Big Marine

[fishin magician]

Ventured out on Big Marine Sunday night. Managed to find a few small crappies. Does anyone fish tip ups for northerns? I am looking to maybe put a spear house out there this year. The water looks to be really clear.

[Guest]

big marine is an excelent northern lake I have caught some very large northerns there and there are lots of small ones to keep you busy...I have heared of people doing pretty well spearing them there as well...

[fishin magician]

So it is a pretty good lake for northerns. I have had my spear shack out on a different lake for 3 years and the last year it was really murky. I love to watch those northerns come in and check out the decoys. Are there any area's that you would recommend for a first timer on the lake for northerns?

[Guest]

I like to fish deep weedlines in big marine. Also try any pockets you can find in the weeds.

[fishin magician]

Is there some good cabbage out on Big Marine? I like to setup in about 7-11 feet in an open pocket. Is the public access on the south east side a good spot to go out of. Also is there any springs on the lake?

[southerner]

I can't say for sure regarding whether there are springs to be worried about, but I can help you with spearhouse location from the south access.

There a nice dropoff just north of the bulrush bed near the south access. Looking out from the access, you'll find this spot a couple hundred yards out and somewhat to the left (about 11 o'clock). Take a peek @ a lake map to give you a better idea of where I'm talking about. It's a good summer spot and I'm sure the northerns prowl there in the wintertime following panfish up into the weeds.

[fishin magician]

Excellent, thanks for the info. I have a map right in front of me and see the area that you are talking about. I was thinking of the same location. How about for traffic do I have to be concerned with some idiot breaking into my house or is it a pretty quite lake. Don't worry I only take a couple fish a year by spear but man do I love watching the mighty norts come cruzing in.

[Lunker]

One spot i would reccommend for northerns is a underwater point covered in cabbage out from some big reed beds just as you get out of the access bay. It's on a map i remember, but don't have one with...

[fishin magician]

That looks like a good spot. There is some good cabbage huh. What do you think would work better on tip ups, sucker minnows or big shiners?

[Lunker]

Fishing this summer we had fish on suckers. I'd recommend bringing both if you can, cause sometimes they like one, sometimes the other. I do know there are some nice fish in there though. Had a pike take a sucker this summer that bit off the line above a 6 inch leader...

[minnesota_muskyfisherman]

I have fished Big marine alot and can tell you that my best luck has alway's been around the island {if it is safe tho} i like the deeper water on the west end of the island i belive that is the direction. plus i also like to fish the off the dirt landing and up to the north about 1/8 of a mile. well it is 10 ft or more and very clear. lot's of perch and big pike swim there. use a tip up with smelt that is the ticket yeah boy!!

[eyeballs]

There canbe fairly decent walleye fishing to the North and West of the island. Good tip-up fishing can be had to the South and East of the island. Never drive on the East side of the island! Always stay to the West! Unless you don't mind paying fines and buying a new vehicle. FYI

[fishin magician]

WHat do you mean by paying fines? At the landing or parking on private roads.

[Boatlessinblaine]

Does anyone fish the 26' hole right up by the North landing? I just got the new map from the DNR, and I never knew that hole was there. Just wondering if there are crappies or walleyes to be found that far north. Will be trying there Sunday.
Go VIKES!!

[jala_84]

Boatless, when are you heading out on Sunday? Maybe we can hook up and have a good day of fishing. I'll bring the MGD.

[fishin magician]

I will be out on Sunday as well. Planning on setting up the old spear shack out of the South East access. Any idea on how much snow is on the ice? I like MGD as well jala_84.

[JJB]

Eyeball is talking about putting you pickup on the bottom of the lake.We watched a ranger drop throug the reeds about 4 years ago trying to go from the south access into the bay.I agree with Lil Joe on the north end.Little crappies.Looks like a great hole but I have never done very good there.We have done real good on tip ups all around the lake on the break lines and weed edges.tons of northern and big largemouth.Walleye are there but we never found them last year(spent too much time after papermouths)

[fishin magician]

Is the soft spot on the north end by the island? How about any other soft spots on lake that I should be aware. Thanks for the info in advance.

[Little Joe]

Boatless - the 26 ft hole by the north landing will produce crappies although my experience has been that they run pretty small. Action was pretty steady though. Haven't caught any walters there.

[Boatlessinblaine]

Thanks for the info guys, we are heading out Sunday morning at about 10:00. We will be trying to solve the small crappie thing, where there are lilluns there's GOT to be bigguns. Let you know how we do. Thanks again. Good fishing to all and to all a good night.
GO VIKES WOOOOOOOOOO!!!

[fishin magician]

Last weekend set up the shack and managed to get 3 pike. Did have one walleye come throught the hole. Might want to set up for the walters during the evening. Anyone elese having any luck? I will be out this weekend to see if the action picks up.