2013 Episode Synopsis
by Charlie Wray

Episode 231: Lucky Bass & Roostertail Pike

Today, the Mercury Marine Destination starts us in the North Bay area for Largemouth Bass, then using a forgotten favorite for Pike in Saskatchewan. First it is time for some finesse fishing for Largemouth Bass. Light lines can be a whole lot of fun, especially with realistic bug lures like the Lucky Bug. The Lucky Bug is a small plastic lure that resembles a fly, complete with marabou, and a small plastic lip, that gives this little creation a crankbait action. Not only does this lure have an enticing wiggle, but with the addition of the Northland Impulse Leech, this looked exactly like a Leech swimming, and a free tasty meal to the fish that gets to it first! The Northland Impulse plastics are designed with baked in micro plankton, so not only do they smell fishy, they must taste it as well, because the fish hold on tight.

This is an ultra light presentation, so no need for heavy tackle. Small Okuma Trio reels and 6 or 8 lb test Seaguar Abrazx, matched to a flexible Okuma EVx rod is just about ideal. The Trio reels are light in weight but built strong. The Cross over construction is a special blend. A solid one piece stamped aluminum reel stem and rotor arm, paired with lightweight graphite, so you have the strength where you need it and the weight savings where it is possible. The Seaguar Abrazx is an incredibly abrasion resistant, smooth casting main line Fluorocarbon that will amaze you at the performance and durability this line has. If you are looking to try something better than Mono, try Seaguar Abrazx.

Charlie is once again in the new 2050 Crestliner Raptor. This big brother to the 1850 Raptor has all the great Raptor features, only slightly larger, offering a huge casting deck, and still plenty of room at the back. Still that wonderful dry Crestliner ride and totally welded, just like all the others. This one is rated for up to 300 hp, so now you can have Bass boat speeds, with a wave crushing hull designed to smooth out a nice Walleye chop, or big water trolling. This boat is as close to the perfect all round fishing boat that Charlie has seen, and has been waiting for the Raptor 2050 since he first heard of it.

This boat is loaded for serious fishing!! The maximum horsepower with the Mercury Verado 300 hp and added 9.9 Mercury Pro Kicker, to accommodate for the slowest trolling speeds needed at times. This Verado motor is amazing, super charged and with incredible power and kick, 4 stroke smooth, and built for long lasting durability. The amazing factor, even with all this power, the Verado motors are extremely fuel efficient and whisper quiet. You truly would not believe they were even running they are so quiet at idle, and even at cruising speed, still so quiet you can talk at a normal level to each other. The Minn Kota I-Pilot on the front, two big Humminbird fishfinders, the 1198 Side Imaging on the console and the 958 on the front bow, Cannon track system and adjustable rod holders for trolling, but one new item has drawn attention at every stop along the way, the Minn Kota Talon.

The Minn Kota Talon is an electric anchoring system that will hold your boat secure in up to 8 feet of weeds, rocks or mud, you can't hurt this Talon. At the touch of a button on the wireless remote, or the button on the Talon itself, it lowers a telescopic pole and stops when it finds enough resistance to stop it. How many times have you found yourself being blow by the wind through an area you wanted to work better, or standing on the front trolling motor, fighting the wind, blowing a cloud of debris in the direct you want to fish in an effort to keep back from the fish holding structure. Simply push the button on the Talon, and stop dead, and take as long as you want to fish the area, perfect!

Today, we are trolling with the Minn Kota I-Pilot. This amazing feature allows you to record a track so you can repeat it exactly. Spot lock works just like an electronic anchor. Cruise control so you can present your baits at precisely the correct speed, despite what the winds and currents are doing, along with advanced autopilot with GPS accuracy. Talk about a perfect system for trolling fast or slow. With the wireless remote, Charlie is fishing from the back, working the I-Pilot for perfect control!

Then, up to Lindbergh's Reindeer Lake Lodge for monster Pike on Spinners. If you are looking for remote Pike fishing and wonderful service, Lindbergh's Reindeer Lake Lodge might be just what you are looking for www.fishreindeerlake.com or 1-843-552-2838. Pike love spinners, but one that is a time honoured favorite is the Worden's Roostertail. This proven winner not only provides flash, but the pulsating hackle entices the most fussy follower, and turns them into a hitter.

Cast shallow and start your retrieve immediately, and watch the wakes as Pike warming themselves in the shallows, move in for the kill. The shallow waters are clear in some of the bays, so being quiet and stealthy makes a big difference. No place for wire, too visible in the clear waters, this is a perfect application for 80 lb test Seaguar Premier leader material. This will last for most of the day and dozens of big Pike before it needs to be retied. Seaguar 100% Fluorocarbon is virtually invisible in the water. The reason being, the Seaguar resins have the same refraction index as water, so when it is in the water, it looks the same as water and offers a very stealthy approach indeed.

Okuma has taken many large steps in the last few years, and the Komodo low profile baitcasting reel is one of Charlie's favorites! Heavy duty Aluminum gears and shafts makes this extremely light at only 6.5 ounces, comfortable handles, 11 ball bearing and smooth as silk. Matched up with the new Okuma Helios rod, this is the lightest baitcasting combo Charlie has ever had his hands on, and he gave this combo a workout all season long with smashing success and praise.

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