Walleye Express

If you have missed a few of my posts this fall, you don't know that both the walleye fishing numbers and the size of the walleyes showing up on both the Saginaw Bay and the river this year have been outrageous. Not since the late 80's have I personally seen such big average size walleyes in a days catch. My fishing board alone has had 4 Bay/River fish near or over 12 pounds posted on it since late November. And many guys are already talking about lots of 8 and 10 pounders being landed at this early date through the (just getting safe) ice on the river. And the real kicker is that you can catch a dozen 5 to 14 inchers first, and then snap a 12 pounder with the Next Bite in the same hole. This huge, healthy spread of sizes, year classes and record breaking numbers bodes very well for the future of not only big fish but also for the eater sizes most prefer. Add to all this the new and unusual tendencies (to us locals anyway) of the walleyes sticking around in the river well into late spring, and no tournament fishing days canceled because of weather and the rivers fishablility, and you have the makings of yet another very competitive (and possible show-down) when the AIM tourney hits town next May.

Ditto. And may 2010 bring us many new faces and some sanity in both houses.

Hell, we can make this easy on the both of us. I'll trade you (bag for bag) any fresh whitefish you have for as many equal bags of walleyes you want.

There is probably one other thing not considered here. And the only one thing at this time that Adam won't be able to relate to quit yet. Age and physical ability. That decreased desire to get out and enjoy some things when it's windy and only 26 degrees outside. Clint Eastwood said it all. A man has to know his Limitations.:rolleyes:

If your having Winter labor pains already, your going to be in major mental anguish in 60 days when I'm still hoping to be ice fishing on Lake Simcoe.

Allow me to be the voice of reason once again. Don't be to quick in blaming Power Loading. Many of these public and marina ramps were built during the "HIGH WATER" days of the 70's and 80's. The old water mark on the Linwood Beach Marinas sea wall is 36 to 40 inches up the wall from the current water line. That's 3 feet less water in the launching area, which would require who knows how many extra feet of new launching ramp cement to back your trailer down on to to float your boat. Thus, the shortened cement buffer zone before the drop off. I know of many ramps that have this same problem and at this economic stage of the game IMV will not be fixed or extended any time soon unless causing some real damage or physical harm.

Walleye' date=' what a sweeeeeet setup.

I myself would sit in that all day, probably with a thermos of coffee and baileys.[/quote']

Thank's Mark.

That's actually my old Otter Skin Shanty in the picture. My new one is exactly the same size. 6'wide X 12'long, with 6' 1/2" ceiling, but Blue on the outside, white on the inside, and has R-2 Thinsolate isolation in the walls, doors and ceiling. You can only stand having the heater on {low} for about 10 minutes even on the coldest days in this new one. You could probably cook a chicken in there if hung from the ceiling with the heater on high. So your right, asking about or thinking about moving once your snuggled in is rough.

Sit and wait is more my style while ice fiishing. I will say that run and gun is (probably most of the time) more productive. If by myself and hauling my one man pop-up, I do more running and gunning. But most of the time I'm with friends or 2 clients hauling my Dog sled and the "Circus Big Top" shanty I use, and that big set-up production takes me anywhere from 30 to 40 minutes to cut/clean holes and set everything up inside. I will move if not to late in the day and my Cell phone contacts are doing that much better then me and not 10 miles away. And I will say through experience, that both tendencies along with the type of day (weather) will at certain times pay bigger dividends then the other.

Fried Crappie..............mmmmmmmmmmmmmmm.

Nice catch Aadam. That place looks familliar. And how do I keep missing this section of the board.

If the guides can not pass the test and background test and drug screen should they be aloud to take people out? What is the problem your getting payed to take people out how would $1300 put you out of business?

Ditto. If $1,300.00 is going to bankrupt you. And the time spent getting your business leagally licensed and insured to much of a hassle. What happens when little Johnny falls in your boat and his parents sue you for the 3 Grand to replace his front teeth.

Our water conditons picture looks a little different. We have ice out over a mile already and up to 7 inches thick. Hell, Walleyeguy already limited out on the ice yesterday in 7 FOW. I was waiting for him to post the pictures on here but he did not, so here they are. If I can get all my ice fishing ducks in a row, me and Reel Fishin are going to hit it this weekend.

Excellent finish Ken.

Looking back at the pictures starting in October (as those are the only records I keep) counting the river and Bay trips with the Brother, we did manage a few walleyes as well. Starting October 5th on the river using Lead Core and #5 Raps, runing to December 6th on the Bay with Zuris and Bombers. Fished 14 days both day and night, landed 131 walleyes with many of those released. My biggest about an 8 pounder and Mark landing a 10, both released. So yes, it was a very good fall season.

Got word from a couple of sources that they are walking out 3/4 mile on 4 inches of ice in the area between Quanicassee and King road and catching limits of walleyes. That happened early last year as well.

Well, with only 10 days left until that most holy of holy events, it's time once again for me to wheel out My old fishing poem that copies "The night before Christmas" beat with a fishing twist added.

It's been the hardest Christmas season for me personally to get into the mood this year, with this commercial law suit thing going on concerning the Saginaw Bay. Along with a President pushing us into what looks to be (IMV) a government run country headed for bankruptcy and a debt so heavy even our personal protection may be in question, that happy, holiday mood hasn't really hit home yet.

But in this poem a man spares the life of a fish, in a gesture that truly mirrors why Jesus was born and died on the cross. He gave us another chance at life. Merry Christmas to all of you.

“Twas the night before Christmas and across Saginaw Bay”

“The shantys were lit up with ice fishermen wanting to stay”

“I had just sat out a Tip-Up, that I positioned within view”

“But concentrated more on my jigging, as Tip-Up's take few”

“My Do-Jiggers flutter settled and awaited it's fate”

“As a thick band of red appeared near it, on the OL’FL8”

“My pulse suddenly quickened, and my rod hand began to shake”

“I sat almost motionless, while awaiting the take”

“With the first twitch of the rod tip, and a snap of the wrist”

“I drove home the sharp trebles, in the lips of the fish”

“Her struggle was valiant, with violent bends in the pole”

“But with slow steady pressure, I worked her up into the hole”

“Her girth was impressive, Her length 30 inches or so”

“My buddy looked kinda puzzled, when I said...... "I think I’m letting her go”

“Some things need explaining, while others fall into place”

“I had to say something, from the look on his face”

“Think of this buddy, before we call it a night”

“Tomorrows Gods birthday, and He's blessed everything with life”

“I’ve caught plenty of walleyes, and taken home my share”

“I’m giving this one back to him, it would only be fair”

“So down into the hole, and under the ice”

“Now swim away, swim away, and give someone else a good fight”

Capt: Dan.

Franks. All colors, all sizes, $1.99 each. Just picked up 3 of each.

Heard they got them at Franks for $1.99 each. Headed there this afternoon for a gift certificate. Will report back later about their stock of these jigs.

Nope.

I sold it because of the sheer weight I was hauling out. A lot of stress on a 250 for what I was hauling out every time. Bought the 4 wheel drive 400 Big Bear instead. But don't get me wrong, if the snow is not deep or the slush no bad, 2 wheel drive quads (with chains) are still plenty enough, especially if it's just you and your own gear. Chains are a must to me and not because they have more pull. When and if I want to stop fast becasue of any danger, (especially near cracks and un-seen open water) the chains stop you right now. Often the key to easy/safe ice travel on the Saginaw Bay is how long it has been after a heavy snow fall or how long a warming trend has been around. Because then when given enough time, even after a big snow event, the sheer number of guys and machines going out over a period of time will wear a road/trail that even a bike could fallow and run out on. Then just pull off anywhere from this trail and start fishing.

http://walleye.outdoorsfirst.com/watch.asp?id=2056

I bought these same type/style jigs (in a larger version) 3 years ago this winter at a bait shop on Lake Simcoe. I called them (The curved worm jigs).

What they are used for there on Lake Simcoe are white fish. It is neat because it does pretty much what a Jigging Rapal does when jigged, when the minnow is added. This gives the fish something soft to bite into, might be engulfed by him easier because of the size/weight and most likely would not be rejected by him right away if he misses the first time.

I also see a viable application for these vertical jigged from the boat in open water applications. Although, like the fireball, a little pricy if you loose to many.

Sniffer.

Here's a couple of links (with pictures) to articles I wrote quit a few years back, specifically about ice fishing the Saginaw Bay. But the tips still apply and might still give you some insight. The keywords for ice fishing on the Bay for me are "Plan ahead" "Be aware" "Stay aware" and "Have fun".

http://www.saginawbay.com/tips/hwater.html

http://www.saginawbay.com/tips/last-ice.html

i was surprised to see that the poll question was at 31 percent for commercial fishing...then again only 80 some people voted

I was actually not surprised by it. There are 3 factions IMV voting for the netter.

The first, in most cases anybody over 60 years old in the saginaw Bay fishing community blame the walleye for the perch decline. They are from the old ecosystem school. Big fish eat small fish and to many big fish eat to many small fish. They fail to realize or will listen to other facts. Water clarity is 1000 times clearer then back when perch were king. Perch of all sizes cannot hide from the other mass killer, Commorants. These two things coming together are IMV the bigest perch killer on the Bay.

The second faction are the people who call me at least 10 times a year asking if I sell fish. They see more commercial fishermen as a good thing, so as to buy more fresh fish they cannot cacth themselves.

The last of course the netters themselves and their immediate familes, who are as ravenous about the outcome as any sportsfisherman are.

Watch the interview from tonight. It made the lead story. http://www.connectmidmichigan.com/news/video.aspx?id=389345

Just finished an interview with WEYI News, Channel 4 on Charter Cable about this law suit. It will air tonight at 6:00pm and 11:00pm. Here's a link to that station. And those of you who do not get that station on TV might be able to view it via this link. http://www.connectmidmichigan.com/

Also, Mike Avery just called me on his Cell Phone, from a deer stand somehwere in Canada. He also did not know about the law suit. He said he will get involved with it on his radio show when he gets back from that hunt.

Ditto, with the brothers 13 pounder. This place also does deer processing. Kinda funny you can have blood/hair and bone from wild animals in the same area, but cannot touch the stainless steel top on the scale with a fish wrapped in freezer wrap with any of it. But hey, still a law about spitting on the sidewalk.

I re-posted this here for more prolonged discussion and viewing.

I talked to some important people with the DNR today about this. I'm posting and sending this to everybody I know, including businesses, local Chamber of Commerce, TV stations and/or anybody who will listen. I'd like anybody in position to help in any fashion in this matter to do so.

Draft concerning a Lawsuit filed against the Mi. DNR for license to Commercially net walleyes out of Lake Huron/Saginaw Bay.

My only intention here in writing and sending this draft to you, is to first inform and (if possible) seek a response by all that receive and/or see it. Our DNR is being sued by one commercial fisherman, for the exclusive rights of this one man, to harvest walleyes on Lake Huron. This may very well (and probably will) include Saginaw Bay. The hearing date to hear this law suit by a federal judge is set for February 10th. How he will rule on this matter may very well effect the quality of fishing all of us will have for the coming years. If nothing else, it would surely effect the catch rate and peoples mind-set and willingness to come to our community to spend their leisure dollars in our local businesses. And IMHO if this one man was licensed to net walleyes, other commercial fishermen will surely fallow suit and petition for those same rights. I do not have to mention the huge (Volunteered) public and private efforts, along with the cost and time spent over the last 25 by the state to bring this fishery back to wear it was 70 years ago. And all that time with no walleye netting allowed.

This is not a personal Vendetta against commercial fishermen. I only seek to have those who have concerns for this fishery and its future to have a voice in this matter and its possible results. And is my intention at this juncture, along with another concerned fisherman (Bill Olar) to simply make a plea to seek support of businesses, fishing clubs and/or individuals who can and who will get behind an effort to spread this word and to have a voice in it’s conclusion. We could also use any (Pro Bono) legal advise or help in this matter, as we are not (yet) monetarily able at this time to hire a lawyer to join with the DNR attorney as litigants in this case. And in fact may be denied that opportunity by the federal judge. But can (if need be) get in on an appeal that would then be brought by the DNR into the states court jurisdiction. We may also call of have a meeting of concerned citizens to discuss this matter and our alternatives. Thank you for your time and please respond with comments to my E-mail address. Capt. Dan Manyen.

Fallow-up.

Michigan sued over walleye rules

Associated Press

DETROIT - One of Michigan's most successful commercial fishermen is suing the state to try to overcome a decades-old ban on catching walleye in the Great Lakes.

Dana Serafin of Pinconning is forced to release thousands of walleye from his nets while catching other fish in Lake Huron.

In 2008, he proposed a three-year study of the walleye population that included a provision for him to keep and sell some of his haul.

No thanks, replied the state Department of Natural Resources

"They're the bully in the lake, 2 to 3 feet long - we have pictures," said Serafin's lawyer, Anthony Calamunci. "In Saginaw Bay, there is cannibalization going on. It's killing perch and whitefish at enormous rates.

"There's just not enough food."

Calamunci filed a lawsuit in April in federal court in Bay City, claiming the state's ban on commercial walleye fishing is a constitutional violation that diminishes the value of Serafin's license.

The DNR is asking a judge to dismiss the case.

"The restrictions on walleye fishing have been in place for at least 35 years, long before Serafin obtained his first commercial license," Assistant Attorney General Louis Reinwasser said in a Nov. 13 court filing.

Michigan law gives the DNR "complete discretion to limit the amount of fish taken by species and kind," he wrote.

The DNR describes Serafin, 42, as the largest commercial fisherman on Lake Huron, catching 990,000 pounds of whitefish worth approximately $1 million in 2008.

His license is "indisputably" valuable, despite the walleye ban, Reinwasser said.

A DNR official, James Dexter, suggested that the state does not want to change the policy because that could reduce the walleye population and disappoint recreational anglers.

The fish can be found across the Great Lakes region, and Michigan's neighbors have similar restrictions.

"It is estimated that more than 2 million Michigan residents fish for sport in the state's waters, and thousands more travel from all parts of the world," Dexter, who oversees fishing regulations, said in an affidavit.

"The economic impact is estimated to be $2-4 billion annually."

Calamunci accuses the DNR of treating walleye like a "sacred species." He said Serafin at a minimum would like to keep some walleye as well as tag others and return them to the lake.

"And then over a three-year period we could test the impact on other species. There's a science to this," the lawyer said.

He noted that Canada allows commercial fishermen to keep walleye caught on its side of Lake Huron and sell them to stores and restaurants.

U.S. District Judge Thomas Ludington has scheduled a hearing for Feb. 10.

The 1856 treaty that opened the door to Indian Gill netting in the other Great Lakes does not extend into Saginaw Bay, Thank God. But there are plenty enough other private citizen holding netting licenses to devastate the walleye fishery before it even reaches its peak. We need voices so plentiful and loud that even millionaires hear them loud and clear..