Hey guys, I don't think I'll be able to find many fishing buddies to chase the ski's with this year, so how do I go about fishing alone? Any tips on launching, boating, boat control, fishing, catching, releasing, pictures, trailering, any anything else you guys can think of? Thanks for the help!

I fish from shore so I can't help with most of your questions.
Most digital cameras have a timer function which could be a little tricky to get the timing right. Mine can be set up to take a picture every 10, 20, 30 seconds or whatever I set it up for. It just keeps taking pictures until I shut it off.
Before I throw my first cast, I find a rock to set it up. If everything is set up in advance all I have to do is turn it on, push one button and it does the rest.

Good luck,
Johnny

I fish alone most of the time,with that said it's no big deal...Get a plan in place when you launch your boat,rods in,tackle boxes in,drain plug,etc...Have your boat ready to go when you launch,tie a rope to the winch if you are worried about it floating away.
Fishing is better but can be harder,one person,one lure type.Fish thorough,fish efficient and slow,get a confidense lure on for the structure you are working and leave it on! I bring 100+ lures with me and usually throw 2 or 3! Thats in 5 hours of fishing.
Have your boat organized so when you do get that fish on you can land it.I have the handle of my net within an easy reach of the front of my boat. I have Beckmen net,I put a downeast salty rod holder on the both sides of the boat,when I net the musky,I put the net in the rod holder so I can get my release tools.Works real slick,try it! I also have small ropes on my release tools,wind it on and duct tape,they are ALWAYS in the SAME place,within arms reach!!! That is the key tip!! I usually take a pic of the fish in the net or I will try a release shot.If the fish is big,I will ask another person in a different boat to snap a few pics,poeple are usually more than willing to help. I hope that helps a little,Good Luck! Paul

I do it by my self a lot also. paullo had a lot of good ideas i the net in the rod holder is a great idea i never though of it before. having the boat orgainized it a good idea so you can get from that front and back easily when fight a fish.

paullo are you from eau claire because i am too.

Hey Tyler...

I live in Bloomington... so if you want or need a fishing parther... Just email me anytime... I have a boat... and Im trying to get it ready for June 7th opener... we could switch trips... some day use your boat... some day use mine... doesnt matter... I tend to fish French Lake in Faribault... and will be fishing in several Metro Lakes this year... Just email me at rebel9921@hotmail.com if this interests you...

Tyler - I fish Tonka and Mille Lacs about 3 days a week and 99 percent of the time I'm by myself.
Trailering and launching your boat is the easy part - netting muskies over 40" by yourself is the real challenge. I've lost a few nice fish and one 50+ last year on the big pond struggling with the rod and net - not a fun situation at all.
Find a couple of guys you can call on once in a while to go with, take a relative or the guy next door, girlfriend, etc. Sounds like there's plenty of fellow hunters on here. It's much better to have a second body in the boat and when it comes time to land a hog and snap a quick picture, you'll be glad you did.
I know how it goes and I'll end up fishing alone a lot this season too, just keep your boat free of clutter, keep the net open, handle extended and untangled in a central location in the boat and when you hook into one don't freak out, just take it slow and do one thing at a time. When you get her next to the boat after the second run keep your line TIGHT and dip the net in deep. Never, ever let any slack in the line. You'll have to guide her straight into the net head first and you only get one chance to do it right. Taking quality pics alone is impossible but, a quick snap of her up against the measure board is good enuf. Good luck and fish safe.

I also fish alone guite a bit and have had some interesting encounters. I'm from Ramsey and I'm always looking to go out fishing. I have my own boat and if someone is willing to chip in a little for gas; they're more than welcome to fish with me. I frequent Mille Lacs and Waconia the most, but would like someone to show me around Tonka... I've heard good things... but don't like the crowds and party crafts. Anyway, email me at gigawatts_3@hotmail.com if you want a fishing partner or if you want to hit up a lake with me. -Kyle Waterworth

I fish Tonka by myself a couple days a week after work. I'm off at 2:00 everyday and work in Plymouth so I'm pretty close. Waconia is a great lake, one of my favs. I'd be willing to meet you out on Tonka in my tracker in exchange for a trip in your rig to Waconia here and there. Let me know when you're going and we can work something out. lsmith@minntech.com

I am out on Waconia about 4 or 5 days a week and would be willing to take someone with me because I do often find myself out alone. I have a boat and everything needed. If someone wants to exchange for a trip to tonka that would be sweet.