I’m so gullible

With the switch to Blue/Chrome and lead it was no surprise. Heavy, head jerking, line snapping, it’s big whatever it is. I’m up on the back deck in order to get the first glimpse as Mr. Big Fish explodes out in a spray. Camera ready, my eyes are glued to the fireline as it slices through the water. John, calm, deliberate, focused, is light on the drag and going slow just in case.

I met John early this spring as we were in the process of getting ND Live to Devils Lake. John is big dog at the chamber but I doubt his bite is very hard. Not that he don’t get ‘er done when needed but he comes standard with things still optional in my life like calmness, gentleness and sensitivity. Anyway after a summer of waiting we finally get a day together on Devils Lake.

Grahams Island ramp is kind of middle ground for the western section and I have a plan in mind beginning with the Golden Highway that crosses the lake, Grahams to Minnewaukan. With black top surface and rip-rap shoulders it is tailor made walleye structure. Proof is John’s first fish of the day on a Blue/Chrome Reef Runner Rip Shad. Minutes later John is back on deck with # 2 on the Rip Shad dressed in Firetiger. That kind of defines the day. One fish-one color-one lure. That may sound like a slow day but I got lots of lures, lots of colors.

Two Bomber 24’s that never fail did and were replaced with Little Ripper Deep’s in Firetiger and Blue/Chrome.  The Little Rippers are a hard running-fast action crank with attitude. The pendulum swing from Bombers that are more like John in nature. Firetiger is first to go and with that we are one short of a limit. I make yet another change as it seems one fish, one lure, one color, is the rule for today’s game. Leadcore lets us get a tiny RS4 in Blue/Chrome down to the black top where we find # 5 waiting to pose for a picture.

On rare occasions fishing goes according to plan and today the first goal is to get a limit from the Golden Highway. Pelican is next on the to-do list with Walleyes first, followed by White Bass.  It’s a good day to run as flat calm has settled in and we will later find it stays for the day. Most of us don’t like the no wind days and I agree that wind is helpful but don’t let the flat water scenario affect your attitude, just go fishing. I often do the opposite of what feels right on dead calm days. Speed, and as much of it as the cranks can take. For Reef Runners that normally means about 3 mph.

We are in 15 feet of water and Bomber 24’s are given one more chance. Sure enough, big fish for the day, so far that is. That also was all the effort I could get out of the Bombers today. Remember that one fish one lure thing. Geez Louise, what is up with this? We do a turn-around for another pass before I dig out the leadcore and sink the fail safe little Blue/Chrome RS4’s.

I had already told John, who is 5 minutes into the fight, that if this Northern turns into a Walleye I’m jumping down from my perch and making a fast trade. Camera for net! Jump I did, and fast. Some days it simply comes your way. Just short of 27 inches, I’m talking Walleye here but it could as easily describe our ear to ear grins of satisfaction. With a little time in the bubbles under the aerator John agrees that fish like this are at their best if left with freedom.  

White Bass last item on the to-do list. We pull in lines and make a short move shallow. Johnnie Candle, professional fisherman and Devils Lake Guide, set me up on this location yesterday. Johnnie pulled a 16 ¼  Bass here yesterday so we are hopeful they are still around. John and I switch out the cranks for jigs and spinning gear. With the boat in 6 feet we are able to pitch all the way to shore and swim the jig back to the boat.

Cripes get the net, this ain’t no pan fish ripping line. Ya, it is, but no ordinary pan fish. The best way to describe these Bass, “Way to big to lift into the boat.” We keep 3 between 15 and 16 inches! Walleye’s strong points are challenging to catch, great to eat. White Bass strong points, easy to catch, great fight. Remember that DL guide who put us on this spot? Johnnie claims if cooked right White Bass taste just like crab. Ya, you got that right and I didn’t get my p’s and b’s mixed up. I’m passing this on but remember this, “Ain’t my recipe!”

Crab/Bass Delight by ex fishing guide Chef Johnnie C.
Boil water and salt. I’m talking lots of salt. More than what you’re thinking.
Drop in bass fillets and cook till water begins to re-boil.
Remove fillets and immerse in ice water till cool.
Melt butter and serve with a smile.

How may people does it take to eat 3 White Bass? Answer in next week’s story.

Sincerely,

Imso Gullible

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