On this episode of the Wet Fly Swing Great Lakes podcast, we’re joined by tournament fisherman and lifelong angler, Randy Gaines, Captain at Nibble This Charters. With over 20 years of professional experience and multiple national tournament wins under his belt, Randy brings an ocean of knowledge and practical tips on fishing for bass and walleye in the Great Lakes. We talk about everything from the importance of understanding fishing structure to selecting the right lures and fly designs, to navigating different water conditions, and even a few fishing tales.
Show Notes with Randy Gaines on Walleye Fishing. Hit play below! 👇🏻
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(Read the Full Transcript at the bottom of this Blog Post)
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Listen in as Randy shares his insights on how to adapt your fishing techniques according to the environment, the significance of color contrast, and adjusting lure size according to water conditions. He emphasizes the importance of mixing up your lures and techniques to keep the fish from becoming conditioned. If you’re looking to elevate your fishing game, Randy’s advice on different retrieves, lure wobbles, and the impact of water clarity and temperature on the action and appeal of lures and flies is a goldmine.
Rounding off the episode, we explore the intersection of fishing techniques and technology. We discuss how wind can be your ally in fly fishing, the influence of the boat and electronic noise on fish behavior, and how light penetration affects your strategy. With his vast experience in tournament fishing, Randy talks about the game-changing role of forward-facing sonar in locating bait and fish. So, whether you’re a seasoned angler or a novice looking to reel in some big catches, this episode is your perfect companion for a day out on the water. Tune in for some incredible insights and a whole lot of fishing wisdom.
Episode Chapters – Randy Gaines on Walleye Fishing
(0:00:01) – Fishing for Great Lakes Walleye
Randy Gaines shares his experience as a tournament fisherman, guide, and fly fisher, discussing guiding, off-the-wall techniques, and how fishing has helped his career.
(0:13:38) – Fishing Structure and Current Importance
Randy discusses visible and invisible structure, current speed, fishing techniques, and safety.
(0:20:46) – Choosing Lures and Fly Designs
Mixing up lures, speed, matching the hatch, and trying something new to attract fish.
(0:31:00) – Fishing Techniques in Different Water Conditions
We discuss water clarity, time of day, lure size, color contrast, and slow retrieves for fly fishing.
(0:39:09) – Fishing Strategies and Lure Selection
Randy Gaines discusses lures, flies, wobbles, retrieves, water clarity, temperature, and mixing up lures to keep fish from becoming conditioned.
(0:53:28) – Fishing Techniques and Technology
Randy and I discuss wind, boat noise, light penetration, sonar, tournament tools and tactics.
Follow Randy on Facebook at Nibble This Charters
Visit his website at NibbleThisCharters.com
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Read the Full Podcast Transcript Below
Conclusion with Randy Gaines on Walleye Fishing
This episode has provided a wealth of insights, especially for bass and walleye fishing enthusiasts. We’ve covered essential topics like understanding fishing structures, lure selection, and adapting techniques to varying water conditions. Randy’s emphasis on adaptability and mixing up your approaches to keep fish interested is a key takeaway.
We also explored the role of technology, including forward-facing sonar, and how environmental factors like wind and light penetration impact your strategy. Whether you’re a seasoned angler or just starting out, Randy’s advice will undoubtedly elevate your fishing game. As you head out to the water, remember these valuable tips to have great fishing days.
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