Summer Brings Pleasures Of Fishing

For many people, the approach of summer brings the anticipation of time spent on or near the water, seeking to snag that perfect specimen catch. Fishermen and women of all ages love the thrill and the challenge of reeling in a fish. Whether these fishing enthusiasts stay on shore or whether they cruise the waters in a boat, sportsmen enjoy this peaceful pastime spent out of doors in pursuit of fish of all types and sizes.

Avid fisherman and fishing guide Scott Sundheim of Sioux Pass can’t imagine life without fishing. He learned the skills and the love of the sport at a young age. “I have been fishing since I was a kid,” Sundheim remarks. “I fished with my dad and my uncle Leon Brodhead at Fort Peck as often as summer chores allowed. I loved fishing and just the thought of being out on the water taking a break from picking rocks, fixing fence, and all the other chores of growing up on a farm, made the fishing experience even more memorable.”

Consistency at finding active fish requires a little more than merely tossing a baited hook into the water and waiting for a passing fish to take a bite. Sundheim learned to understand fish movements, preferences, and habits, and where he likely could find them at any particular time. He also discovered the joys and challenges of walleye fishing. “In the 80s I really began to get interested in walleye fishing,” Sundheim comments. “They can be finicky, and hard to predict, so they are a challenge to figure out with any consistency.”

Sundheim persevered, perfected his skills, and through experience he learned a lot about walleye and where to find them. He now guides and helps others discover the joys of catching this and other species of fish. “My hobby and passion for fishing turned into a business,” he comments. “I’ve been guiding since 1991 on Fort Peck Lake.”

People can catch a variety of fish species in the MonDak. “Walleye, sauger, and northern pike fishing can really turn on in the river during spring and fall clear water times,” Sundheim notes. “Catfish are plentiful and a good target in the hotter days of summer.”

Paddle fishing opens up a whole new realm in fishing.“Paddle fishing is unique to the area and a whole different ball game,” Sundheim says. “They can range in size from fifteen to well over one hundred pounds. But to catch one of these prehistoric monsters you will need to put on your big boy pants and be willing to work for one. They will not take a baited hook or lure and have to be snagged, using nine to twelve foot surf casting combos, large treble hooks, and weights that weigh four to six ounces. Paddle fishing is not a relaxing style of fishing but it does have its rewards.”

Newcomers to fishing can visit a local hardware store or bait shop and talk with a knowledgeable salesperson in order to purchase the proper gear.

Sundheim also invites interested people to attend the MonDak chapter of Walleyes Unlimited annual banquet, scheduled for 6 p.m. on May 5th at the Richland County Fair Event Center.