For as long as I can remember, people have come here to fish. Most usually stay a week. Upon arrival, some of them get all upset after driving for 12 hours. They run down to the lake bleary-eyed, jump in a boat and beat the water to a froth expecting all manner of fish to come hurling themselves over the gunwales of the boat. Over the years, a few of them have had the unbelievable fortune of succeeding, but the reality of the fact remains that fish seldom do this anywhere, especially for somebody new to any particular lake. That fact doesn't offer solace to some as they walk around with a deflated pout because their 347 days of exponentially multiplying expectations didn't present itself in immediate gratification via a boatload of fish.
However, as the week rolls forward, they usually catch a few here and there. Enough to pique their interest so that progress gets them on the water, helping them refine their technique and dial it in for this lake. Also remember that just because the fish bite purple green Spiffy-diffy's on Lake Pacodumptruck in Wisconsin is not a guarantee that they will do the same here. The best thing one can do at Northwind Lodge is come over to the store and see what they've been biting on in Jasper or the region. Bring along your tackle box and we can narrow down and separate the lures that work here from the lures that make our fish giggle and say "Seriously?!"
One of the most fascinating phenomenon I've seen here occurs the last three days of almost everybody's fishing on Jasper. For as far back as I can remember, it seems that our new guests take about the three total days to figure out the "feel" of the lake. Then the last three days, they run into fish. It is not always, but it is "often" that the biggest, and the most fish are caught in the last three days of a guest's stay. It begins Wednesday and goes through Friday. I'd say that it is a combination of commitment, determination and good vibes. Maybe they are sending out good vibrations and the fish are finally attracted to it. That may or may not be so crazy sounding as I swear I know people who are "fish-magnets". I think fish are drawn to them based on their vibes or magnetic field. Those are the people who can tie a stick of chewing gum on their line with no hook and land a walleye. I've been in the boat with those types of people and to test the theory I will tie on the same piece of gum, fish one foot from their line, and watch them catch everything while I stare in amazement.
Fortunately, I don't really care that much for myself; but prefer that somebody from my group is catching something. I always figure my day will come and it has, many many times, but not yet enough for me to want hang up fishing. Fishing is really Mother Nature's big outdoor casino. You cast your line and see what you win. The difference from a real casino is that if you tied your knot properly, you usually get your lure back and cast it again. A real casino just takes your lure and gives it to somebody else. Despite having done this for all of my life, I still think "today is the day" at the beginning of each day that I get out on the water and cast my line. You never know what you are going to get for certain.
So, I understand why it is that many of our guests charge out onto the water in a sleep-deprived and sometimes, ornery, state of mind. They've waited a whole year for this and "Today is THE day!" But just remember: usually, the first three days stinks "catch-wise" and the last three days greatly improves. One develops a feel for the lake at some subconscious level. That isn't always the case, but I've personally witnessed it more often than not. That is also why coming up to stay for two or three nights usually won't cut it. You just start unwinding and you have to head back home. Uggghh... Northern Minnesota vacations for three days and two nights are a great way to run around and be more tired than when one arrived. Just a thought from a seasoned Minnesota resort operator.
The Normans - Wood Lake Catch - Northwind Lodge Dock - June 2014
(this whole family is a collective fish magnet)
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Comment if you'd like. I'd also like to hear your stories of staying at Northwind Lodge.