Use the following techniques to zero in on your favorite fish. The following rigs can be purchased in our online store!
 
The techniques written below will catch you almost everything but let’s talk in terms of Walleye for now. Walleye fishing involves any number of techniques for this prized and often sought after fish. Walleye are known for their delicious fillets and great fight. Most states have a minimum size of 15 inches to keep and in our opinion fish from the 15-20 inch range taste best. We do love to catch that monster fish and a 30 inch Walleye is on the bucket list but for those big boys we toss them back so someone else can enjoy the fight. The below techniques will catch multiple species such as, Crappie, Bass, Trout, Northern Pike, and other similar freshwater species.  
Lures and plastics do work and can work very well, but using proper live bait technique will put fish in the boat and make for a fun day out on the water in almost any conditions. Here are two methods that will set you up to get started catching fish instead of waiting for fish.
 
Live Bait Rig: Lots of fish and typically Walleye stay close to the bottom so fishing in the 8inch to 18inch range from the bottom is going to be your best bet. To prepare for the lake, set up 2-3, 6-7ft rods with 6lb-8lb crystal Fireline backing. Next tie xxxx swivel to the backing and use 8lb test Vanish fluorocarbon about 2 feet worth as your leader. Tie 2-3 different color jigs of multiple sizes (small is good).
 
Slip Bobber Rig: Set up 2 poles with slip bobbers. You will need 6lb-8lb crystal Fireline backing with a slip bobber and bobber stop. Use a small slip bobber made of Styrofoam since for finicky fish it sinks easier. Ensure a bobber stop is positioned above the bobber. From the barrel swivel tie 8 lb. Vanish fluorocarbon. On one pole use a tin jig head and on the second use only a hook. Attach a number 5 weight to middle of the fluorocarbon leader.
 
Time for bait! Head to your local bait shop and pick up some minnows/flatheads or small shiners, leeches (yes, I said leeches), and night crawlers. 3 baits sounds excessive but unless you are some kind of fish whisper there is no way to know what kind of bait the fish will be into that day.
At last you are ready to fish! Check your local regulations and make sure you stay in regulation for your size and catch limits.
 
How to use the Custom Live Bait Rig: Add bait and let it sink all the way to the bottom. Put your rod tip barely touching the water. Once the jig hits bottom reel in just enough to tighten the line. However high you raise your pole is how high the jig will be from the bottom. Lightly jig your pole up and down between 8 - 18 inches off the bottom. After a few twitches up and down let the jig sit still for up to 30 seconds or so then repeat.
 
How to use the Custom Slip Bobber Rig: You need to find your depth. Attach a sinker to your hook; place your rod tip about 1 foot over the water. Open up your bail and let it sink to the bottom. When you hit bottom close your bail and give a half turn to take up any slack. Do not reel in your line. Pull it up with your hands and slide the bobber stop to just before the rod tip. You now know that your bait will be sitting about 1 foot off the bottom. Add bait and cast at least 10 feet away from the boat.
 
So you’re headed to your favorite lake that you know Walleye are waiting for you. What do you look for? Walleye love structure and quick changes in bottom structure (so do most fish). A lake with lots of down trees, sand bars, large stumps or rocky bottoms with sticks work great. Find these spots and fish them for 15-30 minutes at a time. Try different baits. One doesn't work for 10 minutes try another. If you don't get a bite in 30 minutes move on. Fishing is a sport. Be active and be aggressive. Do not wait for the fish to come to you. Go to the fish. If your line gets chomped off it’s a good chance it was an aggressive Northern pike or Muskie. Don’t get discouraged. You will lose jigs so make sure you keep plenty in your tackle box!
 
Want these set ups pre-rigged for your tackle box? Buy one now in our store! 

A little preface for you all. Steve Garbowicz is my father in-law. So what does that mean to me as the owner of Custom Fishing LLC? That means when you own a fishing company and you go on a fishing trip with the in-laws they at least halfway expect you will catch fish and perhaps the biggest fish. Well on this trip to the great Upper Peninsula of Michigan I did exactly that. I caught the biggest fish of the day. Most people would have been proud of such an accomplishment and for just 1 second I was proud. However, I was fishing with a family of anglers (my wife included) who can fish with the best of them. I mean they are true cheese heads with the outdoors in their blood, so this through and through New England boy had a lot to prove. Let's just say, and as you will read, I still have a long way to go...

​The following article is written from "my" perspective. Enjoy!

Heading out into New England waters for fluke is always a great time but if things get off to a slow start and you find yourself wondering if there are even fluke in the area, remember this, "Keep It Fresh". During my latest fishing trip I wondered why the fishing was so slow so I moved closer to some structure and started the drift again with the same awful results as the hours before.  I was jigging an ounce and half pro style bucktail with strip of squid as a trailer on the hook.