EdB

I use 9 ft blue diamond rods for copper. They have one roller by the reel and then metal eyes for the rest of the rod. It has a twili tip. I've never had a problem with them, they get heavy use. I run them off walleye boards to get them away from the back of the boat.I use 50lb power pro for backing. I like to rig all my long lines with the backing being the heaviest strength, the the copper or core with lighter breaking strength and then a lighter leader. If anything breaks, it is usually the leader. You would hate to have the backing break and lose everything. One tip when running copper, always keep some tension on it when letting it out. If you free spool it, it can tangle easily.

I replaced it on one rod last year and liked it. As the other rods need replacement, as the tangles go, I'll be switching over all to it.

Looks like some great fishing, nice job!

Here is a link to the manufacturer, trying contacting them for an owners manual. http://www.benmarmarine.com/

Sounds delicious. It's has been many years since I've had a fresh smelt dinner. We used to go to Pt Pelee every spring until they shut the park down for fishing.

Very nice, steelies are just one all around awesome fish all year long!

Great catch!

That's a nice pup. I see lots of good memories to be made.

Matt, they have been catching salmon for 2 years now. They love it on the boat.

Awesome, congratulations!

After my buddies big fish earlier this week, I couldn't wait for Saturday morning and fishing with my girls. We had a great morning. My 6 year old daughter Veronica gets her first master angler fish. It was a 12-3/16 inch slab red ear. It weighed 1 lb 5 ozs. I had just dropped a minnow down the hole and this fish came charging in for it but stopped short. I told Veronica to pull up her bait, a waxworm on a super glow jig. She did, he hit it and Veronica stuck him. It was a good fight for her on an ultra light spinning rod. The drag was screaming at times. This one is going on the wall. Dad was sure proud! He really knows how to hang one out in front of the camera. A more realistic view. My shanty has a 3 x 3ft hole, it's like watching an aquarium. We knew this was was a slab when he came in. We didn't hit a lot of fish today but we saw quite a few. It was kind of neat that Veronica was wearing her oldest sister's hand me down coat. Olivia got this master angler spec when she was 6 yr olds. It was the biggest crappie entered in the 08 Master angler program. I think I posted it here back then. That is a lucky fishing jacket!

Nice job Matt, get that fry pan sizzling!

My buddy came out and used my shanty yesterday and pulled 11 huge gills, 2 were master angler slabs. I should have left work early and joined him. One measured 11-3/4 and the other 11-1/2 inches. He was taking them to a certified scale to get an official weight but I don't know what that is yet.

We hit six today drifting and floating spawn. Nice to have the temps up a bit and great to be on some soft water. Here's a few cell pics. This one is pure gold. Not sure why the GFL logo covered them up, small pics?

http://www.michigan.gov/gov/0,1607,7-168--229693--,00.html Governor Granholm Names Rebecca Humphries Director of New Department of Natural Resources and Environment Contact: Mary Dettloff 517-335-3014 January 13, 2010 LANSING - Governor Jennifer M. Granholm today announced Rebecca A. Humphries as director of the new Department of Natural Resources and Environment (DNRE), effective January 17, 2010. Created by Executive Order 2009-45, the DNRE will assume the powers and functions of the departments of Natural Resources and Environmental Quality, both of which are abolished by the executive order. "The Department of Natural Resources and Environment ushers in a bold, fresh approach to the way Michigan manages and protects our state's treasured environmental and natural resources," Granholm said. "With her sound understanding of today's environmental and conservation challenges, her wealth of experience and her proven ability to bring people to the table for critical discussions, Becky Humphries is the right person to guide the department." Creation of the DNRE is part of Governor Granholm's ongoing commitment to streamline state government. The new department's mission is to conserve, manage, protect and promote Michigan's environmental, natural resources and related economic interests for current and future generations. This includes implementing an ecosystem-based strategy for resource management, effectively using natural resources in a sustainable manner, and providing for continuous improvement in Michigan's air, water and soils while facilitating and encouraging economic growth. "It is a privilege to be entrusted with leading the Department of Natural Resources and Environment - a forward-thinking agency that is home to people who are extraordinarily dedicated and knowledgeable about their programs and resources," Humphries said. "Our new department will build on the past successes of both the DNR and DEQ while capitalizing on new opportunities to work creatively with stakeholders and citizens to sustain and restore the state's natural resources, environmental and economic health." Granholm said the new department will be committed to meeting the needs of business and industry while protecting our environmental and natural resources, a commitment that was a guiding force in the creation of this new department and the appointment of transition manager Bruce Rasher. "Because of Bruce Rasher's efforts, the people and programs of the new department will be well-positioned to anticipate and meet the environmental and natural resources challenges and needs of Michigan citizens, stakeholders and business leaders," Granholm said. Throughout the transition, Rasher worked with DNR and DEQ employees and stakeholders to evaluate the many programs and processes administered by both departments. That work focused primarily on identifying ways the DNRE can work more effectively, be better positioned to manage Michigan's natural resources and protect the environment, and more fully involve key stakeholders and citizens. "The DNRE transition report clearly spells out how the department can be more effective and nimble in its day-to-day operations with customers, businesses and stakeholders," Rasher said. "This plan focuses on the smartest, most creative ways of delivering service to its constituents, and the governor has made an excellent choice in tapping Becky Humphries to lead the department. Her experience and vision make her the best choice for the position." The report can be found at www.michigan.gov/dnr and www.michigan.gov/deq Rebecca Humphries began her Department of Natural Resources career in 1978 when she joined the DNR's Real Estate Division as a property specialist to purchase lands for the department. She has since served as a resource specialist in the Land and Water Management Division, a habitat biologist at the Shiawassee River State Game Area, a district wildlife biologist in Grand Rapids, assistant to the resource deputy director, and Wildlife Division chief. She is a graduate of Michigan State University with a degree in fisheries and wildlife, and has completed coursework toward her MBA through the University of Wisconsin. She was awarded an honorary Ph.D. in public service from Central Michigan University in December 2004. To see Humphries' full bio, visit www.michigan.gov/dnr and select the Inside the DNR tab.

That's a good idea. Yes, but we already have plenty of natural structure at Ludington and then a whole lot more from the indian nets.

What do you think about this? I'm oppossed! http://michiganmessenger.com/32073/lake-michigan-wind-farm-proposed-near-ludington Lake Michigan wind farm proposed near Ludington By Eartha Jane Melzer 12/17/09 3:38 PM The first public presentation of a plan to build as many as 200 windmills in a 100 square mile stretch of Lake Michigan off the coast of Ludington generated numerous concerns among locals this week. The Ludington Daily News reports that representatives of Havgul Energy and Scandia Wind told locals that the wind turbines would stand 300 feet above the water, 3.7 miles off shore and would produce 1,000 megawatts of electricity. Company representatives said that the Lake Michigan location would allow for connection to existing transmission lines and position it well to serve power markets in Milwaukee and Chicago. They said they were seeking local support for the project before applying for permits. Many attendees of the presentation at Westshore Community College were reportedly disturbed by images of the proposed windmills, and many expressed concerns about their potential effects on birds, boating, fishing, airplane and noise pollution. The project also faces regulatory hurdles. The Michigan Department of Environmental Quality and U.S. Army Corps of Engineers have joint jurisdiction over granting permits for offshore projects and they have not yet developed criteria for use in reviewing applications for offshore wind energy facilities. That means it may take time for them to create the criteria and have it approved by the state and federal government before the DEQ and Corps can even begin to consider looking at a proposal. The Lower Peninsula’s west coast has been recognized by the state Public Service Commission as a place with good potential for wind development.

How's the hope and change working for you? http://news.sympatico.ctv.ca/Canada/ContentPosting?newsitemid=CTVNews%2F20100105%2Fasian_carp_100105&feedname=CTV-NATIONAL_V3&show=False&number=0&showbyline=False&subtitle=&detect=&abc=abc&date=False White House opposes closing locks to block Asian Carp TRAVERSE CITY, Mich. — The Obama administration opposes closing shipping locks near Chicago to prevent Asian carp from invading the Great Lakes. In a memo filed Tuesday, Solicitor General Elena Kagan asked the U.S. Supreme Court to reject a request by Michigan and several other states to order the locks closed. Illinois filed a document supporting the administration's position. Kagan says closing the locks would endanger public safety and disrupt cargo. She says federal agencies are working to keep Asian carp out of the lakes. The voracious fish have been migrating up the Mississippi and Illinois rivers toward the Great Lakes for decades. They have infested waterways near Chicago leading to Lake Michigan. Scientists say if they reach the lakes, they could disrupt the food chain and endanger the US$7 billion fishery.

Nice job!

I think it would be great to win this one. FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Contact Mary Dettloff 517-335-3014 The last day to apply for the Pure Michigan Hunt is December 31st! Don’t forget to buy your Pure Michigan Hunt application before it’s too late! Visit www.michigan.gov/puremichiganhunt or a license agent to purchase a Pure Michigan Hunt application for the hunt of a lifetime! Applications for the first Pure Michigan Hunt in 2010 are on sale through December 31, 2009. The Pure Michigan Hunt is a drawing that allows three lucky applicants to participate in every limited-access hunt available - elk, bear, spring and fall wild turkey and antlerless deer. In addition, those chosen in the drawing will get the first pick of a hunting zone in a managed waterfowl area reserved hunt. Pure Michigan winners will be allowed to hunt in any hunt area open in the 2010 season until their tag is filled. Hunters, for instance, who attempt to take an elk during the early hunt but are not successful, will be allowed to try again during later hunt periods in 2010. Applicants selected for the Pure Michigan Hunt will not lose any preference points or weighted advantages for future limited-access hunts. Hunters who are ineligible to apply for elk licenses because of past success may participate in the Pure Michigan Hunt, and hunt elk again if they are selected in the drawing. Applications cost $4 and individuals may apply as many times as they like. Anyone who is 12 years old or older may participate, as long as their hunting privileges have not been suspended by the courts. People who purchase applications for other hunters as gifts must use the gift recipient’s identification to make sure that recipient is awarded the hunting rights. For more information, visit the DNR website at www.michigan.gov/dnr. The DNR is committed to the conservation, protection, management, accessible use and enjoyment of the state's natural resources for current and future generations.

I might be getting in. I bought a place in Tamarac last Sept.and would like to use it this winter. It depends on two things. I'm trying to find a used trailer for my sled. The main issue is work. Got some downsizing going on now. I'm safe but it may be tough to get a day off in January until it all settles down. I'll know more next week.

Nice buck!

Battle Creek

Good job on a nice bowkill!

That's a good one, congrats!