(closed) Giveaway Fishing TRIP for YOU + 1 friend on a remote river. Fish and FILM with me.

Open until Christmas 2023! I am so pleased to be able to do this giveaway with all of you. It's easy to enter your name in the drawing.
1. Be subscribed to my channel
2. Leave a comment below leaving a question for my next Q&A video.
3. Optional (to enter your name twice for the giveaway) Tag a fishing friend on KZbin by leaving an @ sign and then their user name in your comment. This will tag them in your comment so that they can then also come and enter themselves in the giveaway.
4. Check back on Christmas day when I announce the winner.
The winning subscriber will be contacted to run a scouting trip in 2024 (Spring/summer/fall) on a completely new river. We will fish together, film together, and I will post the trip to KZbin. I've done this twice before, and they both were epic days on the water.
Leave a message or a question below! I love responding and communicating with fellow fisherpeople, adventurers, and wanderers.
Thanks for all of your support, Haight's Wanderings
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Visit my website to book a trip, view images, and CONTACT ME
- www.haightswanderings.com/
- www.haightswanderings.com/cli...
- www.haightswanderings.com/my-...
Day-to-day gear
Ultralight (trout rod/reel combo): amzn.to/2NADHhG
Medium (Smallmouth combo rod/reel): amzn.to/2yjzl84
Heavy ( Mid-sized musky spinning rod): amzn.to/2Kees5H
Line: amzn.to/2xEiSyf (20LB, 30LB, and 50LB)
Leader material: amzn.to/2vc2eTu (20, 40LB)
Kayak Net (Musky/Pike/Bass): amzn.to/2PflFlk
Musky Net: amzn.to/31ncwxL
Cameras:
amzn.to/3LdbMVV (This is my go-to camera for everything other than the action shots)
amzn.to/3YEocJt (This is my go-to camera for action shots
Music Licensing: All music legally purchased and licensed from www.Soundstripe.com
This description contains Amazon Affiliate Links

[@jimd4504]

Never seen it be a winner 😂. Hey man have great holidays, hope you get the shoulder figured out. Got my new right knee six weeks ago, it is pretty awesome

[@HaightsWanderings]

@jimd4504 That's great news! Glad to hear it. My shoulder is doing better for sure. I hope to actually use it soon!

[@daneward5051]

@steelheadkenny Great idea giving back to viewers. Going fishing with you would be a fun time on the water. Q-Have you fished for coaster brook trout along Lake Superior?

[@HaightsWanderings]

@daneward5051 You know - I have meant to fish for them but I have not found a good time or place to do it!

[@jimfromm3981]

Hell Yes!

[@gowiththegilmours2564]

Awesome opportunity here... @TomGilmour13 What was one adventure where everything went wrong? What is one bucket list trip you've always wanted to go to? Is there any pfisheries in your area that you've always wanted to check out but haven't had the opportunity to?

[@HaightsWanderings]

@gowiththegilmours2564 I will respond to this on my QA video! Thanks.

[@brooktrout1477]

Doesn’t matter when you put it out, all your stuff is good , anything/ everything UP is sweet so keep ‘em coming

[@brooktrout1477]

Left more of a statement, like I still think your intro is one of the best , but the question is what’s the fish count and are you sharing that in a future video

[@HaightsWanderings]

@brooktrout1477 I will do a break down of the numbers sometime soon.

[@JordanMount1707]

Ever since I’ve started watching your videos I’ve had the idea to try musky fishing. Your videos have taught me a lot and given me a lot of ideas. Not only musky fishing but sport fishing in general. My question for you is what do you prefer to fish for, whether it’s musky, trout, walleye, salmon, bass, or pike?

[@HaightsWanderings]

@Jdbdbdjjd That's so cool. Glad to hear it! I think I prefer to fish for smallies the best. But, it swings day to day and I will want to fish for something new.

[@kungfustereo]

You have the ability to jump in on an awesome musky trip with a buddy, but you can only bring a pack of smokes and 1 lure.... Is it gonna be a whopper plopper or a bucktail? 🙂

[@kungfustereo]

@wendtoutdoors

[@HaightsWanderings]

@kungfustereo Bucktail I think is the right answer here.

[@MBrown-qw4ei]

What type of fishing to you enjoy the most? Fly fishing or casting with a spinning reel? @XboxmanMB88

[@HaightsWanderings]

@MBrown-qw4ei Spinning reel is lovely but I sure do love a windless day with the fly rod too.

[@geoffzech8886]

Hey Benjamin, What’s your biggest goal that you haven’t yet achieved or your #1 objective for 2024? Merry Christmas!

[@HaightsWanderings]

@geoffzech8886 My number one goal for 2024 is to open up some new water and explore some places that I have not been. I need to fish something fresh! I have some ideas too but they cannot be done in a single day I don't think.

[@michaelbrady9336]

Do you love top water muskys as much as I do?! Let's go fishing brother!!! @shorelineanglers

[@HaightsWanderings]

@michaelbrady9336 Topwater musky is basically a religion!

[@rowanreszka6369]

Favorite sub-surface Muskie lure? Cheers!

[@HaightsWanderings]

@rowanreszka6369 The one you used to catch the giant. :)

[@tmeyer3]

I think you have said you are an English Teacher? Do you ever guide on weekends during the school year?

[@HaightsWanderings]

@tmeyer3 Yes, occasionally. I don't like to do it as it's draining as all heck. But, yes. In the early fall and early summer.

[@paulfischman1421]

Ben, do you ever get south of the bridge for any river fishing, and if so, what river(s) do you like to get on?

[@HaightsWanderings]

@paulfischman1421 I have not been south of the bridge - however, some day I'd like to try a few of them!

[@paulfischman1421]

Indian River between Burt & Mullett Lakes is a great spot, monster smallies. I've seen Sturgeon cruising the crystal clear water there too. Nice flats close to Mullett lake, great pike hunting area as well.@@HaightsWanderings

[@br0ckcs2]

all time favorite musky topwater?

[@HaightsWanderings]

@br0ckcs2 Lil Basstard is fun but I think I like the Rover River-2-Sea the most.

[@alexmagner3310]

Big river smallie guy, but not as familiar with river musky. Do you find in rivers that have both, do they seem to be in kind of the same areas or on the same stuff/structure/substrate? @thelittlestuff

[@HaightsWanderings]

@alexmagner3310 I will talk on this in my QA response.

[@ericwakeman6665]

@Mjlany what has been the most productive River musky lure for you?

[@HaightsWanderings]

@ericwakeman6665 Honestly, it's probably incidental catching on bass baits like paddletails and mepps lures. Not actually targeting musky is a great way to target them.

[@wgpjim]

Biggest difference between a river musky and a lake musky? Sorry no KZbin friends to share the video with but will tag some friends if you put a post up for the video on Instagram. Fingers crossed for the winner announcement. Would love to explore some northern WI small rivers

[@HaightsWanderings]

@wgpjim I can speak on this in my QA video. As for insta- yes, I will put a post up there too!

[@wgpjim]

@@HaightsWanderings tagged friends on Instagram if that counts

[@robertzylstra6676]

Have you ever fished the Driftless region?

[@HaightsWanderings]

@robertzylstra6676 Never have. I'd like to try it some time though.

[@deadeye3666]

Are there any rivers that you ended up regretting going down in a Canoe or Raft? I have one or two on my list..

[@HaightsWanderings]

@deadeye3666 Yes, 100%. I can speak on this in the QA.

[@charleslucas9582]

Since starting your guide business. Does fishing ever feel like a job to you now or do you enjoy it the same? @CJlines

[@HaightsWanderings]

@charleslucas9582 Being on the river is still a joy - however, the getting ready and breaking down my gear can get monotonous to an extreme. I think I can discuss this in the QA.

[@wramsey193]

How does the water level on the rivers change your fishing tactics?

[@HaightsWanderings]

@wramsey193 This is a great question for my QA video. Thanks.

[@ckupczak]

Hey Benjamin! Was wondering what are 3 things you look for when scouting new water? I am also curious as to what net you like to use when kayak fishing (or in general)? Heads up @AaronFunke.

[@HaightsWanderings]

@ckupczak This is a good question to respond to on the QA video! Thanks. :) Hope you're well!

[@Myhandle-2024]

Where are some decent areas to try for coasters on the south shore?

[@HaightsWanderings]

@user-bw2vw3pi2q Honestly, I've never caught a coaster. I have not the faintest idea.

[@blakebettendorf8894]

@Brookensangling I have a 13 year old brother who is a avid fisherman we watch your videos together whenever we can. He is getting into summer smallmouth fishing on one of the rivers in the lower peninsula by us, what are some go to smallmouth baits for the river you would recommend for him?

[@blakebettendorf8894]

youtube.com/@brookensangling?si=T-Wbgta88CREcoHl is his channel based here in Michigan.

[@HaightsWanderings]

@blakebettendorf8894 I'd say to dial in three presentations - topwater, subsurface paddletail/split tail, and one finesse bait like a tube or something small. Those three presentations will catch you nearly every smallie that swims.

[@blakebettendorf8894]

Thank you very much 👍

[@ericjuergensen6586]

Favorite musky lure? @winndycityfishing

[@HaightsWanderings]

@ericjuergensen6586 Something that spins fast and that doesn't kill my shoulder. Musky killer is decent in that regard. Although, I don't have a favorite.

[@jimd4504]

So are you still committed to the Ned rig? Hope you are well. Got a musky fly rod for next season. So now tying musky flies 😊. @flyfishingtheozarks

[@HaightsWanderings]

@jimd4504 The ned rig is just so good, some days!

[@stevekaminski4859]

Have you tried the Fat Bastard or Dr Evil from Lake X Lures?

[@HaightsWanderings]

@stevekaminski4859 The Basstard, yes. Not gotten a chance to toss the Dr. Evil yet!

[@stevekaminski4859]

@@HaightsWanderings Lil Basstard or Fat Bastard? I think I've seen a FB on your lure wall, but there are a lot of copycats out there

[@chuckfish1855]

What is the best smallmouth river in the UP?

[@HaightsWanderings]

@chuckfish1855 Hi, Chuck. I don't think this question is appropriate for me to answer. I wouldn't feel right giving away information like that on the internet. Good try though! :)

[@richreszka4010]

What's the strangest or coolest nature thing you've seen while out fishing U.P. rivers?

[@HaightsWanderings]

@richreszka4010 Boy, I have quite a few, I think. I will probably respond to this in the QA.

[@joelvandekopple5134]

What percentage of trips to new bodies of water do you contact muskies?

[@joelvandekopple5134]

@jasonvkop

[@HaightsWanderings]

@joelvandekopple5134 Oh, that's a low number probably. It depends on whether I know that musky exist in that body of water or if I am going in blind. But, mostly, it's a low percentage.

[@mr9190297]

Do you like crappie fishing? If so do you have a crappie PB? @Charles Lucas

[@HaightsWanderings]

@mr9190297 I am actually not much of a crappie fisherman. I enjoy finding them occasionally but I don't really know what I am doing.

[@garyschillinger4305]

What strategies and techniques do your recommend for times when musky follow and miss to increase hook ups?

[@HaightsWanderings]

@garyschillinger4305 Patience and determination. No quit attitude and a belief that the fish WILL bite. I know that sounds dumb, but I swear it works.

[@garyschillinger4305]

@@HaightsWanderings thanks for the response. @josephreed66 check this out

[@nathanhook4421]

How early in the season do you begin to throw top water for musky?

[@HaightsWanderings]

@nathanhook4421 As soon as the ice is off. But.... maybe mid to upper 40s?

[@michaelmcshirley6448]

What is your personal Musky count ?

[@HaightsWanderings]

@michaelmcshirley6448 I do not know. Definitely in the 100s and not 1000s though. I'd have to really sit down and sift through my old records to find the correct number.

[@shanejenkins8569]

Ever bang your knee really bad on the raft? :D

[@HaightsWanderings]

@shanejenkins8569 I am not sure on this, actually. I've definitely whacked myself on it but I am not sure of the knee.

[@shanejenkins8569]

Haha had to ask, I've gotten myself pretty good a few times in a Smithfly 😂 I had other questions,but they would have gotten long winded..

[@follansb]

What is the top species on your bucket list? And are you going after that species on tackle or fly?

[@HaightsWanderings]

@follansb I'd like to fish in the Amazon at some point! I'd also like to target Tiger fish in Zambia. I like to use both tactics really!

[@richardmeyer4683]

When river musky fishing, do you use florocarbon leaders or wire leaders, and what pound test would you use? @tomahawks2890 as my 2nd tag. Have a Merry Xmas!

[@HaightsWanderings]

@richardmeyer4683 I stopped using fluorocarbon leaders after I had a 100 LB leader get bitten through by a 26-30 inch musky. I watched it happen right in front of the boat. I realized that day that I'd use metal only after that.

[@paulwoj]

What is your favorite lure for early season river musky? @618Fishing

[@HaightsWanderings]

@paulwoj I don't catch many early season musky. However, this year I got two crazy early season musky on topwater. So..... topwater! :)

[@bobrich1950]

What's your biggest smallie ? @windycityfishing

[@HaightsWanderings]

@bobrich1950 I don't rightfully know. Perhaps 21-ish. However, the biggest on tape is maybe 20.5-ish. I don't usually measure my fish so it's hard to know for sure.

[@trout_bum_john]

Hello Ben, Not looking for a name or anything specific, just a yes or no, but I was wondering if you had a favorite spot that you like to fish that only you go to with no clients? And then of course the follow up would be, what about that place makes it special to you? Its it the way it looks or maybe some special memory, ect.? @huntr01 🤟😎🤙

[@HaightsWanderings]

@trout_bum_john Definitely. I have spots that I won't go back to. Mostly it has to do with the sacredness of certain bodies of water. Some places are too precious!

[@vaoutdoorssportsman3555]

Hey man! Love your videos!!! Would love the opportunity to fish with you and and would bring my son @greggallinger3071. My question is: is there an inflatable or other float boat that you would recommend that works well with an outboard motor? I’m thinking of fishing some remote streams/rivers that don’t have many put-ins or take outs within reasonable distance of each other that would be feasible for a one day float.

[@HaightsWanderings]

@vaoutdoorssportsman3555 I can touch on this in my QA video.

[@BenBradleyMaconRaine]

Why do I always catch more fish than my son? @bigbradbradley

[@BenBradleyMaconRaine]

@treybrad3

[@BenBradleyMaconRaine]

also - what is the appropriate duration of a nunchucks demonstration?

[@HaightsWanderings]

@BenBradleyMaconRaine That's a low blow to Try, Ben. Love it!

[@timcoffaro171]

what is the best spinnerbait blade color and skirt color for smallmouth (spring) (summer) (Fall) @jdcoffaro

[@HaightsWanderings]

@timcoffaro171 Hey, Tim! Great question!

[@rachelcaulkins6405]

What time of year is your favorite to chase smallmouth bass? @heyheyhey1340

[@HaightsWanderings]

@rachelcaulkins6405 You are entered. I will answer this in my QA video. Thanks!

[@toddshook5798]

Hey Benjamin, I hope you get that shoulder fixed soon. What water temperature do you start throwing top water in the spring? @tracy_connell16

[@HaightsWanderings]

@Toddshook5798 See, that's a difficult question. I don't really know. I just kind of wing it. Maybe mid 50s... ?

[@toddshook5798]

@@HaightsWanderings You and I use the same strategy. 😂

[@souptownairsoft]

Do you ever come over to fish Wisconsin water? @brockcs2

[@souptownairsoft]

@br0ckcs2

[@HaightsWanderings]

@souptownairsoft Some day I'd like to. I get over rarely. Maybe next year is the year I will start popping over more regularly.

[@steelheadkenny]

You ever chase Smallmouth in Michigan? @daneward5051

[@HaightsWanderings]

@steelheadkenny Yeah, I guide for smallmouth in Michigan!

[@alkatona2486]

Hey Benjamin. Great idea, looking forward to fishing with ya!! So, my question. After peeping your website, I see the species you fish for(great choices) and some of the gear you use. My question is 2 fold. What fish would you choose to target, pick 1, and the reason behind your decision? #2 question-What would you prefer to use to fish/catch, gear fishing or on the fly? @alexkatona497

[@HaightsWanderings]

@alkatona2486 I can respond to this in the QA. I have some ideas for the scouting trip!

[@karlc.5093]

What area is your favorite to fish? @pcr180

[@HaightsWanderings]

@karlc.5093 I'd definitely say a river. Something with some decent clarity and not too much depth so I can see the rocks and fish.

[@MrMorganca]

If you could fish for only one species for the rest of your life, what would it be? @christoddbarnett and I are dying to know!

[@HaightsWanderings]

@MrMorganca Chris and Morgan - I hope you guys are well. I'd definitely only fish for smallmouth. They are the real MVPs!

[@dtffishingmi]

I'm from Michigan - if I win, we'll make epic videos on the trip! For the Q&A: What is your most embarassing fishing story? - Tagging friend: @fishinwiththegriffins7304

[@HaightsWanderings]

@dtffishingmi Good question for a QA video!

[@TomBlom0]

Can you recommend some lures for big pike in dark UP water? @ffg2729

[@HaightsWanderings]

@TomBlom0 I wish I could. Big pike are rare, very rare. I don't know how to catch them either. I have my ideas as to why they are so rare, but, no, I do not know any good lures for them.

[@kcwi128]

How do you locate small river muskies? @rachelcaulkins6405

[@HaightsWanderings]

@kcwi128 I can speak on this in my QA.