ANGLING BUZZ SHOW 9: THE BIG FISH SHOW
In this episode we are going to be focusing on big fish, specifically lake trout, northern pike and musky! To begin the show we will join Lee Tauchan as he talks about targeting big northern pike and musky throughout the summer. Afterwards we will head north to Saskatchewan to learn about all the incredible fishing opportunities that the province offers. Next we’ll cover some new Buzz Bite Reports from across the Midwest and Canada, and afterwards we take a look at some must have gear in our Cool Products segment. To wrap up the show we will join Jeremy Smith as he outlines some must have tools for handling big toothy critters!
The fishing season is in full swing, and anglers across the country are reaping the rewards. In this article, we’ll take a look at some of the exciting fishing opportunities happening right now. From massive movements of fish to the best techniques and gear, there’s something for every angler to enjoy.
Massive Movements of Fish
One of the most exciting things happening right now is the massive movements of fish. Anglers are reporting large numbers of fish moving from one point to another, creating prime opportunities for intercepting them. Whether it’s pike, lake trout, or smallmouth bass, there’s plenty of action to be had.
Pike and Lake Trout
The big pike are starting to move up into bays, particularly in areas with cabbage coming up. Anglers are finding success in water depths ranging from five to nine feet. The pike are actively feeding, making it an excellent time to target them. Additionally, lake trout are also being caught in these areas in good numbers. Anglers are finding success trolling with flasher fly combos and stick baits along the North Shore up to Two Harbors. The water temperatures in Lake Superior are spiking, reaching around 70 degrees, indicating that the post-spawn period is underway for some species of fish.
Smallmouth Bass and Walleye
Smallmouth bass and walleye are also biting well in the Duluth area. Anglers are having success catching smallmouth bass, walleye, sunfish, and crappies. The vegetation is finally starting to come up, and slip bobber fishing has been effective in targeting these species. Matching the hatch is crucial, and using an orange jig head to mimic crayfish has been successful. On calm days, switching to a plain hook can be effective. Another technique that has been working well is using a little gold ice fishing jig, which provides a balance between a plain hook and a jig. This allows the bait to float as needed while preventing it from bouncing up and down within the water column.
Gear and Techniques
To capitalize on the current fishing opportunities, anglers are using a variety of gear and techniques. Live bait rigs with leeches or crawlers are working well for walleye. Jigging wraps and VMC hair jigs are also effective for catching walleye. When targeting big fish like muskies and pike, using a colossus net from Clam Outdoors is recommended. It has a long handle, a wide hoop, and a deep bucket, making it suitable for landing large fish. For fishing line options, anglers are using the Performance Braid and Suffix 832 Braid from Suffix. These lines have different advantages depending on the fishing conditions and target species.
Cool Products for Anglers
In addition to gear and techniques, there are some cool products available for anglers. The Colossus Net from Clam Outdoors is perfect for landing big fish like musky and pike. It has a long handle, wide hoop, and deep bucket, ensuring that you can safely and easily net your catch. Suffix offers two great fishing line options, the Performance Braid and Suffix 832 Braid, which have different advantages depending on the fishing conditions and target species. The Rumble Beast from Northland Tackle is a great lure for trolling, reaching depths of 20 to 30 feet. It has a locking lip and premium hooks, making it perfect for targeting big fish. The Super Shad Wrap from Rapala is a versatile bait that can be cast or jerked to trigger strikes from musky. The Reed Runner series from Northland Tackle offers spinnerbaits in both traditional and magnum sizes, perfect for bass, pike, musky, and other big fish. The Daiwa Prorex TWS 400 reel is designed for big fish, with features like the T-Wing System for line management and a strong drag system. The Bubba Blade Hook Remover is a handy tool for safely removing hooks from fish, with a non-slip grip and easy operation. The Eight Tray Tackle Bag from Lakes and Rivers is a spacious bag that can hold eight tackle boxes, perfect for anglers who carry a lot of gear. The Mojo Muskie series from St. Croix Rods offers high-quality musky rods at a great price, with features like a long butt handle for leverage and a non-slip grip. Finally, the Dakota Lithium 100 Amp Hour Battery is a lightweight and long-lasting battery that is perfect for powering your fishing electronics.
Conclusion
The fishing season is in full swing, and anglers in the Duluth-Superior Twin Ports area are enjoying great success. With water temperatures spiking and post-spawn periods underway, there are plenty of opportunities to catch a variety of fish species. Whether you’re targeting pike, lake trout, smallmouth bass, walleye, or musky, there are techniques and gear available to help you land the big ones. From live bait rigs to jigging wraps, anglers are using a variety of techniques to entice fish to bite. And with products like the Colossus Net from Clam Outdoors, the Performance Braid and Suffix 832 Braid from Suffix, and the Rumble Beast from Northland Tackle, anglers have the tools they need to succeed.
So grab your gear, head out on the water, and take advantage of the exciting fishing opportunities happening right now. Whether you’re a seasoned angler or just starting out, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. And don’t forget to follow the simple habit-forming rules to prevent the spread of aquatic invasive species. Clean aquatic plants and animals from your boat, trailer, and equipment, drain all water from motors and live wells, and remove all boat plugs and dispose of unused bait properly.
With the right gear, techniques, and a little bit of luck, you’ll be reeling in the big ones in no time. So get out there and enjoy the thrill of fishing in the Duluth-Superior Twin Ports area. Happy fishing!
