Minnesota Pro Tip of the Week: On Leech and Winnie, not giving up on shiners yet

By Jason Boser

Years of guiding experience: 28

Favorite lakes: Island, Leech and Sand

We still have a lot of shiners here, and we’re going to stick with the shiner bite until they run out. On both Leech and Winnie, a jig and minnow has been excellent, with walleyes moving into the shallows.

But one important thing working shallows on these clear-watered lakes is getting your jig away from the boat. I like to back troll at about a mile per hour, so I cast the bait about 25 to 30 yards from the boat, and move that jig with snap movements. I like the lightest jig I can get away with, usually starting with 1/8-ounce. The guys at the front of the boat have the most time before that jig ends up behind the boat, at which point we reel in and cast out again.

The lighter the jig, the better. If there’s no wind, getting down to a 1/16-ounce is usually more effective.

Boser is a multi-species guide in the Grand Rapids area. He can be reached at 218-244-2517.