Rapala Original Floater F03
Rapala
The wounded-minnow that started arguments in more Minnesota tackle boxes than we can count. Twitch it, drown it, or just believe in it.
View on AmazonWater · Alexandria lakes area (Douglas County)
Lake Carlos
The deep, clear one in the Alexandria chain. About 2,600 acres and 163 feet deep, with walleye, bass, pike and panfish.
Usual suspects: Walleye, Smallmouth bass, Largemouth bass, Northern pike, Panfish
Carlos is the deep end of the Alexandria chain. DNR LakeFinder lists about 2,600 acres, a 163-foot max depth and a mean depth of 50 feet, which means your anchor rope is a suggestion and not a plan. Lake Carlos State Park sits on the north shore.
DNR surveys list walleye, smallmouth and largemouth bass, northern pike, crappie, bluegill, perch, rock bass and tullibee. There’s a public access. Just where it is and what swims there. Real catches go in Reports. Facts from DNR LakeFinder.
What’s happening
We are watching the calendar. Nothing on the books for this water that we can stand behind. When a real event shows up, it will land here — not a daydream with a date slapped on it. See all of Events.
Boat kit
Usual tray for this water
Picks from the species that actually live here, already on the gear guides. Click a card if you want it in the boat. We still will not invent a bite.
Storm WildEye Swim Shad 03, Fire Tiger
Storm
Pre-rigged soft shad with holographic flash and that WildEye stare that looks slightly judgmental. Cast it along weed edges and riprap when Minnesota bass want a baitfish without the drama of live bait.
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Johnson Standard Minnow Spoon, Gold, 2-3/4 inch, 3/4 oz
Johnson
The original weedless wonder still earns a seat in Minnesota pike boats. Cast it through pads and cabbage, keep a steady wobble, and tip it with a trailer if the fish want a little more meal. Gold 3/4 is the listing we can actually buy today.
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Clam Drop Jig, Size 12, 1/16 oz, Wonderbread
Clam
Minnesota ice-house tungsten with a flat tie-eye that puts the hook where soft-mouthed crappies keep their secrets. Small, dense, and weirdly charming in Wonderbread paint.
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Rapala Shad Rap 07
Rapala
Balsa with a job. The Shad Rap is the crankbait people name the way they name a truck.
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Rapala CrushCity Mayor Soft Plastic Paddle Tail Swimbait, 3 inch
Rapala
Paddle-tail kick for swim jigs, underspins, or a plain jighead. The Mayor is the soft plastic you throw when the lake is pressured and you still want a clean baitfish profile.
View on AmazonFish notes WalleyeBassNorthern pikePanfish
Gear guides MN weekend rod & reel — wallet setupsMinnesota walleye classicsSpinners and cast daysWalleye spinning & jigging setups
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