This was the second big northern we had found while fishing around boulders. Since the big pike did not appear to be utilizing cabbage beds, we began to discuss the fact that they may be hiding in big rocks.

Fishing for anything in big rocks is a challenge. They have a way of eating tackle about as fast as you can feed them. However, it is not always possible to find quarry in easy places to fish. You have to go to where the fish are and get them out.

As a general rule, big fish are interested in big bait. To start with we worked some large crankbaits through the boulder area, but other than a few smaller fish, we met with zero success.

Since jigs seemed to be so attractive to them, that became our next mode of operation. After a short dig through the tackle box, I was able to retrieve a half ounce weedless skirted bass jig and a six-inch PowerBait worm. This combination looked a little odd but provided the bulk and snag proof qualities we would need to be successful.

It didn’t take long to find out what they thought of this contraption. On our very first pass over the big rocks, I jigged up a dandy 36-inch fish. On the next pass we caught another that was even bigger than the first.

St. Cloud angler Charlie Simkins with a chunky Manitoba northern.

Many times, I find fishing to be much like putting together a puzzle. We often have a general idea as to what the end product needs to look like, but we don’t have all of the information to fill in the little missing pieces. It is these missing pieces that will give us the details necessary for a clear image.

There is no doubt that experimentation is one of the puzzle pieces. We often don’t know what fits until we try. Trial and error does take time, but it is beneficial.

One thing that trial and error does is to eliminate what doesn’t work. Too many times I see an angler sticking with a method of fishing that is not producing. Often times we have a tendency to stick with one presentation too long because it worked on another lake on another day.

What has worked before can’t be forgotten. Instead, we need to tweak our past successes to match the fishing conditions of the present. For example, using a big skirted jig and a trailer worm for northern is a combination I have never experimented with before.

Over the years, I have caught a lot of fat bass on big pig and jig combos, and I have hauled in a many species of fish on plastic worms. However, I have never put the two together specifically for northern fishing.

Location is probably the biggest key in solving a fish catching dilemma. Once you know where the fish are, there are other factors to consider. Speed of retrieve, size of the bait, rattles, and scent are all parts of the puzzle that need to be sorted out.

Fishing is a sport with many variables. Many times these variables can be worked on and improved upon until success is met. Thinking is a part of this process as is experimentation.

Chickie Harristhal, owner of Shining Falls Lodge, holds a nice stringer of Manitoba walleyes.

The next time I venture to Shining Falls Lodge in Manitoba, I will probably spend most of my time chasing down walleye. However, when I get the urge to stick some big pike, you can be sure I will return to the boulder technique with a big jig and trailer. And if they doesn’t work, I will be back to working on another puzzle.

© 2004 Outdoor Outlines, Inc.