Ninemile Fishing Company

Minnesota Lake Sturgeon Tags

2008-04-01T20:43:00.000-07:00

With spring lake sturgeon season almost here, the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR) reminds sturgeon anglers to purchase a lake sturgeon tag.

The $5 harvest tags, which can be purchased at any DNR Electronic Licensing System agent, are used to collect information on the statewide lake sturgeon harvest, which runs April 24 to May 7. Anglers who practice catch-and-release do not need a tag.

For further information check link listed below.

http://news.dnr.state.mn.us/index.php/2008/04/01/early-canada-minnesota-lake-sturgeon-harvest-season-opens-april-24/#more-42306

Did you Know?

2008-02-28T19:26:00.000-08:00

A legislative change effective Aug. 1, 2007 extended the expiration date of 2007 fishing licenses for resident and nonresident anglers through April 30, 2008, according to the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources.

Any stamps or tags to harvest particular species also are valid through April 30, 2008.

Angling licenses, stamps and tags for 2008, which will be effective from March 1 through April 30, 2009, went on sale Feb. 18.

Fishing licenses are required for resident anglers age 16 and older and all nonresidents. Nonresidents younger than 16 may fish without a license if a parent or guardian who is licensed accompanies them.

FLW Outdoors offers richest fantasy sports payout in history

2007-12-12T09:49:00.000-08:00

Here’s the deal: FLW is giving away $100,000 to the top fantasy player for each of the Wal-Mart FLW tournaments in 2008.

That’s seven tournaments – six regular-season events plus the yearend Forrest Wood Cup – and, thus, seven $100,000 fantasy winners.

It gets even better: In addition to those prizes, the overall cumulative points winner at the end of the season will win $1 million. That’s right: $1 million, in cash – all just for signing up and picking a few anglers.And the real kicker? This game is absolutely free to play. There are no entry fees, no hidden charges and no marketing scams involved. All you do is pick your anglers for the upcoming tournament.

Visit FLW Fantasy Fishing of r more info

Some MN fishing regulations to change on Dec. 10

2007-12-04T11:21:00.000-08:00

Minnesota anglers should be aware of changes in fishing regulations when new rules are published Dec. 10 in the State Register, according the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR).

There are several changes, to many to list here. Check out the DNR LINK for all the details.

Ron Lindner enshrined...

2007-10-30T13:49:00.000-07:00

Ron Lindner was enshrined in the National Fresh Water Fishing Hall of Fame on October 29, 2007 for his lasting national impact to the benefit of freshwater fishing.

As an active member of the Outdoor Writers Association of America, Ron has been the guiding hand and mentor for many outdoor journalists and has played a major role in shaping the landscape of the outdoor sports industry. Click Here for full article

August in Voyageur National park

2007-08-01T18:37:00.000-07:00

Here is a shot of a couple staffers after a hard days work product testing. That's right, product testing. We test all of our products first hand both in house and through some of our guide and pro-staff associates.

The testing this trip was on our Boatrule products along with R&D on a new product in the works. Our Boatrules are continuously under testing. We are constantly looking for ways to improve our Boatrule to ensure we continue to have the best fish measure ruler on the market.

I know what your thinking...it is just a ruler. Or is it?

Here at Ninemile Fishing Co we believe we have the best adhesive-back fishing ruler on the market. First off it is made in the USA by fishermen. We use a flexible adhesive-back vinyl manufactured by our states very own 3M, leaders in the adhesive and vinyl world. We also use printing technology and software developed right here in the states as well. Our point here is we do not take any short cuts on quality. Our philosophy is to make accurate, superior products that produce results. Our rulers do that without all the hype.

OK, back to our trip...

This particular trip took us up to Voyageur National Park to Crane Lake were we hoped to get a mixed bag of fishing under our belt... we did. Thought the fishing was a bit slow in the 90+ heatwave, we did manage to pick up enough walleye for shore lunch and a few of the prize species of Crane...Smallmouth. That is right, Smallmouth are the prize up on Crane. This lake is absolutely loaded with smallies, the key with mid summer fishing is locating them. They are not hanging to close to shore this time of year. Hint, look for suspended fish!

Say Cheese in Wisconsin

2007-07-15T19:37:00.000-07:00

Lots of pictures this past outing in NW Wisconsin.

Not only did we say cheese often but, we ate plenty of the stuff too. FYI, there is a great cheese shop that you must stop at if you travel HWY 70 into NW Wisconsin fish country. It is located on the south side of HWY 70 just east of Grantsburg in the little town of Alpha.

As most of you know, NW Wisconsin is the Fishbowl of the state. After all, it harbors the fishing hall of fame in Hayward. To many this is Musky country, to the average angler this is walleye and panfish country. Though bass angling is certainly not new the the region, it still arguably remains second if not third to Musky and Walleye.

Over the past 10 years we have been targeting many of the lakes in this region in search of biggie Bass. In fact some of the first Rodrule pictures taking by our photographer came from this area. During the many adventures we have discovered that the waters were generally untapped with bass anglers. We spent a great deal of time fishing specifically on weekends to get an idea on fishing pressure. Though many of the more popular, larger lakes had anglers, most of the smaller (700 acres or less) had little to no bass anglers. We would often have a lake all to ourselves. Yes, yes, we would see the occasional pontooner's with bobbers but no real competition.

Next time you are thinking of trying some new bass water in the upper-Midwest, give packer country a try. There are tons of great lakes in the NW region that are waiting for you. Oh, and size? Ya, they have plenty of pigs to go around.

Tired of Mille Lacs?

2007-06-16T11:39:00.000-07:00

Most anglers in Minnesota have fished or at least know someone who has fished the "walleye Lake" Lake Mille Lacs. Billed often as the best walleye lake in the state, Mille Lac's has proved to be a great, tried and true fishery. Sometimes so great that it draws anglers by the 100's if not thousands.

On one outing in June, myself and a fellow Ninemile staffer headed up for some walleye action on the great inland sea. With over crowded boat ramps and inclement weather we soon decided to try out some of the smaller area lakes we have been eyeing up. It just got to be a bit much this time to pursue the old eye's.

With two days left in our trip, we decided to pursue some area bass. With a map and some pre-trip homework on our side we headed away from the big lake. We fished a couple of lakes, one of which produced some very aggressive smallies. With several 17", 18" and 19" boated, we both agreed that this "unscheduled" alternative lake was well worth the switch. We fished a variety of baits: spinner baits, tubes, cranks and worms. They all produced fish however, tubes won the biggest fish of the day.

A map, some homework and, a willing to try something different are the ingredients to a memorable fishing adventure. Next time you hit a busy lake, look for an alternative, you may be pleasantly surprised.

JAMES LINDNER INDUCTED INTO THE NATIONAL FRESHWATER FISHING HALL OF FAME

2007-04-02T11:10:00.000-07:00

The first time three members of the same family has been inducted into the Hall of Fame!

June, 2007 Brainerd, MN—"James Lindner is being inducted into the 2007 National Freshwater Fishing Hall of Fame as a Legendary Communicator for his significant and lasting contributions to freshwater angling. This award is the highest honor that can be bestowed on someone in the sport fishing community and came as a result of the prestigious National Awards Committee’s wide-ranging search for deserving individuals."

Read more on James and the Angling Edge: www.anglingedge.com

Just what is the IGFA?

2007-03-06T09:12:00.000-08:00

IGFA is an acronym for: International Game Fish Association. They are a not-for-profit organization committed to the conservation of Game Fish and the promotion of responsible, ethical angling practices through science, education, rule making and record keeping.

"IGFA's objectives are founded on the beliefs that game fish species, related food fish, and their habitats are economic, social, recreational, and aesthetic assets which must be maintained, wisely used and perpetuated; and that the sport of angling is an important recreational, economic, and social activity which the public must be educated to pursue in a manner consistent with sound sporting and conservation practices."

Check out their website for more information. www.igfa.org

Monster Fall Walleye

2006-10-12T19:32:00.000-07:00

Boatrule Photo of the Week:

Some of the best monster walleye fishing of the year occurs during the fall months. Most of the large fish caught during this time are females, this one is no exception - check out the belly! These beauties are devouring large quantities of food to help nourish their developing eggs.

The key to consistent fall walleye action is to match your presentation to the water conditions, weather, and the bit. This really is KEY! With the ever changing weather conditions, fall walleye action can be anything but predictable. Most of us have been told that the big ones are usually caught during the poorest weather conditions. That said, remember, unpredictable. Case in point, take our long time fishing buddy, Wade. He caught this monster 'eye on a bright day.

This walleye was caught "several miles" south of St. Paul, Minnesota while fishing the Mississippi River on Friday, October 6th. She came in at 29" - 9 lbs.

UK Fall Salmon

2006-10-11T19:10:00.000-07:00

Our buddy Kev over in the UK sent us this great shot!

"As our salmon & trout season comes to an end there was just time to catch that last salmon - measured with the rodrule at 33" approx 15lb by my fishing partner." UK Kev

Thanks for the pics.

Measuring a beauty!

2006-10-07T19:55:00.000-07:00

With the close of the 2006 Minnesota inland trout season came beautiful fall colors and peaceful weather along the North Shore.
Though most of the North Shore Streams were mere trickles slowly gurgling down to the big lake, a few of them carried enough water to welcome the early bird fall spawners. The rivers we fished were only a few. Some secluded inland streams and some of the mid-shore Lake Superior tributaries. The Rivers along the North Shore this time of year are prime time for Pink Salmon, Coho and even coaster brook trout. Read your regulations first! The brook trout season below the posted boundaries closed Sept. 5th. If you catch one, get her back in the water ASAP!

Back to the Pinkies… they are in. We fished a few of the rivers between Silver Bay and Cascade Park. Pinks were in all rivers fished and in good numbers considering the low, low water. We found the deep holes to be the most productive areas. Good old Hercules found his way down in these holes and managed to catch some rather bright pinkies, and a nice 21” Coho.As for the nice brookie pictured above…. Let’s just say he was worth the entire trip. He was not too happy when an egg sucking leach passed by; he crushed it! Measuring in at 16”, this boy went off too spawn another day.

Boatrule big hit this summer

2006-09-17T20:12:00.000-07:00

We finally introduced the BOATRULE to our line of fishing rulers this past summer. What a hit they are! We have two sizes currently available 36" long and 48".

What makes our ruler unique is the waterproof vinyl decal material teamed up with a print process that adds extra protection against the sun. We also produced our ruler with no advertising or extra mumbo-jumbo. Our research found that most people did not care for all the fishing info, slot limit sizes, color codes, or multiple rulers in one for individual species. Our ruler is simple and easy to read period.

We hope to have our latest 60" MuskyRule available by the end of the month. you can visit the boatrule link on our blog to find more information.

Spinnerbaits: Not just for bass anymore.

2006-09-17T12:01:00.000-07:00

Spinnerbaits come in all sizes, designs, and colors. Most of us bass & pike enthusiasts have a wide variety in our arsenal. But, what about using them for Walleye and panfish? What?! Yes, under the right circumstances spinnerbaits can be deadly lures for these species as well.

On a mid July trip this past summer with fellow Ninemile staffer, Murph, we tested our theory with great success on a secluded Northern Minnesota lake. No names here, let’s just say it is within flying distance of Ely, MN.

After a morning of “reading” the lake and locating a few fish, we proceeded to try out our theory. We had caught 30+ smallmouth bass during the morning, ripping spinnerbaits through weedbeds, over rock reefs and through windfall brush. With lunch down and plenty of bass under our belt, we figured it was time for some presentation adjustments and some lure modifications.

My lure of choice was a 3/8 ounce tandem gold blade with a fluorescent green skirt. To help get down to where we knew the walleyes were lurking, I added a ¼ ounce sinker a couple of feet up from the lure and added a Berkley powerbait shad. Combined with a slow roll retrieve along a weed line or drop-off, this method proved deadly. The larger blades and bright color created the needed vibration and color contrast to entice the walleyes to strike in the stained water.

After a limit of walleyes we decided to try our luck for jumbo sunfish. Same results….deadly.

We found that the key to our success with spinnerbaits was the slow roll retrieve along structure. This allowed the spinnerbait to run just off the bottom in ‘eye county. Give it a try next time you are out…..who knows?

Effective catch and release is based on a few simple principals

2006-09-16T09:20:00.000-07:00

Catch and release is effective and easy fish conservation. Whatever species you pursue, releasing your catch to fight another day ensures not only the survival of that fish and proliferation of the species, but also allows other anglers, maybe even you, the chance of catching a bigger fish.

Effective catch and release is based on a few simple principals. First, use barbless hooks. Second, land your fish as quickly as possible. Then, gently remove the hook using the proper technique. Finally, after briefly admiring, immediately release your fish. These principals along with understanding proper fish handling, helps to preserve fishing for generations to come.