Another Question for the Pro.....Fisky!

[MG - Fishin']

Fisky or anyone else---<BR>I'm planning an early ice trip up to the big pond during mid to late December and am bringing my Dad with to prove to him just how good the fishing is up there. I've been getting him back into fishing much more these last few years since I owe it to him because he was the one who introduced me to this great sport when I was a wee little guy still in diapers many years ago. He's been itching to get up there with me so this year is going to be the start of many, many ice trips to LOW for him I and want to make it a good one for him. You know the 1st impressions are the best. I do know no one can ever predict when or where the fish will be biting best. We'll be staying at a resort somewhere and using their day houses and coming in at night for some bar time. What area would you recommend for this time of year? Should we stay around the resorts in the river or head West? And do you know where most of the resorts have their houses at this time, are they typically out to the Morris Point area and the Gap or is lat December too early to get out there? I'll call up there to get the scoop from the resorts too, just thought I'd get the input from the PRO.<BR>Thanks for all of your advice/tips and hopefully can meet you sometime this winter and buy you a drink or two for all of the great info you post on the site. <P>-MG

[fiskyknut]

WOW- Flattery will get you everywhere!!! I guess I must say I'm not a real PRO as you called me MG I guess, I have been fortunate enough to gleen a bit of my income thru various employs and meager ventures in the industry up here. I also like to fish when I can all the local tourneys, and have been out to the great lakes doing some Walleye tourneys, as well as a few others here and there, but I'm no Tournament pro!. I've never put 'Pro' on a 1040a or had income enough to where the IRS would designate me as such! Never got a first up here, but I've gotten a second and been in the money a few other times as well. Lucked out a few years back and won a spendy tourney in Mi. and placed in a couple others here and there to the tune of 12k+ in winnings reported to the IRS, but I'm no Tournament pro that's for sure. I have no sponsers, therefore any and all my info I may share is non-biased and based solely thru my own expieriences with products I pay for and use myself. I am not one to bash a product, a business, or a resort or service as it's not in my nature to do so, nor is it in the spirit of what this website allows us. I am also not one to promote any products or services, it's not my job. I do have my opinions regarding such things and feel responsible for what I may post personally as far as it's content and it's integrity and I hope that my input thru the past few years has shown this. I am "pro staff" here on this fine website which basically entails my overseeing a bit of the good natured exchange of info and commeraderie these forums and the site provide, and to help make sure it all stays on a even and friendly keel for all. This is not a paid position or title, I'm here like most everyone else, to share and learn, I've met some way good peoples too.<P>I was born in Roseau county in '62 and have fished the lake pretty much all my life since I was wee and can remember so I do like to think I know a little anyways. I don't know it all, don't wanna come off like I do, and I try to learn everytime I'm on the water, and thru interaction with others, thru this site and thru other mediums. Rest assured there are some folks up here I'd like to be able to spend 20 days or so with on the water or the ice thru a year!!!<P>Basically I'm just like all the rest of the FM family, except'n I'm stuck up here in NW minnesota and I pretty much only fish LOTW or the Red river.<P>Anyways enough yada-yada! MG, some of the best fishing of the entire year is in that timeframe. I myself fish the eastside over near Pine and Zippel thru all of December usually. Not to take away anything from areas to the west as they have great fishing at this time there as well. The ice and travel is a bit iffier in spots to the west early in the season most years as compared to these eastside areas which usually start up a bit sooner. I get my huts out here and the fishing usually stays way good most years till early/mid-january or so, then I wander my way westerly to other spots. Not much I can really add as to the fishing opportunities that you have'nt seen in the 'things to do' post I made a couple winters ago, not a whole lot has changed in my bag of tricks. I've had people out near Pine on what I myself considered a somewhat slow day for December and they said it was some of the best icefishing Walleye's they'd expierienced! I'm spoiled living near this lake I guess! I will add that there are many great resorts up here that will take good care of you, and the package deals are priced great. Mid/late december is prime time and bookings can be at a premium at this time of year, you may want to get on the phone soon! March can be a tough one to get what you want as well.<P>MG, shoot me an email if you want, I can give you a bit more info in private if you let me know a few more details of what your looking for. That offer of a cold one works on me, maybe if I tallied up the drink offers thru a year I could call myself a 'PRO'....Ha, pro drinker anyways!!!<P>fiskyknut at yahoo.com<P>Hope you and your Dad slay 'em....Fisky<P><p>[This message has been edited by fiskyknut (edited 10-31-2003).]

[MG - Fishin']

Fisky,<BR>Thanks for the info. Just to set things straight here, I know that you are not a "PROFESSIONAL FISHERMAN" that fishes for a living. I was trying to refer to you as someone who has a great deal of knowledge and spends a lot of time on LOTW. You have so much great info that you share with everyone on here that I would just say you're a pro. Just meaning that fishing LOTW is something that you know a lot about. Not trying to put the label next to your name or anything, just trying to acknowledge you for all the great info and experience you have for the sport of fishing on the big pond.<P>I'll shoot you an email as well to get some more info from you.<BR>Thanks again!<BR>-MG

[fiskyknut]

MG, hopefully I did'nt come across as scolding you for using the pro word on me! On the contrary I found it a compliment to say the least, but my modesty prompted that ramble. I don't want to sound anti pro or anti tournament either!<P>In my book the true 'professional fisherman' are those PWT type touring pro's that fish those big circuits. I had the pleasure of spending 45-50 hours over 5 days in the boat with one of these pros prefishing while they were up here for their LOTW tourney. We ran around the pond anywhere's from 40 to 95 miles each day, fishing all over the US side waters. I was beat myself, and then I watched this guy fish the 3-day tourney! A guys gotta be in pain after that! I sure earned a respect for what it takes to do this, and got a bit of inside info while [PoorWordUsage]'n thru the day, it sure ai'nt all fun and games, it's real work you'd have to love!<P>Anyways I'll shoot you an email here shortly and we can let this post fade into obscurity!<P>fiskyknut<P>

[MG - Fishin']

Fisky-<P>Just checking to see if you sent that email or if it didn't go through. I haven't seen anything yet.<P>MG

[Twitter]

Hey Fisky,<BR>Must be rough !! <BR>"Basically I'm just like all the rest of the FM family, except'n I'm stuck up here in NW minnesota and I pretty much only fish LOTW or the Red river."<BR>Being the urbanites I am.......<BR>I keep hoping my truck will break down while I'm up there on one of my ice fishing trips so I can be stuck up there for a month or two !! <P>

[LOWinEYEin]

MG<BR>I just booked for late Jan, Some of the resorts are filling up fast!! I'd hate for your Pops to miss out!

[MG - Fishin']

I would've booked it earlier, but my Pops was waiting back to hear from another one of our fishing buddies too see if he could come with. Anywho, I booked 3 nights with Morris Point Lodge over the weekend right after X-Mas. So needless to say, I wish I could turn the clock about 1 1/2 months ahead. I've got the itch to be on the ice and even more to be on LOTW ice. It's only been a week since I put the boat away for the year and I think I'm getting withdrawls already. At least deer hunting will keep me busy for a couple of weeks and then it's the hard part. About a month w/o any hunting, or fishing. That'll be an expensive month, just going out and replenishing the fishing stash and buying the new gadgets that catch my eye. Then I suppose I'll have to re-line my poles, set up my houses to air out a bit, straighten out my lure boxes and then just wait. I don't do any of the pre-ice gear up chores until usually after deer hunting so it gives me something to do while I wait for the ice. I'll post a report when I get back to the cities before new year's. Good Luck to all and don't get the itch too bad and venture out on the ice before you know it's safe!!

[fiskyknut]

MG, I also sent you another mail after the one you sent to me this morning.<P>Other folks, if you have been waiting on an email from me, check your inboxes as I can finally send mail again....for now anyways! I don't know if it's my IP or my computer but something was'nt working for a couple days???<P>Fisky

[MG - Fishin']

Fisky - <P>Thanks for the reply. I did get your last email. I'll shoot you another email as we get closer to X-Mas time when I'll be up. If I have any other questions for ya you'll here from me sooner.<P>Thanks again, all of your info is a huge help!

[rookie-8]

Fisky,<BR> I dug up some good reading from your old topics as you suggested. I thank you for the insight. I have 26-28 Dec, planned for up there on the big pond as you call it. From your previous years writing, it sounds like pine Island and 4 mile would still be hot around then, does that vary depending on how early first ice hits? Could it be over by then this year? Should I consider further west? A friend of mine was up there last year around 1-10-2003, he said they were bumping the limits on the auger without extensions already. <BR> Could you recommend any good resteraunts for a relaxed home-style dinner, where you can come in your coveralls, and talk about the day's fishing over meatloaf and mashed potatoes? Or catch bacon and eggs at 6:00 a.m. before the bite starts? <BR> Thank you for all the info. We have 2-3 inches of ice on most of the lakes down here by Hutchinson. Most of these lakes are shallow, and the single digit temps we had recently was all it took. There are some brave soles out fishing today. <BR>Thanks again<P>------------------<BR>bubblehead

[Northlander]

Hey Fisky can you e-mail me as soon as there is walking ice on $Bay? Id love to hook up with ya then if possible! [email protected] Thanks.

[can it be luck?]

Fisky, LOTW has been on the "must fish" list for God knows how long. For the last few years I've been stuck in the rut of jumping back and forth from Winni and Red. I dont know if you could call that a rut, the fishing can be great! I usually sleep out on the ice in a van or a shack. Being a first timer to LOTW, I was hopeing that you might be able to help me out with a little info when that time comes? I will keep up with the current reports posted and research into the archives. It would be very nice to talk to you when the time draws near, and I'm set on dates. I'd feel confident in the tips and advise you'd be willing to share. Maybe I could throw in a nice steak dinner.....as I squeeze out your hotspots. <P>------------------<BR><A HREF="http://groups.msn.com/canitbeluck" TARGET=_blank>http://groups.msn.com/canitbeluck</A>

[fiskyknut]

Hey there canitbeluck, As Widtrack once said....'Fisky will spill the beans stone cold sober', so an offer of a steak will get me talking with no squeezing needed!<P>I've enjoyed some of your posts which I've seen over the past few months, as well as your photos of your Dad from afar, and some very nice fish photos too. You seem like a good guy.<P>Go ahead and email or post when you're heading this way. Or anytime for that matter. Steak dinner bribery is not needed, but Ooooh how I do love a juicy Ribeye though!<P>You know if you make it to URL for that night Crappie bite it's just a hop, skip, and a jump to make it up onto the ice here for some Midday mixed bag fishing, Walleye, Sauger and some BIG Perch. Lot's of folks do sleepers on URL and run up here for the day.<P>I have a brother out in Mi. whom I visit often, and do a few tourneys with over on Erie and Saginaw each summer, remember that post where you and I spoke of the 'eaters' out there. For the past couple of years we have wanted to meet in the middle one time, and fish LBDN or BBDN. I think I remember you stating that you're from over thatta way somewhere's. Who knows maybe you could jump in the boat with us if and when we do make it out there and show us around. Then I'll buy you a steak!<P>I'm gonna bump up a post from a couple winters back you might like, "things to do on the big pond", kinda of a general ideas kind of post regarding winter fishing up here thru the ice season.<P>you can reach me at....fiskyknut at yahoo<P>Best wishes for BIG fishes....Fisky<P>

[can it be luck?]

Fisky, Thanks for the reply! The dinner would be a token of my appreciation for all you've done already. You keep everyone well informed with some in depth info about LOTW. After fishing LOTW all your life, I dont know if BDN would be better than what you have now, considering the travel and expenses. There are some nice size fish to be had this time of the year, the rest of the year can be iffy at times. I've been wondering if anyone of the FMers would be interested in getting a group together and heading down to Erie sometime. Pull a couple of boats down to Kelly's Island, just off Catawba, OH. Early June is a great month, the fishing is usually very good then. I camp at a state park campground. Very nice facilitys and cheap too. I'm pretty familiar with the reefs and structure here so we'd know our way around. Erie is one trip that every walleye fisherman should make, atleast once. I'd bet it wouldn't be their last. The LOTW day trip and Red lake crappie night bite sounds like a good combination. Winni has been my day trip destination in the past. I can't tell you how many times I fought the urge to keep heading north to LOTW instead of Winni. I guess the familiararity of Winni and the LARGENESS of LOTW has something to do with it. I always felt confident that I would catch fish and know where to go on Winni. But believe me, the "wondering" of what I could be missing never stops eating at me! I'll see what the schedule is like for LOTW and get with you when the dates are set. Thanks again for all the excellent information! Mark <P>------------------<BR><A HREF="http://groups.msn.com/canitbeluck" TARGET=_blank>http://groups.msn.com/canitbeluck</A>

[can it be luck?]

Hey Fisky, I forgot to ask you about the perch fishing. The main reason I fished Winni was for the perch. You say the perch are big. Are they plentiful too? Tough to catch? I never really thought about the perch there, only the larger gamefish. Man, perch would be an excellent bonus! <P>------------------<BR><A HREF="http://groups.msn.com/canitbeluck" TARGET=_blank>http://groups.msn.com/canitbeluck</A>

[iffwalleyes]

<p>[This message has been edited by iffwalleyes (edited 11-17-2003).]

[kupcho]

The perch are huge on LOW. The problem is finding them. Out in front of the pine island area they are limited. There are a lot of sauger and walleye, with a few northern, perch, and pout mixed in. If you find the perch, you will not be disappointed about the size. They don't seem to be as plentiful as winnie. <BR>Sorry fisky, I'm not trying to steal your Pro status.<P>Good luck<BR>Kupcho

[JHansel7]

Ive caught several big plump perch fishing for walleyes on LOW. If you went for perch im sure you would catch quite a few good sized ones.<P>JHansel

[can it be luck?]

Kupcho, Your a "Pro" in my eyes too! <P>------------------<BR><A HREF="http://groups.msn.com/canitbeluck" TARGET=_blank>http://groups.msn.com/canitbeluck</A>

[fiskyknut]

Kupcho, no worries, I am merely a legend in my own mind!<P>CIBL, the past few winters I have been targeting Perch more and more as they are my personal favorite fish to eat. I am getting pretty good at finding and catching these fish, and have some locations on my GPS that are classified TS! Areas to the west on muskeg bay, and specific spots on the deep flats offer some great Perch fishing when you target them with specific tactics at certain times of winter. Also some great mixed bag fishing as I mentioned earlier.<P>Fisky<P>

[can it be luck?]

Yea, perch are tough to beat when it comes to eating. Widetrack was right...Fisky will spill the beans! Unless an area is very small, why not let people know where the fish are? It's nice to see people have fun and success when fishing. I feel that way, and I see that you do too. However I do believe there are a few TS spots on the GPS that will remain that, TS. A guy's got to keep a few "beans" for himself, usually the choice fat and tasty ones! <P>------------------<BR><A HREF="http://groups.msn.com/canitbeluck" TARGET=_blank>http://groups.msn.com/canitbeluck</A>