Mike

Spoonfed is correct.

Jeesh! that was fast. Personaly I have never seen 1 of these before.

I guess you guys dont need any hints at all in the future.

Lets give this a try and see who can identify the species of fish.

I will start out with 1 hint.

1/ This species is found in the great lakes.

If there is enough interest, I will add a hint a day, and I will post a new 1 every week.

My guess is Steve Arend. p.s. I did not see the running arrends on the side of the boat

If the cable is seized, you should also rectify the cause of the problem.

If it is due to water etc. normal use there is nothing to do.

However make sure there is not a ground problem in the boats electrical system. If there is it may be using the steering cable as a ground which will cause the cable to get tight or sieze..

You can find out what is going on with your lake here.

The Great Lakes Fishery Commission was established by the Convention on Great Lakes Fisheries between Canada and the United States in 1955. The Commission has two major responsibilities:

To develop coordinated programs of research on the Great Lakes, and, on the basis of the findings, to recommend measures which will permit the maximum sustained productivity of stocks of fish of common concern; and

To formulate and implement a program to eradicate or minimize sea lamprey populations in the Great Lakes.

Here are the links to each of the great lakes committees.

Lake Superior

Lake Michigan

Lake Huron

Lake Erie

Lake Ontario

If you do not have Adobe Reader you can download it directly from Adobe for free. Here is a link to there download page.

Adobe Reader

Welcome to the site. I am sure you will enjoy.

Welcome to the site fishin magician. I am sure you will enjoy.

Welcome to the site Hookerhal. I am sure you will enjoy.

Wecome to the site. I am sure you will enjoy it.

A little elbow grease and some new oarlocks, and you will be the envy of charterboat captains everywhere.

Welcome to the site.. There are enough experienced captains here that you should be able to find answers to your questions.

Enjoy.

Welcome to the forum Steve.

Non-resident Fishing Licence Options. In effect until December 31, 2006.

Licence Type Available From Cost

Sport Fishing Licence - valid for the calendar year 2000+ licence issuers throughout the province $64.00

Conservation Fishing Licence - valid for the calendar year 2000+ licence issuers throughout the province $39.00

Eight-day Sport Fishing Licence * - 2000+ licence issuers throughout the province $41.00

Eight-day Conservation Fishing Licence * - 2000+ licence issuers throughout the province $24.00

One-Day Sport Fishing Licence (Great Lakes & connecting waters including Lake St. Clair, Rondeau Bay, St. Lawrence River and Lake St. Francis) licence issuers located on the Great Lakes $17.00

Non-resident Angling Licence for a Member of an Organized Camp Ministry of Natural Resources offices $4.00 per child

Lake St. Joseph tag - Lake St. Joseph tourist operator from whom accommodation is obtained No charge

* Eight-day fishing licences are valid for eight consecutive calendar days. A calendar day is a 24 hour period starting at 12:00 a.m.

Thanks for the information.

CONTINUED FISHERY CLOSURE

WILL PROTECT ENDANGERED SPECIES

Aurora Trout Fishery Closed To Comply With

Federal Species At Risk Requirements

TORONTO - Ontario's Aurora trout fishery will be closed again this season to give provincial fishery managers more time to meet the conditions of Canada's Species at Risk Act, Natural Resources Minister David Ramsay announced today.

"Last summer, we decided to temporarily cancel the province's limited Aurora trout fishery until we are sure it complies with all conditions of the federal Species at Risk Act," said Ramsay. "We are continuing to work with the federal government to determine if we can re-establish an Aurora trout fishery in Ontario."

The ministry stocks nine northern lakes with Aurora trout to provide limited sport fishing opportunities for this species. Fishing for Aurora trout - with a possession limit of one fish per angler - has been allowed on two or three of these nine lakes each year on a rotating basis. This year's Aurora trout fisheries on Carol Lake, Lake #21 and Liberty Lake will not open on August 1 as scheduled.

There are only two lakes in Ontario where Aurora trout reproduce naturally. To protect these populations, the two lakes are designated as year-round sanctuaries by the ministry with all fishing prohibited.

"Over the past year, the ministry has developed a provincial species recovery strategy for Aurora trout that provides protection for this endangered species in the two lakes where they reproduce naturally and also includes a limited fishery in the lakes where they are stocked for angling," said Ramsay. "We will continue our efforts to have this strategy approved by the federal government, but until we have that approval the limited fishery cannot proceed."

The federal Species at Risk Act came into effect in June 2003 and the protection and enforcement aspects of the act took effect June 1, 2004.

PROVINCE INCREASES WALLEYE FISHING

OPPORTUNITIES IN EASTERN LAKE ONTARIO

Removal Of Size Limit Regulation Takes Effect For

Start Of Walleye Season

TORONTO — As the walleye season opens on May 7, the Ontario government is eliminating the lower size limit for walleye in the Bay of Quinte and eastern Lake Ontario, Natural Resources Minister David Ramsay announced today.

"We have determined that the existing size limits haven’t had a significant beneficial impact on the walleye population in the Bay of Quinte, but have had a negative impact on the economies of local communities," said Ramsay. "Removing the slot size regulation will increase angling opportunities without adversely affecting the numbers of larger fish."

Under the regulation change, anglers will now be able to keep walleye that are up to 63 centimetres long in parts of Lake Ontario, including the Bay of Quinte and Prince Edward County. For all of Lake Ontario, the walleye catch and possession limit is four fish under a sport fishing licence, and two fish under a conservation licence. For both types of licence, anglers are also allowed to keep one walleye greater than 63 centimetres long.

"I certainly support this decision," said Ernie Parsons, MPP for Prince Edward-Hastings. "This is a top notch walleye area in Ontario and removing the lower size limit is good news for anglers and our local economy."

The ministry implemented a size limit for walleye in eastern Lake Ontario in 2002 following public consultation over concerns about the health of the walleye population in the Bay of Quinte. A review of the slot limit found that it only resulted in a 10 per cent drop in overall angling harvest and didn’t have a beneficial effect on the breeding walleye population.

The regulation change is in effect pending the results of the regulation review currently under way. The ministry is developing a fisheries management plan for the Bay of Quinte in partnership with stakeholders. This plan will guide future fisheries management decisions.

Welcome to Great Lakes Fisherman Toad.

I look foreword to seeing you around the forums.

I know 2002, but I thought it was kewl to see the stats

Michigan remains top state for boating

CHICAGO, December 18, 2002 - - There were 12.9 million recreational boats registered in the United States in 2001 according to the U.S. Coast Guard. This represents an increase of 94,000, or 0.7 percent from the previous year. National Marine Manufacturers Association (NMMA) estimates indicate that 541,000 new boats were sold at retail in 2001, and that there are nearly 17 million boats owned across the U.S.

There are many small, non-powered craft that are not required to be registered by the states or simply not registered by owners, which includes large categories such as canoes (121,000 in 2001) and utility boats (approximately 49,000 in 2001). This accounts for most of the disparity between the USCG reported registration figure and NMMA's estimate on the number of owned boats.

State Rankings

The top 20 states for registered boats recorded almost 75 percent of the total amount in the entire country, accounting for 9.6 million boats. The top ten states for boat registrations account for 51 percent of registered boats at 6.6 million. Michigan retains its title as the number one boating state in the country, with more than 1,000,000 recreational boats registered in 2001. Virginia rounds out the top 20, reclaiming its position after falling to 21st in 2000. The only other change in the top 20 is Tennessee, falling two spaces to number 19, which moves Alabama and Washington up to 17 and 18, respectively.

Here's a look at the remainder of the top 20 states and the total number of boats registered in each:

1. Michigan 1,003,947

2. California 957,463

3. Florida 902,964

4. Minnesota 826,048

5. Texas 621,244

6. Wisconsin 575,920

7. New York 526,190

8. Ohio 414,658

9. South Carolina 382,072

10. Illinois 369,626

11. Pennsylvania 359,525

12. North Carolina 353,560

13. Missouri 335,521

14. Georgia 327,026

15. Louisiana 322,779

16. Mississippi 300,970

17. Alabama 262,016

18. Washington 260,335

19. Tennessee 256,670

20. Virginia 240,509

"Between 2000 and 2001, many states changed their boat registration systems and moved responsibility for tracking to other state departments" says NMMA statistics manager Jim Petru. "Tracking in the future will be more accurate, as NMMA will be working closer with the U.S. Coast Guard, NASBLA [National Association of State Boating Law Administrators], and the various reporting agencies."

Alaska and New Mexico witnessed the largest changes in boat registrations in 2001. Total boats registered in Alaska increased 41 percent. Alaska's Division of Motor Vehicles attributes this dramatic change to the fact that the state took over registrations from the U.S. Coast Guard in 2001. This received a lot of media attention, prompting more boaters to register their vehicles. Alaska boaters also were required to register non-mechanically-propelled boats for the first time.

New Mexico's improved registration eliminated errors in the old system, leading to a 49 percent decrease in registered boats. A representative with New Mexico's State Parks Division explains that previous years' registrations reflected all boats ever registered in their database. The registration numbers are now correct, and the Parks Division reports it is unable to compile corrected statistics for prior years.

Regional Rankings

No changes were noted in regional rankings with the Eastern North Central region (Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, Ohio, Wisconsin) holding on to the number one spot with 2.6 million boats, accounting for one out of every five boats registered in the country. The South Atlantic region (Delaware, District of Columbia, Florida, Georgia, Maryland, North and South Carolina, Virginia and West Virginia) follows closely with 2.5 million registered boats.

Four regions experienced significant increases in registrations during 2001 and two showed declines in the number of boats registered. Regions with increases:

* Pacific (AK, CA, HI, OR, WA) 4.8 percent

* South Atlantic (DE, DC, FL, GA, MD, NC, SC) 2.6 percent

* New England (CT, ME, MA, NH, RI, VT) 2.4 percent

* Western South Central (AR, LA, OK, TX) 1.8 percent

Regions with decreases:

* Mountain (AZ, CO, ID, MT, NV, NM, UT, WY) 6.2 percent

* Middle Atlantic (NJ, NY, PA) 3.2 percent

Boat registration statistics are compiled by individual states. The federal government uses these stats to allocate Aquatic Resource Trust Fund dollars among the states each year. NMMA uses the registration data to develop its estimates on annual state dollar sales of new boats, motors, trailers and marine accessories. This information will be available in mid-January 2003. The 2001 U.S. Recreational Boat Registration Statistics report can be ordered by contacting the NMMA fulfillment department at (312) 946-6200. The cost is $60 for NMMA members; $150 for nonmembers.

When it comes to freshwater angling, weeds play an extremely important role in the livelihood of a fish. They provide shelter, oxygen, ambush points and a smorgasbord of baitfish - more than enough reasons to pay special attention to the green stuff when out for the day. Learn the true reasons why weeds are so special, and watch your catch rates grow in leaps and bounds

Give Me Shelter

Since fish don't have the option of owning an underwater home, making do with structural elements is the next best thing. Be it logs or fallen trees, rock cribs, or bridge pilings, most of these spots are premium real estate for the competitive nature of a fish. One thing that is found in abundance in most lakes, however, is vegetation, and believe me, the majority is teeming with fish.

Different species will use weeds for differing reasons when seeking shelter. In the case of the largemouth bass, shallow water lily pads and cabbage beds provide shade and cooler water temperatures. For walleye, a thick weedbed offers a dark environment for their light sensitive eyes. When dealing with panfish, seeking shelter under the greens is a way to stay protected from feeding predators.

Although many fish use vegetation as shelter, it usually is only a temporary stay. They may come during certain times of the day to laze about, or it may be used as part of a seasonal movement. Now, if food sources are plentiful, they may linger in the general area all season long, gorging on the free meals at their doorstep.

Breathe Easy

Vegetation has a unique component in its ability to provide oxygen. Much in the same way humans need it, fish depend on this gift of life to maintain their existence.

When figuring out the best weeds to tackle, pay close attention to the color. What you are looking for is the greenest, crispest looking vegetation you can find. The darker in color it is, the more oxygen it will ultimately give off.

Searching areas like this is paramount depending on the season at hand. Fall and winter, when many weeds are dying and decaying, will find fish staying close to those still holding on to their life-giving gift. As shallow water weeds die, fish will move outwards, taking up residence on the next sustaining weedbed they stumble across. Make sure you wear polarized glasses in order to spot these prime real estate areas.

Although I have discussed the merits of finding green weeds, this pattern hold true only for those plants that are still alive. Dead vegetation also holds fish, and although it is not giving off any oxygen, the shelter and ambush spots it provides overcompensates for that.

Slop, which is nothing more than washed up weeds that have been chopped up by an outboard, is a tremendous area to seek out largemouth bass. It may not be green and crisp, but boy does it ever hold fish. So, floating weeds are an excellent choice regardless of color, whereas anchored vegetation (including pad beds) go up in value the greener they get.

Waiting in Ambush

Fish seem quite lazy at times. Instead of chasing down prey, they lie in wait, ready to pounce on the next edible thing to swim by. If truth were known, conserving energy through an executed attack is not lazy at all (although it may appear so,) but rather a smart and efficient way to eat.

One of the most concealed spots in a lake to ambush prey is within the weeds. Predators can easily camouflage themselves amongst the plants, lying still until the perfect opportunity presents itself. And the main reason prey flock to the weeds is for the zooplankton and insects that they provide. (Kind of like leading a lamb to slaughter in my mind!)

Largemouth bass, northern pike, walleye and musky are the big four that use the ambush method for corralling food. This is not to say they won't aggressively chase down food (as they will), but ultimately prefer to save energy and play the waiting game.

Knowing this information can help an angler improve their odds when working over the weeds. First of all, look for the distinct weed edges. Think of this as a thick wall of vegetation, with open water space out in front. Fish will tuck into this 'wall,' while waiting for fish (or lures) to swim by this unobstructed channel.

Another good spot to target would be weed clumps. Again, toss baits right along the edge of the clump to find out what's lurking inside. Pockets or holes inside weedbeds are also optimum choices to target. Think of this as hide and seek. Anywhere you find a spot that can conceal a fish, yet allows it to have a clear view of prey, is a definite area to wet a lure.

Mealtime

Although oxygen, ambush spots and shelter are extremely important, without the addition of prey, weeds just wouldn't be so favorable. Vegetation attracts a wide range of prey species for fish - frogs, baitfish, and craws - which use weeds both for food and shelter. The better the weed area is, the more chance for prey to be present. This in turn equals more predators.

For baitfish, zooplankton and insect larvae are the attracting forces to flood the green stuff. They follow this tiny prey in, and then ultimately become food for the big guys. When it comes to frogs and craws, they call pads and sandy-bottomed weed areas home. And the bass and pike will be close behind.

If you find a promising weed area devoid of baitfish, there is a good chance the larger predators have moved on. They might stop for a short visit as the move around the lake, or even spend a lazy afternoon conserving energy, but they won't be there long unless food is at their doorstep.

Lures and Baits

It's no secret that weeds hold fish. That's pretty much a no-brainer. Whether you can catch them might be a different story.

Fishing in the weeds holds a different approach than open water fishing. Exposed hooks will quickly snag and foul, leaving you cursing unmentionable obscenities. There are some baits that are made for the weeds, and will do the trick for enticing those hidden fish:

Texas-rig plastic baits when working inside the weeds. For working the edges, an exposed hook should be fine.

Spinnerbaits and buzzbaits are two top choices. Upturned hooks run well through the weeds, and are relatively snag proof.

Weedless frogs and creature baits are ideal for pads, slop and weed clumps.

If jigging, stick with bucktail as opposed to plastic trailers.

Flipping jigs reign supreme in the weeds. They are undoubtedly one of the best baits for largies in the thick stuff.

Shallow running cranks can be worked over the top of emergent weed growth.

Lipless crankbaits are ideal for 'ripping' through and above vegetation.

Seek out the weeds this season, and see what lurks within. The fish will be there if you do your homework, and the catching can be easy if you know what tools to use.

Author Justin Hoffman

Michigan Department of Natural Resources Director K. L. Cool unveiled major Department personnel and management changes.

Effective June 29, 1997, John Robertson, Fisheries Division Chief, is laterally transferred to the position of Chief of the Forest Management Division.

Dr. Kelley Smith, Acting Hatcheries Production Manager, is appointed Acting Fisheries Division Chief.

Muskegon South Breakwater Light Muskegon, Michigan US Coast Guard has proposed to decommission 12 fog signals and 8 lights located in the Great Lakes region. All Great Lakes would be affected except Lake Superior.

Specifically, these proposed changes includes the Disestablishment of eight (8) Great Lakes lights including lights at Thirtymile Point, Dunkirk, Port Sanilac, Point Aux Barques, Forty Mile, Sturgeon Point, and St. Helena.

Proposed plans also call for the disestablishment of twelve (12) fog signals including Frankfort North Breakwall, Manistee North Pierhead, Ludington North Breakwall, Ludington North Pierhead, Pentwater North Pierhead, Muskegon South Breakwall, Muskegon South Pierhead,Grand Haven South Pierhead Entrance, St. Joseph North Pierhead, and Michigan City East Pierhead Lights.

The Ohio DNR's Lake Erie fishing report is now available by calling toll-free 1-888-HOOK FISH (888-4665-3474) 24 hours a day. Callers in the local Sandusky area can access the report by calling 625-3187.

The report is updated every Thursday

Same reason something is $49.97. When people think and talk about it, They only payed $49 not $50..

Welcome to the site.. We have some kewl stuff here. For example Wednesday night we have a fishchat, Come on out and meet the rest of the members.