Summer 2013 Fishing Season

This year's fresh water fishing season was a great Walleye fishing year. Most of the summer was warm and even temperatures. The long days of living along the 49 degree Parallel creates almost 18 hours of daylight. The beauty of the sunset over the water while fishing is euphoric. Paradise is found with the beauty of the treed shoreline, pristine fresh water, sunshine, abundance of fish and great company of friends and fishing partners.

With using a new 7' Carrot Stik LTX rod and reel, my old rod, Quantum KVD was waiting for its demise, but the Carrot Stik proved its longevity, however the artificial and real bait from Bass Pro Shops was the test this year. Comparing the two was interesting, as I asked many and received varying responses, my own theory and practice proved to be a toss up between artificial and live minnows. Still not to crazy about leaches! Which were a favorite for the anglers in Minaki. Mid summer the bottom bouncers with either artificial or real night crawlers, either one, seemed to work the best on the ridges and peaks on Lake of the Woods and Devils Lake. For fall fishing, the best bait it seemed were the artificial frogs. Seems once you've mastered the art and science of how a frog thinks and jumps, the walleye and cat fish were gulping them up as fast as they could. Catching some nice eaters for wonderful barbeque fish dinners for the evenings.

Summer time freshwater fishing is now replaced by ice fishing, cold and short days, lakes are covered with thick ice, Ice shacks are appearing and small communities of huts and make shift alleys are beginning to shape and develop on the frozen over bodies of water. Plenty of fish they say, and an experience that can't be past up. By January, my walleye fish supply will dwindle, I might have to join in this 49 degree parallel winter experience to stave off my ever graving Walleye delicacy.

By Genevieve van Oers