Walleye Express

I received many emails regarding the use of minnows now that the "VHS" disease is in our waters. All the info I could find on the internet is very cloudy so I sent 567 an email to Gary Towns of the DNR asking for some clarity. Here is his response: Right now there are no regulations on where minnows can be used within the state. This will likely change, but it is not in our orders right now. However, we know the disease (VHS) is in the St. Clair System (Port Huron south to Lake Erie), and we know that emerald shiners are carriers of the disease. So, the "environmentally responsible" thing to do for the resource is that minnows which are caught in the St. Clair System -SHOULD ONLY BE USED IN THE ST. CLAIR SYSTEM. IE - anglers should not take any minnows caught in this system to inland lakes for use as bait, or release these minnows or other fish into inland lakes or rivers. Anglers should be careful not to allow livewell water to enter inland waters when they transport their fish back home from the St.Clair System. I am told that we have people who are working on new orders that will address this very issue. Hope this helps. Good fishing! Gary L. Towns, Supervisor Lake Erie Management Unit Thank's for the info Jake. If you don't mind, I'm going to copy and paste it on other web sites for the general information of all. This is going to put a real crimp on good bait, as most of the emeralds come from the St. Claire and Lake Erie, and are shipped and sold virtually every in the State. And these businesses stay alive for the most part on a Hand to Mouth basis. Once they're gone or go broke, this special breed of minnow harvestors, along with their unique skills and knowledge of where and when to seign these minnows will be lost forever. I know, because it took me 4 years to even start to find the places and times to get some of my own minnows when I owned my bait shop.

Caz. I had similar results last summer. I started out with only 2 rods that I spooled Cajun Red line onto. By my third trip this past season, even my clients were commenting that those 2 rods were catching most of the fish, no matter where they were on the planer board line. I went to all Cajun Red by the 5th trip and boated more fish this past season then I have since the 2001 season. And red billed lures have always out produced the ones without on the Bay. But I usually fish in 15 FOW or less, and the water (on the average) is very clear.

Let me ask you this Mike. What color are fish then, that far down? If all color is black or gray in the depths, I'm guessing then that they either perseve colors different then we do, are triggered souly by the lures action, or color means nothing to a fish. Cause if a fish were actually color sensitive, or related one color more to their forage then the others, all of us (through trail and error) would by now realize it.

Shu. I have used the smaller (half dollar size) in conjunction with bottom bouncers when i fish water over 25' deep on the Bay. The tow weight of this rig is indeed awsome. And getting even a 5 pounder on it seems like a 18 pound King Salmon to reel in. But they do the job in those circumstances.

One of the articles I wrote for the MSSFA newspaper back in the early 80's, when I was still knee deep in Big Water Salmon trolling, was on this very subject. I titled it "Maybe it's what they don't see". It compared and pointed out what the basic similarities were to the Hot spoon colors all along the East and West shorelines of the Great Lakes. What many had in commmon was either being White or Silver on one side. And how Black with whatever colored stripe on the other, was a real hot spoon color. I theorized then that it wasn't the colors they were seeing but the look the spoon took on when going from visible to invisible as it flipped and flashed back and forth in the water column. Giving the spoons the same look as pulsating school of baitfish, as they flee or change swimming directions.

Good topic. I have heard a lot of discussion on the benefits of red colors in baits and hooks. However, Cajun line claims their red line disappears when it's 8 or 10 feet under water. If this is true, baits running below that depth would be almost invisible if they are red. I am wondering who is full of bull, they obviuosly can't both be right. Thanks, Anthony Anthony. It would indeed be great if there was a consistent set of criterion for catching walleyes. A specific set of rules and techniques that applied to them consistently in all situations. Something as precise and consistent as reading an Engineers Blue prints. But that would involve knowing the exact finite parameters in a fishes world and his every reaction to them. We do indeed know some, from simple repetitive success. But most all of them are reliably hinged to seasonal habits and instincts, tied into their predictable reactions to climatic changes and just where and when to intercept them during these times. We've come a long way in knowledge and equipment to help us find and catch walleyes. But we are (IMHO) as far away from breaking their physical genetic codes as we were 30 years ago. And thank God walleyes can't and don't rationally think, or we'd never catch one. Our best teachers for fishing success will always be each other. If red works where and how you fish, use it. Capt. Dan.

Thank's Shu. W.93.57.683 E.13.64.157 And while your there pick me up a fresh Pinapple.

Saginaw Bay Area Last Ice walleye Strategies by Capt. Dan Manyen "Last Ice walleye Strategies" That old saying, "Out with the bad, And in with the good" could well apply to those last ice fishing opportunities on many of the Inlets and Bays that permeate the Great Lakes. Because as the old bad ice is leaving, a good new batch of walleyes is coming in. That unnoticed timetable that spawning walleyes fallow has little to do with how warm or cold it is outside, and more to do with how much daylight each day is starting to receive. This key along with their maturing eggs starts them on their shore bound shallow water migration to the various rivers they will eventually run up and spawn in. Often, areas for miles up and down the shorelines from these spawning river mouths can be red hot for pre-spawn walleyes. Of course being safe and having safe ice under ones feet during these last ice opportunities can and should always be a main concern. But if the winter has been normal or even more severe than usual, chances are good the ice thickness alone will hold well into mid to late March. This is the time when more than a few things are in the fisherman's favor. Pre spawn fish are usually in the feeding mood. They instinctively know they need to bulk up and feed as much and as often as they can. The spawning ordeal, the nutrition needed, and the energy used for the trip up river, all means (eat all and any time you can) for the migrating walleyes. So a lot of things once hard, are made easy for the fisherman. Finding that magic depth usually won't be a factor. I've seen and caught walleyes in water as shallow as 3 feet during this time, when they are both actively searching for prey or any outbound water flow from rivers or any main drainage they can swim up into and start their reproductive ritual. The choice of lures also becomes narrower. Seems anything that flashes and has that added piece of minnow flesh gets the aggressive attention of the pre spawn walleyes. Little Cleo's, Do-Jiggers, Swedish Pimples, Warrior Jigs and a host of other spoon type lures all work. All the walleyes finicky feeding behavior experienced during the midwinter, gives way to reckless feeding abandon during this time. The usual prime-time fishing hours don't seem to change much during this pre-spawn period. Even though that old wives tale about walleye being afraid of bright light has been proven unreliable, they do still seem to both forage and roam a lot more during the low light periods. Especially when venturing into these shallow close to shore areas. So early morning predawn to about 10:00am, and again from 3:30pm till a half hour after dark, would be considered prime time for fishing late ice walleyes. Try to be set up an hour before these prime times, as the shallow water and the noises associated with ice fishing can spook walleyes pretty easy. As far as gear goes, I'd spool up with just a little heavier line than with what I used for the deeper waters. You won't have that deep water cushion to play with after you set the hook in these shallow water torpedoes jaw. And they'll have a whole lot more strength and pep, when not under that deep water pressure funk. You'll be tempted to just keel haul them out, as they'll be right under the ice when you set the hook. Be careful. Some of the biggest walleye of the season can and will be caught during this time. And that adrenaline strength one gets when to excited, may cost you the biggest walleye of your life. Good fishing. . . Capt: Dan Manyen, Walleye Express

Never got a call from them, so I guess not. Besides, the guy who booked me last year at their show already re-booked for this year. Don't want to flood my schedule.

Saginaw Bay Area Hard Water Fishing by Capt. Dan Manyen "Hard Water Fishing, New and Old" Probably some of the most unexplored, unwritten about, walleye catching theories, techniques, strategies and equipment, is during the Ice fishing season. Probably due to the interest, "or should I say lack-of" compared to the warm weather walleye seasons. Let's face it, not everybody heeds the call to go fishingwhen the mercury dips below the freezing mark. These facts, along with other winter fishing variables and hazards have historically kept the hoards of warm weather fishermen off the lake when the water hardens. But recent technologies, equipment changes and improvements have made it a lot safer and easier to both seek and find thee elusive Wall-a-gator under the ice. Of course, knowing the how, when and where to apply these new tools, is the secret that will put the odds for success in your favor. Unlike the guy who heads out with spud in hand using it almost as a divining rod, hoping to stumble onto a fish catching hot spot. The modern day ice fisherman has the ability to transport more and modern equipment. He can mark and locate structure, points, fish and the exact water depth along with more details on the featureless frozen expanses than his later day brethren ever did. Let's explore some of the old as well as the new tools, their uses, advantages and the proper way to use them when it comes to catching any under the ice species. "The way things used to be" Back when I was a young lad (late50's/early60's) I remember driving out on the ice with my dad most often in the family car. Sometimes, some 6 to 7 miles out, depending on where the well worn trail was as well as the fishing action. And before those days you simply toughed it out and walked or took the horse or truck drawn sleigh or taxi out from the few hotels, marinas or bait shops that offered this service. And most often a spud or axe was used to cut a hole once you arrived, as augers, especially the motor driven type, were very rare or to expensive to own. And there probably were some topographic maps of the Lake of Bay in existence, but not in stores or outlets where Joe-Blow fisherman could readily get a hold of them. Now, with vehicles being in the 20 to 30 thousand dollar price range, and insurance companies warning that once you drive out on the ice your coverage is nil. Not to mention the fines you'll face from the DNR if your truck or car takes the big Dive. That old time thrill of simply driving off the end of the road and heading out to the fishing grounds has lost a lot of its charm. Snowmobiles came into vogue around the late 60's and opened up a whole new form of transportation that allowed you to go virtually anywhere when the ice was safe enough to travel on. The fishing equipment used back then was basic. And the only way you knew if you were in the right spot, was to actually catch some fish. Or fish in water shallow enough, to actually see if any fish were even looking at your offerings. Another of the things I remember best from that earlier era was the cloths I wore. Dad had bought me a set of World War II Bomber Bib coveralls and coat from the local Army Surplus Store. These were teamed with the old style 4 buckle rubber boots that were worn over your shoes. A far cry from the Cabela's severe wear, with 1000 thermal denier pack boots of today. This Bomber Bibs outfit was leather outside and sheep's wool on the inside and was actually fairly warm, even during the hours I'd spend laying face down on the ice looking "The way things used to be" continued... down the ice hole for an interested perch to approach my offering. Dad would scream 10 times a trip, "Get off the ice before you catch your death." "Modern Gizmos and their uses" With the top-of-the-line modern snowmobiles and 4 wheelers both costing about $3,000 more than I paid for my first new pickup truck back in 1974, transportation has become quit expensive, yet refined and advanced. These four wheel drive (Mini Jeeps) and (Super Sleds) can dig, cut or power their way through almost anything the winter elements can throw at them. The payload and power these (winter busters) can handle is awesome. My own 250 Yamaha 2 wheel drive (equipped with chains) hauls me, my dog sled with 2 passengers and my 4 man Otter Skin shanty, auger and gear without a whimper. And speaking of augers, I know my Grandpa would have been in awe seeing as many as six 10" ice holes cut and clean in as many minutes. This handy little tool also makes it a lot easier when you decide to move and find other likely spots, knowing that it won't take all day and get you all sweated up while doing so. He would also be impressed with both the electric igniter and the propane heater I use, to keep the shanty in that 60-plus degree comfort zone, versus setting outside in the elements on a 6 gallon pail all day. And wouldn't he flip watching my Vexilar FL-8 light up and being able to see not only the approaching fish, but every move his jigging lure is making. And just heading out and letting lady luck or the local fishing pack dictate where you decide to fish, is also a thing of the past. Latitude, Longitude and Global Positioning Satellites have made lady luck only a partial player in the success equation. As a modern day GPS, with the help of that particular Lake or Bay Loran navigation map, can take you to that exact hump in deep water, ledge, point or drop off. And if you do find that sweet spot, it can take you right back to the same holes the next day, even if a fresh snow covers your trail. Often times while ice fishing, (especially walleyes), why you're catching fish in a certain spot can be baffling. I've often had my best luck in deep featureless expanses, where the nearest structure, drop off or ledge is almost a mile away. The walleyes built in instinct to continually roam and forage is always working. And I often think they have unseen or subtle little depressions they fallow along the bottom while foraging. Hitting these spots and staying on them is often imperative, and these modern tools make it a lot easier than in the old days. I guess the modern day rods, reels, lures and the many different kinds of lines have also had an impact. But in a much smaller capacity than the other modern gizmos mentioned. And getting outfitted with all the above mentioned gear would indeed be a huge investment. But the trade off is clear. Your chances for ice fishing success are more than doubled compared to the old days.... "Putting it all together" I suppose I could rattle off a hundred different lure choices along with the ways and places to use them. But each body of water you'll ice fish, seems to have its own favorite motis-oper-endi. Variables like lure choices, colors, and techniques when using them, along with bait types, colors and sizes can also make a big difference on the many different bodies of water you'll fish. And all the things mentioned so far are actually just helpful tools and only a means to an end. That end being, attracting and catching fish in an extremely cold underwater environment. This fact alone dictates that the fish will move around and feed a lot less, especially in the dead of winter, when it's the coldest... Compound this by the fact that you'll also be pretty much stationary all day or at least fish only a couple spots. So having the tools that get and keep you as close to the willing biters as possible, as well as the ability to locate these favorite feeding or travel routes again, is imperative. My own native ice fishing grounds is on Saginaw Bay. So, I know all the old time favorite spots and have become a lot better at locating and choosing the lures that seem to appeal to Ol'Marble Eyes, both on the Bay and in its river tributaries. And having a good Loran Map (Paper or CD) and GPS, has been my most used and helpful tools in the last 10 years. As mentioned above, often flat, featureless areas have become some of my favorite spots on the Bay. But after the trip is over, I always figure out just where on the Bay I was fishing, especially if I had good luck. I do this at home on my computer, by using my Lat/Lon coordinates from my GPS, in conjunction with my CD loran map of the Bay. Many times, clues as to why I'm catching fish in these certain spots comes to light because of these tools. It may be a deep water hump nearby I was unaware of. Or a slight bottom contour or shelf that just may funnel these winter nomads in my direction. "Ice Fishing techniques" Now, if I had to give an all time tip on technique when fishing Saginaw Bay, it would be stay close to the bottom. Six inches off bottom is as far up as I fish any kind of baits or lures. This applies to both the Bay and the Rivers. I usually use one rod to jig with and the other hovers next to it with a live bait presentation. My favorite lure to jig with is a Do-Jigger Spoon, made by the same people in Michigans Upper Peninsula who make the Sweedish Pimple. Silver and Blue is my first color choice. I pinch a large Blue Shiner in half and the head part is placed on one hook. The other rod usually sports a Gens Worm (Yellow/Chartreuse) with a Blue Shiner hooked slightly so it stays alive and active, between the dorsal and tail fin. One is jigged, the other left hanging in that 2 to 6 inch from the bottom zone I mentioned. The live bait seems to produce most often during the morning hours, and then the spoon as the day wears on. Hands down, a jigging Rapala, Gold/Orange is the lure of choice on the river. I change the small hook on the belly to a bigger size for more bite when a fish does hit. I also hook a whole small minnow through the head on one of the hooks. Small, sharp rips upward, then let it settle and wait, is the best action for success on the river. Well, there you have it. Hope I covered most or all of the old ways and the modern day improvements, as well as some hints for your next ice trip. Good luck and above all be safe. Capt: Dan Manyen, Walleye Express Pictures of some clients and fish the last few years.

Nope. Just finding sites that allow "all" good/helpful info to be shared with it's members. There isn't many, but they're out there.

Heres the deal. Iran drove prices back down. How? They are hell bent right now on making Nuclear Weapons and taking over the Mid-East through intimidation and thretening their neighbors (and us) with using them. Their only weakness is their fragil economy, kept together souly by oil and oil prices. All their greedy emorant neighbors know this and do not want to become an Iranian satelite state or go down that nuclear road as a safe guard agains't this threat. By jointly keeping the price per barrel of oil down, their neighbors keep the economic pressure on Iran. And the growing elements in Iran that want change, not to be a nuclear power and want a democratic government, get a helping hand through the economic strife that lower prices create in that country. And by the way Sen'or Chaves in Venazuela is playing the same game. We are all sitting on a three legged chair right now in these uncertain times. Isolationism and retreat seems to be the catchword in this new congress we (well most of us) just voted in. Keep aware of what your reps are saying and doing, and the influences it may be having on yours and your childrens lives. Let these little demagods know through E-mails or other means how you really feel about things from time to time or give up your right to complain about anything.

Thank's Frank. I kinda found this place through default. I'm on Stinger Spoons Pro Staff and a regular on the Stinger site. And when these two teamed up, I was directed and invited to join this one. Not sure how helpful I'll be with open water reports or techniques anymore for the open water Kings and Steelies on Lake Michigan, as my nitch now is closer to my home and I quit personally chasing salmo species in open water the mid 80's. Always loved the river fisheries and liked not having to worry about the wind when fishing the rivers. And even though I sold my drift boat and Federal Forestry Guides License in 2001 after my third ratator cuff operation, I still book a few charters a year from state launches on the Pere Marquette/Big Manistee out of my Jet Sled, and could help in those reguards.

Thanks. It will be my 4th license renewal in 2008. But after every 5 years, it seem like the cob webs get thicker every time I go through this.

Jon. By paperwork, I'm assuming you mean all the papers your doctors fills out during and after your physical every 5 years right? Then the fingerprints becomes a formailty. Do you also have to have your birth cirtificate or other I.D. with you?

What I've discovered over the years of posting on fishing message boards, is that invariably you'll get PM's or E-mails from both strangers and new message board friends, asking you for the numbers where you caught those nice fish you posted about in a thread. And similar to having two dogs in the house, you don't give one a treat and not the other. So I like to state this up front when joining any new site. I share just about every technique and tidbit of info I can, from what depth to what brand scent I use on my lures. You'll have virtually every part of the puzzle you'll need to be successful when and if you fish the Saginaw Bay or rivers when you get here. But fallowing me in circles isn't part of the deal.

Nothing as big as that monster yet. I did have my hands on a 16 pounder one spring day, when I helped our DNR take eggs at the Dow Dam on the Tittabawassee River. Personally, I got one on the wall I caught in 1986 thats 11.7. Got another on the Saginaw River night fishing 4 years ago that was 12.1 and released it. And had a client take one that was 12.4 two years ago on an ice charter.

My Captains license needs to be renewed in 2008, and I know the MCBA is working on getting the license renwals grandfathered in or at least making it so you could go to your local State police and get the finger printing done. But has anybody been down to Toledo yet to get this new procedure done? And do/can you bring your renewal papers and physical results down with you and get it all renewed in one deal? Capt. Dan.

This is a very cool idea. Getting ideas, info or feed back with professional or personal problems unique to charter captains from other charter captains is very neat indeed. Capt. Dan.

My name is Capt. Dan Manyen. I've been a guide/charter captain for 22 years. Started out on the Big Manistee for Steelies and Kings in 1986, using my drift boat under the business name of Steelie Dan. Guided there and on the Pere Marquette river for 15 years. Also been guiding (all seasons) on the Saginaw and Tittabawassee Rivers for Walleyes and Bass for 20 years. And on the Saginaw Bay (all seasons) for 10 years now. I'm a charter Captain that is not afraid to answer questions on all subjects. I won't be giving away my GPS numbers, but will help anybody the best I can that wants good honest answers about fishing and all related subjects on the waters I've fished all these years.