livintobefishin

Made our way out of Port Sheldon around 6:00pm and fished until 10:00, heading out near 120FOW. We lost our power to our fish finders going out through the channel so FOW references are estimated based on navionics ap locator.

Finished 2/4 between 120 and 160FOW. First release off downrigger down 100 in 150FOW on a meat rig, was on for a hot second and shook off shortly after. Put back down at 100 again and picked up our first fish of the day - 6 lb Steelhead. Second fish came on opposite downrigger 85 down in 150FOW with blue dolphin spoon - 8lb steehlead. Had another release on the same downrigger with flounder pound glow, but nothing home.

Night started off with 1.5-2.0 ft rollers but really calmed down as the night progressed

Did the same for perch in Holland, never found anything. I did happen to get some bites in 20 FOW, but I guessed they were gobies so we moved on out and kept looking. Covered between 20-55 FOW with shrimp.

My advice, go to the 6th street dam and watch people for awhile. This is a good way to gain some information, and if you go, you are sure to see something entertaining, fish or not. If you don't know where it is, there is a parking lot at Monroe and the 6th street bridge, and also down Front street off of Leonard st. Any thing else, just ask here or send me a PM.

If you want spawn, then hang out at the DNR fish cleaning station in Holland. You will be able to get plenty.

Thanks for the advice, I'll have to do that. But to please the greater amount, I'll just got to Grand Haven to avoid any confrontations

From what I could tell, it seems most people that post on this site are primarily, if not only, big lake fisherman. What I want to know is, do you throw a female's spawn away with the rest of the waste or do you use them or give them away for river fishing? I don't get as many chances as I would like to get out and catch fish on the big lake, but would like to get some hands on some skein to either cure or tie into bags. I'm not asking for favors for you to "give" me some eggs if you have a use for them. However, if you simply dump them I would love to take them off your hands! I have an equal 30 min drive from Holland and Grand Haven and would be willing to travel to these ports. Thanks in advance!

Waves were 1-2, with 3 foot rollers. About what I expected from the noaa forcast. Not terrible but was an inconvenience at times.

Trip was moderately successful, finished with 16 decent perch from 7"-10". Fished 40-50 FOW, for about 5 hrs. Most boats were in the 50 foot range, while all others fell into the reported 35-50 by Pyles. Caught most of our fish in front of the first sand dune. Had some trouble staying on fish do to the lack of an effective anchor Most seemed to be busy catching fish, but had responses that most fish were small. I'm thinking I didn't have that problem because of being tossed around by the waves in my little boat and didn't feel many light bites. Nevertheless, found Pyles no problem and the trip was a success.

Great description. Thank you very much. If I do get out I will be sure to report back.

I am foreign to the South Haven area and was thinking of heading down there tomorrow morning for some perch. Looking for a little information on where to get minnows, when they open and where to go to launch. Any help would be appreciated. Also, a report would be greatly appreciated also.