Team Otter

[ice-man/vexilar-king]

I saw your post about fishing shallow. I hardly ever fish below 15' foot of water in fact most of the time i am in 25-40' of water what do you look for on the graff to even started fishing? Are you looking for suspended fish or are you just spending a little time in each hole? Also why did you set up in the hole you did when you got the crappies to come in? I'm not asking for your hot spot i can take the tips and use them on another bodie of water. I just don't know what to look for when targeting shallow fish, the deep ones i have a firm grasp on. Are you looking for ice structure snow banks weed lines outside of cattails inside poit turns i'm willing to put some time in.

[Team Otter]

As far as utilizing my flasher in shallow haunts, I generally look for 2 things, transition areas and baitfish. The baitfish are typically near the surface and will show up as "interference" or small "blips" most of the time. I also like to drill several holes and check them for bottom make-up. The thicker the echo behind the bottom reading, the softer the bottom and vice-versa for hard bottom areas. I like to position myself on these transition areas. In this part of the state, murky, muddy bottoms that transition into sand or gravel are typically the best producers from what I've experienced. If there is any vegetation or other types of cover available for these fish to relate to, this also is key. Weed lines adjacent to transition areas is almost too good to be true. Hole hopping is always an option but can not always be done effectively, which is mainly weather-dependent.

To be honest, I locate most of these shallow areas during the summer months so that it's easier to come back to them during the hard water season.

Another thing to keep in mind is that a solid shallow bite during the hard water season depends heavily on light penetration. Light will get the baitfish in shallow and active. Bright, sunny days are key and then fishing during the low light periods are typically when you'll cash in. Also, don't get discouraged the first few times around because it can be very hit and miss, but when it's a hit, hang on! As I've said in earlier posts, these fish are in shallow to eat and they are very aggressive.

Hopefully this helps.

[ice-man/vexilar-king]

I had a few of those spots on my gps untill i went to the CSI show and had some of the pros work on my gps. Long story short when they were done i had zero spots left on my gps and no back up. so if any of you guys have some red lake way points they would like to share shoot me an email. Thanks Otter

[Team Otter]

Sounds like "not a good deal" with your GPS.

No problem. Put some of that shallow information to use. I don't think you'll be disappointed.

[james_walleye]

I dont think any way points from Red Lake will do you any good. Its all 14' of water and there is no rhyme or reason too where they can be. Its all about cutting alot of holes. Dont listen too the people that say you cant catch them during the day either. Thats when we've done our best. Its all about staying mobile. When you find them you can really pound them but it might take cutting over 50 holes. When you catch 1 or 2 just have about a dozen holes drilled and hole hop. They move a bit during the day but not much. Maybe this is all something you already know, just trying too give you a little info.

[Team Otter]

I disagree with your comments in regards to way points and their effectiveness on Upper Red. I have found that GPS coordinates help give a person a starting point at the very least. Although depth may not change much, if any, bottom content does. Fishing on or near transition areas is key in that body of water and can improve your odds greatly. We have found areas over the years to be much more steady producers than others. Often times, yes, mobility is the key but there are other factors involved in putting fish on the ice. Yes, don't rule out the day time bite. But, I think a majority of the people want the action "right now" and will gamble with the sun down action.

[ice-man/vexilar-king]

Ah yes being mobile. you are all right here. We love to run gas threw the 224. I like to drill 15-20 hole in a circle or deer track pattern depending on how i feel that day, fish each hole for 2-3min and then on to the next. If there is no success we mentally go up a block and over one. This is were the gps plays part. it gives you bearing and dirrection. tipically you are 100% right on about 50-75 holes and you should find fish if there are there at all. We do tipically fish each hole up their. Around here we drop the vex on a slow walk as you move on to the next hole, but up there those fish will lay in that mud hazed bottom untill food comes by.Yes at night they may rize and rome but in the day you can destroy them if you are mobile.