image of fishrapper logo

image links to fishing reports by Jeff Sundin May 8, 2025 "Live Bait Transportation Protecting the Protect-Able"

It’s official, we’ve already confirmed that live bait inventories at most retailers are in good shape for the Minnesota Walleye Fishing Opener. This is good news to be sure, but we know that in past seasons, the news hasn’t always been this good.

Just yesterday, I was called for an interview about all thing’s minnows in Minnesota. The interviewer, seeking to drill down into why minnows have become so hard to come by in the state, asked me to walk through some of the issues. I explained that it’s ironic that the subject comes up right now, just as bit dealers are sitting on good supplies. But I agree that this doesn’t mean there won’t be more shortages in our future.

Preventing the spread of invasive critters is no joke, and it’s why we got into this whole minnow supply pickle in the first place. The entire reason for being so protective about transporting live minnows is to prevent the introduction of invasives, and sadly, there are more of them than we realize.

Most everybody has heard about the most common invasives like zebra mussels, Eurasian milfoil, common carp and so on. Some folks even realize that less widely spread invasives like spiny water flea, faucet snails and rusty crawfish cause big problems too. A few have heard about a waterborne fish disease, VHS (Viral Hemorrhagic Septicemia) which isn’t found here yet, but it would be deadly to fish if it’s allowed into our waters.

That’s the “short list” and the problem is that there are dozens of other diseases and invasives that most Minnesotan’s have rarely, if ever, heard about. You can imagine that trying to protect the Minnesota lakes from all of them is a monumental task.

Some folks have asked questions like; “invasives are everywhere already, so why bother trying to stop them now.” The answer to that question is that nothing could be further from the truth. Less than 5% of Minnesota’s lakes are currently known to be infested with anything.  Protecting the rest of them is worth working on, and it is the main reason why live bait must be transported carefully.

As the interview went on, we talked about how bait suppliers have adapted to regulations so far. I speculated too about some of the changes that will shape how Minnesota anglers will obtain live bait in the future. During our conversation, I reminded myself and advised the interviewer about several articles and videos that I’ve published already. The list below sheds light on a variety of concerns, and possible solutions, to minnow supply chain issues in the state.

Being that many of us are only hours away from purchasing live bait for the fishing opener, I think reviewing this article, and accompanying video might be a good idea. The subject, how to legally transport live minnows both to and from the lake, can help you save big bucks this weekend, especially for folks who plan to move shiner minnows. Ranging between 8.99 and 11.99 per dozen, it won’t take long for the system I use to pay you back!

Before I wrap up for the morning, I should mention that I and the Hippie Chick ventured out on one of the Grand Rapids city lakes yesterday evening. Fishing wasn’t the main reason for launching the boat, but as long as we were making sure the boat is seaworthy, we did make a few casts.

Surface water on the small, stained water lake was 62 degrees, pretty warm for May 7th. I suspect a heavy chop on the surface would cut that temperature down a few degrees, and also that most of the larger lakes have not warmed that much so far. Despite warm surface temperatures, there weren’t any panfish roaming in the shallows. A few pike, and this bass, a rather nice example, did entertain us for a little while though.

Okay, by later today, a lot of folks will already be heading north, and I wish you safe travels. Tomorrow morning I’ll pop in with a few last-minute notes for the weekend and soon afterward, I’m joining the ranks as an official tourist for the opener. Remember, we love it when you share your stories, and this year, folks will be interested to hear about water conditions on the lake you fish. fish smiley image — Jeff Sundin, The Early Bird Fishing Guide Office Cell Call or Text 218-245-9858 or Email on Facebook on X


image links to fishrapper.com Lake of the Woods, LOW Tourism May 7, 2025

image of anglers holding huge sturgeon they caught on the Rainy River "A couple of tournaments this past weekend showed off some big fish from Lake of the Woods and Rainy River. The Annual Zippel Bay Resort Pike Tournament took place with good numbers of pike registered. A good number of pike tipped the tape at over 40 inches long.

Sturgeon fishing is in full swing through May 15, 2026 on the Rainy River and the bite has been excellent. Anglers are catching good numbers of these prehistoric giants, and the Rainy River is one of the best places in North America to hook into one. There are sturgeon throughout the entire river. Four Mile Bay, at the mouth of the river has been holding good numbers of nice fish. Otherwise, most anglers are targeting holes up and down the river.

The annual Sportsman's Lodge Sturgeon Tournament took place with the winning sturgeon, a 78.25 inch monster taking the top spot. This, pending verification with the MN DNR, would be the new catch and release state record!

There is great news for folks planning to fish the south side of Lake of the Woods this weekend. The ice has finally disappeared, and although there may still be a few chunks floating around, the satellite view shows that the vast majority of the lake is wide open! A variety of webcams from around the lake also confirm that the lake should be clear for the Minnesota walleye fishing opener. What a great site to see!

satellite image of Lke of the Woods as of May 5, 2025 On the south shore, there will be lots of fishing opportunities for folks over the MN walleye fishing opener on Saturday. The outlook for walleye fishing is excellent. It is going to be an epic opener and there is still plenty of lodging available. Think about this...

  • The fish will be close to shore.
  • The Rainy River and Four Mile Bay will still be holding fish
  • It will be a jig bite
  • A very strong population of walleyes and saugers in the lake
  • Big females will be post spawn

On the May 10, 2025 opener, Lake of the Woods and the Rainy River enjoy a combined limit of walleyes and saugers of 6, with up to 4 being walleyes. The protected slot is 19.5 to 28.0 inches, those fish must be released. Anglers are allowed to have one walleye over 28 inches in possession.

With the late ice out, there will be plenty of walleyes, and some big walleyes, in the river for the opener. A jig and minnow will be the ticket for most. Some may still use a jig and larger plastic as many do during the spring walleye season. Whatever you decide to use, there will be some good action to be had.

Up at the Northwest Angle, there is open water and we have had some days in the 80's as well as some wind and that really took care of the ice just in time.

Traditionally, the fish will be near shore and on shoreline structure like points and neckdown areas. With the many islands in this area, there is a lot of structure and a lot of spots to fish. Just like the south end, it will be a jig bite this weekend for the walleyes. Given the strong ice fishing season and healthy lake conditions, expectations for good walleye catches are good up at the Angle and across the lake."  Lake of the Woods Tourism, (800) 382-FISH


image links to fishing reports by Jeff Sundin May 6, 2025 "Good News Begets More Good News: Live Bait Evening Update"

image of spottail shiners in the minnow tanks at L&M Supply Sometimes good news begets more good news and today, that’s what’s happening. Sunshine, summer-like temperatures and relatively calm seas are encouraging spottail shiners to move onto shallow water sand flats. The good conditions are allowing minnow trappers easy access, and bait tanks are filling up at the retailers.

Northwoods Bait in Bemidji reported earlier that they are ready to rock and roll with all the spottails they’ll need for the fishing opener. Ditto that report at River Rat Bait in Cohasset, Lisa reports plenty of shiners in inventory to last through the upcoming weekend. Here in Grand Rapids, I visited with Brent Haugen who filled in on the L&M Supply stores live bait supplies. For the 4 stores that have live minnow tanks, Bemidji, Detroit Lakes, Virginia and Grand Rapids stores, shiner minnows are in good supply.

Word on the street is that leech trappers in the region struggled early, and some stores may be short on them this weekend. But the warm temperatures are improving leech trapping too, so any shortage will be short-lived. Night crawlers, along with other minnow varieties are in stock at all of the retailers I checked with as well.

Okay, so I guess we can quit worrying about minnows, for this weekend anyway. Like I mentioned this morning, let us know what you learn at your favorite bait shop. Tomorrow morning, I’ll drop in any last-minute notes that might be helpful over the weekend. fish smiley image — Jeff Sundin, The Early Bird Fishing Guide Office Cell Call or Text 218-245-9858 or Email on Facebook on X


image links to fishing reports by Jeff Sundin May 6, 2025 "2025 Walleye Fishing Opener: Supplying the Supply-Able"

It’s been a long time since I’ve shared good news about minnow supplies for the Minnesota walleye fishing opener. But after a quick stop to Full Stringer Bait in Longville, (photo left) it appears that this year I can. Spottail shiners, at least at this store, are already in the tanks and according to Troy, they have plenty of minnows to please customers who want them this weekend. The price, $9.95 per dozen, remains high, but at least hasn’t increased from 2024 pricing.

Gerry Albert, retired MN Large Lake Specialist checked the shoreline at Winnibigoshish yesterday. “The spottails are in, and they’re thick”, Albert told me on the phone. Neither of us knows for sure how the live bait trappers are faring at catching them, but this potentially, this is excellent news! And for sure, it gives me a story to chase down today, and I will.

The fishing opener is always a hectic time. Lines are long, patience is at a premium and let’s face it, these days, manners are sometimes lacking. Do yourself, and your fellow anglers a huge favor and buy your fishing license right now. If you can read this report, then you can click on this link to >> Buy Minnesota Fishing License Online.

The last thing I need is to get caught out of position without my fishing license. So, every year, I print several copies of mine, and I keep one paper copy in the boat, one in my wallet, and one in my truck. Then, I save one copy on my phone. Wherever I am, I am covered and protected from getting a ticket for an embarrassing and completely avoidable violation.

Speaking of avoidable violations, did you read the article “Don’t Land a Citation, Avoid Embarrassing and Costly Fishing Violations” last week? If you didn’t, check it out today because there are tips in it, along with a checklist that will help you steer clear of the most common fishing and boating violations.

Okay, back to bait supplies for a moment. Ordinarily, I would hold off on sharing another report until Wednesday morning. But today, I'll work up another live bait update for later this afternoon.

I can only cover so much territory, and there are lots of great bait and tackle shops in Minnesota. So, I need your help! Let me know about the one store that you can always count on, the bait shop that has what you need, and always treats you right. Let me and your fellow anglers too, if you already paid them a visit, and what their predictions are for bait supplies this coming weekend. fish smiley image — Jeff Sundin, The Early Bird Fishing Guide Office Cell Call or Text 218-245-9858 or Email on Facebook on X


Fishing Destination | Brainerd, Grand Rapids, Lake Winnie Area | Joe Billiar, Crooked Hat Guide Service

image links to fishing guide jeff sundin Jeff Sundin May 5, 2025 "Preparing For The MN Fishing Opener" | Joe Billiar, Crooked Hat Guide Service

image of the Hippie Chick with Joe Billiar of Crooked Hat Guide Service In north central Minnesota, the weather turned warm on Sunday, the breezes calmed down, and the stage was set for a beautiful day of preparation. Folks were out on lakes in the region, some fishing, others testing their boats, some just enjoyning the day.

For I and the Hippie Chick, that day of preparation came in the form of a pre-fish trip with Joe Billiar on a Hackensack area lake. Billiar, “Crooked Hat Guide Service”, is a frequent contributor of fishing reports from the Brainerd, Lake Winnie, and other north central Minnesota lakes.

Billiar is among the trusted few fishing guides on “Sundin’s Short List of Guides”.  He often lends a helping arm when customers request dates when I ..." Read >> May 5, 2025 "Preparing For The MN Fishing Opener" | Joe Billiar, Crooked Hat Guide Service


image links to bowen lodge on lake winnie Cutfoot Sioux, Lake Winnibigoshish 2025 Fishing Season Outlook May 4, 2025

image links to fishing season outlook for Lake Winnie and Cutfoot Sioux Lakes in north central Minnesota "Survey data from MN DNR 2024 Fisheries assessments are in, and this week, Dan Schermerhorn, the large lake specialist for the MN DNR Grand Rapids, MN region, shared his insights into lake data for the Winnie-Cutfoot chain of lakes and flowages.

Walleye anglers will most likely notice a change in the average size of the fish they catch this season. Walleyes from the strong, 2019-year class remain plentiful, and have grown! After analyzing 2024 data, Schermerhorn estimates that the average length of female walleyes will be about 19 inches during spring. Their 2019 male counterparts should measure somewhere between 17-1/2 and 18 inches on opening day.

In 2024, our guests, fishing guides and friends who fish Winnie a lot, reported catching fish from other year classes too. The strong, 2018-year class remains well represented, and there were numerous fish in the 20-to-22-inch size range caught last summer and fall. Those larger, 2018 fish, combined with females from the 2019-year class will offer anglers the opportunity to ..." Read >> Bowen Lodge Cutfoot Sioux, Lake Winnibigoshish 2025 Fishing Season Outlook May 4, 2025


image links to wired2fish Wired2Fish May 4, 2025 "How To Beat Tariff-Driven Fishing Lure Price Hikes"

image links to fishing article about how to beat tarrif prices when buying fishing lures"This is not an opinion piece on President Trump and his policies. I am not here to take a political stance. I did not sign up to report on international trade. But, love them or hate them, many of us are starting to feel the effects of the highly debated tariffs that have been implemented on international goods—those coming from China in particular.
A lot of products in the bass fishing market are obviously produced in China. At the time of writing this, there’s a 145% tariff on these products. Just doing quick math, to maintain the same profit margin percentage-wise, I believe that puts a $5 crankbait at around $12.25.

Now, we haven’t seen any price hikes quite that dramatic yet, but the prices are certainly creeping up as companies try to soften the blow for their consumers while simultaneously protecting their bottom lines as best they can, with no certainty of how long the tariffs and price hikes will last. There’s a tendency to think, “We’ll just ..." Read Article and Learn More >> ..." Read Article and Learn More >> How To Beat Tariff-Driven Fishing Lure Price Hikes


image links to fishing reports by Jeff Sundin May 2, 2025 "Minnesota Walleye: Is Limiting the Limit-Able, Needed and Reasonable?"

image of Paul J Radomski author of Walleye Beautiful Fish of the DarkWord on the street is that a Minnesota DNR rule to cut walleye possession limits is soon to be released. Ahead of the supposedly pending announcement, folks on both sides of the issue have been active, debating the pros and cons.  For me, and many FishRapper readers, most of the discussion is “old news”. That’s because the debate has already been going on for about 8 years, in fact my first article on the subject appeared in 2017.

In search of folks who can offer a fresh perspective on the topic, I’ve reached out to writers, angler associations, fisheries biologists and to the public. One of the more successful efforts came in the form of “reader response” to the poll offering FishRapper readers who support the proposal. Early Monday morning, I shared the results of that poll aimed at gauging expectations among those supporters of that proposal. If you haven’t read the results yet, you can find the full story here >> Reader Poll Invitation April 22, 2025 "Walleye Limit Reduction: Supporters Poll"

At the time I offered the poll, I asked for input from scientists, biologists and fisheries manager who support the rule change. My hope was to provide you with some “scientific evidence” that dropping the walleye limit would produce the desired results. While the response to my reader poll offer was good, the offer to provide a platform to “pro rule change” scientists fell on deaf ears. The response to that plea for information was zero, 0%.

On the other hand, there was plenty of response from scientists who do not favor the rule change. Some of those researchers plan to come out with their own response to the rules proposal when it’s announced. Others shared their thoughts but preferred not to go on record and still others have offered opinions which will appear in articles as I get their stories written.

Today, I’ll share the thoughts of one such expert, Paul Radomski, author of the book “Walleye: A Beautiful Fish of the Dark.” In case you don’t already know him, listen to this KAXE radio interview. “Minnesota writer Paul Radomski Book Unspools Mysteries of the Walleye”, you’ll find a link to the interview just below the story title on the station’s web page.

image of the book Walleye: A Beautiful Fish of the Dark by Paul RadomskiQ) Sundin, “Attempting to make sense of the debate about the MN DNR effort to reduce the walleye possession limit. I’ve reached out to and received replies from several DNR biologists. Most of them are presenting data in opposition to the walleye limit reduction. Are you aware of any recent papers that offer fact-based information in support of reducing walleye limits?”

A) Radomski, “Recently, a lot of anglers have asked my opinion on this matter. Here is my common response.
There are no recent papers supporting reducing the MN statewide walleye creel limit. There remain a few unanswered questions about the walleye creel limits; however, creel statistics for walleye angling have shown a consistent pattern — only about 1% of walleye angling trips result in a limit of 6 fish.

Q) Sundin, “Over the years, fisheries biologists have suggested that a 4-walleye limit will not impact the overall walleye harvest. They’ve reported consistently that to have an impact on the overall walleye harvest, a 2 fish limit would be required, is that right?

A) Radomski, “It is interesting that many people don't understand creel limits. How effective any creel limit reduction for conservation depends on the species, harvest rates, magnitude of the existing limit, and magnitude of the limit change.”
“Often, anglers make the case for creel limit reduction based on “common sense”, but they don't do the math, and they make incorrect assumptions. However, fiddling with creel limits gives commissioners and angling leaders “bragging rights” that they did something. But was the change meaningful?”

Radomski offers that in certain cases, a creel limit reduction can be a reasonable solution to address overfishing. In 2000 for example, Radomski worked with a small team to change the creel limits for yellow perch. At the time, the previous limit of 100 fish in possession was lowered to 20 fish daily, with a 40 fish possession limit.

“I supported that change by showing the need (On Winnie) where large perch, over 9 inches, had declined since 1977, while growth and survival of small perch increased.” Radomski says. “Overfishing Recruitment Response” is the term Radomski used to describe the trouble; he also reported that condition of large perch had decreased as well.

Radomski’s team made predictions to estimate the probability that various perch creel limits would achieve necessary harvest reductions. The team concluded that there was a need, and that the proposed perch creel limit reduction was reasonable. Radomski recalls that the DNR Commissioner at the time took some criticism for that change.

Fisheries biologist and lake ecology scientist Radomski was also involved in the statewide review of fish creel limits and suggested reductions in the lake trout creel limit, and more recently, the reduced burbot creel limit of 4 fish aimed at reducing wanton waste. He recalls these changes, based on need and reasonableness being easier to achieve.

Radomski, “To summarize what is known, creel limits do not directly control or limit the total harvest. Creel limits regulate the individual or the party, not the collective. I also stated that creel limit reductions were likely insufficient to reduce harvest and at best only provide temporary fisheries results.”

To learn more about the impact of creel limits, Randomski encourages read the chapter on walleye management in his aforementioned book >> Walleye: A Beautiful Fish of the Dark .

In it, Radomski quoted other biologists that state it is rare that creel limits reductions make a difference. While creel limits do not directly control total harvest, fisheries managers often reduce limits for some waters to shift angling effort to other waters, as some anglers will avoid waters with low creel limits.

Radomski, “Anglers view the reduced walleye creel limits for Minnesota's important large walleye lakes and conclude that other walleye lakes would benefit with lower creel limits. However, the purpose for those lower walleye creel limits (excluding Mille Lacs and Red Lake) was a result of angler and community conversations, and the need and reasonableness of those changes generally were not supported with biological data. Rather, walleye creel limits for these waters were based an ethical argument or for the purpose of distributing the harvest (social issues).”

“I've heard state of MN officials argue for a creel limit reduction to conserve walleye. Yet, I've not heard about any recent estimates of how Minnesota's proposed creel limit change from 6 to 4 is going to provide meaningful conservation results, nor have I seen estimates of how many walleye will be conserved or saved with such a change.”  Radomski said.

He acknowledges that it is commonly understood that walleyes are being impacted by a changing climate, angling technology, and habitat loss. But believes that the reasons stated for the Minnesota's walleye creel limit change have lacked specifics. He argues that a statewide walleye creel limit reduction from 6 to 4 will not address nor mitigate these impacts. What is needed most, he believes, is agency and legislative action that is commensurate with the seriousness of these large and growing threats to Minnesota walleye.

Radomski speculates, “What would be a reasonable alternative to a statewide creel limit reduction?”

Answering his own question, Radomski offers, “A protected slot limit is a zero-creel limit for the protected sizes that can regulate the collective for a range of fish sizes in a fishery. For example, in Minnesota one could replace the 1 walleye over 20 inches creel limit. This 1-over regulation is indeed a creel limit – it is a creel limit on big fish. So, an alternative solution might be to replace an existing 1-over regulation with a creel limit of 0 for walleye between 20 to 24 inches (or the most suitable length range).” Replace the existing 1-over regulation with a big fish protected slot limit. If such a protected slot limit regulation would work for most walleye fisheries, then it seems reasonable to consider it as a potential alternative conservation solution.”

In some lakes, stockpiling large walleye creates other problems, and again Radomski suggests reading “walleye fisheries dynamics” chapter of his book to understand why. So, the question is whether a reduction from 1-fish over 20 inches to 0-fish between 20-24 inches would conserve enough fish to make a difference, yet not stockpile too many large fish?

Radomski, “I don't know the answer to the question I pose; however, I suspect that a statewide 20-24 protected slot limit would be more effective than the statewide 1-over 20 inches regulation and a statewide 6 to 4 creel limit reduction.”
“I don't know how many walleye waters would benefit from such a change, but fisheries biologists could simulate the change to assess its potential merits, or better yet they could apply such a regulation and see if it produces meaningful results.”

Radomski does not necessarily object to reducing the statewide walleye creel limit. But if he were able to advocate for the limit reduction, would only do so provided acceptance by a clear majority of the angling community.

In his opinion, the prime purpose of walleye creel limits these days is to regulate social issues. Fisheries managers reduce limits to send a message that the walleye are finite and to reduce greed when existing creel limits are perceived as too large. He would only make the case based on social acceptance.

Radomski concludes, “I believe fisheries managers must provide a honest assessment about the function and purpose of walleye creel limit reductions.” Paul J. Radomski, Author of Walleye: A Beautiful Fish of the Dark

In the coming days, I'll share more commentary from fisheries experts, and walleye fishing enthusiasts. As always, your comments and questions are both welcome and helpful, so don't be a shy! fish smiley image — Jeff Sundin, The Early Bird Fishing Guide Office Cell Call or Text 218-245-9858 or Email on Facebook on X


image links to fishing reports by Jeff Sundin May 1, 2025 "Don't Land A Citation! Avoid These Embarrasing and Sometimes Costly Fishing-Boating Violations"

image of Minnesota conservtion officer checking licenses of anglers at the boat dock Every year, I’m amazed by the number of encounters I have with folks who commit innocent, but potentially expensive, fishing violations. Admittedly, many of the violations do not amount to anything like “crimes of the century”, but they can be both embarrasing, and costly. AND, if they’re serious enough to warrant a citation, then they’re serious enough for us to talk about here.

With the assistance of Minnesota DNR Enforcement, Lieutenant Colonel, Robert Gorecki, and Communications coordinator, Joe Albert, I put together a list of the more common offenses anglers make every year. To get assessments from varying geographic regions, Albert consulted with conservation offers (CO-s) from across Minnesota.

One caveat, the list I’m presenting does not cover every conceivable fishing violation, for that, you NEED to ..." Read Full Report >> May 1, 2025 "Avoid Embarrasing and Costly Fishing and Boating Violations"


KAXE Radio: With the ice out, walleye spawning is underway in Minnesota

image links to fishing article about walleye spawning at Cutfoot Sioux"In spring, eggs have been collected at Cut Foot Sioux walleye spawning site in Deer River, MN, since the 1920s. Fertilized eggs are transported throughout the state.
The fishing opener is fast approaching and Minnesota’s state fish — the walleye — no doubt will be a coveted catch for any angler.

First things first: walleye spawning season starts not long after ice out, when the waters begin warming into the mid-40s.

Recently, the Cut Foot Sioux walleye spawning site in Deer River, east of the Highway 46 bridge, was busy with walleyes, Grand Rapids Fish Hatchery workers and curious onlookers. The public is welcome to visit and watch the process. Instinct guides walleyes to ..." Learn More >> KAXE Radio: With the ice out, walleye spawning is underway in Minnesota

image links to fishing reports by Jeff Sundin May 1, 2025 "Reader Poll Gauges Support For MN DNR Walleye Limit Reduction Plan"

image links to fishing article that reveals angler expecations resulting from effort to reduce the bag limit minnesota walleyesOver the past week, supporters of the MN DNR proposal to reduce Minnesota’s walleye possession provided their input. The sample size is not huge, but it is meaningful because readers who wanted to participate in the survey were required to jump through a few hoops to opine.

Unlike most click and submit surveys, participants were required to request the poll via email, complete the survey and then return their answers, again via email. The reader participation poll, while not a scientific one, does qualify as an above-average effort to gather meaningful insight into why supporters of the rule change believe that it will help. The response, I believe, exceeded my expectations. Most participants provided well-reasoned and thoughtful comments.

Responding to question 1, “Assuming that if a proposed statewide limit reduction from 6 walleye, down to 4 walleyes in possession passes, do you anticipate an improvement to the quality of walleye fishing in Minnesota?” As the chart, "Angler Expects Improved Walleye Fishing" upper left shows, 57% of the respondents said ..." Read Full Story >> May 1, 2025 "Reader Poll Gauges Support For MN DNR Walleye Limit Reduction Plan"


image links to wired2fish Wired2Fish May 1, 2025 "The Biggest Bass Bags of All Time"

image links to fishing article about the heaviest bass tournament weights of all time"They say that records are meant to be broken. But in professional bass fishing, there are a few that are considered almost untouchable.

You don’t hear Rip Nunnery, a California fisherman, mentioned in the same breath as Rick Clunn, Kevin VanDam or Roland Martin. Still, what he accomplished in July 1969 will probably never be matched.

Fishing in a B.A.S.S. tournament on Alabama’s Lake Eufaula, he brought in a stringer of bass so heavy that he needed help bringing it to the scales. In the days when a 15-bass daily limit was in place, he weighed in a first-round total of 98 pounds, 15 ounces. That set a B.A.S.S. record for largest one-day ..." Read Article and Learn More >> The Biggest Bass Bags of All Time


image links to wired2fish Wired2Fish April 29, 2025 "Power Fishing Walleyes With Moving Baits on Big Water"

image links to fishing video about catching walleyes during spring "Pro bass angler and multi-species guide, Adam Rasmussen, heads out on sprawling Green Bay to target scatted spring walleyes using moving baits. Top spring walleye baits such as jerkbaits and paddle tail swimbaits allow you to cover water fast and trigger aggressive reaction bites.

Fishing Post-spawn Walleye In Cold Water: Following the spawn, walleyes often hang around warmer, shallow waters to recuperate and feed.

Rasmussen targets 6- to 8 feet of water, where the fish are most active. Despite the cold temperatures, these fish still respond aggressively to reaction baits like jerkbaits, blade baits, and paddle-tails. Rasmussen explains how aggressive presentations used in conjunction with fish finder tech such as ..." View Video and Learn More >> Power Fishing Walleyes With Moving Baits on Big Water

You Are Invited To Become A Duly Deputized Fishrapper Cub Reporter Too!

image links to fishrapper facebook page If you've been waiting for a gold engraved invitation to participate in the daily reports, then stop waiting and consider this your own personal invitation.

Helping your fellow fishermen and women stay abreast of fishing conditions in your area is good for everybody and it's easier than you think! You don't have to write a book, you don't have to share your secret fishing spots and you don't even have to mention your lake. But even a few words about general trends, seasonal patterns and local weather conditions can really help.

Be like me, become a duly deputized "Cub Reporter", it's good for fishing! Contact Us or if you prefer to be "social", Fishing Reports Minnesota, the Facebook counterpart to this page is open to the public, so you can post your own fishing update or just share a photo of a nice catch.