Twin Cities Walleyes Unlimited - Monthly Newsletter |
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Changing Seasons
Greetings Club friends! The month of October marks that time of year for changes. Not only is the weather changing, but also for me, it’s time to put my boat away, take the dock out of the water and change from fishing season to hunting season. It is also that time when I start preparing for the change from open water season to hard water season. We have some outstanding speakers coming up and I can’t wait for what they will share with us.
November’s guest speaker is Scott Mackenthun. With Scott’s background as an outdoor writer, fisheries biologist for the MN DNR and Clam Pro Staff, he has a lot to share with us and get us excited for the upcoming ice fishing season.
Save the date! Please mark your calendars on January 28th to volunteer for our 6th annual Minnesota Military Youth Ice Fishing Event on Big Marine Lake. This is one of our biggest GIVE events of the year and we need your help. The past couple of years, we have hosted over 100 kids, introducing them to the sport of ice fishing and we need volunteers to make it the best day we can. Mark your calendars and look for sign up opportunities coming soon!
I look forward to seeing you all at our November meeting and don’t forget to bring a friend!
Dale Meinders
President - Twin Cities Walleyes Unlimited
Connect | Educate | Give
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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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Scott Mackenthun joins TCWU as
Guest Speaker on Thursday November 3rd
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TCWU welcomes you to talk fishing with Scott Mackenthun!
Good afternoon club members, we all hope you are getting in some fall fishing and hooking up with some late season walleye action. We are excited to host local angler, fisheries biologist and outdoor writer Scott Mackenthun at our November club meeting. Scott brings a wealth of fishing knowledge to share. He started out as an outdoor writer in 2005 and began a career as a full time fisheries biologist in 2008. You can find his work in the St. Cloud Times, Mankato Free Press, and various print and digital outlets as a freelance writer. Scott lives in New Prague with his wife Jackie, raising two daughters who have started putting check marks next to the species they've caught on their own "Fishes of Minnesota" posters.
Make sure to mark your calendars and we will see you on November 3rd!
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TCWU Guest Speaker line up 2022-23 |
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Giving Back to the Community |
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Above President Dale Meinders serves up our picnic lunch. Special thanks to Stretch "Scott Ganrud, and Old Dutch for your amazing contributions to our events! |
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We had a great group of TCWU Volunteers join us on Saturday June 4th to give back by being a fishing buddy. Its been a long two years since we've been fishing with our friends at FRASER and we are glad that we got back together to create something fun for for all. The excitement they bring is energizing and from the moment they arrive, we all realize the true impact that we are making in their lives, and the importance of inclusion. It’s unique that some of the happiest and most memorable moments in our lives have something to do with fishing and the outdoors.
Special Thanks to Bill Ewald, Paul Yanzer, Chris Cochran, John Jordan, Tom Singleton, Brad Dybdahl, Jim Ackerman, Russell Nelson, Liv and Dale Meinders. Thanks for sharing your valuable time giving back to our community and making a FUN day for all!
FRASER supports individuals and families living with diverse intellectual, emotional, or physical needs by providing quality health care, housing, education employment and support services. Their vision of a more inclusive and equitable world where people of all abilities have the opportunities, resources, and systems that empower them to realize their dreams and thrive.
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Sponsor Spotlight
Pure Fishing
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TCWU welcomes the the Pure Fishing family of fishing products as a new club sponsor. Their portfolio boasts the of the most recognized, trusted and our favorite fishing brand. Their drive for quality innovation and and advancements have earned them a reputation the worlds leading fishing company!
We encourage you to try their products if you haven't and check out their website for more information and the latest product updates.
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Special Thanks to all our Sponsors |
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Club outing with Tony Roach
on Lake Mille Lacs Saturday January 14, 2023
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Great news members, we have scheduled our 4th Annual Ice Fishing Camp with Tony Roach as our guide and coach. Tony is stoked to host this event and has an awesome day of Fun planned for us.
Event Details
- Date: Saturday January 14th
- 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
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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!
Camp includes shelters, lunch, bait, personal coaching from Tony and his guides and the latest ice fishing technology and equipment to try out.
Stay tuned for more details to come
Event Coordinator Contact information if you have questions:
- Phone: Russell Nelson - 612-616-9964
- Email: tcwalleyes@gmail.com
Nitti's Hunters Point Resort
5436 479th St, Isle, MN 56342
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One-fish walleye limit set on Mille Lacs Lake for spring, fall fishing
Mille Lacs Lake walleye anglers will see a relaxed harvest slot for walleye fishing beginning Thursday, Sept 1. As announced in March of this year, the one-fish walleye limit will resume and an expansion of the harvest slot, anglers will be able to harvest one walleye 20-23 inches or one longer than 26 inches, with fishing allowed from 6 a.m. to midnight. The original walleye harvest slot for fall fishing on Mille Lacs this year was one fish 21-23 inches or one longer than 28 inches.
Upper Red Lake walleye regulations change for winter season
Anglers fishing during the winter season on Upper Red Lake in northern Minnesota will have a three-walleye bag limit, with only one walleye longer than 17 inches allowed in possession.
Minnesota Legislature Fails to Support MN DNR in 2022
Please read TCWU Club Friend Steve Pennaz's MN-Fish article below, which reminds us all on the importance of the need to create a Unified Voice!
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Join MN-Fish and help support a Unified Voice to improve our fishing future! |
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The MN-FISH™ Sportfishing Foundation and Coalition, led by President Ron Schara, was formed to help reverse negative trends and bring a strong, unified voice to St. Paul advocating for our anglers, our fisheries and our next generation of anglers. |
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There is only one way to take on these fishing related issues and raise awareness and that's By working together!
That’s why fishing leaders, innovators and legends came together to build a fishing advocacy group focused on improving fishing for future generations to enjoy.
It’s your “State of Fishing" and we need you to become a participant. Together, we can accomplish our mission!
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Become a MN-Fish Member
Three ways to join
- Free Charter Membership
- Founding Member
- Life Member
To learn more go to:
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MN-Fish’s 2022 - Successes, Challenges
By Steve Pennaz
If anything, 2022 has been a reminder of why state anglers need a strong voice at the Minnesota legislature. Once again, despite a record budget surplus of more than $9.25 billion, and support from the Minnesota DNR, the legislature failed to invest any funding for critical infrastructure upgrades to aging state fish hatcheries and boat ramps across the state.
MN-FISH’s four experienced lobbyists and several board members, including MN-FISH Executive Director Mark Holsten and president Ron Schara, spent weeks at the state capitol meeting with legislators to gather support for key funding bills.
The legislature refused to vote on any bonding bill before the session ended, leaving anglers across the state frustrated and angry.
Meanwhile, in Michigan, the legislature there passed a bill this spring providing $30 million dollars to improve state fish hatcheries. Dennis Eade, executive director of the Michigan Salmon and Steelhead Fishermen’s Association, quoted in Michigan Outdoor News, said “I think it was monumental! It’s going to set us up for decades.”
There is still a chance Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz will call a special session. If so, the legislature will have another opportunity to make needed investments back into fishing and boating. If the governor doesn’t call a special session, MN-FISH will work to get funding bills passed in 2023.
By Steve Pennaz, as seen in The September MN-Fish Member E-News
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TCWU Pro-tip of the Month |
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October guest speaker Larry Hanson shares this “Pro Tip of the Month“ on catching fall walleyes with Club President Dale Meinders.
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 hosted fishing guide Larry Hanson, of Real Talk Outdoors radio show on BOB FM. He is 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 that he shared his 30 years of experience and knowledge with the club.
Larry's first guided trip was in 1989. He guided some folkes from Germany to help his brother out. He has been fishing Lake Minnetonka for over 50 years, which makes him the most experienced guide on the lake. He became a full-time guide in 2022 and bringing joy to his clients by putting them on fish is what matters to Larry!
For those who missed the meeting you will find a recap of Larry favorite fishing techniques, locations and valuable insights, that are sure to broaden your fishing skills, enjoy!
"There is no magic lure the secret to success is between your ears. You need to be positive and fish as much as you can and in all weather to learn how to catch fish successfully all year."
A few tips are:
- Vision - understand the conditions, visualize and think two steps ahead
- Be a good steward of fishing and help your fellow anglers out by sharing tips, and helping them out when they need it. You will receive tips back in return
- We are blessed in Minnesota to have such amazing fishery with so many species and a variety of lake types. Take the time to understand these lake types to achieve success
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Oligotrophic lakes are generally deep and clear with little aquatic plant growth
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Mesotrophic lakes are lakes with an intermediate level of productivity. These lakes are commonly clear water
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A eutrophic lake is typically shallow with a soft and mucky bottom. Rooted plant growth is abundant along the shore and out into the lake, and algal blooms are not unusual. Water clarity is not good and the water often has a tea color.
DNR Myths
- The spread of invasive species can be controlled. False, turtles, birds, animals are all spreading it. Checking boats is a waste of DNR time and expense
- Invasive species are decreasing plankton biomass by up to 60%. Larry is not seeing a reduction in our lakes
- Zebra muscles are harmful to our lakes. False, they are actually cleaning the water, which improve weed growth. Fish are eating them and getting bigger. Clams, mollusk's, etc... have always been in our waters
- Poisoning our lakes to kill weeds is a huge mistake. They say its not hazardous but when they poison the weeds they are wearing hazmat suits, think about that! We need to stop these wasteful projects and stop pouring chemicals in the lakes and all for what? an acid bath?
- Weeds are misunderstood, they hold fish, provide cover, food and clean the water.
Stocking
- Fry have a 2% survival rate
- Stocking larger adult walleyes 8-13 inches have a 95% survival rate
- If we can get angler to return fish back to the water until they reach 16 inches it will greatly improve the fishing
- Why do walleye populations crash? Overharvesting of male walleyes, which is a result of the current slot imbalance
- The DNR has been under funded for years. The walleye hatchery in Waterville hasn't been touched/update since 1951. Would you trade in your new car for one that is 70 years old? 30% of Minnesota's resident population fish. We generate 4.2 billion in revenue, where is the money going? 1.8 million of us fish and we can all agree on that. The Legislature doesn't get it!
- Larry encourages us to support MN-Fish, we need there advocacy to fix the problems
Mapping - has changed and revolutionized fishing. It gets you close which is the key.
- The ability to add color and shade sections of depth are instrumental in identifying locations that are holding fish
- Larry marks where fish his are caught and the inside turn 90% of the time, is a hard feature where he catches more fish, even more than points
- Focus on inside turns with your mapping. Today's maps have divulged so many nooks and cranny's, which is eye opening.
- Inside turns with hard bottoms are the best spots
- Spot Lock one of greatest innovations
- Focus on pinch points in spring and fall
- Jig and a minnow or trolling
- Walleyes on Minnetonka aren't always night biters
Special thanks to Larry for joining our club to talk fishing. We had an amazing meeting and appreciate all the walleye fishing tips and insights you shared. We urge you to check out Larry on his radio show Real Talk Outdoors:
For guided outings you can connect with Larry at:
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TC Walleyes Unlimited, Inc. |
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