TIPS FOR CATCHING YOUR BIGGEST FISH EVER
By Bob Jensen

Autumn is a great time of year for fishing, and if you're goal is to catch a big fish, the next few weeks are the best time to do so. In fact, if you want to catch your biggest walleye, pike, musky, or bass, you can't beat the fall season for trophy fish. Following are some ideas as to how you can do so.

Regardless of what type of fish you're after, you must select a body of water that has a history of producing big fish. Some lakes have a reputation for big fish; others have a reputation of lots of fish but few lunkers. Spend your time on big fish water if a truly big fish is your goal.

Be prepared for the time when the fish-of-a-lifetime hits. Make sure you are using fresh line. Don't risk losing a big one to old line.

Lots of really big fish have been caught on small lures, but even more have been caught on big lures. In the fall, use big baits for big fish.

If you want a trophy smallmouth, a Roach Rig and big red-tail chub or, in some waters, a perch or sucker will be an excellent choice. Use a minnow in the five to seven inch range. If there is a hungry smallmouth down there, they will eat this offering.

Crankbaits are proven producers for walleyes, and it seems like the biggest walleyes often come on crankbaits. The Frenzy Medium Minnows have been producing big walleyes for anglers who have been using them. Fish them behind Off Shore in-line planer boards in clear water to up the odds of getting bit.

Bionic Bucktails have been producing huge muskies and pike for many fall seasons. In fact, two of the biggest muskies in the Midwest the past several years have come on Bionic Bucktails. Add a seven or ten inch Power Worm to this offering to add bulk, color, and action. Throw the baits over windswept rocks or over and along weedbeds.

Largemouth bass will be susceptible to lots of lure types this time of year, but big bass hunters often choose a spinnerbait/trailer or jig/trailer combination. If the fish are in the rushes, try a Reed-Runner spinnerbait with a Power Trailer. After working the rushes with this combo, go back through and pitch a Jungle Jig tipped with a Power Hawg to the thickest clumps of rushes. Set the hook at any slight movement of your line, and hang on. These largemouth are strong and nothing but a good time.

When you get the fish you've been looking for, and you will if you put in your time, have a decision already made as to what you'll do with it. If you want to put it on the wall, consider a replica. Many folks believe that the truly big fish have "Trophy Genes" and will pass those genes on and produce more lunkers. Don't set your sights too low for a trophy. In many bodies of water in the Midwest, the time has never been better to take a trophy fish. Find out for yourself in the next few weeks.