ND Live 2009 in review

April 30 Audubon

We kicked off the season the last week of April with 33 degrees and similar numbers for wind out of the NW. Audubon has a great bite just after ice out that we hoped to connect with. We lasted half a day before coffee and determination ran out at the same time. High points for the day were a loon picture and the truck heater. So, the 2009 season is off with a no fish beginning. Interesting since last trip out this past week I wrote, 

Much of what I learn while fishing is a result of some negative experience. Ranging from coming in last in a tournament to GPS not working, there always seems to be a lesson. In fact over time I have decided it’s the negative lessons that stick with me. Maybe cause they seem to turn into a positive experience later. Certainly was the case this time.

I guess we will see as we take a look at the summer of 2009.

May 7  Washburn

The negative experience thing is still with me on this trip. I decided to get a jump ahead on potential problems and replaced all 3 batteries for the MinnKota. I went to extreme lengths marking each connection on the 36 volt, 3 battery system and then using a cable tie to keep them in the correct position so when the new batteries were dropped in it was a simple matter of tightening a thumb screw.

After rechecking the breaker switch I’m left baffled as to why I have no power, particularly since I upgraded with 3 new batteries yesterday. Good Grief, there goes the jig plan. On a calm day I could pull off a drift without the electric but with 15-20 pushing us downstream it ain’t gonna happen.

Maybe just a glimmer of light on the negative – positive thing. I decided if I can’t jig I will pull cranks. We move into 5-7 feet with Shad Raps and Levi, my 12 year old gets some very nice fish.

Turns out after all the precautions I hooked up the 36 volt system wrong. I suggest you never ask me to help with anything electrical.

May 14  Devils Lake

We must be on a theme as to weather. Week 3 and temps in the lower 30’s again. Here is another theme I have been thinking on as I reflect back on fishing in 2009. There is this prevailing thought that if I would forget what walleyes are supposed to do in certain conditions I would catch way more fish. This trip out with Al is a prime example. We are fishing cold front conditions of the very worst possible. Often the first day of a cold front you can pull off a bite. The second day that dawns cold and crisp with air so clear you can see the horizon in sharp focus, that’s when it gets tuff. Not a day I would pick to pitch cranks.

The 30 plus winds are down this morning and so is the temperature. Low, very low 30’s. You talk about cold front! Al and I discuss tactics but after spending a day in his boat I realize it don’t matter much what tactic you discuss, when with Al you pitch cranks.

I think one lesson for me here is back off on categorizing a day into what walleyes should and shouldn’t do. An earlier example was when the electric wouldn’t work the day at Washburn.  Cold temps, bad weather and early spring all told me to drift jigs. I was forced to pull cranks and thankfully so. Anyway Al and I had great fun and caught our fish pitching cranks in spite of the cold front. Here is a tip passed on by Al:

Holding the boat in 8 feet we pitch to shore and reel back with the occasional twitch of the rod tip. Al graciously passed on a fishing tip during the process. Try to pitch at a 45 degree angle ahead of the boat. The reason, you catch more fish, good enough reason for me.