CaptLevi

Cut bait is awesome! I like pulling it on a Fishertackle Guppy behind a cowbell rig for lakers, on a 3 fly rig behind a large to medium sized rotator or flasher, or clean on those days where real stealth is required to box large fish.

You can purchase cutbait rigs at most retail tackle stores.

I also prefer a larger or magnum size early in the season with a mixture of smaller spoons mixed in. I transition to a more small to medium size with a few mags mixed in later in the season.

Steve,

I would guess that a lot has to do with the seemingly constant East wind we have been getting. The water against the shoreline is quite cold compared to usual.

One thing you may have noticed. The Kings are taking high lines as well as lines set to 85'. Most of mine have been in the top 30'.

Last weekend we marked lots of baitfish in the 100' - 120' range.

So I guess I would think that it's just a fickle year and keep my fingers crossed that the sky isn't falling.

It is against the reg's for us to gas up with customers on board. Not very professional to do either.

It takes some planning, but usually I can squeeze it in between charters if needed.

Are the strips in good shape? What was the price?

Same here. Folks can be as hands on as they desire on my charters with just a few exceptions due to liability restrictions. Others want to eat, drink, reel one in, nap, repeat. That's OK too!

Welcome aboard!

I'm seachin for that trophy eye on the Detroit tommorrow! Yehaw, Cap gits to land a fish!

Welcome Erbyjoe! Hope you enjoy the site!

I've never been either so just a guess....New Buffalo?

Not now as I store in a different location than the marina where I slip. It offers no storage, but I could leave my boat there for free if I wanted. Right now I store inside so it is safe and secure.

Hi folks!

I am CaptLevi, Levi Sanders to those who know me personally. I opertate Sportboat Charters out of St. Joseph.

I guess I am moderating this area so no low punches....let's keep it a clean fight!

Welcome aboard!

.....and feel free to contact me about any issues I can help you with.

That's where Sporty will be this summer John. I am changing out to manual riggers for those outings to save the electric motors. You'll lookjust like Popeye by fall!

Capt.Mike,

Yes your registration will be listed.......use: comm/freight

Your U.S. Merchant Marine covers passenger for hire (someone correct me please if I'm wrong?) Are they just requesting your U.S.M.M.O. #?

You will also need a sport trolling license. That is a catch 22. You cannot obtain it without a passing inspection and you can't pass the inspection without the sport trolling license. I would contact a local DNR office to expidite the Sport trolling Lisence in advance. Just let them know of your issue.

You will also need to have a copy of your insurance policy. (not a binder).

You can also call the DNR regional facility nearest you and ask to speak with someone in the law enforcement division for more specifics.

I'm gonna need to rig a sail on my charter boat if this keeps up! AAAARRRGGGG!!!!!!

My largest King was out of the Musk. River in '74. 36#.

Out of the lake:

Biggest king? But we had a limit allover 20# in Frankfort in '85. A few near 30#. All 15 caught in about an hour from setting the first line. We never got more than 4 lines set!

Biggest Brown? 13# while night trolling for wally in Musk Channel '87.

Largest walleye? 11.25 # same location in '88.

Largest coho and lakers were actually landed by guests(but I set the lines and coached 'em!, doesn't that count for sumpin?).

Welcome aboard!

This is a very nice and new site. I am sure you will enjoy your time here talking bout our common interest...........washing lures!

I used an at home study course. I also tested myself online at boatus/seatow site.

I think that while it was probably a little more difficult, it allowed me to learn at my own pace without taking a week in a hotel.

Capt. John (Shades),

It's about time you showed up. You will be a great asset to the site for sure. Your fishing prowess is indeed impressive. Anyone who has fished with you knows what I mean.

Did any of you know that John was part of the team sittin in second at the South Haven tourney last year after day one and was just barely edged into third on the second day by Best Chance? And he is a co-founder and member in good standing in the Brotherhood of the Salmon St. Joe Chapter.

I can't wait to put the hurts to some fish this season Bro!

That is sad.

Who is surprised?

:mad: :mad:

One tip:

DO NOT unhook the strap and safety chain on your bunk trailer either IF you have recently been fishing in early/late season cold periods. The water on the bunks can freeze making a real neat slide for you rig.

I think I might be in the minority of Charters who agree with the cuts.

However they also should raise the limit to five again in Michigan waters.

And they should plant more Steelhead. There is an article in the Great Lakes Sport Fishing News written by DNR staff which smells fishy to me. They make a lot of excuses for not upping the stocking of other species, but seem to dance their way around the justifications. Nowhere do they justify not increasing steelhead stocks, only coho and trout. (Unless I am missing something).

I am also just a tad skeptical about how long it will take and how many dollars will have to be squeezed from the taxpayer to reinitiate prior stocking levels should the lakes see a turnaround in the forage base.

And what steps are being taken to raise the levels of forage other than lowering the Salmon stocks? All of the answers need to be addressed by the DNR and other agencies involved.

Am I alone here?

It appears by the letter written by Pres. Rick Balabon in the same publication that the MSSFA are asking those questions too but don't seem to be expecting too many answers in the near future.

Righto Stevo!

I run snap weights on core quite often. Especially if I am getting bit on 15 colors. Since I only have 2 rods set up with 15 color, I just add weight to a couple 10's or 12.5's.

I was running 2.5 lead core for shallow biters but now I just run the snap weights there too. Saves on having too many rods kickin around.

What's you favorite meat rig set-up?

I have many, but I guess my favorite has to be the stealth set up I use on a rigger. I run a line with just the head and meat, no twinkies or flasher, on a center rigger, about 20 lower and 20 feet behind a flasher fly set-up that is on an outdown. It doesn't catch alot, but it gets some big hogs.

What gets me are those who just throw their butts in the water like it isn't littering. I supply ash trays for smokers on my charters for just that reason.

Or how bout folks who throw burning butt's out their car window like it won't cause a grass fire!

DuRRR DuRRR DRRRRRRR!!!!

mmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmm....morels......i ..can't....wait....mmmmmmmmmmmmm