What's the first lure or live bait presentation you plan to cast when you get to the Boundary Waters or Quetico in 2017?

IF we take the time and leave a rod out to troll some on the way in it will most likely be a tail dancer.
If we push to camp it will be a lively crawler on a hook. Deadline drift in a sheltered bay near camp.

Lighted slip bobber/leech with red hook from shore as camp is set up.

Live Target Golden Shiner Swimbait

I will certainly troll on the way out with a silver spoon. Leech and leech and slip bobber in camp as well.

i usually wait until i get to camp , with that said a dead sucker on a slip egg sinker rig , then set up camp :)

whats your's mike ? as if we already dont know ;)

Is this a test, Q Mike?

Let me guess.....

Z Man Jerk Shad for me!!!

Going in mid May I will troll using a big crank bait of perch color. I like to take most opportunities to catch something or to learn what the are hitting even if it takes a bit longer to get to campsite. If no luck I will try a smaller crank bait, then 1/4 oz joes flies inline spinner.

I will troll a firetiger deep down husky jerk across Beaverhouse until the rapids exiting Quetico. Then I will pitch jigs below the rapids. Continue trolling said crank across Quetico to camp site.

1/4 oz. chartreuse double Indiana blade spinnerbait.

Probably a nightcrawler bounced along the bottom on a 1/8th oz long-shanked jighead in the runs below rapids, until later, I'll seine up some minnows or 2" bluegills (we can use them, right? I'll have to look that one up..) ((EDIT: per Barb, MN DNR, "Bluegills are considered a gamefish, and cannot be used as bait." ))
Then I'll switch to a slip bobber or egg sinker and set up camp.

Size 4 gamakatsu fire red hook with a live leech. Slip sinker if i decide to troll first or small split shot if anchored.

purpledescent tail dancer - trolling on an LT lake before I get to my target campsite

Ill be putting in at wood and heading for back bay on opener. A zulu for the southern half of wood (lots of weed beds) and a shallow diving crank bait for the half north of the "narrows". At hulu ill cast a fat spoon, and on good I might troll the same spoon as I check the availability of the narrows campsite. For hoist and back bay I'll troll a shallow crank bait again. Upon arriving at my pan fish heaven i'll switch to small jigs and long wiggly invertebrates. :)

depends on what's in the lake

Skip bobber with leech or ned rig

quote shock: "whats your's mike ? as if we already dont know ;)"

It's likely I won't fish on the first day, just travel all day, set up camp, eat dinner, then have a stiff tasty drink :) The following morning when we get to the lake of our choice, I will most likely have a ZMAN, 5 inch, scented jerk ShadZ, gray\pearl in color.

Definitely a 285 Doctor from Hook Island through Cache Bay.

I've got a hankerin' to pitch a little orange jig with a minnow. Or chartruese; it depends on how the water looks.

If it's Quetico, it will be a jig tipped with a 4 inch white twister tail. If my shoulder only allows a motor boat trip, it will be a jig and leech under a slip bobber.

If I'm trolling on the way in, #1 draft pick is usually a minnow rap, followed by a shad rap.

My first cast will be for brookies, so it'll likely be a tiny spoon. Love your questions, Mike!

Everybody is pumped to go......I know the feeling ;-)

quote mastertangler: "Everybody is pumped to go......I know the feeling ;-)"

Aye, my cyberfriend!

A Zman jerk shadz.
~JOE~

Probably a Berkley Flicker Shad or a Rapala Shad Rap.

quote overthehill: "IF we take the time and leave a rod out to troll some on the way in it will most likely be a tail dancer.
If we push to camp it will be a lively crawler on a hook. Deadline drift in a sheltered bay near camp."

+1 on the taildancer. I also will use my #9 Husky Jerk to troll at shallow depths on the way in.

quote Wables: "Definitely a 285 Doctor from Hook Island through Cache Bay.


"

I fished that once in early June in reverse from the cabin to Hook. It was dead calm, mid-morning and sunny which I realize now is the kiss-of-death for fishing! I trolled it with a purplescent taildancer -- no luck.

I will put on some type of topwater and toss it into the weeds near camp.

Always love the anticipation of a topwater lure!

Mine will be my trusty Mepps Aglia Streamer, silver blade with the white streamer tail.

It's a single hook bait that always produces for me.

Nomad

Either an original floating in silver shiner or a yellow perch shad rap to troll to campsite 1.

Isn't the variety of lures and baits fascinating?

quote Bdubguy: "If I'm trolling on the way in, #1 draft pick is usually a minnow rap, followed by a shad rap."

+1 for me, I almost always throw something out behind me after the 1st portage.

I'll also rig for Pike, casting either a Len Thompson five of diamonds or a number 5 mepps gold dressed in yellow.

quote missmolly: "Isn't the variety of lures and baits fascinating? "

Most people have different ideas and styles on how they start their fishing trip. Some like to wait until they get to where they are headed, others like to start trolling right away.

After we get to camp I'll toss a Duo Realis lipless crankbait.

Get to camp, rig up a leach on a slip bobber, cast in the water then pitch tent.

quote QueticoMike: "

quote missmolly: "Isn't the variety of lures and baits fascinating? "

Most people have different ideas and styles on how they start their fishing trip. Some like to wait until they get to where they are headed, others like to start trolling right away."

For me, it's fascinating because we've all realized different ways to catch fish. For example, I've caught thousands of bass and pike twitching an orange F13 Rapala on the surface and no one else uses them as their go-to lure. Heck, I don't even know what a Duo Realis lipless crankbait is, but that's Mr. mw3's go-to lure.

I have about zero idea! I carry a lot so whatever I get the feeling on when I get there.

quote missmolly: "

quote QueticoMike: "

quote missmolly: "Isn't the variety of lures and baits fascinating? "

Most people have different ideas and styles on how they start their fishing trip. Some like to wait until they get to where they are headed, others like to start trolling right away."

For me, it's fascinating because we've all realized different ways to catch fish. For example, I've caught thousands of bass and pike twitching an orange F13 Rapala on the surface and no one else uses them as their go-to lure. Heck, I don't even know what a Duo Realis lipless crankbait is, but that's Mr. mw3's go-to lure. "

Here you go Miss Molly!

quote dbpmw3: "

quote missmolly: "

quote QueticoMike: "

quote missmolly: "Isn't the variety of lures and baits fascinating? "

Most people have different ideas and styles on how they start their fishing trip. Some like to wait until they get to where they are headed, others like to start trolling right away."

For me, it's fascinating because we've all realized different ways to catch fish. For example, I've caught thousands of bass and pike twitching an orange F13 Rapala on the surface and no one else uses them as their go-to lure. Heck, I don't even know what a Duo Realis lipless crankbait is, but that's Mr. mw3's go-to lure. "

Here you go Miss Molly!
"

This seems like a great choice from camp. Able to fish any depth and will catch virtually all kinds of gamefish. Good looking lure.

I have no idea what I will do.........I put in at Rock Harbor and weather permitting troll to Moskey Basin and hopefully grab a shelter. Probably just put a tail dancer on.

Duo Realis lipless? WTH (what the heck?)

For a guy who spends his Friday or Saturday nights walking the isles of Bass Pro or Cabelas (at least when I'm on the road) I thought I was familiar with most baits but these piqued my interest. Maybe I walked right past them.......

Anyway these have my attention. A bit more subtle wobble than say a Rattle trap and with a different sound......at least according to reviews. I'm diggin on these and will have to pull the trigger on a few. Hooks sound marginal despite the high price of the lure and one reviewer complained about the paint job flaking off.......others said it was not so.

I also bet this would be an excellent jigging bait as well. Take the belly hook off and replace the rear with a trokar salmon hook and add a strip of belly meat or a plastic curly tail and it might be fairly awesome for just about anything.

After long and careful deliberative discussions with my inner fishing self I have decided that the Duo Realis lipless crankbait will slaughter coaster brook trout. Or not ;-)

I have gotten the usual suspects for Coaster fishing...... spoons etc.....even picked up several Ugly Duckling balsa lures which have proven super effective in mid sized stream situations.

But the lipless crank has some huge advantages........First off I can cast it a mile. That could prove to be a difference maker with large fish especially in the crystal clear waters of Lake Superior. Plus the tight subtle wiggle and tungsten rattles should help trigger the usually aggressive brook trout. Plus I can let it sink and then rip it back up......pow!

I will get 2 heavier models for jigging lake trout and 2 lighter models for casting for Coasters. dbpmw3 pick a color for me on one of the lures and I will think of you when I smack a big one. Lately I have become fond of letting others make decisions for me ;-) ........like going into a restaurant and telling the waiter to "just bring me something" (although last time I did that they brought me a $50 freakin dollar filet)

Duo realis lipless crankbait

quote HighnDry: "I also will use my #9 Husky Jerk to troll at shallow depths on the way in."

+1 on the husky jerk then switch to little cleo silver/blue or doctor once in the main body of water. Last minute prep in progress for 14 day Quetico trip first week of May & jumping out of my skin in anticipation!

quote mastertangler: "After long and careful deliberative discussions with my inner fishing self I have decided that the Duo Realis lipless crankbait will slaughter coaster brook trout. Or not ;-)


I have gotten the usual suspects for Coaster fishing...... spoons etc.....even picked up several Ugly Duckling balsa lures which have proven super effective in mid sized stream situations.


But the lipless crank has some huge advantages........First off I can cast it a mile. That could prove to be a difference maker with large fish especially in the crystal clear waters of Lake Superior. Plus the tight subtle wiggle and tungsten rattles should help trigger the usually aggressive brook trout. Plus I can let it sink and then rip it back up......pow!


I will get 2 heavier models for jigging lake trout and 2 lighter models for casting for Coasters. dbpmw3 pick a color for me on one of the lures and I will think of you when I smack a big one. Lately I have become fond of letting others make decisions for me ;-) ........like going into a restaurant and telling the waiter to "just bring me something" (although last time I did that they brought me a $50 freakin dollar filet) "

Come on MT are you just messin with us? If your gonna cyber fish you should recommend the hottest secret in fishing right now Duo Realis Spinbait 80. Do you actually read what you write for a reality check? Don't say Ive never thrown you a bone.

Just trying not to be boring is all........some people troll with negativity in order to not be boring, sound familiar? But I like you BnD regardless.

I do think that lipless crank bait might just be the ticket for coaster brookies. And as soon as David from Illinois weighs in with a color for one of the lures I will place the order. I also think they would jig well for lakers as per what I have stated.

If you disagree I am interested in knowing why instead of just another dopey personal attack. Or you could play along in a "nice" sort of way and suggest a color yourself, like say perhaps the "clown" color. That would be good for a laugh if done in a way which wasn't mean spirited. Capiche?

adding to the original post , go with what you have confidence in , it is a big part of fishing ,,,,but times of the year is too.

quote shock: "adding to the original post , go with what you have confidence in , it is a big part of fishing ,,,,but times of the year is too."

Do you want to know the best time of the year to fish? It is whenever you can actually get out there and fish......that's the best time of the year :)

quote mastertangler: "After long and careful deliberative discussions with my inner fishing self I have decided that the Duo Realis lipless crankbait will slaughter coaster brook trout. Or not ;-)


I have gotten the usual suspects for Coaster fishing...... spoons etc.....even picked up several Ugly Duckling balsa lures which have proven super effective in mid sized stream situations.


But the lipless crank has some huge advantages........First off I can cast it a mile. That could prove to be a difference maker with large fish especially in the crystal clear waters of Lake Superior. Plus the tight subtle wiggle and tungsten rattles should help trigger the usually aggressive brook trout. Plus I can let it sink and then rip it back up......pow!


I will get 2 heavier models for jigging lake trout and 2 lighter models for casting for Coasters. dbpmw3 pick a color for me on one of the lures and I will think of you when I smack a big one. Lately I have become fond of letting others make decisions for me ;-) ........like going into a restaurant and telling the waiter to "just bring me something" (although last time I did that they brought me a $50 freakin dollar filet



Master angler - I love Prism Gill and I prefer the larger size. I've murdered smallies and walleye on it, right up to the point a pike swims away with it. It'll take your breath away to lose a $14 lure. I usually wait and snag a couple at TW sales. Enjoy!

There's no trolling to it. Out of respect for QM and this site I deleted the rest of my post.

quote dbpmw3: "

quote missmolly: "

quote QueticoMike: "

quote missmolly: "Isn't the variety of lures and baits fascinating? "

Most people have different ideas and styles on how they start their fishing trip. Some like to wait until they get to where they are headed, others like to start trolling right away."

For me, it's fascinating because we've all realized different ways to catch fish. For example, I've caught thousands of bass and pike twitching an orange F13 Rapala on the surface and no one else uses them as their go-to lure. Heck, I don't even know what a Duo Realis lipless crankbait is, but that's Mr. mw3's go-to lure. "

Here you go Miss Molly!
"

Oh, barbless...

Prism Gill in the large size it is then! I assume your the same David who left a review at Tackle warehouse talking about catching fish in the Boundary waters on the Prism Gill? Of course, who else could it be? Your secrets are being laid bare! I know a good lure when I see it ;-)

Ha.......thats funny Ben!

dpmw3

I will toss something out for your consideration.........yes these types of rattling lures are high on a pike diet list, something about fast vibration rattling lures which get northerns fired up.

I have oft brought up Knot2Kinky wire leader in 12lb or 18lb test on this very board. I know what your thinking, that wire is taboo for walleye and smallies, and i shared those thoughts until I went on a couple week trip with a guy who always had the stuff on and he was looking for protection even for the modestly priced Berkely Frenzy. He did quite well, even on walleye, and outfished me for the most part (and I used no wire).

The plus side on the wire is you select your own components because you tie the leaders yourself (tie knots with the wire)..........My friend used tiny Spro swivels and little bass snaps. The entire presentation was very stealthy as the wire is hair thin and very discreet. Certainly worth a thought on a $14 lure which Northerns have a liking for.

quote missmolly: "

quote QueticoMike: "

quote missmolly: "Isn't the variety of lures and baits fascinating? "

Most people have different ideas and styles on how they start their fishing trip. Some like to wait until they get to where they are headed, others like to start trolling right away."

For me, it's fascinating because we've all realized different ways to catch fish. For example, I've caught thousands of bass and pike twitching an orange F13 Rapala on the surface and no one else uses them as their go-to lure. Heck, I don't even know what a Duo Realis lipless crankbait is, but that's Mr. mw3's go-to lure. "

I love the F13 Floating Rapala. I go with Gold color. I like to troll it. Don't have to worry about it getting snagged. If you stop paddling you don't have to worry about it sinking and getting snagged. I have stopped many times for a short break and left it out there. Many times it has been hit just sitting there.

I will probably go with a Chartreuse Walleye Diver first cast though. I always have great luck with this crank bait.

quote dbpmw3: "

quote missmolly: "

quote QueticoMike: "

quote missmolly: "Isn't the variety of lures and baits fascinating? "

Most people have different ideas and styles on how they start their fishing trip. Some like to wait until they get to where they are headed, others like to start trolling right away."

For me, it's fascinating because we've all realized different ways to catch fish. For example, I've caught thousands of bass and pike twitching an orange F13 Rapala on the surface and no one else uses them as their go-to lure. Heck, I don't even know what a Duo Realis lipless crankbait is, but that's Mr. mw3's go-to lure. "

Here you go Miss Molly!
"

My Duo Realis lipless cranks showed up a few days ago and I am totally impressed. They are sort of like a fat blade bait but with an excellent paint job. I picked up a few of their smaller more "normal" crankbaits as well but this lipless rattling blade type bait has my attention. I suspect it is dpmw3 favorite lure for a reason. My guess is it will be equally effective wether casted or jigged.

If you get only one dozen roses as opposed to two this weekend you can swing one. I strongly recommend this lure and I haven't even got it wet yet. Sometimes you just know.

I have been slamming walleye with these wader fishing down here at the Iowa great lakes. not this exact jighead and paddle tail, but with a white powerbait paddle tail Slammin

Gotta go with the Zulu in Rebecca Falls as my first cast this year. I'll usually have either a blue/silver Shad Rap or a rattle trap tied on as well if I can't coax a bite near the surface. Can't wait!