Go big or go home! Bigger hooks for more Spring panfish. I love big hooks—bigger than what you would think. Hooks do not scare the fish, they attract fish—especially the colored hooks available today. These larger hooks will decrease the number of missed fish by increasing hooking percentage. For bluegills I prefer a #8 or […]
Spring is suffering a setback as May begins, but the loons are back, trees are budding and lakes are open. Some have take advantage of a few warm days to clean up after a very long winter and started spring rituals like raking and ditch clean up. In Downtown Park Rapids Spring 19 stores and […]
Feeling that tug on the line, an angler sets the hook and reels in a small sunfish, then asks the perennial question: Should I keep it? From a DNR press release: Sunfish, also known as bluegills and pumpkinseeds, are a go-to species for anglers looking for a meal and many anglers may be surprised to […]
It’s no secret that the biggest crappies of the open water season are found in the shallow warm waters of Spring hidden in some form of cover such as pencil reeds, sunken timber, or near the edges of cattails. The problem starts when a live crappie minnow is used under a float. It’s just a […]
There is still a bit of ice fishing to be had in the Park Rapids area—but not for long. We have been focusing on perch and other panfish like crappies and bluegills. And of course the accidental bass or pike is caught (must be released—season closed) so that adds to the fun as well. Shallow […]
If you like late ice crappies-this is the time to grab a room and ice fish the Park Rapids area! Fish are staging for the spring melt on the drop offs just outside spawning areas. Some crappies and Bluegills are already cruising the shallow weedy flats just outside old bulrush beds from last year in […]
Wow has the travel on the ice become difficult. However, the fishing is great if you can get out there. Late ice fishing patterns are starting as the panfish are beginning to gather near potential spawning areas. With that said concentrate on the drop off near shallow spawning bays usually not too far from shore. […]
Fishing Derby Fishing Tips from Minnesota Fishing Guide Service’s Who doesn’t like a fun old fashioned fishing derby? With a little luck you’re driving away in a new truck. Here are three simple tips that can help up the odds in a controlled fishing derby (pre-determined area with pre drilled holes). 1. Fish the outside […]
Northern Pike fishing has been good throughout the Park Rapids area. Tip-ups rigged with #2 chartreuse hooks tipped with a Fun Dog hot dog—yes I said hot dog (hooked once sideways) suspended about 2-3 ft off the bottom in the 9-12ft depth range. Shiner minnows or Sucker Minnows will also catch the pike. A jigging […]
