Previous Next

Just received a couple new colors in for my jig selection of Dons Dandy Crappie jigs and couldn't wait to try it out. The two colors are pink/white and pink/clear sparkle. Whenever I test out new product I like to bring along my Vexilar as it will show me real time data and shows the actions or reactions of every fish in close proximity to my hook. Well I figured both colors would work real well for the Crappie and they did indeed as I hooked and released a good many keeping only one 10" as per my personal slot size for Leland. What really surprised me was how aggressive the Perch where in reacting to this color. Since I was targeting Crappie and fishing about 5-6 feet off the bottom it was real exciting to see the bottom color marks come to life on the Vexilar and rise right up the water column to smack my jig. Every Perch caught hit with conviction and the hook sets where fairly deep. Since this is a lake with dark stained water I am just ecstatic that they actually can see this jig from such a distance, making me think that this color for some reason really stands out in their visibility spectrum. The big Perch in the photo is pushing 12" and was the only hen caught, at the time my rod was resting on the deck and I was putting together another jig to try when a big red line emerged on the Vexilar and was rising toward the hook, just about the time I picked up my rod it hit with such force it pulled the rod right out of my hand creating a little excitement, I figured for sure it was a big bass but it's fight signature gave it away. I did catch a few small bass, now thinking about it they too must have seen the jig from a distance. Well it was a fairly calm day with a little sunshine and filtered sun giving way to heavy and dark clouds about mid afternoon, the water temp was hanging around 49 degrees. Ran into Wscotthall who posts here as well and we shared some info and stories before getting onto serious business. Ended the evening with a nice fish fry with friends and used some of the Lite Cajun breading mix by Northwoods, outstanding! Klahowya!

Mike Carey

11/15/2010 9:37:00 AM

cool, so you have the underwater camera and can actually watch the fish hit the jig?

BMGW

11/15/2010 9:47:00 AM

No, you can see the attitude of the fish as to the movement and color change on the 'Vexilar. You just have to experience one of these units. Maybe this winter we can get together for an ice fishing trip to E. Wa and I will give you a hands on course with the Vexilar and a fish fry on the ice...

BassDood

11/15/2010 10:04:00 AM

You never cease to amaze me with your in depth reports. I'm gonna have to get over to Leland next season. Thank you

kevinb

11/15/2010 9:15:00 PM

Well done! I love this lake,does the perch bite stay decent in the colder months? I'm very tempted to drop in soon,even if its snowing.

BMGW

11/16/2010 7:31:00 AM

Kevin, the Perch bite seems to be a normal on/off but I did notice one of the males was already milking... That should not happen until late January and February at least on Leland. So I am not sure if the aggressivness was due to the jig color or if the fish are going into pre-spawn. I have to think they were reacting to the color just because I have not experienced quite the same reactions in the many years fishing this lake, the hen was full of eggs but she was on schedule for a normal delivery. Ha! now I sound like a doc..

randy n' lizzie

11/16/2010 7:44:00 AM

Hey Don,

Nice report! Were you using bait on your jigs? Did the price just go up on your new jig colors?

Until this last week I've had great success trolling bottom-walkers and worm harnesses with night crawlers for perch. Last week at American I caught only 2 perch trolling, so they are not chasing anything anymore. Looks like it's time to start jigging.

The perch I've been catching at Lake Washington, American Lake and Lake Umatilla have been showing eggs and milt for well over a month now. Haven't seen any males milking yet though, the ones I've seen aren't nearly that advanced.

BMGW

11/16/2010 8:24:00 AM

No bait, I sometimes put a little cut of garlic in a plastic bag over night and that does work. Prices have not gone up but I do have 4 colors coming in glow in the dark that will cost about 15% more than the regular colors. My experience is that using worms late in the season you really have to slow your presentation down and helps to cut the worm in half. Another really important trick especially for Walleye and Perch is to blow your worm up with air, really keeps the bait in the strike zone...

wscotthall

11/16/2010 9:23:00 PM

Don, My e-mail address is buddyzdad at yahoo.com.

Jay K

11/17/2010 12:31:00 PM

Great report! I'm surprised you're able to use an ice fishing flasher so well on open water. I tried once on my kayak and the bouncing didn't allow it to work so well. I might have to give it a go again; I'd been hoping to use it on open water and the ice. Can't wait till ice. Thanks again for the nice report. If only there were walleye through the ice in WA- that would be great.

BMGW

11/17/2010 12:48:00 PM

There are plenty of Walleye through the ice in Washington State... Stay tuned! Vexilar has mounts for open water use with all their ice products. I am a dealer for them if you have any questions.

kevinb

11/17/2010 5:51:00 PM

Thanks BMGW,I'm sure one of these days we'll meet up out here

Leave a Comment:

Login

Flag

×

Why is this comment inappropriate?

Close Submit

Delete this comment? Provide reason.

No Yes

Edit

×

Cancel Save