2009 Weeds N Walleye School

Guides Choice just completed our 7th Annual Weeds N Walleye School here in Eagle River. The attendees caught many walleyes, crappies, perch and of course northern pike. There were several muskies also boated and released on a jig and a extra large fathead combo. Due to the wind, we opted to fish much of the time on the Eagle River end of the Chain. The fish were all located in thick coontail beds as well as new cabbage although the cabbage was not abundant. Attendees located a patch of bright green broadleaf cabbage that "topped off" and was in 6 feet of water. The bed of cabbage was very productive as it is surrounded by thick coontail.

The "KEY SET UP" was 6 pound Black Widow line, 1/16th oz jig, and extra large fathead minnow. Slip bobbers were also productive in the high winds, once you got anchored up on the spot. The largest walleye taken on the chain was caught by Lake-Link co-owner Darin Novak. He lives a charmed life. The fish was 23 inches long. Many 12 to 14 inch crappies were also caught.

Mark McEntee of Wausau WI, suffered immense trauma while fishing an un-named spot on Catfish Lake with Mike Rowe of Oconomowoc Wi. As the story goes, both were 'hammering' walleyes when Mark hooked into a small northern about 18 inches long. In middle of the battle, a large muskie, estimated in the upper 40's inch range charged the northern, gills flared and mouth wide open! Consequently the muskie engulfed the northern pike, turned and left with pike, 1/16 oz. jig, and of course the minnow.

That happened Friday afternoon, Mark appeared devestated that evening at dinner and disscusion, we all hope he recovers.

I want to thank Steve Novak, Darin Novak and Don Waier of Lake-Link Inc. for all their input and help to make this awesome Weeds N' Walleye. Thank You guys.

Next year will be our 8th annual Weeds N' Walleye School. Perhaps some of you will join us in the fun and learning that takes place at every Guides Choice Fishing School.

Hope to see you all up North in Eagle River, good luck and good fishing.

Ranger Rick