Whatever turns your crank, long as I don’t have to eat it.

Fish are notoriously sensitive to weather change, so am I when the change is over 25 mph in wind and pushing 30 degrees on the thermometer. Overcast and rain seemed to keep the temps up overnight. The old dodge is in 4th gear and straining into the stiff NW wind. Not your ideal conditions for fishing but grab your hat, it’s gonna get worse.

We pulled into Brendles Bay on the early side giving us enough time to untarp the boat and have a cup of coffee before morning radio. Levi is undoing the tarp straps and I’m at the back trimming up the big motor. No power, not even a buzz. Cripes, I must have left something on last trip out. Can’t even get a light to glow. I go over the options in my mind and consider using one of the batteries from the Minn-Kota but figure I will need those later if we get out. After a quick drive around the area I spot a convenient cord lying on the ground plugged in and that quick I’m charging. My thanks to Kim at Shell Creek Rentals for the power.

Problem one is under control so who is up next? Radio-live fishing program- ya that’s right. How do you do a fishing program without fishing? Sakakawea shore fishing in August, not likely, at least not if you want to catch fish. But - - it’s our only option so I dig out a couple of rods, grab the live bait, the Gulp, and we are on the dock with all the hope of a 12 year old.

What is there about fish and concrete? This ain’t the first time this season I caught fish off of a boat ramp. It’s not what I would call ideal structure but I long ago decided I would try to forget what I’ve been taught about walleyes and begin listening to the fish. Listen we did, Gulp is voted best breakfast food by a 10 to 1 margin. Many were even rejecting their usual morning meal for a chance at the tasty plastic.

I’m more than a little surprised when a walleye grabs on for dear life. Levi has the look of pure delight as he holds up our first fish of the day. Who needs a boat anyway? If there is one thing this summer that has fascinated Levi it is Drum. He is totally amazed by the iridescent colors and considers this the “catch of the day.” Whatever turns your crank, long as I don’t have to eat it. I can’t believe the numbers of White Bass we are catching.  To think, all summer I’ve been driving by this shallow water-back bay fishing as I head out to mid-lake humps in 30 feet.

Wind is whipping up the waves so even dock fishing is a wet proposition. We make the next move to Brendles lake store. Coffee and cookies, ya this is the life. I ask for a fishing report from Harley, owner-manager of the resort. “Dave’s or 8lb flat, fish the edges in 30 + using crawlers and leeches.” Seems like the summer strategy for the Van Hook Arm.  Brendles Bay Resort is a 4 season operation complete with cabins. Hunting is just around the corner so stop in and say hi. I suggest you talk to Lisa, the real owner-operator who has a much sweeter disposition.

How long can it take to charge a dead battery? Geez, get with it, it’s after 1 already. I must be getting bored with White Bass. With a half charged battery we head out into frigid NW wind to try our luck in an area locally know as Flag. I don’t have much in terms of expectations due to the weather. Levi, the 12 year old with unchecked optimism pipes up.  “How cool would it be Dad if we got a fish before we even had all 4 lines out?” Three lines out, one fish on. Not only that but it hit like no tomorrow with no regard to the major cold front. I’ve got to start being more positive.

Water is surprisingly clear all over Sakakawea this season and it’s been a lot of years since I have had any success with Mud Minnow. Used to be one of my favorite colors on an overcast dark day and is fast becoming a new top five color. We are pulling in 18 to 20 feet with a variety of cranks but only the Little Ripper Deep is catching. After two failed attempts at netting, (give me a break, I’m a shore fisherman) we are into a fast and furious bite.

With a limit of walleyes in the boat it’s over as fast as it started. Not even a straggler or a small fish. We did continue to catch monster White Bass which are great fighters and keep Levi smiling. Water and air temps are almost matched at 65. It’s late August for crying out loud, we should have mid 70’s by now. It’s been a great day and similar to last week, way exceeded my expectations. The GPS location is for a long pull both north and south. Be sure to bring extra cranks, lots of ‘em. Trees in 15 and sometimes even 20.

If your summer on Sakakawea has been characterized by expensive gas guzzling boat rides into mid lake 30 foot humps you may want to consider adopting a stimulus plan proposed by the Secretary of Fishing, Levi Schoneck. His administration would suggest the following. Fish from the dock and allow yourself to get giddy over anything from Drum to White Bass. Worked for me.

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