Jim McDonnell
11-06-2003, 11:48 AM
Walleye fishing is slow, especially during the daylight hours. Work the deep edges of green weeds and deep rock piles, with a Fireball Jig and minnow or a Roach Rig and chub. It helps if you choose a day with a light wind as a verticle presentation works best. Trolling Crankbaits in the evening hours has been productive on Spirit Lake and West Okoboji. Work the bridges and necked down areas with Rock a roos or Power Grubs, after dark. A Steamlight headlamp really helps when netting fish or changing lures. I use the bright green setting as it has less spooking effect than a white beam, on big walleyes in shallow water.
On East Okoboji, work shallow rock piles with 1/16oz hair jigs and 4# XL Trilene. Casting Power Grubs or running a lighted Thill slip bobber and minnow off shoreline rocks or off any remaining docks has been productive. Always check out the bridge areas on any lake you might be fishing.
Five Island and Lost Island are producing a few walleyes on Crankbaits, Power Grubs or Gulp Minnows. Boat fisherman are still working Five Island. You will have to keep an eye on these smaller lakes as a quick cold snap can lock them up.
It is not too early to check out the new models of ice shaks at Oh Shucks. Frabill has some exciting new models to choose from. Look them over closely and choose the one that suits your needs the best. One thing for sure, Frabill has an excellent track record in the ice fishing arena. And first ice will be here almost before we know it.
Pheasant hunting remains good. The dumb roosters are in the skillet. The smart ones that have survived the first couple of weekends, will test you and your dog.
The deer rut is underway and should continue pretty heavy until Thanksgiving. Anytime you have the time, is a good time, to be in a stand. Bucks will cruise, looking for hot does, even at midday. Wildlife Research has a super selection of cover, attractor and doe in heat scents. You can check out their complete supply at Oh Shucks.
Keep a tight line and may your aim be straight.
Jim McDonnell is a professional fishing guide, avid hunter, trapper and outdoor writer in the Iowa Great Lakes area. 712 933-5532.
On East Okoboji, work shallow rock piles with 1/16oz hair jigs and 4# XL Trilene. Casting Power Grubs or running a lighted Thill slip bobber and minnow off shoreline rocks or off any remaining docks has been productive. Always check out the bridge areas on any lake you might be fishing.
Five Island and Lost Island are producing a few walleyes on Crankbaits, Power Grubs or Gulp Minnows. Boat fisherman are still working Five Island. You will have to keep an eye on these smaller lakes as a quick cold snap can lock them up.
It is not too early to check out the new models of ice shaks at Oh Shucks. Frabill has some exciting new models to choose from. Look them over closely and choose the one that suits your needs the best. One thing for sure, Frabill has an excellent track record in the ice fishing arena. And first ice will be here almost before we know it.
Pheasant hunting remains good. The dumb roosters are in the skillet. The smart ones that have survived the first couple of weekends, will test you and your dog.
The deer rut is underway and should continue pretty heavy until Thanksgiving. Anytime you have the time, is a good time, to be in a stand. Bucks will cruise, looking for hot does, even at midday. Wildlife Research has a super selection of cover, attractor and doe in heat scents. You can check out their complete supply at Oh Shucks.
Keep a tight line and may your aim be straight.
Jim McDonnell is a professional fishing guide, avid hunter, trapper and outdoor writer in the Iowa Great Lakes area. 712 933-5532.