Bachelor’s Rod Bendin’!
By Jim Wernimont

Having the opportunity to be a “Best man” in a wedding and planning the “Bachelor’s Party” were first’s for me! These weren’t the only “first’s” for me this past weekend!

I will be a Best man in my brother’s wedding, and fishing Lake Mille Lacs, both first’s as well!

Recollecting my brother’s wishes to get out fishing more, I planned a weekend on Minnesota’s famed Mille Lacs.

Not owning a boat yet nor ever fishing Mille Lacs before I needed help. So I called on a couple of my friends (Gullguide and Pwaldow123) from Fishingminnesota.com.

Without hesitation, both Gullguide and Pwaldow obliged!

It was a small party the FM boys, my two brothers and I. Wondering if we were “in for it” with the extreme heat, we arrived at the first public access South of Garrison, MN.

Noticing the scores of boats at the landing began solidifying what I had heard about the walleye bite. So we we sped on up to the landing in Garrison. Why would so many people come out to fish for walleyes in 95 + degree temps? On the other hand, I thought Oh, what did I get my brother into? I can see it now; we’ll be at the landing for a half an hour or more, get on the water, get sunburned and dehydrated, while not catching one fish!

On a side note, since I don’t own my own boat yet (and I emphasize yet, hopefully this week) I haven’t had much experience doing the trailer thing. I think many of you can relate to this. The anxiety began when Gullguide informed me that he’d rather I pull his boat to the lake.

Oh Jeez, I immediately envisioned holding up 50 boats at the landing as I struggle to back’er up. Fortunately, it went smooth and we were off! It wasn’t so bad!?

I asked Tom(gullguide) for the second time, if the heat would negatively effect the bite and he reassured me that we shouldn’t have any trouble catching walleye.

With the wind and heat we made our way to Sherman’s point, arriving a tad wet, but refreshed by the cool spray from the “rollers” that caught Tom’s bow. In fact, we got drenched!

Tom threw out the drift sock, but the South, SouthEast wind howled us along at a clip not recommended for keeping near the “walleye zone”. However, we still managed several nice walleyes, by jigging a 3/8 0z. lead head and drifting 6-8ft. snells tipped with JUMBO leeches. After landing a few respectable walleyes, I soon realized and revisited the claims of an awesome bite! No slot fish. SO far so good and I’m not complaining!

Complaining never entered my mind, especially as I watched my brother’s (the bachelor) rod bend hard from the largest walleye of his life! I found myself uncontrollably grinning from ear to ear! What a great feeling! I knew now he was having a good time! How could you not?

Rods were bendin’ all day long and hard! Imagine catching only 2 fish less than 20 inches in two days on Mille Lacs!

I did it! By the way, they were just 17 ½ and 18 ½ inches, “small ones”! These fish were healthy and very scrappy. More often than not, after I set the hook, it felt as though I had on a trophy! Light gear made for one of the best rod bendin’ outings this walleye fool has experienced!

They would stay down, refusing to give to the pull of my G-loomis and 6 pound Trilene xl. Man oh man, what fun!

Later in the day, my other brother (sounds like I’m lisping LOL) arrived for his first open water venture on the “big pond”!

With in minutes his rod too doubled to the weight of a 23-½ incher! (When the day came to an end, he exclaimed he had never experienced walleye fishing like that before!) Our two boats didn’t see a walleye over 25 inches, but quite a few 25 inchers were caught and released!

The bachelor continued catching! After getting hooked in the thumb, getting slammed down from the drop of Paul’s boat cruising over high rollers didn’t dwindle his enthusiasm, still a smile!

Prior to the trip, he asked if we could try bringing a few home. One, so I could show him how to filet and of course, walleye has been know to be good table fare! However, by day’s end, his tune had changed! He didn’t want to take any home. He simply had enough fun catching!! Is this possible? Can someone who has only fished for walleye a few times, not want to bring a few home? Yes, it is possible!

In fact, A few times on our way up to Mille Lacs, I admit I was salivating for a few bacon wrapped chunks of “white-tip” thrown on the grill! Yet, after catching numerous fish over 20, averaging 23, I told myself I’ll do anything to assist in maintaining this wonderful fishery!

The bachelor party was a success, catching many nice walleye! The fishing is so good on Mille Lacs right now that for the first time in fishing history a man soon to be wed, might have removed from his system the urge to get out for some walleye fishing after he is married!

Naaaaaaah!!!!

If you have the slightest window of opportunity, do your self-a favor and head to the “Big Pond”…….NOW!!!

Keep the rods bendin’!!!
Jim W

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