2014 Episode Synopsis
Episode 253 : Freedom Fighters
Today, the Mercury Marine Destination takes us up to Lindbergh’s Lodge on Reindeer Lake in Northern Saskatchewan. If you want to catch fish, the far North is hard to beat, especially a fly in. Charlie and wife Terri enjoy the fast paced Lake Trout action, then the Pike rule the shallows and they are on a spinnerbait bite. Lindbergh’s is the most northern lodge on this massive lake, and being a good distance away from other lodges make a difference. A convenient fly in lodge with their own landing strip, and you are even out fishing the day you arrive, Lindbergh’s Reindeer Lake Lodge 1-843-552-2838 or www.fishreindeerlake.com
The Freedom Hydra jigheads are not only for Pike and swim baits. Today, they are used as a vertical jig, and with that free swinging hook, you can make the lure and plastics dance like no other jig on the market. These are the jigs with the interchangeable hooks, and since they are not molded into the head restricting movements, the action is incredible. The big plus is you also can change up damaged hooks or change trailers quickly. They are also very realistic looking and have an incredibly hard finish. Once you start playing and experimenting with these Freedom jigs, you will not only be trying different hooks, but there will be no limit with different presentations. With baked in micro plankton, the Northland Impulse Jerk Minnow was used as a trailer, and between the action and irresistible smell, the Lakers wouldn’t leave it alone until it was eaten. Proving this point, even a half chunk of Impulse was left on a hook, it was eaten! Once you smell the realistic odour, you will understand why Northland Impulse works.
New this season from Freedom is their Spinnerbait, and just like all the other Freedom products, the hook is replaceable and interchangeable. Perfectly balanced and since the hook is not embedded into the lead head of the spinnerbait, this allows the hook to turn and move side to side, giving the hook an incredible hooking percentage, and also takes the leverage away from hard fighting and jumping fish! Just when you thought a spinnerbait was a spinnerbait, this is a much improved version that will sure to become a favorite. You can even have an assortment of hooks and plastics ready to go ahead of time, and quickly change and experiment as you go, it is that easy to change hooks. This new Freedom spinnerbait might just have you re-thinking your entire spinnerbait selection, and the Pike simply devoured them! Common in the early season, and more noticeable than you think, Pike are also eating leeches early in the year, and a black trailer on any lure, is worth trying. Once again, the action and scent of the Northland Impulse 4 inch Swim’n Grub tips the odds, and this is not the first time the black Impulse has made a difference this season, this time on the hook of the spinnerbait.
Fishing relatively clear water for the Pike and Lakers, hiding your leaders as much as possible is important. A definite advantage is using fluorocarbon, and the Seaguar fluorocarbon leaders made a big difference. The secret here is that the Seaguar Fluorocarbon resin has almost the same refraction index as water, so while it looks like thick mono out of the water, in the water it is virtually invisible, the fish simply can’t see it. It is also very abrasion resistant and tough, it will make a difference in your success rate. Think about it, in clear water, if you can see your wire leader, so can the fish!
If you haven’t had any of Okuma’s higher end products in your hands yet, you really are missing out, high quality at still a much lower cost than some of the other competitors. Charlie’s standard ‘go to’ casting gear for trophy Pike is the Okuma medium Heavy C3 rods and Okuma Komodo reels loaded with 50 lb test Seaguar Kanzen braid. The C3 rods are light in weight for all day comfort when casting, but have unbelievable power for hook sets and stopping power. The Okuma Komodo reels are small, light, and feature a smooth drag. Heavy duty aluminum gearing and shaft keep this reel extremely light at only 6.5 oz, and the 11 ball bearings will keep it smooth for years. Available in both 5.4:1 and 7.3:1 speeds, Charlie likes the faster 7.3:1 for quick line pick up and speeds to trigger hits from these speedy gators when needed. Terri favoured the Helios spinning reels, still matched up with a C3 spinning rod. Lightweight and power you would have to feel to believe it is a spinning outfit. The Seaguar Kanzen braided lines have only been available for a couple of years now, but have quickly become a favorite. This tight braid is sensitive, tough, excellent knot strength and offer a no stretch hook set and control over large fish that makes it perfect for these monster Pike. 50 lb test is the choice for today on the baitcasting reels, 30 lb test on the spinning. Don’t forget, some days you need to contend with wind, and spinning outfits will often outcast and bring less trouble than baitcasting outfits, especially when dealing with, and casting into a stiff breeze. The lighter the lure, the more handy a spinning outfit is on a windy day. Be prepared and bring quality equipment, this is not a place for reels to fail and rods to break. The next cast could be the fish you have been dreaming of.
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