Swimbaits are Deadly for Michiana Walleyes

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Published: 23 April 2021

By Louie Stout

Steven Szymczak with a walleye

Today’s trendy swimbaits catch more than bass.

In fact, says walleye angler Steven Szymczak, it’s one of the most effective – yet overlooked - techniques for catching walleyes in Michiana.

“It’s definitely the most underutilized technique,” said Szymczak, who works at Clear H2o Tackle in Edwardsburg. “Everyone thinks of it as a bass lure, but it’s very natural and really deadly on walleyes.”

Swimbaiting is effective on the St. Joseph River and nearly all of Michiana’s lakes that contain walleye, he added.

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Expect Fishing, Boating Gear Shortages This Season

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Published: 09 April 2021

By Louie Stout

Louie StoutIf you see fishing tackle or boating equipment you think you might want this year, buy it now.

It may not be available this summer.

Retailers in Michiana and around the country - both boat and tackle – are finding the supply pipeline extremely tight and expect it to remain that way throughout most of the summer.

“If you thought last year was bad, this year could even be worse,” said Steven Szymczak of Clear H2o Tackle in Edwardsburg, Mich.

Call it the perfect storm. The pandemic caused factories to shut down last spring and by the time they opened, they were far behind. Couple that with a soaring interest in fishing and boating, and the demand went through the roof.

To make matters worse, several components or products made overseas have been hung up in shipping issues due to the pandemic.

Area retailers ordered heavily last winter and those goods are trickling in. The shelves are filling up – kinda - for now.

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