Episode #377 Shallow Summer St.Clair Muskie

Posted on February 7, 2022November 30, 2023 by davebush

Today the Mercury Marine Destination starts us in Georgian Bay, then over to Northern Saskatchewan.

After we load up the Ram and the Princecraft, it’s time to head North for some big water Smallmouth Bass. They sure fatten up this time of year and can be a whole lot of fun. A few little tricks with a handy knot, and the addition of a new bait to a proven technique, can make a substantial difference! Then, big Pike can be fussy at the best of times, but slight modifications and an eye for details can turn hits from smaller fish, into the giants your looking for. Early Fall Bass and Slow Rise Pike, this week on……Fishful Thinking.

Species: Smallmouth Bass

Tackle for the Bass:

Daiwa Ballistic LT light and tough spinning reels

15 lb test Seaguar Smackdown high performance braided lines

Freedom 1/8 oz Tungsten drop Cylinder weights

10 lb test Seaguar 100% Fluorocarbon leader material

Set The Hook - Flat side shad with Bait Fuel

Humminbird Fishfinders with Mega Side Imaging plus

Designed for multi species, the Princecraft Xpediton 200

Mercury 225 hp - 4 stroke motor

Technique: A sliding drop shot type of system that makes it quick and easy to adjust your dropper line and drop shot weights to adapt to the conditions. By using a Uni knot with a short length of line to create a dropper line, this can be easily adjusted along your leader. The new Set The Hook – Flat Side Shad with the Bait Fuel scent has been extremely effective all season. This is finesse fishing with 10lb test leaders and the silky-smooth drag from the Daiwa LT Light and Tough spinning reels are needed to prevent breaking lines or ripping the hooks out. Quality equipment catches more fish!

Humminbird MEGA Side imaging plus, shows areas off to the sides that most would never notice that are fish holding structure. Keep track of these areas when you notice them and go back over them on your next pass. This side imaging shows so much more you would normally miss. Drift speed is regulated using the Minn Kota Ulterra trolling motor, and 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.

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, a huge rod locker and a very generous livewell. The boat is well thought out from every perspective and balanced perfectly offering a very smooth ride, even when the lake gets a little angry! 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.

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: Northern Pike

Tackle for the Pike:

Daiwa Tatula 300 with the T-wing aperture

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

Daiwa Rebellion 2-piece rods with High Volume Graphite Fiber

130 lb test Seaguar Abrazx Muskie and Pike Leader

Technique: Suspending baits are well known for triggering hits, but adding heavier hooks to a floating bait for an extremely slow rise can be even more effective some days. Take one of your favourite floating lures and modify them for this killer action, the Pike absolutely love it! 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.

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. Something wire simply can’t accomplish.

New to the Daiwa family is the Daiwa Tatula 300 baitcasting reel, the big brother to the Tatula line of reels. 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.

Episode #376 Early Fall Bass & Slow Rise Pike

Posted on February 7, 2022November 30, 2023 by davebush

Today the Mercury Marine Destination starts us in Georgian Bay, then over to Northern Saskatchewan.

Species: Smallmouth Bass

Tackle for the Bass:

Daiwa Ballistic LT light and tough spinning reels

15 lb test Seaguar Smackdown high performance braided lines

Freedom 1/8 oz Tungsten drop Cylinder weights

10 lb test Seaguar 100% Fluorocarbon leader material

Set The Hook - Flat side shad with Bait Fuel

Humminbird Fishfinders with Mega Side Imaging plus

Designed for multi species, the Princecraft Xpediton 200

Mercury 225 hp - 4 stroke motor

Species: Northern Pike

Tackle for the Pike:

Daiwa Tatula 300 with the T-wing aperture

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

Daiwa Rebellion 2-piece rods with High Volume Graphite Fiber

130 lb test Seaguar Abrazx Muskie and Pike Leader

Episode #375 Heavy Weight BC Sturgeon

Posted on February 7, 2022November 30, 2023 by davebush

Today the Mercury Marine Destination takes us over to the Fraser River near Mission in British Columbia.

After an early morning launch with the RAM, down the river we go! But with so much water to cover where do you start? Side imaging can be just the helping hand you are looking for! Terri and Charlie join up with good friend Len Ames for a fun day of Fraser River Sturgeon. These fish sure earn the reputation as hard fighters, and quality equipment is a must. Large capacity reels with a smooth drag, and Heavy-duty rods with lifting power are needed to beat these giants. Heavy weight BC Sturgeon, this week on …Fishful Thinking.

Species: Sturgeon

Tackle:

Daiwa 60 size Saltiga reels with 6 point 1 to 1 gear ratio

130 lb test Seaguar Threadlock High Impact Braided lines

Daiwa 2 speed 50 size Saltiga reels

Humminbird Helix 10 with Mega Side Imaging Plus

7-and-a-half-foot heavy action Daiwa Proteus rods

Minn Kota heavy duty drift sock

Leaders tied with 200 lb test Seaguar Threadlock

Viking 100% waterproof jackets, pants, and bibs.

Heavy duty ball bearing swivels with welded rings

Comfort Lite Boots by Viking

Now available, the 60 size Daiwa Saltiga 2 speeds reels

Ram 3500 with 6.7 litre Cummins Diesel engine

Technique: Bottom fishing in the heavy currents with heavy weights. This is a large river and so many great areas to fish, but it is possible to do everything correctly and not be near a hungry Sturgeon. The Humminbird MEGA side Imaging Plus makes it so much fun and easier. Take the time to scan a few areas, the side imaging will show you areas holding fish saving hours of guessing. Humminbird is so detailed, you can actually see the fins on these fish.

These are big powerful fish using heavy lines and tackle. Keep the butt of the rod low and use short powerful lifts with the rod when fighting. Lifting the rod too high will fatigue your back quickly, and shift the strength of the rod away from the more powerful lower section of the rod. Keep as much maximum pressure on the fish as possible. After long powerful runs, when you think the fight is over and back to the boat, its not!!! So much fun!!!

Jet boats are heavy and launches not always the best with fluctuating water levels. The RAM 3500 with the 6.7 litre Cummins Diesel makes it feel like there isn’t even a boat on the trailer, and the 4X4 system on the RAM is ideal for the slippery launches with gravel and ball bearing like rocks on the beach.

Episode #374 Scraping the Bottom for Lake Trout

Posted on February 7, 2022November 30, 2023 by davebush

Today the Mercury Marine Destination takes us out onto Lake Ontario.

It’s a beautiful day today and time to head out in the Princecraft. Lake Trout are the target today, and fishing can be fast. Downriggers are without a doubt the best tool for fishing deep, but with these bottom hugging fish snags can become a problem. Charlie has a system that not only saves your downrigger from snags, but excites the lakers at the same time. Even a lure that stays out of the snags at slower speeds! Pay attention to your trolling speed and depth, and it can simply be one after another. Scraping the bottom for Lake Trout, this week on ……Fishful Thinking.

Species: Lake Trout

Tackle:

Freedom Herring cutbait trolling lure

Daiwa Saltist line counter reel with 6 point one to one gear ratio

20 lb test Seaguar Abrazx 100% Fluorocarbon fishing lines

Daiwa Accudepth medium heavy downrigger rods

25 lb test Seaguar STS Salmon Fluorocarbon leaders

Cannon Optimum Downriggers, track system and adjustable rod holders

Smooth Moves Shock Absorbing Seat Suspensions.

Humminbird Helix 10 Fishfinders with GPS

Revo Sunglasses with 100% protection from UV A, B and C

Lure speed and temperature with Fish Hawk Electronics

Designed for Multi-species, the Princecraft Xpedition 200

Mercury 225 hp and 9.9 hp Pro Kicker motor.

Technique: No one wants to snag a downrigger weight, its expensive, but more than that it is dangerous. This system has proven effective time and time again, but with time, things also get better and improved. Dragging the bottom is very effective for bottom hugging Lake Trout, the stirring up of debris excites them as they move in for the snacks that get stirred up.

Cannon downriggers are wonderful for fishing deep. Easy to use, fast, low battery drain, and a list of helpful features, and in this situation, they are still used exclusively. But to stay in the safe zone away from the bottom, 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 than 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. The dropper line can be adjusted longer if lures are still hanging up. 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.

Spoons are great, but on turns or when trolling speeds slow, they can drop to the bottom and hang up, so you need to be careful at times. A new lure that has proven incredibly effective for this presentation is the Freedom Herring. This lure looks realistic, has a cut bait roll to it, and is buoyant. So, while it trolls beautifully at various speeds, on turns or hitting currents that would drop a spoon to the bottom, the Freedom Herring floats slightly and stays off the bottom. It is also very effective at many speeds, so still produces, even at slower speeds. Perfect to stay out of the debris filled bottom.

Daiwa Rods and reels are perfect for downrigging, the Accudepth rods and Saltist line counter reels are designed perfectly for Great Lakes fishing. Seaguar has long been known as the leader in Fluorocarbon leader material, but many forget about the Seaguar Abrazx main line. This line is still 100% fluorocarbon, but soft, supple and incredibly abrasion resistant….perfect for downrigging and still offers the almost invisible presentation of all the Seaguar fluorocarbon lines. The refraction index of Seaguar Fluorocarbon is so close to water itself, when in the water, it is almost invisible. Perfect for clear water presentation.

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.

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. 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. 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!

Episode #373 Light’Em Up Pike

Posted on February 7, 2022November 30, 2023 by davebush

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

Cree Lake is Charlie’s home away from home in the Spring for Pike and for good reason, the Pike fishing is fantastic! Today starts cool and windy, but with any Pike area in the early season, when the afternoon sun warms up the shallows the day can change fast! Quality tackle is a must for big fish, and attention to even the slightest detail can make or break the day. Charlie joins up with co-owner of Cree Lake lodge Brandon Schreiber for a magical day, and when the magic starts, sometimes it just keeps getting better!! Bring on the sun and light’em up, This week on….Fishful Thinking.

Species: Northern Pike

Tackle:

Revo Sunglasses with 100% protection from UV A, B and C

Freedom Hydra Jigheads with swing hook action

40 lb test Seaguar Smackdown 8 - strand braided lines

Daiwa Tatula 300 baitcasting reel with the T-wing aperture

Viking cut resistant NBR palm coated gloves

Nailer swimbaits by Set The Hook

Daiwa Rebellion 2-piece rods with High Volume Graphite Fiber

130 lb test Seaguar Abrazx Muskie and Pike Leader

Viking 100% waterproof Jackets, pants and bibs

Mercury 60 horsepower 4-stoke outboard motor

Technique: 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 Pike to resist.

Spring is the time the Pike are shallow and many times, sight fishing can pay off with the largest giants of the season. 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.

With fish shallow, and Revo glasses showing the shadows of giants ahead, long casts are crucial. Casting heavy lures into shallow water is a sure way of spooking every fish you see. The lighter the splash and the longer the cast the better, but not all reels can cast light lures long distances. 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.

Episode #372 Floater Line Bass

Posted on February 7, 2022November 30, 2023 by davebush

Today the Mercury Marine Destination takes us up to the Georgian Bay area of Central Ontario.

It’s a beautiful day today and time to explore some new areas. Big waters can generate big fish and with calm conditions, today is the day to cover some water. With the help of side Imaging, good areas can be narrowed down to pin point the magic spots, and with Smallmouth Bass being the target today, structure is a real key. But Smallies can be fussy, especially in very clear water. Charlie has a secret up his sleeve and one that has served him well over the years, and it’s time to put it to work once again. Floater lines for Smallmouth Bass …..this week on…Fishful Thinking.

Species: Smallmouth Bass

Tackle:

Daiwa Ballistic LT light and tough spinning reels

Seaguar 20 Lb test Smackdown high performance braided lines

With X45 Bias Construction, Daiwa Elite - finesse drop shot rods

15 lb test Seaguar 100% Fluorocarbon leader material

Set the Hook - Crush worms, now with Bait Fuel

The 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.

Designed for multi species, the Princecraft Xpediton 200, with the removable optional rear bench seat that folds into a massive back casting deck

Mercury 225 hp - 4 stroke motor

Technique: This system starts with a drop shot set up. 20 lb test Seaguar Smackdown braid, connected by a Double Uni knot to 8 feet of 15 lb test Seaguar Fluorocarbon leader material. The Seaguar Fluorocarbon aids for an almost invisible presentation. Using a Palomar knot, a small drop shot hook is tied in about 12 inches from the bottom.

Use the appropriate size of drop shot weight for the conditions. From this, a small swivel is tied into the Seaguar Fluorocarbon leader material about 18 inches above the dropshot hook. From the swivel, 7 feet of Seaguar Fluorocarbon is added and then another small drop shot hook. This added line acts as a floater line that follows the main line presentation. Both hooks are rigged with Set The Hook – Crush worms, now all scented with the highly effective Baitfuel scent. When Bass are especially fussy, this floater line away from the main line hook and dragging weight can be highly effective.

Humminbird MEGA Side imaging plus, shows areas off to the sides that most would never notice that are fish holding structure. Drift speed is regulated using the Minn Kota Ulterra trolling motor, and 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. The Princecraft Xpedition 200 has a huge front casting deck and designed and set up as an incredible multi species fishing boat. 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.

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. As nice as you think your boat rides now, you would be amazed at what this addition does for your comfort.