View Full Version : Mille Lacs walleye tourney strategy
fishless
02-28-2002, 07:27 PM
I'm fishing the NWAC/Cabelas tourney in May and I'm wondering, with the new slot - 4 fish 14"-16" with one over 28" included, If you should just target big fish and if so, what would be your strategy? It seems almost impossible to "target" slot fish and one over probably weighs more than 4 slots.
Opinions?
mnwalleyekiller
02-28-2002, 07:45 PM
My opinion? Well forget the slot if ya wanna win. Mille lacs is full of fish over 28 inches and you know someone will get 2 each day of the tourney. So that being said where to get the fish over 28 inches is the question. Who knows what kind of spring we will have and how the fish will be acting. But if there is a wind try the slip bobber. I fish the east side rock humps until the mud starts to turn on. We catch fish every year on 3 mile and the rock islands south of there. We use jumbo leeches on 1/8 oz jig heads below bobbers. Sounds too simple but who says it has to be hard. Good luck on your tourney!
"Its Time"
Muleskinner
02-28-2002, 08:20 PM
After spending 8 days fishing in the wind and rain the first part of may last year. The big fish over 28" seemed to come mainly off the mud. The locals all said the mud wasn't going but day after day reports from PWT fishermen who came in with fish over 28 inches off the mud flats. The key to catching these fish is the ability to back troll and hold the line needed to entice those big ladies into nabbing your leech. If the wind is blowing and it's a raining, be one of the touch guy's and fish the mud. The guys on the rock points may luck into a few big ones but I think your chances are much better out on the mud. You can always try to get your slots on the reefs near the launch. Good luck with the 10,000 other boats out there.
sneaky pete
02-28-2002, 08:43 PM
I'm also fishing the tourney. I haven't fished there in years. I'm wondering what's the prefered bait in early season - minnows, crawlers or leeches?
walley joe
02-28-2002, 08:55 PM
minnows, followed by leeches.
fishless
02-28-2002, 09:05 PM
Wouldn't you only be allowed one limit per boat? Or, because of the narrow slot, would you each be able to bring in a limit?
Leeches will be the preferred bait. Also have crawlers along.
Rocks, flats, shoreline or sand?
jigger
02-28-2002, 10:10 PM
Rocks in the wind, flats or sand when calm and shoreline whenever.
Fish-on
03-01-2002, 07:10 AM
Figure that 14-16" fish weigh .8 to 1.5 pounds. A 28-incher is going to weigh anywhere from 7.5 to 9.5 roughly. Somebody each day will come in with a 10-pounder, there may be a handful of them each day. Some teams will have 28"+ fish both days. I'd be willing to bet that there will be a team or two that comes in with 3-4 of them over two days. This tournament cannot be won with slot fish. Period. A limit of nice slots each day might get you in the money, but you cannot win with them. Plus, the slots are just as hard to find as the big fish.
That should answer your question very clearly.
Good luck.
mnwalleyekiller
03-01-2002, 08:06 AM
minnows? never used them, so I cant say they dont work. But you cant deny leeches they work great. Hey mule skinner its that mud attitude that throws people off this time of the year. There are numerious 28 inch + fish on the rocks this time of year "May". Dont take it from me. You can find this out at this years weigh in. :)
"Its Time"
OH, I will be there also.
curious george
03-01-2002, 08:12 AM
So how would you target the big fish?
mnwalleyekiller
03-01-2002, 08:28 AM
Thats the money question. How would I, prefish the rocks and find em with slips or lindys. I would still be useing leeches but I guess I have never tried minnows. Mille lacs eyes seem to love leeches this time of year. I have made people believers of this system "some tough competeition" but it never fails. Im not talking slot here big fish only. OK, heres a spot 2 1/2 mile just south of 3 can be loaded with fish. Look for them and drop a bouy and fish that spot on a spot.
"Its Time"
morriscode
03-01-2002, 08:52 AM
MNWalleyekiller knows all about the rocks, many people blow right over one of the best spots on the whole south end. MN killer showed me a few things about rockin eyes on mille lacs, and a few more about how ignorant some people are that fish Mille Lacs. I know right where he will be. Good Luck to all!
curious george
03-01-2002, 09:50 AM
How come nobody mentions jigging? Jig and a leech etc. How long of snell lenghts do you generally use?
"eye" spy
03-01-2002, 10:03 AM
Does anyone know how they're going to combine the two tourney's as far as weighing the fish? Just wondering if they'll take the weight from one tourney and automatically accept that weight for the other tourney or if you'd need to re-weigh the fish (which would seem tough on the fish)?
fish guts
03-01-2002, 10:26 AM
Anybody tried trolling crankbaits in the early season for bigger fish?
az eyeless
03-01-2002, 10:55 AM
From what I understand there will be one weigh in station for both tourneys.
I'll be comming in from AZ for this and I've also got a question. Has anyone ever tryed using waterdogs? And are they legal?
Thanks,
Az Eyeless
fish dreamer
03-01-2002, 11:55 AM
Has anyone out there fished in one of these tourney's on Mille Lacs? What is the boat traffic like? Are there alot of problems getting to, fishing and holding a spot?
Dave in Mpls
03-01-2002, 01:57 PM
I wouldn't waste your time. It would NEVER work :)
Regards
Has anyone heard how many fish we will be able to weigh? Or have in the boat, for that matter? Each angler can legally have 4 fish between 14 and 16, or 3 between 14 and 16 with one over 28. Does this mean each team can have 8 fish in the boat, and how amny can be weighed?
Thanks
fishless
03-01-2002, 03:58 PM
The rules are to be mailed out in May. I assume one limit per boat, but I'm guessing.
Bad Finger
03-01-2002, 04:18 PM
Paul,
This question has been asked on the MWC board. The MWC is appartenly thinking about it as the post has gone unanswered for about a week.
http://www.masterswalleyecircuit.com/
eyeguy
03-01-2002, 04:27 PM
Well this is good info being passed around,BUT here is the big question??? WHO ARE THE FAVORITES?
Who is going to be on the leader board when I look?
fishless
03-01-2002, 04:39 PM
I predict an unknown will lead after day one (probably from Arizona).
LOL
The Big Guy
03-01-2002, 05:21 PM
If you want to know who will be a possible leader look at the standings from the Wave Wacker from last summer when a similar slot that targeting "non existant" fish was in place. The small fish tended to be off on their own in schools and lets face it, when winning comes down to hundreths of a pound anybody who can manage a tournament limit of a probable five small slots and one or two big ones will go a long way to being towards the top. Don't discount the value of the small fish.
There is only one answer: Home Field Advantage, Fellegy and Juls. The only way it wont work is if Juls get fed up with Steve and sends him for a swim.
Terry
mmillelacs
03-01-2002, 06:00 PM
azeyeless: its not a bad idea, waterdogs, and yes they are legal, but good luck finding them. Anecdote; about 15 years ago, while on a launch operated by a certain nameless captain who used to own a certain nameless resort on the west side of the lake, and who is now a tournament director for a certain nameless fishing organization, I asked him the very same question. Specifically, I asked him if a person was just trying to target the hawgs what would one do? He said that salamanders or (waterdogs) worked on the edge of the flats might be the ticket. He said that it might be slow, but if you got bit it would be a hawg. It makes sense to me, i know traditional lore has a lot of the big females retiring to the mud flats after spawn for recuperating, and waiting for easy meals, such as passing tulipees. I know that some folks go out to the mud on opener, even with late ice outs and work the mud with creek chubs on lindy rigs and hover the edges
azfishless
03-01-2002, 08:07 PM
We have a lot of waterdogs in Arizona. Any idea if they could be brought into Minnesota?
Check with the DNR. They would know!
stevefellegy
03-02-2002, 04:47 AM
Here's what I would suggest...Start losin' sleep over it now...By the night before the tournament your mind will be like the biggest backlash you ever had....Then flip a coin as your number is called out during the take off. You're welcome to follow us. That's our plan!
stevefellegy
03-02-2002, 05:48 AM
Back in the "old MWC days", Mille Lacs events always included a 'dock fishing' contest for the anglers. It was held on an evening
during the practice week along with a fish fry and social hour. The rules were quite complex that merited pre-fishing the event several evenings before. The winners were based on a point system based on species of fish caught. Crayfish being the highest point fish, walleye being automatic disqualification. Plaques were awarded and the pride of winning this event was huge and greatly respected. Mr. Probst, as usual, was always the favorite, since he figured out that ham was the best bait for crayfish...and he knew where the rocks were.
So you guys have it easy these days. Slot limits? Fish big ones or small ones? If you really wanna sweat, deal with the dock strategy!
Remember those days at West Shore anybody?
Craw Daddy
03-02-2002, 07:46 AM
First of all, everyone knows the best bait for crawfish is raw bacon tied to a rock and string. With that said, maybe I will follow your boat. What does it look like?
big eye
03-02-2002, 07:52 AM
What, me worry? This tourament sounds like it will be the biggest "crap shoot" of all the tournaments. With the tight slot and one over, it's going to take alot of luck (although, skillful anglers seem to have more "luck"). Do you think I can get 3 slot's off the dock?
eyeguy
03-02-2002, 08:13 AM
I have been looking back at the tourney's over the last couple of years and don't see Fellegy's name in the upper half of the leaders? Where is the home field there? What other locals are in the Championship?
stevefellegy
03-02-2002, 08:25 AM
Yeah, yeah...it's called 'going brain dead'. BUT, I did catch a fish or two in last years Wavewacker, so the tax man says. And nothing's changed...the wave beaten brain is still struggling. Of course , I could be due...I haven't caught a fish over 28" at Mille lacs for 3 years. Look out?
eyeguy
03-02-2002, 08:34 AM
Steve who else is in the Championship? They don't have a list out!I need to get my picks ready!
stevefellegy
03-02-2002, 09:42 AM
First, let me point out, We are not fishing the MWC Championship event. We are fishing the MWC qualifier that is running in conjunction with the finals.
I don't have a clue who is in either event. I would guess the McQuoids will fish along with the normal list of local "threats". The Mille Lacs events, perennially, host the deepest fields of all the tournament sites.
"eye" king
03-02-2002, 12:54 PM
If you haven't got a 28" walleye in three years on Mille Lacs, I'm assuming you fish it "often", It's really going to take some luck to get the slotter's and an over!
stevefellegy
03-02-2002, 01:20 PM
"Often" isn't what you might think these days. I only fish at home for walleyes, in the past ten years, around a coming tournament. I'm not putting in 100 days or the like here, anymore. But my memories are still intact. That ain't the first to go. The guides and locals who fish everyday, bump into a 28" plus fish once in while. I've had friends and guiding clients catch'em in my boat the past three years, not me. I actually think the slot fish will be easier to catch than the big boys. Like I said, if my partner allows it, we'll flip a coin at take off and go. It's called "close your eyes and take your best shot".
Bad Finger
03-02-2002, 01:31 PM
Steve,
I couldn't agree more. I have caught dozens of 25-27 inch fish the last few years, but a 28+ during the day, in May is rare. A true "On the scale 10 pounder" is even more rare. I'd be surprised to see anyone bring four 28+ inch fish to the scale during this tournament. You will see a few....probably less than 5-6 total.
Now, in the fall, at night, under the full moon, that's a whole different story!!
azfishless
03-02-2002, 01:34 PM
So the strategy is catch a bunch of fish and hope some fit?
stevefellegy
03-02-2002, 02:09 PM
lol The key word is "hope".
Hey Badfinger, if I hunted deer with a light, my bucks would be bigger too.lol Deer shiners....geeezzzz. lol lol
Now, I'm outta here on this one. Like all of you guys, I gotta drive through alot of waves between now and then. Recalling a previous comment of mine, I don't like backlashes if I can help it. lol
See ya'all at mighty Mille Lacs in May.
azfishless
03-02-2002, 02:41 PM
Why don't people jig for walleyes on Mille Lacs?
john mannerino
03-02-2002, 06:04 PM
I`m also going to flip a coin at the take off, Go for the slots or fish for a 28 1/4. 3 in the slot and 1 over both days would be a dream come true,,,,,,,, John
fishindude
03-02-2002, 07:27 PM
johnmannarino: do not be fooled by the posturing that has already begun. i will guarantee you, the over 28inch fish will be readily available to the guys that target them. one over per day is easily done.
fishslayer
03-02-2002, 10:46 PM
B.S. I don't believe the "over" is easily done. I feel, it's a matter of luck!
john mannerino
03-03-2002, 06:33 AM
I never fished the lake before, mabey to a person that is on the lake often it would be easier. A fish over 28 is being at the right place at the right time. These fish are roamers that dont really bite to well in the daylite.Skill yes,but more luck goes into getting one than anything else. Just my view,John
fishindude
03-03-2002, 08:12 AM
john, my feathers are not ruffled; but have you ever noticed how the same guys seem to have all the luck? i fish the wave wackers tourney on mille lacs and the guys that target the big fish with some knowledge, catch the big fish more frequently. sorry, this isn't luck. my advice is make your luck and understand how many big fish are in the area you are fishing. mille lacs holds large fish in very specific areas. when you catch big fish on the mud, keep a good waypoint. the other big ones seem to roam right to that spot again and again. good luck with your tourney!
fishslayer
03-03-2002, 08:58 AM
So you are suggesting that, to win the tournament, fish the mud instead of the rocks?
mnwalleyekiller
03-03-2002, 09:18 AM
There you go fish slayer thinking of mud. For those who dont fish mille lacs it has more big 28+ fish than it has ever had before. The fishing is going to be fantastic. It is commen to catch more fish over 20 inches than it is under. Go for the big fish and you wont be let down! mud maybe, rocks money.
See you on the water!
If you bring in a limit of slot fish each day you will be in the money. There will be alot of boats out htere, at least 3 tournaments that weekend. Be carefull and respect all other angelers.
fishslayer
03-03-2002, 11:46 AM
I'll check out the rocks on the "prefish". So, why slip boobers and not jigging on the rocks?
Fish-on
03-03-2002, 02:03 PM
Let's assume you are going to be allowed six fish per boat. That would mean a limit of weigh-fish each day is going to be 11-14 pounds total. If I thought that would put me in the money, I would enter the tournament. I'm curious how many people fish for the money cut. I always thought everyone else fished for the win, I know I do.
I know one thing is for sure. Those 28+ fish are a lot easier to catch at night than they are during the day, but they'll eat if you put something in front of them.
fishless
03-03-2002, 07:46 PM
Like Jack Nicklaus once said (I think), "second place is the first loser"! Fish to win baby!
eye eye matey!
03-04-2002, 12:00 PM
I think Jack said, "Nobody remembers who came in second (except your wife - maybe)".
Just a note to all of you guys beating your brains in over what fish to go after, keep it up!!! Gives guys like Steve F. and those of us that just go fishing all the better chance. See ya on stage!!