Launch fishing

[willowcat]

I'ld like to bring my Grand Father up for a weekend and leave the boat at home. What would be a good place to take a launch out of?

[Navigator]

Eddy's has a lauch service otherwise check out resorts at http://fishingminnesota.com/resort.html

You can always go with a guide too.

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Jon Navratil
Navigator Guide Service
www.naviguides.com
Central MN rivers & lakes

[silverbullet]

the indians dont need anymore money, dont go to eddys, support the poor man.

[early007]

If you would like to go out of Garrison talk to Kerry at Garrison Sports. They do a great job. Here is their phone #. 320-692-4477.

Jason Erlandson

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Dave's Sportland Bait and Tackle
Sportland Guide Service Hwy 371 & Cty Rd 13
Nisswa MN

218-963-2401

[Jeremy Donabauer]

I am a white man and I work at Eddys so you will also be supporting me.

[mudman]

Hunters point now has a launch as well

[irishjigs]

I saw the Hunter's Point Launch on opener...looks very nice.

[walleyehawk]

I have fished out of most of the charter boats on the west side and have yet to have a bad trip. Many people won't fish out of Eddy's any more because they are owned by the tribe and that is what has caused most of the regulations on the lake.

You have to make your own decision if you want to patronize the resort that has caused the mess at Mille Lacs. I no longer support that business and have found other resorts that have created a positive experience.

Wherever you go, get a reservation now. They will book fast on a holiday weekend, especially with the nightban. I would go out 6-10 in the evening as you will get the nightbite slipbobber bite, which may be the best chance.

[This message has been edited by walleyehawk (edited 05-24-2004).]

[Benny]

Fishers on the North East side treated us great last year on the FM fall launch trip.Even had to turn around half way out there to go back and pick up a couple of late comers.
Captain made sure everyone was fishing, and tried to get us on fish.
It was cold and windy so not much was biting though.

Benny

[fishface5]

Try Izaty's, Dave Bently, Very generous guy. Knows the lake extreamly well. espesialy the South end.

[CRAPPIEBAIT]

Good fishing with "dickies portside".Always a blast always caught fish.

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Greg

[Navigator]

Just ignore it dunns...I did. Nav

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Jon Navratil
Navigator Guide Service
www.naviguides.com
Central MN rivers & lakes

[hanson]

Hey guys,
Since I'm boatless this summer, well I don't have a boat big enough to put into Mille Lacs anyway, I thought about going out on a launch a few times this summer.

Can anyone clue me in as to what to expect if you've never gone out on a launch before?
Do you need to bring your own tackle, rods, bait, etc? Do the launch operators prefer that you bring your own gear? I saw reservations talked about earlier, are reservations required or just a good idea? Just some basic questions and maybe someone else will have some other tips. Hope someone can help me out.

Thanks

[TRZ]

Yea Fisher's was nice to come back and get the ***** who was late for the launch! Why would anyone who cares about Mille lacs go to Eddy's? there are so many other great resorts that are trying to survive under the conditions the tribe has put them under. if i spent a dime at Eddy's it would be too much- i also dislike the fact that they hide the fact they own Eddy's- is there any sign or anything else that would tell a newcomer that the tribe owns Eddy's, pretty low.

[walleyehawk]

You are right, the courts have spoken. Nothing I can do about that. But I can stay away from Eddy's.

Glad to hear the business is well run. But most guys I know that go fishing want to catch fish, not look for a well run tribal casino.

[Leaky]

hanson - all you need to do is make a reservation and show up. If you want to bring your own equipment, you can. The launches will also have rods all rigged up for you.

Bring a cooler of your favorite beverage and you're all set.

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IBOT #129, B-Dub Chapter. (Or is it Metro Chapter? - I'm so confused)

[Jeremy Donabauer]

walleyehawk-
You are lost. Without the regulation the lake would become dead especially if we ever saw another bite like 01-02. Are you saying a slot limit is bad? I personally don't mid catching mid to upper 20 inch fish consistantly. Not to mention the Smallmouth and Muskie fishing to be had in the lake. By the Natives buying a resort tells me they want the fishery to be successful, otherwise it would be a terrible investment. People must think outside of their little bubbles that they are living in.

[TRZ]

The current slot is great- but a tight slot like 16-18, kills the small business men and women who make thier living off of the lake.

[walleyehawk]

Dunn

Lost? I was lost. You see, I used to charter out of Eddy's alot. When the Bentleys had it. The dad (Don?)really knew the lake and could put a charter boat on fish better than anyone.

I still tell friends about the night we were on a pod of shiners and fish larger than I had ever seen were coming in one after another. A 25 was just a baby. And I even talked a few people into letting 29's go. What a night.

My first post I thought was diplomatic. Then I am called lost and need to think outside my bubble? Sounds like someone is having a problem putting his clients on fish? If you need help, I have a buddy that did real well the other day....

I agree with slots and other regulations within reason. But last year was the pits. How many fish did we keep? Under 100,000 lbs? I think the tribe harvest was larger last year, or pretty close. Every year we play revolving slot. Never the same back to back.

We need to think outside the bubble, huh?

How's this. If you are happy with the status of Mille Lacs, go to Eddy's. If you are not, choose a mom and pop resort. There are a few left that the tribe has not bought and closed.

Vote with your dollars.

[This message has been edited by walleyehawk (edited 05-25-2004).]

[Jeremy Donabauer]

Vote with whatever you want but you must remember that this was taken to the supreme court. So our elected officials played a major role. I say call your congressmen and vote in November. Boycott whatever you want it's your right but maybe you should give Eddy's a try the business is run very good.

[hanson]

Leaky,

Thanks for the info. I thought it would be that easy but you never know. Looks like I'll be planning for mid june for the first trip.

[Leaky]

No problem. I've been on multiple launches with Myr Mar & Fishers. Depending on where you are heading, Fishers on the Northeast side was great. Nice people, boat & gear, plus they put us on fish. From where they are, there are multiple options for good fishing. One trip I found myself fishing next to the late Congressman Bruce Vento, and didn't realize it till the end of the trip. Nice Guy, just never agreed with his politics.

Phil at Myr Mar (Northwest side) won't ever win "Personality of the Year" award, but he and his brother having been doing it for a long time, and will get you on fish not very far from their place.

I have a place on Round Lake, just a mile west of Mille Lacs, and leave my pontoon there. When I want to fish Mille Lacs, I'll either go on a launch or hop in with someone else. I would recommend either of the launches.

[Benny]

hanson, don't forget to bring your rain gear and warm cloths along with your beverages.Even a few snacks can't hurt in case the launch doesn't have any to sell.

Our fall launch trip was cold and windy, there was a cabin to go into so it wasn't to bad.If you bring young kids who tend to get bored easy, bring along the Game Boy or some type of recreation for them.

Benny

[walleyehawk]

I would bring some bug protection if you go at night, raingear, and a camera for those big ones. Some places allow coolers for drinks, in moderation of course. Light snack and water.

I would recommend bringing a lighted bobber for night fishing. Lot of guys like Angle Jigs, others work too. Some people like glow for the hook or jig. And one of those depth finders-the ones with the pincher on the end and weighted to test the bobber-the boats usually don't have enough of them.

I also recommend a small flashlight on a headband or any small source of light for evening fishing. I have a problem seeing the eye of the hook in the dark.