Seven very good fishermen fished “Up Nort” on and off for a week at Leech Lake, Walker, Minnesota. Bob Goetz, Paul Proft, Colin Proft, Ray Thompson, Caleb Lange, Eric Funk and Bob Hanson were the most feared fishermen of the week as per the Agency Bay walleye survey conducted by an area school of walleye.
We had two boats with Bob Goetz captain of one boat, and Paul Proft, captain of the other. While fishing with Captain Bob, I caught a nice 8 lb., 2 oz. beautiful fish, (the largest of any we caught). Only problem was it was an eelpout! Not to be outdone, Captain Paul asked me to fish with him. Twas then I caught a 27-inch, 8-lb. walleye. The walleye was of the fast-growing variety, which means by the time you read this, it will be at least 28 inches and 9 lbs.
We fished Sugar Point, Stony Point, Sandy Point, Rock Point, Ottertail Point, Stormy Point, Liars Point and all points in between. Liars Point was the best for dogfish because you could hear them barking before they bit.
Ray is one tough Norwegian. He is battling health issues, yet he issued a mission statement that he would be slab crappie fishing with us. Not only did he accomplish his mission of slab crappie fishing, but he caught the most the evening we fished crappies. Our reaction to this was “Uffda.”
Caleb lives in Maiden Rock, Wisconsin which is on the Minnesota-Wisconsin border at Lake Pepin. This creates a license problem when fishing as to which state license is needed. To solve this, a resiprocity license was created showing Bret Favre as a Viking on one side, and as a Packer on the other side. Thus you don’t have to buy a second license.
It was very interesting fishing with Eric and Colin, because of their height they had to be very careful of low flying loons when they stood up in the boat.
This was our 36th annual fishing trip to Leech Lake, always staying at Ivanhoe Resort on the southwest end of the lake. As I drove away, headed south, I said those famous words, ‘I’ll be back.’
Bill and Mary DeVries, owners of Ivanhoe Resort are fanatics of the TV show “Deal or No Deal.” Call them at (800) 962-2842 to make a deal. They use your money to take ski vacations most of the off-season at various locations. (Spending the kids’ inheritance.)
In summary, fishing wasn’t as good this year as the previous four years. Because we’re all very good fishermen, we did better than the average fisherman.
When traveling “Up Nort” on Highway 6, notice the boat dealership in Crosby. The business name is enough to make you stop. “Oars and Mine” is the name.
On Highway 6 you must take Cottontail Drive to get to Rabbit Lake. By the way, no rabbits are allowed at the summer turtle races in Longville.
If you fished Beaver Lake this May, and didn’t catch any fish, it is due to your fishing license. Hold it up to a light and if you see a lemon, purchase a new license!
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Bob is a retired AAL (Aid Association for Lutherans) agent. His wife, Genie, is a retired RN, currently working on her doctor’s degree in volunteering. They have two children, Deb in North Carolina, and Dan in Vermont. This is the Hanson’s 36th summer at Beaver Lake. They leave the lake in mid-October to go south — to Albert Lea — and return in April. Bob says if you enjoy his article, let him know. If you don’t enjoy it, keep on reading, it can get worse. Words of Wisdom: There is always room for God.