Twin Cities Walleyes Unlimited - Monthly Newsletter |
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Jeremy Smith joins TCWU as guest speaker
Thursday February 1st at 7:00 pm
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We are excited to host Jeremy Smith of Linder's Angling Edge Media Productions at our club meeting on Thursday February 1st.
Jeremy couldn't fish enough in his childhood and upon graduating from college, he combined his passion into a media career with an amazing group of innovative anglers and educators at Linder Media.
He has held roles in almost every element of the fishing industry since joining Linder Media in 2005, which include sales, writing, television and producing.
When he is not producing and educating us all on the latest in angling, you can find him out on the water looking for that next fishing edge to share with us all. Doing the thing he loves most, fishing!
We hope you can join us at our February club meeting and meet Jeremy in person. He has accumulated a wealth of fishing knowledge throughout his journey to share, which will help us all improve our angling skills.
To learn more about Jeremy and Linder's Angling check out their Social Media Pages
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Take the 2024 TCWU Questionnaire! |
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The purpose of this questionnaire is to gain insight into what Twin Cities Walleye Unlimited (TCWU) members would like from the club. Your input will help guide the board as it plans for the future.
If you completed the previous questionnaire, we encourage you to do it again. Complete as much of the form as you are comfortable. None of the information you provide will be shared outside of the club. Those who submit the questionnaire will be entered into a drawing. You could win a $25 Gift card to Scheels!
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Twin Cities Walleye Unlimited (TCWU): Connect, Educate, Give |
Membership has it's advantages
Join TCWU or renew today by registering on-line at:
You can find out more information about Twin Cities Walleyes Unlimited and our Events by going to our website and on Facebook
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TCWU Guest Speaker line up 2023-24 |
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Join us at our Club outing with Tony Roach
on Lake Mille Lacs Saturday February 17th
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Great news members, we have re-scheduled our 5th Annual Ice Fishing Camp with Tony Roach. Tony is looking forward to host this event and has an awesome day of Fishing Fun planned for us.
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Event Details
- Meet at Nitti's Hunters Point Resort at 7:00 am. Come a little early if you want breakfast, Nitti's start serving at 6:00 am and it is delicious
- Tony will coach us up and lay out the game plan for the all day fish
- Tony will provide shelters, bait and transportation.
- You are welcome to bring your Portable Ice House, Bait, ATV's, and Snowmobiles
- Bring your fishing gear; Tony will make sure you are rigged up for success
- Lunch will be served on the Ice, but bring your favorite snacks and beverages
- Prizes, you Betcha! Tony has some cool stuff to award and so do we
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If you and your fishing buddies want to turn this into a weekend of fishing fun, contact Nitti's directly (see contact information below). Nitti's offers lodging and a variety of fish house rentals. Book your lodging now if you plan to make it a weekend of fishing fun!
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Cost is $175.00 each (Tip not included) - Kids 16 and under attend for Free!
Camp includes shelters, lunch, bait, personal coaching from Tony and his guides and the latest ice fishing technology and equipment to try out.
Special Thanks to Tony for hosting and supporting our club!
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Sponsor Spotlight
Sportsman's Journal
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We are excited to share that Sportsman’s Journal has joined us as a club sponsor. They have supported our club as guest speakers, provided fishing education and through other partnerships, which we truly value. SJTV features unique adventures that engage and educate both hardcore and casual anglers, which help all get the most out of our time on the water. They believe that outdoor experiences are important for all and passionately advocate by supporting women anglers and family adventures. |
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Sportsman's Journal features a couple concept, not previously seen on the Saturday morning lineup – Hosts Tyler and Sara Trampe are multi-species anglers traveling throughout the Midwest and Ontario, showcasing different seasons, locations, tactics and conditions that allow anglers to catch more fish. Sportsman’s Journal airs on Bally Sports North, Bally Sports Midwest, KOTV, World Fishing Network, WILD TV, and Pursuit TV among other apps and media outlets. New episodes air from December through March and can be viewed on the Sportsman’s Journal TV YouTube channel. Both Sara and Tyler have been featured in numerous magazine articles throughout the Midwest and are active in the Seminar speaking circuit.
To learn more about the Sportsman's Journal team check out their Social Media and 2024 TV Schedule below:
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Blaze Credit Union is driven by Midwestern values. Community. Integrity. Plain old hard work. Caring about you, your wishes, and your well-being – that’s just who they are. They are here to help you along your road of life – encouraging you to go for it. We’re all on our own journey and they want to be a part of your journey.
Life’s trails can be tough. It’s natural to sometimes feel a little lost—we get it. they’ve been down this path before, guiding people like you since 1931. Toward your dreams. Toward your goals.
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Let’s blaze your trail together.
To learn more check out their social media at:
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End of "One Size Fits All" Tackle Boxes
We believe that "One Size Fits All" equipment leads to an average "One Size Fits All" fishing experience. Usually that experience involves trying to find the lure you want, trying to untangle all the lures from the one you want, and sometimes getting stuck by a hook. That's why we decided to make our tackle boxes as specialized as the anglers using them. The T3 Pro Series positions you to take that next step in your passion, all while leaving one less excuse of why the fish didn't bite.
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The Tangle-free Tackle Tray features
- Closed cell foam to withstand the elements, featuring
- Keep hooks separated
- Feature hook wells with integrated drain hole at the base
- Entire lure color profile on display
- Enables hook-free lure handling
- Secures and protects lures from banging around in the box
- Makes organization easy and sustainable
- Adds flotation to tackle box
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To learn more and view their online shop click the links below:
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Special Thanks to all our Sponsors |
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Check out the Minnesota DNR Fishing Home Page
The Fishing Home Page on the Minnesota DNR website is loaded with all the latest updates, tools such as Lake finder, regulations, helpful tips and more all on one easy to navigate page. Take a look If you haven't had the chance to check it out. We recommend bookmarking this to your web favorites. It is a one stop shop for all MN fishing information. Click on the link below to learn more.
DNR sets winter walleye fishing regulations for Upper Red, Mille Lacs lakes
The walleye limit for Upper Red Lake will decrease from the five allowed during open water season to four this winter while the Mille Lacs Lake walleye limit will remain at one.
Caution paramount as ice continues unusually warm weather
The ice season has been quite literally a Roller Coaster. It got off to a quick start, melted and slowly came back only to experience warm conditions again in late January.
The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources reminds everyone that ice is never 100% safe, and provides a detailed Ice Safety page on their website that all ice anglers should review annually.
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Minnesota Angler Meet-Up
May 16th - 19th, 2024
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Join the Minnesota Angler "Meet-Up" for an exciting fishing tournament and a chance to connect with fellow anglers from Twin Cities Walleyes Unlimited, Minnesota Valley In-Fishermen, Women Anglers of MN. |
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Join the Minnesota Angler "Meet-Up" for an exciting fishing tournament and a chance to connect with fellow anglers! This event aims to create a friendly and welcoming atmosphere where passionate anglers can come together, build camaraderie, and learn from each other.
Modeled after the annual Minnesota Valley In-Fisherman tournament on Lake Vermilion every September, this meet-up offers a unique opportunity to gain valuable skills and learn techniques for catching walleye while in their Spring pattern. Anglers from around the state and of all skill levels are invited to participate in this multi-species catch-and release tournament, hosted by Minnesota Valley In-Fishermen and Twin Cities Walleye Unlimited.
The weekend spans four days, starting with pre-fishing on Thursday afternoon, May 16th, followed by the tournament on Friday and Saturday. Fun fishing on Sunday morning is an option. In the evenings, participants gather in the Event Center for informative meetings. Guest speakers and teams will use a laser pointer to share their fishing spots and techniques on a projected map of Lake Vermilion.
The open sharing and detailed discussions about successful fishing strategies make this event truly special. Sign-up with a family member or friend. If you are coming on your own with a boat we may be able to help you find a partner. There are also boats available to rent at Vermilion Dam Lodge.
Event Details and Registration
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Cost - $550 per person plus tax includes: 3-nights lodging, breakfast, lunch & dinner, launching, boat slip, bait, ice, and evening networking.
Lodging for those wanting to come early and pre-fish is $75 plus tax per night (meals are not included for those who come early to pre-fish i.e. M, T, W).
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TCWU Pro-tip of the Month |
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TCWU January guest speaker Larry Hanson shares this “Pro Tip of the Month“ with Club President Dale Meinders on the importance of prepping your equipment for success.
Thanks for the great meeting Larry!
Click on the photo below to hear what was shared!
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Guest Speaker Re-cap
Featuring Larry Hanson
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TCWU reunited with local radio host and fishing guide Larry Hanson at our at our January club meeting.
Larry is the host of Real Talk Outdoors radio show on BOB FM and a full time Professional Fishing Guide with over 30 years of experience in multi species fishing. He features guided trips on our local twin city metro lakes, Brainerd area lakes, and the Upper Mississippi River for smallmouth bass.
We were excited to have Larry present on catching walleyes through the ice and to provide our club with a lifetime of fishing tips, and techniques, that will improve our Walleye catching skills.
*Special thanks to Larry for stepping in for Mark Fisher who is unable to attend*
For those who missed the meeting enjoy a re-cap of Larry's presentation below!
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Ice Walleyes – Starting out
Mapping and planning your Ice fishing trip strategy, will help you locate the the top positions to start in relation to the structure on the lake.
Structures to consider
- Drop offs
- Saddles – the area between to 2 pieces of structure
- Inside turns = Manny’s Steak House, all the big fish dine there
- Points
- Mud flats
- Basin Area
Understand your bottom content
- Weeds – How tall are they, are they scattered, is it a flat of them
- Is there a gradual or steep drop off and are there any fish on your locator
Match your equipment to the lure size
- The weight of the lure determines the rod, line and action
- 1/8 to 1/4 – 4 to 6 lb line medium fast action
- 5/16 to 3/8 medium Heavy Rod
- 1/2 to 3/4 Heavy action Fiberglass – Glass has a softer tip, which you want for big fish
- If it’s cold he uses Mono or Fluorocarbon
- Heavier use Braid with a Fluorocarbon leader
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Jigging spoons – most of the time using 1/8 to 1/4
- Buckshot Rattler's
- Rattling PT
- Usually can up your size with these baits. Size down during heavy fishing pressure
Glide Baits - Jigging Minnows
- Jigging Rap
- Shiver Minnow – Larry’s favorite
- Tikka Minnow
- Rippin Rap
- Live Target
Fishing Tips
- Use short shank jigs such as Fireball Jigs
- Jigging action depends on the mood the fish are in. You have to figure this out, every day can be different
- Pound your jigs into the bottom, to create a natural disturbance, which attracts fish
- Smaller jigs have slower drops and may be the advantage on pressured fish or slow bites. Sizing down can be the answer at times
- You can usually can up your size with jigging baits as they attract aggressive fish
- Feathered Treble Hook replacements are a new trend, are available in stores, and can differentiate presentation by:
- Give off micro-bubbles
- Add a little buoyancy to the treble hook
- Add color and enhance the presentation
Dead Sticks coupled with an I-Fish Pro Tip-up
- Larry loves it so much he will never go back to hand over hand
- Use a Bait Feeder reel with dual drag reel to optimize the technique
- This set up will actually self-set the hook on many of your fish
- Use a Kahle hook with lead on the hook shaft. These hooks work like a circle hook and most times hook fish in the corner of the mouth
- Start with 1/8 inch jig and switch to 1/4 ounce in deep water
- Set your jig close to the bottom when you start and raise the jig 6 inches at a time until you find the depth that produces the best fishing
Use long rods - Larry recommends a 38 inch on the I-Fish Pro or when fishing outside and shorter rods 32 inch inside your ice house
The key to fishing metro lakes is to learn how to fish the weeds and weed edges. Structure in the weeds can improve fish concentrations. Learn these spots to improve fishing success
Be careful around channels, learn the safe spots and fish the structures on the safe side of the transition
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Special thanks to Larry joining our club to talk fishing. We had an amazing meeting and appreciate all the walleye fishing tips along with the different techniques and presentations you shared for ice fishing walleyes.
Larry is an amazing educator, guide and is active on social media, which provides a great source of information, on the latest techniques and fishing tips.
We recommend that you follow Larry on social media. Click on the links below to learn more.
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TC Walleyes Unlimited, Inc. |
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