Week #13: August 3-10, 2026

Week #13 8/3-8/10, 2026

Water temps: 70-74

This has been one of the best weeks of fishing of the entire season for us! As many probably already can guess, our trolling bite has started and it’s been great so far! Cold mornings really kicked off the bite middle of last week and it’s been game on since!

We are trolling shad style baits in anywhere from 18-24’ of water over mud. The depth we are catching them changes each day but once you find the active fish it’s time to have some fun! We are pulling our cranks at 2.0-2.5 mph.

On my set ups for lead core, I am running suffix 832 advanced 18 pound. I am running it to a barrel swivel and then a 6-7’ braided leader to a snap. I don’t like the 15-20’ mono or fluorocarbon leaders, personal preference. I run a wide variety of minnow style baits so I’m not going to list those out but any style in sizes 5, 6 or 7 have been working.

I still have plenty of openings throughout August and into September!

Remaining August availability:

14 PM

16 PM

17 AM

21 PM

23

26

27

28

30

31 PM

The best thing to do is to get out early and fish those first few hours of the day!! Our best bite is before 9 am. However, I’ve been seeing very dramatic bite windows and there’s times throughout the entire day they are biting well! It can be very slow and then all of a sudden it will be one after another as you enter that next bite window.

We are dialed in on the fish right now and you don’t want to miss out on some of the best fishing of the entire season! September is also starting to book up and I have very limited dates in October left! The best way to contact me is to text (218) 404-9200 and set up a call, or book directly online at fishingwithz.com! Booking directly online is the quickest and easiest way to lock in your dates.

As always, tight lines!

Captain Z