12-29-2009  Sing Li drove more than 500 miles on a motorway - with a cardboard windscreen.

Tightwad Li, 24, refused to replace his van's glass screen after it was shattered by a stone.

So he taped thick cardboard to the frame to keep out the wind and then drove by sticking his head out of the driver's window to see where he was going.

By the time police arrested him in Henan, eastern China, for dangerous driving Li's head had turned blue from the cold and one of his eyes was frozen shut.

"I didn't want to fall behind in my delivery schedule and I couldn't afford a repair," he told a court before losing his license.

In case you were wondering if it was cold on the lake, my buddy sent these pictures from 12-9-09

The interior of the river boat is finished and now it is flipped over to work on the bottom. 

12-16-2009  Offshore is phasing out the OR-31 planer boards.  With some changes in the hardware they supply on the OR-12, which has the same body, the orange board became kind of redundant.  I (no longer, sorry) have 2 sets left, when they are gone, they are gone.

12-11-2009  The guy in this video is wrong.  Labrador Retrievers WERE originally bred to fish.  They retrieved fish from the nets in Newfoundland.  Watching the dogs brave the cold water, some visiting English duck hunters had a better idea.

Now, I am sure this is illegal, pretty much anywhere they might have been, but it is pretty cool that the dog's breeding can come through over something like 100 years.  Smart dog, not so bright owner.  At least he has good taste in dogs.

12-9-2009  This is simply amazing:  Lions' season has been a relative success  If it was satire, it would be funny.

OK, you know a team is REALLY bad when a team is 2-10 and they call that a "success".  It has been so long since Detroit has had a successful football team they no longer know what that looks like.

Most cities 2-10 and they would be running the team management out or town with torches and pitchforks.

Well, at least the Lions are not alone, there's always the New Orleans Saints stinking up the field....What?  12-0???  So it IS possible to build a winning team in a city with major problems?

December 7, 2009 - 68 years ago today  Pearl Harbor Memorial Fund

As you can see, the river boat project is proceeding

From "Greybeard", Raider Pro Staff on Sunday:

The weather was too nasty on Wednesday to winterize the boat and too nice on Saturday not to give it one more try. Set lines at first light in 35fow out of the North Gap finding some marks and temp down to 45.5 on the surface. Trolled that contour and no bites until a shaker on a 3 color and reg Bloody Death just north of the filter. Quite a flotilla of boats behind me so kept going north fishing water I don’t typically hunt for browns. I hoped that fewer boats would help us pick off the active biters.

The first nice brown came on a Dipsy on a Fishlander Green Easter Egg 1.5 set. Not sure exactly out far out because it was so cold the electronic counter on my Penn 875s would not turn on. It was back to how many passes, 4.5. Same set took another brown then went to sleep the remainder of the AM. 25’ mono rigger and reg Grn Tiger took a nice LT and then no more bites on that. Five color and reg dbl Purple Spook lost a boxer then captured one and another shaker. The reg Pink Tiger SWR down 15 was quiet for a change taking one boxer and one short. The other SWR reg green Tiger moving it around from 20 to 35 took two shakers.

The 4 color and reg Bloody Death took a boxer and a shaker. 65’ 3set Dipsy and Blue/white blk dot Andy reeker took out second Laker. 2 color and reg double Orange crush captured a leaping bow, the first one in the last 4 trips. Listening to the radio chatter it seemed that most were struggling compared to last weekend. I didn’t hear of any keeper size salmon caught. The only bait fish were puffs near the surface. About 1130 with 10 in the box tried to decide whether to go home or go deep looking for salmon. Considering the nice seas and probably last outing of the year we pulled lines and ran east setting in 100fow. We set the same as the productive spread from 3 weeks ago. Three boats working 100-145 fow for a couple of hours yielded one strike for the 3 boats and nadda for us. Marked lots of bait and some hooks and kept thinking should have been there earlier in the day.

My crew had no urge to go home so we pulled lines again and re-set in 45 fow off the Filter and trolled north. We decided we would fish from dark to dark and see if there was an evening bite. Not much happened until the last ½ hour of light and took three more boxers, 4 color reg bloody death, 5 color dble Purple Spook and 6 color Oz decorated Andy Reeker. Another shaker on 2 color Dbl Orange crush and 3 set Dipsy reg Sister Sledge.

We ended the day with 12 browns, 1 rainbow, 2 LT released and a dozen or so shakers. Trolled 1.8 to 2 on the Depth Raider 35-50fow and caught fish as far as 43.06.5 north. The forecast for the coming week looks like putting off winterization any longer would be a mistake. Will now have to switch to walleyes until ice up.

Tight lines and full coolers,

Grey Beard

I'm looking forward to more Pink Tigers. Sure could have use some today.

We seem to have acquired a case “shakeritis”. We boated 44 fish but only boxed 10.

Recent trips have not had a no light bite so hit the water at first light and found some 2 to 3’ rollers out of the SE. We set up in 35fow just out of the North Gap finding a decent number of marks near the bottom and 46 degrees on the surface. Kind of surprised we got all the rods set before a hookup. Then the SWR riggers with prototype regular Pink Tiger at 15’ took its first of may be 10 fish for the day. Almost a double as the 20’ SWR and regular Green Tiger started bouncing.

Again I found it difficult to keep track of all the bites as there was almost constant action the first couple of hours. We actually warmed up enuf to take the jacket off. I think we released 8 small fish before we had a brown take a regular Broken Nose on a 6 color. The 3 color and reg. Cracked Ice Pearl had three fish early but no boxers. 3 color and reg. Double Orange crush the same. The 5 color with reg. Double Purple Spooks took a nice LT and a boxer brown and a few shakers. Reg Bloody Death was on the other 5 color and took a LT, a boxer brown and some shakers. Trying to get out some more pink I put a reg Pink Alewife on the 32’ SWR and more shakers.

The 15’ SWR with the reg Pink Tiger took our only 2 yr old salmon. Figuring the bigger salmon must be somewhere else I dug out the old reliable Blue and White Andy Reekers and put then on 50’ and 60’ 3 set Dipsys. They rewarded us with 4 boxer browns and a number of shakers. The 5 color reg Double Purple Spook took out big fish of the day, a 12# male brown.

The baitfish we had last week was gone. What we did mark was near the surface and best depth was 50’ but did catch fish as shallow as 35’ from St. Mary’s to the Filter. Trolled 1.6-2.3 on the Depth Raider and 1.8 seemed to be the best.

Sure would have liked to get a few more big fish today. However getting to troll this late in the year with enough action to break a sweat definitely shortened my winter. The tarp goes on Wednesday.

Tight lines and full coolers,

Grey Beard

11-23-2009  Happy Thanksgiving! I am going out east to visit family this week, so orders after tomorrow will ship next week.

You might notice some ads for Norton Antivirus products up above.  I have been using Norton Anti-virus in one form or another since about 1990, I remember it was BEFORE I had windows, and I remember a bad disk making the whole screen flash red.

If you buy it through those links, this week you save 20%, and I get a couple of bucks.  I figure I use it anyway, and when asked I recommend the software, I might as well get paid. 

A customer sent me some fish pictures.

11-17-2009  I am sorry, but the new spoons won't be available until the beginning of next year.

11-16-2009  The truck camper is sold.

Can't wait for next years new spoons as the prototypes worked for me.

Milwaukee 11/8 & 9

El Niño is predicted for this year and must be true finding temps in the 70s in November and little wind in the forecast so we couldn’t resist heading to Lake Michigan. This time however it will be impossible to recall all of what got bite, where and when because we had in the neighborhood of 90 bites the last 2 days.

Last time we fished best action for us was over 150fow but we hoped the recent blow would change the temp and bring some colder water up higher so set in 70fow off the Filtration plant. The temp was down three degrees from last time at 46 down 70 and 2 degrees colder on the surface at 50. Marked an occasional hook and no bait as we headed NE. 90’ rigger with SWR and protype Raider Pink Tiger first to go with a 7# king. Then quiet and dropped the rigger to 105 when we got out to 155 and turning back the same new one took a 2 yo king. A drive by then a good rip on 300’ of 45# copper and Mag prototype Yellow Tiger. Those of us out joined in for the search and reported any action on the marine band. Sound like not any better in shallower so continued east to 200fow. Took an 15# Laker on a 90’ 1set wire Dipsy with a mag Oz. Still no bait and rare marks. Then the call from a friend around 930 in 35 fow with 6 nice browns in the box.

We didn’t hesitate and pulled and ran in setting up north of the filter. Then the action began getting 3 shaker coho and 1 nice brown while setting lines. We continued working that contour from north of the Filter and turning back around St. Mary’s seeing hooks and bait most everywhere. The best setups were reg Green Tiger 20’ SWR, Pink Tiger 25’ SWR, 25’ 15 pass rigger with #4 Andy Reeker blue/white polka dot. 50 1 set wire Dipsy with reg Green Tiger and #4 Andy Reeker blue Oz tape. 5 color with Prototype Double Purple spook and glow back, 2 & 5 color with reg Double Orange Crush, 6 Color with reg Raider Sister Sledge. We ended up boating around 40 fish boxing 11 kings with 4 three yr olds and 9 browns.

On the way home I was on the phone working on a crew for the next day. One of today’s crews signed up for a return along with a buddy for another 330AM departure. I woke up before the alarm excited by the prospect getting on the kings first light. Surprise surprise, we didn’t boat a boxable king until after 1030 but that was a nice 11# on a 6 color and reg Green Raider. Fortunately the browns were hungry and some nicer ones than yesterday up to 9#. We had an amazing number of bites that escaped using the same program as Sunday. We again released a lot of shorts both browns and coho. We tripled up a little after noon with browns and had to throw one back having boxed 13 at that point. Ended up with 3 salmon and 12 browns and more weight with these than the 20 from yesterday.

We trolled at 1.8-2.2 on the Depth Raider and mostly on the slower side due to the browns. Surface temp 50 and 47 down 25 in 35 fow. Stuck to regular sized spoons as that was the size of the baitfish being spit up. Left the flasher and flies in the box while in brown territory. If this weather holds will be looking for another crew soon.

Tight lines and full coolers,

Grey Beard

This is my brother-in-law Al, who taught me a lot about fishing when I was young. 

Yes, I was young once but I don't think Al ever had hair

He caught that thing off the coast of New Hampshire on October 30

Sorry Al, Salmon are still way prettier than those things.

This is Al's new ride

11-4-2009  I just ordered something online and buy, some of these online stores make me real proud of mine.  What it comes down to is they don't know what they are doing, and they think that they can make their problem my problem.  Well buddy, that ain't gonna happen, I got plenty of my own problems, thanks.

As much as I can, I strive to make your problems my solutions.  You need that Chicken Pox spoon this weekend?  You lost your gift certificate?  You can't remember what that little red clip with the thingy in the middle of the other thingy is called?  (That's an OR-16 snap weight clip)

So, if you ever have a problem, drop me a note or give me a call.

11-2-2009  The holidays are upon us and one of the things many of us want to do is help other people.  In particular our thoughts turn to our troops who are giving their time away from home and even their lives for us.

Here is an excellent way you can do that:  The Desert Angel is a non-profit organization that sends "Miracle Boxes" to our troops over seas.  You can go to their web site and pay for postage for boxes, you can send donations if supplies or you can attend a "packing party".

There are many organizations like this across the country.  If not this one then find one local to you and remember our troops.

11-1-2009  Spent the afternoon cleaning up leaves for hopefully the last time today.  After this they will wait until spring.

10-30-2009  Just as a reminder, I just had a customer send a fish holder to a family member for his birthday.  I include a free note card to the recipient and the bill goes to you, not the recipient.  I am happy to do this for any items on the store for no extra charge. 

One of my customers, Manny Martinez, with his 30 Pound Lake Calaveras Record Redfish. Caught Oct. 23, 2008 on 12 pound test line - 41" Long / 27" Girth!  

Want to catch fish like this, check out http://www.fishingwithmanny.com

I spoke with him today and he said the fish were slamming them. Apparently now is the time to go to get them pre-spawn when they are their biggest and most aggressive.

Chicks dig fish holders

10-29-2009  Holy cow, two weeks to (Michigan firearm) Deer Season!

10-27-2009  I was not selected for the jury.  I got to spend the whole day listening to lawyers talk.

The following report is from "Greybeard", one of the Raider Pro Staff:

Despite a report from a buddy who didn’t have bite fishing off Milwaukee yesterday I had to take advantage of the nice weather. I was chomping at the bit not having fished salmon since the 1st week of September.

The recent blow made for dirty water out to 70’ so I set lines in 85fow just south of the Filtration Plant and took a NE heading. When crossing 100’ the 2 color with a 3F org/chartreuse Evil Eye got slammed while Craig was hooking on the OffShore taking a 9# Laker. The 75’ rigger white Dodger and Siggs aqua/glow went off with another Laker while bringing in the first.

I was looking for silver fish so kept heading NE and 2yr old chin took a regular Raider Green Tiger down 105 in 135fow. Then a bow hit a 3set Dipsy white Opti flasher and Siggs aqua/glow 55loc. I couldn’t get turned around because then the 75’ rigger went again with another 2yr old. 105 rigger and Green Tiger a nice 3 yr old that made some great runs. The Green Tiger had been the stud color this summer so I put another on a 70’ rigger with SWR and changed out the white blade for green/glow Opti flasher with Sigg’s Blue green Aqua crinkle as the sun was up. Both went twice with 2 yr olds. I put 6oz Snap Wt on my full core and magnum Oz and 4oz Snap Wt on 45# copper and Magnum Bloody Death to attempt to get down where the riggers were working and never had a sniff.

I wanted more baits deep without the 4 rigger tangles so I put a second OR-8 on my 105 rigger. I put another Green Tiger on a small Dipsys and ran it out 4 passes and put it down 105 and changed to a SWR on same rigger with another Regular Green Tiger. That paid off as both fired a couple of times each over the morning. Then the 2 color and org/chart Evil Eye took a dandy bow. I put a regular Raider Double Orange Crush on a 5 color and that took another bow. At one point we were 11for 11 and Howie had to say it so the 12th bite on a 3set Dipsy 55loc and regular Raider Orange Muffing pounded it good but escaped. 70’ SWR rigger and Green Tiger took a bow.

We were sitting on 14 a little after noon and said let’s give it another 15minutes to see if we can get out limit. Both SWRs fired, 70 & 105’ down. While we were boxing those the 90’ green/glow Opti hooked up so throwing fish back. While clearing lines we found a small Coho being dragged on the stacked Dipsy down 105.

Surface temp was 51.5 and down 90’ 49.2. Trolled 1.8-2.2 on the Depth Raider and most fish came between 150-185fow. Marked some surface bait and some hay stack pods on the bottom. We did have occasional suspend marks but not a lot. Certainly seemed like the biters were either in the top 25’ or deeper than 75’. We went 18 for 19 with 4 bows, 2 LT, 1 Coho and the rest kings.

Weather looks great for the AM and despite throwing the Stabil in the tank today I’m waiting for a call back to see if I can get a crew for tomorrow. One never knows if we will get another day calm enough to venture deep.

Tight lines and full coolers,

Grey Beard 

10-26-2009  I have jury duty today, what fun.

Our party and Matt, our guide                          The James River from our Camp

10-25-2009  More about my pheasant hunting trip:

One of the most impressive things I have seen lately is the dog "Glory" seen below.  She is a 10 year old golden retriever and she hunted every day, all day and was in the thick of the action all the time.  Excellent nose, very smart, experienced dog.  Why was this so impressive?  Count the legs, she has only three.

I was very glad on this trip I had spent some time on the range.  For the most part I think I shot very well.  On the last day I think I was not shouldering the gun, I found some bruises on my arm, so I think that's why I missed some shot.

Hey - A new State Record Brown Trout AND a new World Record Great Lakes Muskie this year!  Who says Michigan does not have a world class fishery?

I saw this set of tires on I80 in Iowa.  It had nothing to do with anything but I just thought it was impressive.

"Glory" reviewing the day's work.

10-22-2009  As you can see, I am back from my trip.

If you hunt birds at all, you HAVE to do this before you die.  This was an "off" year, bird counts where I was were down 38% from last year, crops were still in because of all the rain, so hunting was "very hard", and we still saw LOTS of birds.  On Sunday I shot my limit of wild birds my dog flushed and retrieved for the first time in my life.  We saw HUNDREDS of hens, it was simply amazing to hunt like that.

I have two birds stewing in the crock pot right now.  I will have more on the hunt as time goes on.

The rates for this hunt were pretty reasonable.  We got 4 days of fully guided hunts with our dogs, plus a couple of their dogs, two guides, lodging in a farmhouse including kitchen facilities, linens, not including food for $250 a day.

You can call Matt Rathjen at 605-352-5262 if you are interested in a hunt.  As time goes on the crops will come in.  there will obviously be a few fewer roosters (we did our part) but they will become more concentrated.

BTW - anybody see the "Fish Holder" edition of the Great Lakes Angler?  I have to go make a bunch now. 

10-15-2009  I am off in the morning.  It feels like hunting weather, cold and dry.

I have been through a lot the past year and a half.  One of the things that experiences like those do is make you appreciate the little things you really love.  Sunrise over the lake, the scream of a reel, the cackle of a cock pheasant as he flushes, the pride in a dog's step when she brings you the bird.  Little things that I live for.

10-14-2009  I am headed to South Dakota for a Pheasant Hunt this week.  101 years ago they introduced pheasants to a field about 20 miles north of where I will be hunting.  I hope to have lots of pictures and stories when I get back.

The pheasant population is down from last year, but the 4th highest counts in the last 45 years.

The area we are hunting is down 38% from last year, they ONLY saw 7.08 birds PER MILE on the road surveys.  I have seen 3 pheasants this year in all of Michigan while driving.

Last year's harvest was 1.9 million birds or over 11 per hunter.  I have the opportunity to take 12 birds on this hunt.

The nice thing about South Dakota is how they welcome us nonresidents.  There were 176,000 of us last year and only about 100,000 resident hunters.  When I went out there a couple of years ago I felt welcome wherever I went.  The other nice thing is how hunter friendly they are and the laws are.  You can hunt the ditch on the side of the road (33 feet from the center and more than 660 feet from occupied buildings) anywhere and you are legally entitled to retrieve birds (unarmed) from the private property.  This opens up thousands of miles of hunting opportunity.  Add in the thousands of acres of public access and you can see why South Dakota is such a popular destination.  BTW - it is easy to find a hotel at less than $50 a night and most allow dogs.  I took the camper last time and never used it once.

10-13-2009  My buddy and I went out to Plymouth MA to Lady Bug Boats last weekend to pick up his latest project, a new "river/big lake on calm days" boat.  1800 miles in 3 days is a lot of driving.

It is a nice wide, heavy boat that should be very stable for fishing.

Now all he has to do is cover the plywood inside and out with fiberglass, paint it, put a floor in it, install gunnels, install the console, steering, outboard and outfit it for fishing.  It should be done this week, ha ha ha.  He says 3 years but I know him better than that.  My money is on next fall shortly after Labor Day.

Sunset Portland ME Harbor

9-29-2009  I was in Maine this weekend to attend a family wedding.  After visiting 8 states and 1 province, I have to say that Massachusetts has possibly the worst roads anywhere with the exception of Michigan.  After crossing what can only be described as the shattered remains of a bridge over the Merrimac River I was thinking about when I was a kid and they finished I495 and what a wonder it was.

9-23-2009  The trailer sold last night, I got what I wanted.  The guy who said, "There are no stupid questions" never listed anything on eBay.  Quick tip - if you actually READ the listing, you might find your answer.

I am glad my customers are a lot smarter than those guys.  Fortunately the guy that won the trailer is a fisherman and boater, so he is of course smarter than average.

Another big Steelhead caught aboard Jean-François Néron's boat, the Fish Challenger with a Raider Chicken Pox

Who says summer is over?

9-19-2009  The trailer is at $1500, which is the minimum reserve, so that is good.  The high bidder bought a car recently on eBay and actually paid for it apparently, which is a good sign.

Anything less than $2500 is a steal on this trailer, so if you have a scout troop or a need for it, you should check it out.

AMAZINGLY SIMPLE HOME REMEDIES

Avoid cutting yourself when slicing vegetables by getting someone else to hold them while you chop.

Avoid arguments with the Mrs. about lifting the toilet seat by using the sink.

For high blood pressure sufferers, simply cut yourself and bleed for a few minutes, thus reducing the pressure in your veins. Remember to use a timer.

A mouse trap, placed on top of your alarm clock, will prevent you from rolling over and going back to sleep after you hit the snooze button.

If you have a bad cough, take a large dose of laxatives; then you'll be afraid to cough.

You only need two tools in life - WD-40 and Duct Tape. If it doesn't move and should, use the WD-40. If it shouldn't move and does, use the duct tape.

Remember: Everyone seems normal until you get to know them....

If you can't fix it with a hammer, you've got an electrical problem.

Daily Thought:
SOME PEOPLE ARE LIKE SLINKIES; NOT REALLY GOOD FOR ANYTHING, BUT THEY BRING A SMILE TO YOUR FACE WHEN PUSHED DOWN THE STAIRS. 

Doug with a nice Steelhead taken 9/11/09	The last (probably) King for me for 2009

9-13-2009  This weekend was probably the last trip out on the big lake for me for 2009.  This king came on a downrigger on a Raider Chicken Pox spoon.

 

Right now if you want to target them, there are a fair number of steelhead in the 100 to 150 foot range.  Check your temperature maps and keep to orange and greens near the surface. 

 

9-10-2009  A possible new World Record Brown Trout was caught in Manistee yesterday!  Click here for a picture and more information.

 

 

A 20# Rainbow caught in Lake Ontario aboard Jean-François Néron's boat, the Fish Challenger with a Raider Chicken Pox Magnum

 

9-9-2009  Jean-François Néron sent me that photo of a nice fish caught last Thursday on Lake Ontario.  Just look how fat that fish is!

These two came by for Labor Day

9-3-2009  I saw this on Great Lakes Angler and felt like I should pass it along:

On Saturday, September 12, there will be over 50 disabled kids and adults, including many disabled veterans, gathered at the Lakeshore State Park in Milwaukee....all hoping to catch fish! Fishing Has No Boundaries has for many years provided opportunities for disabled persons to catch fish on inland lakes, three years ago we started the Milwaukee chapter to give disabled anglers an opportunity to catch the BIG ONE!

WE NEED YOUR HELP! Our event has grown quickly, and we need fishermen willing to take out at least one disabled child or adult for a couple hours Saturday morning. We will provide you with breakfast and lunch....heck...if you need help with fuel...we will arrange something......we need your help! Please call me anytime for details 414 559 2406...Dave Turiciano. It is actually quite simple....show up at the slips at Lakeshore State Park (just south of the Discovery Center) I have them reserved all day.....and we will work with you to make sure you are comfortable with a disabled angler....MANY OF OUR PARTICIPANTS ARE CAPABLE ANGLERS...AND ALL OF THEM ARE THE MOST COURTEOUS AND GRATEFUL ANGLERS YOU WILL EVER MEET!

Please consider coming out....we need the help! Any questions or comments are welcome..... All volunteer captains and crew are welcome to the after party at Riptide....Saturday afternoon/evening...whatever.....first/second/third ect... drink on me!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I took some updated fish holder pictures today.

9-1-2009  I have a flock of about 10 Turkeys that frequent my yard.  This morning the pup flushed one out of the bushes and treed him.  Boy, was he proud of himself.  He is going to be an excellent bird dog, like his mom.

I am getting excited about the South Dakota opener for Pheasants.  The count is down from 2008, but still very high.  You can check out http://www.sdgfp.info/wildlife/hunting/Pheasant/Outlook.htm   Keep in mind, even the lowest number, that is birds per mile seen from a car.  Here in Michigan, I count birds per year, and so far for me it is three.

FYI:  The Department of Natural Resources reminds hunters that the deadline for applying for reserved hunts on managed waterfowl areas is Friday, Aug. 28.

Reserved hunts are held both mornings and afternoons of opening weekend at Harsen’s Island, Fish Point, Nayanquing Point and Shiawassee River State Game Area. In all cases, the opening day afternoon hunt is reserved for parties that include at least one youth 10 to 16 years of age with the appropriate licenses. On the day of the hunt, successful applicants must have appropriate licenses and stamps and be accompanied by one to three other appropriate licensed hunters. No more than two adults, at least one of which must be over 18, may be in the party during the youth hunts.

Reserved goose hunts for the mornings of opening weekend are also available at Shiawassee National Wildlife Refuge.

Applications, which cost $4, are available at all license vendors or on-line at www.michigan.gov/dnr.  Hunters may apply for one hunt only.

Results will be posted online Sept. 23, at www.michigan.gov/dnrdrawings.

The DNR is committed to the conservation, protection, management, accessible use and enjoyment of the state's natural resources for current and future generations.

8-25-2009  What a lousy weekend on the lake.  Friday and Saturday were just miserable, cold, rainy and windy with waves breaking over the break wall.  Sunday was better, but with big rollers still that made a south troll the only option.  We went from just south of the Big Sable Point to south of the project and only picked up one fish.

The big guy visiting his grandpa in the boat next to us wanted to hold the fish, since it was just about as big as him I reached in and gave him a hand. 

8-21-2009  I’ve been launching at Bender and driving to McKinley to clean fish but thought I’d try running south instead. Not a great plan as the cold water and moist air made for some fog that seemed to get worse as light arrived. Boy what a difference it makes to have mapping in the GPS. We setup off the Green can and ended up more than 2 miles south before our first bite on 2 color and #3 glow J. Again quiet for awhile so just as I turned to go back north we had a triple with Magnum Green Tiger down 22 a 20+# king that escaped at the back of the boat after about 5 runs. We boxed the 4 color and #3 J and 5 color Orange Blast. We circled that 55’ area for quite awhile and no more bites. The fog didn’t lift and figured there would be fewer boats south so worked 40 to 55fow finally getting a double on just north of the Blue Balls, a 3yr old SWR down 25 on #4 Blue/Silver Andy Reeker and dandy 18# brown on 5color and the Raider Regular Orange Blast.

Eventually turned north as the fog cleared and a  7 color and Magnum OZ a nice 3 yr old. Had a brown close to the net that was clearly bigger than the 18# on a rigger SWR down 20 with#4 Andy Reeker I taped with OZ (blue/green). We trolled 2 –2.3 on the Raider with a bone chilling 48.8 on the surface and 44 down 30. While trolling the 40’ contour the surface bait was present for almost a mile but no hooks. Should have been there early.

The radio chatter sounded like we should have gone north of McKinley so despite the lack of a bite in the night arrived Wed at 330 and started in front of the North Gap with 50 on the surface and lots of marks. No bites again in the dark and had move a bit north due to boat traffic working the 35’ contour. 22’rigger with Fishlander orange Easter egg took a 4yr old that found his way to the 3 and 4 color setups. Mean while a small one fired the other rigger down 18 and a regular Broken Nose. Got that untangled and 22 rigger fired with a 3 yr old on the Org Easter Egg.

Lots of boats and not many fish being caught and marks disappeared so pulled lines at 0630 and blasted south for the bait. Set up in 45fow and got the lines in and 7 color Magnum Oz, 25’SWR Oz Andy Reeker, 6 color Blue/silver Andy Reeker fired. Just as we were about to net the brown off the rigger bite the 5 color Regular Orange Blast  took off so had a quad going. All the leadcore bites were LT with 21.5, 17, and 15# with nice redfin coloration.  The 7color magnum OZ pulled 2 more LT in that area with a #12 and 4# and the 5 color regular Raider Yellow Fever.

3 more passes and no more bites so decided to try deeper water as heard some others took some 4yr olds in 80-90fow. 7 color Magnum Oz took a 4yr old king that must have thought it was a rainbow as it jumped 3 times and wiped out the 4 and 5 colors in 75fow. Took a while to clear that mess then hung up the 7 & 8 colors on some small buoy in 80 fow and did escape with all our stuff so decided to call it a day. In 80 fow surface warmer at 56 and 46 down 30 and a fair amount of surface bait fish. Maybe should have gone out there sooner. This was the day of the LT with 5 and one brown and 5 kings.

Not much moonlight and both days lines set by 4 and no bites until 530. I can’t quite figure out when they bite in the night and another 1.5hrs of sleep would have been nice. More west winds in the forecast so getting out the flannel lined jeans. I’m wondering what even colder water is going to do the fishing. One would have expected better action shallow off the filter with current conditions but it’s been cold water for over 3 weeks with fewer and fewer 4 yr olds in the shallows. I still hesitate to wish for some NE winds but a nice thermocline could help.

Tight lines and full coolers,

Grey Beard

8-20-2009  Heading to Ludington this weekend.  Frankly the weather looks pretty crummy until Saturday afternoon, but we'll check it out.

I have some prototypes for next year to test out.  It's never too early....

8-18-2009  Two different people told me today that they couldn't keep "Bluegrass" in the water out of Ludington.  At the same time "Green Tiger" is absolutely on fire over in Milwaukee.

The contrast between these colors is striking.  Bluegrass is a very subtle (OK, dim, but subtle sounds a lot better) glow, and Green Tiger can be used as a flashlight in a pinch.  It just shows you that you need a variety of glows, both in color and strength, to provide the fish with what they want.

8-14-2009  Another boat smacked the pier in Ludington the other night.  I don't know what happened, but I know what I see there all the time.  There is no prize for getting in the pier heads "first", there is a prize for getting there safely.  You get to keep your teeth and your boat does not get all smashed.  SLOW DOWN!!!!!!!!!!!!

http://www.ludingtondailynews.com/news.php?story_id=45494 

8-12-2009  Because of credit card fees, and to avoid jacking up the price of all the small items, I am forced to create a minimum order of $9.98 (which allows you to buy a $9.99 Fish Holder  I can mail those all day.).  I hate to do so, but I just filled an order where I think it would have been cheaper for me to just mail the guy a couple of bucks, between shipping and fees.  I did not realize how much the free shipping would increase the number of really small orders.

Please see our revised Customer Service Policy

We continue to launch around 0330 at Bender and some days they bite in the dark and other not so much but first light remains awesome. Monday they bit a little with 2,3 & 4 colors with #3 glow Js doing the most damage. Dipsys worked with regular Raider Broken nose 3 set and 35loc and 1.5 set regular Green Tiger 45loc both went twice before 0600 working 40 fow. Lots of marks but strange looking and not sure if salmon or bait but just evaporates with the sun. We had 7 in the box by 6 and a couple of short ones returned and happy to have Jason’s 20.5# on #3 J in storage. Things slowed for 45 min so headed east to 55-65fow and never left.

There would be lulls and then doubles. Double Purple spook had been my stud the last couple of yrs but this yr was not producing. My fishing partner Craig had not lost faith and took 5 on it the day before on Kevin’s boat so put it out on 5 color and went 3 times. Put it on the SWR rigger down 30 and 2 more. 7 & 8 color were busy with Magnum Fuzzy Bear Oz, 6 color with regular bloody puke. After first light 2,3 4 colors dead and nothing on full core and Dipsys went dead also except for a Coho on green Opti and double aqua 1.5 set 85loc.

Ended 23 for 28ish and a few drive bys trolling 1.9-2.4 on the Raider with 50 to 53 on the surface and 44-46 down 35. 2 Coho and the rest kings. When clearing lines found a shortie on the seven and 4 color so better lighten up the drags.

What a difference a day makes. Working the same area on Tuesday with same setups went 1 for 2 in the dark with 3 color taking a  nice 18#. Thought the young man Michael was going to expire before he got his first salmon to the net. Surface temps had warmed to 54 and down temp 46-48 down 30. First light we had a quad with rigger down 30 and #3 glow J, 3 color glow J, 5 color regular Orange Blast and dipsy 1.5 set 45loc regular green Tiger and got them all in.

I thought we were going to have another very busy day. Then they started to either drive by or fall off on the way in. Rigger screamer hit the 5 color and eventually broke off. Last boxer was a nice 4yr old 3 set 60 loc regular Broken Nose. Never boxed another fish after 0700 and fished until 11. Bait and marks were gone. Tried shallow again then further north then out to 75. Had one more drive by on a #4 J I taped with the blue/green Oz tape on 4 color and drive by on 5 color and double Purple spook. Ended with 8 kings and 1 Coho and 3 shorts released losing at least 8 hook ups and at least 6 drive bys. Still some nice fish but I wonder where the fish and bait went. Maybe a little NE winds will help for a change.

Tight lines and full coolers,

Grey Beard

8-11-2009  We have a winner.  Milt C. found the ad for Church Tackle with the fish holder, and Brian G. had found the ad for Fish Niagara.  Thanks to both of them for the free advertising.  Check out http://www.churchtackle.com/brook.coho.html

Pretty funny, someone responded with a different ad that I did not notice, so I will have to send out two.

I am still waiting for a winner.  It is pretty obvious if you check it out.

8-10-2009  I was just looking at the newest issue of the Great lakes Angler (September/Fall 2009).  Now there is an ad in the magazine for a product I have never carried but that ad shows one of my products.  The first person to email me at bob@bobsoutdoors.com and tell me the ad I am talking about and the product, will get a free one of the products.

My products get photographed in the magazine all the time, but this is the first time I have seen one prominently shown in someone else's ad,

8-7-2009  Once again, there have been a couple of incidents, including a death, to remind us all that safety has GOT to be your #1 priority out on the lake.  PFD's while fishing, especially alone and handheld VHF's and just plain common sense about when to be out on the lake.

8-6-2009 Raider Orange Blast works great day and night. Thanks.

Tuesday we had our rods set for 30 minutes before our first bite at 0425 then 5 in 8 minutes fishing in 40 fow out of Bender with 51 to 57 on the surface and 46 down 25. 2, 3, 4 colors with glow #3 Js and 5 color with regular Orange Blast, and magnum Orange Blast on 3 set Dipsy 35loc. Dillon’s first salmon was a nice 4yr old on a 5 color in the dark, quite the introduction. There was a ton of bait and marks in the dark but the screen went vacant with first light. Pulled 2 more on the #3 Js and regular Orange Blast45loc 3 set dipsy.

Trolled north for almost an hour with nadda so slid out to 69-65fow and was able to peck away at them. 6 and 7 color with regular Raider Sister Sledge, 8 & 10 color Magnum Fuzzy Bear Oz. Nothing on 2, 3, 4 & 5 color after light. Dipsys were amazingly quiet as compared to previous 3 trips except for a nice bow on regular Double Orange Crush on 3 set 60loc. Riggers finally took a couple nice 4 yr olds late AM SWR down 35 regular Bloody Puke and Magnum Oz down 42, a real screamer. Ended up 22 for 26 with 2 Coho, one bow and the rest kings. While clearing lines at the end of a busy day the full core took off and father and son teamed up to subdue a dandy 18# King on a magnum Oz, only the second brown of the year. Dillon and Hunter slept thru all that excitement suffering from reeling in a lot of fish and our 130AM departure.

Heard some great radio reports so decided to launch at McKinley today and save the drive from Bender to clean fish. Started in 40fow just north of the filter finding surface temp 56 and 42 down 30. First hookup at 0400 was a 4yr old on 1.5 wire dipsy 55loc and Magnum Grey Beard. Then the same #3 Js and Orange Blast as above were really cooking. Rigger down 22 back 100 with a Magnum Green Tiger was the only rigger bite for the day. Like yesterday tons of marks that evaporated with first light and so did the bites sitting on 7 by 6. I slid out to 55-60fow and trolled north as far as Fox Pt taking one on a 7 color Magnum Raider Sister sledge on the way. Slid out to 70 due to quiet and no marks but no better out there so head back in took a nice bow on a 5 color and regular Raider Orange Blast. Full core and Magnum Bloody Death took our last 4yr old in 55 fow. 1 for 3 on wire dipsy 1.5 set 85loc and Regular Raider Sister Sledge. Boxed 14 with 3 throwbacks and all kings save the one bow.

Highlight of today was during the early flurry was a break off on my 4 color with a heavy fish that took my Off Shore board and my favorite purple/pink #3 J. Foolish me tightened the drag too much! A couple of hours later my cell phone rang and a stranger to me, Adam Robakowski, informed me he found my board and would leave it at the marina. That would be after he returned to South Shore, drove to work for some policeman duties and then back to McKinley. Nice to know there are still some good people out there.

Tight lines and full coolers,

Grey Beard

7-30-2009  I guess I have to get Mike some Green Tigers and some more Fish Holders!

Tuesday had our first fish in the box at 0345 fishing just north of Bender in 38fow on a #3 chart glow J. Six in the box by 5AM with 3 on 60loc 1.5 set wire and Regular Raider Green Tiger glow. This report kind of simplified as that setup got hit ELEVEN times and netted 10 over the course of the AM. Same spoon on 5 color 1 for 1 and SWR rigger 3 for 4. Never had a day like it for one color and one rig so hot. So busy hardly had time to put it on other sets working 45’ with 49 down 35 and 1.9-2.3 on the Raider.

7 color green #3j 2, 3 and 4 color #3 J-Plugs Chart and 3 set 60loc bloody puke 2 were the other things that worked. 2 color no bites in 3 trips #3 or  #4 J-Plugs. On our way to the dock at 0920 and a full cooler with 2 bows, 1 Coho and 17 kings biggest just over 22#. 4 escaped and 2 drive-bys. Getting up at 1AM worth it and doing it again the next day.

Wed AM figured I knew where the fish were and what they liked but greeted by an unexpected north wind and fish in a different mood despite lots of bait and hooks. First fish on 5 color glow#3J at 4AM, then 3 color #3 pink/purple glow J (home paint job), 50 loc wire Regular Raider Green Tiger. Triple going at first light 3 set 35loc Regular Raider Green Tiger, 1.5 set as above and 3 color again then the fish went to bed. Radio chatter and cell calls the same problem, no to rare biters. Trolled north into the current hoping the fish did the same and rainbow off 3set 60loc Regular Raider Orange Muffin and Coho 3 set Regular Raider Green Tiger 80loc and a shaker on 1.5 set. 

Slid out to 65fow and few marks and no bait so diagonal back to 40’ and trolled south for 5+ miles and nadda. Then the 9 for 9 evaporated with 5 bites in 45 min and nothing in the net. 5 color Regular Raider Double Orange Crush twice dancing bows, SWR rigger Regular Raider Green Tiger 5’ off the bottom, and 7 color Raider Magnum Blue Bubble twice. Finally the 7 color stuck a Coho and 1.5 80loc Green Tiger fired but no one home. Ended the day with a nice 10.5# bow on 3 set 60loc Regular Orange Muffin. 11 for 17, 2 Coho, 1 bow and 8 kings.

Best story of these trips was Tues had a 3 color break this side of the board and watched my board and only #3grn glow ladder-back J escape.  A couple of hours latter heard some strange noise from the back of the boat but no rods moving. Then saw my lost board floating behind the boat. Made a circle and picked up the board to find the lead core side also cut. Fish must have still been on and tangled in my rigger. $ saved.

Tight lines and full coolers,

Grey Beard

7-28-2009  Reports out of Ludington include some big fish, with a fish over 28# confirmed at Captain Chuck's.  My buddy could not keep Raider Double Orange Crush Gold Regular size in the water until he lost it, catching both Steelhead and Kings.  Green Demon was his other hot color.

7-27-2009  My computer is back up so a late report from Friday. Crew included Joel “Boog” Ballweg, a well know Lake Wisconsin fisherman, his buddy Kevin and my brother Pat. A little trade for the late season walleye action. Started off Wind Pt in 65fow and action started in the dark with Dipsys and in fact all 4 went in the first 45min with Regular Raider Broken Nose 75loc 1.5set, Regular Raider Green Tiger 60 loc 1.5set, Magnum Grey Beard 35loc 3set and prototype Raider Regular Blue Tiger 30loc 3 set. Glow Green ladder#4 went on 3 and 4 color and Regular Green Tiger on 5 set. Frankly after leaving home 130AM Fri and same Sunday have some trouble with the details. However it’s hard to forget that the Regular Green Tiger had 5 bites on the dipsy, 4 on the rigger near the bottom later in the AM and one on the 5 color. Had a couple on 7 color on a Fuzzy Bear magnum OZ.

Trolled 1.8-2.4 on the Raider, 66 surface and 52 down 35 and 48 near the bottom. Went 17 for 21 with 1 LT, 1 Coho and the rest kings. Noteworthy was no bows which had made up a lot of the previous catches. Still no browns.

Thanks to some friends reports from Sat. launched at Bender and started in 35fow with NW winds cooling the water a little. Lots of baits and hooks in the dark and netted 5 with the lights on. Best action again with the Dipsys with the same sets as above. Sized down to #3 Green glow Js on 3 & 4 color and left a #4 on the 2 color and that was the only on that didn’t fire. 5 color Regular Green Tiger in the dark was 12 yr old Adrianna’s fish salmon around 15#. Riggers were kind of quiet with 35 down Magnum Green Tiger and 2 later on Regular Green Tiger 5’ off the bottom. 7 color #3 Green J got hit the first time our before the board line up and at first thought we hook bottom until bottom started to move. Regular Fuzzy Bear Oz 8 color took 2. Stud rod was the 65 loc wire Dipsy Regular Green Tiger with 4 four yr olds.

Trolled 1.8-2.3 on the Raider. Surface 66 down 35 varied from 48.5 to 56 on the same contour spending the majority of our time in 45fow with bouncy NW winds. Picked up some slime on Dipsys despite not catching bottom. Some new junk to worry about that also did the same on Fri. Had to keep checking the Dipsys. Best box in a long time as quit because would have had to take ice out for more room despite keeping 2 shakers. One bow and one coho and rest kings with 13 four yr olds. Adrianna caught on well as she handled the last big fish off a rigger all on her own. We cleaned the fish at South Shore and no place to hang them. Terrible grinder but beats the mess at home. We went 21 for 24 (single hooks Tom).

Sounds like the fishing is improving at Milwaukee so may get to sleep in until 130AM for the next outing.

Tight lines and full coolers,

Grey Beard

Fishing was not spectacular at Racine for the Big Fish Bash but did manage to place 4th in the rainbow with a 14.05# on a regular Bloody Puke. We were in 10th until the final AM of the 9 day event with a 22.7# king that came on a Magnum Double Blue Bubble. See attached pictures and our catch from last Sat. Fished over 20 hours targeting browns with small baits in the shallows to catch a brown trout to qualify for the Master Angler and finally got one at 5.75 # to get me 61# for 5 fish and 6th place.

Here is today's report and picture of our 8 fish.

Launched at 4AM and headed to Wind Pt setting lines in 60fow. Didn’t mark much bait or fish despite 48 35Down. Took quite awhile for the first fish taking a couple of med. Kings on 3 & 4 colors both with #4grnGlow Js. Had two nicer kings come on regular Raider Green Tiger on wire 1.5 set and 75loc. Big bow over 12 on Regular Raider Bloody puke (#53) on 7 color that wrapped the line in the gill plate so had to clear on side and do the circle game to finally get it in. Later when checking that line again was ripping the line in and a nice Coho hit and presume the bait was going >5mph. Nice surprise. Coho took a 4 color and Miss Thing (#15) and another king on Wire dipsy 85loc Regular Bloody Death (#52).

Wind picked up a bit NE and made boat control a little bit of a challenge. First time ever someone wearing the patch fed the fish. Doesn’t work for everyone.

Trolled 1.9-2.3.Surface temp 66 and in the forties down 35 ft. Riggers, 8 color and 3 set Dipsys dead. Once the waves were rolling marked some bait near the surface but little down and rare marks. Happy to stick 8 of 9 hook ups and one drive by.

Tight lines and full coolers,

Grey Beard 

7-20-2009 I know this belongs on the joke page, but it is just too funny:  Lizard

7-14-2009  Took the pup up to get some work done on the boat.  Why does a Labrador need a life jacket?  The handles make it easier to lift him onto the dock after he falls in, that's why.  If I had a video of the look on his face when he backed off of the dock, I'd have the $10 grand from Funniest Home Videos in the bag.

Darrell "Shifty" Powers, a true hero of WWII died June 17, 2009. He parachuted into Normandy on D-Day, fought with the 101st Airborne Division Easy Company in every major battle Easy Company was involved with until the end of the war, including the Battle of the Bulge.

1 Million Grateful Americans are expected to mob the Staples Center, where the Rev. Jesse Jackson is expected to give a moving speech in honor of all the men who fought for the freedom of all Americans. Hundreds of Celebrities are expected to follow.

The incessant news coverage of Shifty's Death has caused some outcry, mostly among the fans of a minor dead celebrity whose last hit record was recorded 20 years ago.

Sorry, I must now return you to reality, where do-nothings are honored and heroes are forgotten.

7-6-2009  Starting today, rush orders need to be in by noon, my local post office now closes at 3 pm.

7-4-2009  Happy Birthday America!  There was a WWII vet at the diner having breakfast after the parade today in his uniform.  We live in a pretty cool country where a "GI Joe" private has three people try and buy his breakfast.

Cluster II  - Winners of the 2009 Thumb Area Offshore Challenge

6-22-2009  Congratulations to Larry Hartwick and co. aboard the Cluster II who took the 2009 Thumb Area Offshore Challenge with a whopping catch over 100 lbs.  Each boat received a special Raider Spoon made exclusively for this tournament and the new spoon, along with the Chicken Pox, were a big part of their program.  "You can bet we always have the Chicken Pox in the water."

I took the Sarah Ann out for the first time since 2008 on Sunday.  It was a beautiful day and it was great to be back on my own boat again.

Raider Orange Blast	Raider Green Blast
Raider Raptor Mini Trolling Spoon	UV BLAST! Top Coating

6-18-2009  Introducing some new products from Raider Spoons.  Two New colors in our standard and magnum sizes and 7 new colors in our new Raptor Mini 2 5/8" Trolling Spoon.  All these spoons, plus our existing Raider Chicken Pox spoons are top coated in our new UV BLAST! coating, the strongest UV enhancer available today.

UV BLAST! is available both as a powder top coat and a spray-on topcoat, so as time goes on more of the Raider colors will be available with the enhancer.

6-17-2009  A timely reminder, it is illegal to take possession of a fawn.  I read a study where 85% of fawns were found "abandoned" within 100 yards of their mother.  Just because you can't see a doe does not mean it is not there.  Since most "rescued" fawns die, rescuing them is about the same as shooting them.  Would you shoot a fawn?

Also, the study found that most fawns of dead does end up with another doe.  So even if you know the mother is dead, leave it be.  It's best chance is with the herd.

You want to do fawns a favor?  Control your dog.

Armed Maine woman, 77, teaches intruder a lesson

 This would be the funny quote of the day if it was not so sad:

"There's too many people that paint with a broad brush that we're all corrupt, we're all amoral. … And having these kinds of things happen, whether it's a Republican or Democratic senator — we certainly have had plenty of Democratic scandals in the past — we need people who are in office who will hold themselves to a little higher standard." - Senator John Ensign (R-NV), a member of GOP leadership and a potential candidate for president in 2012, in October of 2007 who has admitted that as a married man he was having an affair with an assistant who was the wife of one of his other assistants.

6-15-2009  Hello Bob was a great weekend in Ludington the weather man gave us two days of fishing. Sunday me and Jerry went along with JJ Mac and went north started around the bath house and went north from there. Really got into them north of the stick in 150 ft.300 copper ,full core, seven color , low dipsys back 70 and 150 . Great morning. caught 12, threw back 2 ,lost one, and ended with the fish in the picture.  It was great to fish with Jerry again.

6-12-2009  This weekend is Michigan's Free Fishing Weekend.

6-11-2009  The last pups sold today, they are off to good homes.  Now comes time to train "Bear".

6-10-2009  The Sarah Ann is in her slip in Sebewaing, and she is looking good.  She runs great, and with a couple of tweaks on the electronics, she will be ready to go.

6-9-2009  Jerry has an EPIRB on the boat, vastly superior technology than Air France uses on a plane that carries hundreds of passengers.  How about a data recorder that floats and calls it's own location in?  It could share some of the data with the existing recorders so you would not lose any of the blast proof qualities of those recorders.  Just seems like an airline could match the safety equipment some guy has on a small boat.

6-7-2009  On Saturday I finally got out fishing out of Ludington with my buddy Jerry.  We went 15 for 18, throwing back 5 because they were small.  Frankly, we were inundated with small fish, you can see we kept the legal ones that we felt would not live.

The most "shakers" I have ever caught in one trip was 2.  Either we have an enormous year class coming up or we just happened into a large school.  either way, you need to check lines every 1/2 hour and keep them clean.

We fished from 2 pm to 7 pm, straight out and South in 100-140 feet of water.  Fish came deep on riggers, and on 5 and full core.  Only one hit all day on divers, which is a switch.

Fish came on Raider Mountain Dew, New Super Glow Mountain Dew, Green Demon and the new Super Glow Green Blast and Orange Blast.  We also had hits on a Silver Streak monkey puke.

"Friday pre-fishing for Cash on the Line we were looking for kings so started about 3mi SE in 80fow and zig zagged south 80-95fow. Put out a mix of mag spoons and flasher flys and 2Js, full and 7 color and the full had one brief rip and that’s it for both. First bite Mag Raider Green Tiger down 60 a small LT, 6 color Mag Yellow fever 2 coho and Mag Bluetail rigger down 70 a coho. 75loc Dipsy Opti White/glw/blu and LBB 1-2 coho.

About 3 mi south of our start ran into our buddy Eric on Wet dream who was quite a bit ahead of us in bites so we switched to his program of deeper sets and more flashers. Turned back north and action picked up on riggers with White Opti dbl glow and Siggs white crinkle down 90 and White Opti glow/mt dew and white crinkle down 70 doubled. Wire Dipsys 2 set 150 and 170loc White Opti glow/blu and dbl glow with LBB and white crinkle were producing. Decided to cover more water and first pass east hits at 114, 123, 130fow. Lots of bait on the surface and marks down deep so spent the remainder of the AM working back in to 95 and out to 140 working 4mi north and steady but not hot action but zero kings. 150 dipsy quiet for a while and moved it to 190 and resumed working. We did put a Green silver/grn Opti LBB on 70’ rigger and popped 3 coho but other sets left the White Optis on all day.

Leadcore was pretty dead except for 7 color Mt. Dew Opti with glow/silver and Siggs Bluegrn/aqua 4 for 5. 10, 8, 5 color 300’ 30 and 45 copper dead with various presentations. It was back to the old days of Dipsys and riggers working. At the end of the day put out the 8” orange Bechhold and Bluelongtail and it did manage one rip but no fish. Worked the speed on the Raider 1.8-2.2 and 2 seemed the best. Surface in 140 was 46.5 and down 90 43.5. Ended up with 21 for 27, 3 LT and rest coho. Didn’t sound like other had much for kings either with 0 to 3 per boat.

Unfortunately 30mph north wind hit about 1AM Sat rocking the boat in the parking lot. The little flag on the radio antenna was whipping so that it sounded like firecrackers going off so kept some of us awake. It continued to blow at about 20mph at check in time of 415 so the tournament committee wisely cancelled the tourney. Good news is they plan to hold it later this summer and possibly the date of the cancelled Silver Challenge, 15 Aug. They will have time to work on sponsors for some big fish prizes. They also changed the amateur rules so you can box your legal limit of those on your boat and weigh you best 15, same as the pro side. I’m sure Senile Too will keep us posted.

Tight lines and full coolers,

Grey Beard"

6-5-2009  I have been told that my "rants" about PETA and HSUS may "turn some people off".  Well, that's too bad because here I go again.  I have said before, these people are after all of us, not just hunters.  Well, guess what they are doing with the money they raised after their "victory" on the dove hunting ban.  They want to turn lighthouses at our ports into "Fish Empathy Stations", and teach our kids that fishing is wrong.

http://www.grandhaventribune.com/paid/324810863059738.bsp

http://www.weau.com/news/headlines/46869592.html

http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/chi-ap-mi-peta-lighthouses,0,941869.story

6-3-2009  I now have certain sizes of Trolling Bags in stock in the Red Cordura.  Normally I have them custom made and shipped directly from the manufacturer, but he has been out of town a lot caring for a family member.  Considering he is a WWII vet, that tells you a lot about him that he is caring for someone else.  Of you need a custom size or color, you can call me and I will see what he can do.

6-2-2009  I know its not fishing related but I just have to comment.  The GM bankruptcy is complicated and it means a bunch of things, many of which I do not understand.  I do know two things:

• GM is not out of business.  It is being reorganized, but the plants are still working, new cars are being developed, the company will survive.

• You will be able to get your new car financed, serviced under warranty and after the warranty.  Not only has GM guaranteed this, but the US government has guaranteed it.

I also know that the news media should be ashamed of some of the scare tactics that  they are using right now.  these are American jobs you threaten with misinformation and half-truths.  Things are bad enough without inciting hysteria.

Jeff Spears (Just Katchin), Jerry Deeghan and Marv MacDonald (JJ Mac Charters)

Andy and Tom (Touchstone products)

Jerry had a very good weekend with his guests.

That's a Raider Mountain Dew Glow and a Bluegrass in the middle. 

6-1-2009  Two pups left, I can tell you that caring for 3 puppies is a lot easier than for 10.  This WILL be Jenny's last litter so if you are "thinking about it", your chances are dwindling.  Fortunately Rooster Ranch (see the link at the bottom of the page) has some litters coming up.

  "Saturday’s reports sounded like fishing had slowed from Friday south of the harbor so decided to go a bit north. Marked lots of bait in 70fow so set lines and trolled SE. In the first 1.5hrs 1 for 3, 4 color 8” Bechhold with blue longtail 1 for 2 and full core white dbl glow Opti LBB. Then a couple more bites as we crossed the third hill, 2 color 6” red flasher and blk/purple fly. Kept going and 2 bites as we crossed 140fow. Turned  back and no more bites and that happened every time we turn back…nadda. Heard from a friend he had 4 fish fishing the edge of the third hill and 2 were 16# kings so headed back in. Took a bow on 4 color and Bechhold Blue Tail 108fow and then quiet again.

Headed SE again and when we crossed 170 started getting bit but most on the above 4 color which ended up going 8 for 10. I put the same setup on 2 and 3 color and dipsy and no bites…go figure. The only difference I could see was the hot one only had 1 hook left in the tandem snelled octopus 3/0. Rigger fired 60 down Opti mt dew/orange and Siggs Bluegrn/aqua, the only rigger fish for the day and running 4. Wire Dipsys with a variety of stuff and loc no bites. Braid Dipsys 2 for 3 40loc PwdAqua coho candy. One rigger bite down 100 on White dbl glow Siggs Bluegreen/glow but couldn’t pull off the release so figured a small LT that was gone by the time we got the rigger up.  Tried some spoons on 2 and 3 colors for a while but nothing. 8 and 10 color silent with flashers so tried the old reliable Dbl Purple Spook and nothing. Bright day so put a Mag Raider Sister Sledge on the full core and fired in 5min with our second bow. Put one on the 8 color and another bow. Fullcore then to ok our first king of the yr, 7# and a fat looking “3yr old” making me think later this summer will have some nice ones. Score 1 king, 3 bows and 13 coho.

It got to be quite the hoot that one setup would take 8 of the 17 fish and 10 of 25 bites running 15 rods. Saw a lot of bait out deep but didn’t mark many fish. Surface was 46 and 43 down 60 and 40 down 130. Speed was 1.8-2.1 on the Raider. We fished for 9 hrs for those bites and heard it was slow for most boats. Wonder where we will finds some king for this Saturday’s Cash on the Line?

Tight lines and full coolers,

Grey Beard" 

Josh Swanton sent me these photos.  I just love the look on the girl's face trying to hold the fish up.

 

May 22, 2009 Catch                                                         May 24, 2009 Catch 

 

 

Hot Lures                                                       Skip & His Granddaughter 

5-26-2009  My buddy Skip hit the water hard this weekend.  On Friday they got 9 fish, including a couple of really encouraging 18 lb'ers.  On Saturday they ended up 15 for 18.

 

The 3 Raider hot spoons are Glow Blue Bubble, Broken Nose and Frozen Pox.

 

5-23-2009  I just got a "scam" call on the puppies.  In case any of you don't know how this works, this is how it went:

 

First, it was done through a service that takes a typewritten input from the other side.  This would normally be a hearing impaired person.  I don't know if it is done to disguise an accent or just to make you more willing to play along thinking you are helping a deaf person.  In any case it makes caller ID worthless, you can only trace the service that is placing the call.

 

Second, The person was only interested in the price, not the sex or color of the dogs.

 

Next, the person said they wanted to buy the dog as a gift to their "Grandmom".  Now, the use of a word that is strange to us here was an alarm. 

 

Next, the person offered me an extra $100 to "hold the dog".  Now, at this point, no one has seen a dog and they are offering an extra $100, very strange.  I suppose there are people who hand out free money, I have not met any of them yet.

 

Finally the kicker hit, they were going to send me a cashiers check, and that's when I hung up.

 

The scam goes that they will send me a cashiers check for  a couple of grand, have me give them the "change" back and I find out in about a month that the check is forged.  Possibly they might even have someone pick up the dog and who knows where he would end up.

 

Pretty sad what goes on these days.

 

5-20-2009  It sounds like the fish are finally getting up North on the Wisconsin side.  Hopefully there will be good fishing for the Memorial Day weekend.

 

5-18-2009 All of the girl dogs are gone, we have 4 males left.  Tyler is shown here going home to Massachusetts with my brother and his wife.

Ben Milo, one of the organizers of the Harbor Beach Can-Can, sent me this picture. 
Check out that handsome guy in the back.

5-12-2009  Raider Spoons is proud to use Eagle Claw Lazer Sharp Hooks ™.  How can a lure be "made in the USA" if a major component like the hook is made over seas?

US hook-manufacturing giant, Eagle Claw, has opened a distribution centre in Taiwan – and added an innovative service to the supply chain. The move will see American-made hooks exported to mainland China to be used by lure manufacturers. This emphasizes the slogan that the American-made fishhook company has been using for sometime now: ‘We ship our hooks overseas – not jobs’.

Eagle Claw has been in business in Denver, Colorado, since 1925, and has manufactured fishhooks for over 70 years. Eagle Claw is still the only US hook manufacturer.

Mike Jackson, vice president of sales at Eagle Claw, said: “These are exciting times for us.  For a US manufacturer to open a distribution centre in the Far East is always newsworthy, but I have not heard of another company doing it in fishing tackle. Our main focus, and point of differentiation, will be immediate availability of quality components for lure manufacturers.  We are shipping full containers of our American-made fishhooks directly to Taiwan and our first orders to Asian lure manufactures are now being serviced from this distribution hub.  While other hook manufacturers have moved their production to China, Eagle Claw has discovered alternative ways of doing business with the Far East."

5-11-2009  I saw Dave Richey at the weigh in the other day, and it made me think to check out his blog.  Dave is a long time Michigan Outdoor writer and a heck of a nice guy.  He has a funny story about arm wrestling on his blog today. 

The complete results of the  Harbor Beach MDA Can-Can Salmon/Trout Tournament are:

Lots of Sponsors, including Raider Spoons                             A Grey Day on the Harbor 

Full Parking Lot                      The Raffle Table 

Weighing in a Steelhead           Cluster II Weigh in

April 3, 2009  I was out of town for a couple of days this week, but I am back now.  Dive Bombs are finally completely back in stock now.  I have added a couple of Forceps to the Accessories category.  They are handy things to have on hand.

I had to share this  (At least he has good taste in dogs)....

NOVO-OGARYOVO, Russia (Reuters) – Prime Minister Vladimir Putin's pet dog gobbled up a special tea prepared for bosses of Russia's ruling party Wednesday.  While Putin discussed ways to help the local food industry, his favorite black Labrador Koni slinked into a room at his residence and tucked into delicacies prepared for leaders of his United Russia party.

"Koni ate everything," said one of Putin's astounded bodyguards.

Putin's spokesman said Koni, who has the run of Putin's Novo-Ogaryovo residence outside Moscow, had eaten some pastries, biscuits and jellied desserts.

3-25-2009  Some good news:

Water Levels Rising on Great lakes

I've been pretty busy around here, getting things ready for when the pups get more active.  Last year I had a cement floor outside kennel built, which will make things much more sanitary.  The idea is to get the little guys going outside as soon as they get on solid food.  Being two months later helps weather wise, it was much too cold last year to do this.  Cleanup with a hose and some bleach mix rather than the mop and bucket inside three times a day.  10 dogs will make a mess in a big hurry!  This also makes it easier on the new owners, making it natural to go outside is a good thing when training a pup.

It's crunch time with the boat.  If I want to fish the second weekend in April, stuff needs to be completed NOW.  This weekend will be devoted to work on the boat.

3-23-2009  Pups went to the vet today with Jenny for a checkup.  All are fine, strong and healthy.

If you click on the picture and look carefully, you can see the difference where the boat finish has been restored.

3-23-2009  Saturday I visited the Grand Rapids Fishing Show.  It was strange buying a ticket to a show.  the show was very busy.

the rest of the day was devoted to getting some work done on the boat, mostly wiring.  If you check out the picture above you can see the job Jerry has been doing on the finish on the boat.

I have made the hooks and terminal tackle easier to find and order.  Ball bearing swivels are expensive, but they are the only way to go.  Don't get caught buying "two packs" at the last minute at some horrendous price, our 12 packs are the way to go.

A couple of long time customers took advantage of the last of the Walker Deeper Divers, I kept a couple for my boat.  If you missed out on that, make sure you get in on the Twinkie Twinkie Bait Rigs before they are gone.

Click on Picture for a better view

Here they are, 10 puppies, 8 black, 1 yellow.  Born March 19, 2009

You can see the yellow buried in the middle 

3-22-2009  I received a couple of excellent reminders from the Flint Steelheaders today.  Your 2008 fishing license expires March 31st.  To get a new fishing license click here  http://www.mdnr-elicense.com/welcome.asp  Some boat registrations also expire March 31st.  Check yours out now before you head to the lake.

3-21-2009  Now this is embarrassing.  All I can say is you count a pile of wiggling jet black puppies while their mom is constantly pushing your hand with her nose away from her pups.  We weighed them Friday night and counted the sexes.  We have 4 females and 6 males, including the one yellow female.  That's right, 10 pups.

They weigh between 14 and 18 ounces, a little heavier than last year.  Next time your wife is talking about how rough it is, tell her my 65 pound girl carried 10 pounds of puppies. On second thought, you better not say that, just agree with her!

BTW, the yellow and one black male are taken already.  A $50 refundable deposit will hold your place in line for picking out your dog.  

1-13-2009  In between everything else I have going on, I am in the process of getting the boat ready.  I cleaned it out completely Saturday and am looking to get a bunch of stuff done before April 1.  March is not that far away.

Hot Tip - Store your boat with a buddy who is both meticulous and bored.  ALL KINDS of things get fixed when you are not there!  The hull has not looked this good since I bought it, the old plastic antenna mounts are gone, holes are being filled. I am looking forward to a GREAT fishing season!