2013 Episode Synopsis
by Charlie Wray

Episode 238: Corky Walleye & Pitch Bait Pike

Today, the Mercury Marine Destination starts us on the French River for Walleye, then up to Lindbergh's Reindeer Lake Lodge in Saskatchewan. Staying once again at the Chaudiere Lodge, this central area of the French River is more of a lake than a river with water depths that go from 2 feet to 160 in seconds. If you are looking for a beautiful lodge on the French, you need to check out the Chaudiere Lodge (Steve Niedzwiecki) www.chaudierelodge.com (705)-763-2220. Bottom hugging Walleye can be hard to get at, but this little nifty addition will get you into even the most snag infested areas. Better known as a Salmon and Trout lure on the West coast, Spin-N-Glos are making history in Ontario, Quebec and Manitoba as a perfect addition to a worm harness, and a replacement for the blades. Not only do they give bottom clearing buoyancy since they float, and presentation speeds can be reduced if needed, but come in a wide selection of Walleye colours, and will tempt even weary Walleye with a subtle flash from the mylar wings.

Charlie ties them up with 15 lb test Seaguar Fluorocarbon for an invisible, abrasion resistant rig, and uses the size #4 Spin-N-Glos. These are the perfect size for northern Walleye. First start the rig by snelling a size #2 Mustad Ultra Point Octopus style hook, leaving a tag long enough to tie on a Mustad Triple Grip treble on the back. This Mustad Triple Grip hook has amazing holding power, even on the short hitters. The unique hook configuration really locks in, and is harder to shake out. Great for those last minute head shakes from Walleye at boat side that are usually just out of reach from the net. To keep the treble hook from hanging lower and looking unnatural at slower speeds, Charlie adds the Worden's LiL' Corky drift bobber just in front of the Mustad Triple Grip. This small bead sized foam float keeps the treble up level with the rest of the harness and adds a tempting touch of colour.

Even though the Viking rainwear kept Charlie warm and dry, it is nice to be able to keep gear dry, and also be out of the elements for a dry lunch break. With the Crestliner stand up top allowing unrestricted movements, the rain was no issue at all for a full day of fishing. The cover kept Charlie comfortable like he was fishing in a tent. This trip, Charlie had his new 2050 Crestliner Raptor with a 300 hp Mercury Verado and 9.9 hp Pro kicker. The Verado continues to amaze at how fuel efficient it is, even with the long runs covering water. This was a treat and a perfect sized boat for this waterway, small enough for perfect boat control, large enough no matter how large the waves grew on a windy day.

How do you turn this ideal fishing boat into an even better one, with the addition of 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 worm harnesses for Walleye. Record a track for a perfect repeat of a successful path, and cruise control was awesome! Working the Minn Kota while using the wireless remote under the cover, keeping dry, was also worth its weight in gold.

The Okuma Trio reel matched up to the EVx rod was an ideal set up for bottom bouncing, especially loaded with the Seaguar Kanzen 15 lb braid. This no stretch, thin diameter braid offered incredible sensitivity. To make changing bottom bouncing weights easy, especially with the many different depths tried during the day, Charlie likes to use two Mustad ball bearing swivels. One on the end of the Kanzen braid (main line) and the other, at the start of the leader (usually 6 feet from the harness). Attach the swivels together, and simply use one of them for attaching the weights. Works like a charm!!!

Then to the top end of Reindeer Lake in Saskatchewan. If you are looking for monster Pike and wonderful service, Lindbergh's Reindeer Lake Lodge might be just what you are looking for www.fishreindeerlake.com or 1-843-552-2838. Years of experience has taught Charlie one thing with monster Pike, even at remote locations, when the bigger fish turn off or turn their noses up at your standard, cover the water presentations, pitch them a large slow dropping plastic, most times they simply cannot refuse this easy meal. Nothing fancy, just a slow drop to the bottom and leave it there, if it looks too active, they don't want to chase it, they want easy. If you are in an area that just looks too good for no activity, the slow plastic approach always finds a gator on the bottom. You just need to be ready!

Larger plastics (7 and 8 inches) means larger everything. Heavier tackle, larger hooks and thicker lines, because you need the "rock the boat" hookset or you're not going to come out on the winning side! Charlie loves the Mustad 10/0 and 11/0 Power Lock Plus Spring Keeper. This Mustad has a sliding lead weight on the shank of the hook so you can customize the drop and glide of your specific plastics. 80 lb test Seaguar Kanzen braided line gives you the confidence to hit the fish as hard as you want, and this Seaguar Kanzen is so thin, it's not like you are fishing with rope. Rods have to take this abuse, so nothing wimpy, Okuma C3 rods, heavy action Okuma Guide Select, or the EVx Muskie rods are perfect for this. If you don't get the hook in on the first hook set, one head shake and it's all over. To stay with a stealth presentation, 100 & 130 lb test Seaguar Fluorocarbon leader material is perfect. The fussy Pike simply can't see this invisible leader material. Try the same thing with wire and your hits are cut down by over 50% most days. I would say, if you don't believe this, try it, but I wouldn't want to see you wasting the time, Seaguar makes a different. Some days, simple white works best, other days Gold, or variations, experiment, but one thing is clear, this works on large Pike incredibly well when they are turned off. Try it!!

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