GLF

It predated test rules; threat is unclear A little-studied fire retardant has accumulated in Great Lakes sediment and game fish for decades without detection, according to new research. The discovery about Dechlorane Plus, which went into production in 1964, surprised federal regulators. "If this was a brand-new chemical, it would probably never get through" the testing process to allow its commercial use, Linda Birnbaum, a leading U.S. Environmental Protection Agency expert on toxic chemical effects, told the journal Environmental Science & Technology for a Jan. 4 article about the study. But it is unclear what, if any, threat there is to human health or the environment from Dechlorane Plus, used for more than 40 years as a coating for electrical wires and computer cables. The chemical's only U.S. manufacturer, Occidental Chemical Corp. (OxyChem) says it is safe for people and other animals and has no plans to conduct testing on the product, which is manufactured at a plant in Niagara Falls, N.Y. The study found Dechlorane Plus in the sediment of lakes Erie and Michigan, present in air samples throughout the region and in the tissues of walleye, a popular game fish, in Lake Erie, according to research by scientists at the Indiana University School of Public Health and Environmental Affairs. For decades, state officials have issued advisories to anglers to limit their consumption of some Great Lakes fish because of contaminants such as PCBs and mercury. The greatest risk from pollutants in the water is, by far, eating game fish from them. The chemicals become increasingly concentrated as they move through the food chain from microscopic plants and animals to small fish to bigger fish to humans. Federal regulators say because Dechlorane Plus preceded regulations designed to screen out dangerous chemicals, it was never rigorously tested. "This is an example of a relatively old compound that has apparently slipped under the regulatory radar and that is still currently being used without attracting public attention," wrote Ronald Hites, one of the Indiana researchers who discovered the chemical in the ecosystem. "This compound has not been detected in the environment before." The study could lead to a renewed effort to determine whether it is a danger to wildlife, including its potential to cause cancer. Many substances in the same chemical family -- including the insecticides aldrin, dieldrin and mirex, which was sold under the brand name Dechlorane -- have been banned because of their cancer-causing potential and toxicity to wildlife. Mirex/Dechlorane was manufactured at the same facility, which was formerly known as the Hooker Chemical Co., responsible for the Love Canal chemical disaster in Niagara Falls in the late 1970s that spawned the federal Superfund toxic cleanup program. Birnbaum of the EPA said the chemical similarities between the banned Dechlorane and Dechlorane Plus should require further scrutiny of the latter. "From a toxicity standpoint, when you have one that looks so much like another, it's something you need to look at," she said Thursday. But she added that even tiny changes to a chemical's structure can make significant differences in its toxicity. Dallas-based OxyChem says Dechlorane Plus is not a concern. "OxyChem would not sell the product if we did not believe it could be used safely," Larry Meriage, a company vice president, said in an e-mail response to questions. The chemical's molecules are "large and not easily absorbed by animals or aquatic organisms," he said. Meriage said OxyChem has hired a toxicologist to respond to questions about Dechlorane Plus from the EPA. The EPA's questions are part of a voluntary testing program created by industry and the federal government to keep tabs on chemicals produced in large quantities. Data from that program indicate that it appears to have toxic effects on fish and may affect rabbit reproduction when applied to the animals' skin. And that data is incomplete, the EPA told the company in an August letter. The EPA cited incomplete data regarding how quickly the chemical degrades and how it affects animals exposed to low doses over long periods. The EPA said "no adequate data were submitted" for the ecological effects of Dechlorane Plus, although it said that was not necessary because the properties of the chemical "suggest that measurable toxicity to aquatic organisms will not occur." Some scientists say the chemical may not be a serious health threat because of its structure. "It would have a tough time passing past your gut wall and into your bloodstream," said Heather Stapleton, an assistant professor of environmental chemistry at Duke University in North Carolina. "But certainly further study is needed. There is always the possibility it could break down into" more readily absorbed compounds, she said.

We have our new banner up. Thanks whiterook for a GREAT looking banner!

Those fishing the big waters are reminded to pay close attention to wind direction. Walleye fishing is very good off Jerry's Marina in 15 to 20 feet of water. Evenings have been the best time to fish. Some limits were taken on jigs baited with minnows. Northern pike have been speared by the pier. Yellow perch fishing has been spotty.

Those fishing the big waters are reminded to pay close attention to wind direction. The only fishable ice as of this report was off Palmer Road near Standish. Good yellow perch fishing in 2 to 4 feet of water with some limits reported. Small perch have been caught at the end of Pinconning Road and Newman Road, as well as off Linwood Road. Near Essexville, those wading out near the Hot Ponds have caught walleye and channel catfish. No ice off Quanicassee or Thomas Road. At Sebewaing, a few yellow perch were caught in the marina. Perch were caught just south of Bay Port off Geiger Road. Excellent catches of yellow perch were reported in Wild Fowl Bay just off Bay Shore Marina in 4 to 6 feet of water. Limits of 8 to 12 inch perch were reported. Go early in the morning and move often until you find fish.

Has open water and good yellow perch fishing. Use perch rigs with shiner minnows. Some nice bluegills were caught at the Metro Park Marina. Ice or no ice, use a teardrop and wax worm.

at De Vos Place - Grand Rapids, Michigan 2006 Dates & Times Thursday, March 16 3pm - 10pm Friday, March 17 11am - 10pm Saturday, March 18 9am - 9pm Sunday, March 19 10am - 6pm Admission Adults: $9.00 Children (6-14): $4.00 5 & Under: Free

at the Lansing Center ~ Lansing Michigan 2006 Dates & Times Thursday, March 9 3pm - 9:30pm Friday, March 10 Noon - 9:30pm Saturday, March 11 10am - 8pm Sunday, March 12 10am - 6pm Admission Adults: $8.00 Children (6-14): $4.00 5 & Under: Free

at De Vos Place ~ Grands Rapids, Michigan 2006 Dates & Times Wednesday, February 15 3pm - 9:30pm Thursday, February 16 3pm - 9:30pm Friday, February 17 11am - 9:30pm Saturday, February 18 10am - 9pm Sunday, February 19 11am - 6pm Admission Adults:$9.00 Children (6-14):$4.00 5 & Under:Free

in the Wisconsin Expo Center ath the State Fair Park 2006 Dates & Times Friday, January 20 3pm-9:30pm Saturday, January 21 10am-9pm Sunday, January 22 10am-6pm Mon - Thurs, January 23-26 3pm-9:30pm Friday, January 27 12noon-9:30pm Saturday, January 28 10am-9pm Sunday, January 29 10am-5pm Admission Adults:$8.00 Children (12 & Under):FREE

I am GLF. I am an avid fisherman and hunter. My father started me fishing on Lake Michigan back in the 70's. I went into the U.S. Navy in 1985, shortly after graduating from High School. I got out of the Navy and came home in 1989. I worked various jobs before I got hired at Perrigo in 1993. I got into the electrical apprenticeship and became an electrician. I got into bass fishing in 1993 and started fishing small local tournaments. In the following years, I fished more and bigger tournaments. I fished the Tri-State Bass tournament trail until 2000. Then my wife and I decided to redo our house. On 4 July 2001 our first son was born. My wife works weekends so I watched our son. There went bass fishing. We started to build a new house two weeks before x-mas in 2003. We finally moved in the day before Easter 2005. It takes time when you are a one man building crew. Our second son was born in August of 2004. When we sell the other house, I will be purchasing another boat. I have been a member of various websites that use vbulletin since 2000. In 2004 I had my first vbulletin website. Great Lakes Fisherman is my latest work. I look foreword meeting all of you and sharing some stories. Mike

After much consideration, I have decided to let everyone list their Charter Services for FREE for the 2006 fishing season. You have to be a registered member in order to list it. You are only allowed to list one service per registered name. If you would like to donate some $$$ towards the site to cover operating expenses, it would be much apprectiated. Drop me a private message and I will get you the details. I will be wiping the links at the end of the season. This will remove any non-working links. There may be a fee for listing your service for the 2007 season.

Trolling a straight line between two points is the least successful path you can take, once fish have been located in an area. By trolling in a zig-zag patter or in "S" curves, you will impart regular changes in depth and speed to a trolled plug, creating the impression of a wounded, or in trouble baitfish which fish will view as an easy meal. Troll slowly. Big fish will not expend any more energy than necessary to catch a meal. Also, most lures will not perform correctly at fast speeds. the best advice is to troll slowly. The slower the better. Vary your speed. While slow is the password, this does not mean slow all of the time. A lure running through the water at a constant speed, at a constant depth and giving off the same vibration pattern will not catch many fish. There's just nothing there to indicate an easy meal is available or that something is in trouble. Slowly, yes but adjust your speed every few minutes to chane the lures's speed and vibration patter.

I hope to have everything finished on Saturday. I have built 8 vbulletin discussion forums and this one has taken me the longest to build. I have over 40 hours into putting Great Lakes Fisherman together. This includes time spent sketching it out on a note pad. I was hoping to keep the forums small, but it did not turn out that way. I decided to cover all of the states that border the Great Lakes. This gives everyone a chance to talk about fishing close to home. I will finish my rambling and get back to work. That way we can get down to talking fishing

Annual Ultimate Fishing Show - Detroit at Rock Finacial Showplace - Novi, Mi 2006 Dates & Times Thursday, January 12 2PM-9:30PM Friday January 13 Noon-9:30PM Saturday, January 14 10AM-9:00PM Sunday. January 15 10AM-5:00PM Admission Adults $9.00 Children(6-14) $4.00 5 & Under Free Looks like discount coupons are available from Wendy's. Ultimate Salmon & Steelhead Seminar - Sunday Only - (Free Clinic this year only!) - Bill Bale of Best Chance Promotions will be on hand for a one time only special appearance on Sunday from 1pm-3pm for this must see presentation. Bill has won more of the top Great Lakes fishing tournaments held in the last 10 years than any other captain. Bill's presentation will cover every aspect of his strategy for fishing the Great Lakes, from using his electronics to their best advantage to the presentation adjustments he has developed for today's big water fishery. The 2 hour mega seminar will have plenty of time for question and answer. The Ultimate Fishing Show congratulates Captains Bill Bale and partner Captain Dave Engle for being the top money winners on the Great Lakes last season.

The ice is gone here. Looks like a trip to the river is in order.

The photo gallery is now open for posting picks.

I am still in the process of building the Charter Services section. I should have it completed by 15 Jan. I will let everyone know when that section is complete Once it is complete, you may add your charter service to it. I may have over looked a couple of things while setting the forums up. If you encounter any problems with the forums, please let me know and I will address the issue.

Welcome to the site. Please excuse the smell of the new paint on the walls. As per the site name, we are geared toward the Great Lakes fishermen, with a small cog towards inland lake anglers. I am hoping this will turn into a community of anglers and friends to help and share there knowledge and stories with other anglers.

This is a copy from Luhr Jensen & Sons web page. "Luhr Jensen & Sons has recently been acquired by Rapala/VMC, a highly regarded fishing tackle manufacturing and sales organization with headquarters in Finland and sales distribution agencies throughout the world. Because of this recent purchase, direct-to-consumer sales have been suspended at this time, and we cannot supply you with a catalog or price list. If you require information on our Little Chief or Big Chief smokers, our smoker division will be carrying on business "as usual". If you have any questions regarding this matter, please contact our Customer Service Department at 1-800-535-1711 x301."

STUDENTS, educators, and citizens around the Great Lakes region will soon have unprecedented learning opportunities to explore Great Lakes science and the connection to the world’s oceans, following approval of a $2.5 million regional Center for Ocean Science Education Excellence (COSEE). Great Lakes scientists will also have opportunities to meet their education and public audiences in new collaborative ways. The National Science Foundation and NOAA-National Sea Grant recently announced funding support for COSEE Great Lakes, the tenth center in a nationwide network. Funds will be provided to seven regional Sea Grant programs to support a suite of educational opportunities united under the COSEE framework. “Public understanding of Great Lakes and ocean sciences is essential to ensure the long term protection and health of these invaluable natural resources,†said principal investigator Don Scavia, director of the Michigan Sea Grant Program. “COSEE Great Lakes will serve as an excellent framework to link science and education for citizens of all ages.†COSEE Great Lakes is a collaborative effort of the Great Lakes Sea Grant Network and includes programs in Ohio, Michigan, Illinois-Indiana, Minnesota, New York, Pennsylvania, and Wisconsin. Activities planned include lake exploration workshops, tools and educational materials using the Great Lakes Observing System, Great Lakes curriculum enhancement and integration with ocean topics, and interactive learning events linking researchers with educators, students, and the public. A primary objective is to improve communication between researchers and 4-10th grade teachers and students and enhance teacher capabilities for delivering Great Lakes and ocean science education. Over the five-year program, more than 2,000 teachers and 350 researchers throughout the region are expected to take part in COSEE Great Lakes activities and educate new audiences. In the coming months, Sea Grant educators will be collaborating with more than 25 partners to coordinate COSEE activities and connect with Great Lakes citizens. Ohio’s collaborators include The Ohio State University’s School of Environment and Natural Resources, Stone Laboratory, Great Lakes Science Center, Cleveland Municipal School District, and the NSF Biocomplexity Project. The Great Lakes Sea Grant Network is part of NOAA-National Sea Grant, a network of 30 Sea Grant programs dedicated to the protection and sustainable use of marine and Great Lakes resources.

"These species are not inherently bad. They're just in the wrong place," said David Lodge, director of the Center for Aquatic Conservation at the University of Notre Dame, who provided advice to the Shedd Aquarium. The huge Asian carp are real, the gape-mouthed round gobies are real, but organizers of a new exhibit that opened this week at the Shedd Aquarium in Chicago decided not to mess with real zebra mussels -- they're just replicas. The exhibit concerns threats to the Great Lakes from invasive species -- plants or animals that arrive in spots where they didn't originate. They then multiply, spread and harm the balance of their new environment by eating or competing with native species. Wrong Place An example is zebra mussels, already notorious pests in the Great Lakes. They are voracious eaters, multiply quickly and are so stubborn once entrenched that the Shedd staff worried they could end up clogging the aquarium's pipes -- hence, the models that climb the side of one of the exhibit's aquariums. Scientists believe at least 170 aquatic invasive species currently live in the Great Lakes basin, according to the exhibit, and a new species is introduced on average once every eight months. "These species are not inherently bad. They're just in the wrong place," said David Lodge, director of the Center for Aquatic Conservation at the University of Notre Dame, who provided advice to the Shedd. Staff at the Shedd said visitors who have read about the threat of invasive species often ask to see them. The exhibit is also designed to provide visitors with tips about how they can help prevent introducing or spreading invasive species. The plants and animals arrive in the Great Lakes region -- the world's largest surface freshwater system -- in multiple ways. Some are carried in the ballast water of cargo ships, others hitchhike rides on fishing gear or are dumped into sewers and lakes by owners who are tired of caring for an exotic animal or plant around the house. "The damages are far-reaching -- from the shoreline, to the pipes of power plants and municipal waterworks, to the many other lakes and rivers that are under threat and indeed under harm as zebra mussels and many other species spread from the Great Lakes across the continent," Lodge said. Exhibit Highlights The exhibit is a permanent one, and it takes the place occupied by several aquariums previously devoted to aquatic life in the Great Lakes and Midwestern rivers and lakes. It includes a mix of plants and fish that are native to the Great Lakes, such as lake sturgeon, the prehistoric-looking fish with a snout-like mouth and dull brown color. The noninvasive exhibits include hydrilla, an Asian plant common used to decorate aquariums, and round gobies, which eat trout and bass eggs. One of the exhibit's highlights is an aquarium filled with Asian carp, which are currently being kept out of the Great Lakes by electric barriers. An accompanying videotape shows dozens of carp jumping four feet in the air out of the Illinois and Mississippi rivers -- where they've multiplied quickly because of a lack of natural predators. Some of the carp land in boats, others hit passengers; in one shot, at least eight are seen flying in the background. The carp are "filter feeders" that consume plankton that would normally be eaten by juvenile minnows, walleyes and blue gill bass, said Kurt Hettiger, a senior aquarist at the Shedd. Hettiger went out on a boat on the Illinois River near Havana, about 200 miles southwest of Chicago, to collect the carp for the exhibit. He was dismayed by what he saw. "It was sort of devastating to see how many of these fish there were in a small area," he said. "In some areas, where you sort of start crowding them in, the water is literally erupting with these fish. It's sadly amazing."

After a couple of weeks of putting this together, I am happy to announce that the forums are now open. There may be a couple of bugs here and there that need to be worked out, but for the most part everything appears good.

Lets keep then clean as this is a public forums for everyone. No domain names for usernames. You may use your domain name if you leave the .com(or whatever the extension is) from it. Examples: Your domain name is www.greatlakesfisherman.com You may use Great Lakes Fisherman for your username. If you have questions about your username shoot me a private message. You may not use "charter or charters" in your domain name.

Do not post specific holes in your fishing reports. Its OK to post lower, middle, or upper river(s). If you would like to share specific holes with another member, use a private message.