TRUTHS AND TAILS, COULD'A, WOULD'A, DARN!!!

  Every once in a while, I get to see something very special.  OK, my idea of special may be a bit twisted, but thats how it goes.  Most would agree that a new State record is special, right?  Well, how about one that should'a been?  This yellow perch was 13 3/4 long, obeasely fat, and thats all we will ever know.  Had the angler taken a girth measurement, some photo's from the top down, and bottom up, it may have made no difference that the fish was released.  To the anglers credit, he wanted those superior genetics to be spawned into this years brood.  I have faced the same kind of delema, catch, keep, or let the fish contribute to the future gene pool unharmed.  It's even harder if the fish is a potential record.  There is no legal question here, not even a moral one, it's totally the anglers choice, and I respect that!  Anyway, new topic,  fishing is picking up on several fronts.  Rufas Woods walleye have seemed to have moved a bit shallower, with several big females (released) taking gold blade baits from 18 to 24 ft. on points and ledges. Limits not hard to come by. Trolling plugs like flat raps or jointed BX baits should be hot at night for those big picture fish.!  Roosevelt is getting a bit low, (-43.8ft ) which will put some of the shallower ramps out of the water.  Trout are still bitting well for both boat and bank anglers.  Pwr Bait in greens, oranges, and white are doing best.  If your trolling, raps, kflies, bingo bugs or flatfish in colors grn, gold, orange, or combinations of those, your on the right track.  The walleye and big perch like the one above are still a bit deeper on Banks. ( 28 to 60 ft).  Trust me, it wont be long till those perch move up to spawn and some big walleye will be there  to greet them. Barker flats, punchbowl, north end, or even some of the other large bay points are prime targets. Cover water now, and expect to cull thru the shakers to fill a limit. Trolling spinners in perch colors or jigging blades seems to do the job.  If history supports consistency, the smallies should break out of thier winter duldrums now and spread out in search of food. Cover water, jerks, cranks, rattle baits shine for that tactic, but never rule out craw jigs and drop shots.  If the weather stabilizes as advertized, this next weekend should be great for everything with fins!  Just a few truths and tails from Lou at Playland, tight lines folks!