powerdive

No, I don't. Reason: As a weekend warrior, I don't have time for such mumbo jumbo. I fish when I can, and take what comes, and because I'm not out there every day, I have little chance of noticing any direct effects (if there actually are any). Note: In-Fisherman, being in the biz of selling magazines, used to make a big deal of correlating moon phases with trophy catches (this was probably done mostly to support their Master Angler program). It seems that 60% of the trophy fish were caught on the day of the full or new moon, the three days before and after, and the day of the half moon. Wowee! That's the time to fish, huh? Well, do the math. 30 days in a month. 15 days identified (50%). That's not enough of a difference to bother with, at least for this part-timer.

You guys who know this stuff...not a very good picture, but is that a largemouth or a spotted bass? Never thought about it at the time. Reason I ask, if a spot, that would be a new personal best. Thanks.

Yeah, I know. Figured the bass boys would get a kick out of it.

A funny thing happened on the way to a walleye limit yesterday...this silly bass smacked the shadbait I was pulling on leadcore at 26 feet. Measured just about 22".

Go Pack! (Sorry, Matt, can't help you on the bass)

Excellent reports, guys! Thank you!!!

It's been iffy in the Baxter area. It was strongly set at 32' about three weeks ago, and last weekend it was kinda broken up but when it showed it was consistent at 42'. At least that's the way it looked on my sonar. Others may have different findings.

The Fishing Hot Spots map sez that the inside bend of of Horseshoe Bend is also known as Allison Flats, but I would bet that Jeff is right--Mike W. was probably referring to the bend just below Tucker.

Wtr dogs, I don't generally segment the leadcore. I spool on a buncha backing, then 7 to 9 colors of 18# leadcore, then attach a 12# mono or 10# PowerPro leader using either a double uni knot or by removing a few inches of lead filament, sliding the leader into the vacated sheath, and tying an overhand knot. Leader length doesn't matter too much...I've used as short as 4' and as long as 25'. However, if you use an ant swivel to join core and leader, make sure your leader length is shorter than your rod length, to avoid reeling the swivel into the guides and damaging them. The reason I don't segment, I don't want to carry 20 rods in my little boat. The productive depth will vary thru the season, but generally follows the thermocline down--you could be trolling at 15' in late May, but by September you could be targeting 35-40'. This way, I can hit any depth with one rod/reel setup. Will send you a PM with some site info.

Great report, Jason! Appreciate the detail--very helpful. Good luck to you!

We only saw 6 or 7 other boats all day. rps worked hard to put me over a couple--they were few and far between. Had a most enjoyable day!

Reminds me of the old St. Croix Rod classic print ad------Fifi the poodle rigged on a musky hook.

Thanks, Bill. Appreciate the feedback. I understand the concept, but have always wondered if it's more gimmick than substance. Sounds like they get a thumbs-up from you. Good point on the cold weather, too. @ vacation--what do you like about your G4 Stix so far?

For those who are using micro guide rods, I'd love to hear your judgments. Manufacturers claim the rods are lighter, better casting, and more sensitive. True, or not? Regardless of how much you spent, I'd appreciate your honest opinion. Thanks.

Me too. It's starting to make sense. Thank you.

Excellent report, Bobby P. Funny...on Lake Erie the saying is, "Speed kills!" in walleye trolling. Last weekend I caught several eyes pulling cranks on leadcore. I'm in the habit of trolling at 2 mph, more or less, because at that speed I always know where my lure is running. (Leadcore is very speed dependent--it rises when you go faster, sinks when you go slower.) Once that day, when I found myself in shallower water, I sped up to 3.5 mph to bring the cranks up and over the bottom. Coming off that hump, a walleye slammed the crank, before I slowed down. I tried speeding up and moving shallower a time or two the next day, when fishing was tougher, but nothing happened. Still, it's worth experimenting with, rather than sitting in a rut. Thanks for passing it along.

Thanks much. Didn't mean to be rude, but I guess it sounded that way. My apologies--I do need help with the visuals.

I've been trying to understand these sidefinder images for 3 years. Nope, my puny brain can't decipher 'em. Doug, I know you're pimpin' this stuff--how about an explanation of what we're supposed to be seeing and saying wowee over? Thanks.

I use line counter reels. Like rps, I prefer medium action rods (mine are 8' and 8-1/2') with soft tips for braid and leadcore. Because those lines don't stretch, you can read the tips just fine.

Precision Trolling is widely available. Bass Pro has it, Cabela's has it, most of the majors who sell walleye or Great Lakes gear have it. Easily found. Authors are Dr. Steven Holt and Mark Romanack. You'll probably want the regular edition, not the Big Water edition which is more focused on trout/salmon fishing. It's not cheap ($40?), but it's a great way to learn the trolling game. There were some threads here over the past couple years in the Table Rock and especially the Upper Bull Shoals forums that laid out some good info. A couple were pinned to the tops of the forums...

So they all hit while you were going in the same direction, huh? Every single pass, actually--no whiffs. Were you moving upstream?

Oh. My. Heavens. I am envious beyond measure. Great job, rps! You've earned it!

Yep, started with a Reef Runner 800 on a flatline on one side. No action on it, or on the Deep Thunderstick I tried next, so I downsized and stuck with leadcore.

Thanks, lonkm. Appreciate the info.

Went back, same area this morning. Quite slow compared to yesterday. 2 walleyes (18" and 20"), maybe 10 white bass, one massive bluegill, and that was it. More "show" on sonar, but far less catching. Not a green fish in sight. Jet skis became murderous about 11am. Walleyes hit a white Static Shad on 90' of lead and a chrome/black Deep Jr. Tstick on 104'. Bill, you need a kicker.