Red River (North) - Friday, September 16, 2011

Jig-em-up Guide Service Red River Walleye Extravaganza has begun. Tyler, Jamie, and myself got to the ramp around 10:30am yesterday, after waiting for non-freezing temps, and started off in search of Catfish. A few missed fish, and a few hits but no takers, we move to a different location. Fishing in slack water, Jamie pulls out his personal best, a 19 lb 4 ounce beauty. After a couple more missed fish, and the water temp breaking 64 degrees, I make the call to switch gears and pursue my beloved Red River Walleye (and sauger  can't forget about sauger!)

My prediction is to the T......."Guys......just be patient, and TRUST me,....you gotta trust me. We'll have to go through a couple pike, and possibly a few drum, etc, before we start hooking into walleye and sauger".

This next part is why I prefer people to use my gear, as I've learned the hard way in the past when I first became obsessed with the Red River of the North, you need to invest in GOOD KNOTS, good line, etc. Tyler hooks into what I tell him is a "75% chance it's a 12 lb plus walleye". The fight is on, and Jamie and myself are looking at each other with the "are you serious!!!???" look. After a few minutes and yards of drag pulled, we ALMOST get a glimpse of the beast.......then THUNK...........and our hearts sank. But no way was I going to let that get our momentum down.

"Guys,.....you gotta trust me.......ok???" "Yes, yes, yes, we trust you". Well after Tyler's SECOND cast......POP! And the coaching begins, "quit reeling......ok let him run,............ok now baby steps, just a few reel cranks........." and eventually, I see what we've been after.........a SUMO Silverback (yes, Silverback). I few chest pumps to myself and the guys (I hope I didn't leave any bruises) and I bring the fish into the boat. "holy ______.............." is all we can say. 11 pounds 9 ounces, and congratulations Tyler, on the fish of a lifetime. Pictures will be in the photo gallery soon.

Thanks again guys, I truly, honestly, will never forget that trip~!