Rascal Trophy Fishing

Fine choice of forums, welcome.

Great place to join and be comfortable Ted, good fishing.

Welcome to the GLF Max, enjoy. I also am curious as to the location of those trout, any special lakes? What size are the trout and how deep is the water? Thanks.

I also suspect air bubbles, where the transducer in a wave is just too close to the motor. On a 16' boat, this may be the case, as you have a narrow 4'-5' beam. I would also suggest that you try the separate single frequency, and use about a 3/4 gain setting, no need for the maximum imho, unless you are over 250' fow.

Great job Josh. Mind a favor? Could you send some of those biters our way, it's too slow yet, lol.

Brandon, what does the "no net" connotation mean? Were the fish that small, or did you guys forget the net? Thanks. Btw, welcome to the GLF site, you appear to be new, and this is a great site for all fisherman, experts, and novices alike. Enjoy.

Those Wisconsin guys usually do get the earlier fish zone in hand. Keep up the good work Josh, thanks.

Thanks Collin, looks like we only have one way to go from here right now, and that's up. Positive thinking and some warm water will turn the tide soon.

Collin, you can always check in with the report on Capt. Chuck's website, also where I check is, fish-ludington.com, click on fishing report for weekly and regular reports as the season goes on.

Ken, do you ever go to the Ludington Hotel? Or Ludington Tug in Kewaunee? Just wondered, thanks. Little Bay DeNoc is soooo pretty and NOT busy! I just Love that area, but can't get up that way as things are right now, toooooo busy! I'll see ya there soon I do hope, best Rascal.

By golly, someone out there is going to get a steal on this deal, this can't last long now imho. Maybe sone last pics. of the cockpit & helms quarters will do it?

Welcome to the GLF site Ken, happy to have you aboard.

You're a lucky Grandfather Bob.

In Ludville, Ludington, it's the Moonshine, Yeck, and Dreamweaver that predominate. NK's too. I see ports where our spoon favs. don't work that good, sad. Some Silver Steaks/Stingers are great in one port, and negative in another. Every season and particular spoon works well and not so well depending on the water temps., and water conditions/circumstances/underwater conditions as well, it varies from year to year. So, having said all that stuff, good luck, and keep reporting what works best year to year in that particular water/port for you. It's become more of a science, than a predictable status-quo of late imho. I stay with Moonshines, and DW's mostly, as they are most productive in my home port. They also seem to attract the Biggest Fish too, jmo. Oh, and yes, I should mention, the Dolphin and Mongolian Beefs, have been a stong-hold here for years, along with Monkey Puke, and also herring rigs.

I believe the most important thing to consider is the "biting depths" and "blow-back" factor. Let's face it, I will run a downrigger from 25' to 225' in different circumstances. Depends on the water temps., marks of the graph, and of course, what's working. I have older Tru-track 14#'s on most of the riggers, and then 12#'s on the others, for a total of 6 riggers. The newer thought on this is to only have 3 riggers, and just put on anything that runs. That's a sad plan, imho. Many seasons the majority of fish lately have come very deep, and for that, you need extra long cable, and a weight that will prove more productive. The heavier the ball, the more straight it runs, for sure, jmo. In some parts of Fla. Ocean, the guys run 20# balls, to get deep, also to control the sway on various conditions.

Well, used to be Hank Jr. "All my rowdy friends", "come fly with me" too by Sinatra, but I just changed my mind to vote with Ryan now, lol.

Thanks for that update and stats. Mike, Ed B also talks the truth. We in Ludington also have a bunch of walleye stocking ponds. As to stats, I'll have to check with the guy, also a friend. I believe we mostly stock Hamlin Lk. to the north, perhaps some others too. Worthy cause and productive.

Where was this Al? Great post and pics. too.

The websites of fish-ludington.com has weekly reports, so does Chuck's Sport shop online. Way south to Little Point Sable, or straight out 17 miles is working, but it's work. High free-lines are going for less work, mostly big lakers, and nice steelhead. Welcome back Silver One Joe, hope the best is yet to come, both health-wise, and fishing of course. Tight lines!

This is a stickler for charter capts. and I have been on one side of the issue, and of course, for a long time, on the other. I think it all comes down to decency, and really, just common and real friendships sense. On the one hand, someone more fortunate, thru their life's education and experiences, jobs, and of course income, can negate charging some for the trip. While others, may want to ask for charitable contributions for gas and expenses, just because it's a reality and need for that particular person. I always think that whether you are a charter or fun-fisherman, you should cordially ask that a donation be made for your time and experience on the water if you are successful, otherwise, just a donation for gas and lost tackle if that applied. The law says you can't legally charge if you are not a capt.. I usually used to ask friends to buy a case or two of beer, and a bucket of chicken to offset the costs to me, and most agreed it was fair. Of course, we all shared that chicken and beer together, which is more fun yet, I think anyhow.

Hey Matt, I like the way you analyze and think. Yes, it very much depends on the line, speed, the type of diver used, your lure, and even the current down below that day, of course, and much more. How deep these lures or flies, with weight, bigger divers and rings, the super rings I may mention, will produce in depth. It is totally a science as to what you can expect in a slide/regular diver to produce. The mfr. can guess based on theory and some tests, but the end evaluation always depends on the experience of the capt. that is using it. The new X-4 Fish Hawk device attached to the line can identify where you really are. Just fyi.

Oh, I used to like that little Slickcraft, it was one popular boat in the 70's and 80's for being slick to the water of Lk. Michigan/Lk. Hamlin as a mainstay of fishing and cruising too. And quite economical to boot. Try boattrader.com for some info. on this boat too, but I'm thinking, Al might just have the boat for your needs Ron. Membership here is really worth the ante.

Looks like you're getting off to a good start Scott, getting the hang of it too.