Well while Cap was catching big walleyes out of Fort Peck, I was trying to catch up with my home chores.  Three tournaments in June have me behind in the weed wars and my dying grass was desperate for a long drink.  I’ve made a small dent and with a few more evening work sessions I might get the worst of the problems fixed.

Congratulations to Kit and Trevor Johnson for their Canyon Ferry win!  Much has been written about the tournament so I’ll just say it was great fun and thanks to all the folks who worked so hard so the rest of us could play!  My partner and I sit in 3rd place for Team of the Year with the Crooked Creek Fall Classic tournament left which is the first weekend in August.  Several teams and individuals can make big moves in the standings with solid catches so I expect the competition will be exciting.  We really had a lot of fun last year at the Classic, you never know what you’ll have on your hook as we caught 8 different species in one day!  If you have not signed up yet, don’t wait to long as I expect it to fill!

Now that the temperatures have been staying into the high 80’s and 90’s, early morning fishing times will be the most enjoyable.  If you are catching fish and find yourself staying out in the heat and sun be sure to stay well hydrated.  Sport drinks and water are your best bets.  Keep an eye on each other for heat related illness, know the symptoms so at the first indication of onset you can take immediate action they can be fatal.
 
When I’m fishing on days of high heat and I plan to harvest some fish for my table, I take a large quantity of ice with me.  I place the caught fish on the ice immediately rather than in a livewell for hours and hours.  I feel this preserves the meat much better.  The other thing I do prior to cooking the fish is to soak the fillets in milk which helps draw out any blood left after cleaning.  Walleye is such great table fare I do everything possible to enjoy it.

Til next time….Be Smart and Be Safe!

Pat Slater
Pro Staff: Mack’s Lure & Ranger Boats
National Professional Angler Association #757