Rascal Trophy Fishing

Nice platform Mike, should sell quick.

Good report Dennis. Btw, I was over the other day at the Lud. municipal marina admiring your boat. I have never seen a more pristine and rigged-out Marinette in my life. And now that you say she is a 1975 model, it's just astonishing. You must really LUV that boat. By gosh, everywhere I looked, everything appeared like new. And that red paint trim, wow, it really pops for me. Just wanted you to know, your time, money, and effort to make that boat look so beautiful, wasn't wasted on me at least. Super job!

Dan, there are also plans from the last 2 years to start off-loading the coal ash in Manitowoc, Wi.. It will then be trucked upland somewhere. That deal should start next season if all reports are accurate. The reason the Lake Mich. Carferry fought Lake Express 10 years ago was that they got subsidization from the State of Michigan, or some loans, that made their venture possible with public funds to start with. The Badger is strictly funded by private corporate ownership. Hope that helps in your opinions. Thanks.

I heard earlier this season that the Lake Michigan Carferry owners did install more pollution equipment, about $300K worth is what I heard. So, they are making an expensive effort imho. And more will be installed next season too from local reports. When you fire coal for a fuel, there has to be some smoke. Reducing that emission is good for everyone concerned I agree.

Simon, I have fished all the ports you mention and suggest you call the local bait and tackle shops for clues on their action at any point in time of the year. It varies according to water temp. and weather usually. It's always best to ask the locals what's going on, and make your informed decision from there. Every season is a little different from the last season. Go with your instincts and info. you collect, and the decision will be apparent. Good fishing Simon.

The Ludington Badger has outlasted ALL the carferries on Lk. Mich. to date. It's a great ship to sail, not fast, but steady, sturdy, beautiful, consistent, safe, and fun! Those staterooms are a gas too, and privacy is not compromised. I crossed on the competition last year, and wasn't impressed with the 2 hour rough voyage. NO PRIVACY either! That ship can't hold a candle to the Badger. And yet they have their claws out to destroy our Ludington ship, and why? There is plenty of customers for both ships, and plenty of revenue too. Why hire DC gangsters to destroy your competition? I think the Express boat's owners should just mind their own business, and live and let live, imho.

Nice report Jim. We've had fog problems quite a bit over here in Ludington too. Last nite the Reel People 33' Tiara went up on the north breakwall. Luckily, no one was hurt as far as I heard. That will be front page headlines w/pics. in tomorrows Lud. Daily News for sure. Great loss of fishing boat though.

Here's another story from about 15 years back if you guys will allow me. Turned out a full day trip produced among 12 other fish in the box, a 36# salmon for us about 12:30pm out of Ludington. This fish wrapped itself around the head with 25# Big Game line and wasn't coming in at all after 15 minutes. HE was Big Moe. And we had a slight chop of 3'-4' roller waves. We pulled all lines and went from neutral to drive on one engine after 25 minutes. The fish didn't like it, and decided he was making some new run, after it had made 3 others earlier. Now it's 30 full minutes into the fight, and the angler and salmon are still fighting well. That's when I decided enough is enough. We had turned on that fish several times too already. And still the Fish wanted to keep it up. I finally decided this must be a triploid, hybrid steroid type, 50# or more:?and wasn't going to lose him. I backed down the boat, as if we were catching a Marlin or monster fish. The fish finally tired down after the 40 minute fight, thank God! We had to double-net him, the first net being slightly worn, having a bent handle trying to land him, and a weaker older net that was well worn with the past seasons. That fish ended up in a 128 qt. cooler, and he alone, took up the entire cooler for a while. Master Angler award was in the works, and that's my story. Thanks.

Nice catch report Reid, keep up the good work.

Just wondered, did that get a weigh-in on a certified scale and what the wt. was? Over 30#? Thanks Rich.

Real nice boat and options for the price, good luck.

Just heard this too a couple of hours ago. Not a fishing conv. but still a true tragedy. That guy could really make people laugh. And what's better in our lives? Sadly missed at too early an age imho.