Mille Lacs Chronicles: Smallmouth Surprises with Walleye Mike

On a standard fishing day, I could be found alongside Walleye Mike, my drop shot angling companion, on the frosty banks of the colossal Mille Lacs - one of Minnesota's most impressive fishing havens, chasing after the cunning walleye. But today, fanned by the murmur of excitement for the unexpected, I proposed an enticing challenge to Mike. To sway from our walleye routine and instead, tail the dynamic, smallmouth bass.

Brandon & Mike preparing for a day filled with adventure and anticipation.

Video Recap

The Adventure Begins

Our journey, which spanned an hour and a half was a scenic spectacle embellished with the charm of the rustic outdoors. It concluded on the east side of the lake at the liberty boat launch. Despite the soothing pastel hues that painted the sky, the weather was a dramatic blend of gentle zephyrs and random gusts, a typical trait of Minnesota's weather unpredictability.

Mille Lacs, often feared for its wild winds, exhibited a surprisingly docile demeanor that day. With the water's serene surface reflecting the dreamy sky above, we set onto the lake, armed with meticulously planned strategies to explore our chosen fishing hotspots.

Serene Mille Lacs lake reflecting a picturesque Minnesota's sky at Liberty Boat launch.

Equipped to Reel

With the task cut out, we had to employ the best skills in our arsenal. Taking refuge in the all-powerful, drop shot technique, we embarked on our pursuit. Observing Mike's masterful precision with this setup almost bordered on hypnotic, prompting me to equip one of my spinning reels with the same technique.

Practicing the art of Mastering the drop shot technique.

The First Bite

Our eyes were set on a renowned reef known for its significant hump. Just as we reached our first location, fortune favored us. No sooner than we cast our lines, Mike, with his uncanny knack for fishing, hooked a sizeable smallmouth bass. The jubilation table, however, turned quickly as a mix of winter rustiness, adrenaline-surged excitement, and impatient anticipation led to our first catch slipping back into the elusive depths of Mille Lacs.

Lessons on the Lake

The minor setback did little to dampen our spirits, rather it fueled our determination and confirmed we were fishing in the right spot. Mike, staying true to his reputation, soon put a tally of significant hauls on the board. The day quickly transformed into an engaging nutshell of how to conquer the lake.

Mike's proficient skills land him abundant catches.

My experience, contrasting with Mike's proficiency, was a tussle between persistence and the reputed, 'Mille Lacs' fish curse.' The successful culmination of this mental wrestling match was when my lure finally secured a rugged 20-inch smallmouth bass, tipping the scales at approximately 5.10 lbs.

The victorious catch of the day - an impressive smallmouth bass.

Final Reflections

As the day unraveled, it brought along invaluable lessons of patience, the joy of small victories, and the importance of continuous improvement. Mille Lacs stood testament to its much-revered reputation of a world-class fishery and a patient teacher.

My candidature as a novice fisherman didn't prevent the thrill of capturing a monstrous catch of the day, while Mike's commendable expertise facilitated an insightful experience of professional angling.

The addicting smile from catching an impressive smallmouth bass.

Conclusion

That route deviation from the regular walleye chase to the exhilarating expedition of smallmouth hunting with Walleye Mike was indeed a day of revelations, abundant surprises, and invaluable learnings. Mike might have continued his fishing dominance during the day's second half, but ultimately, it was my experience that felt richer.

With abundant lessons and unique experiences, we conclude an exciting day of fishing.

This smallmouth escapade didn't just improve my angling skills but also enriched my collection of unforgettable memories. Each time I head to Mille Lacs now, I casually revisit this day. A day where the anticipation of the unknown, the lake's unpredictable moods, and the enthralling journey from sunrise till sunset left an indelible impression on my angling history. Stay tuned here at Fish Roulette as we share many more fishing adventures.

As the day folded into a mesmerizing sunset, we concluded our memorable fishing adventure.

Stay tuned here at Fish Roulette as we share future fishing adventures.