Walleye Express

A board member on my site wrote a letter to the NWS concerning our Wind/Wave forecasts for Saginaw Bay. I was surprised he got any answer back and thought you might find he short answer as interesting and thought provoking as I did.

Jim Hert wrote to Wayne Weeks National Weather Service.

Hi Wayne,

I just wanted to comment on the Near Shore Marine Forecast I hear for the Outer/Inner Saginaw Bay.

I have noticed that the wave forecast seems to only be dependent on the wind knots per mile.

For example with wind 5 to 10 knots the waves forecast are almost always the same, say 1-2 feet.

Obviously though the wind direction has a major impact on the size of the waves. If the wind is out of the SW to the NW the waves could be 1 foot or less with wind speed of 5 to 10 knots. If the wind is out of the NE to the E, coming all the way across Lake Huron, the waves could be 3 to 5 feet! A big difference. We have witnessed this many times. We drive from Hale MI to Au Gres and if the forecast is for 1 foot or less and we find 5 footers when we get there, it is a bit of an inconvience. Now I understand that this is Mother Nature and no forecast is always going to be perfect, but I think the system could use some upgrades and improvements. I'm not the only one with this opinion, most all of the fishermen I know are complaining about how these forecast are not accurate nor reliable and they are constantly looking for other sources of

information.

Thanks,

Jim Hert

Grand Ledge, MI

Dear Mr. Hert...

Thanks for your comments on wave height forecasts for Saginaw Bay. That area has been a frequent trouble spot for us... and we continue to make tweaks to our wave models and product formatters to account for higher waves in those conditions. We made an additional adjustment today, so we'll see if that helps. The new model accounts for some fetch (wind vectors/water transfer) across Lake Huron quite well, but doesn't handle as well the predominant circulation out of the Bay that results in more wave steepness with an east or northeast wind. At some point, we hope to actually have real-time wave measurements on the Bay to help us calibrate the wind/wave relationship there (depends on funding and priorities, as usual). Until then, we would appreciate additional feedback you might be able to give us as we move into the fall season. When you report to us, keep in mind that we are calibrating for "significant waves" (average of the highest 1/3 of the wave spectra) vs. maximum waves.

Thanks again for your feedback and assistance.

Personal observation.

I personally found the word "Fetch" as they used it interesting. I always considered the wind vectors manufactured by the Bays dynamics as having an effect on the forecasts. But never considered the "PUSH" that the outgoing water must have and create on the Bays waves when the wind is pushing NE and straight up the middle of the bay. This may explain why our waves are so close together during high wind events. The smaller ones between the bigger ones must be created by the element and wave echo that is fetch.

Kahuna.

Heres a couple of decent pictures of the eyliminators and some of the Gulp products I'm successfully using on them. The rigs are tied with thin wire and the hooks they come with are a set of 2 Tru-Turns. They've worked pretty good, but when they eventually get messed up I dismantle and re-tie the entire rig with plastic coated #20 test wire and change the hooks over to a Mustad #2 single and a #6 treble at the back.

It didn't look as bad as those fish. The eyes were bugged out and the insides looked like jelly and were white....it wasn't pretty and it was obvious there was something going on.

I emailed you that photo....did you get it? Let me know if you didn't and I'll try it again.

Nope. I PM'd you back, but you must have missed that as well.:D

Hey guys, we got the job done! BP is not going to do it!

A message from Rebecca D. Stanfield, Environment Illinois State Director follows"

Citing "ongoing regional opposition," BP America Chairman and President Bob Malone announced this morning that the company will avoid any increased pollution into Lake Michigan from its oil refinery in Whiting, Indiana.

BP has heard the voices of hundreds of thousands of Great Lakes region residents saying that Lake Michigan is a natural treasure and source of drinking water, not our dumping ground. In response, BP has issued a non-binding statement indicating it will avoid increased dumping of ammonia and toxics-containing solids, which are allowed by its new discharge permit issued in June by Indiana's Department of Environmental Management.

I'd like to thank the hundreds of thousands of Great Lakes region residents like you who have spoken out to protect Lake Michigan from BP's expanded dumping. Together we made BP's announcement today happen. We now need to urge BP to immediately call for an amended discharge permit that sets in stone its promise to avoid any increase in pollution.

As long as BP's current discharge permit remains on the books in Indiana, it sets a disastrous precedent. The permit is the first in years to allow a company to increase its pollution into Lake Michigan. To ensure Lake Michigan's protection, the permit must be amended -- both to hold BP to its pledge and to avoid setting a dangerous standard for future permits.

Send the message to BP today that it needs to get an amended permit that doesn't allow for any increase in pollution:

http://www.environmentillinois.org/action/protect-lake-michigan/bp-email?id4=ES

Sincerely,

Rebecca D. Stanfield

Environment Illinois State Director

[email protected]

http://www.environmentillinois.org

Hey guys, we got the job done! BP is not going to do it!

A message from Rebecca D. Stanfield, Environment Illinois State Director follows"

Citing "ongoing regional opposition," BP America Chairman and President Bob Malone announced this morning that the company will avoid any increased pollution into Lake Michigan from its oil refinery in Whiting, Indiana.

BP has heard the voices of hundreds of thousands of Great Lakes region residents saying that Lake Michigan is a natural treasure and source of drinking water, not our dumping ground. In response, BP has issued a non-binding statement indicating it will avoid increased dumping of ammonia and toxics-containing solids, which are allowed by its new discharge permit issued in June by Indiana's Department of Environmental Management.

I'd like to thank the hundreds of thousands of Great Lakes region residents like you who have spoken out to protect Lake Michigan from BP's expanded dumping. Together we made BP's announcement today happen. We now need to urge BP to immediately call for an amended discharge permit that sets in stone its promise to avoid any increase in pollution.

As long as BP's current discharge permit remains on the books in Indiana, it sets a disastrous precedent. The permit is the first in years to allow a company to increase its pollution into Lake Michigan. To ensure Lake Michigan's protection, the permit must be amended -- both to hold BP to its pledge and to avoid setting a dangerous standard for future permits.

Send the message to BP today that it needs to get an amended permit that doesn't allow for any increase in pollution:

http://www.environmentillinois.org/action/protect-lake-michigan/bp-email?id4=ES

Sincerely,

Rebecca D. Stanfield

Environment Illinois State Director

[email protected]

http://www.environmentillinois.org

Mark.

Did your perch look anything like this? http://www.michigan.gov/documents/dnr/vhs-photos_190459_7.pdf

Took this topic from another board. Did I leave anything out?

fishunter70 - 8/22/2007 8:57 AM

Just brought my reel's to local B&T for a re-spool for salmon rod's. The owner of the B&T said that the counters will not be accurate ( in feet ) on the reel's. Anybody else know of this or is the guy trying to B.S. me, to make more $ on the re-spool's.

I thought re-setting the counter to zero..........was zero...?

Thank's

Fish

Fishunter.

I'm guessing that each reel was calibrated for a certain line type, optimum spool fill levels X feet per reel turn, versus the many other particular line diametors and types one could use when it was made. Using larger/heavier diametor mono or some of the newer thinner braids would both load and spool off at a slightly different rate I'm sure. And after so much was let out, would probably magnify it's difference either way. So exact amount out might be off slightly with each different line used. Personally, I would not worry about what would almost certainlly amount to a slight difference. Fact is, if your catching fish at 80 back on your reels when all have the same line, it's no big deal if there off a foot or two.

Joe.

If I'm not mistaken, you can cold pack/can salmon after you smoke it. Or cook it just enough to seal the jars. It's already been cooked after smoking and I'm not sure if pressure cooking it again would make it mushy. I've had it a few times, but never did it myself. But it seems thats what they did.

We do our canned salmon almost the same way. But believe it or not, there is actually enough vinegar in that 1 tablespoon of ketchup to flavor and and dissolve the bones in all the chunks in the jar. That's all we ever used was the ketchup alone and a slice of onion and it turns out great. Then get a box of Chicken in a biscuit crackers and go to town.

If the link does not work try this one. http://www.alliance-rubber.com/products/rubberbands.htm

I've had some interest expressed by some of our members through PM's and E-mail about what brand and size rubber bands I use in conjuction with my mast type boards and clip type releases. And even though they moved from one state to another, I trace down the company where some charter boat friends of mine bought us the 30,000 bands we bought and have been using the last 8 years, and of which there is only a single 1,000 bag left. Heres their internet site and the size I'm pretty sure we bought. http://www.alliancerubber.com/products/rubberbands.htm Size 63 Sterling, 1/4 wide X 3 inch long. You loop tie the band on the line and bite it off near the knot at one end. The band then become 6 inches long. Then attach it to the release. The band should stay tightly on the line marking it's individual length, and is reeled in through the guides and onto the spool with each fish landed. Then ready to go again at that length when let back out.

Heres what may be the easiest/best tasting recipe in the world for grilled salmon. Lay fillet on aluminum foil skin down. Cover fillet with one small jar Salsa. Mild medium or hot, your choice. Wrap fillet tight in foil except small air hole at top and put on Medium/high heat grill for 20 minutes. Serve fish from foil. No mess and it's great.

I'm very proud to have been an MCBA member for almost 20 years now. We've been part of and have had a voice in many decisions over the years concerning our lakes and fisheries. Some that did not go our way in many of the Indian netting rights cases on the Great Lakes. But this case in my view goes well beyond special rights for any one group of people sharing the use of the lakes. So I think/hope we will get a more sympathetic ear from our federal judges to enforce what is only right for everybody using and enjoying the Great Lakes.

BALLAST WATER LAWSUIT DISMISSAL

The Michigan Charter Boat Association (MCBA) and the Michigan Fish Producers Association (MFPA) are delighted to announce that the Hon. John Feikens recently dismissed a federal lawsuit filed in the Eastern District of Michigan by shipping industry members seeking to challenge Michigan’s new ballast water law.

The new law was enacted in June of 2005 but the effective date for compliance was delayed until January 1, 2007 in order to give the shipping industry time to meet the new law’s requirements.

In March of 2007, a consortium of shipping entities filed a 7-count complaint in federal court seeking to have Michigan’s new law declared unconstitutional. In May 2007, MCBA and MFPA were granted permission to participate in the case as amicus parties, and asked the court to consider the tremendous harm that invasive species have caused to native fish populations in the Great Lakes. Attorney Amy Kullenberg represented the two associations. On August 15, 2007, the Hon. John Feikens dismissed the lawsuit entirely.

The Michigan Charter Boat Association is a non-profit corporation with over 600 active members throughout the Great Lakes Regions. MCBA’s members are U.S. Coast Guard licensed charter boat captains, as well as associate captains, first mates, and others affiliated with the charter industry. MCBA’s mission is to promote a safe and professional charter boat industry in Michigan, to educate its membership and the public regarding issues that affect the charter boat industry, and conduct activities which enhance the public’s enjoyment of the Great Lakes. The MCBA conducts charter excursions in over 70 ports and on 11 major rivers throughout the Great Lakes. In addition to its ongoing support of the Charter Boat Survey Program, the MCBA also maintains a Charter Boat Directory, administers a Student Scholarship Fund, publishes a newsletter, and hosts shows and workshops.

The Michigan Fish Producers Association is an Agricultural and Commodity Organization listed with the State of Michigan Department of Agriculture. MFPA’s multi-generational membership includes over 40 state-licensed fisheries and fishermen and 30 allied businesses. MFPA also works with tribal members who are re-establishing their rights to fish. MFPA holds an annual convention, promotes sustainable harvests of native aquatic species, and has engaged in scientific research to track the effect of invasive species on native fish populations. The MFPA has a long history of working on policy issues related to fishing in the Great Lakes and has been a long-time supporter of the Michigan Sea Grant Program.

The MCBA and the MFPA believe it is vitally important to protect Michigan’s natural resources generally – and the viability of the fishing industry in the Great Lakes particularly – especially in a period of forced transition between a manufacturing-based economy to other economic platforms such as technology and tourism. With proper control of invasive species and other threats to the Great Lakes ecosystem, there is vast economic potential in fishing for Michigan’s economy. For instance, in addition to the $10.1 million generated by charter fishing fees in 2002, there was an additional $19.8 million spent on food, lodging and other local purchases in Michigan’s Great Lakes ports.

Both the Michigan Charter Boat Association and the Michigan Fish Producers Association are deeply committed to the protection of Great Lakes waters and the ecosystems associated with the Great Lakes. These Associations applaud the dismissal of the ballast water lawsuit, and encourage other Great Lakes states’ legislatures to follow Michigan’s lead in drafting laws to protect the Great Lakes from further damage by invasive species.

I know this post is late, but try using Apple Juice in place of the water. The old fasion/apple farm/pulp still in the juice kind, that comes in used milk jugs. I tried this with some Pheasants I smoked in my Propane Baker smoker last fall and (OH MY GOD) it was awsome. I can't wait for my anual river king trips this year.

Heres my take on this bizzar video.

These guys for one do not know what it truly takes to fool a great game fish like these into biting. Nor the sense of pride one has when finally catching one legally during fair chase. Nor the real sense of acomplishment when carefully un-hooking and releasing one back to the river, to spawn and make more of these great game fish after the catch. During my many trips during my 15 years guiding for steeleheads on Michigan waters out of my drift boat, I've seen many good and bad things done by people of all walks of life. I truly believe these guys are not simply bad sportsmen, but simply ignorant to what this video means and looks like to true sportsmen.

I don't know how to post a pic. Any help out there for the computer illiterate?

Mark.

You might try this http://www.greatlakesfisherman.com/forums/showthread.php?t=219 Or just send me the picture in an E-mail. Send to [email protected] Click on attachment at the bottom then browse your files for that picture, click on that picture and it will attach the picture from your files to that E-mail. Then send. Be sure to write something in the subject matter that gets my attention. Like VHS picture. I'll write you back rather my DNR bud verifies VHS or not.

Mark.

I'd like to send that photo you took to my DNR biologest bud if I could. Could you post it or send it to me?

Your getting fat Dan!!!!!! Time to hit the treadmill.

Thats funny. All my other buds who seen this picture said it looks like I lost weight. Hell, I've only gained 60 pounds since the 8th grade. Thank God I'm 6' 4" now instead of 5' 7" like then.

I forgot to post a picture of a fish my charter neighbor caught today while trolling, on of all things a Rattle Tot. It is the biggest Carp I've ever seen. I was weighed at Linwood Beach Marina and weighed 31 pounds. He said that was why I caught more walleyes then him today, as he played this thing for almost an hour before landing it.

Wulp.

Not sure if this proves anything. But I did better then both of my charter buddies today. It was a tough bite and I caught more and bigger fish using those big Tommy Harris Thumpers on Eyeliminators.

Started out this morning headed for my spot on the 47's. Seen quit a few boats trolling in a tight group 2 miles SE of the Black Hole but still 4 mile South of my original destination. Slowed the boat down to have a look and the whole screen was full of fish from top to bottom. Put the lines out and started trolling with the waves, NE towards the end spark plug. Again, didn't have so much as a nibble for almost 3 miles until we hit that magic 21FOW. I understand a lot of things about what and why walleyes do some things, but I'm at a loss for this 1 foot difference making so much difference in the fish's biting attitude the last few trips out on a body of water this big. Does anybody have or can share some ideas about this phenomina? Oh , we boated 17 and kept 11 in the short time we were on the biting fish.

Being around as long as I have in the fishing Guiding and chartering business, I've been blessed to meet and come in contact with some really nice people. Some actually having the confidence and trust in me to let me Pro Staff for them or try some of their newer products in my business. I'll never be able to re-pay the early Storm Lure company/family for their early trust in me, when I started guiding in 1986 for Salmon and Steelhead's out of my Drift Boat. Nor Dave Storm of Ka'Boom Lures, for his continued trust in me. And even though a guy in my position risks getting called or perceived as a liar, because of getting these free or cheaper products when making posts about his success's when using them, I've always tried my best to back any posts up with both pictures and facts concerning any posts about them.

Recently I've been blessed again by the manufacturer of yet another quality product. As with the other products, I go into this particular arrangement with my eyes wide open willing to give the product a fair shake and an honest review if and when it works for me here on Saginaw Bay. I've fielded hundreds of personal E-mails and PM's from message boards over the years from people from around the U.S. who have read my posts about many of the things I both use and have modified. I have never (at least I hope not) given anybody any false expectations about any one lure or technique that has worked for me here on Saginaw Bay. Similar to my charters, I do not guarantee fish, nobody honestly can. And most all of us know that some things that work on one body of water often does not work on others. I can however (with a reasonable reliability) speculate from my total experiences during the 50 years I've been fishing, rather some things I see and think about trying might work or not. So after this long, boring intro, enter the new #8 Tommy Harris blades. These big Thumpers, in the colors we've all been craving, show some real promise in my eyes. My first application with these monsters will be with a modified Eyeliminator. I'll be taking off the regular size TH blade and replacing it with this bigger version. Will bigger blades equal more or bigger fish? We'll see. Here's a sneak peak at the blades and some of the colors Tommy will be putting on these rigs early next year.

I know we need more refineries to keep gas prices down, but this (IMV) is a bad trade off.

SAVE LAKE MICHIGAN!!!

BP just made a massive $3.8 billion expansion at their oil refinery in Whiting, Indiana. After pouring billions of dollars into expanding the aging plant, they claim they just wouldn't have the room to fit in a water treatment facility to deal with the increased waste being produced.

So BP is asking the EPA to instead let them dump 1,500 more pounds of ammonia and 5,000 more pounds of toxic sludge into Lake Michigan each day.

The EPA has decided to let them do it.

Below is a link to send a message rejecting the idea of dumping toxic sludge into Lake Michigan.

The message will go directly to BP's CEO Tony Hayward and EPA Region 5 Administrator Mary Gade.

To sign the petition, click on the link below or copy and paste it into your browser:

This only takes a few seconds.

Tell BP and EPA: We're Beyond Polluting Lake Michigan - Environment Illinois

My brother just called me up to thank me for yesterdays fishing trip. I must say I was a bit touched and surprised. We physically faught virtually every day during our childhood years and had what I'd call a passive relationship since we both went our seperate ways after leaving the nest. But for some reason we seem to be getting along better this last year or so and it seems about time.

Something else kinda special I noticed and sent my brother in an E-mail this morning, was that almost exactly 45 years ago to the date of yesterdays trip we were both posing with another catch of walleyes. Dad would always take us and fish the last weekend of July at Munoscong Bay. Heres the proof. Maybe we both missed something all these years by not being closer.

Took my Brother, Step Sister and a good friend out with me today for a half day fun trip on the Bay. Being with this company of people along with my friend (who is one of the better fishermen I know) allowed me to do a few things I cannot do (for the most part) with charter clients who are not used to or a complete strangers to the trolling program. One of these things (because of how flat it was on the water today) was it allowed me to zig-zag or do tight turns if I seen a likely pod of fish on my graph, knowing that people familliar with the pitfalls of this manuever, could keep the lines from becoming a "Cat in the Cradle" nightmare. Well, both the technique and the results paid off in spades today. Ever time I'd see some good marks on the screen, I'd jam the boat left or right and 2 or 3 rods would pop with fish, and most nicer fish today. The Eyeliminators and Gulp were doing it again today for the most part, with cranks filling in the gaps. We started fishing at 8:30am. Caught 19 fish, lost 6 and boxed 17 by 11:30am.