Great Lakes Dude #5 with Jeff Liskay – Walleye Fishing with Randy Gaines

Show Notes: https://wetflyswing.com/499 Presented By: Dette Flies, Jackson Hole Fly Company, BearVault Sponsors: https://wetflyswing.com/sponsors On this episode of the Wet Fly Swing Great Lakes podcast, we're joined by tournament fisherman and lifelong angler, Randy Gaines, Captain at Nibble This Charters. With over 20 years of professional experience and multiple national tournament wins under his belt, Randy brings an ocean of knowledge and practical tips on fishing for bass and walleye in the Great Lakes. We talk about everything from the importance of understanding fishing structure to selecting the right lures and fly designs, to navigating different water conditions, and even a few fishing tales. Listen in as Randy shares his insights on how to adapt your fishing techniques according to the environment, the significance of color contrast, and adjusting lure size according to water conditions. He emphasizes the importance of mixing up your lures and techniques to keep the fish from becoming conditioned. If you're looking to elevate your fishing game, Randy's advice on different retrieves, lure wobbles, and the impact of water clarity and temperature on the action and appeal of lures and flies is a goldmine. Rounding off the episode, we explore the intersection of fishing techniques and technology. We discuss how wind can be your ally in fly fishing, the influence of the boat and electronic noise on fish behavior, and how light penetration affects your strategy. With his vast experience in tournament fishing, Randy talks about the game-changing role of forward-facing sonar in locating bait and fish. So, whether you're a seasoned angler or a novice looking to reel in some big catches, this episode is your perfect companion for a day out on the water. Tune in for some incredible insights and a whole lot of fishing wisdom. Episode Chapters - Randy Gaines on Tournament Fishing (0:00:01) - Fishing for Great Lakes Walleye Randy Gaines shares his experience as a tournament fisherman, guide, and fly fisher, discussing guiding, off-the-wall techniques, and how fishing has helped his career. (0:13:38) - Fishing Structure and Current Importance Randy discusses visible and invisible structure, current speed, fishing techniques, and safety. (0:20:46) - Choosing Lures and Fly Designs Mixing up lures, speed, matching the hatch, and trying something new to attract fish. (0:31:00) - Fishing Techniques in Different Water Conditions We discuss water clarity, time of day, lure size, color contrast, and slow retrieves for fly fishing. (0:39:09) - Fishing Strategies and Lure Selection Randy Gaines discusses lures, flies, wobbles, retrieves, water clarity, temperature, and mixing up lures to keep fish from becoming conditioned. (0:53:28) - Fishing Techniques and Technology Randy and I discuss wind, boat noise, light penetration, sonar, tournament tools and tactics. Show Notes: https://wetflyswing.com/499