Play Dough

Port Washington is as far south as we've gotten on the Wisconsin coast. I've started a new blog to document this year's activities. It's a work in progress but if anyone wants to look in this season, the address is: http://pdboating.blogspot.com. Time will tell how involved I get with this little project.

Made that trip last Monday on MLK day to finish off-season maintenance. I'm ready to go when the weather breaks.

I've been chasing salmon since day one...1967 in Platte Bay with my father in a 16' open boat with "twin" Evinrude 10hp outboards. Waiting in line FOREVER to launch and "helping" the boat over the shoaling at the Platte River mouth to get into Lake Michigan. Long lines and silver U20 flatfish were the norm. A year later we had a portable paper graph and downriggers made from strap steel and machine pulleys. I'm thinking the cannonballs were elevator weights. Today I'm a fair weather, recreational fisherman. I have no need to beat myself or my equipment up to get a fish. If we meet on the water, I'll likely give way to your boat as I'm there for the fun and relaxation of the activity and not there to ruin your day (or mine). I run a 30' Sea Ray and have boated/fished exclusively in Ludington Michigan for the past 13 years. My wife and I try to take at least one boat trip per season to Lake Michigan ports throughout Michigan and Wisconsin. We hope to expand the cruising range in retirement in a few years. When you're in Ludington, stop by the marina or give me a shout on the VHF, I'll not hesitate to share what I know (or don't know). Jim (& Kathy) "Play Dough" Harborview Marina Ludington Michigan

My comment would be to make sure the rod holders are strong enough to handle the rigger. I had a dockmate a few years ago that used a gimbal setup and broke two rod holders at the joint between the surface plate and the down tube on the rod holder. Just something to keep an eye on.

Thanks for the compliments. It keeps me out of trouble during the hard water months.

I make a lot of sawdust and kindling but get lucky and turn out a decent project from time to time. This winter it's a dining set for the kids.