Marathon Fishing Trip - 12-Hour Lake Adventure
Private Trip
Lakes/Reservoirs/Ponds Fishing
12hour guided fishing trip for dedicated anglersTargets Smallmouth Bass, Walleye, or Muskellunge speciesMarathon format increases trophy fish landing chances
If you're the type of angler who dreams about landing trophy fish and doesn't mind putting in the time to make it happen, this 12-hour marathon trip is built just for you. We're talking about a serious day on the water – the kind where you'll watch the sunrise, fish through the heat of midday, and still be casting as the sun starts to set. This isn't your average half-day outing. It's for die-hard fishermen who know that the biggest fish often come to those who stick it out the longest. With Windy Fishing, you'll have a full dozen hours to chase Smallmouth Bass, Walleye, or the legendary Muskellunge – and trust me, that extra time on the water makes all the difference when you're after a fish of a lifetime.
This marathon trip is designed around one simple truth: more time equals more opportunities. We'll start early, usually before dawn, to take advantage of those prime feeding windows that serious anglers know make or break a fishing day. You'll have the flexibility to target whichever species gets your heart pumping – whether that's the hard-fighting Smallmouth Bass, the elusive Walleye, or if you're feeling really ambitious, the apex predator that is Muskellunge. The beauty of a 12-hour trip is that we can adapt our strategy as the day unfolds. Maybe we start with topwater action for bass in the early morning calm, switch to deeper structure for walleye during the midday heat, and finish with musky casting as the light gets golden. This top-rated experience accommodates up to two anglers, so you're not competing for attention or prime casting spots. Fair warning though – bring your own snacks and drinks because we're not making long stops for lunch when the fish are biting.
Depending on which species we're targeting, we'll set you up with the right tackle for the job. For Smallmouth Bass, we're talking medium-action rods with spinning reels, perfect for working jigs, tubes, and crankbaits around rocky structure and drop-offs. Walleye fishing means precision – we'll be trolling with planer boards, jigging with live bait, or working slip sinker rigs along the bottom where these tasty fish like to hang out. Now, if you're brave enough to chase muskies, we're stepping up to heavy baitcasting gear with wire leaders and oversized lures that can handle a fish that might stretch 50 inches or more. The musky game is all about patience and power – hence why they call it the "fish of 10,000 casts." We'll cover water with bucktails, jerkbaits, and topwater presentations, and when one finally commits, you'll understand why this customer favorite trip gives you the best shot at landing one of these legendary predators.
Smallmouth Bass are the scrappy fighters that'll test your drag system and make you appreciate why they're called "pound for pound the hardest fighting fish in freshwater." These bronze-backed beauties typically run 2-4 pounds, but the big ones can push 5-6 pounds and fight like they're twice that size. They love rocky structure, and the best action usually happens in spring through early fall. What makes them so popular with anglers is their willingness to hit a variety of lures and their absolutely explosive strikes – when a smallie hammers your topwater bait at sunrise, you'll be hooked on the experience forever.
Walleye are the gold standard for eating fish, with flaky white meat that's tough to beat on the dinner table. These marble-eyed predators are masters of subtlety – their bites can be so light you'll think you snagged a piece of weed, then suddenly your rod loads up with a 3-7 pound fish. Peak walleye action typically happens during low-light periods like dawn and dusk, but our 12-hour window means we can hit multiple feeding windows. They school up over structure and suspended in open water, and once you find them, you can often catch several before they move on. The challenge and reward of consistently locating and catching walleye keeps anglers coming back season after season.
Muskellunge are the apex predators that separate casual fishermen from obsessed musky hunters. These toothy giants can reach 50+ inches and 30+ pounds, with an attitude to match their size. They're ambush predators that follow lures for what feels like forever before either striking or just disappearing back into the depths. Fall is prime time for musky fishing when they're feeding heavily before winter, but they can be caught throughout the open water season. The reason musky fishing has such a devoted following isn't just the size of the fish – it's the challenge. You might cast for hours or even days without a follow, but when a true giant finally commits and you feel that head shake on the other end of your line, you'll understand why musky anglers call it an addiction rather than a hobby.
A 12-hour marathon fishing trip isn't for everyone, but if you've read this far, you're probably exactly the type of angler who'll appreciate the extra time and opportunity it provides. Whether you're chasing your personal best smallmouth, hoping to fill the cooler with walleye, or ready to join the ranks of musky hunters, this world-class fishing experience gives you the best possible shot at success. The math is simple: more time on the water equals more chances at the fish you're dreaming about. Don't let another season pass wondering "what if" – book your marathon trip with Windy Fishing and find out what a full day of serious fishing can produce. Your trophy fish is out there waiting, and 12 hours gives us plenty of time to find it together.
This 2011 Lund Pro Guide 1725 Tiller is built for serious anglers ready to put in a full day chasing trophy fish. With a reliable 75HP Yamaha pushing this 17-footer up to 35 knots, you'll cover plenty of water searching for that fish of a lifetime. The boat's rigged with dual Humminbird Helix 12 units and a Garmin 106sv with LVS34 transducer, so you'll have crystal-clear views of what's swimming below. GPS navigation keeps you on productive spots while the fish finder helps locate those elusive muskies, walleye, and smallmouth bass hiding in structure. The tiller setup gives you precise boat control when working cover or following fish on your electronics. Perfect for two dedicated anglers willing to grind through a 12-hour marathon session. This setup handles big water fishing while still being nimble enough for tight spots where trophy fish love to hide.
Esox MasquinongyMuskies are the reason they call it the "fish of 10,000 casts" - these apex predators don't come easy, but that's exactly what makes landing one so special. These massive pike family members can stretch 40-50 inches and weigh 20-40 pounds, with true giants going even bigger. They lurk around weed edges, rocky structures, and drop-offs, usually in 15-30 feet of water. Fall is peak season when they're feeding heavily before winter. What draws die-hard anglers is the challenge and the trophy potential - there's nothing quite like seeing a muskie follow your lure or explode on it near the boat. Skip the barbed hooks and use heavy tackle with at least 50-pound test. My best advice: always do a figure-eight at the boat, even if you don't see a follow.
Micropterus DolomieuSmallmouth bass are pound-for-pound some of the hardest fighting fish you'll encounter. These bronze-backed beauties average 2-4 pounds but feel twice that size when they're jumping and peeling drag. They love rocky areas, fallen timber, and clear water - you'll find them around boulders, ledges, and gravel points. Spring and fall are prime time when they're active in shallower water, but summer means going deeper to the 15-25 foot range. What guests love most is their aggressive nature and acrobatic fights - they'll jump, run, and test every bit of your gear. The meat is firm and tasty too. Pro tip: when you're fishing deeper summer spots, use a drop shot rig and work it slowly along the bottom near structure. Patience pays off with these fish.
Sander VitreusWalleye are a guide's favorite for good reason - they're smart, tasty, and put up a solid fight. These golden-colored fish with those distinctive glassy eyes typically run 18-24 inches, though we see plenty of bigger ones on our marathon trips. They love rocky bottoms, drop-offs, and weed edges, usually holding in 10-20 feet of water during the day. Evening and early morning are prime time when they move shallow to feed. What makes them special is that incredible eyeshine that helps them hunt in low light - and makes them table fare that's hard to beat. The key trick most folks miss is fishing structure transitions where sand meets rock or weeds drop into deep water. That's where the big ones hang out waiting to ambush baitfish.
Minneapolis