August 31, 2008 on Leech Lake

After yesterday's experience, Joe decided to go panfishing with me again today on the beautiful Sucker Bay of Leech Lake.

We fished from 2:00 to 3:50 p.m., under sunny skies, with a temperature of 85+ degrees, winds out of the SE at 12-20 mph and a water temperature of 72 degrees. Using the wind to push us along at approximately 0.5 to 0.7 mph, we set up in front of our cabin in 8 feet of water. In this position the wind would move us along the weed line north to the Birches.

We used the same tackle set up today as we did yesterday -- 1/16 oz. Northland Neon-tone Gum-Ball jigs with silver Colorado blade spinners, tipped with 3" Gulp minnows in smelt color.

We didn't catch as many fish as we did yesterday, but Joe did put a fair number of mid-sized perch, bluegill and crappies in the boat. I caught only a handful of fish, but among them was a very nice jumbo perch which went directly into the live well. I want to treat my parents to a Leech Lake fish fry, so we're going to need a half dozen or so big jumbo perch.