Rascal Trophy Fishing

Eric and Jim are quite right about the 12ga. flare gun. They are totally illegal in Michigan too, not to own, but to present to USCG on boat for usage, check with the USCG. As for hand held flares, they do need to be aboard, and have a current date on them. They are less than $20 for a 3-pack, and yes, it's not illegal to have spare ones that have expired, just in case. But, make sure you do have current dated hand helds. As for the gun once again, I still carry one for backup, and it's in a secret compartment that only I have access to, just in case we run out of hand held, or it's real foggy, or after dark possibilities. Be safe all, you never know when they could save your life, and boat.

Welcome to the GLF Norm, these guys are very helpful in anything you might need.

Tip of the capt's. cap to new Capt. Matt, knew you could do it. GH is a very busy port, good luck and success in your new job. Don't forget to visit your friends up north.

I'm not in that area, but the truth be known on Lk. Michigan this year, it's dropped by another 1' or so since last fall November. That's a lot of water loss no matter where you are on this lake.

Happy to have you aboard Jess, feel free to ask anything. A lot has changed in 25 years, but a lot of the old tricks still work too. Good luck.

Glad to see you joined Herb, thanks. You won't find a bunch of nicer guys to help out anytime with great advice.

Crab and bloody nose went well on cores/copper, nice steelies and bigger kings.

GLF is the best Rob, many welcomes and relax and enjoy the site.

Talk about an early bird, you're it Ed. Great job, love those brownies, nice fat ones for the pan.

Nice boat Matt, would be nice to see her decked out to fish too, otherwise, good luck with sale.

Ahoy Chris, welcome to GLF, great guys here.

restoreourwater.com needs signatures guys, please take part if you believe in using launch ramps and docks this season. Otherwise, beach conditions will prevail, and everyone will be complaining when it's too late. Maybe it is already for this season.

I had a similar problem with a 19' center console and removed the windshield, dropped the hand bar, and let half the air out of the tires to get it in. Not that much work either.

That's too bad, did they give any specific reasons for the proposed closure?

I remember a time when we had 2 youngish couples aboard as clients fishing, and we caught 14 fish that day, just ducky. But, the climax came when both gals caught 2 fish, and yes, it was a double-bubble, when both those 2 rods just happen to connect with 2 fish on each rod. A total of 4 of the 14 total fish, wow. Thanks to free sliders on both rods. BOY, those gals were excited, as both me and my mate were. Never had that before nor since. Payoff was those gals landed all 4 fish, and gave me and the mate a quick double-bubble "flasher" in thanks. Those menfolk also laughed in jolly and said nothing in return. We also got a Ben Franklin each at the end when cleaning the fish, nice, and quite memorable imho. Just an old fisherman remembering some of those unforgettable days of past, excuse my risque post.

I'm comfortable with a short 4' lead, 10-15' above, free slider. We always used rubber bands on fixed sliders, inexpensive and easy to use. You can fix/free slide any length you want above the ball, but you better be ready for the long catch up time and possible loss of fish if you do go above 20'. The most fun like Mainiac said is catching two fish at one time on one rod, now that's a challenge, & fun imho.

I think most of us are totally Addicted to buying new spoons, it's the best addiction you can have imho....lol.

Thanks for sharing the pics., looks like some excellent perch.

Welcome to GLF Brad, let us know if you need anything. I've fished both Milw. and PW many times in years past visiting there. Port Washington is a very friendly and fish active village with several tournaments during the summer. Don't miss Smith Bros. Rest. when there either.

Joe, like you said, without some USCOE & IJC injection of resources to continue building the sills project on Lk. St. Claire/St. Lawrence, it's going to be a scary season to launch and get on and off a boat. Dredging isn't the only answer either. Going aground isn't an option for my boat, nor anyone elses.

Welcome aboard Nathan, you found the best site for all the tricks and great fishermen. The pics are great, thanks.

I wish I could have added something to this Nick, but, these guys really covered all the bases. I've never been on a sporting forum where if someone brought something like this up that they would get positive feedback, and to boot, a guy that will even come to your house for free and trouble shoot the problem. That tell us anything about the crew on GLF? I'd say so, the best people on earth imho.

Hey Grizz, always a good question. The newest Fish Hawk probe is probably the best one available, not that badly priced either. I do believe that several of the rigger mfrs. also have their version available. Keep in mind, this tool is the "Best Investment" you can have for fishing on the boat, in my humble opinion. When you "know for sure" what the conditions for speed and temp are where your lures are at, you have a very distinct advantage of targeting and hooking up the fish, no doubt. You'll never regret the decision once you've owned and fished them. Just a reminder, the rigger you use that probe on, make sure your wire is new, or newer, no twists, knots, fraying, or any defects at all. You don't want to lose it because replacement of that unit alone is about $300 now. A lot of guys forget this, then lose it, and get peed off too often.

Thanks for joining Robert, welcome, need anything let us know. Meanwhile, I think Ryan's post was quite true and accurate as they get. I learned something there too about density, thanks. High gain is the key for targeting thermos, for as long as the eyes hold out anyhow...lol.

If you come to Ludington check out fish-ludington.com for current info. May-Oct. each season. Of course, another best bet is with local tackle shops where most info. is exchanged daily.