Wapiti Tacos

Chasing mature bugling bulls in September is something I will cherish and strive for as long as I have a heartbeat. On this particular outing, Ben Brettingen of Primos takes a very nice herd bull with his bow. This was Ben's first ever elk hunt and I was the guy behind the camera which made for some interesting moments. A trip I won't soon forget.

Lost Days

As I sit here and write this, I realize life really does go to fast and so often I wonder where the days have gone.  I also have this feeling like I need to slow down, and make sure I am not letting myself forget what truly is important.  

I "smelled the roses" for the past week in NM on an archery elk hunt. It made me feel small, very small.  It made me have feelings that I can't explain.  It was an adventure that changed me and forever will be embeded in me.  

There are exactly 117 days between June 2nd(my last post) and today.....  Where have 117 days been lost?  Or have they really been lost at all, rather I was doing what I was meant to do and put here on earth to do for 117 days...  I used to pride myself on being an early pioneer of blogs and doing my best to keep up with it and updating people with informative fishing reports.  

117 days is a far cry from keeping up.  I am not sure I know any longer what keeping up means.  Finding the time in this thing we call life to share stories and fishing reports seems to have fallen into an abyss.  I can honestly tell you it isn't becasue I don't care, I do care and it is in my DNA.  It simply is that my adventures and this thing called life has me living it rather then telling it.   

I am not going to forget how I got to the party.  Each and every client, reader, follower, fan, sponsor, supporter, and friend has helped bring me to the party; and for that I thank you.  I feel a sense of debt to each one of you.  

I can tell you it has been a crazy 117 days as I look back on it.  I plan to continue to touch many folks with fishing and hunting, and if you have ever thought about taking an adventure that may take you out of your comfort zone, know that everything will work out.  No need to worry, step out and try, it's the only life we get. 

Healthy Diet

When they look like football's, they are having no issues with a "healthy diet"!  The smallmouth fishing has continued to be great here in MN.  As you can see the strike king tube baits have been a bait of choice and do an awesome job of intimidating a crawfish.  The crawfish is one of a smallmouth's favorite forage in any lake.  

The walleye also seem to take to the tube baits as well.  Lake Mille Lacs continues to be good fishing with #s and some size.  For those looking for crappies, on many lakes they have also been up shallow spawning and been pretty easy to see anc catch with a good pair of polarized sunglasses.  

Nothing Small About It

It was a long winter, but the recent summer like weather here in MN this spring has made for some great fishing.  

I have spent the past few weeks chasing smallmouth in Door County WI and also been guiding on Lake Mille Lacs for giant smallmouth.  The Mille Lacs smallmouth fishing has been great to say the least.  

I guided a father son team to a day they soon won't forget.  I think by the end of the day we landed 30 smallmouth over 4lbs and many of them pushed the 5lb mark.   Water temps have been in the mid to high 60's on Mille Lacs and many of the fish have been shallow spawning or cruising spawning flats.  

 If you are looking to get out and enjoy some amazing smallmouth fishing, it should be good for much of the summer.  We have also been getting into some really nice walleyes as well.