Since I am bored at work and day dreaming, figured I would post some of my must haves for every trip. Generally the last 5-6 years I’ve went late fall. Typically it’s a big bait bite for me. My general plan whenever I go is troll and start mapping out areas. Generally looking at main lake something and off points. As I’m mapping I’ll drop some waypoints in on off shore structure to come back to and pick apart. I typically run metered braid to help monitor my dive on crankbaits. It also helps with making sure your boat speed isn’t too fast either.

Also not pictured that I pack in:
Tikka minnows in 7 and 9.

A handmade road runner style jigs in 1/16th, 1/8th and 1/4 typically made with 3/0 hooks.

My favorite way to fish is to rig red tails on offshore stuff but generally speaking the last few years it’s impossible to get redtails in Ely and if they have chubs (not redtails) they are not big enough.

Drop shotting half a crawler can keep a guy pretty busy most days as well for walleyes. (Bluegills love em too)

Absolute favorite on a jig or drop shot


This is great on a drop shot or jig. Rig it weghtless as well.


Fantail on a ned.


Smallie killer as well.


These are my top colors for trolling for anything that bites.


Always pack a dozen or so of these for crappies when we find them.


Favorite rippin rap for casting for walleyes


Slow rolling a big boot tail it’s amazing the bites you can get with this. It’s not just a pike bait!


Prepping for last years trip.


Another bed rig favorite.

Fun post!

Nice shapes and I'll bet great actions. Some of those designs have caught many fish in the last 5 years in the waters I fish. I noticed that most of the colors are 'unnatural' but still enhance lure action and shape. I believe that color is not important except when it is. Certain hues like the ones pictured, color combinations, color brightness, patterns (dots, stripes) and flash contribute to the lure's strike trigger.

Thanks for the post.

senkosam: I believe that color is not important except when it is.."

Profile, speed, cadence and being in fishy water is all way more critical than color.
Color I think relates more to the confidence to the angler than it matters to the fish.

You could put a gun to my knee and say you will fish anything that is black colored, rapala to a lead head, and I'll ask what caliber you got before I answer.