Leeches and fishing hints

[dcox]

Will be coming up to fish lake Kabetogema Sept 12 to 19 does anyone know where I might buy a pound of leeches  around there?  First time coming so any fishing hints are greatly appreciated

 

Thanks Dennis Cox. New member 

[Better Than Working!]

Hard to find jumbo leeches this time of year. I will be up on Kab the week before you. I will post reports when I can. Where will you be staying?

[Muskies]

If you call the resort your staying at, they could order your bait for you so it’s on site when you get there. Another option is to drive up to international falls and stop at the outdoorsman headquarters to pick up bait there. 1-218-283-9337 It’s a 30 minute drive north on hwy 53 just before the second set of lights on the left.

 

[lindy7]

I have looked today for leeches and none of 4 bait stores has any or expects to get more this year.

[JBMasterAngler]

Just got back from up there, and they said they won’t be getting anymore leeches for the season. The ones they have are small, and not very healthy looking. Best advice, buy your leeches before you get up there.

[dcox]

Thanks for the info

[dcox]

On 8/19/2020 at 4:37 PM, Better Than Working! said:

Hard to find jumbo leeches this time of year. I will be up on Kab the week before you. I will post reports when I can. Where will you be staying?

 

[dcox]

Will be staying at Pine Aire resort.  I would appreciate any info you wish to share.  This is our first time on this lake.

Thanks Dennis Cox 

[Better Than Working!]

We are heading up next Saturday. Can't wait! This will be my second time on Kab. Last time we caught all the walleyes we wanted trolling shad raps with leadcore in 28-32 feet of water. Focused around main lake structure. Did some morning jerk bait action on the north end and caught walleye, pike and smallmouth. The area on the north end where Ash River flows toward Rainy Lake is a good area to look at and it is a good area for a variety of techniques. I plan on trying multiple techniques since I will have some inexperienced anglers joining me this time around. I will give a detailed report as a pattern takes shape. Think about a trip to Kettle Falls if you can. The ride is beautiful and it is unique enough to make it a worthwhile outing.

[dcox]

Thanks I look forward to your report.

[Muskies]

Good luck and enjoy your trip, Better than Working! Also, Great Picts!

[hitthebricks]

Crawlers well at that time of year

[Borch]

Minnows should be working by then as well.  Enjoy your trip.

[dcox]

On 8/19/2020 at 4:37 PM, Better Than Working! said:

Hard to find jumbo leeches this time of year. I will be up on Kab the week before you. I will post reports when I can. Where will you be staying?

 

[dcox]

How was the fishing on Kabetogama?  So far we've had no luck finding the fish.  I you have any areas we should look in please share with me.

Thanks Dennis Cox 

[Better Than Working!]

Got back Sunday from a week long trip to Kabetogama. Had a great time. Lots of walleye in 28-32 feet of water. We got all of our fish trolling leadcore. Clown shad rap was the best but also got some on blue and purple. Speed was probably the most important factor. Anything other than 2.1 to 2.3 did not work. Pulled the lures 185 feet back with my set up and that brought the baits to 28 feet. Biggest problem was getting fish that were small enough to keep! Caught a lot of 20-25 inch fish. That is as good of a problem as you can while fishing. Weather was cold and windy, so we really did not fish the prime times at all. Caught some northern and smallmouth fishing jerk baits. I did try Gulp! jumbo leeches on slip bobbers but that was a complete bust.

[Better Than Working!]

Forgot in my earlier report to mention that most of the fish we caught we throwing up very small perch. I did drag a floating rapala size 18 perch around on the leadcore and got a 32" northern and 21" walleye. Should have done more of it but I wanted to have a fish fry!

[sherbear]

Thanks for posting!  Great fish and happy smiles!