Fishing is all about Strikes

On the eve of the Lake Hartwell FLW Tour event beginning and next weeks PAA event on Lake Lanier I have some great news.  

I am going to be partnering with Strike King Lures and have been added to their pro-staff for this coming season.  It comes at a great time and is exciting news.  I have fished Strike King baits for many years and am a strong believer in their products.  To be apart of the Strike King staff and family is an honor and I look forward to using Strike King Lures to bring more fish in the boat.  As a part of their staff I will be attending many shows, speaking engagements, in-store promotions, and also fishing events.  

Boats are optional

Yes, this is real people!  Do not try this at home, I am a trained professional.  Ok maybe not; maybe just a bit nuts.  Since I sold my 2010 Ranger and my new 2011 has yet to arrive I am boat-less and wanting to fish.

Yesterday I was able to get on the Mississippi River to do some open water walleye fishing with fishing friends Travis Frank and Matt Hennen.  

Thanks to Travis we did have a boat but I opted for the "ice fishing" version of open water walleye fishing.  Not certain I could guide from this thing but was fun to ride down the river in search of the "swine" walleye we were after.  

This time of year on the mighty Mississippi River is magical.  Not only did we catch walleyes, we also managed a few nice "rough" fish.  We caught all our fish fishing a 1/2 oz jig tipped with a minnow.  

This was one of the few nice suck-ERRRRR's I caught.

I will be getting back after it before the river muddies up and will post more pics and videos soon.  Fish on!     

Grampa Can Do It All

I am happy to announce good friend "Grampa" Joe Carlson has opened up a "do-all" marine speciality shop in Harris MN.  Joe has always specialized in boat rigging, machining, and just about anything to do with boats-including glass repairs.  Another words-if it has to do with boats or you need something done to your boat-Grampa Joe can make it happen...or will make an attempt to make it happen.  Joe comes from a very rich boating, guiding, and marine back ground.  In past years I used to check into Joe-as he was my pro-staff manager for Ranger Boats.  All in all, Joe has a great understanding of boats, the importance of good timely service, and the value in being competitive on pricing.

Grampa Joe's is also going to be selling new and used boats.  If you are in the Harris neck of the woods don't be afraid to stop in and check out his shop and share a cup of coffee.  The open sign is on and he is inviting everyone to come out and see the new store front.  

Lures have gone xtreme

With a new tour season getting ready to start and the spring bite about to go into full swing I am excited to announce my partnership with Xtreme Lure Creations.  Xtreme Lure Creations (Rob Jordan) was the brain child behind my blueback herring painted Lil John DD that I threw in last years Forrest Wood Cup and almost led me to victory.  Rob is a genius and artist to say the least.  The guy paints some of the most amazing life-like patterns I have ever seen.  It is thanks to his close attention to detail.  Rob is going to be painting many bluegill and craw patterns for me in an attempt to get the edge over the competition. 

In today's fishing world I need all the edge I can get, and xtreme lure creations does just that.  Rob's baits will get you more bites, not only in clear water but every where you fish.  His artistic ability is something to really appreciate.  Many people buy his lures and never even put them in the water-they simply collect them.  Feel free to reach out to Rob if you have any questions or interest in getting some lures.  He can bring your old trusty lures back to life as well.