I usually fish cranks and leeches.

However, ever since QM's article, I've had success on zman's shads. I've also had success on tube jigs, and a ned finess rig.

But, I feel like I'm still poking and hoping. I'm trying to narrow this down, and focus on it.

If you had to take five plastics with you, what would they be, in order of importance? What style and what color? My target is walleye and then smallies. If you use a jig head, what weight and color?

White 3" curly tail
Black 3" curly tail
Chartreuse 3" curly tail
Orange 3" curly tail
Milktreuse 3" curly tail

1/4, 3/8 and 1/2 oz jig heads

2-1/2” or 3” green pumpkin tubes
4” Pearl sluggos Or flukes
4” Watermelon/black flake sankos
4” green pumpkin or bama craw colored Rage craws on a 1/4 oz jighead
4” morning dawn Robo worm on a 1/4 oz dropshot

ZMAN scented jerk ShadZ - Redbone color
ZMAN RaZor ShadZ - Bad Shad color
3.5" Strike King KVD Pro Model tube - Green Pumpkin color
Berkley Gulp!Alive! Leech - Black color
ZMAN GrubZ 3.5" - Shimmer Pearl color

Most jig heads are 1/8 oz. or 1/4 oz.
Colored jig heads are typically black with yellow eye.

White twister tails-double tails -3” and 4”
Yellow twisters 3” and 4”
Orange twister tails
Black twister tails
Chartreuse twister tails

Bfishin Authentx moxi plastics 4" in Chartreuse orange core and great white.
Pair these plastics with Bfishn precision jigs in 1/8 to 3/8 ounce org/yel jig and a #1 silver spin. Also some 5" Z-Man Scented Jerk Shadz in Pearl to put on the same jig.
Match the spin and jig size to conditions. If I'm fishing a weed bed for walleye or shallow rocks for bass it'll be an 1/8 jig and possibly a bigger spin. If I'm fishing 10' to 15' for walleye it's a #1 spin and 3/8 oz jig. Throw in some #9 Shad raps and #9 Flicker shads in perch and silver/ black and that's about it for my arsenal. I always use a 12 inch leader of 15-20# flouro to keep the norts from biting me off....sometimes.
Good Fishing
Dave

QueticoMike: "ZMAN scented jerk ShadZ - Redbone color
ZMAN RaZor ShadZ - Bad Shad color
3.5" Strike King KVD Pro Model tube - Green Pumpkin color
Berkley Gulp!Alive! Leech - Black color
ZMAN GrubZ 3.5" - Shimmer Pearl color

Most jig heads are 1/8 oz. or 1/4 oz.
Colored jig heads are typically black with yellow eye."

You know, you could do another article on this.

"Fishing on a budget out of a 1 qt ziplock back of plastics"

Put 5 plastics in the bag, along with the hooks and jigs. Lay it all out on a table, then pack it away.

Show how you rig each jig. Probably be real close to just a summary of your other articles.

Then, catch a grand slam out of this ziplock bag.

On my last trip to Quetico, I caught the Grand Slam in one day on the ZMAN ShadZ. First time I ever caught a laker on the ShadZ. It is mentioned in my latest article. I wrote a new article on fishing the ZMAN ShadZ. The Boundary Waters Journal said they would publish it in the next issue or the Summer issue. I have a feeling it will be the next issue.

Maybe I will use your suggestion sometime on a future article. There have been many days when all I ever needed to use were soft plastics.

Caught the Grand Slam on my last trip to Quetico in one day on the ZMAN ShadZ. First time I ever caught a laker on the ShadZ. It is mentioned in my latest article. I wrote a new article on fishing the ZMAN ShadZ. The Boundary Waters Journal said they would publish it in the next issue or the Summer issue. I have a feeling it will be the next issue. Maybe I will use your suggestion sometime on a future article? There have been many days when all I ever needed to use were soft plastics."

ShadZ Jerk or RaZor?

Thanks a bunch.

SammyN: "

Caught the Grand Slam on my last trip to Quetico in one day on the ZMAN ShadZ. First time I ever caught a laker on the ShadZ. It is mentioned in my latest article. I wrote a new article on fishing the ZMAN ShadZ. The Boundary Waters Journal said they would publish it in the next issue or the Summer issue. I have a feeling it will be the next issue. Maybe I will use your suggestion sometime on a future article? There have been many days when all I ever needed to use were soft plastics."

ShadZ Jerk or RaZor?

Thanks a bunch."

I was using the Redbone scented jerk ShadZ that day, if that is the question you are asking? Or are you asking about the article? Your question is kind of vague.

Sorry.

You are correct.

I was asking what you caught the grand slam on.

When I say ZMAN ShadZ I am always referring to the ZMAN scented jerk ShadZ and when I say ZMAN RaZor, I am referring to the ZMAN RaZor ShadZ. Not sure why they just don't call one ShadZ and the other just RaZor. I guess just to make things confusing....haha

and twister tails, including tiny ones in case I contact panfish.

watermelon 5” Senko worm
5” lime green twister tail
Gulp leech
Mimmic minnow Bass color 1/4 Oz
5” white shad with forked tail

5" Strike King Ocho, color: Amistad special
3-3/4" Strike King Rage Swimmer, color: Ayu
5" Zoom Lizard, color: green pumpkin
5" Zoom Super Fluke, color: bubble gum
3-1/2" Strike King Coffee Tube, color: watermelon candy green pumpkin

You guys rock!

I thought I had cabin fever, but now, looking at different setups, I'm really getting antzy.

QueticoMike: "On my last trip to Quetico, I caught the Grand Slam in one day on the ZMAN ShadZ. First time I ever caught a laker on the ShadZ. It is mentioned in my latest article. I wrote a new article on fishing the ZMAN ShadZ. The Boundary Waters Journal said they would publish it in the next issue or the Summer issue. I have a feeling it will be the next issue.

Maybe I will use your suggestion sometime on a future article. There have been many days when all I ever needed to use were soft plastics."

How do you rig up and fish these shad baits? (in case that next BWJ issue isn't in time for my trip... I picked up some lipless crank baits after reading the most recent issue) As for your previous article, where was that published?

1-charlie brewer slider head-1/4 oz.
4 inch black berkley power worm- use these 2 items together.
these 2 items over the past 25 years has boated more 4lb + smallies for me. can't say for anyone else, but this has worked for me and is a winner.
next, 1/4 oz., round jig heads and berkley power grubs in various colors. white and lime yellow for walleyes, green and brown for smallies.
that's it for me, they are my no. 1 and no. 2 plastic baits, that's it!

Senko
Super Fluke
Tube
Grub tail
Swimbait

For bass, green pumpkin. For trout, white/silver.

Swascelot: "

QueticoMike: "On my last trip to Quetico, I caught the Grand Slam in one day on the ZMAN ShadZ. First time I ever caught a laker on the ShadZ. It is mentioned in my latest article. I wrote a new article on fishing the ZMAN ShadZ. The Boundary Waters Journal said they would publish it in the next issue or the Summer issue. I have a feeling it will be the next issue.


Maybe I will use your suggestion sometime on a future article. There have been many days when all I ever needed to use were soft plastics."

How do you rig up and fish these shad baits? (in case that next BWJ issue isn't in time for my trip... I picked up some lipless crank baits after reading the most recent issue) As for your previous article, where was that published?"

Check out this thread for how to rig a Zulu and similar soft plastics like Super Flukes and whatnot. It's basically Texas rigging but if you don't use an EWG hook, the hook basically stays hidden against the body and doesn't affect the action of the bait. You can definitely use EWG hooks but you really gotta rig the bait straight, otherwise a lopsided hook will act like a keel and ruin the action of the bait.

I just use a Senko and ShadZ, but only because of my limitations. I wish I had a larger arsenal.

flynn:
Check out this thread for how to rig a Zulu and similar soft plastics like Super Flukes and whatnot. It's basically Texas rigging but if you don't use an EWG hook, the hook basically stays hidden against the body and doesn't affect the action of the bait. You can definitely use EWG hooks but you really gotta rig the bait straight, otherwise a lopsided hook will act like a keel and ruin the action of the bait. "

Thanks! (I'm new to the forum and still finding my way around)

Swascelot: "

QueticoMike: "On my last trip to Quetico, I caught the Grand Slam in one day on the ZMAN ShadZ. First time I ever caught a laker on the ShadZ. It is mentioned in my latest article. I wrote a new article on fishing the ZMAN ShadZ. The Boundary Waters Journal said they would publish it in the next issue or the Summer issue. I have a feeling it will be the next issue.


Maybe I will use your suggestion sometime on a future article. There have been many days when all I ever needed to use were soft plastics."

How do you rig up and fish these shad baits? (in case that next BWJ issue isn't in time for my trip... I picked up some lipless crank baits after reading the most recent issue) As for your previous article, where was that published?"

You can do a search in this message forum for " Zulu Rigging ". The search function is up by the top of this page. Or you can do a search on Google for Zulu Rigging and it will take you back to the message board thread. In the thread there are step by step pictures of the rig. You can click on the pictures to enlarge the pic. The original article was published in the Spring 2008 issue of the BWJ. Don't buy the cheap Zoom Flukes, get the ZMAN scented jerk ShadZ (StreakZ) or Strike King Zulu (ZToo), they last 10 times longer than flukes and move better in the water.
If you don't have the Spring 2008 issue send me an email and request the Zulu Magic article - queticomike@yahoo.com
If you want to see some of my fish pictures from Quetico, BWCA and the Great Miami River go to Instagram and search - queticomike

AmarilloJim: "White 3" curly tail
Black 3" curly tail
Chartreuse 3" curly tail
Orange 3" curly tail
Milktreuse 3" curly tail


1/4, 3/8 and 1/2 oz jig heads"

How are you fishing these? Just cast and retrieve? Drop to the bottom and bounce along while drifting? cast and bounce the bottom back to the canoe?

Zulus (White, pearl or nearly any color)

Senko's (watermellon)

Twisttails (2 or 3" white)

I guess I only need 3...

keegan99usa: "

AmarilloJim: "White 3" curly tail
Black 3" curly tail
Chartreuse 3" curly tail
Orange 3" curly tail
Milktreuse 3" curly tail



1/4, 3/8 and 1/2 oz jig heads"

How are you fishing these? Just cast and retrieve? Drop to the bottom and bounce along while drifting? cast and bounce the bottom back to the canoe?"

I usually just use these below rapids/falls for eyes. Cast out and retrieve bounced along bottom. Sometimes I'll cast shorelines.

I normally don't bring that many types of plastics hahaha. I just bring lots of the following:
-4" Green Pumpkin Senko (weightless wacky rig & drop shot wacky rig)
-4" Robo Worms (drop shot)
-3" Gulp Minnow Grubs (1/4 oz and 3/8oz jigheads)


I'm interested in trying out the Zman baits that QM is always talking about. They would seem to be a great shallow water option rigged weightless texas style, maybe even drop shotted.

DrizzyDrew: "I normally don't bring that many types of plastics hahaha. I just bring lots of the following:
-4" Green Pumpkin Senko (weightless wacky rig & drop shot wacky rig)
-4" Robo Worms (drop shot)
-3" Gulp Minnow Grubs (1/4 oz and 3/8oz jigheads)



I'm interested in trying out the Zman baits that QM is always talking about. They would seem to be a great shallow water option rigged weightless texas style, maybe even drop shotted. "

Just make sure you use a swivel to take the lure subsurface and alleviate the nasty line twists. If you want to read my article on fishing the Zulu rig, just send me an email - queticomike@yahoo.com - request the Zulu Magic article. I might have another article about this style of fishing in the next Boundary Waters Journal, so keep an eye out for it.

QueticoMike: "On my last trip to Quetico, I caught the Grand Slam in one day on the ZMAN ShadZ. First time I ever caught a laker on the ShadZ. It is mentioned in my latest article. I wrote a new article on fishing the ZMAN ShadZ. The Boundary Waters Journal said they would publish it in the next issue or the Summer issue. I have a feeling it will be the next issue.

Maybe I will use your suggestion sometime on a future article. There have been many days when all I ever needed to use were soft plastics."

If you ever do this, be sure to take pics with the lures hanging out of their mouths. I don't know if it's just me or not, but every fish picture I look at, I see what is hanging out of their mouth (then, I sometimes wonder if everyone does that).

SammyN: "

QueticoMike: "On my last trip to Quetico, I caught the Grand Slam in one day on the ZMAN ShadZ. First time I ever caught a laker on the ShadZ. It is mentioned in my latest article. I wrote a new article on fishing the ZMAN ShadZ. The Boundary Waters Journal said they would publish it in the next issue or the Summer issue. I have a feeling it will be the next issue.

Maybe I will use your suggestion sometime on a future article. There have been many days when all I ever needed to use were soft plastics."

If you ever do this, be sure to take pics with the lures hanging out of their mouths. I don't know if it's just me or not, but every fish picture I look at, I see what is hanging out of their mouth (then, I sometimes wonder if everyone does that)."

I'm sure most people who are interested in looking at your fish picture are also interested in what you were using to catch the fish. My new article on Zulu (ShadZ) fishing will be in the Spring issue of the BWJ, I'm pretty sure. They contacted me a couple of days ago and wanted to know what my Instagram user ID is ASAP, so they can mention it at the end of the article.

If you want to see my Instagram page search - queticomike - on Instagram

in case anyone is interested, I just came back from the candy store (ie fleet farm has authentix @ 20% off).

In case you are like me, and don't have an instagram account:

https://www.yooying.com/queticomike

Wow...that northern is just awesome.

SammyN: "Wow...that northern is just awesome.


"

That is from the Williams and Hall webpage under the Fishing Adventures section. You don't need to be an Instagram user to view the pictures....

QueticoMike Instagram

Awesome smallies!
They are just nothing I would target. Carp of the BWCA. Just my opinion.
Smallmouth are easier to catch in the BWCA then panfish.

Zwater: "Awesome smallies!
They are just nothing I would target. Carp of the BWCA. Just my opinion.
Smallmouth are easier to catch in the BWCA then panfish."

this maybe true but northern shield type lakes dont hold a lot of panfish ;) but to consistently to catch #6+ smallies your doing something right.
my plastics would be a 3" solid yellow twistertail and the 2" black-motor oil-watermelon can be very productive early spring. also a white 5" for targeting fish that want some thing more

double post

Zwater: "Awesome smallies!
They are just nothing I would target. Carp of the BWCA. Just my opinion.
Smallmouth are easier to catch in the BWCA then panfish."

Thanks! Walleye fishing is even easier than smallmouth fishing for me. I just drop a piece of black plastic below the canoe, let it fall to the bottom, reel up 6 inches, jig it a couple of times and then reel in what feels like a sock fighting against me, and bam, I have lunch. Caught our limit of 4 in less than 5 minutes in Quetico. My bow man didn't even get a cast off, he was too busy stinging up the walleye. I might do a video this year so you all can watch how easy it is.

Throw out a lure. (ZMans ShadZ) right? Cast it to a shoreline, logs, or a rock... That is really tough fishing. I could handle that if I wanted to catch the worst tasting fish. Again, just my opinion.

AmarilloJim: "White 3" curly tail
Black 3" curly tail
Chartreuse 3" curly tail
Orange 3" curly tail
Milktreuse 3" curly tail


1/4, 3/8 and 1/2 oz jig heads"

Hhmmm........... I just saw a seminar stating the ALMOST exact thing.
You might toss in a few 4 and 5 inch "tails" for when the wind picks up.

Zwater: "Throw out a lure. (ZMans ShadZ) right? Cast it to a shoreline, logs, or a rock... That is really tough fishing. I could handle that if I wanted to catch the worst tasting fish. Again, just my opinion."

Walleye fishing is no tougher than smallmouth fishing, at least for me. I only fish for them due to partner wanting a shore lunch on four occasions during each trip. I fish for smallmouth for the fight, the surface action, explosions on a top water lure and for the aerial displays, not for how difficult they are to fish for. They can be at times a little finicky, but all fish are this way. I enjoy catching as many fish as humanly possible. I wouldn't eat any smallmouth either, not when you can catch lunch (walleye) within minutes. This is just me, I am sure fishing is more difficult for others with less experience.

"I enjoy catching as many fish as humanly possible."

Me too, Mike! I fished muskies for two years, but quit because I missed the action of smallmouth.

I do think walleye fight better than a sock. I once was fishing walleye at a stream mouth with leeches. I tired of catching them with leeches, so I started trolling a crankbait back and forth across the current. I caught 17 in a row before I made a pass without catching a fish. When I didn't catch a fish, I thought, "This fishing sucks!" ;-)

Zwater: "Awesome smallies!
They are just nothing I would target. Carp of the BWCA. Just my opinion.
Smallmouth are easier to catch in the BWCA then panfish."

Carp are awesome! They run like Atlantic salmon. The In-Fishermen crew love them too.

missmolly: "

Zwater: "Awesome smallies!
They are just nothing I would target. Carp of the BWCA. Just my opinion.
Smallmouth are easier to catch in the BWCA then panfish."

Carp are awesome! They run like Atlantic salmon. The In-Fishermen crew love them too. "

It took 15 minutes before I even got to see what was on the end of my line. Then another 10 to land the thing. Caught on a KVD 1.0 crank in a craw pattern

QueticoMike: "

missmolly: "

Zwater: "Awesome smallies!
They are just nothing I would target. Carp of the BWCA. Just my opinion.
Smallmouth are easier to catch in the BWCA then panfish."

Carp are awesome! They run like Atlantic salmon. The In-Fishermen crew love them too. "

It took 15 minutes before I even got to see what was on the end of my line. Then another 10 to land the thing. Caught on a KVD 1.0 crank in a craw pattern"

They're such fun! I too have caught big ones on cranks.

QueticoMike: "

missmolly: "

Zwater: "Awesome smallies!
They are just nothing I would target. Carp of the BWCA. Just my opinion.
Smallmouth are easier to catch in the BWCA then panfish."

Carp are awesome! They run like Atlantic salmon. The In-Fishermen crew love them too. "

It took 15 minutes before I even got to see what was on the end of my line. Then another 10 to land the thing. Caught on a KVD 1.0 crank in a craw pattern"

How big was that Carp?? pounds? length? WOW!!!

I've had good luck with a Zoom Trick Worm in Motor Oil Chartreuse Tail color. Others in my group swear by the Yum Dinger in Carolina Pumpkin Chartreuse Tip.
They are both pretty much the same color. Smallies love that color in June...but then again Smallies love just about anything in June.

Cretbo: "

QueticoMike: "

missmolly: "

Zwater: "Awesome smallies!
They are just nothing I would target. Carp of the BWCA. Just my opinion.
Smallmouth are easier to catch in the BWCA then panfish."

Carp are awesome! They run like Atlantic salmon. The In-Fishermen crew love them too. "

It took 15 minutes before I even got to see what was on the end of my line. Then another 10 to land the thing. Caught on a KVD 1.0 crank in a craw pattern"

How big was that Carp?? pounds? length? WOW!!!"

I'm guessing around 25 pounds???

KarlBAndersen1: "

AmarilloJim: "White 3" curly tail
Black 3" curly tail
Chartreuse 3" curly tail
Orange 3" curly tail
Milktreuse 3" curly tail



1/4, 3/8 and 1/2 oz jig heads"

Hhmmm........... I just saw a seminar stating the ALMOST exact thing.
You might toss in a few 4 and 5 inch "tails" for when the wind picks up."

excellent point , i'll bring some jigs as heavy as 3/4oz add a jig spinner & 5" twistertail , and you can cast a mile in any windy conditions .

missmolly: "

Zwater: "Awesome smallies!
They are just nothing I would target. Carp of the BWCA. Just my opinion.
Smallmouth are easier to catch in the BWCA then panfish."

Carp are awesome! They run like Atlantic salmon. The In-Fishermen crew love them too. "

That's great for the In-Fishermen crew. I like to bow-fish for them in the west side Twin city lakes and give them to a local guy for his garden.