First time to Kabetogama & Namakan any advice?

[Mr. B]

I am heading up to Kabetogama and Namakan for a week this weekend. It will by my first time renting a houseboat. Does any one have any advice at what to bring and things to watch for? Any ideas as to what the fish are biting on would be great. It does not matter what we catch.

Thanks

[FishandFowl]

If the weather holds your gonna have a blast. I have done 4 houseboat trips up there and always had very good fishing in August. Bait can get spendy so if you can bring your own (in bulk) it can save you (DRY ICE). I can recommend a spot on Nam that is right out of a steve Lyman painting up toward Mica bay close to kettle falls too. Its a little hard to see when your coming up on it but it really tucks you out of the elements if it gets windy great tie downs attached to the rocks on both sides. We had no trouble putting a 54' boat in there. I don't have a map handy or I would give you the name of the site. On the main lake outside of the spot there is a numbered navigational bouy. The boat will have a map that will point out the houseboat campsights. If your going to do alot of cruising there are alot of places to put that houseboat for the night. I have found that on the first day it can be a little hard to find a spot outside of the ash river. you might have to cruise a little but that's all part of the trip. Your gonna love it. The fishing is excellent. Mostly Eye's but be prepaired to land a few Pike (BIG) I think the smallest pike we pulled out of the lake was 6lbs and the largest went 15+. I couldnt count the number of Eye's. Don't forget the Smallies too. The maps on the boat do give you options where to fish you just need to use them for a guideline and tweak it from there. I wish I could remember the name of that camp site if you find it you will know though.

Have fun and bring your hook-outs.

FNF

[This message has been edited by FishandFowl (edited 08-20-2003).]

[guts]

Fishing has been rather slow on Kab/Nam with walleyes. The plus is that sauger and perch have been plentiful. Smallies hittin near the rocks and pike near the weeds.

I suggest you have spoons, spinners, crayfish colored and immitation type rebels or raps. Plan on casting from your little boat near the shorelines and rock piles.

Leeches have not done much this year, for live bait, try crawlers and or minnows. Minnows however are tough to keep on your houseboat.
Short snells with and without spinners seem a fair choice for slip sinker presentations early am and later pm the most consistent times.

It has been hot here for the last month temps are expected to stay warm during daytime. Enjoy the sights and sounds of nature and maybe some fish will come your way.
Good luck, guts < )))))><