News from Piragis Northwoods Company and the BoundaryWatersCatalog.com:

Special Pre-Season Fishing Info and Bait Tips!

We're getting anxious up here and although the Crappies are more than willing to be pulled up through the ice, the ice is beginning to look as if it were ready to retire for the season in some places. We want soft water back and so we're already dreaming of the Minnesota Walleye Opener.

Fishing Seasons:

Boundary Waters:
Smallmouth Bass: May 10, 2008 – February 22, 2009 (starting date for Arrowhead area only, catch and release only from September 8 through the end of the season)

Walleye: May 10, 2008 – February 22, 2009
Northern Pike: May 10, 2008 – February 22, 2009
Lake Trout: May 10 – September 30, 2008
Crappie, Sunfish, Rock Bass, Bluegill…..continuous

Please go to the Minnesota DNR website for more details about the fishing season and regulations.
http://www.dnr.state.mn.us/fishing/seasons.html

Quetico:
Smallmouth Bass: Open all year
Walleye: January 1 – April 14 and the 3rd Saturday in May to December 31, 2008
Northern Pike: Open all year
Lake Trout: January 1 – September 30, 2008


Our Bait Recommendations
Environmentally friendly no-lead jigs when jigging.
Biodegradable Berkley Gulp instead of rubber lures.
Recommended line strength is 6-10 lbs.
Jigs: 1/8oz green in the spring, chartreuse and pink in the summer
Live bait: minnows in spring and fall, leeches in spring-mid summer, worms in late summer.

Smallmouth Bass (aka Bronzeback)

State record – 8 lbs on West Battle Lake in Otter Tail County

Spawn in June – they are in the shallows, incredible action
Mid-summer – reefs and points near deeper water, structure
September – start going deep, harder to catch

Suggested lures:
Tiny torpedos, poppers, Mepps spinners, crank baits, Berkley Gulp and jigs

Walleye

State record – 17 lbs, 8 oz on Seagull River in Cook County

Early spring spawn
Moving water, shallow bars and reefs
They like hard bottoms
Mid-summer: flats, points, reefs, islands to deep water
August – Search cooler waters, shadows and structure. Hunting is harder due to bright sun and heat.
September Picks up, try points, check reefs
Do not use a leader for best results

Suggested lures:
Spring – crankbaits
Summer – jigs (1/8th oz) and rigs
Mid-late summer – trolling jigs and spinners deep

Northern Pike (Water Wolves)

State record – 45 lbs, 12 oz on Basswood Lake in Cook County

Early spring spawn
September and October – “Pike Fest” as they are hungry
Love weed beds, fish the edges/parallel to them
September – shallow feeders
Use a leader

Suggested lures:
Large poppers, torpedos, spinners (red/orange/nickel), Dardevle, large crankbaits

Lake Trout

State record – 43 lbs, 8 oz on Lake Superior in Cook County

Shallow in early-mid May
Fall spawn – late September
Like rocks and rubble that drop quickly
Shallow to deep (can be very deep) back to shallow in fall

Suggested lures:
When in the shallows use crank baits. Troll during the summer with deep running crankbaits (orange, blue, chrome, chartreuse), spoons, bucktail jigs

Featured Trip: Smallmouth Bass Guided Group Trip
June 14-20, 2008.

Join us for a great adventure in the Northwoods at what is one of the best fishing weeks of the season. Catch smallmouth bass, one of the best pound per pound fighting species around, northern pike, walleye and lake trout during a 6 day - 5 night journey in the Boundary Waters. This trip includes a guide, our top of the line Full Outfitting package, and a motel room before and after the adventure. We make everything easy for you so you can arrive in Ely and start thinking about what lure you are going to use for your first cast.

Enjoy your time up here in magnificent waters where you are sure to make memories of the many fish you caught. Bring your camera to prove that your memories are as big as you say they are!! J Knife Lake is the destination this year, but exploring the lakes in that entire area of the BWCA is also part of the plan. This amazing lake has great fishing, is part of the historic border route and was home to the Boundary Waters’ last resident, Dorothy Molter, also known as “The Rootbeer Lady”. Paddle, fish, relax, eat, and watch the sun set among the pines. It’s going to be a week that you’ll want to be a part of. Call Bert or Drew today to reserve your spot. There are only 5 openings left. Hope you can join us!!!

Call Bert or Drew today, 1-800-223-6565 to reserve your spot today.
Trip Cost: with 2 - 4 guests $1095 (+ tax), with 5 - 7 guests: $895 (+ tax)

Chota Marsh Boot II on Closeout Sale

You Save 40% Were $114.95 now $68.97


Chota's Marsh Boot II features an exclusive RockLoc High Traction rubber sole for superior wet/dry traction. Featuring Closed Cell Neoprene insulation with fleece lining for warmth and comfort. Extra large toe box allows for unrestricted circulation while Chota's exclusive QuickLace System keeps the foot securely in place and provides extra support. The nylon cinch strap retards flooding and helps lock in scent. Waterproof boot for fishing, hunting, and portaging; the unique Neoprene/Rubber construction provides positive buoyancy.

No backorders.

http://www.boundarywaterscatalog.com/browse.cfm/4,6154.html

Click here for NEW ITEMS FROM PIRAGIS
http://www.boundarywaterscatalog.com/new.htm