LOW and KJB

[widetrack]

Very well said!<P>I've said earlier that I try my best to not target the small fish, either by moving, or keeping my presentation large.<P>The problem is the mass majority of people don't do that. They will sit and sort through 50-100 of the little ones over deep water.

[KJB]

Nice try Scott and/or Gus- it ain't going to happen- I am not biting- the detail on fish hatch, etc. was a nice touch, but you tipped your hand with the attacks in the last paragraph-<P>PS- How was the fishing on the slough today- did Carter catch any?

[bumpnrun]

In response to a recent thread concerning the scores of 11-13 inch "eyes" and lack of "quality fish" I would like to offer an opinion from one long associated with this unbelievable walleye factory. I have fished and studied LOW for years. Have seen the ups as well as the downs. Have fished through those times as well. Bottom line.... The lake has never been healthier.<P>In 1999 and 2000 the lake had tremendous reproduction. You are seeing those fish now as your 13" minnow hungry monsters. Ever fished a lake after two successful perch hatches? They can't be shaken from the hook. They are in all depths and at all times. It is what you now have on the big lake. <P>My advice is two fold. First, last year was a good forage year hatch on LOW. There is food coming for all those 13" WE's. With the food comes growth. What they need is a chance. I would suggest throwing that age class back so that they will have a chance to become the predominat age class during the next two years. Sacrifice this year folks and you will reap the reward in the future. If you are looking to jerk 17-19 inch fish out of thirty feet of water all day, it just isn't going to happen for a couple of years. And while your frustration with the lack of larger fish seems to be taken out on 13"ers in that same depth, alot of the future is being tossed down the hole with broken bladders. <P>My second point is this: Schools travel with the same age class. As the age of the school gets older there are less fish and which makes them tougher to locate. It takes work. More then a weekend. They are there, sometimes within a couple hundred yards of those 13"s. Work hard and be patient. I can't tell you how many times this year I have drilled, caught four quick small guys and moved on. One spot after another. But with few exceptions, by the end of the morning bite have begun to zero in on other age classes. I take a couple home to be released in a pan of hot oil and feel good that I haven't been a part of disrupting a valuable age class.<P>You seem like a very eager young fisherman KJB. One that is willing to learn if you stay open minded and practice good management tactics. Don't get frustrated, LOW has fooled many fine fishermen for years. My suggestion is to read, read and read up some more. There are many many wonderful publications dealing with feeding habits and dynamics of walleyes. Above all, always be willing to learn. Good luck and the next time you plan to head up, who knows , we may end up on the same hump.