2010 Episode Synopsis
by Charlie Wray
Episode 201: Koppers Pike and Stony Bass
Today, the Mercury Marine Destination takes us to Lindberghs Reindeer Lake Lodge in northern Saskatchewan, then over to Stony Lake in the Kawartha Lakes for the Bass season opener. If you have ever dreamed of catching over 100 Pike a day, and some of them true trophies, this is the trip for you. Great service, wonderful food, knowledgeable guides, and most of all, fabulous fishing. This is a fly in that treats you first class all the way. Lindberghs Reindeer Lake Lodge, arrive in style and stay in comfort in your own private cabin and get ready for a trip of a lifetime. www.fishreindeerlake.com or 1-866-874-7453.
The first time Charlie saw the Koppers Live Target Blueback Herring www.livetargetlures.com he knew it was going to be a killer. This double jointed bait has incredible action and looks exactly like a real Herring. What surprised Charlie even more, was the incredible abuse this lure could take. Over 100 Pike and still looking good, scratched up of course, but the finish was not chipping off, and no punctures at all. The other challenge on this trip, was going into an area with single barbless, well, this lure’s action remained unchanged and pounded on the big Pike. Using the Mustad #R10827BLN Ringed hook, this hook comes with a welded ring, so when it replaced the back treble on the Koppers Live Target Blueback Herring, the welded ring on the existing split ring had the hook riding in a perfect up position that allowed the bait to slink incredibly well through the weeds without fouling. When it did pick up the odd weed, a quick snap of the wrist, thanks to the no stretch Tuf-Line XP, had the lure completely weedless again. On yet another note, as great as the fish attracting action was, when this lure was retrieved at a fast rate of speed, the lure had an obvious loud knock thanks to the double jointed action that drove the Pike wild!!
Not wanting to take away from the realistic approach of the Blueback Herring, Charlie loves the invisible Seaguar Fluorocarbon as a leader. Even the thicker 60 lb Seaguar is invisible and doesn’t take away the lures action. In fact, it doesn’t kink like wire and when the fish wrap in this leader, there is no damage to the fish, unlike what can happen to the fish with wire. You might have to re-tie after 20 or so fish, but the extra number of hits from more and larger fish will be well worth it. The no stretch and thin Tuf-Line XP was perfect to hit these fish hard and get the hook into their bony, tooth filled mouth. Even the 50 lb test Tuf-Line XP used today is still only the same diameter as about 12 lb mono, and if you didn’t think a small low profile Bass sized reel could handle the abuse, you haven’t tried the new Okuma Cayenne baitcaster reels. These reels are performance reels that can take whatever you throw at them. The drag remained silky smooth even with the drag cranked down, and the non-stop hook sets, even with 50 lb braid didn’t wear on this reel.
Then, later in the show, Charlie fishes for Bass on Stony Lake with good friend Brent Moore. Brent loves his fishing and enjoys every chance he gets. Brent makes sure he has the best equipment on the water. Whether it is his Mercury 225 hp Verado powered Crestliner 202 Tournament, or the new Minn Kota I-Pilot. This incredible Minn Kota motor will change the way you fish for the rest of your life. It has numerous features including a GPS that will take you to 3 saved locations and follow your exact track back and forth, to the anchor feature that will keep you exactly on your spot in wind or current. Absolutely incredible!! This was a fun day despite the pouring rain, but it was again a reminder on the hooking and holding power, especially on jumping Bass, of the new Mustad KVD Triple Grip Treble Hook # TG76BLN. The same great holding power as the other Mustad Triple Grip Trebles, only a 1 x strong version that has a shorter shank, making it perfect for surface bait and crankbaits. For all your fishing and outdoor needs, check out your closest SAIL – The Outdoors Superstore www.sail.ca
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