How crazy is Mille Lacs opener?

[trackerbrent]

I have been going to Mille Lacs opener for 5 years now and it is crazy. We go to the launch at around 11:30 on Friday, on the North side. Not too bad, sometimes there is no parking, but that is O.K. we just go park trailers at my buddies cabin and go pick up driver at the dock. There has been many good stories posted, but I have another one.

North side public access, very shallow, I am sure most people know which one I am talking about. It is so shallow if you have a bunk trailer, do not even think about launching there. Sometimes it takes a good 2 times of backing down and slambing on the brakes to get a boat on a roller trailer off. Anyways, at the launch 2 years ago a couple of guys trying to launch a 20' Ranger. Had their truck backed in to the water so the water is at the doors dang near. They were wading in the water still trying to get this boat off. They had the motor in reverse giving it all it had, while pushing on the bow. Did not budge. One jumped back in truck to move it and the truck was now stuck in the sand 20 yards from shore it seemed like. They were stuck the entire time we waited in line and lauched on the opposite side ramp, because they were jambing that side. We got are boats in and went fishing. Never knew how they got out, but when we got back in at around 3:00 A.M. they were gone.

[LuciandTim]

I will tell you the ONE thing I hate about Mille Lacs on the opner. No matter how early I get there it seems that there is always someone parked in my slip! The big sign that says "Reserved"" obviously means nothing to these people.

[TrophyEyes]

Untie it and push that boat out to sea. That's what I would do. I have no patience for that kind of crap. If its not yours, then you run the risk of being fined or loosing your boat all together in my opinion.

[spankster]

I agree wtih trophy eyes. At our resort, riff raff tries to come launch their boat without paying the launch fee. Your $10 there probably saves you a total hour in launch and retrieve. It's funny how I pay for a place to park my rig and trailer and the spot is being taken up by some jack-pine savage who thinks he has a right to be there without even paying. I hate that and it is the worst on the opener.

[Deadwood]

Trophyeyes hit the nail on the head, although I am not certain I would bother with unhooking ropes from the slip. I would tie my rope around their bow-mounted trolling motor (or similar) - yank them out of your spot - then drag them out to sea. The guy who parked in your spot won't do it again next year, I guarantee it. Inconsiderate people ruin everything nowadays.

[minniwinni91]

opener is A fun time to just sit and laugh at what other people have to say. I mean the is a boat usually Within 30yrds of you at all time's so you can always here them loud and clear. Last year there was a guy who the whole time we were out there he pissed off cause the lady at the store gave him the wrong kind of cigarettes so that was why he wasn't catching and fish. Last year I helped A gut land a muskie he kept saying it was the biggest northern he had ever seen.

[irishjigs]

I love opener on Mille Lacs. It's a great time, and you get to see a lot of different things. People are commenting on a lot of things assoiciated with opener on Mille Lacs here and it's great to read.

I was thinking we should start to mention what to do or avoid on opener to help out those who might be going up for the first time. One thing I do every year is to assure that I have a good way to get on/off the lake without offending anyone...or very few people at the least(there will always be a few never satisfied). Get a boat slip reserved at a resort ASAP so there are no worries about using someone else's...if that's the way you like to get on/off the lake.

Does anyone have any helpful hints, as far as landing/docking, boat control, etc. that can help those who might be heading to Mille Lacs for the first time? The fishing part is up to them!

[youngie22]

Put your boat in the water for a test run once maybe twice before you go... If opener in the dark is your first outing of the year, your looking for hassle. And make a nice indepth checklist.

[Deadwood]

Ditto what youngie22 stated. Get your boat out prior to the opener and make practice runs at the landing before 'showtime'. If you can't make it to the water, practice backing up in your driveway, empty parking lot, or whatever is close by. Everyone can attest to how nice it is at the landing to see a vehicle/boat pull-up, back down the ramp, load or unload and get out of the in 45-60 seconds.

[jpp]

It can get alittle crazy everywhere....

[minniwinni91]

I would say if possible get your boat in on friday night. Also

if your gonna fish in the dark make sure your electronics work good because let me tell you it's not fun changing a prop in the dark. so basically know where the shallow water is and stay a safe distance from the buys, they are there for a reason

[saloonsoftball76]

i'm thinking about making some money this year at the opener out of malmo.. bring my waders and get paid to help load boats..it is funny watching the people walk down the trailer and splash in they go..$10.00 for the help. make them get in andf out faster.

[perchman]

Bring an extra set of keys too. I once saw a guy go to load his boat on the trailer.. got that done, went back to his car... doors locked (must have hit the lock with his knee)... keys inside... its 10pm (with the 10 pm night ban, boats lined up to get out).. Solution: Rock, back window.. Funny now.. but it wasnt for "me" then.

[Desperado]

I always have one window down while I'm at the boat launch for that very reason.

With all the jumping in and out of the vehicle (especially when launching all by myself), it's just too easy to inadvertently hit the automatic door locks.

I don't even have to think about it anymore, it has actually become a habit; pull up to the ramp, roll down the window.

[perchman]

excellent idea..

[311Hemi]

Quote:

---

I always have one window down while I'm at the boat launch for that very reason.

With all the jumping in and out of the vehicle (especially when launching all by myself), it's just

too

easy to inadvertently hit the automatic door locks.

I don't even have to think about it anymore, it has actually become a habit; pull up to the ramp, roll down the window.

---

I do this with everything...boats, snowmobiles, hunting, camping, etc. Pretty much a habit now every time I know I will be near the truck and shutting the door.

I also leave the rear slider window of my truck closed just enough to not lock...but so nobody would notice. I have a topper so for them to actually check it they would need to climb in...which I don't worry about too much. Last resort I can push the slider open and hit the lock buttons with a stick or something instead of breaking a window.

[BorderView]

Saloon

YOu will make ca$h. A few years ago over opener weekend, we stayed at the casino. Had to launch and land daily. A young man (16-17yo) made a few hundred a day. It was windy and he stayed in the water helping boat after boat. Didn't ask for a dime and got 5-20 from every boat he helped. ALL were very appreciative. Had to admire the kids initiative.

[Prairiedogenator]

Anchored off Half Moon island about 3 years ago opening day night around 11pm and a boat came zipping accross the lake about 40mph and hit the island without slowing down. Didn't even see it coming. Big boulders. Big bang.

[codyz]

I have been on winnie for opener for the last 7 or 8 years. I can tell you it is just as funny there. I'll be on the pond to whitness it this year.

[TrophyEyes]

I am going to start this year over on Pelican and then swing down to Mille Lacs Sunday late afternoon. I was putting my dock and boat in on Pelican this weekend and realized that the DNR hadn't put out all the buoys. I think they hadn't because the water was still so low and some of the rocks are exposed. It will be funny to watch the (Contact Us Please) without GPS units flying right into the shallows. It will be something fun to watch (hope no one gets hurt). Does anyone know why they haven't put all the buoys in? Are they all in on Mille Lacs?

[rodmaker]

TrophyEyes!!!

Glad to hear you'll get out on the Pond after all

Don't forget to get a hold of me with those GPS coordinates later on this year. I gave you my e-mail on another post. Good luck this weekend, and I'm sure I'll read your post Mon.

[TrophyEyes]

I got it rodmaker. I will let you know where they are. I will be a passenger on Monday's trip (father in-law), not really worth it to tell him where to go when it is his boat and his organized trip.

[rodmaker]

It doesn't hurt to try. make a bet friendly bet with him. Bet him that you would catch more Walleyes on your spots than his. Fish his spots and then your spots equal time. Most fish caught wins!!!~!

Hope all is well with the new addition coming this Summer

[LuciandTim]

Just a warning to all boaters after dark!!!

Please keep your lights on at all times after dark and make sure you have a spotlight. I have been fishing the opener on Mille Lacs for many years and have heard and then saw two accidents personally. It happens every year!

And if your are driving after dark take extra pre-cautions.

For the safety of all of us! Thank You!

[Team Otter]

Great reminder. Thanks for posting.

[MuleShack]

The spot light is the last thing on my shopping list yet this week.

Thanks for the heads up.

[perchman]

i learned my lesson on having a spot light. Was out on the SW side late one night fishing, headed back to the SE. Went out some to avoid spirit island... well I thought I was out enough, headed East, all the sudden i hear birds.. i shut down the motor and just to my right (about 30 yards) is spirit island.. needed a new change of shorts..