Ryan's Tacklebox
Ryan has put together some of his favourite lure choices so that every guest traveling to Big Hook can get to know the fish on a first name basis like he does. As weight is a consideration on a fly-in trip, and our fish are eager biters to say the least, one certainly doesn't need to come with duffle bags full of tackle. But if you're looking for that special "wonder-bait" to round out your collection, read through his selections below. Click on highlighted text for the manufacturer's product information.
*Also note, according to the Ministry of Natural Resources (MNR) LIVE BAIT FISH and FROZEN SMELT are PROHIBITED in waters at Big Hook Wilderness Camps. This is to protect the area from invasive species. Night crawlers are allowed for live bait.
Below are pictures of a couple fish caught, photoed and released on tackle that is discussed in this article.
Walleye Lures
Walleye are one of the most popular species targeted by anglers in North America. Big Hook Wilderness Camps offers some of the most prolific walleye fishing NW Ontario. As a fly-in outfitter located 185 miles from the nearest road, our lakes receive minimal pressure from anglers. Pair that with a catch and released policy where all walleye over 18" are returned to the water and you presented with an amazing fishery. Listed below are several bait suggestions that are effective in Big Hook Wilderness Camps bodies of water.
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Jigs (see photo left) Sensitive to daylight and affected by the smallest of weather patterns, walleye have built a reputation of being a finicky species. Jigs are the most effective lures to combat picky walleye. Optimal weights are 1/4 oz to 1/2 oz. The weight varies on the depth and technique you are fishing. Early summer when water temperatures are cool, lighter jigs (1/4 oz) in shallower water are more effective. Whereas, later summer the heavier jigs (3/8 oz or 1/2 oz) are able to reach the bottom. Popular jig head colors are: white, black, flouro orange, yellow, and flouro pink. Northland Tackle has a great selection of jig heads. Specifically, I like the GUM-Ball and Eye-Ball jig heads. Jigheads are easily found at every tackle store. A key accessory to purchase with new jigheads is the eye hole buster. |
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Plastic Tails Pair your jig with a plastic tail. In my opinion, the tail color is more important than the jig head. There are millions of plastic tails to choose from. My favorites are Berkley Gulp 3" flouro orange and pumpkinseed(see pic left). Another productive plastic tail is manufactured by Mister Twister. The 4" Twister Tail in white, yellow, black, brown and pink are tough to beat. |
Crankbaits These lures are great for trolling or casting. Problem is, there are thousands to choose from. Don't get overwhelmed purchasing 50 different types. Fishing with crank baits can be broken down to which time of year you are fishing. Early or late summer. Early summer utilizes slower trolling or casting of shallower diving baits, where 3-8 ft deep is the optimal range. Whereas, deeper diving baits can be retrieved quicker around the 12-17 ft range. Color patterns of various baits hold effective throughout the year. For shallower baits I like:
My favorite deeper running crank baits are:
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Other Rigs There are various other walleye fishing technique's that include utilizing spinning baits or live bait such as night crawlers.
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Northern Pike Lures
In my opinion, northern have a greater array of baits to choose from. Bait presentations vary from skirting a top water bait over the surface to burning a buck tail through the weeds to retrieving a crank bait over a rock pile. We will first look at lures on the surface and work our way deeper.
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Top Water Top water action for pike is the most exciting way to fish. The sudden explosion on the surface sends even the toughest fisherman's heart racing. This technique is generally performed when water temperatures have warmed and fish have become more active. July and August are peak topwater months. Low light conditions and calm water provide optimal chances for trophy pike while top water fishing. Several of my favorite top water lures are as follows:
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Spoons These three spoons are a must in my tackle box. Spoons are simple lures to fish, just steady cast and retrieve or even trolled along a weed bed. No matter what the condition, spoons are effective hassle free lures.
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Bucktails There are endless color combinations that I could list here. These baits are most effective cast and retrieved through weed beds and along mud flats.
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Soft Plastics The plus side to plastic baits are natural life like action. The down side is they are easily destroyed by toothy pike and their price tags. These following lures have probably boated more trophy pike for me than any other baits over the past 3 years.
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Crankbaits Once again I could list dozens of crank bait lures here. In an effort to save space and weight in your tackle box, these three have been most effective over the years.
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Perch Lures
This popular species is common in the waters around the Opasquia Provincial Park. Focusing on using smaller spinning baits and live nightcrawlers produces best results. I have found perch fishing peaks with weed growth, as this species loves to hide in the foliage. Depending on the water temperature, July through August have historically been the optimal angling months for perch.
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Burnt, Favourable and Southwest are our most popular outpost lakes for perch. Perch are most commonly found were foliage exists. Search out your favorite weed bed and cast these following lures into the thickest patches.
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Hopefully these tackle suggestions make your next fishing trip to Big Hook Camps a productive one. Remember to practice catch and release. Big Hook Wilderness Camps has a NO TROPHY take out policy. This means all Northern over 27" must be released and all walleye over 18" must be released. This insures Big Hook's fishery will continue as one of the top in Canada. Good luck on the water everyone!
Ryan
Big Hook Wilderness Camps