Advice for a volunteer "guide" for pastors fishing tournament on Calhoun

[chuckhays]

On June 8th I will be a volunteer guide at a Pastor's fishing tournament on Lake Calhoun.

Being only an amateur fisherman and having never even been near calhoun, as well as taking several pastors with me, who may or may not know how to fish, does anyone have any advice on the best way to fish with these folks?

They are supposed to be providing us a good map the morning of, but I was hoping to do a bit of prep work beforehand.

Any ideas? Advice? Anything would be helpful!

Thanks in advance for any help.

[hunting4walleyes]

I suggest you try contacting MinnAqua. They sound like, just what you need.

What is MinnAqua?

Teaching people about lake and stream ecology by teaching them to fish is the idea behind the MinnAqua program. MinnAqua is a statewide education program designed to teach angling recreation and stewardship as well as the ecology and conservation of aquatic habitats. Since its inception in 1990, MinnAqua has reached thousands of new anglers throughout Minnesota. Whether you are involved with a large community recreation program or you are a smaller group and would like to take some kids fishing, MinnAqua can meet your needs.

Why MinnAqua?

Here in the Land of 10,000 Lakes, Minnesotans have a unique opportunity to get outdoors and enjoy aquatic habitats. There are over 5400 game fish lakes in Minnesota and 15,000 miles of fishable streams and rivers. Fishing is a recreational sport that can become a life-long activity connecting participants with their local environment, encouraging stewardship and appreciation of Minnesota's natural resources.

Who can go to a MinnAqua Program?

Any group can schedule a program. They are great for youth groups like scouts and 4-H. Parent/child groups, women, seniors, new immigrants, and people with disabilities can all enjoy the opportunities for fun and connecting with nature that fishing provides. Our goal is to provide a fun, active, "hands-on" experience with fishing to get participants excited about learning about and being involved with their local aquatic ecosystems!

Choose from two types of events:

Fishing Clinics

During these four-hour sessions, trained MinnAqua volunteers or staff teach participants about fishing, equipment, regulations, management, and the importance of a healthy aquatic habitat. Learn to identify fish, and practice casting, then try your hand at fishing!

Special Events

These shorter programs introduce participants to fishing and aquatic ecology. Both clinics and events can be tailored to meet your group's needs.

Program topics

Water

Habitats and ecosystems

Minnesota fish

Water stewardship

Managing our ecosystems

Fishing techniques and equipment

The fishing trip

Who can sponsor a clinic or event?

Anyone who would like to hold one. Clinics and events can also be sponsored by the MN Extension Service/4-H, Community Education, Summer Parks and Recreation, State Parks, Scouts, Senior Centers, Libraries, YMCA's, or Sportsmen's Clubs.

What does the sponsor do?

We ask that you cover advertising and registration, provide one adult for every five kids under age 11, and bring the worms!

What does MinnAqua do?

We meet you at a lake or river, bring all the equipment, and teach all activities!

How much does it cost?

We suggest a small donation to help cover the cost of materials.

How do I schedule a MinnAqua Fishing Clinic?

Get in the Habitat and Let's go Fishing! Call the MinnAqua Program contact person who is nearest you.

MinnAqua is funded by Reinvest in MN, State Game & Fish, Federal Aid in Sport Fish Restoration Act, USFWS and many local organizations and companies.

And there's more!

Remember to call for information about MinnAqua's Take-A-Kid-Fishing Events in June. Look for MinnAqua activities offered through your local community education program. Fly-fishing classes are also available. Contact the MinnAqua Education Specialist in your area for information about how the aquatic education and angling curriculum will satisfy the requirements for the Boy Scout fishing merit badge. Give MinnAqua a call and get "hooked-up" with a Fishing Clinic or Special Event near you!

[Meat-Run]

Try the swiming beach!

[chuckhays]

Sounds like an interesting program, but I am not quite sure that it would fit in with the already organized events.

They have about 30 boats coming, and I imagine between 2-3 pastors per boat for this event. My understanding is that it is meant to bring together suburban and inner city pastors.

Has anyone done this sort of thing before? Should I set them up to do live bait bobber fishing? Troll? etc...

Thanks.

[MN]

Chuck,

I will be there also. Find a weedline, fish the weedline. Look me up when you get there and I will point you in the right direction...not my secret spots, but the right direction.

MN

[chuckhays]

Good to hear someone else from here will be there!

Have you done it before? Any clue as to how most of the boats usually fish? Live bait/aritificial, etc...? Trying not to be the oddball! Haven't gotten much info from the organizers.

What is your name, how might I find you that morning?

[magic_minnow]

Chuckhays:

I've fished calhoun a few times. There are trophy sized tiger muskies in the lake. My favorite go to for ski's are white or red spinnerbaits. the bigger the better! I'm usually on 30 lb mono with 20 lb steel leader. My brother's CPR some nice largemouth bass on this lake too. Stick with the regular tactics, any structure that you think might hold a fish, probably is! I suggest you try the beach area like previously mentioned. I've CPR a nice tiger in the am hours by the beach. Good Luck!

[SFBOY]

fish the outside edges of the weed bars that the wind is blowing into, this is usually fairly important. cast up to the weed edge with rapalas, rubber worms, spoons, etc. there are tons of bass, walleyes and marchetty in there. the northern beach has a great weed edge to fish as well as out in front of the golden dome on the east side hill.

i wouldnt suggest trolling unless you have unlimited battery power. remember, trolling motors only. and one more thing, dont feel bad about bouncing a reef hawg off the hull of one of those really sophisticated, worldly, sailboaters that think that flying by you within 10 feet is their right because you are under power and technically must yield to them.

[chuckhays]

Thanks for the advice everyone. I've since found out that they provide some lures and such for the pastors, so that solves some of the problem.

Thanks also for the general advice. I'll keep a muskie rod ready for the sailboats!

[fdr01]

man that sucks,me thinks mabey calhoun is a better shore fishing lake with all those sailboats/parasailors/whatever that would test my nerves so i would throw a med sucker under a big thill bobber anywhere from the bottom to 1' under off the dock i have seen alot of fish caught this way

[Write-Outdoor]

A great "secret" spot on the lake, that always yields big pike, bass and a few tigers is on the south end of the lake between Thomas Beach and the fishing pier near Lakewood Cemetery. Specifically, find the outdoor restroom facilities and cast the area just offshore from there. It has a really great underwater point with great vegetation, a nice inside turn and deep water nearby. Over by the fishing pier there's a great sharp drop that holds them too. Otherwise, the area up by the sailboats on either side of the channel to Isles is a great spot. The lake is a tremendous place to fish so best of luck. Don't be afraid to get down deep as well, I've pulled some huge pike out of 30 feet of water this time of the year!

[MN]

Chuck,

My name is Mark Nistler - I have an older maroon and tan crestliner.

I bass fish it. The deep weed line is what I work. Basically, a texas rigged worm or a bass jig will work. I have a buddy that will throw for muskies - they show up every once in a while.

look me up.

MN