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Coming up to Kettle this weekend...


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Myself and a friend will be at the hotel thur-Sat nights. This is an annunal trip for me, but a first for him.

I usually have average success fishing while I am there, but would like to get some insight to increase the chances a bit. I want my friend to have a good time, ya know!!!

The majority of my fishing is from the hotel to Windmill Rock and on the American side. I don't usually get much farther than the rock and there are plenty of places to hit in that area.

My question(s) for this trip would be:

  • What are the depths of the walleyes right now? Is there any luck with minnows? I have seen posts on this board about good things with crawlers and leeches. What types of live-bait rigs are people using? Other than a Lindy rig, I am unfamiliar with the other types of rigs that can be used. What is the optimal method of fishing live-bait rigs, ie. slow-troll at marked depths, bottom bouncing, cast and retrieve, jig, slip bobber? How have the smallies and northerns been in this area?
    Thanks for any help you might give. Let me know if you'll be at the hotel this weekend and I'll buy you a beverage for your services!!! wink.gif
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Husker,

We use a live bait rig and have had great success. We piece them together myself with a 1/2 oz egg sinker, red read, #10 barrel swivel, 7' of 8 lb Vanish leader and a #6 Gamakatsu red octopus hook. No spinners involved here. I use a chub minnow from the One-Stop, since they sell them by the scoop and they last if you keep them cold.

Find a reef and keep your eyes on the locator. Once you spot the hooks, put the kicker in reverse and hover over the fish. There are two speeds to go....slow and slower.

Hook the minnow through the butt and drop it to the bottom. Once you get bit, all you need to do is reel. No need to open the bail or feed them line.

You will find the fish at 25 feet.

Illy

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