July 16-22, 2024

Week #10 of the open water season! July 16-22, 2024

Water temps: 72-76

The bite was much better this week on The Big V!!! We caught fish every day this week and we are starting to have much better days overall with more fish caught and nicer sized eaters! Friday through Monday (today) were much better than the previous days as we continue to get farther away from the bug hatches.

Our best bites this week were on Lindy rigs with crawlers, leeches and minnows. . Crawlers and minnows are both producing fish much better than leeches but I did have one day this past week where all they would bite was a leech. So I recommend having all three baits with you right now. It will change spot to spot and day by day. Dragging Lindy’s in the sand transitions and sand humps in 15-25’ of water is where we had the most luck. The active fish are sitting in very tight pods and you have to go right over the top of them to have a shot. We also are starting to get bites on a trusty jig and minnow. This bite is not in full swing yet but it is a good option early in the morning.

Another solid option this week was the slip bobber and crawler. Floating a chunk of bait right in front of their faces is sometimes the only way to get them to bite, especially if you are around rock! A bobber and leech the last hour of daylight can also be a fantastic way to catch a flurry right before dark.

The main tip I will give you is this, you must get an early start and have a late finish to your days. Start as early as you can and stay out as late as you can. These fish are very full and the early morning feeding window and the sunset feeding window are your highest chances to catch fish consistently. Give yourself the absolute best chance possible to be successful. I have been getting on the water with clients no later than 6 am and when I am my self I start fishing between 5:30 and 5:45. Our bite has been shutting off around 9:00 most days.

As always this time of year, smallies are everywhere. A slip bobber and a leech is a fantastic option, but soft plastics and top water baits can provide endless fun!

I have availability remaining for the rest of the summer! Give me a call or text @ (218) 404-9200 to book your trip today!! Very limited openings the next two weeks!

Tight Lines!

Z