Twin Cities Walleyes Unlimited - Monthly Newsletter |
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Join the TCWU Summer Classic 2024
See full tournament details below
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The TCWU Summer Classic 2024 is a Virtual member only Tournament hosted on FishDonkey, starting on June 1st - September 2nd, 2024.
Bragging rights will be decided by the club member who catches the largest walleye and will be honored with a personalized wood commemorative plaque!
Entering a fish
We will be utilizing the Fish Donkey App to enter all walleyes caught. If you haven’t used the Fish Donkey App all you need to do is:
- Download the Fish Donkey App to your smart phone and create a profile.
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Once your profile has been created tap Fish In A Tournament at the top of your screen
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Search for the TCWU Summer Classic 2024 and click on Join Now.
- Tournament details and rules are posted in the App. You will also find a video tutorial and a tool to practice entering a fish
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Check out the FishDonkey.com for web overview and instruction
- You will need a bump board to measure
There are many other prizes, learn more on the App in the tournament details section on the FishDonkey app.
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Tom Neustrom
May 2024 Guest Speaker Re-cap
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We were excited to introduce Hall of Fame angler, legendary guide, fishing educator, journalist and MN-FISH Board Member, Tom Neustrom at our May club meeting. When Tom is not fishing he is advocating fisheries management to organizations such as the Minnesota DNR Fishing Roundtable, the State Walleye Advisory Committee, and the Red Lake Advisory Council. He is a passionate advocate for our states angling best interest's.
For those of you who missed the meeting, Tom presented personal fishing tips, techniques, and strategies that he uses to achieve success on the water. He also lead a valuable discussion on recent MN-FISH success, advocacy and their mission to improve fishing in Minnesota.
Enjoy the re-cap!
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MN-FISH - Making a Difference
As anglers, we understand the importance of preserving and improving our lakes, fish populations and accessibility. Tom is a Board Member with MN-FISH and has been at the forefront of this effort. Through their advocacy, MN-FISH has secured an impressive $86 million in funding for hatcheries and boat access, which is an achievement that benefits us all. Their focus goes beyond just catching fish; it's about preserving our natural resources for generations to come.
Tom and MN_FISH work tirelessly to build relationships with our Governor and legislature, which has helped make significant strides in creating this positive change. They are committed to improving management and communication to ensure our voices are heard. He asked us all to join MN-FISH to create a bigger voice and they will keep us all tuned in to all the issues with their member newsletter.
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How we fish today - Advancements in fishing
We have seen a significant change in the technology we use to locate and catch fish. Our electronics have advanced tremendously, and new sonar has revolutionized the way we fish. Essentially there is no place fish can hide, but we still need to get them to bite. Using technology may make it easier but it is essential that we use it responsibly to protect our resources.
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Lake Master and other mapping chips define the structure of our lakes. Varying the depth shading presets on your sonar will help you identify positive fishing structure. Use red for shallow water, green for the next break, and blue for everything else. Changing the presets to these settings will help you pinpoint the locations you are fishing, and make it easier to pattern fish
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Combining GPS with lake map chips allow us to follow a depth contour hands free
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Spot lock GPS positioning is one of the most effective and innovative new technologies. The ability to hold your boat position with a click of a button is remarkable and has nearly eliminated the need for anchors
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Talon shallow water anchors are quiet, quick and improve anchoring. No ropes are needed, and extremely efficient at boat landings as well
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Electronics
It's important to learn how to use your electronics properly. Consider on the water training with a guide. They will provide valuable training and the one on one engagement allows for discussions, note-taking, questions and answers. Your learning curve will increase dramatically with personal training.
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What is the best sonar? "They are all good", Tom uses Humminbird and he provided his comments below
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Side imaging – a great way to find fish at a decent pace and observe amazing real life images of the lake structure below the surface
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360 gives you a 360 view of the lake bottom from one position
- The value of Down imaging is that it will show you how many fish are down there
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Forward facing sonar is incredible and can image fish real-time. It even shows fish movement. It is the best at identifying fish in the weeds
- Choose the right sonar with the features you need to succeed. Tom recommends - 2D, Side imaging and Down Imaging
- Pick a spot on your lake and compare 2D, Side and Down imaging sonar images to learn the nuances of each sonar image
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Fishing Techniques
Live bait finesse trolling rig
- Use a lighter weight cone sinkers
- Colorado or Indiana spinner with 6 beads between the hook and spinner
- Speed - 1.2-1.6 mph works well
- In dirty water, use less line and a shorter leader (20 inches).
- In clear water, let out more line with a 34-inch leader
- Keep your bait 6 inches above the bottom and use minnows or half a crawler
- Tom avoids using leeches as they tend to wrap around the hook and negatively impact the presentation.
- Use an Eagle Claw 1 aught Aberdeen hook and put the hook through the mouth and twist it up through the gut to reduce the minnow from spinning.
- Shallow water use 1/8 oz sinker or smaller
- Deeper water use a 1/8 oz
- This technique works great in and over the top weeds. Target cabbage for the best results
Pitching Jigs in shallow water
- Uses braid Suffix 832 with a fluorocarbon leader
- 24 inch, 10 lb fluorocarbon leader
- Lead or Tungsten jig heads with strong hook shanks
Bobber Fishing
- Use medium action rod 7’6 with over size eyelets for bobber fishing. Allows you to cast long distances and your bobber stop won’t hang up on the eyelet
- Use tungsten jig heads
- Tom recommends the St Croix Avid Series
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Fishing Tips
Plan to succeed
Tom encourages anglers to do their homework. Don't forget to study maps, and ask for advice from local bait shop owners who are always happy to help. Don't underestimate the value of smaller shops – they often provide more meaningful details than larger stores.
- Need a quick and easy meal on the water? Boil hot dogs or brats and put them in a wide mouth insulated container filled with hot water. It's warm, easy, and delicious!
- Consider investing in a bobber rod with larger guides, such as the 7'6 Avid from St. Croix.
- Have you ever wondered if a thicker or thinner rod handle is better? Well, thinner allows for better feel, so give it a try if you haven't already
- For those ice fishing, keep your lure 6 inches above the fish for the best results
- If you're looking for the best line, we recommend using Line 832 Suffix 10 lb with a 10 lb Fluorocarbon leader. Start at 34 inches and re-tie when you get to 16 inches. Knots such as Uni (double Uni), Albright, Alberto, and F&G are quick, easy, and strong
- Concerns about Red Lake. Tom says not to worry, as nothing will happen in the near future
Special thanks to Tom 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.
Tom is based out of Grand Rapids and is experienced with all of the lakes in Northern Minnesota. While some may argue that we can never catch enough fish, Tom believes that fishing is about more than just catching. It's about the comradery, the memories, learning and the joy of seeing that rod bend with a bite.
Remember, if you love fishing, pursue it. You may have bad days, but you'll always learn something
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To learn more about Tom and his guide service check him on his social media page
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TCWU Guest Speaker line up 2024-25 |
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Twin Cities Walleyes Unlimited
Donates $2,000 to MN-DNR
Fishing in the Neighborhood Program
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The non-profit club, Twin Cities Walleyes Unlimited, has donated $2,000 to MN-DNR to support their Fishing in the Neighborhood program
Fishing in the Neighborhood (FiN) is a Minnesota DNR program aimed at increasing angling opportunities, public awareness and environmental stewardship within the seven-county metro region. They provide easily accessible fishing opportunities close to where people live. Click on the link to learn more about the FiN Program
Twin Cities Walleyes Unlimited, Inc. is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization. They meet monthly from September through May at 6:30pm at the Knights of Columbus Bloomington Event Center, 1114 American Blvd West, in Bloomington. Notable Past Seminar Speakers are Al Linder, Babe Winkelman, Sara and Tyler Trampe, Chip Leer, Gary Roach, Tony Roach, Bill Sherck, Ted Takasaki, and Dave Gentz Brad Hawthorne, Brian Brosdahl, Tommy Kemos, and John Hoyer.
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Sponsor Spotlight
Thrane Refrigeration Equipment
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Thrane is a Licensed and Bonded in the State of Minnesota Refrigeration, HVAC, and Mechanical Contractor in business since 1988. We refurbish a full line of grocery store and convenience store (c-store) refrigeration equipment and cases at our Minneapolis location. Restaurant equipment is also on our Minneapolis show floor.
What separates them from the rest of the grocery and refrigeration equipment refurbish companies is that they have the newest equipment to refurbish, at a lower cost, and in a quicker fashion. Often times many refrigeration companies will sell equipment from the 90's, or early 2000's; Almost all of their equipment is from 2000 and newer and most of it from 2005 and newer!
They are your source for top-of-the-line glass door reach-in freezers and coolers with over 500 doors in stock: Hussmann, Tyler, Hill Phoenix, Zero-Zone, Kysor-Warren, True, and more brands, in electric-defrost, hot-gas defrost, self-contained, remote versions, walk-in coolers and freezers, condensing units, evaporator coils, meat/dairy/deli cases, rack systems, rooftop condensers, compressors, under counter, stainless steel, and all other grocery store refrigeration and restaurant equipment.
Stop by their showroom! Hour are M-F 9 AM - 5:30 PM, Saturday 10 AM - 4:00 PM.
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Special Thanks to all our Sponsors |
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TCWU Hosts Future Anglers of Minnesota |
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TCWU hosted Future Anglers of Minnesota at our May Club Meeting. They are an important youth nonprofit organization designed to mentor kids through fishing. |
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Their Mission
"We want to teach the youth of today all about fishing, but more importantly we want to teach them about life through fishing."
We want to fuel their fire to fish and provide them life lessons along the way. Teaching them the importance of hard work, determination, dedication, commitment, and patience in life through our time on the water.
To learn more about how you can support, participate, volunteer or become a member check out and follow their social media below.
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TCWU Pro-tip of the Month |
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TCWU May guest speaker - legendary guide and HOF Angler Tom Neustrom shared this “Pro Tip of the Month“ with Club President Dale Meinders on locating and catching early season walleyes.
Thanks for the great meeting Tom!
Click on the photo below to hear what was shared!
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Minnesota Angler Meet-up
Tournament Re-cap
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Minnesota Angler Meet-Up “Bragging Rights” Tournament was held on May 16-19
There is no question that the number one goal of the event was a success i.e. “to promote fellowship, camaraderie, and the sharing of ideas while engaging in a fun, 2-day tournament.
There were 8 members from the Minnesota Valley In-Fisherman Club, 13 from the Twin Cities Walleye Unlimited Club, 9 women anglers some of whom were members of the Women Anglers of Minnesota, and several anglers from around the state who participated in this year’s tournament.
Heavy winds made boat control difficult on the second day and the water was still a little cold for the “big bite” to be on, but several participants caught a “personal best” fish while at the Meet-Up.
Congratulations to the following teams who finished in win, place and show:
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Harry Rishel and Oly Olson who won 1st place in this year’s Minnesota Angler Meet-Up tournament on beautiful Lake Vermilion. Harry and Oly won with 487 points.
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Mike Banovetz and Randy Lee won 2nd place with 479 points
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Kail Lavigne and Dan Camp. 3rd place winners with 407 points
First and second place “Big Fish” money went to master angler, Mike Banovetz for his 25” and 24” walleye, and third place “Big Fish” money went to Harry Rishel for his 34’ pike.
Special thanks to Ed Tausk, Wendy, and the Vermilion Dam Lodge Staff for hosting our event and making everyone feel so welcome, Tournament Directors - Kay Hawley, John Larson, Jack Naylor, and helpers Beverly Keller, Lyn Tonne, Vermilion guides Dave Schueck and Shawn Novak who shared tips and tricks during the evening seminars, and the TCWU & MVIF board members for all they did to make this a GREAT event.
Thanks to those who donated to our event: Eden Prairie Scheels, Tom Boley, Dave Schueck, and the Twin Cities Walleye Unlimited Club.
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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
The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources has identified more than 40 public water access sites throughout the state for extensive upgrades.
Click on the link below to learn more
Anglers fishing on Upper Red Lake during the 2024 open-water season that starts May 11 will have a three-walleye possession limit, with only one walleye longer than 17 inches allowed.
Click on the link below to learn more.
Mille Lacs Lake walleye fishing will be catch-and-release during the spring and early summer of 2024, with the opportunity to harvest a walleye starting on Friday, August 16.
Click on the link below to learn more
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TC Walleyes Unlimited, Inc. |
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