Rascal Trophy Fishing

Should look nice on the wall for years to come, good job and pics., thanks.

Good luck Tom, and thanks for the nice gesture for GLF.

If you're going to stay in the channel and close to shore only, 19' is fine. But, when it comes to the Big Great Lakes, I highly recommend at least 24'-26' for safety and seaworthiness. Don't know your finances, but there are alot of boats out there for sale at ridiculously low prices right now, and the size difference for safety and security is priceless. I ran a 26' CC for years alone, it's not that difficult after you get used to it. Good luck and good fishing.

Thanks Sherman, and all you guys for your inspiration and love of the sport. I know I'll never forget that first big 26# salmon I caught right in the Ludington channel in 1982. And it's that screaming reel and fight on the deck that keeps me coming back. Now, like both Matts, I love to see the eyes of the angler when it's a novice or kid hooking up their biggest fish ever. Every season is different and challenging, and the fish are just too terrific an experience to miss out on. Here's wishing everyone a very exciting and safe 2011 fishing season.

Nice catch and pics. Rich, thanks.

When you're there, don't forget to visit Smith Brothers fishery and restaurant, great smoked fish and food. I'd call their chamber for the name of the local sport shop. Welcome to the GLF forum Brent.

Russ, if it's not too late, I'd have that 16# weighed and measured for a Master Angler patch, and then have it mounted, she's a real beauty, best I've seen in many a moon. Thanks again.

Nice laker Jim. Sorry to hear about the kicker, maybe fuel filter? New gas? Anyhow, that's no way to treat a customer, thanks for the pic..

Nice brownies guys, thanks for sharing the moments of success.

Russ, with two large husky brownies like that, the 2 fish caught isn't anything at all to be ashamed of, in fact that 16# could be an angler award. My biggest was 13# many years ago. Very nice pics. and thanks.

Great post Matt, and a good lesson of what many other ports could also do for our vets.. Now why didn't Ludington think of this first?, oh well, we may have to follow Manistee's lead soon I hope. Many thanks.

I use the same connection as Jon too. I installed a perko battery switch inside the transom area, and ran my cables from riggers to that, under the rigger mount on top, then siliconed. I Don't recommend boring holes in the rear of the transom, let's too much water/condensation in for rot later on. Running to terminal blocks saves the bilge from looking like a wiring factory with wires all over the place too.

Good work guys, sounds like the squeaky wheel got oiled now, but it shouldn't have to squeak to begin with if government knows when and how to do their jobs. IF they were planning on new docks, they should have been ordered and made for delivery by now too, what's up with that excuse?

Good early bird report Matt, keep up the good work pal.

Yeah, I got mine when renewing last October, small p on the sticker is all. I like the idea, cause it saves time and money. The last few years I haven't gone into the Ludington State Park just because of the high $20 sticker, & $5 for daily? I believe. There's almost always someone in our booth in Ludington too, didn't used to be, but there is nowadays. That $100 fine is pretty stiff if you ask me too, and I'm glad to hear they are earmarking the funds for only the State Park system, that's the way it should always be, not going any which way they want.

Looks like you're good to go Rik, as long as the boat is stored at the brothers house, you fit the code exactly. Must take a real eagle eye cop to see this as he's going down the road, I know I wouldn't see it. Yeah, keep a copy of that in the vehicle and boat at all times, just in case.

Quality is always a good thing,...........thanks.

Get 'em goooooooood, where's the pics.? Thanks.

Thanks for the very scientific take Chris. Very interesting, and just goes to show, fishing is and has been quite a learning experience in progress. No matter how many years we do it, you can always learn something new, and always something new to spend more $$$$$ on.....lol. Btw, where do we buy the Blast? Thanks.

Thanks guys, good idea for floating nets too. I keep 2 nets at the ready, and 1 net stowed below, just like Matt, and just in case of human error or equipment failure. I'm sure most of us have had that one and only net either get lost in a big wave, or big fish, or maybe the net just rotted out after many years. It's a big bummer when you're way out catching alot of fish and that one net either gets lost OB or fails, then how do you get them in the boat? Gaff? Tuna door? Or perch them in? You're not going all the way in to buy another net just yet either....LOL.

Nice picture, always did like the sand dunes for background, we have plenty from Pentwater to Ludington too.

Wow, J1, you got a roster of catches going already in 2011? My goodness you're an early birdy. Get 'em.

Interesting idea, maybe? Keep us posted on that one..........lol.

Some excellent suggestions and information here. Now, here's another question I'd like you guys to weigh in on, if it's ok with propman? How many nets do you normally have on your boat when out on the lake? And, I'd still like a quote on the fancy net, just in case, thanks. P.S. Ranger prides it's company on American made nets, not foreign.

Cumings and Beckman also make a nice salmon net, heard Ranger does too, most are $40-65. That egos2slider looks real nice, and I'm afraid to ask the price of that, as I'm guessing about $100 a pop, plus s/h. The website says call for price, that usually means it's overpriced imho, but, to each his own.