fowlplay

I go with the jump pack now. Handy to have for if you even need it for your tow vehicle. I have used my trolling motor battery in the past prior to having the jump pack.

I like the idea of having a waterfowl forum. This is my passion in the fall. Majority of it in the Saginaw bay slaying diver ducks.

yup............

Fished Manistee this past week. The kings the past two days have been turning on right at dusk, ranging in all kinds of depths, 50-200, fishing the 30-60 foot range. My hottest bait was magnum sister sludge, best presentation was on full core. Reports from fishermen and radio traffic was 2-4 kings a trip so they have not begun to really turn up yet. Thermacline was at the 45 foot range.

Manistee. Easy access, and I have had alot of success there and confidence in the area.

Fished Monday daytime and nite and Tuesday AM in AuGres. 8 eyes, one steelhead and one laker. Walleyes all good size. Lots of boats casting at the river mouth. Trolling pattern was 20 feet during the day in front of the river, and 8 feet at night at Pt. Lookout. Husky jerks #14 & #11 were best, best color was the new ghost color then smelt pattern on inline boards. Speeds were 1.3 - 1.7. Night bite was the most action, daylight was slow.

I am changing over to the Sampo's this year just cuz I want the coastlock style versus the standard style that opened up on me three times last year.

Originally post by JJ Mac

Another way I've heard good reports about is as follows:

Strip out 8"-10" of lead from the leadcore line. In this dacron sheath that has no lead, make a single overhand knot but DO NOT tighten it down. Then take one end of backing or leader and insert it as far into the dacron line as you can get it. Then work the overhand knot down until you know that when you tighten the knot, it will be over the backing or leader. I have not used this knot but believe it works for small diameter backing or leader line - don't know if the 20 # mono can be slipped into the sheath or not.

This is called the Willis Knot. I use it and never have had any problems, plus it is very easy to tie.

I use 27lb. The weight rating only applies to the strength of the sheath and does not mean there is anymore lead inside than a lighter weight. Fact is, the lighter test lead core will drop deeper because there is less outer sheath that would make it more buoyant.

Saturday fishing from shore saw some brownies caught on Little Cleo's. Trolling was spotty with body baits on planer boards. Surface temps were 35 and 36, with some pockets of 37 and 38 off the river mouth. Reports are that they are doing well for brown trout off the pier.