Open Water Newbie

[dfeste]

This year I will be heading up with a buddy to fish in front of the Rainy on May 12 - 15. Just looking for general advice and trying to get a lay of the land. We will be staying at Borderview. I am leaning toward purchasing either a 6'6" Fenwick Elite Tech Walleye or a 6'3" St. Croix Eyecon. I think I will be happier with a ML action but am open to suggestions. I'll use one of the 2500 series Shimano reels that I currently own.

Looking for any advice or feedback you guys with experience may offer. My buddy said they use anywhere from 1/8 to 3/4 ounce jigs depending on the current. I already own another rod that would be well suited for jigs above 1/2 ounce so I'm looking for the new rod for the lighter jigs. Am I correct in assuming 3/8 is a popular choice?

Thanks Dave

[curt quesnell]

It does all depend on the current and that can change from day to day. I have a couple bags of 3/4 and even a few 1 oz jigs for fishing the current. It looks like this year there wont be much current. 1/4s, 3/8s and 1/2s ought to work fine. LOW Walleyes don't seem to mind a large jig.

Another thing to think about is a thin profile jig that will cut what current there is or try something Tungsten with more weigh in a smaller

jig.

BTW by the time you get there the lake will come into play as much as the river. I bet the Lighthouse and Morris Point Gaps will be dynamite right about that time.

As far as rods and reels go, Medium light anything with a decent reel will get the job done nicely

Have fun

[TK Tack]

First and foremost, don't buy an Eyecon. I've only purchased or built off St Croix but the Eyecons are not worth it. Truth be told I also own a few EliteTechs, really good Rod for the money. For jigging up to half oz, go with a medium, unless they have a 6'3" MLXF these days. Regarding the dates and how the weather has been, may want to consider both gaps and maybe out farther depending on ice conditions.

[dfeste]

Thank you for the replies. I got a chance to handle both of the rods listed today and I preferred the Elite Tech. The rod I liked was a 6'3" MLXF. My plan is to use that for 3/8 and lighter.

What do you mean when you say "gaps"? My buddy will be up there starting opening morning so I'm hoping by Tuesday he'll have gotten into some fish and it won't be too difficult to find them.

[vman11]

I really like my HMG 7-0 MH for jigging. Good backbone for hoisting fish into the boat and sensitive but solid enough tip for jig control.

Rarely do I fish here with less than 3/8oz jigs. Right now the current is low and unless we get a lot of rain you won't need heavier.

The gaps are the areas where the river enters the lake. Lighthouse Gap runs from the east end of pine island to the Ontario line. Morris gap runs west from pine island to Morris point. 4 mile bay, these gaps out into the lake and the areas out from pine island from 18-25' should have some fish.

[dfeste]

Heading up in the morning.  Wondering if anyone has any up to date info or tips.  My buddy has been up there since opening day and he said it has been slow compared to previous years.  I believe they have spent most of their time in the river so far.  I'm wondering if we should be focusing more on the lake in the places stated above?