scgibby11

Well it felt like June and fished like June. We went 3 for 6, but two of the boated fish were shaker cohos that we returned. The other was a nice 6-8 pound laker. We had trouble finding the silver fish. We stayed mostly in the muddy water north and the scumline to the south. Surface temps in the dirty water were 59. IN the clean water south it was closer to 50. Down about 20 feet temps were 48. We hooked into something big, making two runs, probably a king. This was on 3 colors of lead with a red brad's thin fin. Unfortunately it dehooked about the time I took the board off. All in all, it was beautiful, and fun to get back on the water. Scott

Nice! Soft water is just around the corner.

Hey all. This was a great seminar. Thanks to all who arranged it. Especially thanks to Dave and to Dan Keating for all of their knowledge. Scott

Yes, the fish-n-chip comes in many flavors. The one I just purchased is the fish-g (great lakes). We'll see how it goes. Scott

I have the same unit. Currently I have been using hotmaps for the upper midwest region. I like its maps for inland, but have not liked them much for great lakes. I'm looking at Navionics Fish-G. I think that is what I'm going to settle on. Scott

Feast or famine, So sorry, I did not catch your post again until last night. Sorry it took me a bit to respond. Here are my pictures of the Atlantic towers arch in a box. I chose the "fishing arch." It has worked well for me. It hinges down, so I can clear my pole barn door. It really is quite slick. They sell for around $1300-1500 depending on accessories, as I recall. You can go to atlantictowers.com for details. Look for the "fishing arch." I can send more pics if you need. I'll send you a PM. Scott http://www.greatlakesfisherman.com/gallery/files/2/6/0/4/feb_2009_010.jpg' alt='feb_2009_010.jpg'>

I bought and installed my arch from atlantic towers. I bought the "fish arch in a box." I did the install in a good weekend a couple of years ago. I could send pictures if you want. It has worked out well. Check out atlantic towers. Scott

Finally getting around to posting..... We played mid-day Monday out of South Haven with only limited success. There was a fair amount of dirty water out from the peirs that quickly blew south as the north wind worked its wonders through the afternoon. We marked A LOT of fish, setting up around 110 fow. We worked our way out to 160 and couldn't get many strikes. The two fish and releases both came on an east troll, each around 115 fow. The fish on the graph were consistently 70-100 feet down. Surface temps around 59, and temp at 100ft around 51. We caught 1 large laker (released) and 1 5 pound coho, both on a magnum size mixed veggie spoon, and each on a fireline dipsey, setting 1, out 125 feet. Hope that helps someone. Scott

Nice job Bob. I've got the boat south--between work and waves, haven't been out recently. Later today (Monday) I should make it out of S. Haven. Soon I'll be back up your way later in the month. Scott

More than two weeks at work every day.....finally I have the day off this coming Friday.....plans for fishing. Oh, then yesterday I check the forecast.....might as well go back to work! Scott

I always lover your posts, Bob. What a great trip. Keep it up. Scott

Where is the deer lick? Thanks

Anyone catching any perch yet in southern Lk Michigan? Scott

picture of the steel:

We went out mid-day today (10a-2p). I would have liked to get the early morning and evening bite, but schedules wouldn't allow it. We trolled from 60 ft to 35 FOW. Most of the fish on the graph were just around and outside (in the clear water) from the dark river plume. We went fairly far north and continued to mark fish in the 35-45 FOW range. We caught a 10 pound steelhead on a small stinger, glow, ghost spoon off a rigger 31 ft down. 3 pound coho on a Brad's thin fish, firetiger on a 30 ft lead in front of a board. Everything else was quiet. Had trouble triggering strikes. Water temp in the dark plume water=52-53 Clear water in about 45 FOW was 47-48 degrees. 1-2 foot rolling chop from the SSW. speed 1.9-2.7 at the ball Scott

Alright, I've had the weekend scheduled off for longer than a month. I've purposefully not made any definite plans because weather and conditions always change..... Now this weekend (April 29-May1) is getting close! I've considered lake Erie, Saginaw Bay, staying closer to home for Salmon on Lake Michigan, or even heading inland for the Walleye opener. Saginaw and Erie--I hear it is high, muddy water and debris. Sounds like not a great bite. St. Joe or South Haven--Saturday calling for 40 mph gales from the south Where would you head? Scott

Maybe it has been where I fish, but I hadn't picked up a walleye on the big lake out of St. Joseph before. We picked up this hog last week. It was a nice surprise while salmon fishing!

I generally launch at the DNR site on the Benton Harbor side. Is there a fish cleaning station somewhere that one can use in the port of St. Joseph? I see they have one listed at the DNR marina near the channel mouth, but I suspect that is for people who have a registered or transient slip there. Wondering if there are options for getting fish cleaned before driving home. Scott

I did "bite." Bought a couple. Awaiting deeper season. I did get tired if the walleye boards in waves sometimes diving while pulling long copper. Scott

I mounted mine down in the cabin as in this picture. I checked it with a compass, and it was an area of minimal interference. It seemed to get it out of the way! Scott

I have two wire setups and two copper setups (400') Scott

congrats on the bonus, Bob! Find that boat! Scott

I truly don't want to sound stupid, but for someone's sake who might not have thought of it..... The "left" setting is for the Port/left side of the boat. Not the fisherman's left when he is facing aft setting lines..... Scott

Last year I didn't even get out until April 19th. This year, despite the cold weather, I've made three trips. So nice to see the water, and even better to get fish! scott

Well done!