Looking For Bass On The Big Lake

[@tinkmarshino]

man there is nothing like the sound of a paddle in the water as the sun rises.. drat.. I had forgotten until this video.. a momentary pang, because those days are long gone, but then the warm comfort of memory..37 second into the video I had to stop.. sit and remember for 8 minutes and with the excitement that comes from just getting out on the water return to this video.. one day on the water is better then 4 days of vacation in my book.. what a perfect end to a day..and a nice afternoon for me.. thanks.. you have made me remember.. that means a lot to me..

[@mclifed]

Haven't fished Mille lacs, but that north shore at sunrise has to be one of my favorite drives. Inspiring video. 🌄

[@loganwoolstenhulme3328]

Best KZbin channel out there keep it up man you're an absolute stud.

[@HoosierStateFishing]

Hi, I'm Derek, and I would get up at 2AM and make a 3 hour drive to try to catch some bass.

[@dogvsraptor1980]

you love Indiana.

[@HoosierStateFishing]

@@dogvsraptor1980 Whatchu mean Willis?

[@dogvsraptor1980]

HoosierStateFishing you can’t go three hours in any direction from central Indiana to find this. Thinking about getting the kayak out tomorrow though and hitting the river to see if I can get my first smallie of the year.

[@HoosierStateFishing]

@@dogvsraptor1980 Oh, yeah I gotcha now. Tomorrow is shaping up to be a killer day fosho!

[@HookLife]

HoosierStateFishing I’m in Lafayette. Where you be Willis?

[@robertbuchanan4378]

Patients always prevails, awesome 👌 day 😎 of fishing.

[@thenatureoffishing7591]

Yup, the real Bob Ross of bass fishing. Gorgeous waterscape. Gorgeous fish. And a last light bite. Nice bit of adventure. I'm hungry just watching!

[@hutch83]

Hey for what it’s worth, it’s a relief to see that even you can have rough days of fishing! The struggles make the good times even better. Glad you got on some

[@brianmcquinn5897]

Never give up! Thanks for the winter videos.

[@bjohnson6108]

September in Minnesota during the Golden Hour. Awesome.

[@dewyfromknoxville254]

Best Smallmouth channel on youtubes!! BARR NONE! KEEP EM COMING! MADD RESPECT BROTHER, TENNESSEE LOVES YOUR CHANNEL! AND WE GOT THE WORLD RECORD SMALLMOUTH, SO THAT MAKES ME FEEL A LITTLE BETTER!!

[@danielmartens156]

Just incredible! Thank you. 🎣

[@ronaldkulas5748]

This brings back memories. I remember when I was your age I could work, then go fish to 1:00 in the morning, then go back to work at 7:30 and do that two or three times a week; or another pattern was to get up at 4:00 AM and go fish and then go to work at 8 AM.. It is fun to relive those feelings. Thanks for the video.

[@fishin3196]

I'm 16 I like to wake up around 5am then fish for a few hours then off to work at 8 the best part is your always by yourself at the lake nobody around you

[@duffmeister6480]

Hi Matt, great video once again. I noticed a few comments in regards to PFD safety, I’d like to share with your viewers an incident that happened to me. About 10 years ago, I decided to put my Tarpon 140 in my swimming pool in the deep end, and simulate a roll over and re-entry back on the kayak, in case it ever happened to me on the water. While treading water I surprisingly found it difficult to flip the kayak right. I didn’t put my PFD on figuring what’s the worse that can happen in a backyard pool ? When I tried to get back in, it flipped over again and struck me across the bridge of my nose, luckily the pool ladder was right behind me and was able to grab it because it knocked me out ! Two black eyes and my front teeth hurt so bad I had to see a dentist ! Had this happened on the water, without a PFD, I doubt I would be here today.I got rid of that boat now using an Outback. This was way before You tube, I had to learn on my own. Was I stupid ? Yeh maybe? Do I feel foolish posting this ? Yes I guess. But maybe my experience will help promote safety on the water, I respect each individuals decision on whether or not to wear a PFD, I don’t know a persons physical abilities ? I do know that shit happens. to all your viewers, please be safe paddling this year and kick some fish ass, not your own !

[@micahgelfand8282]

Agreed. I hate being that guy but I've seen people go out in tiny sit inside recreational kayaks with the water temp under 45 degrees. They were wearing jeans and a hoodie. They had life jackets...strapped to the kayak. Why even bother at that point? Wear your PFD. Be that guy to ensure other people wear their PFD's. There's absolutely no excuse not to wear your PFD. Period end of story. KZbin fisherfolk who don't wear their PFD's should be called out in the comments repeatedly until the message sinks in

[@cgandy2]

Thanks for sharing. Yes, you never know what might happen so better safe than dead.

[@RocketsFishingAdventures]

I agree, much better to have it on and not need it than need it and not have it on!

[@myopenmind527]

Just posted the same observation then read your post. 👍

[@danhughes3626]

Hell yes...I did same in big fish 120... So stable in water 8ft...no pfd....no way flipping and no way getting back on.. I had sun clothes on it was like swimming With para shoot on...wow scared the shit Of me....great point I hope people try it first Before the danger gets them with no way out

[@danielwingle4604]

These videos have gotten me through the winter. Going out for first time tomorrow on the Columbia River here in southeast Washington. Had such a mild winter hoping to find some bass moved up into the shallows. About two weeks earlier than usual but I’m ready to get it on. Hope the bass cooperate.

[@kennyw6932]

I miss Mille Lacs. It's a beautiful fishery and enjoyed watching your adventure onto the big water. I'd not be that brave but when it's calm, I cannot think of a better place to spend a day. Thanks for sharing.

[@chrisreumont]

Isn’t it funny 1 minute your ready to go in, catch a fish , and ready for a couple more hours. Nice video Matt.

[@wadesteven4270]

I can’t believe you were on Mil Lacs n a kayak. I’ve been to that lake four times and it was some rough waters. It’s also nice to see your human and struggle to catch fish from time to time.

[@Bowhunt]

Hi, I'm Ovi, and I would get up an hour before Derek from HoosierStateFishing and make a 3 hour drive to try to catch some bass.

[@telemarkmann6870]

Matt, An Epic Gem of a trip. To have such a famous lake in your area is a treat. How the day evolved was interesting and entertaining. I loved when you said you were heading for the launch. Things changed for the better. I tried to imagine how this would have been if you were at that spot earlier and would you have caught them if you were there.

[@ndyakangler]

Looking back we should have tried those reeds on the way out. Tough to say if the bass would have been there in the morning though as it was warm and sunny all day and that warmed up the shallow water quite a bit late in the day. Usually on that lake the reefs hold fish and I’ve always found them off that point in the past but it can be a challenge figuring them out sometimes.

[@davewilder6962]

Great smallies. Perseverance pays off.

[@samuelwarden6285]

I'm glad you didnt give up and you managed to get some really good fish. I got out in my new Bonafide RS117 this morning and caught a 14 inch crappie and 10 largemouth bass. It was windy and cold here in NW AL but it was well worth it. Now I cant wait for the topwater bite. 👊👍

[@danmengelkochii2132]

Another great video! I love fishing smallies on Mille Lacs.

[@tnourse]

Never seen the lake that calm. Very cool. 👍

[@ndyakangler]

We picked a perfect day to go out there! The previous time I was on the big lake we had 4-5ft rolling waves, kind of fun in the kayak but I poured about two gallons of water out of the hull at the end of the day!

[@JaggedToothTackle]

One of the longest and days I had on the water but that final topwater bite before dark made it all worth it!

[@BravoBassin]

see you stuck to it and it ended up paying off in the end with some nice smallies!

[@scotth985]

I hate to see you have a sub par day but it is refreshing you're not immune to bad days.

[@ndyakangler]

Days like that are good learning opportunities. I’m just glad we figured them out in the end!

[@cowboylytle]

best fishing channel on KZbin hands down

[@HookLife]

Great video. Great edit. Maybe best outro ever. 🔥🔥🔥

[@sweetsilage]

Mornings & evenings = magic hour

[@harrygrimley4352]

I like the area around father hennipin and isle. Work the rocks.

[@ndyakangler]

I’ve fished there a couple times and did pretty well! I also like that the rocks at Father Hennepin State Park aren’t too far of a paddle to get to.

[@bassmasterbrandon3825]

I’m a big fan of your videos and I’m a dedicated and crazy fisherman too! I just wanted to try to give you a tip on how you could improve your bait caster handling. When you holding a bait caster and reeling in a fish game you can get more leverage by keeping your thumb on the spool and reel . You also have a easier time thumbing it when casting. Great video keep it up

[@lemons_are_good2410]

How can you be out on Mille lacs in a kayak 😂😂 respect

[@FSOutdoorAdventures]

Mille Lacs is looking mighty unfrozen these days lol! Great video man, can't wait until it is actually thawed out this year!!

[@myopenmind527]

Ever consider wearing a life jacket? Were I live we get squalls on our local lake. Boats Turing over are common enough even on an otherwise perfect day. I’m a strong swimmer but would never go out on a lake without a life vest. Keep safe my friend. Great channel.

[@paulowens8972]

Love your vids! I use the same net in my tube!

[@serendipityfishing692]

Yupp, another great catch there! Fish on :)

[@PeterCPRail8748]

Nice way you end any hard day of fishing.

[@ohiotracker2609]

Awesome as always Matt! Now my favorite fishing "hot spot"! How 5 thumbs down is ridiculous! Must be some competitor dip wads.

[@northernbassalliance1442]

3 hrs 6 min one way every weekend here in Arizona to the boat ramp lol. Thats where the big girls are tho. Love your channel!

[@northernbassalliance1442]

@J Hoffy i go to havasu or lower colorado every weekend pretty much from now till Nov. Im stationed at luke down in phx.

[@northernbassalliance1442]

@J Hoffy Thanks! ill shoot you a follow. Mine is ben_gepford. I miss the giant smallies of northern Michigan but boy do i love the largies out here!

[@kellymoore4517]

One of my sons is stationed at Luke AFB, an F35 tech.

[@northernbassalliance1442]

@@kellymoore4517 thats awesome does he bass fish? I fish with civilians alot but my military buddy that fished with me moved to alaska. Wouldnt mind fishing with anothee military guy again.

[@TMoua79]

“Throw the tackle box at them.” Hahaha!!

[@frbenlittle]

Hi Matt, so great to see a Mille Lacs video. I've been thinking about planning trips there this open water season in my new kayak. For planning purposes, do you monitor the weather ahead of a trip to Mille Lacs, and have a backup plan? My guess is that a trip to Mille Lacs could easily be bagged at the last minute due to weather. All the best!

[@ndyakangler]

I think every time I’ve gone there the trip was planned only a couple days in advance once I knew the weather was forecasted to be calm. I might have the idea to go there before that but two days out is when I’ll trust the forecast to not change much and that’s pretty much when the plan is a go.

[@joshschwarzbauer8155]

I grew up on this lake. Our house was in Isle bay, 200ft from shore.

[@paulyang8276]

Mille Lacs doesn’t give up her big smallies easily. Words of wisdom for those brave enough to test her waters.

[@_DEX_-]

:15 - good morning sir! Thank you for the terrific video👍🏼

[@_DEX_-]

At that time of the morning, if the Spook is not working, try a soft paddle tail. Try high speed and slow.

[@mikerouse6004]

I gotta say dude...please wear your PDF especially on water that big. Boater with sun in their eyes could wake you right over or worse. I’d miss your videos dude if you were at the bottom of the lake. Take care out there brother!

[@joshlyon8269]

Awesome video as always

[@luda_yanez4302]

Just wanted to say thank you for fishing on my birthday since I’m pretty sure I was work that day

[@クエン酸足らんつーの]

It's enviable when viewed from Japan！

[@charlesr.aliffjr.4050]

Another great video...best smallmouth fishing channel out there! Please maintain your music-free videos. A couple years back, I had a similar experience on a smallmouth river. I had fished all day with minimal success. It was getting close to dark, so I started topwater fishing back toward the launch (black jitterbug). Game on... Btw Matt, if you have not already done so, fish a couple trips with one of the new Shimano Stradic FL spinning reels. For the past 4-5 years, I have been exclusively fishing the Stradic CI4. A friend recently let me borrow his new Stradic Fl for a couple weeks...big mistake. 💸💸💸💸 Goodbye CI4’s.....just saying.

[@alasmotofishinghunting]

Nice catch friend 🎣 🐟

[@johnmango6056]

damn man! how do u have so much left over footage! absolutely insane man.

[@ndyakangler]

All I did last summer/fall was work and fish! And occasionally I’d put a video together but I didn’t have time to get after all the footage I had.

[@johnmango6056]

@@ndyakangler so awesome man. ur vids are inspiring big time. u made me want to fish so bad that I went out there march 3rd and catch a 4 pounder on a Huddleston up here in Massachusetts! thanks for the modavation man!

[@RobBassMaster]

Way to stick to it and get some bronzes in the kayak! 🎣👊🏼

[@nailswood167]

Comin’ through clutch!

[@doclew28]

I watch homie at the end of a long day while sipping some Jack... #Relaxing One more year to retirement then I'm out on the water MYSELF...👍

[@doclew28]

@John James Shoot... I would but there aint no rivers full of smallies in Oakland CA...LMFAOO 🤣🤣🤣

[@CASHSTRO215]

This guy is the Bob Ross of fishing , like if you agree.

[@Z-Bart]

Does Mille Lacs still have huge Perch? I can remember as a kid seeing 2-3 pound Perch washed up on the beach.

[@ndyakangler]

I’ve never targeted them or caught any the few times I’ve fished Mille Lacs but I’ve heard there’s big perch in there.

[@Z-Bart]

@@ndyakangler They keep the Musky's well feed. 👍

[@buckdahockeypuck9000]

Man what an amazing video

[@upnorthkayakfishing3159]

Great video and had a huge Muskie follow on there last season. Did you ever get information back on the tagged bass?

[@ryanbrandel47]

Favorite vid yet

[@thomasluczak2868]

HEY ! Is that the lake they mention in Fargo ?

[@_DEX_-]

Have you tried the Ned rig on smallies?

[@МирланЭркесариев]

Рыбалка отличная! 👍у нас в Кыргызстане в основном горная форель

[@southernsawyers6543]

Hey Ndyak I’m Brad you sure make me wanna call in sick lmbo.badass channel you have.i don’t ever get tired of fishing.well watching mostly lol.do you ever enter any tournaments.?

[@jackwalsh4472]

Great video! I’m curious what brand and size trebles do you use for you spook jr. ? Thanks!

[@ndyakangler]

I use Mustad size 4 hooks, a triple grip on the front and one of their feathered trebles on the back.

[@HeyStripes]

i have a question for you. why do you use a measuring stick when you have ruler markings on your paddle?

[@ndyakangler]

The paddle ruler is good for an estimate but it’s not nearly as accurate as a measuring stick where you can push the fish against the one end and lay it flat against the measuring surface.

[@HeyStripes]

@@ndyakangler fair enough .. thanks...I find that I load my yak up with every fishing tool I have and it gets a bit out of control sometimes.. So I was looking for things I could exclude.. but you have a good point about the accuracy and having a flat surface for sure

[@fishing_amy]

Great job!

[@kylegrosvenor772]

Fished for blue cats in 20 to 30 mph winds with 50 mph gusts lmao 😂 brother I do what it takes when the fish are biting.

[@guywithagoprofishingshow3011]

dude i respect your smallmouth targeting prowess.I often refer to your vids for tips because i just moved here to west virginia on the Kanawha river about 2 years ago.although i grew up fishing lake erie tributaries,theyre a lot smaller and not as swift or steep like they are here.is it hard walking a spook from a yak?

[@averyotoole5007]

The ice melted fast

[@saint52vvs]

Life vest bud

[@harrygrimley4352]

My experience on millac's is when the bite is off its off. When it's on its on. That's a lot of water to cover.

[@ndyakangler]

Yeah we talked to a few guys in bass boats and they had one fish caught between them so it was a tough day out there. That lake is a challenge in a kayak too, pretty much have to pick a reef and fish that general area. We couldn’t have asked for better weather for a day of kayak fishing though!

[@harrygrimley4352]

@@ndyakangler well thanks for the video. I love your stuff. You had a good finish. A bad day of fishing is better than a day of work. Unless your work is fishing.

[@yordimoran1801]

What’s that GoPro mount you have there on the back of the kayak?

[@micahgelfand8282]

Cool video and I hate to be that guy buttttt why are you not wearing your PFD?

[@MichaelJones-rn2pq]

Did you get the number off of the tags from that one bass and turn them into the DNR?

[@monkeyman4131]

A tagged Bass ! Never caught one of those, nice one also. It seems they are never where ya think they'll be ether . Just one thing ....for those watching , ya should have a USCG type 2 /3 Low-Profile Life Vest on ??? Ya never know when you might need one right ? Just saying, SAFETY FIRST ! Even the " Pro's " ware em. Thanks, Tom Daytona Beach, FL.

[@ndyakangler]

I always have a pfd on board but I usually don’t wear it unless I’m in a situation where I think I might need it. I’m a strong swimmer and the water was calm and still warm so I felt safe without it.

[@blownawayr]

@@ndyakangler I love your channel what line do you use?

[@monkeyman4131]

@@ndyakangler OK, having a PFD with ya is all ways a good idea. Didn't mean too cause any rif. Tom Daytona Beach, FL.

[@Zilla3430]

😂 😂 😂 Got me for a second, but this is old 😂 😂 😂 😂 it still frozen in mn

[@JLOUTSIDE]

I had no idea Chris Janson was into kayak fishing.

[@HK-pg1bt]

Ever thought about getting a pedal kayak?

[@ndyakangler]

I wouldn’t mind a pedal kayak for bigger lakes like this but I spend a lot of my time on stretches of river that are too shallow to run one on. My Tarpon paddles pretty effortlessly though so it works well for covering some distance on open water.

[@HK-pg1bt]

Good point! Hey thanks for the reply, I’ve been a fan for years. The reason why I asked about pedal is because this is the year I’ve decided to get into kayak fishing. Choosing which way to go pedal or paddle is definitely a hard one.

[@guywithagoprofishingshow3011]

ps-what software are you using to edit?

[@hahac4043]

September 19 is my birthday🤣🤣🤣

[@jdalend]

Soon...

[@tagg946]

How youre making 12 lb mono work on a spinning rod without it blowing the reel out is beyond me, maybe i need to try some of that line. lol

[@trolologuy02]

The reel you’re using for 12 lb line might be too small. The thicker the line, the stiffer it is, and the larger the arbor needs to be for the line stiffness to not cause it to explode off the reel.

[@tagg946]

@@trolologuy02 my reel is very similar in size to his, it does have a deeper spool however. I never use mono for spinning reels, braid to fluorocarbon leader is my go to

[@tagg946]

@@riles648 Mono has a ton of memory when its thicker in diameter and heavier. It might be thinner now, maybe even newer formulas with how its made, but its been a few years or more since ive spooled a spinning reel up with mono, 12 pound test has always blown my reels out from twist. I always just use very light mono 2-6 pound test or braid to flurocarbon leader with spinning rods.

[@jackhuminski3390]

Don’t ever consider going straight mono. I don’t want to say this guy doesn’t know what he’s doing but anyone not going braid to fluoro leader in almost every situation is pretty clueless

[@tagg946]

@@jackhuminski3390 If youre top water fishing a spook, popper, or whopper plopper, mono is almost always better for those long casts to cover more water, mono also floats. The only thing id have done different is throw that spook on a baitcaster with mono instead of a spinning reel. But you are correct about spinning reels, only very light mono can usually be spooled on them without them blowing out. Other than that, braid to fluoro for everything else spinning reel related, i'll even use braid to fluoro for small crankbaits i cant throw on my baitcasters.

[@peltotalo]

Just one more cast.....sounds justblike me.

[@robertfritz6925]

Matt your buddy jagged tooth gives all your spots away by leaving landmarks in his videos. I watched your videos for months trying to figure out the river system you fish. Watched one of his and figured it out in a couple minutes. You should say something to him if you wanna keep it a well kept secret

[@drw2037]

I’d rather fish Minnesota then Florida tbh

[@MsKindaSorta]

✌️🥰

[@justinlang8437]

this made my itch to fish open water even worse......

[@OKTyGr]

Put on your life vest bro. Lead by example.

[@marshallgibson7817]

Catches 1 fish... "I thought I had them figured out at this point" 2 hours later: "I didn't catch any more fish"

[@marklinder432]

You didnt get any big ones

[@richardlehman8405]

1st

[@ronaldshank7589]

Excellent video! Got a couple of questions, though-1:You waited nearly 6 months to release this video? 2: Neither you or your friend are wearing a lifejacket? As Andrew Dice Clay would say:"There is something so wrong with you"!!! 🙂😁😄!!! (Had to mess with you a little, there)!!! Please:In all seriousness, though, would you please use a lifejacket? You're one of the best fishing personalities on KZbin, and I just don't want to see anything happen to you, that's all. In the meantime, happy fishing, and tight lines to ya!!!

[@johnmango6056]

why would u need a life jacket on a kayak in September on a lake lol? unless u can't swim idk why he would need one

[@ronaldshank7589]

@@johnmango6056 Anyone on the water should have a lifejacket on! It's proper safety protocol. It's a real risk to be on the water, whether it be in a Kayak, Boat, or any Small Craft Device, without one. What if you were in a Kayak, and suddenly, something went wrong, such as hitting an unseen impediment in the water, and were flung out of the Kayak, and ended up having to swim for shore? What if you couldn't swim? Then, unless a miracle happens, you'd drown! I believe in safety first. Period!!!

[@johnmango6056]

@@ronaldshank7589 nope. ive been in a canoe for over 25 years and once the water gets over a certain temperature u are not required to wear a life jacket. if u cant swim or the water is really cold I agree but that's about it. he probably has one in the kayak but expecting someone to wear a life jacket when they are casting on a kayak that is sitting still on a perfectly calm lake is actually laughable.

[@Weekendairsoftwrrior]

@@johnmango6056 always possible that someone in a boat could come by and hit you. Unconscious in the water with no life jacket on means you drown.

[@johnmango6056]

@@Weekendairsoftwrrior u would be dead if someone hit u with a boat....

[@upallnyte2000]

only thing i don't see is a life vest of some sort on you.

[@ndyakangler]

I keep one on board but I don’t put it on unless I’m in a situation where I feel like I need to be wearing it. Most of the time I’m comfortable without it, I’m a strong swimmer and I’ve practiced deep water re-entry on the kayak plenty of times to know I’d be fine if I fell in.

[@harrygrimley4352]

Fifth

[@predwards8941]

Harry Grimley fiiiiiiiiiif

[@MrDuffy81]

Barely any POV footage. Not as good as your other vids. POV footage rules.