Rascal Trophy Fishing

Ludington had some good steelie action a few weeks ago when the water temp. cooled down, it's back up again, and the cold winds and waves aren't helping right now either. When does the lake trout season end now. end of year?

Nice job youngfish, western Michigan man doing it to the fish population, keep up the good work Kyle.

Depending on what angle and speed you hit something stationary dockside, the bend could go up or down, depends alot imho. I don't think it's fishing related. Either way, as long as the cable feeds properly, keep it, or else either cut it off or replace with new/used arm. Sounds like a lot of good info from these guys all combined, nice job.

Tito's Vodka is my cup of tea, the best and smoothest. Add Cranberry juice on the rocks, it tops the vodka nicely.

Bill, I agree, but I see both sides of the coin too. I just have written it off to the usual reason, it's "marine" grade, so charge double or triple. The costs to make this "china mfg." stuff, is way lower than 25 years ago, even with advanced technology. However, the profit motive has quadrupled since 25 years ago, so go figure. Maybe someday......still waiting after 35 years.

Tony, I think these guys are on track pretty much, preparation before painting is everything, along with what Frank said too, following mfr. instructions for temp. etc.. Do let us know how it turns out, and any pics. like now, and after the repainting, would sure be appreciated and a learning tool for many with similar problems. Interlux is a prime mfr. of bottom paint, used it for many years without fail. Also, I like to let the paint cure up a few days before launching, usually within 3-4 days, but not sooner, hope that wasn't the case either.

Looks and sounds like great fun Dave, thanks for the excellent pics. too of this different adventure in fishing.

Nice catch and report Bill, hope that young man caught some steelies on this trip, looks like it from the smile alone.

Great post Ed, hadn't heard of this previously, very good documentation and information that all that hunt or own hunting land should know, thanks.

That's funny stuff alright.

The constant wind changes and full moon phase sure didn't help of recent either. Nice report Larry.

Good luck tomorrow Ed, I'm sure you'll have an awesome post soon to show us all.

I like your take Ryan, I trust and love my new 1 year old X4, add that to the other option that you attach to the core/copper, it's a big improvement all the way. Worth the money I think, as I had the old 840 over 20 years, so needed to update, and no antenna or cable problems ever. Sometimes you can call and buy a unit factory direct too, they discount better than the stores for me.

Hey Jim, just curious, how long will that camera record for, and where are they available? Or yeah, one last question, you Milwaukee guys use any spoons to fish...lol? Thanks.

We had a nice run here about 3-4 weeks ago, early, and since then they just seem to trickle in, no big deals. That south wind has been very predominant, mixing the fish up to stay in the big lake longer I believe. Maybe the recent north wind has changed it up, haven't been out lately, and our reports have dwindled down too.

Thanks for sharing the info. and pic. Matt, very tasty post.

Guys, it would have to rain for forty days and forty nights to just start to get the correct water levels back in Lake Michigan, and I don't see that happening in this lifetime. What everyone needs to do is start writing and calling to complain to that joint waterways commission to get water down from Lk. Superior to us to start with. Their reasons in the past have been suspicious and capricious at best, favoring some unknown Canadian reasons that they need our water worse than we do.

Here's a question I got for ya guys: how long do you stay out when the black flies are biting bad and in high numbers? Also, how long if there is a lot of sea fleas thick on the lines? Just curious...lol.

I'll keep an ear out for any news, but, I think your timing should be just about right on.

Thanks for joining Dave, you're gonna love this site too.

Thanks for joining Paul, don't be afraid to ask these guys for anything, they help out.

What a horror story from you too Tony, that's bad news, so sorry to hear about that stupidity and your grief, that mechanic needs to be sued.

As late as it is in the season right now, and for the buck spent, you might want to consider Mura's guide service, he's done very well of recent, 11 for 16 with my recent customers that I referred. 231-286-5831 ask for Capt. Bob, very friendly and knowledgeable on the fish. 1/2 day = $250//$350 full day up to 3 persons, about half the cost of the big lake, and more fun right now I hear too.

It's a tragic site at most all the ports on Lk. Michigan, and getting worse by the day and year. I heard it was the lowest since 1961, and 1964 too, don't know which, but it's bad. And here's the issue. The joint waterways commission of Canada and the USA have total control over these lake levels and can do something about it. So what's the secret that keeps this happening that we don't have a need to know about? And why? It must be down at least 4 feet since 2 years ago or more.

You really went thru the mill Sherman, next season has to be great, as you have fixed everything there was to fix. Good fishing and luck for years to come.