Episode #387 Slow Drop Walleye

Today the destination is Cree Lake in Northern Saskatchewan.

Cree Lake Lodge is like Charlie’s home away from home, and for good reason, the fishing is incredible.   While better known as a Pike and Lake Trout destination, there are always a few untouched treasures along the way, and these gold rewards are Walleye!  Finesse fishing with ultra light jigs, mixed with a little patience and the rewards can be incredible.  But with so many Pike in the area, leaders are always a must, so balance your tackle properly for both…. and hang on!!  Slow Drop Walleye, this week on….Fishful Thinking.

Species: Walleye

Tackle for Walleye:

-  Daiwa Ballistic LT light and tough spinning reels

-  20 lb. test Seaguar Smackdown performance braided lines

-  Daiwa Tatula 2-piece spinning rods with X45 Bias Graphite construction

-  Knot 2 Kinky - Nickel Titanium leader wire

-  Freedom 1/8 oz Marabou Swing Jig with Changeable hook

-  Set The Hook -  Flat Side Shad with Bait Fuel

- Viking 100% waterproof jackets, pants, and bibs

- 100% protection from UV A, B, and C with REVO sunglasses

- Comfort lite boots by Viking

- Mercury 60 hp 4-stroke outboard motor

Special Thanks:  Cree Lake Lodge

A home away from home in Northern Saskatchewan - Specializing in Trophy Lake Trout and Pike on remote waters

Technique:  Using very light jigs that drop enticingly slow.  Sometimes it is painful waiting for the jig to reach bottom, but it is so much more tempting and realistic to the Walleye. The Freedom 1/8 Marabou has a larger head than most jigs in the lightweight category, but this is a huge advantage in snaggy rocks. It floats and bounces around the bottom rocks without hanging up … hardly at all compared to a standard jighead. The larger head also holds the capsule with the quick-change wire that allows you to change hooks with a simple twist off, and twist on.  This free-swinging hook also gives the trailing Marabou so much more action since it is not held in place like a standard jighead. Between the slow drop, staying out of the snags, and the added action with the hook swinging freely, it all adds up to a realistic, very productive presentation.

About Charlie Wray

Charlie Wray has been host of the very popular TV show, Fishful Thinking, since 1990. Part of the success behind the show has been the very informative format. Perfect for both the novice and experienced angler, Fishful Thinking provides entertaining insight for all audiences...read more

Episode #386 Keep it Simple Bass

Today Charlie travels to Georgian Bay in Northern Ontario for Smallmouth Bass.

Smallmouth Bass are a favourite fish to many anglers and for good reasons, they fight hard and are usually quite willing to hit a variety of baits. Clear waters always add to the challenge.  Time to slow down and work good areas with a little extra finesse, and paying attention to your electronics can turn a tough day into one that is very special.  Light lines with long leaders, small weights, a few tricks, and you might even encounter a few unexpected surprises!!!  Keep it simple, this week on…..Fishful Thinking

Species:  Smallmouth Bass

Tackle for Bass:

-  Daiwa Ballistic LT light and tough spinning reels

-  15 lb. test Seaguar Smackdown high performance braided lines

-  Daiwa Tatula Elite – 7 foot finesse drop shot rods

-  8 lb. test Seaguar 100% Fluorocarbon leader material

-  Set The Hook -  Flat Side Shad with Bait Fuel

-  Minn Kota Ulterra trolling motor with Spot Lock

-  Humminbird Fishfinders with Mega Side Imaging plus

- 100% protection from UV A, B, and C with REVO sunglasses

- Smooth Moves Shock Absorbing Seat Suspensions

- Princecraft Xpedition 200

- Mercury 225 hp- 4 stroke motor

- RAM 2500 with 6.7 litre Cummins Diesel engine

Technique:  Ultra light lines and small hooks with a simple split shot on the line for weight, making sure the presentation is a very slow drop in speed. To minimize line damage on the light leader, use a small length of Fluorocarbon, and tie it above your rig with a Uni knot.  Add the split shot to the tail of this knot so the split shot is not crimped on your leader damaging the breaking strength. The Uni knot on your leader will also allow you to slide the weight anywhere you need it along the leader to adjust for a stealthy approach.

About Charlie Wray

Charlie Wray has been host of the very popular TV show, Fishful Thinking, since 1990. Part of the success behind the show has been the very informative format. Perfect for both the novice and experienced angler, Fishful Thinking provides entertaining insight for all audiences...read more

Episode #385 Spoon Magic

Today Charlie is in Northern Saskatchewan for Pike and then over to Lake Ontario for Salmon.

First, Pike are the target today and they sure love flashy lures.  Spoons are great for Pike, and sensitive rods that telegraph the action can help you feel everything even better to maximize your retrieval speed.  But you can make spoons even better with this handy little trick, this has been a secret for years and it’s easy to do it yourself.  Then, wind is never fun on the water, but you can make the most of it and go with the flow.  Lake Ontario Salmon, and Pike on the magic spoon, this week on ….Fishful Thinking.

Species:  Northern Pike

Tackle for Pike:

- 100% protection from UV A, B, and C with REVO sunglasses

- 40 lb test Seaguar Smackdown Performance braided lines

- Daiwa Zillion Heavy Duty Baitcasting reel with the T- wing system

- 130 lb. test Seaguar Abrazx Muskie and Pike Leader

- Available in one or 2-piece, the Daiwa Rebellion Rods

- Viking 100% waterproof and windproof jackets, pants, and bibs

Technique:  The Magic Spoon. Add a flashing, clicking tail to your split ring above your hook for added attraction and noise. To make the tail, take a spinner blade, in this case a Colorado blade, flatten it out with pliers.  Using tin snips, cut a V in the blade so it looks like a fish tail.  Take a file and remove the sharp edges, and add to the split ring above your hook. Play with the sizes so it doesn’t kill the action of the spoon, and also adjust the length so the added tail doesn’t lock into the hook and act as a hit deflector.  Adding an additional split ring can lengthen the gap to correct this. 

Species:  Salmon

Tackle for Salmon:

- Daiwa Saltist line counter reels with 6.1:1 gear ratio

- Humminbird Helix 10 fishfinders with built in GPS

- Princecraft Xpedition 200

- Mercury 225 hp 4-stroke motor

- 9.9 Mercury Pro Kicker trolling motor

- RAM 2500 with 6.7 litre Cummins Diesel engine

Technique:  On windy days with an annoying chop. Troll with the waves to make it easy on everyone. It is more trouble to pick up all your gear and do another trolling run, but some days it is the only way to keep a productive trolling speed.

About Charlie Wray

Charlie Wray has been host of the very popular TV show, Fishful Thinking, since 1990. Part of the success behind the show has been the very informative format. Perfect for both the novice and experienced angler, Fishful Thinking provides entertaining insight for all audiences...read more

Episode #384 Dealing with the Conditions Pike & Salmon

Today the Mercury Marine Destination takes us over to Saskatchewan and then down to Lake Ontario.  

First, today is no picnic in the weather department, cold and windy but the fish are still there!  Pike are the target this morning as Charlie joins up with Brandon Schreiber of Cree Lake Lodge.  Don’t get stuck in a rut, change tactics quickly and modify for the conditions.  When you find the magic ticket, the fish will certainly let you know.  Then, jigging can be a wonderful alternative to trolling when currents create a problem, when a technique works…it works!!  Dealing with the conditions, this week on Fishful Thinking.

Species:  Northern Pike

Tackle for Pike: 

100% protection from UV A, B and C with REVO sunglasses 

40 lb test Seaguar Smackdown Performance braided lines 

Daiwa Zillion Heavy Duty Baitcasting reel with the T- wing system  

130 lb. test Seaguar Abrazx Muskie and Pike Leader

Available in 1 or 2 piece, the Daiwa Rebellion Rods    

Viking 100% waterproof and windproof jackets pants and bibs

Technique:  Slow rolling spoons for a cold-water presentation. Sometimes Pike are in the debris filled areas, a weed guard using 80 lb test Seaguar Fluorocarbon is tied allowing the spoons into areas a bare hook would foul for sure. Daiwa Tatula and Daiwa Zillion baitcasting reels have a T-Wing system that makes casting all lures easier and further.  In free spool, the T-Wing aperture drops down, allowing a large area for the line to flow from. When the reel is engaged, the T-Wing goes back up and the line slides into a sleek groove that is now your level wind that smoothly lays your line across the spool. This not only helps increase casting distances, but also helps to eliminate all those nasty birds’ nests that folks associate with baitcasting reels. These reels even cast into the wind so much easier!!!

This is a windy, nasty day and with the proper attire, you forget the conditions. Viking makes 100% waterproof jackets, pants and bibs as well as boots, and when you dress for the conditions and stay warm and bone dry, the fun never stops. 

Species: Salmon

Tackle for Salmon:

Daiwa Lexa 300-line counter baitcasting reel with power handle 

Seaguar STS Salmon 100% Fluorocarbon Leader Material 

Minn Kota Ulterra Trolling motor with Auto Stow and deploy  

Designed for multi species, the Princecraft Xpedition 200  

Mercury 225 hp  4-stoke motor. 

RAM 2500 with 6.7 litre Cummins Diesel engine 

Technique:  Heavy jigs for Great Lakes Salmon. Normally jigging is a Lake Trout tactic, but it also works for Salmon.  Trolling is the normal method of approach for Salmon, but today and after high winds, the currents are crazy and messed up. Extremely hard to keep a speed and any proper action to the spoons while trolling. Time to break out the jigs!  The Daiwa Lexa 300-line counter makes it handy, it lets you know when you are close to the bottom during the drop, so if the line stops early, you can reach to a hit faster.

About Charlie Wray

Charlie Wray has been host of the very popular TV show, Fishful Thinking, since 1990. Part of the success behind the show has been the very informative format. Perfect for both the novice and experienced angler, Fishful Thinking provides entertaining insight for all audiences...read more

Episode #383 Find the Structure – Find the Bass

Today the Mercury Marine Destination takes us to the Land O’ Lakes area of Eastern Ontario.  

Charlie joins back up with good friend Chris McMillan.  Chris wanted to see Charlie’s new Princecraft boat, so why not also spend a fun day on the water.  Bass are the target today and structure plays a very important role;  pin pointing the best structure is key for concentrating the fish.  Never assume on the best presentation, always let the fish decide.  Be flexible, sometimes even the largest fish want the smallest presentation.  Find the structure and find the Bass, this week on Fishful Thinking.

Species:  Smallmouth Bass

Tackle:  

20 lb test Seaguar Smackdown Performance braided lines 

Daiwa LT Light and Tough Ballistic Spinning reels  

Set The Hook 5- inch Spike worms, now with Bait Fuel 

Daiwa Tatula rods with X45 Bias Graphite Construction   

15 lb test Seaguar 100% Fluorocarbon leader material  

4 inch and 2 ½ inch Tubes by Set The Hook Bait Company 

Humminbird Helix 10 fishfinder with Mega Side Imaging Plus 

Minn Kota Ulterra Trolling motor with Spot Lock feature 

100% protection from UV A, B and C with REVO sunglasses 

Casting or trolling and designed for multi species, the Princecraft Xpedition 200, with the optional fold down removable bench seating.  

Mercury 225 hp 4-stoke motor.

Technique:  Deep water Fall Bass. Never think too far ahead, you might have an idea of what to start with, but change tactics quickly and let the Bass let you know what the flavour of the day is. Wacky worm fishing with Set The Hook – 5-inch Spike worms does well today, but the wind is blowing harder than expected and baits need to get down quickly for these deeper than expected Bass, and weighted hooks are the answer. When the activity slows, dragging a tube proves the winner later in the day and sometimes smaller is better, even for the larger fish as they show a preference for the 2 ½ inch Set The Hook tubes.  

Smooth drags and sensitive rods are a must. Daiwa LT – Light and Tough spinning reels matched up to Daiwa Tatula rods are ideal for this type of presentation.  Even the lightest hits are easily detected, and the silky-smooth drag of the Daiwa reels protect from tearing out hooks or breaking lines. The ultra thin 20 lb test Seaguar Smackdown braid is joined to 15 lb test Seaguar 100% Fluorocarbon leaders for abrasion protection and an almost invisible approach. The thin Smackdown allows the baits to drop resistance free and offers incredible hooking power. In clear rocky waters, a 7–8-ft. leader of invisible Seaguar Fluorocarbon is a must for more hits. 

 Humminbird MEGA Side Imaging Plus shows areas off to the sides that most would never notice that are fish holding structure. Even on lakes you thought you knew like the back of your hand; you will see an entirely new world to unlock.  A slow trolling speed is selected on the Minn Kota allowing the tubes to lightly tick across the bottom, so important for this technique. The Spot Lock feature is handy to anchor the boat when things get busy.  Spot Lock will hold the boat on an exact GPS spot no matter how windy or how deep the water is, just like an invisible anchor, but better. No boat swing at all.  If you are serious about your fishing, equipment like the Humminbird and Minn Kota Ulterra are worth their weight in gold!!

The Princecraft Xpedition 200 has a huge front casting deck and designed and set up as an incredible multi species fishing boat.  A huge rod locker up the middle, large livewell, comfortable cushy seats and well-designed consoles. Not only for the built in fishfinder, but storage room and the perfect height for protection when running down the lake.  One specific feature Chris wanted to see was the rear bench. The optional rear bench seating folds down into a massive back casting deck, and is easily removed when not needed or when cockpit room is needed for trolling situations. The simple push down of a strap with your foot, and the entire bench lifts out in a matter of seconds. No screws, no clips, just pops out, and pops back in as easily. The plush comfortable bench seating, complete with drink holders is a perfect addition for versatility for family outings, or serious fishing. 

Towing has never been a problem, especially with the RAM 2500 Diesel with the 6.7 litre Cummins engine. Power and fuel efficiency, even when towing the boat. So many features make this Charlie’s choice of vehicle for over 15 years now, but one feature that has become one of his personal favourites is the blind spot alert.  A small yellow triangular light shows up in the side mirror when a vehicle is coming along side, and when the boat trailer is in tow, it extends to accommodate an extra 9 metres for the trailer.  So helpful on busy highways and especially dark rain nights.

About Charlie Wray

Charlie Wray has been host of the very popular TV show, Fishful Thinking, since 1990. Part of the success behind the show has been the very informative format. Perfect for both the novice and experienced angler, Fishful Thinking provides entertaining insight for all audiences...read more

Episode #382 Thinking Outside the Box for Muskie

Today the Mercury Marine Destination starts us on Georgian Bay, then Northern Ontario, and back to Lake Ontario. 

The RAM has us running to 3 locations this week.  First, when a lake is heavily pressured, it’s time to give the Muskies something they haven’t seen before, and the results can be absolutely tremendous!!  Then, a drive North to Cochrane for a fly-in with a couple of handy tips to make your next trip a little more convenient.  And last, precise boat control, a finesse presentation, and a whole lot of patience can be what your next Bass outing needs.  Thinking outside the Box….This week on Fishful Thinking.  

Species:  Muskie

Tackle for Muskie:  

Daiwa ProRex Muskie Rods with Winn Grips  

Daiwa Lexa 400 Heavy Duty reels with Power Handle 

130 lb. test Seaguar Abrazx 100% Fluorocarbon Muskie and Pike Leader 

Bullet Style – Tungsten Series Weights by Freedom 

Technique:  Modifying a floating lure to give it a unique action the fish haven’t seen before with a Freedom Tungsten weight.  The Daiwa Lexa 400 has long been known as a bullet proof Muskie reel, and now you can match it up with a Daiwa ProRex Muskie rod with the no slip Winn Grips, ideal for long days of casting heavy lures. 

Charlie has been using 130 lb test Seaguar Abrazx Muskie and Pike leader for a long time now. The Seaguar 130 lb test is almost invisible in the water, easy to tie, and when a fish rolls in it, the more flexible Seaguar doesn’t dig in and damage the fish. The Seaguar is also easy for the angler to handle when they grab the leader at boat side. Wire would cut into your hands, the 130 lb Seaguar does not.  This stuff is extremely tough and hard, it might look like monofilament, but this is 100% Seaguar Fluorocarbon and it is almost invisible in the water. The refraction index of Seaguar Fluorocarbon is so close to water itself, when in the water, it almost vanishes completely and the fish can’t see it.  

the Minn Kota Ulterra trolling motor Spot Lock feature is handy to anchor the boat when things get busy.  Spot Lock will hold the boat on an exact GPS spot no matter how windy or how deep the water is, just like an invisible anchor, but better. No boat swing at all. The Minn Kota Ulterra also has auto stow and deploy, this motor does it all itself. Lowers into the water, and back out with a push of a button. Not only is this extremely handy and quick as you get ready for another drift or approach to the spot, but if you have your motor in a hard to get at spot to manually lift it in because of your boat configuration, or simply a sore back, this is the motor for you!

The Princecraft Xpedition 200 has a huge front casting deck and designed and set up as an incredible multi species fishing boat. Roomy, lots of storage, and a huge rod locker. Muskie guys need room, and this 20-foot boat has it.  Key fishing areas can be miles apart, not only does this boat handle the chop extremely well, with the Mercury 225 hp 4 stroke powering this boat, the fuel efficiency is exceptional.  

Big waters equal big waves at times. One addition Charlie has added, started back years ago and once experienced, he couldn’t have a boat without them. Smooth Moves Shock absorbing seat suspensions. These simply replace the pedestal on your current boat, and gives you a comfortable spring-loaded ride.  As nice as you think your boat rides now, you would be amazed at what this addition does for your comfort. If you have every had a sore back from bouncing in the waves over and over again, you need to check out Smooth Moves. 

Species: Walleye

Tackle for Walleye:

Daiwa Zillion High speed Baitcasting reel with T-Wing System 

Available in one or 2 Piece, the Daiwa Rebellion Rods  

Freedom Hydra Jigheads with swing hook action 

Now with Bait Fuel - Nailer swimbaits by Set The Hook 

Technique:  Small Lake Northern Walleye. Changing the hooks on the Freedom Hydra jighead with a longer hook for short hitters. The Freedom Jig heads offer incredible flexibility. With an interchangeable hook design, not only can you modify by changing the hooks for whatever presentation you see fit.  The same twist lock design that lets you change hooks, gives the hook freedom to swing, as well as a more lifelike and lively action to your plastic addition that follows. The Set The Hook - Nailer swimbait has a wonderful action, and with the help from the throbbing paddle tail, the Freedom jigheads create a natural rolling swimming action of their own, and the two combine to create a lifelike swimming action that is hard for the fish to resist. 

With a 6.7 litre Cummins Diesel engine, the RAM 2500 Diesel is wonderful for towing. But even on trips like this, with a long run North, the fuel efficiency is incredible. Power and fuel efficiency is what has Charlie running a RAM 2500 Diesel for years now. Even loaded with all the supplies, the ride is smooth and comfortable, and the 10-hour drive didn’t require a single fuel stop. 

Species: Smallmouth Bass

Tackle for the Bass:

20 lb test Seaguar Smackdown 8-Strand braided lines 

Flat Side Shad scented with Bait Fuel by Set The Hook  

Designed for Multi species fishing, the Princecraft Xpedition 200  

Mercury 225 hp 4-stoke motor. 

Technique:  Drop shot for inactive Bass. Patience is needed when a suborn Bass refuses to take a bait, but with persistence and boat control, eventually you can win them over. The new Set The Hook – Flat Side Shad with the incredible BaitFuel scent had a lot to do with the success today.  Minn Kota Ulterra trolling motors also have a Spot Lock feature that is handy to anchor the boat when things get busy, or when you want to concentrate on what you are doing without worrying about boat control.  Spot Lock will hold the boat on an exact GPS spot no matter how windy or how deep the water is, just like an invisible anchor, but better. No boat swing at all. 

About Charlie Wray

Charlie Wray has been host of the very popular TV show, Fishful Thinking, since 1990. Part of the success behind the show has been the very informative format. Perfect for both the novice and experienced angler, Fishful Thinking provides entertaining insight for all audiences...read more

Episode #381 One-Two Punch for Inactive Pike

Today the Mercury Marine Destination takes us up to Cree Lake in Northern Saskatchewan.  

Big Pike are the target today and fast-moving baits are great at covering the water.  But what do you do when the active fish stop hitting?  Often, it’s the giants that are hard to convince, but this finesse presentation is one that has worked time and time again on the inactive monsters.  Charlie joins up with Co-owner of Cree Lake Lodge, Adam Schreiber …as the two describe how important proper eyewear is, and what a sight fishing presentation can accomplish.  A one-two punch for inactive Pike…this week on…. Fishful Thinking. 

Species:  Northern Pike

Tackle:  

Daiwa Tatula 300 with the T-Wing system  

50 lb test Seaguar Smackdown Performance braided lines 

Freedom Hydra Jigheads with swing hook action 

Now with Bait Fuel - Nailer swimbaits by Set The Hook 

For the finesse, Daiwa Ballistic LT light and tough spinning reels 

20 lb test Seaguar Smackdown 8-Strand braided lines 

Freedom 1/8 oz Marabou Swing Jig with Changeable hook    

3 inch heavily scented Grubs by Set The Hook  

12 lb test Knot2Kinky - Nickel Titanium leader wire  

100% protection from UV A, B and C with REVO sunglasses 

Cut Resistant gloves, Boots and 100% waterproof raingear by Viking   

Mercury 60 horsepower 4-stoke outboard motor  

Technique: Fast moving presentations are great at covering water and for active fish, but what do you do when you can see inactive giant Pike laying in the shallows? These inactive Pike are not interested in fast moving lures, and splashes from larger presentation only spook them. Finesse fishing for Pike is not something most think of with hard hitting giant Pike, but it works incredibly well. 

The trick is light weight and small. A presentation needs to drop slowly and not plumet to the bottom, you need to exercise patience.  But when you see how well it works, you will find all the patience in the world. The Freedom 1/8 oz Marabou jig tipped with a Set The Hook 3-inch grub has been Charlie’s go to for several years now. It just works!  A thin Knot2Kinky Nickle Titanium wire leader is the match for this.  The Knot2Kinky doesn’t kink no matter how badly it is chewed on. 

This is finesse fishing, and the Daiwa Ballistic LT spinning reels loaded with the extremely thin 20 lb test Seaguar Smackdown braid is perfect.  It casts the light jig extremely well, and still offers enough power to put decent pressure on the fish, as not to prolong a fight longer than needed.  If you spend too much time with extra light gear, it stresses the fish out more than needed. Quality equipment is needed for this as the drag needs to be silky smooth. Any drag that sticks would tear or bend out the small hooks on the Freedom jig. 

Never underestimate proper eyewear, it is part of your essential equipment that can help you see and catch more fish.  Revo sunglasses are the best Charlie has found yet, not only do they cut glare and let you see further and deeper in the water, they offer complete eye protection from the damaging rays of UV A, B, and C. 

About Charlie Wray

Charlie Wray has been host of the very popular TV show, Fishful Thinking, since 1990. Part of the success behind the show has been the very informative format. Perfect for both the novice and experienced angler, Fishful Thinking provides entertaining insight for all audiences...read more

Episode #380 Stubborn Clear Water Bass

Today the Mercury Marine Destination takes us up to the Land O’ Lakes area of Eastern Ontario 

After a run up to one of the many small lakes in the area, Charlie joins up with Friend Chris McMillan for a fun day on the water.  Smallmouth Bass are the target today, and the two have the ultimate challenge of deciding what will be the best technique for the day.  Be prepared with several, but it’s always wise to let the Bass themselves show you what the winning combination will be.  With so many techniques and variations available, keep adjusting until you get it just right! Stubborn Clearwater Bass, this week on …Fishful Thinking.  

Species:  Smallmouth Bass

Tackle:  

15 lb test Seaguar 100% Fluorocarbon Leader Material 

Daiwa Ballistic LT light and tough spinning reels 

20 lb test Seaguar Smackdown performance braided lines 

Daiwa Tatula rods with X45 Bias Graphite Construction   

Set The Hook 5-inch Spike worms, now with Bait Fuel  

Freedom Tungsten  1/32 oz nail weights  

100% protection from UV A, B and C with REVO sunglasses 

Humminbird Helix 5 Portable fishfinders with GPS  

Minn Kota Trolling motors with Autopilot and digital maximizer 

Princecraft boats, Proudly made in Canada  

Ram 2500 with 6.7 litre Cummins Diesel engine

Technique:  Never think too far ahead, you might have an idea of what to start with, but change tactics quickly and let the Bass let you know what the flavour of the day is. Wacky worm fishing with Set The Hook – 5-inch spike worms is the winner today, but variations of the Wacky rig can make a difference.  Freedom makes Tungsten nail weights that can change the drop speed and action, and you never know until you try it what may really turn them on.

About Charlie Wray

Charlie Wray has been host of the very popular TV show, Fishful Thinking, since 1990. Part of the success behind the show has been the very informative format. Perfect for both the novice and experienced angler, Fishful Thinking provides entertaining insight for all audiences...read more

Episode #379 Small Lake Northern Walleye

Today the Mercury Marine Destination takes us up to Northern Ontario. 

Cochrane Air services is the end of the road for this trip, and then it’s a fly in to a small remote lake you have all to yourself.  Small lakes can be a tremendous amount of fun but with any location, 90% of the fish are in 10 % of the lake, so helpful equipment is always a wise investment.  Walleye are the target today, but Pike are always in the neighbourhood, and this stealthy approach will not only stop the bite offs, but also not spook the fish.  Small Lake Northern Walleye, this week on …Fishful Thinking.  

 

Species:  Walleye

Tackle:  

Daiwa Ballistic LT light and tough spinning reels 

20 lb test Seaguar Smackdown performance braided lines 

Daiwa Tatula 2-piece rods with X45 Bias Graphite Construction   

Freedom snag resistant Drop Shot weights  

20 lb test Seaguar 100% Fluorocarbon leader material  

Stumpy Crush & Junior Crush worms by Set The Hook  

12 lb test Knot 2 Kinky Nickle Titanium leader wire 

With tilt and extendable handle, the Minn Kota Traxxix trolling motor 

Humminbird Helix 5 Portable fishfinder with GPS   

Mercury 6 horsepower – 4 stroke outboard motor 

Technique:  A wire drop shot rig for Walleye that is also Pike proof. Knot2Kinky Nickle Titanium leader wire saves the day today. With waters tea stained and visibility no more than 3 feet, this wire blends in perfectly with the water, that even the Walleye aren’t spooked.  Pike are always around to bite off your Walleye baits, but not anymore.  Charlie is catching everything that hits now!! Freedom has a new snag resistant drop shot weight to help keep the snags to a minimum, and did it ever work well. Just to compare, a regular weight was tried and snagged almost immediately. With such a wide range of Set The Hook – Crush worms to pick from, it didn’t take long to find a couple the Walleye couldn’t resist. 

The old saying that 90% of the fish are in 10% of the water is true, and it doesn’t matter where or what lake you are on. Bait and structure play a huge role and they always concentrate the fish. Charlie brings up a portable Humminbird Helix 5 and it is amazing how fast you can eliminate the dead water. On these lightly fished lakes, when you find the fish, the fun begins. It is so important to pay attention, when the fish are all stacked between certain depths, without some eyes below and the Humminbird to tell you, so much time would be wasted.  The Helix 5 also has a GPS, now that is staying on the fish! Some quiet boat control is also helpful, a Minn Kota Traxxis trolling motor is brought along to stay at specific depths, boat control is always responsible for more fish!

Fly-in trips don’t mean you have to sacrifice quality tackle, Charlie bring in his Daiwa Ballistic LT spinning reels, and the 2-piece Daiwa Tatula rods. These 2-piece rods have incredible feel and sensitivity and are still like using a 1 piece.  The rods are also tougher than one would expect from such light and sensitive rods. The X-45 Bias Graphite construction has the braiding crossing at 45-degree angles, making for an incredibly strong and tough rod. 

Add a sensitive line like the 20 lb test Seaguar Smackdown to these rods, you absolutely feel everything, however braid and sharp rocks never get along well. As great as any braid is, sharp rocks cut it easily when under tension. Charlie adds a length of 20 lb test Seaguar Fluorocarbon at the end of the braid before tying on the wire rig.  It is the Fluorocarbon that can take the abuse of the rocks and sharp bottom. 

With a 6.7 litre Cummins Diesel engine, the RAM 2500 Diesel is wonderful for towing. But even on trips like this that are a long run North, the fuel efficiency is incredible. Power and fuel efficiency is what has Charlie running a RAM 2500 Diesel for years now. Even loaded with all the supplies, the ride is smooth and comfortable, and the 10-hour drive didn’t require a single fuel stop.

About Charlie Wray

Charlie Wray has been host of the very popular TV show, Fishful Thinking, since 1990. Part of the success behind the show has been the very informative format. Perfect for both the novice and experienced angler, Fishful Thinking provides entertaining insight for all audiences...read more

Episode #378 From Top to Bottom Pike & Lake Trout

Today the Mercury Marine Destination starts us in Northern Saskatchewan, then over to Lake Ontario.  

Pike are the target this morning as Charlie joins up with Adam Schreiber of Cree lake Lodge.  Long casts are always helpful in the shallows, and the surface hits can be absolutely thrilling!  Quality equipment is needed, especially with lures that call in the big fellas!  Then, downrigging for Lake Trout on Lake Ontario.  When a lure is as multi functional as this one, this unique approach will have many thinking of all the other possibilities!  Surface Pike and Bottom Lakers, this week on … Fishful Thinking.  

 

Species:  Northern Pike

Tackle for the Pike:  

40 lb test Seaguar Smackdown Performance braided fishing lines 

The Clacking Topwater 5 ½ inch Freedom Mischief Minnow 

Daiwa Zillion Heavy duty baitcaster with T-wing system   

130 lb test Seaguar Abrazx Muskie and Pike leader material 

Viking boots, gloves and 100% waterproof raingear   

100% protection from UV A, B and C with REVO sunglasses 

Technique: Surface baits for explosive top water hits. New on the market has been the Freedom Mischief Minnow. This surface bait has a realistic minnow profile, but the real kicker is a clacking spinning blade that thumps against the body, not only making noise, but making the lure kick a little as if it is truly injured. It has been a killer on Bass. Now it’s big brother is available, a larger husky 5 ½ inch version that is so much fun for larger fish like Pike, it might be the only lure you want to throw.  This lure has had the ability to draw surface hits, when nothing else has worked and the Pike really want this lure. So effective, if the fish has missed the lure, often they turn and take another whack at it until they get it. This lure is also tough, not many surface baits are designed for abuse, this one is. Not even one single puncture from over 30 Pike.  This 5 ½ inch version is also easy to cast and when you are fishing shallow, and long casts are helpful not to spook the fish.

 Daiwa Tatula and Daiwa Zillion baitcasting reels have a T-Wing system that makes casting all lures easier and further.  In free spool, the T-Wing aperture drops down, allowing a large area for the line to flow from. When the reel is engaged, the T-Wing goes back up and the line slides into a sleek groove that is now your level wind that smoothly lays your line across the spool. This not only helps increase casting distances, but also helps to eliminate all those nasty birds’ nests that folks associate with baitcasting reels, and makes casting into the wind even easier without problem. Today the Daiwa Zillion Heavy Duty is used and casts the lure a country mile. This reel has all the same wonderful features of the smaller Zillion baitcasting reels, just a little larger, with a larger line capacity for heavier lines and bigger handle for torque on those monster fish. 

Seaguar has been known as the leader in Fluorocarbon, but the braided lines are some of the best on the market as well. Seaguar Smackdown braid is thin, strong, and highly abrasion resistant. With the no stretch qualities and sensitivity, the hook setting ability is ideal for breaking the grip toothy Pike usually have on a lure.  Wire leaders have long been used for Pike and Muskie, but they are highly visible, kink and break easily, and damage the fish when the Muskie or Pike rolls in the leader. Charlie has been using 130 lb test Seaguar Abrazx Muskie and Pike leader for a long time now. The Seaguar 130 lb test is almost invisible in the water, easy to tie, and when a fish rolls in it, the more flexible Seaguar with a thicker diameter over the wire, doesn’t dig in and damage the fish. The Seaguar is also much easier for the angler to handle when they grab the leader at boat side. Wire would cut into your hands, the 130 lb Seaguar does not.  The trick with tying the 130 lb Seaguar is go easy on your wraps with the knot. A 2-wrap clinch pulled tight is all you need. 

Species: Lake Trout

Tackle for the Lake Trout:

Humminbird Helix 10 fishfinders with built in GPS  

Daiwa Saltist line counter reels with 6 point one to one gear ratio.  

Cannon Optimum Downriggers, track system and adjustable rod holders  

Smooth Moves Shock Absorbing Seat Suspensions. 

Designed for multi species, the Princecraft Xpedition 200 

Mercury 9.9 hp Pro Kicker and 225 horsepower four stroke motors 

Technique:  Dragging the bottom with a floating surface lure. Think about it, what could be better fishing just off the bottom and staying out of the debris, but not many surface lures have any action once submerged, but the Freedom Mischief Minnow does.  Available in 3 ½, 4 ½ and 5 ½ inch sizes. This surface bait has a realistic minnow profile, but the real kicker is a clacking spinning blade that thumps against the body, not only making noise, but making the lure kick a little as if it is truly injured. All species have simply wanted to eat this lure. 

Cannon downriggers are incredible for fishing deep. The new Cannon Optimum is loaded with features. A full colour 3.5 screen, Bottom tracking, pre set depths, low battery drain, auto up and stop at waterline, depth cycling, and the list goes on and on. But to stay in the safe zone away from the bottom snags and debris, the weights are held up 15 feet from the bottom.  Even if the bottom is not a snag threat, this still keeps the humming downrigger cable and downrigger weights out of Lake Trout’s living room. 

To take the lure along bottom, a jet diver is used for the additional 15 feet. So, for the set up, main line to a swivel, swivel to 6 – 7 feet of Seaguar Fluorocarbon to the lure. From the swivel, an 18-inch dropper line is tied to the jet diver. A dropper line is needed to allow the jet to pull without restriction.  Jets are designed for only light presentations, so when tied directly to them, the resistance at trolling speeds with a lure tied to them will make them roll and stop diving. On the dropper line, they keep running true since the leader to the lure is not tied to the back of the jet, but from the swivel above.

 It is the jet diver then takes the lure down the extra 15 feet and runs across the snags on the bottom, saving any threat from snagging a downrigger weight. The jet can bounce and skip along the bottom stirring up debris. If a snag happens, a little slack line often floats the jet diver out of the snag, and simply re-set.  How do you know how far the diver is going down? While in the shallows, pick a depth, say 15 feet, and let out your line until you feel bottom contact.  With the help of a line counter reel like the Daiwa Saltist, you now know exactly the amount of line needed to account for the 15 feet to the bottom. It doesn’t need to be 15 feet, you can use 10 or even 20 if conditions suit it better.

The Princecraft Xpedition 200 is designed and set up as an incredible multi species fishing boat. Powered by a 225 hp Mercury with the addition of a 9.9 Mercury Pro Kicker, this boat is set up for all fishing situations. The optional rear bench seating folds down into a massive back casting deck, and is easily removed when not needed or when cockpit room is needed for trolling situation, as is the case today. Not many boats can be equally designed for both casting and trolling, but this boat is. A huge front casting deck for casting, and a huge open cockpit area in the back for times when you want room for trolling. The beautifully designed consoles are higher than most, blocking the wind as you cross the lake and allows room for a clear view of the built in fishfinder space. No more ducking to keep your hat on….perfect.

Big waters equal big waves at times, one addition Charlie has added started years ago, and he couldn’t have a boat without them. Smooth Moves Shock absorbing seat suspensions. These simply replace the pedestal on your current boat, and gives you a comfortable spring-loaded ride.  Adjustable for height and spring tension.  As nice as you think your boat rides now, you would be amazed at what this addition does for your comfort. 

About Charlie Wray

Charlie Wray has been host of the very popular TV show, Fishful Thinking, since 1990. Part of the success behind the show has been the very informative format. Perfect for both the novice and experienced angler, Fishful Thinking provides entertaining insight for all audiences...read more