Rascal Trophy Fishing

Interesting subject to be sure, not really sure, I've used the standard True Track blacks for so long, haven't noticed. I did use greens and oranges years ago, the heavier 12-14# I wanted were black from factory, never thought about repainting them, always worked. Here's another suggestion, I have one, 10# ball, TT mfr, that has the big magnet in it, it surely does seem to give that ion effect to attract more fish for me. Anyone know where to get one of those anymore? Thanks.

Some reports of recent confirm Ed's report of not being afraid to go North, way north if the bank is busy/not happening. The ramps/lake will surely be busy the next 2 weekends, like "combat fishing", be safe. Thanks for the report.

Adam is quite right, at least around Ludington, the early and late in-shore bites have been mostly Herring meat rigs. As far as afternoon/middays, I always suggest offshore fishing, like 450-550 fow out deep if you have the boat/gas to do it safely. Upper 50' usually, look at your Fish Hawk for the thermal.

Thanks for joining Dan, these guys are great for fishing info and willing to share most secrets. Good luck.

Dumb question: why are you waiting till 2012?, seize the moment now, you don't know what will transpire in the next year with your group, planning too far ahead isn't always a wise move...imho.

Orange for steelies, green for kings, yellow for lakers, blue for coho is my pattern, depending on depth and fish targeted. Glows for all species too. Anyone remember those mini divers, they used to work, I haven't got any now, any opinions of recent on those? Thanks.

Great Frankfort report, glad to see they are doing well up North. Big congrats on that 28# stud, nice pics and thanks.

Actually all the replies are on cue, for sure, Bayliner is NOT a good fishing brand unless you get a Trophy model, not Ciera. I don't recommend flybridge models either, not needed here in Great Lakes, open boats with big cockpits get the nod. As far as the price, it's way over the top imho. In the 23'-25' size, perhaps a used Tiara, Pursuit, Grady, Sea Swirl, for a couple of names offhand. Shop with care, diligence, and patience, great deals are out there right now.

Listen to Bruce/Pitmaster, he's on cue for an economical and vastly improved/easy way to sharpen any knife. I too bought the electric fancy $200 Cabela sharpener 10 years ago for at home usage. Trouble is, it's at home, not on the boat/in the truck. There are also several other copy cats to AccuSharp now available that also are cheaper and work well. If you like your knife razor sharpened in a hurry/easily, follow Bruce's advice, it's great. It's the diamond abrasives that tend to impress me. And many thanks Bruce.

Well, at least some grants are paying off for a change. Isn't this where the World Champion Packers are from? Har.

Nice posts and great discussion Dave. I too try to check out the sharpness of the new lure hooks. Routinely, at the dock, with spare time, check to see if the hook will hang in your fingernail, if not, it needs sharpening or replacement, depending on the brand. Those Japaneese red hooks they used on flies and some lures, don't care for them, lost way too many fish. VMC and Eagle Claws are my favs.. Look at the tines too, esp. at this time of year with the big ones being taken daily, it makes ALL the difference. I have some files I like, but usually use a cordless electric sharpener with a diamond abrasive inside, just ducky, and so easy too. That extra couple of minutes to check, can make all the difference in catching, or releasing back. Very important post not many think of, till it's too late.

Nice report guys, esp. Shannon with the LDN article, it's true, and the Bonanza of Big Fish is just around the corner too up here in God's country. Ya'll come on over, don't wanna miss this next 3 weeks for sure if you got Salmon Fever. I can hook ya up with anything too if ya need help. Thanks.

You've made me drool bigtime Tony, nice recipe indeed. For a change, a friend this past weekend made blackened salmon and steelhead, in a cast iron pan, same high temperature with carmalized onions too. What a fantastic treat that was too. Many thanks for a great change in cooking our fish. Salute.

Albemarle boats, similar to several other off-brands not well known in the great lakes, have a high reputation with fisherman abroad, esp. the ocean. They definitely cost more as they are not high production boats, as many cannot afford the luxury and craftsmanship within. I haven't fished one yet either, but have inspected several at boat shows and was impressed with the construction and amenities geared towards fishermen. Look at blue book/nada values for a better idea, and of course the very important survey, make sure the surveyor is very experienced/well respected, and be there for his survey for sure to inspect his observations on the spot. His statements in person should dovetail with the written report exactly, or he's not good. Got a pic and stats on the boat? Thanks.

Everyday can be a bit different, depending on the time of year, the moon cycle, temperature, wind, and barometer changes, all play into the factor of early/late bites. Of course the other important factor is the pressure on the fish, I don't care to start in a wolf pack of boats where pressure scatters them quickly.

The usual migration north of big schools of fish is common during the entire summer, and I feel that Labor Day time usually shows the most catch per angler and best fish are coming north of your desired area, that of Ludington to Manistee and all the way up to Frankfort at times. Many of these fish are targeting rivers where they were either planted or naturally born in, so, having said that, this is usually very fine fishing. Check the local reports for more accurate information as the date approaches. In Ludington, we have already experienced our first big run of salmon upstream the last few weeks. We expect and look eagerly to several more in the coming weeks for the bonanza of action.

Great report with pic to match, thanks Ed.

Well done and another great report for Ludington as usual this season. Thanks Collin.

Patience is a virtue Matt, you'll get there soon enough, good fishing and thanks.

That's a shame, I also looked for a new pic this summer of before and after. Maybe you can find a place to hide some rods and mount some perko adjustables on the bow rail sides for planers/leadcore. That way there is no new holes in the transom, and you get some cake too. The bridge might also have a rear rail to mount a few for the chute too, just an idea the admiral might go for.....lol.

Thanks for a nice report on port Ludington Ted.

Anybody been to Armstrong's Tackle in Whitehall yet? I heard he has a vast assortment of tackle available at great savings, but the store is a bit, well, disorganized.

Port Ludington is really coming on and the fish are also in the channel and PM Lake right now. Anyone that wants superior quality and quantity Salmon fishing yet this summer needs to look no further. Good reports all.

Ya'll take advantage of Port Ludington these few short weeks left in August, the true Bonanza of sport fishing is just about to explode here with the most and biggest fiesty Kings of the season. Anyone whom hasn't been here yet, or not lately, come back and see for yourselves. Worth the drive from anywhere.

Welcome to GLF Special K, you guys might also want to try the Yeck Lures website, their catalog is on it too and should have the Jerid, named after Doug's, (Polecat), son that is working in the shop making lures. Ah yes, good old Port Ludington, glad I was born here......lol.