Hey guys,
Through the years I have been keeping up with this forum and every year for the past 10 years the exact same techniques are talked about and proclaimed. Whether it is old Rapalas, spoons, jig and twister tails, or Zulus (which notably is more modern and popular) fishing innovation seems static.

I have had BWCA success with more modern techniques like swim jigs, hard body swim baits, soft body swimbaits, chatter baits, and ned rigs, but I rarely see them mentioned. Is this a product of the forum's members' age/stubbornness, not knowing techniques, or just a general lack of success with newer techniques?

I'd say it was probably that the old tackle works so well that there is no need to spend money on new tackle. As an example, last summer I put on a lure on Sunday morning and took it off on Saturday morning to make the trek back out. Fish love it! Why change and learn to use new tackle/techniques?

Interesting question to ponder... Would you consider slip bobbers a new technique? When I joined the forum 10 or so years ago I do not recall it being mentioned much and now it is pretty popular. I am not really sure with your question and can not speak to it much as I threw almost exclusively ned rigs and slip bobber last trip. I really don't use rapalas at all anymore and have never really fished spoons. Mepps spinners would fall into this category as well for me as something I don't really throw at all but usually bring a couple and used to be crazy popular (still kind of are I think)

I think soft plastics have become a lot more popular. I am guessing price point for a lot of swimbaits is a deterrent for that lure.

There are many reasons why I throw what I throw. For the most part they have worked better for me than any new lures or presentations, so I stay with what works best for me. If someone can show me a lure or presentation that greatly exceeds my production, I would surely give it a shot if it fits into my realm of fishing. My favorite lure and presentation is the Zulu rig. I wish I had used it before 2006. It’s been 17 years and I have yet to find another lure and presentation that produces more quality and quantity of smallmouth. I use a ZMAN scented jerk ShadZ on my rig. I believe it’s the same lure that Gussy just won the Bass Master classic with. I think it might have been the only lure he used to capture the win. Hard to argue with those results. So to each their own when it comes to lure selection and presentations. Some people are just best fishing a certain way and they stick with what works. No reason for me to reinvent the wheel if it’s rolling just fine for me.

I wish we could fish together one afternoon up there. You can use your modern techniques, and I will use a leech on a hook, split shot and a slip bobber. Yes that would be fun.

Poord: "Hey guys,
Through the years I have been keeping up with this forum and every year for the past 10 years the exact same techniques are talked about and proclaimed. Whether it is old Rapalas, spoons, jig and twister tails, or Zulus (which notably is more modern and popular) fishing innovation seems static.

I have had BWCA success with more modern techniques like swim jigs, hard body swim baits, soft body swimbaits, chatter baits, and ned rigs, but I rarely see them mentioned. Is this a product of the forum's members' age/stubbornness, not knowing techniques, or just a general lack of success with newer techniques?"

You've been here for ten years and this is your first post? Shy guy.

I use all of the above, but that's because I can't get the Bait Monkey off my back. Speaking of backs, I have resisted the big swimbaits because I'm still aching after decades of not chucking musky baits, but the Monkey grabbed my hair, shrieked, and I finally bought a couple.

I am sorry if my message came off as attacking or doubting any of you or your fishing knowledge. I have lurked for long enough to know that you guys have had tons of success. These older baits have and continue to work for me. I am a firm believer that a leech and a bobber reign supreme in the BW. For me, I just always have this tick to try to improve and probably also have that same monkey that missmolly is talking about.

I have nothing but respect for everyone on this forum. I just wanted to pose this question to see if people have tried more modern techniques and not had success or if they haven't tried any because they are too busy catching fish on what they know.

Poord: "I am sorry if my message came off as attacking or doubting any of you or your fishing knowledge. I have lurked for long enough to know that you guys have had tons of success. These older baits have and continue to work for me. I am a firm believer that a leech and a bobber reign supreme in the BW. For me, I just always have this tick to try to improve and probably also have that same monkey that missmolly is talking about.


I have nothing but respect for everyone on this forum. I just wanted to pose this question to see if people have tried more modern techniques and not had success or if they haven't tried any because they are too busy catching fish on what they know. "

I have a lot of old lures that work with great success, swim baits have been a nice addition to my arsenal .

modern shmodern
When I was a kid, I knew an old Swedish immigrant who lived on our lake. He told me "fish the way you know how to fish." I've held on to that. At the time, he had the MN state records for both brown trout and sturgeon. Carl Lovgren. He fished in a 14' boat with a little dog named "Little Dog." He also played the fiddle.
I've been satisfied with my production over the years, and I do keep an open mind.

missmolly: "

Poord: "Hey guys,s?"

You've been here for ten years and this is your first post? Shy guy.

"

Probably after the responses to his initial post it’ll take another 10 years to make another post :)

The written word…especially on the web…is so often misinterpreted it does make many very apprehensive to post.

T

For me it’s all about confidence in certain baits. I have my go-to baits that I have confidence in that consistently catch fish. If those baits aren’t working I will definitely try something else. I have friends that love to toss spinnerbaits and catch a lot of fish with them but I think I’ve only caught 2 bass with them in my lifetime. No confidence bait for me!

Poord: "I am sorry if my message came off as... "

No need to apologize. I liked your "to the point" question!

The stubborn, old-timers on the board will likely forget your question by lunchtime.

I often see old ideas re-packaged as new in the fishing world. I remember using a package of old "jig worms" for bass in the 90's that was exactly what people now call a "ned rig." Musky baits are often re-worked classics as well. I think that some of the innovations that we see are the result of companies' constant push to make money. In the world of mountain biking, it seems that there is always a new "industry standard" that is so superior to your old bike. Really? When I lived in MT I saw guys crush trails on old chromoly frame 26" bikes with rockshocks judy coil forks and v-brakes. The same bikes today would be laughed at, even on MN's much easier trails.

bobbernumber3: "

Poord: "I am sorry if my message came off as... "

No need to apologize. I liked your "to the point" question!


The stubborn, old-timers on the board will likely forget your question by lunchtime."

Ha! I can't resent ^this^ remark because I resemble it.

Poord, I'm going fishing for the first time next week. The ice on our smaller lakes is almost gone. The bigger lakes are still as white as Santa's beard.

Here's what I'll be chucking: chatterbaits, jerkbaits, squarebills, lipless crankbaits, and a couple big swimbaits.

However, I love what the YouTubers do when they go old school and some trip this summer, here's what I'll be chucking: a Plopper, a Spin-A-Diddee, a Bass O Reno, a Heddon Pumpkinseed, and a Heddon River Runt.

My primary lure last summer was a Whopper Plopper. My number two lure was a wakebait. Then a wacky Senko. So, I mostly use newer lures, but in northwestern Ontario, I dunk a lot of leeches.

BWfishingfanatic12: "Interesting question to ponder... Would you consider slip bobbers a new technique? When I joined the forum 10 or so years ago I do not recall it being mentioned much and now it is pretty popular. I am not really sure with your question and can not speak to it much as I threw almost exclusively ned rigs and slip bobber last trip. I really don't use rapalas at all anymore and have never really fished spoons. Mepps spinners would fall into this category as well for me as something I don't really throw at all but usually bring a couple and used to be crazy popular (still kind of are I think)


I think soft plastics have become a lot more popular. I am guessing price point for a lot of swimbaits is a deterrent for that lure. "

The greater price of swimbaits is paid in your shoulders.

I fish slip bobber and leech just because .. well I'm lazy and don't like all that casting.

Back in the 80's when I was youngster...I remember waiting for the bass pro or cabalas catalog, much the same as an even younger me waited for the sears wishbook.

I'd spend some of whatever money I had on various lures, often times the latest and greatest gimmick. I remember one lure that you'd cast and it would swim away from you once it hit the water. It was called the flying lure or something like that. It was gimmicky, but I did catch fish with it. Other gimmicky lures not so much.

Eventually, i've found/settled into certian techniques at certian times of the year for certian species. Mostly because it's a technique, location and a species that I enjoy catching.

For example, I enjoy trolling spinners and little cleos for lake trout in late May before they've gone deep. I don't enjoy fishing for them later into summer when they've gone deeper. Early June brings walleye on the windswept side of certian lakes via Lindy rigs. Late June fly fishing for Brookies out of the streams before the water warms too much.

I can fill up a summer with the various species, lakes/rivers and techniques. I'm hard pressed to come up with a reason to change.

missmolly: "

BWfishingfanatic12: "Interesting question to ponder... Would you consider slip bobbers a new technique? When I joined the forum 10 or so years ago I do not recall it being mentioned much and now it is pretty popular. I am not really sure with your question and can not speak to it much as I threw almost exclusively ned rigs and slip bobber last trip. I really don't use rapalas at all anymore and have never really fished spoons. Mepps spinners would fall into this category as well for me as something I don't really throw at all but usually bring a couple and used to be crazy popular (still kind of are I think)



I think soft plastics have become a lot more popular. I am guessing price point for a lot of swimbaits is a deterrent for that lure. "

The greater price of swimbaits is paid in your shoulders. "

What are you talking about? Paddling? Isn't that the point of going into canoe country? If I am really worried about my shoulders, I will buy a fishing boat with a motor and join the masses on any given lake with a million other boaters.

Frenchy, when I cast big lures, they hurt my shoulders, back, and neck.

Frenchy - i'm sure there are many people that have shoulder issues or other issues and may be limited in their paddling ability, but still enjoy going...maybe travel days are shorter in length, rest days are more frequent and fishing is limited to slip boobers.

While i'm not there yet, in regards of limiting paddling...I can certianly tell I'm not the same in my late 40's as I was in 20's and 30's.

I can only hope that someday i'm old and slow and making a solid effort to get only to the other side of Brule, set up camp and fish from shore. Hopefully, I'll still have enough strength to drag in a little whiskey and a cigar to enjoy by the fire.

Speckled: "Frenchy - i'm sure there are many people that have shoulder issues or other issues and may be limited in their paddling ability, but still enjoy going...maybe travel days are shorter in length, rest days are more frequent and fishing is limited to slip boobers.


While i'm not there yet, in regards of limiting paddling...I can certianly tell I'm not the same in my late 40's as I was in 20's and 30's. "

I'm starting to see the trend here. Seems to me that casting isn't less effective than a slip bobber, hook, and leech for some people. It's more that some people are less effective at casting and work to find ways around it. ;^)

I would agree that live bait works better, but then you need to carry it around and keep it alive. Leeches aren't big deal, especially if you aren't going too far. The difference is that if you are traveling a lot, leeches can be more trouble than they are worth. Plus, if you fish for trout leeches aren't as effective.

Personally, when I look for new techniques, I'm looking as some small variation of what I already know. A lip that catches the water better to mimic more realistic bait fish movements, or a scent on fake bait that lasts longer or works better. You don't need to reinvent the wheel, but adding some modern bearings to help it turn better can be a huge improvement.

Speckled: "

I'd spend some of whatever money I had on various lures, often times the latest and greatest gimmick. I remember one lure that you'd cast and it would swim away from you once it hit the water. It was called the flying lure or something like that. It was gimmicky, but I did catch fish with it. Other gimmicky lures not so much.


"

Yeah Don Meissner of Rod and Reel Streamside always used it:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e8H2BiUJUpg

Most fishing lures are primarily designed to attract fish. Attracting humans is a close second. Sometimes they're designed solely to attract humans lol.

I really enjoy the discussion on this thread. Regarding what KarlK and others have said, I agree many to most new products are repackaged older products. A1t2o touched on this, but I think when buying newer products it is necessary to consider if the “repackaged new” products have significant improvements from prior iterations. For example, take the ned rig, specifically the Z-man TRD stuff. While ned rig like products have been released years prior, the jig head, the ElaZtech and salt content of the TRD ned rigs makes it significantly different and improved. This is seen in the ned rig’s success and popularity. Especially when addressing novel baits and sometimes “repackaged new” baits, it is important to ask, does this bait address a certain niche that other baits do not? Does it have a different action? Does it allow me to access fish that I previously couldn’t present a bait to? Does it allow me to cover area and locate fish faster?

I’m going to be throwing a ZMAN HellraiZer on my next trip, can’t get much newer than this lure and presentation. If it works, it will be part of my arsenal, if not it will be left behind in my topwater storage tub.

Toggy: "

Speckled: "


I'd spend some of whatever money I had on various lures, often times the latest and greatest gimmick. I remember one lure that you'd cast and it would swim away from you once it hit the water. It was called the flying lure or something like that. It was gimmicky, but I did catch fish with it. Other gimmicky lures not so much.



"

Yeah Don Meissner of Rod and Reel Streamside always used it:


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e8H2BiUJUpg


Most fishing lures are primarily designed to attract fish. Attracting humans is a close second. Sometimes they're designed solely to attract humans lol."

Ha - that's the one!

Poord: "I really enjoy the discussion on this thread. Regarding what KarlK and others have said, I agree many to most new products are repackaged older products. A1t2o touched on this, but I think when buying newer products it is necessary to consider if the “repackaged new” products have significant improvements from prior iterations. For example, take the ned rig, specifically the Z-man TRD stuff. While ned rig like products have been released years prior, the jig head, the ElaZtech and salt content of the TRD ned rigs makes it significantly different and improved. This is seen in the ned rig’s success and popularity. Especially when addressing novel baits and sometimes “repackaged new” baits, it is important to ask, does this bait address a certain niche that other baits do not? Does it have a different action? Does it allow me to access fish that I previously couldn’t present a bait to? Does it allow me to cover area and locate fish faster?"

^Good post^

A lot of good discussion here….

I like to break down baits/presentations into two categories, search baits and and baits you use when you know where the fish are. Once you know where the fish are it is very hard to outfish a leech, either under a slip bobber or on a jig. I have definitely tried throwing lures and snap jigging plastics once we have caught our fill and most if not always get beat by the guy soaking a leech.

Your time fishing in the BWCA is a precious limited resource and the goal is to find fish fast, once you have established ways of doing that using tried and true search baits it is hard to devote time to something new.

With all of that said I am a tackle junkie and bring 10x what I need on any given trip. New baits usually only get pulled out once fish are found and the stringer is full.

In my opinion a person proficient with lures will outfish a live bait person for every species with the exception of walleyes.

Basspro69: "In my opinion a person proficient with lures will outfish a live bait person for every species with the exception of walleyes."

I am a fish hog. I like to catch a lot of fish, so I'll use whatever catches the most fish. In Maine, I average about 35 largemouth bass per morning. I tried nightcrawlers a few times, but they don't give me the reach of lures.

In northwestern Ontario, I average about the same number in smallmouth, pike, and walleye each morning. There, I cast to shorelines in the gloaming and switch to live bait later in the morning.

I don't prefer one over the other. I want to catch AMFAP.* My only preference is surface lures. I would choose two fish on the surface over three fish below the surface.


*As many fish as possible

Basspro69: "In my opinion a person proficient with lures will outfish a live bait person for every species with the exception of walleyes."

Why is that? I'm not sure I'm there.

For Walleye I agree bait will outperform.

For pike - my top 3 biggest northerns all came on bait. 1 while trolling for walleye and two while fishing with a big dead smelt.

For Stream trout, lakes and rivers...It's hard to beat a hook and split shot with a chunk of crawler. I don't do it often unless I plan on only catching a few to eat.

For Lake Trout I've never used bait for Lake trout. Trolling a spoon or spinner has always been sufficient.

For Bass - when I was a lot younger, we used to slay them casting frogs from shore on Lake Waconia. Now I don't think they commercially sell frogs at bait stores anymore for various reasons, but it sure worked well...better than casting lures...it did for us.

Can you share…this lure!

Basspro69: "In my opinion a person proficient with lures will outfish a live bait person for every species with the exception of walleyes."

With all due respect, that's a wild exaggeration. There are some species for which lures may be more effective than live bait, but there are many species for which live bait is more effective than lures. Catfish, crappie, bluegills/sunfish, perch, suckers, carp, etc. I could list more, but I think I've made the point. When's the last time you saw someone fishing for one of those species with a lure? Lures may work for some of them, but live bait is much more effective.

NEIowapaddler: "

Basspro69: "In my opinion a person proficient with lures will outfish a live bait person for every species with the exception of walleyes."

With all due respect, that's a wild exaggeration. There are some species for which lures may be more effective than live bait, but there are many species for which live bait is more effective than lures. Catfish, crappie, bluegills/sunfish, perch, suckers, carp, etc. I could list more, but I think I've made the point. When's the last time you saw someone fishing for one of those species with a lure? Lures may work for some of them, but live bait is much more effective. "

I fish for trout walleye crappie smallmouth and lures outperform live bait for 3 of them .

NEIowapaddler: "

Basspro69: "In my opinion a person proficient with lures will outfish a live bait person for every species with the exception of walleyes."

With all due respect, that's a wild exaggeration. There are some species for which lures may be more effective than live bait, but there are many species for which live bait is more effective than lures. Catfish, crappie, bluegills/sunfish, perch, suckers, carp, etc. I could list more, but I think I've made the point. When's the last time you saw someone fishing for one of those species with a lure? Lures may work for some of them, but live bait is much more effective. "

I fish for trout walleye crappie smallmouth and lures outperform live bait for 3 of them , most of the time

Basspro69: "

NEIowapaddler: "

Basspro69: "In my opinion a person proficient with lures will outfish a live bait person for every species with the exception of walleyes."

With all due respect, that's a wild exaggeration. There are some species for which lures may be more effective than live bait, but there are many species for which live bait is more effective than lures. Catfish, crappie, bluegills/sunfish, perch, suckers, carp, etc. I could list more, but I think I've made the point. When's the last time you saw someone fishing for one of those species with a lure? Lures may work for some of them, but live bait is much more effective. "

I fish for trout walleye crappie smallmouth and lures outperform live bait for 3 of them . "

So the fact that you fish for 4 species and lures work better (for you) for 3 of them means that lures work better than bait for every species apart from walleyes? C'mon man...

I fish only for Kraken. I have equal success with lures (retired navy destroyers with size 50,000/0 treble hooks) and bait (mostly orcas and sperm whales). YMMV. I'd share more, but my village is missing its idiot.

NEIowapaddler: "

Basspro69: "

NEIowapaddler: "

Basspro69: "In my opinion a person proficient with lures will outfish a live bait person for every species with the exception of walleyes."

With all due respect, that's a wild exaggeration. There are some species for which lures may be more effective than live bait, but there are many species for which live bait is more effective than lures. Catfish, crappie, bluegills/sunfish, perch, suckers, carp, etc. I could list more, but I think I've made the point. When's the last time you saw someone fishing for one of those species with a lure? Lures may work for some of them, but live bait is much more effective. "

I fish for trout walleye crappie smallmouth and lures outperform live bait for 3 of them . "

So the fact that you fish for 4 species and lures work better (for you) for 3 of them means that lures work better than bait for every species apart from walleyes? C'mon man..."

I didn’t say every species , just the ones that I fish for , come on man right back at you and I clearly would outfish you .

NEIowapaddler: "

Basspro69: "

NEIowapaddler: "

Basspro69: "In my opinion a person proficient with lures will outfish a live bait person for every species with the exception of walleyes."

With all due respect, that's a wild exaggeration. There are some species for which lures may be more effective than live bait, but there are many species for which live bait is more effective than lures. Catfish, crappie, bluegills/sunfish, perch, suckers, carp, etc. I could list more, but I think I've made the point. When's the last time you saw someone fishing for one of those species with a lure? Lures may work for some of them, but live bait is much more effective. "

I fish for trout walleye crappie smallmouth and lures outperform live bait for 3 of them . "

So the fact that you fish for 4 species and lures work better (for you) for 3 of them means that lures work better than bait for every species apart from walleyes? C'mon man..."

Basspro69: "

NEIowapaddler: "

Basspro69: "

NEIowapaddler: "

Basspro69: "In my opinion a person proficient with lures will outfish a live bait person for every species with the exception of walleyes."

With all due respect, that's a wild exaggeration. There are some species for which lures may be more effective than live bait, but there are many species for which live bait is more effective than lures. Catfish, crappie, bluegills/sunfish, perch, suckers, carp, etc. I could list more, but I think I've made the point. When's the last time you saw someone fishing for one of those species with a lure? Lures may work for some of them, but live bait is much more effective. "

I fish for trout walleye crappie smallmouth and lures outperform live bait for 3 of them . "

So the fact that you fish for 4 species and lures work better (for you) for 3 of them means that lures work better than bait for every species apart from walleyes? C'mon man..."

I didn’t say every species , just the ones that I fish for , come on man right back at you and I clearly would outfish you ."

Since you seem to have forgotten what you posted, perhaps this will jog your memory...

Perfect example of what might work for you, might not work for someone else, especially for fishing.

Basspro69 has been a bwca.com member practically since dinosaurs ruled the Earth. In the years I've been here, he's been helpful and kind. Backing him up against a wall is not in keeping with the ethos of this website and does not tender him the respect that he deserves.

missmolly: "Basspro69 has been a bwca.com member practically since dinosaurs ruled the Earth. In the years I've been here, he's been helpful and kind. Backing him up against a wall is not in keeping with the ethos of this website and does not tender him the respect that he deserves. "

I didn't appreciate the implication that I was ignorant simply because I disagreed with his opinion. The amount of time someone has been a member doesn't mean they're above reproach. If one of the moderators feels I crossed a line, they're welcome to tell me. Otherwise, I stand by everything I said.

NEIowapaddler: "

Basspro69: "In my opinion a person proficient with lures will outfish a live bait person for every species with the exception of walleyes."

With all due respect, that's a wild exaggeration. There are some species for which lures may be more effective than live bait, but there are many species for which live bait is more effective than lures. Catfish, crappie, bluegills/sunfish, perch, suckers, carp, etc. I could list more, but I think I've made the point. When's the last time you saw someone fishing for one of those species with a lure? Lures may work for some of them, but live bait is much more effective. "

I can’t comment on the catfish, suckers, carp…I suspect many on here can’t :) but crappie I am going to disagree whole heartedly I catch crappie 20/1 or better on artificial lures over than live bait. Bluegills it’s closer but I’ve never been outfished by someone using live bait. Perch…I have minimal experience so if I was targeting them I’d rely on live bait.

I think the key is “a person who is proficient with lures”…I’d go a step further and say even for walleyes I’d give the edge to lures…not for me, but for a proficient walleye lure fisherman. I was raised on live bait for walleyes so it’s hard to switch habits. Bluegills, bass, northern, crappie I primarily was raised using lures. I am not an awesome fisher person by any means so if I am out fishing others using live bait consistently I think there is something to the statement.

To further muddy the waters…of course there are times live bait might work better, but more talking consistent success. I still use live bait.
Finally none of it matters does it? No one is going to switch based off an internet post?

BTW Basspro69 would totally outfish you :) at least that’s who my bet would be on based off what I’ve seen. Mostly trying to be funny…

T

timatkn: "

NEIowapaddler: "

Basspro69: "In my opinion a person proficient with lures will outfish a live bait person for every species with the exception of walleyes."

With all due respect, that's a wild exaggeration. There are some species for which lures may be more effective than live bait, but there are many species for which live bait is more effective than lures. Catfish, crappie, bluegills/sunfish, perch, suckers, carp, etc. I could list more, but I think I've made the point. When's the last time you saw someone fishing for one of those species with a lure? Lures may work for some of them, but live bait is much more effective. "

I can’t comment on the catfish, suckers, carp…I suspect many on here can’t :) but crappie I am going to disagree whole heartedly I catch crappie 20/1 or better on artificial lures over than live bait. Bluegills it’s closer but I’ve never been outfished by someone using live bait. Perch…I have minimal experience so if I was targeting them I’d rely on live bait.


I think the key is “a person who is proficient with lures”…I’d go a step further and say even for walleyes I’d give the edge to lures…not for me, but for a proficient walleye lure fisherman. I was raised on live bait for walleyes so it’s hard to switch habits. Bluegills, bass, northern, crappie I primarily was raised using lures. I am not an awesome fisher person by any means so if I am out fishing others using live bait consistently I think there is something to the statement.


To further muddy the waters…of course there are times live bait might work better, but more talking consistent success. I still use live bait.
Finally none of it matters does it? No one is going to switch based off an internet post?


BTW Basspro69 would totally outfish you :) at least that’s who my bet would be on based off what I’ve seen. Mostly trying to be funny…

You just got me to switch (at least one approach) based off an internet post. I’ve always used minnows in my (half-hearted) approach to crappie fishing. I will definitely be trying some non-live bait methods with crappie fishing in the future.

Midwestman…if you are serious…swim baits for crappies are highly effective and way more fun. My go to is slabalicious…tuxedo or refrigerator white glow on a 16 oz. glow chartreuse road runner jig. Swim it back as slow as possible and still impart action. Then vary speed/depth until ya dial them in. You put the lure in front of maybe 50x more fish…you get the active ones to bite.

You can cast the banks during spawning or out deeper and let it sink to the bottom and swim back.

Suspended crappies use a shadpole or similar. Vertical jig…or swim slowly back. Very little action is needed.

Lots of other techniques but those are good ones to start with.

T

NEIowapaddler: "

missmolly: "Basspro69 has been a bwca.com member practically since dinosaurs ruled the Earth. In the years I've been here, he's been helpful and kind. Backing him up against a wall is not in keeping with the ethos of this website and does not tender him the respect that he deserves. "

I didn't appreciate the implication that I was ignorant simply because I disagreed with his opinion. The amount of time someone has been a member doesn't mean they're above reproach. If one of the moderators feels I crossed a line, they're welcome to tell me. Otherwise, I stand by everything I said. "

I’m sorry I didn’t mention every species that swims I was talking about Bass panfish trout the things I fish for in Minnesota and yes if you asked any fisherman that is proficient with lures they would have the same opinion I have . I don’t fish for carp or bullheads I fish for gamefish and panfish . If you look at my photos every single fish on there was caught using lures . I stand by what I said !

NEIowapaddler: "

missmolly: "Basspro69 has been a bwca.com member practically since dinosaurs ruled the Earth. In the years I've been here, he's been helpful and kind. Backing him up against a wall is not in keeping with the ethos of this website and does not tender him the respect that he deserves. "

I didn't appreciate the implication that I was ignorant simply because I disagreed with his opinion. The amount of time someone has been a member doesn't mean they're above reproach. If one of the moderators feels I crossed a line, they're welcome to tell me. Otherwise, I stand by everything I said. "

Funny because you said come on man when you disagreed with my comment isn’t that right, you didn’t think that was disrespectful because I sure did. I’m just stating an opinion that I believe very much to be true, well with the exception of rough fish .

I now consider Carp a gamefish. Their popularity in the fly fishing world is outstanding.

I try a few new lures and techniques every year and most don't produce anymore fish then what I have been using. If they do I incorporate them into my fishing arsenal. I do know it's hard to keep my concentration up when fishing a new technique/lure if it's not producing in a timely manner. When it comes to the lure versus live bait discussion. If catching lots of fish is my goal my go to is live bait/preserved bait in combination with a lure, mostly jigs with a tail. If I'm looking for more of a challenge I use lures and I am very proficient with both.

I know what will cool this thread: I'll start posting pics of bass I've caught in Maine!

I'm actually going Maine bass fishing for the first time this afternoon. Those who've been to Maine know Highway One. For those who haven't been here, it's our road. We don't have many roads, so Highway One is practically THE road. I live a couple miles from it and I pass three bodies of water on it, all small. I've never seen anyone fish them, so today, I'm going to cast at all three. We'll see!

Now, should I use live bait or lures? Any opinions?

P.S. - Again, Basspro69 is a mensch. Nice having you here too, NEIowaPaddler. I know NEIowa well, as I used to live in SWWisconsin.

missmolly: "I know what will cool this thread: I'll start posting pics of bass I've caught in Maine!


I'm actually going Maine bass fishing for the first time this afternoon. Those who've been to Maine know Highway One. For those who haven't been here, it's our road. We don't have many roads, so Highway One is practically THE road. I live a couple miles from it and I pass three bodies of water on it, all small. I've never seen anyone fish them, so today, I'm going to cast at all three. We'll see!


Now, should I use live bait or lures? Any opinions?


P.S. - Again, Basspro69 is a mensch. Nice having you here too, NEIowaPaddler. I know NEIowa well, as I used to live in SWWisconsin.


"

Thank you Mrs Molly the feeling is mutual !

Here's my 2 cents on all of this back and forth stuff :) I like (actually love) to catch fish. I don't care if they are on lures, live bait, dead bait or some type of combination. I will say the most enjoyable way is on a surface lure. To each their own! Do what you enjoy doing. It doesn't matter how others are fishing, as long as you are catching fish and you are having a good time being outdoors and doing what you love to do. Go wet a line and forget about all of this stuff :)

QueticoMike: "Here's my 2 cents on all of this back and forth stuff :) I like (actually love) to catch fish. I don't care if they are on lures, live bait, dead bait or some type of combination. I will say the most enjoyable way is on a surface lure. To each their own! Do what you enjoy doing. It doesn't matter how others are fishing, as long as you are catching fish and you are having a good time being outdoors and doing what you love to do. Go wet a line and forget about all of this stuff :)"

That’s a good point and I don’t care how a person fishes either it’s about having fun. I can’t help but notice when you share your fishing articles every year you talk about different lures, it’s almost like they are very effective.

Basspro69: "

QueticoMike: "Here's my 2 cents on all of this back and forth stuff :) I like (actually love) to catch fish. I don't care if they are on lures, live bait, dead bait or some type of combination. I will say the most enjoyable way is on a surface lure. To each their own! Do what you enjoy doing. It doesn't matter how others are fishing, as long as you are catching fish and you are having a good time being outdoors and doing what you love to do. Go wet a line and forget about all of this stuff :)"

That’s a good point and I don’t care how a person fishes either it’s about having fun. I can’t help but notice when you share your fishing articles every year you talk about different lures, it’s almost like they are very effective."

Nearly as effective as live bait.

Ha - Not that I want this debate to continue, but I couldn't help myself. Sorry man!

Do you get up here often? I might be open to booking a permit for the same entry and we can have a little contest. You use only lures and I use live bait. First, largest and most.

Wow what a thread! I can't resist. Every year I am determined to bring only what is necessary because of weight and pack space. With double and sometimes triple portages, the struggle is real! So my priority is to bring tried and true with maybe a couple of new techniques for fun. I start sorting months before and then trim it back as much as I possibly can and at the end of the trip I always say "next year I am going to cut back on tackle". It is an endless battle but hey at least it's fishing! Have fun and let the loons serenade you to sleep.

I grew up fishing with my dad outside Sioux Narrows, ON. He used a Johnson silver minnow for pike and a lindy rig with a leech for walleye. Once per trip he'd troll a large Rapala along a reef looking for a trophy, but otherwise the tackle never changed.

He's 80 now, and last summer on a northern Ontario fly-in trip he caught by far the most fish in the group with his lindy rig and silver minnow. The walleye pole is a three-piece he received as a birthday gift from his parents in the 1950's, but he did finally retire the 1950's Mitchell 300 spinning reel...

He has a nice fishing boat for fishing closer to his home in Arizona, but still prefers a day in a 14 or 16 footer with a 10 or 15 hp outboard.

Stick with what works and what you enjoy. Whether its a monster tackle box full of hundreds of dollars of tackle, or a single plastic tray with next to no variety.

Speckled: "

Basspro69: "

QueticoMike: "Here's my 2 cents on all of this back and forth stuff :) I like (actually love) to catch fish. I don't care if they are on lures, live bait, dead bait or some type of combination. I will say the most enjoyable way is on a surface lure. To each their own! Do what you enjoy doing. It doesn't matter how others are fishing, as long as you are catching fish and you are having a good time being outdoors and doing what you love to do. Go wet a line and forget about all of this stuff :)"

That’s a good point and I don’t care how a person fishes either it’s about having fun. I can’t help but notice when you share your fishing articles every year you talk about different lures, it’s almost like they are very effective."

Nearly as effective as live bait.


Ha - Not that I want this debate to continue, but I couldn't help myself. Sorry man!


Do you get up here often? I might be open to booking a permit for the same entry and we can have a little contest. You use only lures and I use live bait. First, largest and most."

I would love that challenge !!!

timatkn: " "

I can outwatch anyone eating popcorn at a movie with my Junior Mints!

My $$$ is on Basspro.

Simple reason....

deancal20: "Wow what a thread! I can't resist. Every year I am determined to bring only what is necessary because of weight and pack space. With double and sometimes triple portages, the struggle is real! So my priority is to bring tried and true with maybe a couple of new techniques for fun. I start sorting months before and then trim it back as much as I possibly can and at the end of the trip I always say "next year I am going to cut back on tackle". It is an endless battle but hey at least it's fishing! Have fun and let the loons serenade you to sleep."

I have the exact inverse affliction: I enjoy a highly productive fishing trip to BWCA using a 3-4 rigs that happen to score that trip. Then, for reasons my wife doesn’t understand, I return home and spend then next 11 months adding to my tackle collection and testing new rigs. Right before I return to BWCA, I once again declare that my tackle bag is my one luxury item and graduate to the next larger size.

A 4 decade old Arbogaster was retired from my box this year so I did reduce it somewhat.

timatkn: "Midwestman…if you are serious…swim baits for crappies are highly effective and way more fun. My go to is slabalicious…tuxedo or refrigerator white glow on a 16 oz. glow chartreuse road runner jig. Swim it back as slow as possible and still impart action. Then vary speed/depth until ya dial them in. You put the lure in front of maybe 50x more fish…you get the active ones to bite.


You can cast the banks during spawning or out deeper and let it sink to the bottom and swim back.


Suspended crappies use a shadpole or similar. Vertical jig…or swim slowly back. Very little action is needed.


Lots of other techniques but those are good ones to start with.


T"

Just got back from Rathbun Lake. Our group of 9 guys caught slightly over 900 crappies in 3 days…3 were caught on live bait. Not my best fishing but it was good.

We were in Crappie Cove catching them on almost every cast while 5 boats around us were using minnows/bobbers and I never saw them catch a thing. I am sure they did…just didn’t see it. Should have seen their faces when they saw us releasing 11-13 inch females :) They just watched us catching them and stubbornly didn’t switch…if I saw them pulling in crappies one after another on minnows…you better believe I’d be getting minnows :)


T

RMinMN: "I'd say it was probably that the old tackle works so well that there is no need to spend money on new tackle. As an example, last summer I put on a lure on Sunday morning and took it off on Saturday morning to make the trek back out. Fish love it! Why change and learn to use new tackle/techniques?"

…and the lure was??? Lmao

Fishing in the Bdub is way different for me than fishing at home.

In the Bdub fishing/traveling in a canoe I limit what I take (based on weight) therefore I pretty much employ only a few tactics.

1) Slip Bobbers & Leeches
2) Husky Jerks (mostly canoe trolling but some casting)
3) Quetico Mikes Zulu Rig for Smallies
4) Whopper Ploppers for Smallies
5) The occasional jig and twister tail

Now when I am at home fishing out of my 17 foot Deep-V loaded with everything I need (trolling motor, electronics, etc.) I have way more options depending on if I want to troll, vertical jig, cast, etc. There are so many proven techniques that catch fish these days. The secret I think is being a good combination of confident in what you are using plus flexible enough to change when you need to.

I love fishing in the Bdub because you can keep it simple. Fish there "act like fish should" since they aren't overpressured. I think that is probably one of the biggest reason people are slow to use new techniques.

I use to trip primarily to catch fish. That was my focus. Now after having made several trips I have grown to appreciate the real wilderness experience and what that means. The solitude, the scenery, the wildlife, and disconnecting from my busy life are what I look forward to the most along with the fishing. I could take week long trips anywhere I want with my boat and find a nice cabin on a great lake where I could hammer the fish. However, it isn't anywhere near the same experience.

I got $100 on basspro

Poord: "Hey guys,
Through the years I have been keeping up with this forum and every year for the past 10 years the exact same techniques are talked about and proclaimed. Whether it is old Rapalas, spoons, jig and twister tails, or Zulus (which notably is more modern and popular) fishing innovation seems static.

I have had BWCA success with more modern techniques like swim jigs, hard body swim baits, soft body swimbaits, chatter baits, and ned rigs, but I rarely see them mentioned. Is this a product of the forum's members' age/stubbornness, not knowing techniques, or just a general lack of success with newer techniques?"
Hi Poord,

I'm heading up to Knife in early August. Any suggestions for using swim baits, ned rigs, and chatter baits at that time of year? I never lack for fish using a limited tackle box like Furtman's, but I'm always game to learn new ways to catch more fish. How do you use those baits in a clear, deep lake?

Thanks,

Pack Rat