, as long asthat they’re biting it’.”

Part of hisdead winnings in was than catching big fish isevent helping others times to be on wateremploying each urpleyear. been for generations. you never know fluorocarbon with a Gamakatsu Finesse Gap Hook.

Big the is an understatement.

There are days –fish andAnd we have them – where In Worth, Cooper Gallant just competed in all his 3rd Bassmaster PReservoir. when Jigging Raps.

Experiment to d have when live bait isusing to stick your lure and let the have long used soft,since fiberglass rods to crankbaits.

The soft rod $1,000 been fishing here they were kids because their families – boulder-strewn flat or sparse weed or reed bed.

The bigger and many years.” toFort bottom, kicking up a cloud of sand/muck jighead, the Micro Shad HeadZ VERSATILE CRANKBAITS catch big fish.

Whether it’s fishing trolling for Gord added, “Ifweighing we’re the for “Big Fish” of the tournament, a beauty in at The air crisp yetallnotlive cold, boating traffic I simply can’t awill bite.

Ifat have allCroix theChris necessary equipment, I read walleyes can’t pass up Gustafson, astick sucker minnow oris7’ creek chub My weapon ofget choice is a rainbow St. Legend Elite Medium Years of experience taught me that I don’t want anything Old Man Winter around or if Mother Nature has Classic, Jeff “Gussy” and Cory Johnston d if see what works best. bait do its job! more13isolated theThliveros structure won is northern thethebetter, but it Shaw must out for and have been coming hereoccurs. forand generations.

And you seam never know helps line tensions prevents bass from tossing themph. lure every time contact This pike and walleyes, jigging in black, pink, chartreuse and clear waters oftojut Whitefish of maintain the blogs and magazines, Ithe spent 11really years doing university level lbs.

Peter event with Grisby and angler competition are at aoz.! slowly dragging upstream on edge of a10lb. current .5 Extra Fast spooled with Sunline SX1 braid inattop green or 10Throughout hooked upminimum, to my starting battery except the outboard motor. e something the warmer months, crankbaits excel across a variety in their 6th with Chris and Cory both finishing in the 10! else in mind.

“Outside of the little group that Ned founded and called, ‘The trout, burbot and perch, pitching jigs to dip quickly into the main lake basin.

When I am fly fishing a spot iftriggers Old Man Winter will stick around orthe if Mother Nature has strikes from aggressive walleyes when they jump.

But anglers who fish weedy lakes prefer glow finishes.

The Micro education mostly focused on fish, and for last 12 years I have been Bay finished on Lake of the finishing in the runner-up position.

Paul Elias 3rd just This will create strikes.

Just remember, its bottom bouncing and and big fish of all species bite, feeding to hi-vis yellow.

Top itnorthern off with 2-3ft. ofradar Sunline FC 8lb. leader.

Lithium batteries last you’re longer with many more charge and r Between of habitats – from rocky structures and weed edges to expansive them all, Canadians have produced 6 top 10 finishes So, the next time that out on the ice don’t ignore these bass, or dunking crawlers for carp and Finesse News Network’, it flew under the for nearly 20 years”, like this my favourite tactic is to drift a balanced leech under something else in mind. trying to clobber the lure before the lure a professor of fish biology.

Shad HeadZ areupyou available in ahead prior stiffer graphite rods to interpret weeds and provide aastrong Woods, like natural andan not bottom dragging.

Touch the Gussy’s sinker on the bottom every now of Hank won a inRanger Bass boat aaIefficiently contingency stock energy reserves to aand long, ItBassmaster prevents ripping thehelp walleye’s mouth and allows break h Iin flats.

Their versatility and ability to cover water make discharge cycles, plus they are lighter than lead acid batteries and catfish, they areasSaskatchewan’s multifeisty members of the sunfish family, they’re blast to catch!

Classic’s including WIN! I definitely see Gord told me during our conversation.

“So, it is anything but ‘new’, have seen people trying to launch boats that are frozen to their indicator, but the purist me hates to admit that a marabou jig is escapes onlures the next jump.

Be sure to1/32 trytoo the oz., 1/16 oz, 1/8 oz. and prize neutral colours versus jerk toifthen rip freeyou from weeds.

Use softcold athe rod, and you’re and to make are near the bottom.

This is a great approach and Hank won a truck as contingency prize.

Now here is northern winter.

That’s a combo you spot you are snagged. species fishing authority whether on ice p boat them indispensable tools for bass anglers.

Oh, and by the way, if you haven’t although the fishing community is buzzing about lure as the ‘hot the price is more affordable than when they first hit the market. another Classic Champion inthe near future! more efficient and effective.

Yet, IBassmaster thinkbecause what matters most is Rap timeboats on water.

Isingle can look a water trailers the air temperature isCanada’s inentire the digits.

I Inew have people trying to launch that are frozen toattheir Rapala Jigging as well 3/16 oz. sizes and are poured some ofwas the in brighter twoPerch Yellow the after aseen cold or ifShadow the river is murky.

And there are times when more likely bury the lure and uproot the weed stalk. offront pto or open water.

Matitysgetfishing.com closeu A justbeing can beat anytime, anywhere! where itthem gets before interesting, asare DeRose recalls Elias need of utt have new thing’.

As a matter of fact, a lot of what are called Ned tried these some body and say – wow, that looks like text book bass habitat – and not also seen summer-like weather and sunburned faces.

Whether boat because the air temperature is in90-degree the single digits.

I for atrailers different fish-triggering action. on aand jig hook. tipped tone colours insoKenora’s Jig High or Low Ice ten crankbaits just work better on rivers.

IWater keep myfurther rod locker ready Ultra I Although a Crankbaits new truck and Hank’s boatBoat was getting a little tired,works they Rigs these days are very far from accurate.”

Gord explained, reliably produce catch aTungs thing.

And then throw ain random cast hook a bass where they of the tastiest fish that you’d catch I like to anchor the Frog – a canoe or kayak just as Hank finished last the field of 41 anglers in that There are many open water there is a snow squall or a heatwave, you will find Heather and I YOU are invited to come along for the ride… have also seen summer-like weather and sunburned faces.

Whether XL i Jame Oil The location of the line tie on Motor algae stained waters.”

Clam a with Northland Rumble Shiners on St. Croix Eyecon trolling rods with m Classic, Jigging Rapalas allow you to fish I“Many prefer St. Croix’s Victory series of rods feature models specifically companies are calling any number of moon shaped jigs as “aren’t supposed to be”.

I think that is another key message – fish don’t traded prizes. quality bass under various through the ice. well – from the stern, so waters that I am casting down wind and aligned Spring runoff can create water on rivers at times, the launches will forever asomewhere Bassmaster Classic qualifier, opportunities on the river there isthat ahe snow squall or heatwave, you will find Heather and I I ready like to use a be 7’ 1” St. Croix Eyecon 30-incher on aahigh river in April.

Good luck! the top of the2-inch jighead makes to deploy. necessarily follow the rules.

Ned jigs.

Likewise, company after company has named (or renamed) n chasing aggressively beneath the boat in deep designed for crankbait applications.

I use a 7-foot mediumconditions, confirming their with the sloping break. also never use an indicator or float. can be under water, which obviously makes launching difficult. in April. Good luck on Iyour which is that no small feat in itself.

Insuch fact, there are numerous chasing 30-incher on a river somewhere in April.

Good luck! spinning rod, medium power with moderate RIGHT: them ideal for a vertical presentation as used in ice fishing. their smallest plastics as Ned this, or Ned that.” water, providing fish-triggering lure action reputation as one thejig most Instead, I see cast the parallel to the theITdrop, working The entirewe time thatof he was giving his bestedge on theofFISH B.A.S.S. circuit Until you out on on the heavy, moderate-action “Power Target Cranker” rod.the The rod’s Check with local Classic qualifiers who finished last one year but won title in spring adventure!

I’ll see you action, which is ideal for fishing Jigging The like underwater world holds many mysteries that fascinate me to as amove RETRIEVES, RODS, Follow, and share my fishing adventures on YouTube, TikTok, Rolling River and the ability quickly to locate each successive cast out further, away from the lip, and deeper. versatile lure categories hardwater, stay safe, Fish Hard he also competed at home in Ontario with partners such as Keith moderate action idealmy for crankbaits, allowing you to react bait shops onslower water another year.

The most of these was Bryan Kerchal who scientists and on angler.

Sometimes that the water!

Follow, and fishing adventures YouTube, TikTok, Raps.

Ilike team itisshare with anotable Daiwa Fuego 2500 The StingerZ, Tiny TicklerZ, Baby BallerZ, Micro Goat, Shad FryZ REELS & LINE d Twitter, SO, WHAT EXACTLY IS THE NED RIG? Instagram and Facebook! counting down your All jig after each cast, you candifferent accomplish and catch fish. available anglers. &By Dream andtoBig!!!!!

Todd Million. the while maintaining Rainy River can get extremely rough at the Gap, Four Bay or Farmer toand bites, reducing premature hooksets, and greatly improving levels and to are qualify for the Bassmaster Classic twice through fascination can lead toGop some minor reel spooled with 8-pound-test Advanced herlodging Tac Twitter, Instagram and Facebook! kle LarvaZ all deadly on panfish whether rigged on aMile Micro Shad d managed two things.

The first is saturating the water column from top to businesses, he spent much possible with children, I don’t think the rigascan be time fishedaswrong.

You canhisdrag it, shake the long straight stretches where northwest wind blows.

Itough have frustrations when I can’t figure “The Original Ned Rig was the actual rig hookup rates.

And SCIII+ carbon fiber blank is both information.

B.A.S.S. Federation ranks.

In his first appearance on theout Mus hroo m Hea d Sufix monofilament provide athe little line About the Author: HeadZ or tipped onthe atospoon or other jigging type lures.

Coconut e the second isswim whenJeremy you can replicate it,bottom. count itThe down it.you Justcatch use aa trout, systematic method of spent many days fishing in rough water during cold weather andthem it’s the Jeremy, Candice andand Shawna. affectionately remembers where the fish are or how tovibration get you gotstage from the1993, pairing of a your Gopher Tackle About Author: and sensitive enough to feel crank wobbling and in he finished dead last.

He then requalified stretch toAuthor: cushion hooksets, help maintain Editor’s Note About the Author: Ice Glow, Pearl, Purple Death, Space Guppy, Electric Chicken and s Classic the count – and hence the depth – on each followup presentation About the Brian “Bro” Brosdahl, Brian “Bro” Brosdahl, is a hard to beat a windshield this time of year.

This is one of the many fishing it from top to bottom and cover the bases.

And while on to bite – but that is what keeps me Mushroom Head jiglure weighing 3/32, 1/16, or1994The actually fishing a tournament with his dad when he was 11 years the Author: “Bro” Brosdahl, key ranks the B.A.S.S. Nation once again in and completed changes when your encounters weeds. aAbout taut line on hooked fish and lure Bee are allBrian colours that I’ve used with great success inthing open isBumble areasons fishing guide and promoter.

One ofsoften the d through David Chong is widely recognized and duplicate the results.

Al Lindner among the most renowned leaders in Al Lindner among the most renowned I choose a Lund 2075 Pro V boat with a Mercury 300 Pro fishing guide and promoter. the subject ofranks presentation, Gord had some real gems of advice, 1/32 oz. with half of a 5” Yamamoto Senko coming back for more! is abiggest fishing guide andrespected promoter.

Onefishing of the old.

He recalls them ripping some homemade bucktail jigs for the comeback in bass history by winning the to remember is most recognized and anglers in action in cold water. water or on the hardwater!

Again, please note that these are all made as one of Canada’s top competitive t the leaders in the fishing industry.

Averaging fishing Averaging about 180it!been days writing a year on the where water, XS recognized for guiding, tournaments and funin fishing anywhere, anytime.

I Buckets Onemost ofindustry. the most recognized “The interesting retrieve thatwith I’ve about, most and respected anglers worm.

That was the original and the and earning aFISH top 10 finish North America – Bro, as he’s known, is a tournament anglers.

He is also an crown that year.

Sadly, Bryan tragically lost his life in “IF IT SWIMS...

WE FOR IT...AND WILL HELP water clarity look from the same ElaZtech material that their famous TRD Ned Finesse Pair these rods with Daiwa Tatula SV TW 103 baitcasting reels, g Classic One last marabou trout detail: don’t be in a rush.

The lure is so about 180 days a year on the water, Al is hailed North America – Bro, as he’s a winds and the waves. When crappies stay comfortable all day, noknown, matter the Al as one of are thein world’s isbest anglers. andis hailed respected anglers and smallmouth involved theall-around “Bivins’ Bounce”. marriage of the two components andis their About the Author multispecies angler best known for his avid multi species angler and is YOU CATCH IT! GetFishing ‘Cuz Fishing’s Magic!” a plane crash later that year.

Worms are made from, making them super tough and durable. at the lower unit During the warm water of summer, I might multispecies angler best for I which subtle that if you too it will upand towards the feature 6.3:1 gear ratio. crankbait one of theanglers world’s all-around anglers. the struggle isareal, Spot-Lock intohis theModern wind andas hide behind your best Terry Bivins is a retired NASCAR driver from therise states he&is TV an North America –retrieve Bro, asithe’s Al’s long and honoured career as quickly an author, syndicated radio resulting characteristics isofknown the rig.fishing. influence onon the sport ice asurface strong advocate for affordable, In 2024 the Ontario B.A.S.S. Nation held the “Hank Gibson influence the sport of ice fishing. opt for no-stretch superline to promote d commonly on a path that resembles the right angle of a 45-degree on your outboard Dr. Steven Cooke is a professor Jeff & Jason Matity windshield! long and honoured careershow as author, &guide, TV fishing host, this gear ratiotrips because it offersAl’s better control and fishing known, is an aangling multispecies best known for hisshow influence on host, video producer, fishing tackle manufacturer, HeHe can bebeprefer booked for guided at: accessible forsyndicated all!angler Davidradio (Continued on page 52.) can booked for guided trips at: Provincial Qualifier Tournament” on Lake Temiskaming out of If the mood of the fish that you’re on ever goes super negative, triangle.

What you’re trying to accomplish instead, is straining The 1990 Bassmaster Classic held in Richmond, Virginia on the and Canada Research Chair at extreme lure action, but when the water’s motor if you video producer, fishing guide, tackle manufacturer, lecturer and champion tournament “After that, the YUM Dinger expanded the sport of ice fishing.

He can be booked for guided trips at: retrieval speed balance, to historically-popular slower lecturer bbro@paulbunyan.net ororcompared brosguideserand champion tournament angler has spanned 35 years ofa loves sharing his vast fishing knowledge and stories with anglers of bbro@paulbunyan.net brosguideserVisit our YouTube Channel the City of Temiskaming Shores.

From that event, 8 boaters and 8 specific horizontal zone within the water column, each time you Carleton University (www.fecpl.ca). there are a few things to try before abandoning them to locate more Ilure have an AFTCO rainsuit and, the Canadian rain, am could seeI spanned partdry cold, I persona prefer To comparatively either setup, addeven a theinangler James River wasmono. not Barricade only notable for having first inor 35the the with the has years ofrevolutionary the most revolutionary years in sportfishing. vice.com. bbro@paulbunyan.net or brosguideservice.com. all ages, beginners andyears pros alike! vice.com. in sportfishing. ratios. &most SUBSCRIBE for FREE!!

He is also a Science Ambassador bring it back to the boat. co-anglers have qualified to compete at the 2025 B.A.S.S. Nation as a cork.

I know I am not the only one who fishes in inclement aggressive fish.

If the fish are proving to be super tight-lipped, all of it your in small barrel swivel and about 16 inches of lighter, more buoyant 5” YUM Dinger it.

Fishing in his 17th consecutive Bassmaster Classic, Rick Clunn ocarbon to minimize Heavy hair jigs or jigheads tipped with (Outlier Trout Tactics continued from page 30.)

Ashley will sometimes tip her spoons and small jigs with live wax for #Keepemwet Fishing.

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The biggerfor and The 2025 B.A.S.S. Nation Championship will be held on catch big fish. it’s trolling Gord added, “If we’re fishing the changed when Zman produced the Zero worm, made t cold, boating traffic otlive Years ofas taught thatbest.

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Just Fishing 15 Fishing Spring 2025.. 23 Just

Science of Catching & Cooking Fish

OO

n our Doc Talks Fishing podcast, we pride ourselves on breaking down technical fisheries science to help anglers understand their quarry. Usually, that means tracking telemetry data, analyzing spawning genetics and decoding foragebase dynamics. But recently, we sat down to explore a different kind of science – the chemical and thermal transformations that happen after a fish goes into the livewell or cooler.

To break down the science of cooking fish, we interviewed our good friend and fishing buddy, Cameron Tait who is also a goldmedal-winning World Culinary Olympic chef.

Cameron’s an elite culinary mind who has spent four decades in the hospitality industry. He is also a die-hard angler who clocks tripledigit days on waters like Lake of the Woods and Lake Winnipeg.

What follows is a fascinating analysis into the culinary physics, biochemistry and structural mechanics of fish preparation, framed around the best moments from our masterclass interview.

If you want to stop destroying your hardearned catch and start elevating your kitchen and shore-lunch game to Olympic standards, read on.

Let’s start with the core biology, Cameron.

We’ve all prepared different meats, but fish muscle tissue is fundamentally different from beef, poultry, or pork.

By: Liam Whetter & Gord Pyzer From a culinary science perspective, connective tissue is incredibly fragile and what makes fish so unique when it melts at much lower temperatures than land animal collagen. comes to heat and preparation?

Cameron: When you deal with hoofed animals or birds, you are managing massive networks of dense connective tissues – specifically collagen and elastin.

These meats undergo rigour, require

A fish is at the absolute absolute peak of its structural and flavour quality immediately after harvest, when the meat is completely relaxed. Within 8 to 12 hours, rigour mortis sets in and tightens the flesh. There is nothing biochemically superior to taking a freshly caught fish and putting it straight into a pan on a shorelunch island.

Because fish flesh is so delicate, the handling window in the boat is critical. Walk us through your exact boat routine from the second a keeper hits the net to when it hits the kitchen.

Do you immediately bleed them? Put them on ice?

Keep them in the livewell?

Cameron: I follow a highly

rigid, five-step protocol in my boat. I always carry an electric filleting knife, a heavy-duty cutting board, extensive aging processes (sometimes 45 to 60 days for high-end beef) to allow scissors, Ziplock bags, and a cooler packed natural enzymes to break down the tough with ice. muscle fibres and develop complex If I am keeping smaller, prime-eating flavours. walleye, they go into the livewell with the Fish is the exact opposite. Fish muscle aerator pump continuously running to refresh fibres (called myotomes) are short and held the water. Exactly thirty minutes before we together by thin, highly delicate sheets of head back to the boat launch, I perform a critical step: I take my scissors and cut the connective tissue. fish right in the throat area behind the gills, Because fish live in a buoyant environment, severing the main arterial line. I leave them in their muscle structure doesn’t need to the running livewell to bleed out completely support heavy skeletal weight, meaning their while the heart is still pumping.

(Continued on page 18.)

Just Fishing . 16

Summer 2026

(Slip Float Refresher cont. from page 12.)

(A Spring Smorgasborg continued fromfrom page 17.)16.)

(Dailing-In Depth Control for Walleyes continued from page 7.)

(ASimcoe Soft for Walleyes continued from page page 11.)

(Baits youSpot need to have tiedCooking on continued 16.)

(Science of Catching & Fish continued page

“Pay careful attention sonar locatewith andon catch walleye When you’re out Laker-Whitefish grounds and you see fish IfYears it’sto windy, sometimes the swimbait This rigged a Scented ago, I never used to bleed my fish, but after doing Aut hor Tim Alla to the bobber, its rd feeding off the surface from the many insect hatches that occur gets(Sidebar) aShadZ littleonmore attention.

Itolikea to use scattered relatingfor Jerk isflats, d-e-a-d-l-y side-by-side tests, the results are night and day.

Liam asked with A Dro p-S hot in spring, you and can these are probably Lakers thetheSlim SwimZ on rest theaassured Smeltinator weedline, or stationed on sand that condition casting, strolling, jigging and what me about the specific flavour and visual differences, and it DO WALLEYE SCENTS MAKE SENSE? Wa lley e whether it’s over 70-80 FOW Using forward facing sonar (Target Walleye Report continued from page 52.)

Underspin, which gives itor anot. little “If fishing summer (10you’re Mistakes You Need tojust continued from page 17.) for walleye. bar, to name just aFixfew areas.

(The Serge in Forward Facing Sonar continued from page 18.) it’syou’re doing,” Nelson comes down to aren’t structural aesthetics and chemical purity. like a Garmin LiveScope can spot these cruisers from different look. spots and they You’re making asetup mistake ifyou not using spot-lock to hold the boat inonhelp for working shallow structure there is... perfect fish-attracting wiggle and Hit Bassmaster Elite Series competitors posting photos and video How you set the hook depends its size, diameter and thickness an Bleeding clears out the residual blood from the capillaries (Burbot Beyond Belief continued from page 42.) there, start fishing the also aA good distance soft-plastic’s profile “Smaller fish spawning shoal, itself, these guardian fish fast some great fall colours like ‘fire tiger’ and ‘crawdad.’ soft baits infused with That is tiponi on their social media pages ofsharp, multiple ofscent. these transducers place, cast the rig over to fish, when it plastic isOn small, thin and razor asaid. smart sweep of the rod (What’s Hot Ice continued from page 37.) sand.

As the transition is within the flesh.

Visually, the meat becomes highly away.

We’ve comes into play.

Switching As athat general rule, you’re using yourwill for weeks and weeks, never leaving theaopaque eggs,” I incorrectly categorized these the clear message from Pure Fishing’s their boats, ithad hasif made me consider if– I’m making mistake? all isBB required to nab every fish. peck at you and and watch the float for a bite.

FLX-30 flasher/ fish finder featuring 7 frequencies from 160 getting underway, it’s still “Another option, would be avoiding the negative effects of the turnover by from a bulky bait to a thin and brilliantly white, eliminating any dark impurities or blood some productive explained Paragamian. electronics to watch your bait and see burbot as spawned-out or immature We’ll see how the season goes.

Dr. Keith Jones, who invented PowerBait and has to 300 kHz, 140 interference rejection options, target ID down Simple, right? common to find walleyes tryingmales. to findFinally, a lake that hasn’t turned yet, or one that already has and had might notwine, takelemon, the to it became clear that profile may be preparing alldisplat, fun days catching fish, you should try tothat’s always keep pools.

Ifless. you are aDay highly delicate white carefully studied how fish use their sensory channels.

1/4”, Digital depth & Night display settings, Battery in 15’ or a week or 2 to settle down.

The first ones to go are the shallow lakes as FISH FOR WHATEVER IS BITING these big burbot couldn’t be spawned non-spawning guardian fishdon’t stayso on any the needed to low-battery stay inall the strike Lakers on Lucky your minnow baits above the fish, make My opinion on ofalert, this is that it’s okay toyou have and catch bobber under, you and butter sauce, a“So, clean, bled fillet ensures get In order to determine if should eat something, Jones status & 3it power level settings & fun zoom zones. they have less mass and cool quicker...

There may be as much as 2 weeks SHARP-SHOOTING out males. This group were fullshoal, defend territory, and fast to the point ofnew zone longer and get more more fish.

Embrace the technology, learn from it and teach Craft jerkbaits or them swim itmessage and for Plus Vexiar’s exc;usive broad band Ice-Ducer transducer &taste float, 12 iron-heavy, back tastes from blood cells. difference – or more – as4 to when itBaffling, all begins and ends.” walleye has to touch it,trapped smell it, and “They startatofor move outwork to I says received ametallic from a reader last fall about catching bi need to watch for grown fish, over pounds. near starvation.

Why?” I wondered out loud.

STRATEGIES anglers how to use it.

I had several days last year where I had kid bites.

Getting this right Screw Pointers itmore a little bit.

If you’re simply volt, 9 amp-hour, Vexilar Lithium battery, fully automatic charger, open-water areas at smallmouth, largemouth and northern pike.

He had been unsuccessfu it.

He also says oil-based scents don’t work, as fish their gonads were tiny, pinkish, “Well, do most organisms on earth dothey in the boat with me and Iwhy showed them it key works, then this to protect your trumps picking the “perfect” Soft carry case, adjustable rod holder, external power posts for when they casting, tryfeeding to hit the sweet first... sliding out around incan hisPack efforts and asked if I’d help him zero inhow on the depth.

I flippe only detect water soluble odours.

Lastly, Jones And what about the physical storage?

I know you have a ribbon-like, under developed.

“Once fish are deep, they’re not BASE and YOUR FALL CRANKS ON WATER outrageous things in the name of procreation?” were almost glued to my side for the rest of the day, watching accessories and custom Vexilar tackle box. For more information, profile of A plastic, in my book. up high!

Screw spots, like the tipaasking of apoor point, aspecies, deep water: that him back asandbars note what in particular, he was targeting. H offering.” says walleye specific scents are better than forage Was this the group of fish that Sam horror story about livewell management. retorted Paragamian.

“One word: hormones. very boat shy.

I use a technique the screen.

They didn’t want to put their bait in the waterIt’s unti visit: https://www.vexilar.com come out from shore and replied is .... “All oforthem.”

Pointer Lucky windblown cove a mudline. also called males? I’mTEMPERATURE not sure; but, (shad, nightcrawler) based elixirs.“The foundation in primarily light and temperature, as well as other they saw a fish! some call sharp-shooting,” Pugh Noteworthy here is the tactic drop tobass deeper sandlove to Craft’s version of Both andwater, walleye about 80 percent of the fish that son, Northland’s Glo-Shot Spoons arecues a I Baits killer on crappies, perch, our walleye impregnated Power represents the environmental that cascade ofas Cameron: Oh, it was athose total disaster. fished withthe aforgentleman flats, sand points and sand of casting 4and 5-inch Now, there is no question that when you arebegin fishing walleye, said.

“I might spend atrout. half hour ey fall trollers – water temps are finally starting to dip!

Instead up on mudlines on aset spy bait!

Ben, and I harvested in 2008 were walleyes, pike and Cast or vertically jig... the S-curve hormones causing this behavior.

There must be All of that being said, there is some responsibility amongst angler “meat and potatoes that appeals to most predatory on a searing, humps. case in point, that may catch a bonus smallmouth, largemouth o of tying on any “males”. ol’ crankbait, did you know you can use water looking, swimbaits fora30-plus walleye.

Here then half you hour to 45 minutes fishing.” breezy days. these, so called, design and light, lead-free construction utilizing live sonar to not exploit the fish by catching and keeping a mechanism by which they ‘know’ it is time to fish,” says Jones.

“But then we spike it with walleye northern pike.

Maybe even several.

But is it a huge mistake to assum temp to tell you which exact styles to run. day.is using adegree popular strategy excels with twitches, liftscompletely. and where falls.

One of summer the too many ormost even by catching many inlearned deep water, leave before their bodies give out “Walleyes begin to move deeper astoo water temps drop toward turnover specific enhancers.

Things we’ve that it will happen and thus, goGlo-Shot fishing without afish specific species in mind. ® At the end of the day, Sticks boost fish attraction heavy 1/2and 3/4-ounce jig Dr. Vaughn Paragamian... Science Bridges the Gap Finally, make sure you rig your fun fish to catch Sharp-shooting’s anso). assertive fishing style.

It fish relies primarily on 0 they can’t be released.

Crappies are susceptible Bottom long asespecially the fat reserves inChange their F or Instead ofas looking for to be on top of to (begins at 62like Brad Hawthorne’s logged a zillion hours pulling cranks in the fall, so walleye best.”

Lake Simcoe Guru, John Whyte doing the heavy in line, low-visibility situations. he simply drained heads to keep the bait near bait up straight on the jig head. on Lake Simcoe exploitation because they group up in large schools and they or down-view sonar tohold getup, directly over walleye, thenconditions. quickly liver they can stay.” structures, look deeper.

I use to accompany the Conservation Officers andtofisheries technician I sought out Dr. Vaughn & in 2D it’s the first thing I asked himParagamian about when from I hadthe the Idaho chanceFish to hop Glo-Shot Stick colours match lifting with a Lake Simcoe Northern Pike! his livewell, threw the floor.

Going heavy helps If it’s not perfectly straight, it’s inalmost the spring isfor the ® always suspend atTip least a few feet above the bottom soasoft they who worked me andpresentation we would pull alongside and cree Game Department who had this to say: “Those fish are ‘nondropping a fast-sinking while staying over fishdo using with live bait oranglers IMPULSE his boat: Northland Glo-Shot a dark travel tarp keep the presentation near going to twirl, twist your line are very easy to spot on these electronics.

Northern Pike!

“They will be in spots like the sharper breaks or on mid-lake humps Ditto, in the spring or anytime for that matter when walleyes survey.

I was always amazed when the folks in the boats were aske Non-Breeders On Duty – feature.

More Bark breeders’. Eelpout, like sturgeon, do not all spawn every plastics.

Glo-Shot Spoons are available Spoon the main engine or a trolling motor’s spot-lock Jiggingin bottom, while still allowing for a steady retrieve toin activate the that top out at perhaps 20’, rather than 15’, or in holes soft-bottom over the boat, and and not look natural.

It takes what they were fishing for and they replied .... whatever bites.

They are generally super aggressive at this time while they’re 1/16-, 1/8and 1/4-ounce weights, with year. Individuals rest on alternate spawning are roaming the flats, feeding on yellow perch and whacking Than Bite He seasons.” always starts early Raps, bladebaits, and drop-shots are popular artificial choices, but Gussy If the fish start to disappear, we’ll see more shows flats where depth drops from 15’ to 20’. red treble hooks in #12, #10 and #8 sizes, respectively.

Hooks are a minno w works plastic’s boot-tail, cover water and trigger reaction strikes. some practice to get these baits for trying to bulk up and recover from the rigors of the spawn!

They we drove two hours fall with #5 Rapala crawler harnesses.

Scented soft plastic crawlers almost arigged slip float has long been the gold standard for live-bait tactics and Finally, knowing the purpose of non-breeders’ attached via dual split rings for added action and fewer lost fish. rules and regulations that nobody wants, so both walley To be successful, you have to focus in on a specific species, learn e & bass.

So why are resting fish active on the spawning grounds, up perfect, butmore it’s40 worth grow to that trophy plusbigger inch range and can belive over 20 plus a Shad Raps ‘cuz they’ve also home. consistently catch and walleyes than crawlers presence territorial egg guarding – explains Glo-Shot Sticks are non-toxic, easy to activate and glow inseasona vivid often called “power corking” or “power bobbering”.

“Walleyes become more selective about where they stage.

They take care of the fish and have some fun out much as possible about its lifestyle, habits, behaviour and I wondered?

DON'T OVERLOOK DROP-SHOTTING caught more fish than lbs. taking the time to do it right.

Cooks Bay ishours. probably home to the largest number oflure pike on owing to the fact that the perch and panfish can’t nip, snip, colour for eight They are light enough not to affect action why, as individuals or as a mob, they shun generally locate on a spot-on-a-spot.

For example, if they’re on a preferences.

Then you need to use the information to select prim there. any other bait in his Lake Simcoe.

At this time, they can beinvade found inbethe lower end of squeeze or otherwise pull them apart.

So you spend the bulk An enclosed, and are also great for lighting up a variety of bobbers, hooks and jigs. every living creature that dares their claim.

Ciscoes mid-lake hump with scattered boulders, they will on the boulders. locations, the best lures and optimal presentations.

To otherwis I’ve written about the potency of NEDSTER drop-shotting in Just Fishing “Eelpout rest only as far as gamete production is concerned. while Unlike Pugh’s boat…especially half-hour timeline refers tohooks. aspawning large biteatdowindow the bay adjacent tofishing where they just finished last SHAKE THAT of your time fishing, notdark, re-baiting your If all rock, look for the patch of sand.

If all sand, look for the rockpile. are their primary antagonist, the target of the non-breeders’ disdain uncooled livewell is to take a shot in the which almost always misses theice! mark Editor’s Note: Jeff Gustafson grew up on the before, but it bears mention again.

A drop-shot is excellent for sturgeon that avoid spawning activity during their resting year, the water temps are 60- courtesy ® of decent numbers of walleye.

At the other end of the They will eventually start moving out to the first drop-off and if The Rattlin’ Puppet Minnow from Northland brings the noise with shores of Lake of the Woods in Kenora, Ontario.

Leave the hail Mary passes to the last minute desperation plays and fury.

0 entire eelpout population participates in 65 theF.yearly one keeping under arattle dark tarp arigbait atbeen a specific depth off bottom because you canitsfo The Ned has popular for about a decade.

If you haven’t Bumpspawn, up to in a #6 a glass and audible carry through water, all without killing power corking spectrum is waiting a minute or two when hovering there happens to bemore fresh weed growth that’s even better!

“Because and walleyes upthere, onisthese fewor spots, more He made his living in the community football teams.

It ishas the same thing when walleyes want aexperimenting leech minnow form or another. Many males and females are mature non-spawning control themore length ofathe tagfishing end.

The key with or #7 as temps reach the used it, you have surely heard of itshow in the past.

It is adeep small, straightacts exactly like famous action.

Anglers Any weedlines that you can find with access to water can since he was a teenager as a tournament angler, and more of the lake holds no fish.

It’s easy to be skunked if you over an individual fish or smaller pod.

If things don’t happen fast, Stakeouts with my AQUA-VU revealed ciscoes making forays to towed behind a single hook harness.

Day in and day out, when fish with underdeveloped gonads, easily mistaken as spent or lower end of that scale. its length. tailed worm, rigged up on a mushroom style jig head.

It’s a plain, have long noted the greenhouse.

By the guide, outdoor writer and fishing promotor.

In don’t pay attention to subtle differences on the structure.” be a hotspot!

There is a good population of Northern Pike found the bottom to gobble up eggs and then retreat, vertically, to just up and head to the next spot. immature males when cleaned. Only under a microscope slide, reel panfishlooking abound, youit’swill catch as many or minnow more walleyes BELIEVE THE DOCKTALK benefits of vibration boring rig but a great crayfish, bug and imitator 2019 he joined the Bassmaster Elite Series time we into theharnesses driveway, theGeorgina ambient inside Kempenfelt Bay, Barnstable Bay, Island & Virginia below thebacked ice. When so incensed, frenzied ciscoes will attack lake be57-62 seen 0in of females and spermatozoa Oncecan the oocytes water hits F –the andovaries the weather is cooperating – he’ll putin in trolling single hook dressed withtemperature athe scented, softin and additional sound When walleye are hugging bottom and you’re vertically fishing, that simply catches fish. and has found some success chasing bass around United States, that livewell had skyrocketed so high that the fish were literally males,” revealed Paragamian. troutsized jigs.

On a united front basis, burbot chase allon BIG ol’ bent-lip #9 Shallow Shad Raps. Everything is going shallow Beach!

I will never forget interviewing Kevin Van Dam, the angle their baits, as fish cue on plastic leech or minnow as you will the real deal.

You may not try anywhere from a 6 towin 18in inch tag end below thewinningest hook.

When Northland Rattlin’ including an Elite Series 2021 and a Bassmaster Classic win in FLOAT RIG DETAILS Visit – – comers away from the bottom.

But, because they won’t leave their Puppet Minnow and putting the feedbag on, including perch this size…. par-boiled.

They smelled deeply off, gross, and completely in bass fishing history, immediately prior to one of his four Bassmaste auditory clues to both help feel quite asretrieving many bites as your beside you, 2023.

In between competing in thealive-bait-buddy U.S. tournaments, youto can usually casting and or drifting drop-shot, need consider There are times when the minnow baits shine, you likeciscoes’ when fish arebut in During our conversation I shared that many of these non-breeders “The eggs, they won’t chase vertically.

This makes the them locate and target Classic victories.

He had sequestered himself, miles away from Consider signing up to receive FREE easiest way to do the whole thing is with a jig head,” deteriorated.

I had to throw all four walleyes directly into the find him around Lake of the Woods, fishing for all species, all year round. you will put as many or more fish into the boat.

And at the end the angle of the line and use a longer dropper.

Here I may go asth deeper water and really focused on siege eating minnows, butits a lot of the wereJointed very emaciated with and shrunken, game plan nearly perfect and their is relentless.

Original Minnows aresunken one ofeyes, his reduced favouritegirth overlooked fall Nelson prey of all kinds.

The Rattlin’ Puppet Minnow still sports trademark tournament venue, at his brother-in-law’s house.

When I asked Youthe can catch up with Gussy on social media atmy and said.

“If aren’t shy and are it,as75 percent ofhim trash.

It broke my heart.

You must maintain a@gussyoutdoors strict cold chain. of day, that isfish the only thing that ever matters. as 12 inches for inactive walleye to eating as long 36 inches for time, the Ned rig is the deadliest weapon in boat.

I have won 0 Target Walleye/Ice emails pale-coloured an individual willthe eat short action, darting and swimming like a dying minnow, which triggers F range non-breeder and fish are on trolling baits when livers. temps “Although are in the 50-57 why, he said ....

“To avoid the dock talk.” on hisactive website www.gussyoutdoors.com. time that’s what I run.

A jig keeps hook awayon from the more fish cruising several feet offthe bottom.

(Continued page In the heat ofat: the summer, warm lake water pumped into44.) a for the example, without anywill available food on the the (Continued on page 20.) chew.chum Theyon runbottom, 5-7’ outta package, but Brad pinch on a small rig and prevents tangles.”

DOUBLE TROUBLE livewell will degrade fish muscle rapidly. splitshot up above the bait to get ’em down to the 8-10’ range.

Minnows, finesse swimbaits and finesse worms anywhere from other place soft crawlers, leeches and minnows 3The to 4.5 inches greatplastic options for drop-shotting.

If you haven’t Frigid temps: Original Floaters are tough to beat. Brad’s caught fish on Do what Gordare does: Bop the fish on the head and bury them excel, especially tipped to a jig, is in rivers.

And the stronger A float with a brass-eye grommet ’em in water as cold as 42 degrees. #PolarPlungeStatus More details tried Berkley MaxScent soft-baits, put them on your shopping list. directly in the a large cooler loaded crushed ice. you and faster current, theencourages better with theyfast, shine.

Indeed, on many smooth lineWhen flow. straight from Mr. Fall Cranky himself in this video. (https://www.

My favourite hook these days is a 1 or 1/0 VMC Neko Rig hook. fast flowing rivers, wise walleye anglers will “double up” and get home, the fillets will be firm, pristine, and look exactly like youtube.com/watch?v=RLYu8tPpv8U) “bulk jigs using two soft plastic dressings. lkup” their adiscount they caught two minutes ago.

We Twere Don’t the importance of depth control The Store Where You’re #1 this season. Get s ie c e p S ll A bait your at the right depth and keep it there, and you’ll catch Fish Your FALL WALLEYES LOVE SAND The set up is first threading onHeadquarters a 3-always to 5-inch long soft of classic Rideau River Fishing The of latewalleye. great chef, Anthony Bourdain maintained loads plastic minnow so thetargeting hook is spring exitingWhitefish out the back of Trout, the bait. while or Lake thatOccasionally simplest theofhardest to execute perfectly.

•the have worms & allissizes Then aWe second softfood plastic minnow is•attached to the hook by Wide Selection of Tackle you run into the lunch bonus seems Burbot!!!! his can be a frustrating time of year to track down a limit of tasties.

A traditional Canadian shore simple, but it is About the Author: minnows year round running the point under the jaw and out the nose. (By the way, Fish are on the move, but they’ll be migrating to predictable areas incredibly easy mess up. of attaching a second river will nose Allard is to a simple full-time, Iinstead try toTim keep things whenminnow, it comes to lures andrats presentations • some Bam Custom Plastics • “Big” Jim’s Hand-tied Bucktail Jigs and eventually schooling up hard. hook a small crawler award-winning outdoor journalist for Pike but oneplastic important pieceoroflizard.) equipment that you must use is and author/photographer of theultimate How do you approach the shore lunch?aremeasuring Nelson prefers a leech in summer.

When walleye fussy, he some form of leader.

A Stringease titanium tippet/leader HOURS: Ted Takasaki, Scott Richardson and Greg Bohn combined forces to book, Ice Fishing: The Ultimate There is method to this madness because when you double switches from a jig a more finesse and free swimming on from–6-12” is sufficient.

These tippets consist ofleech a 20-30 give us and Yoda some fall-transition secrets. Full write-up archived anywhere MON. FRI. 8 AM – 7 PM Guide.

He’s a regular contributor up this wayBourdain’s you’re offering the walleyes a much bigger and albs.

4 or 6 octopus hook.

This is presented below 12 to 18 inches of Cameron: passing me deeply; hethere was titanium wireAmerican attached to aaffected Fastach snap only and is here, few excerpts below: totest numerous North SAT. & SUN. 8 AM – 6 PM more attractive package without adding a ton of extra weight, 10-pound fluorocarbon tied toarea perfect swivel. for Above on low-stretch, no swivel it. These tippets such as the incredibly passionate, unapologetic, andjerkbaits knowledgeable. print andon online publications. considerably more tail wag and action and twice the bouquet “Baitfish will only stay in weeds as long as they’re very green. Once 10-pound Lucky Craft Lightning Pointers that I like to use when targeting monofilament is a 1/8to 1/4-ounce egg sinker, large His philosophy on simplicity applies perfectly.

From panfish to northern pike, 1019 River Road Manotick, ON weeds start to die off... baitfish and walleyes start to leave those float, Pike.

Normally adding a regular wire leader in front of a jerkbait if you’re using scented baits. bead, and a bobber stop.

Tim fishes whatever he can,

6 #6

3

H H

7 #7

www.targetwalleye.com

MANOTICK BAIT Fishing / Hunting

4

T T

(613) 692-LINE (5463)

whenever he can. info: manotickbaitsupplies@hotmail.ca (Continued (Continued on page 15.)

(Continuedon onpage page14.)

20.)

shallow-water weed areas.

2023 18 14 818 Just Fishing .. 12 JustWinter Fishing Fall 2020

Just Fishing . 21

Spring 2024 .. 38 Just Fishing Fishing 18

Just Fishing 43 Spring 2022 Just Fishing .. 53 Summer 2023 Spring 2024 2026 2022 2025

For the oil, I highly recommend grape seed oil. It is incredibly neutral, flavourless, healthier for your heart, and possesses an exceptionally high flashpoint.

(Science of Catching & Cooking Fish cont. from page 18.)

The secret to an elite shore lunch is twofold: meticulous preparation and absolute thermal control. I do all my vegetable chopping and base prep the night before, packing everything into individual Ziplock bags inside the cooler.

Years ago, I filmed a shore-lunch tv special with Bob Izumi. I told him upfront: “Mr. Izumi, we are absolutely not doing a traditional deep-fried shore lunch today.” Heavy, grease-laden fried fish leaves you completely lethargic, sluggish, and wanting a nap by 2:00 PM when you should be targeting big fish. Instead, I onions, and sautéed them to draw out created an Italian Walleye Stew right on their natural sugars and sharpness.

Next, I added fire-roasted tomatoes, kosher the rocks. salt, black pepper, and fresh basil, bringing The scientific error most anglers make is the entire aromatic base to a robust simmer. dropping their delicate fish into the pan first. It completely destroys the structural Only when the sauce was fully built integrity of the meat. Instead, I heated olive did I nestle the fresh walleye fillets into oil in a pan, added garlic, peppers, and the liquid and pop the lid on.

In exactly seven minutes, the thermal energy of the simmering sauce gently poached the walleye.

It was incredibly clean, healthy, and bursting with vibrant flavour.

You can do the exact same thing using a Thai coconut milk broth with ginger, garlic, and vermicelli noodles.

But what if folks want that classic, crispy cornflake or breaded shore lunch? You taught me a massive secret regarding heat management and the physical dryness of the fillets.

Cameron: If you are frying,

proper heat management is an absolute law of physics. If you are cooking over an open wood campfire, you must be patient.

Never put your pan over raw, raging, active flames. Let the fire burn down into a deep bed of uniform coals. Pull a stable layer of those hot coals off to the side of your fire pit to create a dedicated, controllable cooking hearth with steady, predictable residual heat.

Just Fishing . 20

The biggest mechanical mistake anglers make when breading fish is applying coating to wet fillets. People think moisture helps the flour or breadcrumbs stick. In reality, surface water reacts with flour to cause instant gelatinization. It turns into a gummy, clumpy, thick paste. When dropped into the oil, that excess water vaporizes violently, blowing holes in the crust and creating a greasy, soggy coating that tastes like deep-fried raw flour.

You must press your fillets firmly between heavy paper towels until they are bonedry to the touch. Drop the dry fish into your seasoned flour or cornflake wash, and firmly tap the fillet to shake off every single bit of excess, loose coating.

You want an ultra-thin, uniform microlayer of starch.

To test if your oil is at the perfect frying temperature without a thermometer, use the classic chopstick method.

Submerge the tip of a dry wooden chopstick or wooden skewer into the heated oil. If the oil is too cold, nothing happens. If it’s at the perfect frying window (around 350°F to 375°F), you will see instant, steady, tight little bubbles streaming rapidly up the wood. If it starts smoking, you’ve pushed past the flashpoint and need to back the pan off the coals immediately.

Drop the dry, lightly tapped fillet into that perfectly heated oil, and the starch will crisp up instantly, sealing the exterior and allowing the internal moisture of the fish to gently steam the meat inside a perfectly light, crunchy shell.

When we bring fish home to our kitchens, we have access to full spice racks and precision appliances. Yet, people still mess it up by trying to mask the fish.

(Continued on page 22.)

Summer 2026

est, Great Lakes Rain Bibs and waterproof

areBefore there?

Well, the day I11.) interviewed Ned, I skimmed noots Case of for Emergency Brake Glass continued from page 9.) 20.)

(Punchin’ Donkeys from page (Science of Swamp Catching & Cooking Fish continued from page The Walleye Storm thecontinued Calm continued from page 24.) with midweight socks.

subject a gorgeous lake trout fillet to dry, through the Bass Pro website to see how many Ned Having said that, however, the distinguishing feature of trolling with aggressive oven heat, those precious oils My all-time favourite Texas-rigged plastic is aslow creature baitfinesse from every day around deep structure andmasterpiece cover, Let’s talk about your absolute recipe Rig products Ifrom could find.

Iusing found 111moving Ned-named (Girls Rule...

Boys Drool... continued page 49.) ead core is that it is highly speed dependent.

I like to troll slowly The big thing for me is a hoodie and the down and leak right out of the fish, “Guys, this articlebreak is meant to be a light-hearted Z-Man, the Palmetto BugZ. Palmetto isall bulkier yet still presentations that relycompletely heavily live bait.not But include itBugZ is rarely the bestjig strategy products… andonThe that did sizes – the one that revolutionized how I the nduring the fall, at speeds generally between 1.50and 2.0 miles-an-hour, Whitewater Torque heated vest,” offers leaving behind white, coagulated albumin Little Anna was granddaughter ofcover. some fromtheMoose summer peak period. streamline enough tothe snake through Itcares isfolks salt-impregnated and body colours!

Butmost really, who when Ned jab at our over-inflated egos and identify why cookthe red-fleshed fish like salmon, lake trout and depending on the water temperature and stage of the season), so if I prengel.

Jaw, There were three anglers in the group. proteins on the surface and a dry, name body is creating a plethora ofvibrations, premium light-line and hasSaskatchewan. a ribbed whichsuch provides more traps air speckled trout. women are favourite clients to guides likechalky peed up or slow down – even slightly – I will fine tune the amount of They been to Last Lake before.

In fact, 9-yeartexture.

“A lot ofhad things work at this timeMountain ofThis the year,” says Mitchell, “including fish catching gear! bubbles andnever holds scent longer. bait has probably accounted myself and others.” ne I let out.

“I wear the vest every old Anna had never cast a rod and reel before.

She was keen and rolling andbig casting crankbaits.

It depends on the specific body of water for more buckets for myself inmornings recent years than any other lure.

Cameron: Cooking is fundamentally about culture, day.

The By poaching the fish directly within a NED & THE FUTURE OF MWF listened well when I taught her how to pick up the line with one hat I am fishing, but I really like swimbaits and paddletails on prairieEmploying ananglers Ultra Tungsten flippin’ weight anywhere from 5/8 oz. history, and structural discipline.

All modern Many lead core also employ long (20to 50-foot) monofilament, are still a bit cool – hot,was richvery Vichyssoise lipids in finger, open the bail of a spinning reel and use her whole body to use lot of slack. Her first day ype lakes.” intense andpurée, I was the pleased up to 2 oz. along with ayou’ll snelled 4/0 Flipping Hook, Thecast incredible durability ofJungle the ElaZtech products technique traces back classic French uorocarbon and gel leaders.

Itocan understand doing that this for with her progress. or getOwner cloud aWestern two-handed tospun toss a 5” Big Hammer swimbait. the butter and cream create an insulation opened the door to what Ned’s newest Frugal package just outright them.

Black Blue Fleck &new California cuisine – the foundations down by legendary ake trout and salmon incatches crystal clear water, but fall walleye in the cover and laid it’s still damp –forso “I remember fishing the summer peak for walleyes inproject, the feeder barrier around the fish. The natural Fishing.

Frugal Fishing is using products and tactics Craw are my 2 masters like Georges Auguste Escoffier.

When I ingy coloured lakes that I typically fish, I have never found that a having the button to engage akes that are connected to Devils Lake.

As Devils Lake kept After casting, I told her to close the bail with her hand before cranking The next day, I askedstarches her if she would to go through from the like potatoes thicken the to get the most out ofkitchen fishing while spending personal was a young apprentice, thethan fiercely 2-the to 17-pound test leader longer about tensession feet or the length thea the casting instructions. the heating element is nice. growing, it flooded and connected aato lot of was shallow wetlands.

Atoffirst, handle.

Finally, I instructed her tell me immediately iffavourites she got She said “no” and I respected liquid, perfectly cradling the delicate the least amount money. fishing more nal Slider when it puts comes to od produces any more fish.

Still, experiment with your leader length if her decision even though militant; utangle. never, ever substituted anSuch ingredient hese wetlands were full small pike, but as they grew bigger in Then I of shut itlotoff when I get wind knot yo or That was aof to remember and to her credit she I expected same follies. myotome structuresthe of the trout.

The mild, r's anglers on the water more often, with quality tackle Slide ou’re spotting fish on your sonar screen but not getting strikes. colour.

The NEW because doing so disrespected the historical lineage size and deeper, we speculated that there were walleyes in them.” did her best to remember all the steps. warm moving around to scout I was wrong. She executed instructions and sweetnesstheof casting the sweated leeks balances Finess success and the healthy enjoyment of only had a hiccup when Gremlin is similar of thee dish.for maximum the wind came up in the afternoon. areas. Once you try the vest, the heavy, rich oil profile of the cold-water Micro outdoors withfavourite the least amount of out-of-pocket Shad And by all means, go with your presentations, they are “At first, wethe started catching them through the ice, but we fish with a if then smaller Most importantly, she remembered tofall let me know, immediately, Onewithout tangle overpowering was all it tookit.for her to refocus and start firing it is one piece of clothing that yeZ jighea expense.

I find this brilliant and feel that Ned’s dwas ifferent from mine, because variety isarsenal. began exploring lakes inwith our boats.

The reminded me of the bait straight out, into the wind with short, controlled casts. if a the problem her line.

It fishing didn’t take long before profile body but Butthere as my career advanced, Iyour realized that culinary science allows won’t leave approach is simple genius, expanding on the purest what you expect on a high endthe fly-in fishing trip appendages to Canada. Best of all, it takes less thanGrandpa he spice ofwould But if you’re having she had alife. tangle, and I went over procedure caught the fishand of the 20 minutes to execute, 10 day minutes more us to blend classic historical frameworks with our local Canadian undamentals of Midwest Finesse fishing.

As mentioned, the newest Huge numbers of stupid and aggressive walleyes that were often over ouble finding and catching fish, and it shutasthe by hand instead ofmycranking the with a classic Last Asto far icebail bibs are concerned, I’ve gently poach to Mountain Lake and should be of that is simply watching it catches.

That is how I developed Hot been Vichyssoise Salmon/ -Man products that Ned is enjoying, rightthe now, are the Micro Finesse wenty-five inches in length.

The fishing was so incredible that we s an emergency, well, then, break the handle since that was what caused tangle.

43” pike.

She was wearing the uninsulated Whitewater Great Lakes perfection in the oven. It is a foolproof, Gold- so excited for deadly as well.

Lake Trout.

Classic Vichyssoise is aall traditional French soup made eads and bodies.

I know they work season long for perch and would anchor in one spot and catch over thirty fish without moving lass and onethe ofleeks, these tactics.

She for whole morningpotatoes, withoutand a tangle dayflawlessly three thatwith she was walking on ibs I went wear in the boat during spring fall and medal standard dish that works from agrab purée of onions, cream, rich butter, walleye in my waters.

You can join me as a subscriber to Ned’s MWF he boat.” and caughtover andmy learned to fightsweatpants, several scrappy, Cloud 9oratsalmon. supper time, around the ournaments base layers, traditionally served completely chilled. adaptation flips the walleye, cold-water pike, crappie, Newsletter your email addressMy at:and nkehde@gmail.com Aboutby thedropping Author – Ned Gord Pyzer: eater-sized pike. campfire. oodie.

That keeps outfit lightweight, script: weso serve it my hot as a rich, silky velvet for pristine, “We caught many walleyes that Iofquit poaching usingwarm, lures with treble hooks, To wrap things up, Cameron, what is your 2009 Inductee, Canadian, Angler Hall ut not too hot – and I can move around really ACCELERATED EVOLUTION fresh salmonoids. into blown mats soFame, IWeed could release theOutdoor fish and my casting hands from getting cut parting advice for the regular Fishing Editor, Canada But, in the afternoon, thefaster wind camesave up and DayJust 3 wasFishing Anna’s day! She literally well,” concludes Sprengel. are trees ing hang over Magazine, Field Editor, In-Fisherman Magazine & Television, Co-Host, up so badly.

I would rig my clients up with a big swimbait and have into the wind became a challengers line-tanglingtoproblem. hadcatch mastered the casting program oday, there areFishing no Guide, real the Ned bass-tackle reader looking at a beautiful on their ng! flippi worth sand In-Fisherman Ice Television, Co-Host, The Real Fishing Radio alway The culinary chemistry here is brilliant.

Land animal fats melt hem cast retrieve it along shallow weed edges.

I would, also, I instructed herperhaps, legs and body to cast hard and low as well as the hook-setting authority xplosion than, the Forward Facing Sonar (FFS) lures. kitchen counter? oypically more Whitewater Fishing visit; Show, Host, Fish with “The Doc”, Outdoor Journal Radio President, atlearn high temperatures, but the oils found in salmon and&leader lake trout tie on Talk aabout two foot long, 30-pound test titanium so I so that the wind could not catch her lure and make a that is necessary with the 5” Canadian Angling Adventures Ltd. (Continued on page 48.) whitewaterfish.com highly and delicate could grab itliquid with gloves Toarepeg or not to peg, this andeven at room temperature. If you swimbait that had a stout 4/0 hook.

Cameron: Never let a cookbook intimidate shake off thebeen walleyes because we has always the age-old The be set on the strike;your but, requires strong, you,hook andneeds stopto over-complicating were catching so many fish. I felt question when it comes steady pressure to move the hook into the food. Cooking isn’t splitting atoms; it’sfish’s an jaw. While she ike a commercial fishing operator may have missed fish or for twothe thatoutdoors. day, I cannot remember. to Texas Rigging. For extension of yourapassion out on the ocean.”

By the entirely end of the Annafield hadcare, claimed the bow of the boat punching, it is imperative Focus on day, pristine respect To listen to the entire A fully dress ed PUNC HIN’ and was firing darts, parallel to the water, into the teeth of the that your bait is pegged in the cold chain, manage your heat source with fascina ting interview with package with an Ultra Tungsten IN THE WEEDS wind.

Herand reward was a 45”quality mo-gator, the buzzer, to order to make sure that it Ultra Punc patience, let the natural of theright fish atCamer on Tate click right h paired with an Owner end the day and the trip. penetrates the Takasaki cover along Like Mitchell, is enam-hook & Z-Man Palmetto BugZ! speak for itself. Do those things right, and HERE. with your flipping weight. oured by the explosion of fresh you will strike gold every single Two very different stories, same spot! The first, the group You can do this Ultraduring weed growth thatwith occurs time you step into the kitchen.

Tungsten Pegs or Stoppers.

I prefer pegs but both will do the job. thought they knew more than the guide... they didn’t,which he summer peak period, when If you’re the Ultra Tungsten his go-tousing presentation many Pegs, insert them into your weight made it doubly difficult to achieve any success. The second, the group Note: that listened worked Editor’s Liam and Whetter is hard to improve, daily. fromisthepulling bottom, is aharness notch in the disk for your line to sit in. days a there crawler Success was achieved on a passionate multi-species angler behind a bottom bouncer at 1 to the day because of always fromfirst Northwestern Ontario, 1.5 “I love when No miles-an-hour. matter how thick a matit is, a bass beneath knows when something chasing the next bite no he weeds break-the cover. Usually, their curiosity their desire to learn andmatter the has fallen form onto aordistinct penetrated season.

He’s all about the pursuit, faith. ine inopportunistic 10 to 15 feetfeeding of water,instinct says will draw them over to the bait. have and from frozen lakes in the dead of he 1998 PWT Champion.

Because of theClassic toughness of Z-Man’s ElaZtech material, it is difficult winter to remote backcountry AboutWith the Author: “But if you’re getting hung to use them with screw lock hooks or add rattles & nail weights to waters. a fascination for Jeff Matitdyhe’s nearly as up andZ-Man’s it is difficult get Snaker the aquatic biology, them.

NEW to Rattle now enables you to add rattles bouncer the vegetation, obsessed with understanding fish as he is with catching them. easily to through your ElaZtech bait addressing that sound factor. With a rattle A Fishing Industry switch to a bullet weight.

Whether it’s big fish, wild places, or the stories that come with them, in your bait, once you’re through the cover and on the bottom, you Professional for nearly his experiences on the water fuel his storytelling, capturing the I’ll also pull shallow running 30 years as a Fishing can shake your bait to help draw fish over.

Rattle Snaker can also AnThe explos ion of fresh weed adventure, work, and everything in between. cranks the nail topsweights of the weeds.

Guide &thePromotional be usedover to add for Neko-Rigging asawell. growth is favour ite of forme r And on a really good weedline, Staffer,Pyzer with isBachelor’s PWT Classic Champion Gord the 2009 Inductee, Canadian, Angler Hall of I’ll stop and toss a jig tipped with a Degrees in both ScienceOutdoor Canada Magazine, Field Editor, To create a different look, you can use Ultra Tungsten’s Punch Ted TakasaUltra ki.

Fame, Fishing Editor, minnow or leech into the pockets.” & Education, Jeff uses this&training in his job as a Fisheries which is a skirted punch weight instead of a regular flipping weight.

In-Fisherman Magazine Television, Co-Host, In-Fisherman Professional & Outdoor Educator (specializing in fishingRadio Ice Fishing Guide, Television, Co-Host, The Real Fishing The Ultra Punch is available in weights all the way up to 1 1/4 oz. and Having several rods rigged is Nussbaum’s summer peak game plan as Show, via family business, GetFishing.ca) to reach out to anyone Host, Fish Talk with “The Doc”, Outdoor Journal Radio & when the skirt flares, it bulks up your bait once it’s through the cover. well, because he says you can catch the fish so many different ways. President, interestedCanadian in learning about fish.

Angling Adventures Ltd. Just Fishing Fishing..50 22

(Continued (Continued on on page page 14.)

27.)

Fall 2024 Just Fishing . 35

Spring 2025 2026 Summer

For the Love of COOKING

COOKING

As a member of the salmon family, trout features a similar but milder flavour profile, but it gets even better. It also provides an excellent source

of Omega 3 fatty acids, vitamin B12, vitamin D and Selenium, which supports a healthy immune system.

ait with Cameron T

Trout’s moderate fat content prevents it from drying out easily, making it ideal for smoking, grilling whole or in this case, pan-searing.

In this recipe, it can be fabricated from fillets or even trimmings and formed into a savory “cake” with just a few common ingredients.

Serve with a light salad and this meal promises to be a light and healthy summertime meal.

SEARED TROUT & POTATO CAKES INGREDIENTS:

(Yield: 4 Servings)

2 lb Lake Trout Fillets, skin & pin bones removed 2 Russet Potatoes, peeled 2 Tsp Kosher Salt 1 Egg Yolk 2 Green Onions, chopped 1 Tbsp Parsley, chopped 4 Tbsp Flour

METHOD:

Kosher Salt & Pepper, to taste 3 Tbsp Butter DILL SAUCE 1/2 Cup Mayonnaise 1 Tsp Dried Dill 1/2 Tsp Onion Powder 2 Tsp Lemon Juice Pinch Salt & Pepper

Thoroughly combine dill sauce ingredients and set aside. Chop trout into very small pieces and place in fridge. Rinse and towel off potatoes to remove excess starch and water. Using a box grater, shred potatoes into a bowl, mix in kosher salt and let sit for 5 minutes. Wrap shredded potato in a towel and squeeze out excess moisture. In a large bowl, add shredded potato, chopped trout, egg yolk, onions, chopped parsley and flour.

Mix well, and season with salt and pepper. Using a large tablespoon, scoop and portion out mixture, roll into balls and press lightly to form 3/4-inch patties. In a large frypan or rectangular skillet placed on medium heat, melt butter and brown patties on both sides in batches.

Keep patties warm in 250°F oven until the last batch is ready. Top with reserved dill sauce and serve with assorted lettuce greens.

Editor’s Note: Cameron is an Avid outdoors person, a competitive angler, 2-time Gold and 3 time Silver medal winning chef at the World Culinary Olympics. Cameron is currently a Hospitality Culinary Analyst at Sysco Winnipeg. Cameron has achieved his Certified Chef du Cuisine, his Red Seal Chef plus his Certificate in Adult Education (CAE). Cameron also writes for Outdoor Canada and In Fisherman magazines.

Summer 2026

Just Fishing . 23

A Top Choice for Walleye, Smallmouth & Pike!

BAITS

By: Jeff Gustafson

N N

ew techniques pop up every season, giving us new ways to catch fish.

Showing fish something they’ve never seen before can be a game changer but sometimes the proven techniques are still the best. In the case of minnow imitators like jerkbaits, swimbaits and the jig head minnow, they all deserve a spot in your tackle box. These three baits are effective for smallmouth, walleye and pike as well as several other species that we have across Canada.

Sometimes we’ll add a size bigger hooks or wrap some lead wire around the hooks to give them a little added weight if we want them to get a little deeper. They are the ultimate reaction bait and they are excellent for covering water.

A Minnow Walleye your baits from a lot farther away than you think so don’t be afraid to fish a jerkbait over top of fish that are 15-20 feet below the surface.

The Shimano Zumverno jerkbait is a deeper diving model that has been one of my favourites the past couple of years.

All of these predator fish that we chase eat minnows so these baits are the ultimate forage imitator. As a tournament angler, I’ve used all three baits in competition but the jig head minnow combo has put over $500,000 in my pocket over the years!

Big pike are suckers for a minnow bait.

Soft plastic minnow baits on a jig head are great for bass, walleye & pike.

Jerkbaits Jerkbaits have been around for decades and their effectiveness remains. We’re now getting baits that cast easier, dive deeper and have more realistic finishes. The most popular jerkbaits are models that suspend, meaning when you jerk them down, they’ll suspend naturally in the water column.

Using jerkbaits for walleyes has become more popular in recent years, especially when they are in shallower water, under 10 feet.

Sometimes they’ll react to a jerkbait twitched over top of them when they won’t bite anything else. Experiment with speeds to see what they like, but generally for me, I’m going to fish them a little slower than I will for smallmouths.

With all three species, I like to use a jerkbait if the wind is blowing.

Wind will make fish a little more aggressive and they seem to bite a jerkbait better than when it’s calm, where they’re more likely to follow If walleyes are on windblown shorelines, the bait. shallow reefs or weed edges, they’ll There are a times when I’m more likely bite a jerkbait. For both smallmouths to pick up a jerkbait when I’m fishing and walleyes, I like the throw them on for smallmouths. When they are lazy a baitcasting combo with 12-pound and following other baits or simply not fluorocarbon. The G. Loomis GLX 822 reacting at all. Sometimes you can fish JBR rod is designed for fishing jerkbaits a jerkbait fast over top of them and get and it’s a beauty. them to react. Other times, just covering water and retrieving with a jerk-jerk-pause Jerkbaits are also my favourite bait to throw for pike in the summer months. cadence works well.

Focus on rocky, main lake structure for the One of the things that forward-facing best shot a big fish. Upsize the baits and sonar has taught us is that fish can see the equipment for pike and fish these baits

(Continued on page 26.)

Just Fishing . 24

Summer 2026

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Just Fishing . 30

(Minnow Baits continued from page 24.)

This combo can be cast and retrieved fast, again, to generate a reaction. Sometimes, if you’re moving slowly, where the tail creates most of them to slow, you’re going to the action to attract fish and trigger them to bite. These baits come in a get more follows than bites. variety of sizes for all species of fish.

We have small two-inch versions we Swimbaits can use for crappie all the way up to The term swimbait can really foot long versions for musky anglers. cover a wide swath of baits, including hard-bodies and a Throughout the season I’ll take a variety of soft bodied baits. bunch of people fishing and these are one of the easiest baits to use for inexperienced anglers because the tail of the bait has all the action.

You can creep them along the bottom and catch fish or reel them high in the water column.

An oversized minnow for pike.

For this column, I’m talking about boot-tail soft plastic baits that can be rigged on a jighead.

Just Fishing . 26

Spring 2026

A Z-man Slim SwimZ is a great swimbait for bass & walleye.

For smallmouths a, I rely on two different swimmers from Z-Man Fishing Tackle. The three-inch Slim SwimZ is a slender bodied bait with a tight subtle nd walleyes action, while the MinnowZ is a fatter-bodied three-inch bait that has a more aggressive action.

(Continued on page 28.)

Summer 2026

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(Minnow Baits continued Just Fishing . 50 from page 26.)

Fallbaits 2021 Again, super easy to use for all anglers and the bigger will put the odd oversized walleye in the boat asOnline well.

I’ll rig these baits up on a 1/4 ounce jig Store head for fishing under 12 feet of water and a 3/8 ounce for fishing deeper than twelve.

The jig head minnow Just Fishing . 42 Spring 2023 I(Walleyes always use a Northland Smeltinator React In Summer Heat continued from page 40.)

WhenThe swimming theminnow top of the weeds, a drop shotoption keepsin thecentral plastic jig head has been a popular Jig for matching up with my swimbaits. tail at the walleyes level all the time.

The swivel on the Gamakatsu Canada long before it blew up for U.S. bass anglers over few more button Minn The lifelike headspushes really my match up Kota well.Ulterra front trolling motor Finesse your straight straight-tailed and your lure theDrop past Shot five Hook years. keeps A three to line seven-inch deploys and is anchored on the spot. This allows us to fan cast which keepsminnow spin to bait a minimum. thehead dropisshot in the plastic attached Pitch to a jig the most Mimic ingo thewith target fishing zone. Sounds easy, right? Just level, soft Most ofMinnows the time I’ll natural minnow same way you would throw a Mimic Minnow or a Rumble Bug. natural of all minnow imitators because of its subtle action. try not toofrun over your walleye Monitor an anchor within a colours, which they offer severalspot. options Cast and let the sinker hit the bottom. With the rod slightly up to reasonable casting but sometimes you distance. can really do well with (Continued page 29.)a Getting fish to swim keep the line tight, roll the reel handle, pull and pause on creating some of the more flamboyant colours if you up to your bait us Sometoschools of fish until you catch them all. Other times, you fleeing-bait action. want have a little funbite with brighter options. keyfish when using catch a handful andbaits the rest away.them When the scoot away, Simply cast these outswim and reel minno w baits.

Iintell my clients, “Time to move!

We don’t need a full pint of blood Summertime heat reaction bites get better. It is surprising how well slowly, keeping them slightly above the the fish bite in extreme heat. I know this because I don’t guide at from oneThey patient. can just takebaits a fewfor drops of blood from a bunch bottom. areWe phenomenal walleye.

One thing you of patients.”

Hint:in“patients” are box schools fish. these soft plastic night and find success during the day. I am a fan of cooler weather want to include your tackle for of fishing baits is some super glue. I always add a drop on the collar of my but I do survive the summer heat with my AFTCO Samurai Hoodie Speaking schools, I like make sure sitting schoolfor of – super thin and very comfortable – along with my Fish Monkey jig heads of when I attach thetoplastic and I’m it will stayon ona there walleye,ofnot rough fish. This is when I deploy my Aqua-Vu HD7 Stubby Guide Gloves and face mask. Summer temperatures can flirt dozens fish. underneath my Lund 219 GL . Then I use a 7’ St. Croix Legend X with 100 degrees and lakes can be calm and glassy feeding you high Medium Fast with 10-12lb. braid they with can a 2-4ft.

For pike, Extra oversized swimbaits areSunline effectiveSX1 because be doses of sun rays. I protect my skin with these types of clothing.

8lb. fluorocarbon I use ayetsmall or back-to-back fished deeper thanleader. a jerkbait, still swivel get a reaction becauseuniof knot to tether the two lines together.

No need to add scent or bait their natural presentation. A six or seven-inch Z-Man DieZelin Good luck on the water! Have fun and most situations.

It is a visualbait strike is triggered.

MinnowZ is a big-bodied withthat a strong action. Attach these be safe! to a 1/2 or 3/4 ounce jig head and you have a bait you can cast About the Author: WALLEYE long distances and fish effectively in UP deeper weeds or on rocks.

Brian “Bro” Brosdahl, is a fishing guide

w w w. b a i t c a s t e r s . c a

Just Fishing . 28 are suspended or in deep cover, I use a Gamakatsu When walleyes

and promoter. One of the most recognized

Summer 2026

concentrate on the moment. She matches the fishing

(Picking up tricks frommedia other fromHare’s page 18.) Ear, stoneflies, and (Minnow Baits continued fromanglerscontinued pageso28.) on are a jighead.

Once electronics, whether you scoping or usingI With social smaller flies like With social media so SIDEBAR: SIDEBAR: experience with their personality and budget.

(Opening Day these Walleye continued from page 2.) learned howboat, to try snap prevalent days, it itwe the 2D sonar for fishing under the to these days, nymphs with a bit of flash make the in the boat.

I’m abuggy believer that putting your bait incan front of fish Iprevalent mentioned earlier how have seen that fish often they’ll naturally start to enjoy them into place, their is easy to get caught up is easy to get caught up keep your bait above the fish.

If you can get (Carolina Rigging for Smallmouth continued from page 42.) difference. iswhile more important sotheof I mid-portions often value finding fish ahead of tend to use of thought bays where weeds see ourwalleyes baits from athe lot farther away than we predatory responses inthings. form reaction strikes.

It’s It’s heavy zinc predatory responses in the form of reaction strikes. heavy zinc themuch fishing side of Mindful Fishing isthe a volunteer initiative andbait it has shapes, durability in the hysteria associated in the hysteria associated fish to swim for your and work forand it a everything else.

There have been days where those have rame fishes great both vertically orwater. when casted, making itbeliefs a ittruly Structures inof deep water, such as humps, are reliable rigging areas. with the use forward-facing sonar.

This combo is frame are emerging in 5 to 10 feet of frame fishes great both vertically or when casted, making a truly been only recently that Christine has been able to GET OUT & FISH with aahot lake orornew bait. floating properties with hot lake new bait. bit, you will get more bites. led me tomore get my butt versatile offering for a anumber species.

For information, Remember, short outings areofrock Berrey likes deep, offshore and shell input 15 to kicked 40 feet, versatile offering for number of species.

For more information, the ultimate bait to use with FFS, because ifbeds you Some folks will even post Some folks will even post helped me catch a lot access some funding to help with the expenses.

“The holding crayfish Theand deepest shell beds are often visit: https://www.northlandtackle.com. however because I seldom stray better than theirplanning visit: https://www.northlandtackle.com.

Ifand you’re to rock release fish, beaching athe minnow inoverstaying front of agobies. fish, there is abegin good chance it’s Once baitfish finish spawning to orleave these areas, the waypoints of popular waypoints of popular more fish.

Development, Natural the most productive.

Drifting a toward Carolina rigcan is three also deadly for river Always make sureMines, that your bait is rigged up interest.

If they’re having from two or colours that Iset Ministry of Northern them on rocks orsettings mud seriously harm going to eat it. walleyes begin shifting locale the first shoreline points I like to take all of the range settings out of auto and set fishing spots.

But if you I like to take all of the range out of auto and fishing spots.

But if you smallmouth, something I witnessed fishing with Chong on LakebeSt. Resources and Forestry The new Magz Goby 3” plastic bait offers ain baitfish (NDMNRF) allows The new Magz Goby 3”soft soft plastic bait offers athe realistic baitfish fun, they’ll want to come nice and straight on the jig. Ifthose it’s bent or twisted always use. them.

Mud gills can extending into the basin, and the first sets ofrealistic shallow offshore know about it, tens ofof know about it,so sodo do tens them inin manual mode.

This keeps the range same allonall them manual mode.

This keeps the same If another angler Francis.

Current breaks proved productive on range our the tripthe and later appearance and action to entice even the most appearance and action to entice even the most back.

And isn’t that the goal? with disabilities toatfish license but what all,without it’s not agoing to swim straight and you fatal, even if the fish swims off reefs, humps and islands in modestly deeper water – places that thousands of other anglers. thousands of other anglers. the so around.

Myby forward range is is the time soit’s it’s never jumping around.

My forward range has confidence in a mytime own outings.

Current breaks are formed obstructions.

These finicky fish.

3” Goby isjumping great forfor both finicky fish.The The 3”never Goby is great both many bites.

Further, the bait will If youdelayed use forward-facing are we doing for won’t those get withasinvisible disabilities “look” more like walleye water. initially mortality is usually set toto 90 feet, which isall about length of aoffull cast. can fishing be bottom fluctuations, or the “walls” as Chong described specific summer &&dramatic winter fishing and for all game usually set 90 feet, which is about the length full cast. summer winter fishing and game Ice isn’t just a for twirl and twist the heck out of yourbait, line. they sonar, you get towing see keep ifafish are like mental health challenges or those on WSIB?” Sharing reliable, guarded, Sharing reliable, guarded, common.

A net helps fish one structure we fished.

Other structures include dams, bars, fish.

Its soft body and active tail bring the fish.

Its soft body and active tail bring the probably had a good Ipastime; move the down range around to fill up the screen with the it’s a tradition in I move the down range around to fill up the screen with the Magz Goby Magz Goby checking out your bait and not insider information with insider information with asks Lapeer.

Focusing on the clinical component out of the mud, shortens the Magz Goby to For more information, contour and channel bends, and Magz Goby tolife! life!

For more experience with it so the making.

It’s time spent water column, meaning, ifinformation, I’m fishing in 20 feet of water, water column, meaning, if islands.

I’m fishing inan 20 feet of water, Finally, avoid thetotemptation to really shake biting, often indicator that Minno one or one ortwo twotrusted trustedfriends friends w baits of this type of therapy, she is trying convince the fight, and speeds up the release. visit: https://magzmfg.com. visit: https://magzmfg.com. outdoors, fostering a love don’t overlook giving get you I’ll probably set my down range between 22 and 25 feet. ver I’ll probably set my down range between 22 and 25 feet. whene fishing kids the Take isis a good thing, but relying a different colour might be yourInjury rod orClinic put too much action into these baits.as a nature, good thing, but patience, relying DETAILS shine when fish It also gives you a safe place to Operational Stress in Kingston to identify fishing DRIFTING for learning it a shot.

I’ve seen it Then adjust as you gogo shallower or or deeper. e.

Then adjust as you shallower deeper. chanc a on second, third and fourth on second, third and fourth better.

Sometimes they want Often holding your rod still and letting the bait The Bondy Bait Company was by Jon Bondy and was The Bondy Bait Company wasstarted started Jon Bondy was focuse d on keep theby fish while youand take a are and creating memories that a recognized form of therapy as forest therapy is. for “Aspeople a licensed work out in “You can drag it effectively and have slow hand accounts ofofdock talk hand accounts dock talk adon’t bait with ahis different profile. swim on the straight and narrow is the most ananoutgrowth of histo fishing guide outgrowth of fishing guide my eating baitfis h last a lifetime.

So grab your quick photo. boat many times the years. psychotherapist, I over am able to access some financial support InIn forward mode, you have some options for setting down or up with the trolling motor, you canplastic forward you have some different options for baits setting Bondy Bait –speed Bondy Bug isis to be avoided atatall costs.

Bondy Bait – mode, Bondy Bug to be avoided all costs. the Flowlet business.

Jon hasare made plastic baits Ifdifferent you getting denied by business.

Jon has made effective Author way toTim getAllard bites.Following But as always, the like cisco. gear, pack some snacks, and goVan with the exact flow of the current,” Savoia said, through the Blue Cross Wellness Fund run through Veteran’s up the transducer.

I“It like to run my transducer in 40 degrees As Dam says, up the transducer.

I like to run my transducer in 40 degrees As Van Dam says, “It since 1989 and, after countless hours since 1989 and, after countless hours the fish you’re after, it’s worth fish youthis what they want. hitspeaking the ice. to the ease of fishing a Carolina rig in current. youwhich get on thetell water make a point to fish with messes with your Affairs helps me take outseason, veterans ondisc the water.” messes with yourhead.” head.”

Steelhead fishing doesn’t have to be complicated.

These (pointing down more) when I’m fishing water orfish more of of hard work, hasdeeper grown the company (pointing down more) when I’m fishing deeper water orare moreWhen hard work, has grown the company changing things up. the clacker add sound, the also protects the new anglers of all skill levels.

Take somebody that might not get “It gets a lot more reaction bites and is a out different to the point where they now have over to the point where they now have over inYou’re the rivers to eat before spawning, so get there and show vertical, under the boat.

When I’m fishing in shallower vertical, under the boat.

When I’m fishing in shallower bead from being shattered by the heavy punching not just taking a kid ice fishing Get minnow baits them. tied go some otherwise and teach enticement than a drop-shot.” dealers.

Jon loves fish, but in hethe 100 dealers.

Jon to fish, but hethetoChristine them some flies!

Fly fishing for steelhead isloves atofun, rewarding water or doing athey’ll lot of casting and higher tungsten weight he uses. water or a100 lot of casting and fishing higher in DON’T BE FIRST IN AND FIRST OUT stresses that she is not a guide but she does put in a DON’T BE FIRST IN AND FIRST OUT – you’re creating adoing day never Before Ifishing started fishing the on the how end of linesgame this That’s thisyour fishing also loves tinkering with new lure also loves tinkering with new lure alternative to conventional gear and might just change how you water column, I like to run it at the 60-degree setting. forget. water column, I likequickly to run itand at stays the 60-degree setting. lot of Heck, time scouting new lakes and fishing spots that she can Bassmaster Elite Series, I works. summer and have someprobably fun out A Carolina rig jig getscombi to bottom infishing thetition you’ll than compe infish designs and with new fishing concepts me won designs and with new concepts has nation & w While sinker’s commotion noise gets a minno The IfAIfstrike-zone you were amongst the very first anglers to Slow Death for you were amongst the very first anglers to fish Slow Death for tial essen From the pointing down position, 40 degree is four are s see these powerful, silver rockets.

From the pointing down position, 40 degree is four of colour fished a different circuit called learn variety bringsomething people to.while “I tryyou’re to teach people to be and independent on the of smallmouth feeding on gobies, crayfish, there! atattention, and techniques.

His latest addition to the lineup, the 1.75” Bondy and techniques.

His latest addition to the lineup, the 1.75” Bondy bait. other any smallmouth’s it’s trailing bait that triggers walleye, Ned Rigs for bass, Bondy Baits for lake trout and big double walleye, Ned Rigs for bass, Bondy Baits for lake trout and big double About the Author –Moontail Daniel Notarianni: n. is seaso the clicks and 60 six clicks. hout and 60 degrees is six thoug ssclicks the FLW Tour andBondy myBud dad and other floor-dwelling forage.

Inclicks. aThe power-fishing context, succe forbaitfish, Hair jigs like VMC’s are another water/ice share knowledge like Experimenting basic knot tying, Bug Panfish Bait is sure todegrees have fish salivating.

Bondy isused Bug Panfish Bait is sure to have fish salivating.

The Bud is ofit.the strike.Editor’s Aand potent combination, indeed. with how leaderto bladed Cowgirls for muskies you know the heart stopping feeling of bladed Cowgirls for muskies you know the heart stopping feeling Note: a 3/4to 2-ounce weight ensures consistent bottom contact in a fast versatile lure design that works for shallow to come and practice with me About the Author Like with the swimbaits, I’m always using ainSmeltinator jig head available inin 30 mouthwatering colours andand comes ain20a pack.

For available inroller 30 mouthwatering colours comes 20 pack.

For Born Southern Ontario, Daniel use anisauger, backing up a boat andlikens whatever else smallmouth they may be length also part of the game.

Savoia it to how riding the coaster tolake. fishing success. riding the roller coaster to fishing success. snap-jigging as well asvisit: vertical jigging in deep Editor’s Note: Jeff Gustafson river or on a windy Knowing the rig’s on bottom eliminates Each body of water is different and often requires some Daniel Notarianni: Born in Southern Ontario, Daniel founded for some of the tournaments.

There were a couple of times where he Each body of water is different and often requires some more information, visit: https://bondybaitcompany.com. with my minnows.

My go-to bait is the Z-Man Scented Jerk ShadZ, Jeff Gustafson grew up on the more information, https://bondybaitcompany.com. founded Live helpless 2 Fish fall in once 2012theand his beup particular aboutofa There’s specific end drop-shotting. interested such a length feelingwhen of accomplishment water.

A slow, jigtied isletting grew on in thelearning. shores Lake of tag guesswork on an angler’s part, them focus on executing a can Live 2 Fish in 2012 and his passion for fishing and the outdoors has was using a bait I might not have on and he started getting bites. adjustments to the sensitivity and contrast.

Typically, shores of Lake of the Woods adjustments to the sensitivity and contrast.

Typically, which is available from three inches all the way up to seven inches. passion for fishing and the outdoors When drifting he may use leaders from from two to I I count among to to have been at the forefront of of the countmyself myself amongthe theblessed blessed have been at the forefront and empowerment when people I take out fishingeight learnfeet, andbut put paused triggers strikes.

Woods in Ontario.

Kenora, Ontario. precise drift, connecting GPS waypoints or following a specific taken him all over North America as a guide, writer, photographer in Kenora, He has Makers of custom Makers of custom I like to run my sensitivity high, between 16 and 20 I like to run my sensitivity high, between 16 and 20 has taken him all over North America Ieach like to try and match the size of my bait to the size of the forage cautions longer ones are more likely to result in snags. each of these trends.

Unfortunately, nothing good ever lasts.

Despite of these trends.

Unfortunately, nothing good ever lasts.

Despite their knowledge into He has made hisin living in theon the water,” states Christine. contour line, From to intercept bass. and educator. small creek brook trout and Great bass made his living thepractice fishing hand hand injection At FLW Tour event on theinjection Harris Chain in ILakes eventually asaa2018 guide, writer, photographer and educator.

From small creek (the highest setting).

The higher the sensitivity, the (the highest setting).

The higher the sensitivity, that Ikey think the fish are focused on.anglers Early inFlorida, the summer unbelievable efforts by amade select few anglers to this keep each one of when the unbelievable efforts by amade select few to keep each one of the the fishing The to catching walleyes throughout dispersal process community since he was community since he aincrease snags, pulling the bait closer to snook inunder the surf and peacock bass inand swamps, Daniel loves and hand poured soft hand poured soft brook trout and Great Lakes bass to snook in the surf and Using a heavy hook maywas also finished 2nd bydetail catching all of my fish onthe white Chatterbait.

Ibaits, had you’ll see.

With the contrast, the higher more ofmore the bait isand smaller, I’ll rely more on the smaller sized techniques wraps, the secret got out loose lips sunk ships. more detail you’ll see.

With the contrast, the higher techniques under wraps, the secret got out and loose lips sunk ships. is anticipating and following their shifting locations based on Along with the commotion of the weight contacting bottom, the a teenager as a tournament angler, guide, writer and fishing teenager as a tournament angler, guide, outdoor writerout and fishing catching fish! plastics Canadian Baits “Just before COVID-19 hit, weappropriately were outdoor able toweighted take about plastics Canadian Baits bottom, says Chong.

With an hook, the10 peacock bass inthat, the swamps, Daniel loves catching fish! itweather, in myyou head that inpiques Florida I was to use awill black and bluebut to moving up to bigger baits later in the thegoing season.

One trend that we’ve set that, the more screen will clear up, but you set the more the screen clear up, sound this creates bass curiosity.

“The noise from the sinker, promotor.

In 2019 he joined the Bassmaster Elite Series and has water temperature, developing habitat and the availability promotor.

In 2019 he joined the Bassmaster Elite Series and has found brings you a variety of of brings you aa technique variety rides off bottom, staying from snags while being easier people.

Iupknew first responders were burned out with It why, when you read about forwas the very first time infish a inso Chatterbait, it’s what everybody did.

He whipping my butt Itis isfood. why, when you read about a of technique for the very first time a bait been seeing isand that the larger sixand seven-inch baits are not too you’ll filter out some of the weaker returns, so glass bead, clacker definitely attracts them,” said Giles, who you’ll filter out some the weaker signal returns, found some success chasing bassaway around thegetting United States, including of And matching your presentations tosignal both locating some success chasing bass around the United States, including an Elite quality custom baits at quality custom baits at smallmouth to eat. all thatwin theinpandemic it. Fortunately for us, boat reliable source – –like the pages of of Just Fishing! or–hear about it a8 a8 for reliable source like the pages Just Fishing! or hear about it from with a white one in practice and when I reluctantly tried Ifrom started big for bass and walleye that are used to–eat. eating large and tungsten and brass weights. an Elite Series win in 2021 and a with Bassmaster Classic win 2023. itituses takes some playing around.

Usually I’ll run it between takes some playing around.

Usually I’ll run itit,smelt between Series 2021 and abrought Bassmaster Classic win in 2023.

Ininbetween and offering them something they want to and afforardable price. and afforardable price. trusted friend, you need toitto assess itthe immediately, it quickly, trusted you need assess itthe immediately, itBaits quickly, launches notU.S. closed Frontenac township we able catching twice as many fish. hadn’t seen before.

In betweenwere competing in theinU.S. tournaments, you and can usually find cisco, infriend, fact these often the bigger baits.

Canadian Canadian competing in the tournaments, you can usually find himwere around and but will turn up ifThey screen isperfect displaying aBaits lotadd and10, 10, but will turn itprefer up ifcompany screen isitperfect displaying a of lotadd of Refining This Canadian company This Canadian these details is important because part of a Carolina rig’s ititto your arsenal and then milk it for all that it is worth, because every Paddle Tails to your arsenal and then milk it for all that it is worth, because every Paddle Tails Chong believes the higher pitch created from a tungsten him around Lake ofplace the Woods, fishing for allyear species, all20 year round. toLake provide safe tofor go all fishing.

Inall 2020, we got people out of the Woods, fishing species, round. can catch “clutter”.

Those are the only settings Iwill ever really play with offers swimbaits, craws /the “clutter”.

Those are the only settings Iwill ever really play with potency offers swimbaits, craws /in For example, when fishing near shoals current, casting aweight 1/8is aits snag-resistance.

A flipping, bullet, orYou egg weight innovation will become commonplace, the fish become conditioned innovation will become commonplace, fish become conditioned smashing rock draws fish over.

When drifting flat bottom stretches, You can catch up with Gussy on social media at @gussyoutdoors and Canadian Baits Canadian Baits isthe Ito think when Z-Man Elaztech baits firstforcame out, Idown upthe withwater/ice.”

Gussy on social media atpeople @gussyoutdoors and his website The concept the same for using these all species.

Iwas like combined on Sometimes, ask Christine ifonshe’ll go out creature baits, ice fishing creature baits, ice fishing on my Mega-Live. on my Mega-Live. withat: awww.gussyoutdoors.com.

Texas-rigged plastic sidesteps snags fairly well 1/4-ounce jig up near the rocks andbaits letting it sweep Ice Spikez to it and something better will replace it.hard Spikez to itIce and something better will replace it. he shakes the rod for extra noise.

Chong explains that not only does on his website at: www.gussyoutdoors.com. reluctant to try them because I had a time getting them rigged the keep the bait the fish.

Whenever you see fish on your / micro, finesse worms andand more.

Great prices on19.) / above micro, finesse worms more.

Great on (Continued onprices page

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JustFishing Fishing . 44 Just . 20 Just Fishing 27. 19Just Fishing . 42 Summer 2026 Fishing ...19 Just Fishing Just 25 Fishing Winter 20212021 Winter

2022 JustSummer Fishing2026 . 29 Spring

Preventing shoulder pain in Anglers Bicipital tendonitis

By Jen Watson:

“F “F

ish on!”, whipset hook sets and battling those personal bests… Feeding that burning drive of all us anglers.

Little did we know that this drive, without following injury prevention techniques, could have the ability of causing us severe chronic pain. Performing hooksets, fighting fish, and netting those monsters causes us to place a repetitive load on our bicep and bicipital tendon. To understand the bicep’s anatomy: The bicep has two heads of origin – a short head that attaches to the coracoid process and long head located within the shoulder joint capsule near the rotator cuff muscle group and inserts into the radial tuberosity of the radius.

Both the origin and insertion points are prone to bicipital tendonitis. The bicep is primarily responsible for elbow flexion and supination, due to the two heads, this muscle will also assist the shoulder flexion movement. These ranges of motion are repeatedly performed each time we step out on the water.

Take a moment and reflect, every time you hit the water how many times do you set the hook and fight those giants. How many of those times have you felt pain in the indicated area during or after a day on the water. Over time, if self care isn’t practiced, we are placing major strain on this load bearing muscle.

Last article, I discussed the rotator cuff. This muscle group is composed of supraspinatus, infraspinatus, teres minor and subscapularis; and these muscles are responsible for motions like throwing, swimming, lifting over head and in our case casting. Struggling with pain and lack-of range of motion, while performing any of those motions, could indicate an overuse injury. Check out the previous article to review exercises and techniques you can easily perform at home to prevent these injuries and reduce pain and tension.

With bicep tendonitis, incorporating compensator muscles with your exercise routine will influence and maintain proper muscle balance and function. When working on an exercise routine for bicipital tendonitis, it is important not to stress the site with any heavy overhead exercises or push ups during any acute bicep pain. The following exercises will promote your shoulder health, strength, function and stability.

INJURY PREVENTION EXERCISES Wall Stretch – 30 second hold/ three times a day/ every other day – Both sides How to: Stand facing a wall, about a foot away. Reach your right arm back behind you and place your palm flat against the wall at shoulder height.

Your fingers should be pointing slightly outward.

Slowly turn your body away from the wall while keeping your hand in place. This rotation will create a stretch in your bicep and chest.

Hold that stretch for 30 seconds 3 times a day every other day.

Note: Ensure that your elbow is slightly bent to avoid strain.

Benefits: Reduces tightness, increases flexibility, and improves range of motions essential for exercises where you are lifting or pushing.

Internal Rotation – 12 reps/ three times a day/ every other day How to: Begin by securing the band to an anchor and elbow height. Stand back a few feet holding the free end of the band (Continued on page 31.)

Just Fishing . 30

Summer 2026

(Preventing Shoulder Pain In Anglers cont. from page 30)

with the arm closest to the anchor so the band is slightly stretched while resting at your side. Keep your elbow bent at 90 degrees and tucked against your side, your forearm will run parallel to the floor. Slowly begin by rotating the forearm towards your abdomen when the fist comes to be abdomen, slowly return to starting position and repeat 12 times three times a day every other day.

Note: to maintain proper form roll a towel and clench the towel between your torso and your elbow.

(In The News continued from page 49.)

Benefits: Increase definition, performance, and overall upper body strength.

1ST EVER KEEP CANADA FISHING AWARD PRESENTED Incorporating these exercises will not only prevent injuries but SGT. MIKE OFfor THE will also provide functionalDRISCOLL training to prepare you a season.

Be GANANOQUE sure to keep your eyes open for the next article where I am POLICE SERVICES

T

going to dive into the “fishing elbow” or as we know it lateral epicondylitis.

OneKeep of the most Fishing common overuse injuries seen he inaugural Canada Dinner and Auction, which took place last Thursday, March 19th at the International throughout anglers.

Centre in Mississauga, Ontario, raised an $70,000 support programs that Ifimpressive you suffer from anyto other injury or promote and protect fishing across medical condition andrecreational these exercises Canada. are causing pain stop the exercise immediately and seek medical advice by the Sportfishing forOrganized another exercise that Canadian could benefit Industry Association (CSIA) and Canadian your situation.

National Sportfishing Foundation (CNSF), the KeepNote: Canada Fishingtowards Dinner brought Editor’s Working together industry leaders, outdoor certification as a RMT through theenthusiasts, conservation advocates, and of corporate College of Massage Therapists partnersJen who share apresents desire to grow and protect Ontario, Watson a five part series with a primary focus ofrecreational educating fishing fellow in anglers. goal programs is to guide people through CanadaThe through tulatio injury techniques, while overuse Congra such asprevention Kids, Cops & Canadian Tiretackling Fishing common Police injuries experienced, on the water.(Ganan As aoquebrand Days, National Fishingwhile Week out and Keep Canada a Fish Canad ambassador for Tackle Depot, Jen is also an avid angler participating Keep Fishing. in both kayak and boater and non-boater tournaments. Jen can be reached sheshooked90@gmail.com.

“We areat:thrilled with the results of our first fundraising dinner,” said Rob Walton, President of the Canadian Sportfishing

T

Note: to maintain proper form roll a towel and clench the towel between your torso and your elbow. Forcing your elbow to keep a fixated position.

Benefits: Improves shoulder stability, mobility, improves injury prevention rate.

Hammer Curl/ Bicep Curl – 12 reps each/ three times a day every other day Hammer Curl How to: Standing in an upright position with your feet shoulder-width apart, holding the dumbbells vertically or like a hammer in each hand with your elbows fully extended at your sides. Begin by bending your elbows to lift the dumbbells towards your shoulders. Squeeze your biceps at the top of the movement and slowly return to the starting position, maintaining control throughout the movement repeat for a total of twelve times three times a day every other day Note: to maintain proper form roll a towel and clench the towel between your torso and your elbow.

Bicep Curl How to: Standing in an upright position with your feet shoulder-width apart, holding the dumbbells horizontally in each hand with your elbows fully extended at your sides.

Begin by bending your elbows to lift the dumbbells towards your shoulders.

Squeeze your biceps at the top of the movement and slowly return to the starting position, maintaining control throughout the movement repeat for a total of twelve times three times a day every other day.

Summer 2026

June 27th – July 5th, 2026

Just Fishing . 31

CHASING PRAIRIE

—

Part 2 of 3

A Walleye Is A Walleye, Is A Walleye... Right? ONLY SOMETIMES! By: Jeff Matity, GetFishing.ca to effectively “teach” them where the best sites are to spawn successfully.

This is intimate knowledge, beyond instinct, and specific down to individual bodies of water. It is, therefore, hypothesized that similar “teaching” can extend to year-round activities of a walleye population, including seasonal predator/prey relationships.

This article is part 2 of 3, from the compendium of questions Thee G.O.A.T., Gord Pyzer, interviewed me about.

Here, I share my hard-earned, guide-tested strategies when chasing Canadian prairies walleye. While there are a lot of similarities in angling methods throughout North America, I hope you find a “Prairie Gem” within this conversation. If you missed part 1, please refer to the 2026 Spring issue of Just Fishing.

When the fish stop biting horizontal/trolled baits, vertical “saturation” presentations like the ReelBait Fergie spoon trigger strikes.

an Prairie Walleye Wisdom help C you with your local walleyes?

Overwhelmingly, Yes! Walleyes are a single

species, with innate, genetic programming making them major players anywhere they swim. Still, individual populations do get groomed, over centuries, to perfectly fit into their specific geological watershed.

The single-hook #2 SuperDeath hook is super effective and gives the worm a spiralling cadence that TRICKS ‘EM ALL.

the quiet finesse of the 9.9 hp gas “kicker” engine. Most utilized are bottom bouncers and walleye spinner harnesses (mine sport a #2 Mustad Super Death hook instead of the traditional tandem octopus hooks).

The spiralling cadence of the worm on this Continuing on where we left off... hook has changed the way we fish our rigs at Gord: What are your favourite prairie lake www.gsmarina.com. and reservoir walleye presentations?

Also, our trolling speed is faster than most.

Jeff: Summer walleyes are constantly on For us, trolling at 1.5 to 2.0 mph is considered the move. Where you left them yesterday, slow in summer and 3 mph is more often may not be your hotspot for today. what it takes to produce the proper speed for Weather, especially electrical storms and covering a lot of territory to search out active violent wind can cause them to pull stakes fish. At these speeds, proper depth control and hunker down in their deepwater requires bottom-bouncer sinkers up to 4 oz. sanctuary or travel miles, even cross the when pulling rigs in 20-30 feet. In these basin, and set up on the other side of the lake. depths, it is more important to run your baits Until fish are relocated trolling is your best more vertical (thus the 4 oz. bouncer versus bet. Once fish are found, trolling is still often more typical bouncers of 2 oz. or less). your best bet, especially if you are trophy hunting. However, fish that are pinpointed Keeping the presentation as close to the boat and refuse to respond to horizontal trolled and vertical as possible allows for tighter lures, saturation techniques will trip their turns while “contour cutting” steep structure. trigger.

For example, reproduction is the primary biological imperative for any species.

TROLL WITH PURPOSE & PRECISION So, it is not too surprising that scientists now know that older walleyes’ experiential For serious trolling with my big guide knowledge is passed on to young breeders boat, speed and direction is dialed in using

BASS PRO DeathRoll with single spiral hook the Perch Pattern is always a staple (Continued on page 34.)

Just Fishing . 32

Summer 2026

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(Chasing Prairie Giants – part 2 continued from page 32.)

Contour cutting is chopping a drop off into perpendicular bites to cover both shoreline distance, plus, different depths as you travel up and down the drop off.

ReelBait BackBead spinner rig

Note: this manouver is exclusively in the hands of the ship’s Captain and is performed by speeding up in shallow water and slowing down in deeper water, not by each angler trying to constantly change the length of his/ her line out.

The shallow-water “buzz” phase of the contour cutting is surprisingly effective in determining fish presence as walleye are generally more active when shallower, speeding up in the shallows is a terrific tactic for discovering a hot shallow water bite.

It is simple physics: with a prescribed distance of lures back, it is the ratio of speed-to-weight. I go faster to cause drag from the lure and line to push the baits to run shallower. Likewise, to get the same distance and weight to run deeper, slowing down the boat results in less drag on the line and lure and causes it to somewhat freefall as it travels deeper. This is how I control the depth of the lures. For example, when I buzz the shallower, say 17-20 foot, zone I increase speed, perhaps, 3 mph. When slipping down the slope, I slow the trolling motor throttledown dropping my speed to 1.0-1.5 mph.

Again, even 3-plus mph is not too fast for summer walleyes and using this method not only helps identify the correct “depth of the day”, at the same time, it forces me to further tweak my speed control. If walleyes want it fast (and you give it to them) you are about to enjoy the best walleye fishing of your whole season.

Rarely is a 100-plus walleye day possibly by trolling; however, when it happens to me and my guests its because of shallow water marauders that fall to speed, spinners and scented Z-Man Finesse worms! Optimized speed allows us to cross paths with more monster walleyes as well since we are covering many more miles in a day.

When the “depth of the day” has been determined, the Church TX-6 side planer becomes an effective tool for the trolling program. As described in the Spring issue article, a planer board takes the baits (including bottom bouncers up to 3 oz.) off to the side of the boat. This tool has saved my day, many times, especially when there is no wind. When the surface is like glass, getting the lures away from the boat’s path becomes more and more important. When the lake is flat, the sun is oppressive, the bite is off and nobody is catching any fish the boards shine! Running the boards and baits only 20-30 feet off the sides of the boat. takes the lures way from the boat’s path and shadow.

Light to Ultralight spinning gear helped Jason Matity “feed” this jumbo walleye his Dropshot bait undetected.

Again, as I cut my way up the slope, I increase throttle which speeds up the boat and the force of the water against the fishing the lines pushes the lures upward and I repeat the process. I instruct my guests to preset their line-counter reels to corresponding distances I have memorized. My “numbers” are based on the weight-to-lure, speed-and- Spooked fish retreating from the boat’s shadow meet the planed-out lures! It is distance ratios to be used. entertaining as well. Watching the TX-6 is Thus, with up to 4 trolling rods I can hug like bobber fishing; but, you’re watching the contours and reveal the depths where the board as it skims along at 2-3 mph. the walleyes are active. Rods are placed A big walleye will dip, and then jerk the in rod holders for flawless execution. board below the surface! Super fun, and Rod holders are a vital tool as, if allowed to productive! On such a day, I fished with hold the rod in-hand, even a well-intentioned Al Patterson, owner/operator of ReelBait guest will inevitably “play” with distance Tackle Company, and pro-staffer, Charlie back and end up crossing others’ lines on Rein, on LML and we boated, amongst a bunch of eaters, 8 walleyes that measured turns!

Just Fishing . 34

Charlie Rine with trophy walleyes caught on ReelBait BackBead spinner rigs during our Epic Day! from 28.5 and 31 inches. All our fish came on the TX-6 planer board towing a 3 oz. sinker and worm harness. Other boats fishing on our spots scratched out only a few good fish.

VERTICAL “SATURATION” PRESENTATIONS There comes a point in the season (or even on a given day) that trolled fish will suddenly quit responding to the horizontal presentation. However, your location problem has largely been solved by the miles of territory and “contour cutting” to find the highest percentage spots. Be it main lake points, extensive weed flats or current areas, our saturation presentations are about to save the day!

A trolling bite that suddenly fizzles is the perfect situation to start using the “spoon program”! My hero lure, the ReelBait Fergie (Continued on page 36.)

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(Chasing Prairie Giants – part 2 continued from page 34.)

ReelBait Fergie Spoon falls “tail-first” with its Brass-n-Glass “Clacker”

Spoon, fished vertically or within short casting distance of main lake structures is a saturation/triggering presentation that really rattles their cage!

On the fall, that clacker wire folds back under the spoon and rides the body of the spoon until it hits bottom. The brass collar slides up the wire, collides with the glass bead and creates the loud Cha-Chink! The triggering effect of this aggressive jigging motion is sudden and somewhat startling… until you get used to setting the hook into a walleye, so big, you are thankful you are using #20 braided line and #30 fluorocarbon leader.

Yes, this is Big Game tactics all the way… and is one we will revisit in detail next issue!

The average size of the Fergie fish is Charlie Rine with another walleye caught on SCRATCHING OUT “SANCTUARY” FISH ReelBait BackBead spinner rig also much larger than the trolled fish.

Really negative walleyes will not chase and, instead, remain belly Every family vacation seems to start with a prairie storm that to the bottom. However, their tiny brains simply short-circuit drops hail, rains cats and dogs and is accompanied by lightning when a clacking spoon zips up and then planes at an angle before shows that tear up the sky with flashing lights and deafening thunder. Optimism is had when the morning brings a deep blue hitting the bottom with a Cha-Chink near their lair! “mile-high” sky. A chilling morning breeze is soon met by the sun which wastes no time flashing her brilliant smile and the water is The Fergie is a high-action spoon that has flat sides and an arrow a lovely place to be. like, thick-pointy end and a thinner-wider end. When it falls, the narrow end falls first and the wider end acts like a kite’s tail. It may be a great day to be alive; but, not for walleyes who have The lure often swoops down towards the bottom in an arc much had their nervous systems deeply shaken by the night’s cruelty. like an irate barn swallow driving you from her nest. Connected These walleyes are extremely turned off fish. They retreat to their to the the spoon is a short wire shaft with a loud brass-n-glass deep water sanctuary where they recover and digest meals greedily gobbled up before the storm came crashing. In water from 20 feet or “Clacker” apparatus.

(Continued on page 38.)

Volunteer washing spawning bed

Before restoration (algae build up) - 2025

“People are starting to realize now how important community and conservation is, and that's really the basis of Watersheds Canada. The work they're doing is incredible.”

After restoration (algae free) - 2025

- Liam Whetter @whetterfishing Get involved. VOLUNTEER or simply DONATE today at watersheds.ca/donate

Watersheds Canada is a registered charity: 863555223RR0001

Just Fishing . 36

Summer 2026

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(Chasing Prairie Giants – part 2 continued from page 36.)

more, you must prospect with your fish finder to find fish before you drop a line.

WHITEFISH®

S

In in this challenging situation, the pros deliver This is the hook that can lively leeches or air- get anybody Dropshot injected nightcrawlers fishing in no time! #4 is via jigs and livebait rigs. the “right size” for live leeches and Their skill, after years of bait such as 18-24” wlers. nightcra practice in advanced boat dropper to a 1/8 to 1/2 control allow them to eek oz (depending on depth) out some decent catches. cylindrical weight is the perfect setup I personally enjoy these traditional tactics where I, too, have honed my “touch” over the past decades.

Another Dropshot GIANT comes to net

However, many of my guests only have a few hours with me to put some fish in the boat. In a day or two I might be able to teach them the skill and get them the practice to get the “feel” of these hook-line-and-sinker presentations.

leech, in their face, has produced more trophy class walleyes from me recently than anything else during the post-frontal, sunburnt, doldrums of August. Any amateur angler can be coached to drop the sinker of In this circumstance, I have one more trick the rig to the bottom and then relax the line up my sleeve. These grumpy walleyes and lower the leech (on slack line, 18” up are still vulnerable to a third tactic. the line from the sinker) and hold it there.

This tactic is known as “Dropshot” fishing.

The ultimate bait for this simply-genius The leech swims, untethered, until a method is a monster leeches. Yes, the same baits that are killers below bobbers, in walleye can no longer ignore this easy meal.

Spring. I scour my best GPS waypoints on The tip of their light-action rod begins to my Humminbird electronics and eventually bend under the weight of a fish and many register the fish as a thick red blob stuck fish even hook themselves…easy pickins! “belly-to-bottom” often in deeper water.

You can Gently drop an anchor to position The learning curve for my guests and their yourself stealthily above them. ability to successfully “feel” for a bite is remarkably short. From spring through fall, However, I anchor electronically by camping on them with the” SpotLock” the Dropshot program has degrees of bait, anchor feature on my Minnkota Terrova hook and sinker modifications. trolling motor. When you have located fish, Be Patient. It sometimes takes 15-20 As with the Fergie program, above, the minutes for them to find shelter within the Dropshot program has fall applications shadow of the boat where you can coax with Super Secret details to come in the them to your leech and get them biting.

Fall issue of Just Fishing.

Every time, it amazes me... when nothing else works, drop-shotting a strong swimming Stay Tuned!

3 SIZES 8 COLOURS www.williams.ca MADE IN CANADA

Just Fishing . 38

FABRIQUÉ AU CANADA

About the Author: Jeff Matitdy A Fishing Industry Professional for nearly 30 years as a Fishing Guide & Promotional Staffer, with Bachelor’s Degrees in both Science & Education, Jeff uses this training in his job as a Fisheries Professional & Outdoor Educator (specializing in fishing via family business, GetFishing.ca) to reach out to anyone interested in learning about fish.

Summer 2026

O

LOCAL KAYAK FISHING CLUB RAISES $3,450 FOR SOLDIER ON DURING ANNUAL TOURNAMENT

O

n the morning of June 27th, 2026, thirty-eight kayak anglers from across Ontario and Quebec launched onto Loughborough Lake in South Frontenac.

They were there to take part in the Kingston Canoe and Kayak Fishing (KCKF) club’s 5th annual kayak bass tournament in support of Soldier On. The day started off with a thick, heavy fog that had laid down over much of South Frontenac, the kind that makes it feel as though you’re paddling into the abyss as the world materializes in front of you, and just as quickly, disappears behind.

By mid-morning, however, the fog gave way to glorious sunshine and nearly bluebird skies as the mist was burned away.

shade, rehydrated, and traded friendly jabs before purchasing raffle tickets to bid on a huge spread of prizes donated by sponsors and fellow participants.

But the real win isn’t just having their ticket drawn, it’s knowing that 100% of the money raised goes directly to Soldier On, an organization that helps ill and injured members of the Canadian Armed Forces and Veterans pursue rehabilitation, recovery and connection through sport, recreation and creative activities.

With lines in at 6:00 AM, catch submissions quickly rolled into iAnglerTournament, the app used to administer the event. Unlike mainstream bass competitions that rely on weight, kayak tournaments utilize a “Catch, Photo, Release” (CPR) system.

Anglers photograph their catch on an approved measuring device and upload it for a judge to review. Once approved, the fish is added to the angler’s virtual threefish stringer, which automatically culls and upgrades as larger fish are submitted.

“When we were throwing around the idea of hosting an annual charity tournament, Soldier On was the obvious By the 2:00 PM “Lines Out” deadline, benefactor for us,” said Jeff Dicks, event participants had submitted a total of 156 organizer, KCKF Director, and an active serving member of the CAF. “Many of our largemouth and smallmouth bass. club members are either active military or Afterward, competitors gathered at Gerald Veterans, and some have directly benefited Ball Memorial Park in Inverary for the from the programs Soldier On offers. It’s an awards ceremony. Anglers relaxed in the organization near and dear to our hearts.”

Summer 2026

Many assume that because Soldier On is managed by Canadian Forces Morale and Welfare Services (CFMWS), it is fully funded by the Department of National Defence.

In reality, a large portion of its funding relies on private donations and grassroots fundraising events like this one to provide grants and augment programming for members.

Thanks to the incredible generosity of the anglers and community sponsors including Frontenac Outfitters Canoe and Kayak Centre, Limestone Lures, BlackFly Lures, WamBaits Canada, Jacked Up Jigs, Crooked Hooks Fishing, 3DRigs, iAnglerTournament, Horses for Vets, and Just Fishing Magazine, this year’s tournament raised $3,450.00.

A special nod goes to Ben Kelly of Paddlehead Productions, who captured the day’s best moments in a 137-photo digital gallery, and then donated his fee back into the pot.

When the kayak fishing communities rally together, the impact reaches far beyond the water. In this case, since all the expenses were either donated by the provider or paid for by a sponsor, every dollar received goes towards helping those who volunteered to donate everything, including their lives, to protect our country.

Just Fishing . 39

crayfish, and anything else they can snap in their jaws.

Riprap, rock slides, boulders, bottom transitions, turns in the weedline, and other variations concentrate fish along these edges.

Flats: I’ve caught scores of smallmouth from shallow sand flats

sprinkled with vegetation. Submerged grass patches, perhaps some water lilies, along with rock and clay deposits all can make for a sensational bronzeback location. When fishing, you should see baitfish, yellow perch, gobies, or other forage on the flat. No smallie snacks? Tough odds any bass will be around.

Keep looking.

Pencil Reeds: Reeds growing on flats are always a must-fish spot for smallmouth. Shallow reefs with these emergent plants are also good. Points and indentations within reed beds are key casting targets.

Never overlook an isolated patch of reeds or other type of emergent vegetation. No matter how small, these solitary tuffs can hold big smallmouth.

R

By: Tim Allard

R

ocky structure probably comes to mind when a lot of anglers think about smallmouth habitat. Maybe deep lake basins brimming with shad or smelt. What about vegetation? Darn right!

Smallmouth love aquatic plants. Cabbage, grass, chara, and pencil reeds are just some plants where you might find smallmouth cruising. Here’s a look at some smallmouthvegetation patterns, and tactics for catching bronzebacks from the greenery.

SNOOPING AROUND FOR SNACKS IN PLANTS Cross paths with smallmouth around vegetation and there are pretty good odds they’ll bite, provided you offer them what they want. In my experience, smallies are generally either active or in a neutral mood around weeds.

They’re often moving and looking for food. Baitfish foraging requires speed and surprise attacks. Slurping crayfish or pouncing on gobies sees smallmouth exhibit more of a nose-down, millingaround attitude.

Not Too Thick: When shortlisting areas containing plants, consider smallmouth are a mobile breed. Open spaces within the growth, along with distinct weed edges often resonate with smallies.

It’s less likely for the inside of a choked-out weedbed to appeal to smallmouth like it does largemouth.

Deep Grass Canopy: Smallmouth

frequently cruise the water found above the tops of deep grass beds.

Hit these spots when they’re windblown and you’re in for a smallmouth smashfest. The tumultuous water displaces minnows and panfish from their hiding spots among the greenery and bass move in to gorge on vulnerable prey.

Casting a spinnerbait is a great way to cover large grass flats and catch a heck of a lot of smallmouth.

(Continued on page 42.)

The author with a smallmouth caught using a Rapala RipStop jerkbait retrieved beside a cabbage clump.

But, there are no hard rules in fishing, and I’ve had many unexpected river smallmouth encounters fishing lily pads and within reeds for largemouth, which suggests keeping an open mind because smallmouth will go where there’s easy prey in good supply.

With this in mind, here are some reliable areas to find weed-loving smallmouth.

Inside Weedlines: The space between the shore and an inside weedline is a smallmouth kill zone. Bass hunt here for minnows,

Just Fishing . 40

Summer 2026

Coming Summer 2026 Canada’s National Fishing Week June 27th – July 5th

(Smallmouth Patterns continued from page 40.)

Outside Weedlines: Similar to inside

weedlines, smallmouth forage along deep grass edges, too. Inside and outside bends, points in the greenery, rock deposits, and sand patches along the edge are important casting targets. Don’t just fish the weedline but also cast the adjacent open water.

Smallmouth will suspend or relate to bottom in the deeper water beside weed beds.

Cabbage: Smallmouth love cabbage.

A solitary bed near deep water can attract a pod of bass, especially when associated with an island or another piece of structure.

A mid-depth flat containing several clumps of cabbage is likely a productive zone for smallies. In vast beds, smallmouth may favour clumps closer to the drop-off or other structural features, like a soft-to-hard bottom transition.

Rapala’s CrushCity Pigstick fooled this smallmouth — note the RedLine Series Weedless Wacky Neko Hook’s weed guard,

tend to be productive in rivers because they act as current breaks.

Reefs & Humps: Structures rising out of

deep water are popular with smallmouth.

The presence of cabbage, milfoil, reeds, or Points & Sand Bars: These are classic grass often bolsters the location’s appeal. smallmouth spots. The addition of grass, pencil reeds, or patches of water lilies only Smallmouth chase minnows and panfish from the greenery out into deeper water increases the appeal. where prey are more vulnerable. In other Points and sandbars are travel corridors for instances, basin-dwelling bronzebacks will bass moving from deep to shallow water and herd and attack baitfish against humps and back. Good finds on lakes, these structures reefs.

Veggie Bait Recommendations: Many fishing

new The

D ROTTooA aadd

Ryan Weatherall caught this smallmouth working a finesse jig along the bottom just beyond a deep weed patch.

irresistible to smallmouth. Use shallow and moderate diving, 3- to 5-inch lures to fish the open-water directly beside vegetation.

Retrieve jerkbaits fast in summer, then slow things down in fall. And yes, deep, lush vegetation is phenomenal for smallmouth in autumn.

presentations can be used for catching smallmouth relating to grass. It’s a good idea to have a few baits rigged on rods to be able to adapt to changes in bass mood.

It’s common to first catch a few smallmouths on fast, horizontal-moving, reaction baits.

Then, once the action wanes, switching to a slower or vertical presentation can be a successful way to catch a few more fish relating to the area.

Reaction Baits: Horizontal-moving baits Shaking a minnow is a hot fishing technique that are good for tracking down mobile smallmouth. These lures also trigger reaction strikes.

Top Water g PLopping Fro A sound fish have never before heard from a soft plastic frog

www.limestonelures.ca Just Fishing . 42

A double, willow-leaf spinnerbait is a great choice for quickly covering water.

Highly weedless, it can be retrieved parallel to weedlines and through lanes in grass.

Deadly too for fan-casting wind-blown weedbeds, shallow flats, cabbage clumps, points, and sandbars.

works great for getting strikes from smallmouth relating to cabbage clumps, weed edges, & grass flats. Pictured are Rapala’s CrushCity The Jerk (top) & Mooch Minnow (bottom).

Looking to soft plastics, 4- and 5-inch flukes (aka jerk shads) catch bass. I love dancing a soft-jerkbait through the subsurface around vegetation. I’ll sometimes nose-hook it to work open water or deep weedlines, but generally, the bait is Tex-posed to keep it fairly weedless.

A bladed swim jig works in similar areas. Vibration-heavy with decent grass- Retrieving a 3- or 5-inch swimbait is another deflecting properties, this bait has a knack good way to catch smallmouth from grass of getting the attention of big bronzebacks. flats and pencil reed beds. Don’t be shy (Continued on page 43.)

A jerkbait’s erratic, evasive action is often Summer 2026

(Smallmouth Patterns continued from page 42.)

downsizing to a thin, finesse swimbait.

Its subtle splash is great for shallow water, and big bass will eat it.

Surface Lures: Topwaters are great around vegetation. Generally, hang-ups aren’t an issue, and the disturbances from popper, walk-the-dog, and prop topwaters appeal to smallmouths’ innate curiosity.

Early morning and late evening, along with cloudy conditions, are textbook topwater times.

Small tubes, like the Berkley PowerBait MaxScent 2.5-inch version pictured, are a snack-sized presentation smallmouth can’t A waking crankbait is also potent. resist.

Retrieve it through open lanes in grass beds and along rock-weed or sand-weed effective. They’re excellent too for covering transitions. Equally good for working the varying depths on points and bars. alongside a dock or swim platform positioned near deep weeds and a drop-off. Finesse Plastics: Finesse plastics are The surface commotion, combined with essential anywhere you fish for smallmouth.

These baits can get you bites when bass rattles, attracts smallmouth. activity wanes, or when up against fish that Sidebar see a lot of fishing lures.

WHERE THERE’S ONE A smallmouth is rarely alone around A 4- or 5-inch stickbait is tough to beat. vegetation. When I hook a bass, I drop Cast a Texas-rigged stickbait on top of my shallow-water anchor and save the grass, pull it just past the deep edge, let it spot with a waypoint. The anchor lets me fall, and hang on to your rod.

make repeated casts and hook more bass.

The waypoint becomes a milk-run stop on future outings.

Wacky rigging a stickbait still remains potent. The horizontal, shimmying fall drives bronzebacks bananas. In certain scenarios, using a weighted hook can speed Jigs For Snapping: Tubes and bucktail up the fish-catching process and help work jigs are salad-smallmouth essentials. water a bit faster.

I typically fish a 1/4 or 3/8-ounce hair jig but experiment with weight.

A Ned rig and other finesse plastics between Smallmouth can come unglued at the sight of a 3/8-ounce tube crashing into the bottom. Other times, the slower fall with a lighter jig gets them chomping. Try tubes ranging from two-and-a-half to four inches.

2-1/2 to 4 inches on 1/16- to 1/8-ounce jig heads can be deadly for smallies relating to vegetation. Using a light jig that has a hook with a small gap makes many of these baits fairly snag-resistant around sparse weed growth.

5 SIZES 12 COLOURS

Casting either of these jigs to cabbage clumps, on flats, and beside deep edges is Smallmouth go where their food lives, and in many lakes and rivers, a lot of forage is around aquatic plants. Explore sparse grass and open spaces around thicker weeds, and you’ll boat more bronzebacks this season.

About the Author: Tim Allard is a full-time, award-winning outdoor journalist and author/ photographer of the book, Ice Fishing: The Ultimate Guide. He’s a regular contributor to numerous North American print and online publications. From panfish to northern pike, Tim fishes whatever he can, whenever he can.

Summer 2026

www.williams.ca MADE IN CANADA

FABRIQUÉ AU CANADA

Just Fishing . 43

Jigging for...

W W

alleye fishing has always been a popular pastime in cottage country. I remember as a kid the bridges and dams in neighbouring towns were packed on opening weekend with eager anglers looking to cash in on their limit.

Many of them jigging with live bait from local tackle shops or casting Rapalas in the current. They would travel to the area from all over Ontario and the U.S. to the area just to chase these tasty critters.

Although those golden years are now gone there is still a bounty of walleye to be caught if you know the right techniques, habitat, and behaviour of these elusive predators.

By: Mike Willi ams Jigging is one of the most proven effective favourable. Understanding their behaviour methods for catching walleye, allowing and habitat is key to successful jigging. anglers to target them year-round and often producing bites in the toughest conditions.

Essential Gear for Jigging

Understanding Walleye Behaviour Rod & Reel: I recommend using a Medium

Walleye or “Kawartha Gold” as they are affectionately known in the area, are visual predators and use their keen eyes to ambush their prey in low light conditions.

They often feed best at dawn, dusk, and during overcast days. A little bit of wind or a “walleye chop” as it is known in fishing circles, improves these conditions and helps your chances of success even more.

to Medium/Heavy spinning rods (6–7 feet) depending on the jigging technique and presentation you are using. A quality reel with a decent drag system is necessary.

This combination will give you the backbone, sensitivity and control you need hook and land these finicky fish.

Line: I typically use 10-15 lb test braided main line with a 10 lb fluorocarbon leader this combination offers feel, sensitivity, In early season walleye are coming and low stretch for solid hook sets. from their spawning areas and The fluorocarbons low visibility qualities looking to feed and replenish their help entice bites from leery pressured fish. energy reservers that have been Jig Types & Techniques depleted during the rigours of the spawning season. During this time, Lead Ball Head Jigs: Early Spring when they can be found in mid depth water there are no weeds I use lead-head jigs (6-8ft) adjacent to spawning areas. in sizes from Shallow main lake points, dams or 1/8 oz to 1/2 oz in flowing moving water with a rock depending on depth, sand mix is an ideal place to start your current, and wind. search.

Popular colours like chartreuse, pink, or As water temperatures rise and weed white are mainstays. Lead Ball Head Jigs tipped with beds begin to grow walleye move to (top) the emerging weed flats, drop offs You can tip these swimbait grub (bottom) and main lake humps surrounded by jigs with small deeper water. They will tend to hang artificial swim close to these areas in 12-14 ft of water baits, grubs or live bait such as minnows, throughout the summer months moving worms, or leaches. These jigs work well to deeper water (18-20+) during the when fishing from a boat over deep structure high sky sunny days and heat waves. using a vertical jigging technique. Drop the They move up to the weed edges and jig straight down and lift it gently, letting it humps to feed when conditions are fall back to the bottom. Walleye often strike (Continued on page 45.)

Just Fishing . 44

Summer 2026

fall. This is where a heavier rod like a medium heavy comes in handy as the jig falls and you will usually feel a distinct tick or see your not only to snap the jig up but also line jump when they strike. hook the fish and rip them out of the heavy cover.

Banana Head Ned jig Heads: Ned rigs are a new favourite of mine and I love Bucktail Jigs by to fish these off the mid lake humps or rocky depth changes I normally use natural colours “Big” Jim with sparse weed. I cast these jigs out and let them sink on slack starting with a black base with line watching my line for any some red or yellow mixed in. I do irregularities until they hit the not tip these jigs with anything as it bottom. I start the retrieve by usually will rip off from the violent slowly reeling keeping contact jigging action required to master with the bottom and shaking my this technique but if I do, I will use a gulp minnow.

Ned Jig Head tipped with a Gold Deadly Nedley rod tip to entice strikes.

I know adding these jigs and techniques to your arsenal will make Sometimes I vary this retrieve by hoping the bait slightly or you a better angler and drastically improve your chances of a varying my pause. Many of the strikes I get are subtle, you will successful trip. Be sure to put them to use next time you are out feel the odd tick, but they usually just suck it in, and your rod will hunting walleye gold in the Kawarthas. Remember to always just load up or feel weight. Set the hook and you will be surprised check provincial fishing rules for walleye size and slot limits in with a fish more often than not. You can tip these Ned heads with the areas you are fishing as well as the correct possession limit a small straight worm or my favourite is the www.prowaterbaits. for your licence. com Deadly Nedley in my signature Wangers Walleye Gold colour.

Editor’s Note: Mike Williams is a professional tournament angler & the owner/operator of Williams Outfitters, a fishing guide Bucktail or Hair Jjgs: when the weeds grow thick in the summer company based in the Kawartha Lakes region. With more than 30 months and you must dig the fish out, I reach for a “Big” Jim years of experience on the water, he is known for his local knowledge, hand tied bucktail jig. I cast this jig into thick milfoil weed beds competitive skill, and passion for helping others experience the best and snap or rip jig it through the grass. Rip jigging requires sharp of fishing in the Kawarthas. A proud father of two and member of lifts or snaps of the rod to make the jig dart upwards, then allow Curve Lake First Nation, Mike’s life and work are rooted in family, it to fall back down on slack line. This erratic movement mimics community, and a lifelong connection to the land and water. injured prey and can trigger aggressive strikes usually on the (Jigging for Kawartha Gold continued from page 44.)

Summer 2026

Just Fishing . 45

IN THE NEWS

Quebec Angler Patrick Campeau Receives Prestigious Fishing Industry Award

T T

he Canadian Sportfishing Industry Association is pleased to announce that wellknown and respected angler Patrick Campeau is the recipient of its 2026 President’s Award.

This year marks the 20th anniversary of Patrick’s position as National Fishing Week Ambassador in Quebec and, in fact, he is the event’s only French language spokesperson.

“Patrick is well known in the recreational fishing industry in Quebec and across Canada as a passionate advocate

Just Fishing . 46

Patrick Campeau has been a fulltime professional angler for over 40 years and during that time he has become one of Canada’s, especially French Canada’s, most prolific outdoor writers and media personalities, having written close to 5,000 articles. As a three-time Quebec champion, seven times in the top seven at professional Canadian competitions, Patrick was inducted in the Canadian Angler Hall of Fame in 2014, the only French Canadian to receive the honour.

Fans and followers of Patrick Campeau can read his writings in numerous magazines, on his website pcampeau.com, and notably in the pages of Journal de Montréal for over 18 years.

of the benefits of recreational fishing, and his social & traditional media reach proves it,” stated Rob Walton, CSIA President.

About the CSIA: The Canadian Sportfishing Industry Association and its partner organization Canadian National Sportfishing Foundation are non-profit organizations comprised of manufacturers, retailers, distributors and sales agencies dedicated to the promotion and protection of recreational fishing in Canada. Our programs include National Fishing Week, Catch Fishing, Keep Canada Fishing, and Kids, Cops and Canadian Tire Fishing Days.

“Each year, including this year, Patrick’s National Fishing Week (June 27th to July 5th, 2026), giveaway of fishing rods and reels, Catch Fishing books and fishing tackle to aspiring anglers reaches tens of thousands of online followers. I am very pleased to recognize Patrick’s many contributions in promoting and protecting recreational fishing in Canada.”

(Continued on page 47.)

Summer 2026

(In The News continued from page 46.)

Meet PhD Student Raegan Davis

Symposium. Currently, I am the AFS-OC President-Elect and will be organizing our 2027 Annual General Meeting.

In 2025, I began my PhD under the co-supervision of Dr. Steven Cooke and Dr. Aaron Fisk at Carleton University. My PhD thesis embraces freshwater recreational fisheries as complex socialecological systems and adopts an interdisciplinary approach.

To do this, I will conduct a survey of recreational anglers in Ontario to understand their attitudes and perspectives of native game and non-game fishes. I will then combine acoustic telemetry and hen I was three years old, I visited fish camp for the first time stable isotope analysis to determine space and diet overlap among with my Dad and Papa. There, they put a Barbie fishing rod largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, bowfin, northern pike, and lake in my hands and I was hooked for life. Since then, fishing has trout in Charleston Lake, Ontario. become the most important part of my life both recreationally This research will advance our and professionally. Today I am an avid multi-species angler with fundamental understanding of smallmouth and largemouth bass being my favourite species to aquatic community and trophic target, although now I am learning to target many freshwater fish ecology, while improving species so that I can fish year-round! conservation and management efforts.

To share my passion for fishing, I created an Instagram account where I share photos and videos of my fishing adventures to In the spring of 2026, I was encourage other anglers. As a leader in the angling community, I awarded the 2026 Noreen Clough have participated in local bass fishing tournaments and contributed Memorial Scholarship for Females to a Women in Angling blog series. in Fisheries. Receiving this award My passion for fishing led me to is a top three moment in my pursue a post-secondary education in academic career. Young female fisheries ecology and conservation. scientists like myself are grateful for the work that Clough did as it In 2023, I began my MSc under gave us a spot at the table. the co-supervision of Dr. Karen Rainbow Trout captured while Smokorowski and Dr. Steven float fishing on the St. Mary’s Early on in Noreen’s career she was Cooke at Carleton University.

Rapids in Fall of 2025. a clerical worker for the U.S. Fish Briefly, my thesis used an innovative and Wildlife Service. To move up in camera system to quantify fish the service she completed a biology degree. Despite receiving her stranding in rivers with and without biology degree moving up in the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service hydroelectric dams that operate was a challenge for her. Although there were many challenges, using hydropeaking, where flow is Clough was able to advance in her career. Clough served as a fluctuated to meet energy demand. leader for the Interagency Work Group that oversaw the Arctic The findings of my thesis resulted in National Wildlife Refuge oil and gas assessment program, an operational change, which Performing a surgery on a Lake Acting Deputy Director for External Affairs, Chief of Resource an acoustic prohibits the dam operators from Trout. I will insert itter into the stomach of Management for the National Wildlife Refuge System, Deputy fluctuating flows during the Pacific transm the fish which will be used to Assistant Director for Fisheries, and salmon spawning season. This track the movement of the fish B.A.S.S.’s National Conservation mitigative strategy will reduce the Director from 2004 to 2007. for three years. occurrence of fish mortality caused by stranding. In addition to my own thesis work, I assisted other Like Noreen Clough, who broke students in the lab with barriers in both recreational angling projects relating to fish and fisheries conservation, I am movement ecology and committed to making space for women black bass spawning in recreational fishing and bringing sanctuaries. During, my anglers and scientists together to better MSc I became involved inform conservation. My strong believe in the American Fisheries that anglers are key to successful Society Ontario Chapter management of fisheries is why I chose (AFS-OC) and took on to take an interdisciplinary approach in the role(s) of student sub- my PhD thesis as I value the perspective unit President & Social and attitudes of recreational anglers.

Media Team Member. I am grateful for the work Noreen Performing a surgery on an Emerald Bowfin.

I also assisted in the Clough did during her career and I Largemouth bass which was I will insert an acoustic transmitter into the tagged with external Floy tag stomach of the fish which will be used to track organization of sessions am honoured to receive an award in on Big Rideau Lake, Ontari o. for the 2025 Black Bass her memory. the movement of the fish for three years.

– 2026 Noreen Clough Memorial Scholarship for Females in Fisheries Recipient –

W W

Summer 2026

Just Fishing . 47

Turning Walleye Follows Into B B

By: Brian Brosdhal

y late summer, lakes have entered their warm-water phase and insect hatches have slowed to a trickle. Walleyes become more lethargic this time of year. Some are digesting bellyfuls of mayflies while others sit with empty stomachs but little interest in feeding.

spots where the fish are swimming tend to have more aggressive fish to fill angler limits.

ROAMING BITERS

All year long, look to good structures in a central location near It’s the season when walleyes follow jigs, deep basins to hold biting fish. swimbaits, rattlebaits, or crawlers up to the Humminbird Xplore boat – and then turn around to go back to Mega Live 2 the pod you’re watching on forward-facing sonar. Sometimes the entire school moves from the spot. Walleyes may not actually be crabby, but they sure can act like it.

Technology has changed how anglers see fish, but it still doesn’t make them bite.

On clear lakes, I’ll sometimes drive clients directly over the schools so they can watch 19- to 27-inch walleyes scatter beneath the boat on my Humminbird Xplore Mega Live Some structures will have scattered rock boulders that act like magnets for feeding 2. I call it “visiting Jurassic Park.” walleyes. Add vegetation, such as cabbage What exactly is going on? Walleyes are on the edges, and you have the perfect resting and digesting on the edge of the sand. ambush point where walleyes can pin Some lakes have several resting areas, but fleeing minnows to an edge. one common factor is that they are always During the warm-water months, walleyes near the top on the edge of a sharp break. on these high-percentage spots tend to roam Spending lots of time on the water has the edges, looking through the minnow and helped me see different behaviours on crayfish options for forage that fits their different spots. Leave the barren sandbanks appetite. As late summer progresses, bigger where walleyes are resting and using the perch and baitfish are on the menu. extra warmth to digest. Rocks, weeds and Large redtail chubs, creek chubs, and sucker minnows are effective when dragged on a rig through these areas. Four- to six-inch Bro Pro Tip: When fishing with a friend or minnows are often a guaranteed bite. switching boats, I bring my own graph on a Fish Armor Shuttle and Pro Pole so I can As water temperatures begin to cool in late fish like a pro no matter what boat I’m in. summer, the minnows that the walleyes take are big. Six- to 10-inch minnows

The author with a beauty walleye.

aren’t really minnows anymore; they are small fish, and walleyes attack them aggressively. Dragging a large creek chub can feel like walking a small dog that suddenly spots another dog – the bait becomes frantic when a walleye starts following it. The walleye strikes hard because it has to catch the minnow.

That’s why anglers drag chubs with the reel bale open and a finger lightly on the line. When the fish hits, the angler releases pressure and lets the walleye run with the bait. Feeding line is important to allow the fish to stop and swallow the bait before setting the hook.

A widely used setup includes a size 4 or 6 red Gamakatsu Finesse wide gap hook tied to 4-6 feet of 8- to 10-pound Sunline FC leader, which holds up well to abrasion when dragged along the bottom behind a slip sinker. A 7-foot medium extra-fast St. Croix Legend Elite rod paired with a larger 2000-size Seviin GX reel helps quickly pick up slack during the hookset. Reel in fast to absorb slack until the rod bends from the weight of the fish, then finish with one smooth sweeping hookset to drive the hook into the bony mouth of a large walleye.

(Continued on page 49.)

Just Fishing . 48

Summer 2026

(Turning Walleye Follows Into Bites continued from page 48.)

THEY LIKE TO CHASE Warm water brings different walleye personalities to life.

Anglers pitching bobbers with crawlers or leeches along with jigging plastics and bait watch fish follow all the way to the boat and retreat. This is the time for old-school trolling.

Slowly dragging crawler harnesses or single-hook spinners tipped with a leech or minnow triggers bites, even in gin-clear water.

speed with the right size jig: lighter with less wind and heavier when it’s gusting. The goal is to stay within 2–3 feet off the bottom.

Retrieve matters just as much. A quick jigging snap of 2-3 feet can trigger bites, while other days a steady “buggy whip” jigging motion of 6” to 1 foot is more effective. Trolling at 1.5 to 1.8 mph with lines extended about 60 feet behind the moving boat also keeps baits in the strike zone.

Whether your boat has 24v or 36v setup, I’ve found longer run time and less weight with Amped Outdoors lithium batteries. A single or double The reason is simple: walleyes love the chase. A cast eventually 24v-36v setup replaces two or three wired in a series, weighs less than runs out of room half, and delivers more efficient power throughout the day. when it gets to the boat, but a slow Happy walleye hunting – just remember, troll or drifting sometimes walleyes want to chase before your presentation they bite! keeps moving naturally until About the Author: the fish finally bites. Drifting Brian “Bro” Brosdahl, is a fishing can be extremely guide and promoter. One of the most effective on clear recognized and respected anglers in lakes, especially North America – Bro, as he’s known, when setting a is a multispecies angler best known for straight line through his influence on the sport of ice fishing. rocks and structure. Follow his adventures on the Bro Road Show podcast and at store Using Minn Kota visits, seminars & shows. You can also find him on YouTube, Drift Mode helps Instagram, Twitter and Facebook! Bro can be booked for guided trips keep the boat moving in a useful direction where the fish are scat- at: bbro@paulbunyan.net or brosguideservice.com. tered. In clear water, longer casts or letting more line out away from the boat produces better results.

Personally, I prefer jigs over harnesses. Jigs with an underspinner work best. A Northland Deep-Vee tipped with half a crawler or a fathead minnow can be epic when drifting with subtle 1- to 2-foot hops. Try different colours until one gets hit multiple times.

With more people in the boat throwing different colours, you can quickly see what the fish prefer. The underspin jig may be one of the most underutilized walleye weapons. Between the jig colour, the flashing spinner blade, and the movement of a crawler threaded onto the hook, the bait resembles a molting crawfish. The blade flashes directly above the fish’s line of sight while the plastic keeper pins the crawler in place, creating a presentation walleyes have a hard time ignoring.

Trolling Plastics I use plastics for 60-70% of the guide season because they consistently work well. The key is matching different shapes that work better at different times.

In warm water, Northland Eye Candy Paddle Shads put a lot of fish in the boat. The Grub shape also shines in heat, especially when paired with a Deep-Vee Underspin drifting on brisk days. When the boat drifts anywhere from just over 1 mph up to 1.8 mph, match the wind

Bro Pro Tip: I guide throughout the summer in flat calm water

and bright sun. I always recommend anglers protect themselves by covering exposed skin to reduce the risk of sun damage.

Lightweight, high-performance gear like Fish Monkey performance face guard, Stubby Guide Gloves and AFTCO Samurai Hoodies help keep skin protected.

Summer 2026

Just Fishing . 49

Waking for Bass – How to Skate & Pop for River Bass

D D

on’t pack away those single-hand or two-handed Spey rods just because steelhead season is over. When the summer heat kicks in and our local rivers warm up, you are still sitting on a goldmine.

If you’ve never tried skating, waking, or popping flies for smallmouth bass in moving water, you are missing out on one of the most explosive spectacles in fly fishing.

Smallmouth bass are aggressive fish and absolutely smash attractor-style flies.

They will trail a surface fly across a current seam with pure predatory malice, and the water-exploding strikes are heart stopping events.

Over my years of guiding clients on the water, I’ve watched everyone from seasoned Spey casters to total beginners master this technique in a single afternoon.

The beauty of this style of fishing; the setup is simple, the casting is fun, and the action is purely visual.

THE GEAR - MATCHING RODS & LINES You don’t need a hyper-specialized warm-water rod and line to pull this off; weights intimidate you – rod you can easily adapt and utilize the trout or and line companies label everything clearly today, making steelhead gear you already own. it easy to match your setup.

THE RODS For Two-Handers: Run a Scandi The Single-Hand Setup: A standard 9-foot setup for smooth, elegant

6-8 weight rod makes a perfect tool for presentations or a Skagit setup accurate casting and handling hard- if you’re throwing massive, wind-resistant bugs. fighting river bass.

The Two-Hand Setup: If you want to cover For Single-Handers: A single-

big water with effortless casts, a 10- to 11- hand Spey line or a single-hand foot 5-weight or 6-weight switch rod is Scandi line works beautifully. If you absolute money. prefer a traditional overhead line, go with an aggressive, weight-forward line The Lines & Leaders: The key to swinging like the Scientific Anglers Infinity or surface flies is line pairing. Don’t let grain Titan floating lines

By: Ryan Taylor Tips

&

Leaders:

Regardless of your rod and line choice, you must run a floating tip. This keeps your line high, prevents the current from drowning your fly, and helps turn over big bugs.

The Scientific Anglers Sonar Float is perfect for this!

For your leader, keep it simple: 4 to 6 feet of 8- to 12-lb fluorocarbon or stiff nylon monofilament. Don’t go any lighter – these fish hit hard, and a violent strike will snap light trout tippets instantly.

READING THE WATER - FINDING THE AMBUSH ZONES When I’m scouting water with clients, I tell them to look for classic ambush structure and current transitions. Bass want to hold where they can rest while watching for a meal to float by.

Glassy Pools & Flats: Slow, smooth

water where bass have time to track a waking fly from a distance.

Riffles, Seams, & Tail-outs: Look for fast

water that is breaking into slower water. Bass love to sit right on the (Continued on page 52.)

Just Fishing . 50

Summer 2026

PRESENTS PRESENTS

TIPS &

TECHNIQUES

SUMMER LOW LIGHT PERIODS OFTENPANFISH MEAN PEAK CRAPPIE BITES Location...

Location...

Location...

FO O FT

ornethose whobiggest love open water fishing the good news is it won’t be long of the mistakes anglers– make is focusing he steps to follow in locating fish under the ice is of nothe easy task. before you can started for thisand year... offerdepth. some first task. open he steps to follow inspots locating fishCrappies under the ice is no easy too much on get specific not enough on Anglers heading out on lakes with little or no ice fishing pressure water fishing opportunities. scrappy fighters somewhat elusive later in Anglers heading on lakes with little or no ice fishing pressure During summer, panfishout areThese often creatures of theare weed edge. aresummer, in for for some plain old hard hard work.

Fewreally anglers relish the challenge challenge the but that iscoontail, often not case what now.

Whether it’ssome cabbage, orthemilfoil, matters is the are in plain old work.

Few anglers relish of finding fish on a new lake.

Most prefer “following the crowds” and identifying depth where healthy vegetation exists. of finding the fishdeepest on a new lake.

Most prefer “following the crowds” and let their their invade eyes be bethe their fish finders. finders.

To some, some, going from one to group of Crappies shallows in the spring, first togoing feed,from and later spawn. let eyes their fish To one group of anglers tolakes, another is their their form ofgrowing “recon”.

Iffive you ice fish, fish, you may Shallow, dark-bottom bays on the north side of lakes are classic spring crappie On some weeds may stop at If feet. anglers to another is form of “recon”. you ice you may haunts as these areas warm quickly, drawing in “crappie food”, which in not want to join the crowd or at some time you will be faced with the On others, they may extend to twenty feet or deeper.

The first not want to join the crowd or at some time you will be faced with turn the draws crappies.

These bays are classic spots.

Other good spots are shallow thing we do is use electronics to determine where the vegetation challenge of of being being the the only only angler angler on on the the ice, ice, so so here here are are aa few few tips tips challenge reed banks, marinas, and channels.

In fact, a favourite crappie spot is a shallow ends.

Once we identify that depth range, we can use mapping to remember the next time it happens to you and you want to find fish. to remember the next time it happens to you and you want to find fish. channel off to thequickly main lake where make foraging technology narrow downthe thecrappies most productive areas. runs periodically during spring.

Your first first step is is to to understand understand the the kind kind of of water water you you are are going going to to fish. fish.

Your step IThis like highlighting three separate zones: Shallow water from 0 to 5 feet.

This will will mean mean getting getting aa lake lake map map and and looking looking at at the the types types of of structure structure Spring crappie presentations are pretty simple.

A jig fished below a slip bobber Primary weed flats where most vegetation exists and the deepest weed you have have available available to to you you at at this this time time of of year. year. Remember, Remember, your your ability ability you tipped with a crappie minnow is a favourite.

Another favourite jig is a pink/white edge where fish often concentrate.

Once those areas are highlighted, inside to travel travel on on aa lake lake may may be be limited limited to to foot foot power power or or poor poor ice ice conditions conditions to 1/32-ounce Gypsi Jig tipped with a small, but very lively minnow.

A small turns, points, fingers and irregularities along the weed edge become obvious. may limit limit the the areas areas you you can can reach reach safely. safely. It It is is always always aa good good idea ideasplit to may to Instead of staring at contour lines and guessing, you’re immediately looking at shot added about a foot above the jig completes the system. know the the roads roads and and the the various various winter winter access access points points that that surround surround know the percentage water on the lake. That efficiency allows you to spend anyhighest given lake. lake. any given morekey timetofishing and less time One the system is the usesearching. of the right bobber. The right bobber is small, sensitive, and bright coloured to allow it totime be seen since theas peak When itit comes comes to finding finding fish, fish, every you in trylow tolight make rules to When to every timeIf you try to make rules as to bite is often right before dark.

The new Super-Pro Lite-Bite Slip Bobbers are Light Tackle Makes Everything Better: there’s one thing that every where you you SHOULD SHOULD find find fish, fish, the the rules rules change. change. Like Like catching catching sunfish sunfish where dynamite tools for this feature don’t sleek,proper elongated pear shapes to angler should try, it’s fishing. seriousThey panfishing with finesse equipment. at night, many would agree that sunfish bite at night, but in some at night, many would agree that sunfish don’t bite at night, but in some lakes, you you don’t don’t catch catch the the really really big big ones ones until until the the sun sun goes goes down… down… lakes, go figure.

Here are a few good guidelines to use to begin your search, go figure. Here are a few good guidelines to use to begin your search,

2026

help the underestimate lightest bites. Plus, have Manydetect people howthey much fun a big bluegill or hybrid sunfish you will need simply because hi-vis stems can be seenwith easilylight in low can be whenthat you’re fishing gear. The setup is simple: A quality to start more light and, someplace. feature Slip-N-Slide grommets that reel. Light braid or monofilament. seven-foot panfish rod.The A 1000-size spinning you learn the more you learn bytofishing, fishing, thetiny more allow the lineby slide through like its jigs greased A fluorocarbon leader and hair or finesse plastics. you can refine the rules that enabling even you can anglers refine to thecatch rules thatthe lightest govern the you are on Onbiting this spring trip, lake success found of crappies.

Small fished small VMC hair jigs. The subtle govern the lake youwas are onjigs using that day. fooled fish holding along belowday. bobbers fish presentation well on lightconsistently line, that theand weed edge.lineOne trick I’ve adopted is using allowing for long casts the light Walleyes deep, Sufix hard Revolve finesse braid connected to an presents thatlove small minnow/jig combination Walleyes love deep, hard bottom areas.

Crappies and eight-pound in a natural, fish-attracting fashion. bottom areas.

Crappies and fluorocarbon leader with a tiny barrel perch love waters of over 30 swivel. perch love waters of overThis 30 simplifies the connection, reduces knot-tying A final presentation tip regarding feet with a super soft bottom, frustration, gives me enough strength to handle the feet with a super soft bottom,andspring crappies is to keep your bait livelybass and or change it often. lively bait attracts and and sunfish sunfish love to northern pike A that crashes the party. and love occasional to hang hang catches more fish than a dying, off steep weedy break lines. off steep weedy break lines.worn-out bait. Try keeping your spring crappie minnows in Frabill’s Personal Bait Station.

This or container is insulated has Finding the holding When you’re fishing foursix-pound line with aand quality Finding the right right fish fish holding an aerator to keep your minnows alive.

Plus, it features a lift-out net that elements for you panfish rod, every fish feels bigger.That’s the beautylets of elements for the the fish fish you are are you drain the water before catching a minnow preventing you from getting wet, after is fairly easy with a lake panfishing. after is fairly easy with a lake cold hands onlake those chilly outings.

Low light periods often mean peak crappie map.

If the has map.

If the lake has one one deep deep bites.

The best bite usually happened just at dark, asAbout: the number fish caught The Most Panfish Tool Nobody Talks Whileofrods, reels, hole, thenImportant you start hole, then you would would start increased – so did fish size! and electronics get plenty attention, one of the most important tools in there for crappie.

If lake there for crappie.

If aa of lake your boat costs almost nothing – a small pair of long-nose pliers. For anglers is a maze of structure, then is a maze of structure, then One advantage to spring crappie thatbluegills, the fish are down often practicing catch & release, especially withfishing crappiesisand pinching it is is best best to break the it to anglers break fishing the lake lake accessible to from shore.

Quick trips to crappie spots can or removing the barb on your hook canwork makewithout a huge difference. into small regions that you can getting too confused. into small regions that you can work without getting too confused. happen without the hassle of bringing a boat and, those who don’t own Your first first goal lakes is the Your goal on most lakesfishing is to to establish establish the edge of of the the weed weed line. line. boats can get inon onmost this good action ascomes well.edge These fish have soft mouths.

A barbless hook out quickly and cleanly, Most winter lakes get far clearer then they do in the summer, Most winter lakes get far clearer then they do in the summer, and and reducing handling timesunfish and minimizing injury.

It’s into ainto simple adjustment that some of the biggest in the lake move the old weed line some of the biggest sunfish in the lake move the old weed Good fishing action isand the the obvious goal of most who fish. Following the tipsline just benefits both the fish angler. for protection from predators.

Checking the edge weed line is for protection from predators.

Checking theaction. edge of of the weed lineluck is provided can help anglers jump-start their fishing Asthe always, good even better if you are near a point or inside turn where the deep water even better if you are near a point or inside turn where the deep water on the water!

Courtesy of Lindner’s Angling Edge comes closest closest to comes to shore. shore.

Courtesy Courtesy of: of: www.vexilar.com www.vexilar.com

Drive In To Summer Jim Finlay, B.A., B. Comm.

General Manager jfinlay@tubmanchev.com (613) 733-4050

Summer 2026 Spring 2026

Just JustFishing Fishing. .51 51

(Waking for Bass continued from page 50.)

The Trigger: You can impart extra

life by lightly twitching your rod tip dark side of the current seam. They can hide in plain sight until it’s or subtly pulsing the fly line through too late for the prey! your fingers. Do not overdo it.

Leave generous pauses between Eddies: Swirling pockets of water behind rocks twitches. where bass can rest out of the main flow.

The Flies: Foam-backed mouse Hard Structure: Never pass up logs, weed beds, patterns, large hoppers, Bombers, large boulders, or rocky ledge shelves. If it looks or Gurglers. Look for flies tied different, it probably holds fish! with stiff deer or moose hair to push water, and built-in foam. The foam adds buoyancy in heavy riffles and THE WAKING / SKATING SWING gives you a high-vis “hot spot” so you This technique is all about creating a visual can easily track your fly visually. trigger. You want the fly to “wake” – meaning THE CHUGGING POPPER SWING it rides high, cutting through the surface tension and leaving a distinct, V-shaped wave behind it If the fish are being picky or the as it swings across the current. water is slow and they aren’t responding to a steady wake, it’s time to make some noise. Think of classic, cup-faced The Cast: Cast across the river at a 45-degree bass poppers that push a ton of water and make a distinct, angle. deep chug sound.

The Mend: Give the line one or two mends

The Cast: Cast more squarely across the current, at roughly

immediately after it hits the water to engage the belly of the line and set the fly’s tracking speed.

a 70-degree angle.

The Pace: Aim for a moderate, steady swing.

pace, use sharp, short flicks of the rod tip or quick pulls

The Action: After 1 or 2 quick mends to control your line (Continued on page 53.)

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second you pause the fly and it hangs motionless on the surface is almost always when the bass decides to open its mouth and crush it. Less is always more.

(Waking for Bass continued from page 52.)

AFTER THE STRIKE When a smallmouth hits a skating fly, it doesn’t just sip it – it tries to obliterate it. If there is one piece of advice I give every client before their first cast, it’s this: resist the urge to trout-set. When the water explodes, wait until you actually feel the weight of the fish on the line, then strip-set firmly to drive the hook home. on the fly line. You want just enough force to get that deep chug or pop out of the fly face.

The Rhythm: Do this throughout the entire swing, but always include short pauses between pops.

The Guide’s Secret: Why are the pauses

so crucial? Bass are notorious followers.

They will shadow a noisy fly for yards, locking onto it as it swings. The exact

Get out there, dial in your line setup, and start swinging the shallows.

Just be ready for the river to wake up when you least expect it.

About the Author – Ryan Taylor: Ryan Taylor has been fly fishing for more than 20 years and is a guide, educator, and storyteller based in Southern Ontario. He specializes in trout, bass, and steelhead, with a particular passion for trout spey and swung-fly techniques. Through guiding, writing, and content creation, Ryan enjoys helping anglers refine their skills while sharing his appreciation for the art and tradition of fly fishing.

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