What Is New with LOA in 2014

What is Happening in the World Of Leisure Outdoor Adventures

Leisure Outdoor Adventures has had a busy few months here in 2014 with many new and exciting opportunities as we venture into the upcoming spring and summer seasons.  Whether it is the expansion of the guide service into new frontiers or the take off of our new online webisode called On the Road with LOA.  Big things are happening in the world of Leisure Outdoor Adventures and we want to make sure all of our fans, supporters, and promotional partners get a sneak peak at what is in store for 2014.  Lets take a look:

1. Partnership with Reeds Family Outfitters - We are super excited and very fortunate to be working with premier outfitters in the Midwest!  We will have the opportunity to utilize our strengths as a company and look to add to the legacy that is Reeds. With both businesses based out of Walker, Minnesota the partnership is proving to be a exceptional combo.  Reeds is the leader in outdoor retail industry. Throughout the coming months look for more about this and be sure to stop into either Reeds locations in Walker or Onamia to check out their awesome deals and experience their world class customer service.  Click Here to check out their website.  

2.  Other New Partnerships with KenKatch Tackle Company and Excel Outdoors.  One of the things we take pride in at Leisure Outdoor Adventures is partnering with companies whose product and overall company platform is one we believe in.  In recent weeks, we have announced our new partnerships with both of these companies and we can’t be more excited about it.  Stay tuned through the upcoming weeks for product highlights, videos, and information about both of these companies and their product lines.  Be sure to check out their websites and “LIKE” them on Facebook.  

3. Expansion into the Grand Rapids Market - New this spring the Leisure Outdoor Adventures Guide Service has recently expanded its services into the Grand Rapids, Minnesota market.  With this expansion we have added a new full time fishing guide to our guide team in Aaron Murphy.  To read more about Aaron Click Here.  Murph, as we call him, will be leading the charge in this fantastic fishing area.  To go along with that, co-owner of Bigtooth Tackle Josh Kragthorpe will also be lending a hand by offering fully guided musky trips.  If you are looking to book a trip or bring a corporate event to the area check out Sugar Lake Lodge.

Aaron Murphy

Josh Kraghtorpe

  4. Other Expansions - Further increasing the LOA Guide Service presence in Central Minnesota will be Mike Raetz and Kirby Budrow.  Mike will be focusing his efforts on the Hackensack Area on lakes such as Ten Mile, Woman, and many more.  He is an avid crappie and bass fisherman and loves to pursue them in all seasons during both the hard water season and soft water seasons.  Kirby will be a musky guide focusing his efforts on lakes such as Shamineau, Alexander, Mille Lacs, the Mississippi River, and others.  If you are looking for some other types of fishing adventures, these are definitely something to consider!  We are excited to have both Mike and Kirby working with us this year.

Mike Raetz

Kirby Budrow

          

                                  

5. On the Road with LOA - New this winter we launched our new online webisode called On the Road with LOA.  Whether it is destinations or the search for big fish, you are not going to want to miss watching these episodes. This intense, entertaining, and real life show not only provides incredible fish catches and adventures, but a glimpse into who we are as fishing guides and a company.  Under the leadership of Jeff Andersen, Toby Kvalevog, and the LOA writing team we see big things happening with On the Road with LOA.  Check out our latest episode which was up on Lake of the Woods filming giant monster pike through the ice.  

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tzkr6YDLemc&list=UUHrrwsv1nHpx75Q_cHrzerw

6. Jason Freed Takes Over as President of the Leisure Outdoor Adventures Guide Service - This winter Jason Freed took over the role of President of the LOA Guide Service.  Included in Jason’s role will be working to expand the guide service, bookings, as well as the overall management and marketing of Leisure Outdoor Adventures and all included entities.  We are excited about what Jason brings to the table and feel he is going to help take the LOA  to the next level within the fishing industry.  To go along with those duties, Jason will continue to work to explore additional promotional opportunities, as well as facilitating corporate events and large scale tournaments such as the Ice Castle Classic and the fishing portion of the  International Eel Pout Festival.

7. Fish House Rentals - New this winter was our fleet of fish houses that can be found on Leech Lake.  Even though Mother Nature threw us some miserable conditions at times, we still managed to have a successful season with the houses and renters.  We learned a lot about the ice rental business and are looking forward to taking that knowledge and making next winter even better.  Winter seems like a long ways off, but if you are looking for something fun to do when you come up to Walker, Minnesota next winter be sure to check out our fish houses.  Here is a video link to learn more about them.  

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n8wafDEoEZo&list=PL5D1E0262A751FB38

8. Lund Boats and Mercury Motors - Once again the LOA Guide team will be fishing out of the best boats in the fishing industry in Lund Boats equipped with Mercury Motors.  We have found that regardless of the model, both Lund and Mercury are guide tested and approved! They help us get from point A to B whether with clients or fishing tournaments. This season Toby will be running another 208GL Pro V with a 300HP Verado, Steve Olson will have the new 208 GL Tyee which is a really sharp looking boat, Jiggy and Chuck will be running their favorite boat in the 2010 Pro Guide equipped with the 200HP Verado, and Freed will be running a new 1975 Pro V with a 225 HP Verado. 

These are just a few things that we wanted to share.  2014 is shaping up to be a HUGE year for LOA and we couldn’t do it without the support of our clients, fans, friends, family, and partners.  Everyone has played a vital role from our humble beginnings, to where we are and where we want to go.  We sincerely thank you and can’t wait to spend time with everyone this spring, summer, and fall.  

Until then SET THE HOOK a few times and MAKE SOME MEMORIES!

The Leisure Outdoor Adventures Team

Leech Lake Guide Fishing Report (Weekend of May 17th-19th)

 LOA Guide Chuck Hasse with a dandy Leech Lake Walleye

Our team of guides was out in full force from the Brainerd Lakes to Mille Lacs to Leech Lake.  Leech didn't disappoint this weekend.  With so many anglers facing the disappointment of an icy Minnesota Fishing Opener throughout much of the Northland, last week's weather brought warm temps and rainfall and open water throughout all of Leech Lake.  Anglers were out in full force throughout the weekend, including the LOA Team.

 Clam Owner David Osborne with  a Leech Lake Eye

Fishing was fairly solid all weekend.  Water temps ranged through out the low to upper 40s in most places.  Many of your traditional and favorite early season locations had fish on them.  Wind played a pivotal role in pushing warmer waters and bait fish, so that was where we spent out time on the water, focusing on shoreline breaks and large expansive flats on the Main Lake where fish were cruising and on the prowl for a good meal.  Walleyes and jumbo perch were caught everywhere from 4-12 ft of water.  The key was moving around and finding those active schools of fish and it varied from spot to spot on the depths.  A Jig and rainbow or a jig and a shiner were the ticket most all of the weekend.  For jigging,  I was able to try out the new Jason Mitchell series of rods this weekend, and used both the 6'2" and 6'4" rods for jigging and they were great, if you are looking for an affordable and well made rod, this is the one for you.  Various colors and jig profiles produced fish throughout the weekend, but a key was changing up your jigging cadence and presentation from time to time, and of course staying away from the crowds and fishing on the edges.  On busy weekends such as last weekend, those shallow water walleyes get spooked easy by a lot of boat traffic, so work that to your advantage. 

Dean Kvalevog putting the hurt on another Leech Lake Walleye

If you are looking for a place to buy some of the finest bait in the Walker area, check out Swansons Bait and Tackle in Hackensack, Minnesota.  They are your one stop shop and will have all you need for your fishing adventure as well as other things you may be looking for.  The fishing is only going to get better as the next few weeks rolls around and we our guide service season is starting to get busy and the calendar is filling up.  If you are looking for some awesome fishing and lodging packages be sure to check out the Chase on the Lake website and give us a call at 1-855-LOA-HOOK to get hooked up on an adventure of a lifetime.  June can be dynamite on Leech so don't miss out. 

 

                                      Leech Lake Walleye                   The End Result!

A "Jolly" good Summer!

Summer 2012 has come and gone for the Leisure Outdoor Adventures crew. A little over a year ago there were three of us (Toby Kvalevog, Jeff Andersen, and Steve Olsen). New to the Team this year were Wade Haapajoki, Nate and Alexis Young, Guides Tim Hanske, Jim Ernster, Bob Auel, Jason Freed, and Greg Clark. They did a tremendous job fishing throughout central Minnesota for multi species from Mille Lacs to Cass Lake. All of the guys put clients on fish consistently throughout the seasons and spent several hours on the water learning to adjust with the fish as they moved from spot to spot on various lakes that we fish.

Along the way we received help from fellow guides Nate Young, Nate and Butch Blaising, Aaron "Murph" Murphy, Chuck Hasse, Harv Luek, and Mark Christianson, Jack Schriver and Jack Jr.. Without the support of fine folks willing to fill in from time to time, we wouldn't be able to get all of the awesome guests on the water day in and day out.

Leisure Outdoor Adventures had formed a new relationship with Lund Boats in 2012. Jeff "Jiggy" Andersen went with a 2025 Pro Guide Tiller model. "I have been a better fisherman in this boat because of its fish-ability", said Jiggy. After watching Jeff on the water, I have no doubt that this is true. In conditions less than favorable, I have seen unmatched boat control when others struggle. Harv Luek and Mark Christianson drive similar models and would voice the same. Jason Freed, Steve Olsen, and I ran Lund Pro V models. I personally had a chance to run the new 208 pro v glass boat this year. This boat was everything I could ask for in a guide boat and then some. Great control, tons of storage, and comfort that is unmatched. I recently sold my boat and will order another just like it as soon as possible. I know that I am a better guide because of it.

On the tackle side of things, we established a new partnership with Shawn Flemming and Jolly Roger Tackle company. From the end of May through July we our guides put the SMACK DOWN on Walleyes and Pike around our area with the help of the Jolly Roger Spinners in various color combinations. I have become a better spinner fisherman in 2012. With the help of Shawn, we have become much more detail orientated spinner fisherman. Matching the hatch, spinner length, and speed are all major players and Jolly Roger products as packaged make adjustments on the water VERY SIMPLE!

A spinner is the business end of a very deadly combination when paired with a quality trolling rod. Our partnership with Jason Mitchell rods does just that! The back bone and soft tip of these rods works exactly like it should. A subtle bite develops into a slow rod bend until the backbone takes over and hooks the fish. The need to "SET THE HOOK" is unnecessary. A simple 2 or 3 reels in the rod holder results in a high hook up percentage.

Because of the support of Partners, Sponsors, Guides, and friends behind the scenes, we have doubled our time on the water in 2012 and we aren't done yet! My brother Shane Kvalevog and friend Luke Davidson have spent countless hours putting in the time to make sure that our behind the scenes web site work, design work, and news letter are up and running. Thanks again to them for all of their hard work in 2012!

Luke Davidson Web Site Host 

Shane Kvalevog ,Web Site and Graphic Design Team

Moving forward, Leisure Outdoor Adventures is working to build more relationships with destinations around the upper Midwest and with quality guides in each location. In 2013 we hope to be a one stop shop in booking your complete fishing get away at any one of our top lodging destinations.

Stay Hooked,
<')))><
Toby Kvalevog

PIG PERCH!

I love PERCH!

What's not to love about these taste morsels? Now only do they taste great, but they are fun to catch too! When mid February hits, typically the first ice bite that is fantastic slows to prime time only. Perch can be targeted year round, and typically are cooperating.

My last two fishing adventures to Leech Lake have had me chasing the bigger perch that Leech is famous for. We like to call them "Pig Perch".

Walker Bay is full of perch. Big ones too! We have been targeting the 8-16ft sand / weed breaks around the Walker bay area. There are perch EVERYWHERE, but finding the "Piggies" is a little more challenging. Fellow LOA owner Jeff Andersen and I have spent time the past few weeks concentrating part of our days on the water locating and dissecting this bite. I believe we have it figured out. All of our recent trips have produced enough fish in the 10-14 inch range to fill a bucket with dozens of others not quite making the grade.

A good fish finder like the Vexilar FL-22 is a must for optimizing your success on the water. We will typically drill 10-20 holes per spot. With a Vexilar, you can hop from hole to hole until you find the hot one. The vexilar will quickly show you if there are fish under you, and if they are big enough to bother with.

Once we land on the "HOT SPOT" I like to through up my 6x8 ClAM SUMMIT THERMAL pop up shelter before I settle in. They are compact, light weight and put up in seconds. With even the smallest heaters, it will maintain a comfortable temperature under the fridged temperatures. I keep my clients warm and dry in this unit, and its saved the day more than once.

The Leech Lake Perch bite is only going to get stronger, so come on up and give it a shot. Yes, we will have someone available to guide you if you would like. 855-LOA-HOOK for details.

See you on the ICE!

Toby K

Leech Lake Walleye - Fishing Guide

Walleye Fishing on Leech Lake is on fire and if you like catching big ones now is the time.  Have you check out our website?  www.LeisureOutdoorAdventures.com  Toby and I had the chance to take out the guys who built it fishing the other day and what a day!  In my boat was Luke, the code writer for the website, and his brother Gabe.  In Toby's boat was his brother Shane, our web designer, and their Dad, Dean. 

These guys were an absolute blast and I only wish all of my guided fishing trips went this well.  I asked the guys, in the morning, do you want to go for numbers or would you like to go for big ones?  Both Luke and Gabe said, "Go big or go home!"

BIG it was and off we went.  We fished with crawlers, leeches and red tail chubs on a long 7 foot rig with both 3/8th once weight and up to 1/2 once.  The fish early in the morning were positioned on top of the rock reefs and as the day progressed and a few fellow anglers driving over the spots the fished pushed off to the deeper edges but it didn't seem to slow them down.  We went BIG and the boys put a hurt bag on the big walleyes! 

Toby's boat also did well on the big walleyes with the big fish, a 29 incher, between the two boats.  Our biggest was 27.5 along with two others over the 26 inch slot and several fish just under.  We also caught a few limits of keepers mixed in with the big ones.  Here are a few photos of the trip.

Thanks to Luke and Shane for the amazing website and for the memory of an awesome day fishing!

"Make a Memory"

Jeff "Breezer" Andersen

Leech Lake Fishing Report Leisure Outdoor Guide Service

5/21/2011 Leech Lake Fishing Report

I met up with my clients for that day @ 7:00 am at the front door of the the Chase resort. Ray Smart and buddy Joe made the trip up from Mankato Mn to do a little walleye fishing.

The weather forecast for Saturday was for rain showers and light to moderate winds out of the SE. Rain was an understatement! The bilge pump on my 620 ranger fisherman was on most of the day. Thank goodness for full windshields too! Now if someone would just come up with a window wiper system.

We began our morning trip with a drive to partridge point on the SE corner of the lake. Rumor had it that the bite was good there on opener, and with the forecast, I thought it would be happening.....WRONG! At 9:30 we loaded the boat back up and headed for the Walker City Park.

Spot#2 was the main lake. We focused our efforts between Walker Narrows and the Hardwoods. Shallow Jigging with shiner minnows produced 20 some "eater walleyes" and and one just under 26". We kept enough for a nice meal.

Spot#3 was over to Ottertail pt where the wind was blowing in. At this point in our day we were looking for bigger fish. Real rod benders. We switched tactics to Creek Chubs and lindy rigs for the big girls. Ottertail was on fire. In two drifts we managed another half dozen slot fish in the 19-24" range and lost a few more.

Spot#4 was Walker Bay. The mission was monster fish! Although we managed a handful of medium sized pike, the walleye were uncooperative.

The bite on leech lake so far this year has been spotty. The first two Saturdays of the season have produced. The rest of the season has been pretty tough. Clear skies and light winds make for a tough day bite on Leech. With the wind and clouds like we had, the fishing is nothing short of phenomenal! The fishing will continue to get better each day as the water warms. The next few weeks should be some of the best fishing of the year! Give us a shout today and book your trip soon.

Leech Lake Walleye Guide - Fishing Opener 2011

Minnesota Fishing opener is on May 14, 2011 and let me tell you there is nothing more exciting for a fishing guide then knowing, or at least hoping, that the bite is going to be on!  Well the buzz is that Leech Lake is going to be on fire and I would have to concur!  Generally speaking it was a pretty tough winter fishing on Leech as the travel was horrible.  Giving the fish a nice break!  Another part of the, hot bite prediction, is our spring is pretty far behind and that means the majority of fish are going to remain shallow.

At Leisure Outdoor Adventures we are excited for our first season as a team!  We have some of the best guides all over the state of Minnesota working with us and would love to share their boat with you.  If you are looking for a fishing guide on Leech or any lake in Minnesota we will Hook you up!  Give us a call at 855-LOA-HOOK.

If you are looking for some more information regarding spring walleyes I recently wrote an article for My Lake Guide in Walker.  Here is a link click here or you can read below.

The Fish Factory Leech Lake

“Bonanza Spring Walleyes”

By Jeff “Breezer” Andersen

Spring is upon us and the once frozen lakes are now shinning with soft water ready for you to hop in the boat, put a line in the water, and set the hook!  In the last installment of “My Lake Guide” I spoke on winter walleyes on Leech Lake.  Winter, a great time to get out and enjoy a day on the ice but now its time to get in the boat and put some fish in the net.

The Quarry

Lets face it, if you are not fishing where the fish are you can’t catch them.  That is why it’s important to understand annual movements of the fish you tend to target.  In this case we are talking the old marble eye (walleye).

Although we can’t predict spring weather we can predict that walleyes will make an attempt to spawn each and every year.  For walleyes, this goes into motion when the water temps reach 42 to 50 degree Fahrenheit.  Walleyes seek out warm water and current a will usually spawn over shallow rock, gravel, and sand.  This is typically found in rivers but there are some instances when walleyes will spawn in the lake. 

After the spawn walleyes will filter out of these areas using shallow water flats, where warm water is located, and feed aggressively.  This usually occurs just prior to the Minnesota Fishing Opener, May 14, 2011, making spring one of the best times to catch large amounts of fish.  This is one of the times through out the whole season when the fish are in large schools in one common area.  That’s a great combination! 

My Top Picks for a Successful Spring Walleye Hunt

- Leech Lake

In the aforementioned section I have labeled numerous spawning areas, which should be the focus of your efforts this coming spring walleye hunt.  With the massive size of Leech Lake and the blustery Northwest winds we all know how big the waves can get making it a challenge to fish specific areas at times.  The marvelous thing about Leech Lake is there is always a safe area to fish when those winds decide to blow.  One of those areas that I like to target is between Big Hardwood Point, Ottertail Point and Pine Point.  This area has a combination of attributes that make is a walleye playground.  Fish that are post spawn have filtered out of Steamboat Bay though the Walker Narrows.  I usually look for the first piece of structure just outside of the these filter points and in the case Pine Point and West Goose Flats are two of the best areas.  This area also has fish filtering down from the North End of Sucker Bay and will set up on Big Hardwood Point, and both the Duck Points.  As mentioned before wind is a big factor on Leech and will dictate which of these locations I choose to fish.  It’s a simply formula, where the wind is blowing into, is usually where I start.  If the wind is strong and the waves too large, there is always a sheltered area to fish.  The common depth I’m fishing is anywhere from 6 to 8 feet but don’t be afraid to look shallower. 

- Cass Lake Chain

The Cass Lake Chain is another hot bed for springtime walleyes.  You have so many options but I like to focus on the smaller bodies of water for the first couple of weeks.  Those lakes would include Wolf Lake, Andrusia Lake and Kitchi Lake.  All three of these lakes are set up similar in regards to structure and size.  I would focus on shallow weed flats close to the river channels and in many cases right in the river mouths.  During low light periods casting or trolling shallow running Rapala’s can be the ticket.

- Longville Area

The Longville Area is also on the top of my list with an abundance of lakes to target.  A few of my favorites are Women, Little Boy and Wabedo Lakes.  They are chucked full of walleyes!  On Woman Lake I would concentrate on the shallow water of the smaller bays and/or the shallow flats just outside of these bays.  On both the Little Boy and Wabedo there are several underwater points and sand flats with cabbage weeds to focus on.  Fishing the windblown side of these points and flats will congregate the fish in tight schools. 

Presentation

If you can’t tell this is one of my favorite times of year to fish as the fish are shallow, hungry and in large packs which has the makings of an incredible fishing day.  This is also the time of year when the jig and minnow gets the call for best presentation and by far one of my favorite ways to catch them.

There are two main jigs in my arsenal.   My go to is the VMC “Hammer Head Jig” (to view online click here go to page V17).  It’s made with a short shank power gap hook, is precision balanced, is made with a 3d eye and premium high carbon steel which sets it apart from the rest.  I will tip the jig with a spot tail shiner and I will use the optional Quik-Strike Trailer Hook when the walleyes are short biting.  Without that trailer hook there have been many days we would have had a lot less walleyes in our live-well. 

The second jig and one that is sweeping the walleye world is the VMC “Neon Moon Eye Jig” (to view online click here go to page V12).  I tip this jig with a Trigger X Soft Plastic 3 or 4 inch walleye minnow or swimming grub (view online here).  Now I have always been a live bait guy but for the past few years I have been sold on the use of artificial bait and more specifically Trigger X soft baits.  There are many advantages to this combination.  One, the soft plastic is more durable so when you get on a hot bite you don’t have to reach in the bait bucket and re-bait your jig all the time.  Second, you don’t have to deal with live bait in general and these baits are sold in easy to handle packs.  Three, they are made species specific with a synthetically reproduced pheromones that naturally attracts fish and triggers them to chow down!  Lastly, they are Biodegradable, which is good for our resource.  Don’t get me wrong there is a time and place for both but give this combination a try and you will know what I’m talking about.

With both of these combination's it’s important to have the correct presentation, or if you will, jigging stroke.   An important part of that is your fishing rod.  I would recommend the Jason Mitchell Elite Series 6’6” which is a perfect combination of length and balance. (View Rods Here) 

The beauty of a jig is it’s the most versatile presentation out there, which gives you the ability to present the lure in an aggressive or slow manner.  I let the fish dictate my presentation but by fair the most effective jigging stroke is with a high rod tip, whether you are drifting, casting, or trolling bounce the jig with slack line giving it hard a pop with each stroke.  Don’t forget to let that jig sit on the bottom because in numerous occasions the walleye will pick the jig off the bottom. When you feel that hard tick reel down and rip some lip! 

The Deal is Sealed

There is not a doubt in my mind, that if you put these tactics in motion this coming spring, your live well is going to be full of abundant walleyes. 

If you have more questions or would like to chat fishing I can be located at LeisureOutdoorAdventures.com where can also view my blog and fishing updates throughout the season.

“Make a Memory”

Jeff “Breezer” Andersen

What's a post without pictures?  Well here are some walleyes from previous openers!