What an exciting and frustrating weekend it was on Lake Winnipeg. First of all, this was by far the earliest I've ever been up to Big Windy. Friday (Day 1), we launched out of Pruden's creek. Fairly easy access, but there was some rough ice next to shore. After about 300 yards, you were on good ice.
Fishing on Friday was a big underwhelming. I believe our biggest fish were a pair of 27's. A few eaters. We were sure that Saturday couldn't get any worse. *Morgan Freeman's voice* "But they were wrong."
Saturday, we launched out of Warner Road. Zero issues and great travel on the ice. Some small ridges and rough patches to work through so make sure you take your time. Again, fishing was not good on Saturday. We stayed in the 12-14 FOW (to the top of the ice). I believe we caught one master that day and a couple 27's again.
Sunday morning was much better. We ran out of Warner again, but we headed to the mouth in search of shallow water. 7 FOW was better, but still not great. We ended the morning run with two 28's, a 27, two 26's and a couple 24 and 25's.
Baits were a tricky deal. A healthy dose of spoons and lipless cranks all produce with no real pattern being established. Xstream Tackle rattle stix were a good option to have. I would assume a buckshot or clam rattling spoons would work if you don't want any more tackle purchases. Jackals, live targets, northland rippin shad, kamooki, and of course DH Customs all had a fair amount of biting fish. I will tell you, having salties on seemed to be the best option.
I got to use a JT rod, black reign version, for the first time. I feel bad for my thorne bros and tuned up customs that will stay at home now. What a fantastic sensitivity and backbone. I also got to ride in a pretty ridiculous Polaris Ranger that had all the bells and whistles complete with a ProFab Outdoors topper. All of our vexilars, rods, heaters and tackle rode in the topper and were always in the same place we left it. If you're in the market for either the jt rods or the toppers, pm me and I can get you in touch with the guy.
Fishing on Friday was a big underwhelming. I believe our biggest fish were a pair of 27's. A few eaters. We were sure that Saturday couldn't get any worse. *Morgan Freeman's voice* "But they were wrong."
Saturday, we launched out of Warner Road. Zero issues and great travel on the ice. Some small ridges and rough patches to work through so make sure you take your time. Again, fishing was not good on Saturday. We stayed in the 12-14 FOW (to the top of the ice). I believe we caught one master that day and a couple 27's again.
Sunday morning was much better. We ran out of Warner again, but we headed to the mouth in search of shallow water. 7 FOW was better, but still not great. We ended the morning run with two 28's, a 27, two 26's and a couple 24 and 25's.
Baits were a tricky deal. A healthy dose of spoons and lipless cranks all produce with no real pattern being established. Xstream Tackle rattle stix were a good option to have. I would assume a buckshot or clam rattling spoons would work if you don't want any more tackle purchases. Jackals, live targets, northland rippin shad, kamooki, and of course DH Customs all had a fair amount of biting fish. I will tell you, having salties on seemed to be the best option.
I got to use a JT rod, black reign version, for the first time. I feel bad for my thorne bros and tuned up customs that will stay at home now. What a fantastic sensitivity and backbone. I also got to ride in a pretty ridiculous Polaris Ranger that had all the bells and whistles complete with a ProFab Outdoors topper. All of our vexilars, rods, heaters and tackle rode in the topper and were always in the same place we left it. If you're in the market for either the jt rods or the toppers, pm me and I can get you in touch with the guy.
