You're after big walleyes, five pounds plus or even that 10 pound trophy. In the last article I told you the basics. Get out and fish the full moon.

The full moon this year falls on September 25th and October 24th. So two days before and two days after comprise what I'm calling the full moon period. You can bet a few of those trophies will be brought into the boat.

Okay, so now you're out on Mille Lacs Lake on a nice reef next to deep water. It's dark with the light of the full moon to help a bit. You're trolling raps from 100 to 150 feet in back of you along the top of those spines. Problem is, there are 100 other boats doing the same thing. It's getting close to midnight and you haven't caught a thing. You feel like they just are not going to bite tonight. You're getting tired. Feel a bit disoriented out there in the dark, maybe even a bit seasick.

Yes, the night fishing 3 miles from shore can have that effect. Nothing to get your bearings on except the lighted markers you tossed out or some one else did and the few shoreline lights. Absolutely make sure you mark several of the shoreline lights to keep your bearings. Some of them will disappear throughout the night.

There is a perfect 2 foot chop on the water. Those walleyes should be biting. Why isn't any of the numerous boats pulling in any fish. With that many boats, they've spooked the walleyes off their favorite source for food. Believe me, they are biting, just not where you're trolling if you're following all the other boats.

Here is the first tip, find a spine that the other boats aren't using. Most boats will troll the first half mile on the Hennepin island spine. Yet it extends for another half mile. the key is that it curves and drops down then back up. Most anglers lose it here. This is also a prime spot right where this happens. Now, find the rest of that spine and work it all by yourself. The same can be said for most of the reefs.

The second tip is get there early and find those spots while it is still light out. Don't work them until a crowd has taken over the easy spots, just locate them for easy finding later. I have two other tips but will save them for the next article.

Always remember, fishing on a large body of water like Mille Lacs has risks. Pay attention to the weather and get out and the first sign of rough water. Night fishing increases that risk. Make sure you bring along a spotlight and a flashlight with a red filter over it. The red filter allows you to keep your night vision.

If you haven't long line trolled before, get out and practice before dark. It definitely gets a bit more difficult when you can't see as well and disorientation has a tendency to set in. Especially practice your turns to avoid tangles with your partner. Nothing is more frustrating than tangled lines in the dark.

Oh yes, one last clue, make sure you have a couple of number 18 floating Rapalas in your tackle box.
Hope you're enjoying this.

This story will be continued!

GoodFishin  : )
Rick Paquin

River Walleye Tackle

The Tackle Box

Nagels Live Bait
(507) 334-8341
2030 NW 7th St
FARIBAULT MN 55021
MAP

Faribault Bait & Tackle
1935 NW 7th St
FARIBAULT MN 55021