The next vital choice must be no-stretch line at a slightly lighter test than for larger fish. High-visibility Berkley Fireline
Crystal in 10-lb test provides excellent feedback while telegraphing strikes to anglers watching their lines and rod tips
during the jigging motion. A 10-foot leader of 8-lb Berkley 100% Flourocarbon completes the rig. Speaking of jigs, any
3/8-ounce standard walleye jig will do when paired with a white soft plastic lure. My favorite is the Berkley Mantis Shrimp
that has two small flapper tails and multiple appendages that trigger curious lakers. The new Berkley Powerbait Pro Grub
should be tried as well. An alternative presentation would be the W7 Rapala Jigging Rap, ½-ounce PK Spoon, or the
Johnson Thinfisher blade bait. These lures are heavy enough to feel in deeper water, hold a small piece of sucker meat or
scented Berkley Gulp! Pre-Cut Stripz, and their darting and fluttering action attracts these hyper-active lake trout.
At this point it comes down to feeling the strike and setting the hook! With so many bites a competitive situation quickly
develops on the boat, especially if you are fishing with Granby Reservoir guide Bernie Keefe (www.fishingwithbernie.com). Miss too many in a row and watching your boat-mate reel in another fish can get you down. As highlighted in
a recent TV show, Bernie sometimes provides a special hat or apron to wear if you miss too many. If you go on a streak of
successful hookups don’t save your best one-liners for later because when you’re hot you’re hot! After a summer of one
or two big-fish bites a day, ten bites an hour puts everyone in a great mood. Plus, in most cases the removal of smaller
fish (<21”) from the lake maintains a good balance and filets perfectly for dinner.
Bernie recommends the fall bite to all of his guests because, “the detail of finding the fish, holding the boat over them,
finding the right jigging cadence, and setting that hook is invaluable.” Multiple bites an hour propels your bite-detection,
hookset, and mental focus skills through the roof. Learning the fine art of vertical jigging takes hundreds of successful
hookups which may be four days in the fall or two seasons of chasing larger fish in the summer and on the ice. Hiring a
guide for small fish pays off handsomely when you know that a day of constant swinging generates the confidence you
need to make every big-fish bite count for the rest of your life.
Taking a new angler on these trips also makes for a great time as they make that jump in experience as well. The crisp air
and brilliant fall colors seal the deal to develop new friendships, motivate new anglers, and fine-tunes even the most
experienced talent.