Rascal Trophy Fishing

Nick, a good report is had at fish-ludington.com, click on fishing report. Also Capt. Chuck's website. Some southerly fishing was good earlier, GPS middle #54's & 35's was good, but the way the wind and weather changes right now, it's dicey for anything consistent.

Copeyan Park in Ludington is great, can launch up to 50' yachts, fish cleaning/grinder/fish board/bathrooms. It does get busy, but not as busy as Loomis St. by the lighthouse. 15 minutes to pierheads/Lk. Mich. too. Tight lines.

Which pierhead, Muskegon? I think Ryan pretty much said it all, too early yet, everything is running late this season.

Not fair, I'm drooling now.

Very well said and explained Jim, you know the ropes of this subject for sure.

Steve, there can be only one admiral, (Capt), and one first mate aboard any boat, and that has precedence over the budget, cause, safety is the first rule of seamanship, always! Admirals notwithstanding as they are really want-to-be's. Always do what is right.

Good man!

Nice!

Absolutely Tom, have to know what kind of steering first. I'm thinking Mike doesn't have hydraulic, therefore, the model choices are limited, but also a bit cheaper. Once you have the autopilot, such as a Benmar, Raytheon, or other, you won't go without it again. Makes the entire trip much more relaxing, and easier to fish the platform. And you never have to go in circles again due to no driver, or an inexperienced driver = no tangled lines either.

That's a pretty nice system Bob, and quite economical too. Beckman is known for quality nets, these look like nice quality too.

What did you end up with Jim?

Nice trip Frank, thanks for sharing.

Good job. Wonder if they still have that light show every nite at dusk downtown across the channel? Is that everyday, or just weekends? Thanks.

Hey Steve, and welcome to the site. I agree with your choice to move the batts. forward to mid-ship area. As for the cable system, if you can well afford it, why not? Could you post a link to the tinned system, I'm not familiar with that, but it sounds good. A boat name is also a good idea, not another no-name boat. That name will allow you better communications via VHF radio to identify yourself, and also in an emergency. How about "Stawker"? The St for Steve, the awker for the hawk model? Tight lines.

That's quite an icon pic Steve, it looks too close for comfort, imho. I agree, it's a good idea to move those batteries for better weight distribution. As for the cables, I really don't know, but if you have the spare money available for upgrading, why not? Can you post any link to see what you're talking about, cause I'm not privy to that cable system now? It's a good idea to also have a boat name, otherwise, you are another no-name, and that isn't good if you need help on the water some day, or just want to converse on the radio with the other guys. Maybe "Stawker" is a name, St for Steve, and awker for the hawk model? Maybe even a fav lure, like Yuk, or Moonshiner?

Thanks for joining Jason, best choice around.

Congrats on that finish Jeff, you showed persistence and tenacity work well in the end. Thanks for giving Ludington a big lift, come back anytime.

Thanks for joining Steve, great place to be.

That was a dilly Noah, batman indeed, lmao.

The article also forgot to mention that while many feel like the launch ramp is their only way on the lake, that local marinas are also more amiable and lowering rates to help boaters be in a slip to get away from such bufoons.

Thanks for sharing that Jeff, big welcome to the site, and looking forward to your reports and pics. too. Tight lines.

Late July and August are the banner weeks for Ludington, year after year. DNR stats have proven this for about 25 years now. These are typically the 30#+ King weeks we wait for, and dream of.

LC is more readily available, and more economical than previous. Why not have multiple core setups to target differing fish? Also a copper like Ryan suggests.

Gear Goober? What the heck Robert, I think your 22-24' Mako looks good to go. Full core rods are best for deeper fishing, whereas, 2,3 5, & 7 colors can vary in depths for different type target fishing, and differing times of year. The boards, depending on size and make, will work different in differing sea conditions, and speed of course. The LC trick/tool started about 20 years ago, and is one of the best tricks we have yet today, besides coppers new entry too. Better fisherman have several rods ready to go at varying color offerings. Mark each rod with the number of colors on it with peel off numbers. You don't want to hear everyone on the radio talking about catching consistently on 5 colors, when you only have 10 color rod setups. I would try running 2 boards per side on your size boat, one shorter, one longer. Right now over in Ludington, it's 3 color, and 5 color bites. Would also suggest tying on a keel sinker, or bead stopper above the main about 6', this stops the board above the fish so it doesn't knock him off, another small tip. Many fish are lost due to being hit in the mouth with the planer board otherwise.