News
12-31-2006 Happy New Year! All Orders should ship Tuesday or Wednesday.
12-26-2006 My Brother-in-Law just sent me this trail cam picture from near a stand I used this fall. Oh well, he'll be bigger next year!
12-25-2006 Merry Christmas! I was cleaning some stuff up and I ran across this picture from 2004 of my son's first buck and I had to repost it.
I am pleased to say that our new discount policy has been a great success. Discounts are going to our best customers and some of our best customers are stocking up and taking big advantage of our closeout deals WITH the discount.
We don't play games with discounts here. Discounts on only the highest priced merchandise are not discounts. You don't need a card or anything else here, I keep track of your discount for you.
12-21-2006 I have really enjoyed this years hunting season. I know I did not get a buck, but I enjoyed several days in the field and the freezer is full of meat. Bird hunting is a much more pleasurable experience with a dog that knows what she is doing.
That being said, I need to go fishing. time to call my fishing partner and book a trip with Doug Samsal on the Manistee River.
12-20-2006 Any of you who know me are aware that one of my pet peeves is the email chain letters that come around that are not true. Why do these people take the time and effort to generate stuff that is not true when there are plenty of real issues and problems that need attention?
Now here's your chance for all you who love your country to do more than forward emails.
I just saw on the news that December 7, 2006 was the 65th and LAST official reunion of Pearl Harbor survivors because they are just too old and sick to do this any more. The generation that fought that war is passing on.
The Arizona Memorial is sinking into the bay. The Pearl Harbor Memorial Fund is raising $50 million to rebuild it. What more fitting "goodbye" to that generation than to fund this project?
You can donate as much or little as you want and can make it a monthly donation also. You can dedicate it to anyone. I am making a donation today in honor of my Dad who served in the Army in WWII.
http://www.pearlharbormemorial.com
OK, forward THIS to everyone, and donate and show your patriotism is more than just forwarded emails.
12-19-2006 Those Convector Reels are gone. The 8'6" Convector Rods are gone, but there are several 8' left. The 13" Salmon Assassins are almost gone, but there are lots of 10" Salmon Assassin Jr's left.
Yes, there is still time to get those presents before the holiday. Priority mail should get them there by Friday for most of the Great Lakes area if you order by Wednesday Noon.
Gift Certificates can be emailed right up until the last minute, you can just print them your self.
12-18-2006 Looking for something else, I found a box with some Convector Reels I had overlooked.
Many sizes of Blue Diamond Rods are gone, as are most of the 13" Salmon Assassins. I am trying to keep up with inventory but it is a real chore as many customers are coming to my store to pick out what they want.
12-15-2006 Wow, the response to the Christmas Store has been overwhelming. As a reminder Most of the Great Lakes region you can order up until the morning of the 20th and still be very safe for Christmas.
Tip - Order a Gift Certificate and I will email you the certificate so you can print it your self, right up to the last minute!
Something that bugs me continually is the quality of reporting in our news media. If you get 1/2 the story you are lucky.
Fortunately it looks like the Senator from South Dakota is going to recover, so it is most likely a non-story. Much has been made of the possibility of the Republican Governor replacing a Democrat with a Republican and tipping the control of the Senate to the Republicans.
Nothing has been said about what the actual process is in South Dakota for replacing a Senator. The Governor can appoint a replacement, but he only serves for the 90 days until the special election mandated by law. So in reality, control of the Senate could be in the hands of the people of South Dakota, not the Governor, except for a short time.
The actual South Dakota Statutes are available online at http://legis.state.sd.us/statutes/DisplayStatute.aspx?Type=Statute&Statute=12-11
So if this information is so easy to find, how did I scoop NBC? Why did the media have this Senator's coffin picked out while the doctors were still evaluating him? Because "Republican to Determine Balance of Power" is a better headline than "People May Possibly Determine Balance of Power Some Time in the Future". Remember, the purpose of the news is NOT to inform you, but to sell you the paper of broadcast with the advertising that goes with it.
That's my completely off subject rant for today.
Have fun Christmas Shopping out there!
12-12-2006 I know I don't have a lot of political pull in Texas, but I just read a story about a lawmaker that wants to make it legal for blind people to hunt in Texas.
I am a little peeved that the story was in the "odd news", but that just illustrates the ignorance of the media. The late night guys will of course think themselves very clever tonight with the jokes.
On the last "Michigan Outdoors" I saw, they had a hunt with a blind young man where his Dad helps him point the gun and he shoots. He got a buck this year so he is ahead of me. I thought it was a great story about a father and son and getting beyond some limitations to do what you enjoy.
Don't hand me the safety thing. Done properly, like all hunting should be done properly, it is as safe as any hunting. I would rather hunt with that young man and his Dad than many other hunters.
Personally I don't see a thing funny about it. I don't think it's funny to make fun of handicapped people. It just makes an eye catching headline for people with limited imaginations.
If you are reading this from Texas, I urge you to support the bill. I don't know why it is not legal already under the Americans with Disabilities Act, which I believe requires that accommodations be made for the disabled.
12-8-2006 I actually have some store news. I have several product lines that I want to eliminate before the season starts. Mostly just because the inventory has been just sitting and tying up money I can use on more popular lines.
What this means to you is some very good pricing on some items.
12-7-2006 Today is the LAST reunion at Pearl Harbor for the survivors of that attack 65 years ago today. A generation that gave us so much is passing. A good day to remember all those who have given so much in service of their country.
12-4-2006 I took a doe this weekend, but the big news is my Brother-in-Law Roger took this BIG 8 point. This brute was HEAVY getting into the truck.
I just read an article on "the second rut". Well, it's not a myth, this buck followed a doe with his nose in her rear right out into an open cut about 40 yards from the stand. The second rut occurs as does that were not successfully bred come back into heat. It's not as big a deal as the first one, but you will see some big boys chasing the girls as late as the middle of December.
11-28-2006 The warm weather has me stymied on the deer. 2 dozen in the field after dark and not a one seen during the day. I think they are just laying down in the warm grass all day and feeding at night.
The muzzleloaders come out his week. I am hoping for some more seasonal weather, as in snow, for the weekend and get some real deer hunting going.
I see the news media on the web is all in amazement at a doe with antlers. Just illustrates how ignorant much of the public is about the wildlife around them. That's why the DNR calls them "Antlered" and "Antlerless", because antlered does, while not "common" are not that unusual either.
11-26-2006 I am back from visiting family, and I am off to do some deer hunting in this summer weather we are having. Above is a photo of our "buck pole" from the opening week, Mel and Rob with their trophies, and a deer camera photo from somewhere on the property of a buck "still on the loose".
Too bad it's not Turkey Season
11-17-2006 I have decided to make a change to the store you might like. I have been toying with the idea of a customer rewards program for a while and have decided to do something simpler than that.
From now on, if you purchase $500 from my store total, you will get a 5% discount, $1000 or more 10% (maximum). In other words, James N. (just picking on him because I made him the first one today) has purchased just over $600 in tackle from me in the past. His order shipped today included a 5% discount.
This is based on your total LIFETIME purchases from me. It in some cases may include purchases from me at the "other store", but will not include purchases from the "other guy". If you don't know what that means, then you don't really have to worry about it. One order for $560 qualifies you on your next order. 10 orders for $50 qualifies you on your next order.
Shipping costs are included, but sales tax is not. This is only because of how my software tracks your totals and it would make me crazy to do it differently.
The best part is, you need do NOTHING. You don't need a discount card or a code or anything. When I receive an order I check against my customer list for changes in address. At that time I see all the past purchases and I set your discount level.
If you have moved, or have ordered under different names and think you qualify for a discount, please let me know and I will check it out. For example, my computer views Dick, Rich and Richard as three totally different people. I also consider the credit card holder to be the customer, so if you used your wife's credit card, and then your own, I would see this as two customers. Also, if you do not order from me for a full year you may be put in the inactive file and I might miss that when you come back. These are easily corrected, but you may have to tip me off. if I fail to give you the discount and discover later you should have gotten it, I will be happy to credit you the discount.
Of course this discount cannot be combined with any other discount and may not apply to all items.
This is just my thank you to all my best customers.
Well, no deer on opening day. I had some does come right up to the stand, but I'm waiting for that big rack.
Posted: 11-16-2006 - From the Ludington
Daily news
Hunter found dead
Carbon monoxide poisoning suspected
DLEWILD — A 59-year-old hunter from Flint who was camping in a 14-foot travel trailer on South Broadway Street in Yates Township, Lake County, died from apparent carbon monoxide poisoning Tuesday, a Lake County Sheriff’s Office report stated.
Undersheriff Mike Dermyer said he’s waiting for tests to make a determination of the cause of death, but said the man was using a small propane heater in the trailer, which was “sealed up tight.”
The man was found Tuesday morning. His identity is being withheld until relatives are notified.
C'mon guys, let's use our heads out there and come home safe.
11-14-2006 Tomorrow is opening day. I am out of here for a couple of days. I'll leave you with this:
Ceramic deer no match for real thing in battle
The Associated Press
OOSTBURG, Wis. — A ceramic deer came out the loser when
attacked by the real thing.
Ruth Hesselink of the town of Holland reported that the deer
replica in her yard was destroyed in the attack that
happened Sunday about 6:45 p.m., according to Capt. Dave
Adams of the Sheboygan County Sheriff’s Department.
Hesselink told authorities a buck took on its ceramic
counterpart.
A deputy who went to the scene found “obvious track marks”
that supported Hesselink’s account, Adams said Monday.
Among the damage, the head of the ceramic deer was knocked
off.
When deer are in their fall rutting season, the desire to
mate can make bucks more aggressive with other males and
less cautious when pursuing does.
Wisconsin’s nine-day gun deer season opens on Saturday.
11-12-2006 I bought a 12 gauge yesterday for Deer season. I am mounting the scope and bore sighting it today. I "lost" my gun to my son when he shot his first buck. I decided he should own the gun, but that left me without a deer gun. My trip to South Dakota also convinced me that I needed a 12 gauge bird gun. The 20 gauge is great for the Michigan birds, but many of those open field birds are flushing a ways out there.
11-11-2006 For Immediate
Release November 8, 2006
Contact: Bridget Patrick, MDA, 517-373-1104 or Ann Wilson,
DNR, 517-335-3014
State to hunters: Help eliminate feral swine - Wild swine
pose threat to domestic livestock, environment and
individuals
Lansing - Officials from the Michigan Departments of
Agriculture (MDA) and Natural Resources (DNR) today
encouraged hunters with a valid hunting license of any type
to shoot feral swine (free-ranging wild pigs) in 23 Michigan
counties.
In states where feral swine have become established, they
have caused crop damage, pose a serious threat to the health
and welfare of the domestic swine, endanger humans, impact
wildlife populations, and impact the environment by
disrupting the ecosystem.
Because state law protects livestock that may be running at
large, special precautions are necessary to guard the rights
of farmers. The following locations have had at least one
feral pig reported: Arenac, Bay, Baraga, Clinton, Cheboygan,
Gladwin, Gratiot, Hillsdale, Isabella, Jackson, Lapeer,
Lenawee, Marquette, Mason, Mecosta, Midland, Montcalm,
Montmorency, Newaygo, Oceana, Ogemaw, Roscommon, and Saginaw
counties. County prosecutors are aware that shooting feral
swine in these counties is permitted and any potential
owners of the feral swine have been contacted and do not
claim ownership.
"We will take aggressive enforcement action to protect the
health of legally imported swine used in hunting preserves
and eliminate feral swine from the wild in Michigan," said
State Veterinarian Steven Halstead. "Our goal is to
safeguard the livestock industry as well as the environment
from these unwelcome invaders."
"Hunters, as always, have to be certain of their targets
before shooting," said Alan Marble, Bureau Chief of the DNR
Law Enforcement Division. "Feral Swine are unfamiliar
targets to most Michigan hunters, and sportspersons need to
make sure they are shooting at hogs and not black bear,
dogs, or any other animal."
Because feral swine have the potential to carry diseases
which may impact the state’s domestic swine industry, MDA
and DNR have set up a program to test these animals. DNR
biologists at field check stations, in counties where feral
swine have been sighted, will help hunters gather tissue
samples to be submitted to the state diagnostic laboratory
for free disease testing.
While there is no indication that these animals are carrying
pseudo rabies or any other disease, precautionary testing
will be conducted. Feral swine may also transmit diseases
such as brucellosis, bovine tuberculosis (TB) and
trichinosis to people and other livestock.
A person field-dressing swine, especially in the
Northeastern Lower Michigan TB area, should wear gloves. If
the lungs, ribcage or internal organs from wild pigs look
abnormal (multiple tan or yellow lumps), the meat should not
be eaten. The carcass should, however, be removed from the
environment and brought to a DNR field office to prevent
disease transmission to other animals.
It is highly unlikely a person will contract bovine TB,
brucellosis or trichinosis by eating thoroughly cooked meat
of feral swine. These pathogens and parasites are very
rarely found, as a precaution however, all meats, including
that of feral swine, should be thoroughly cooked to an
internal temperature of 170.6 degrees F.
State law prohibits the release of any species having the
potential to spread serious diseases or parasites, to cause
serious physical harm, or to otherwise endanger native
wildlife, human life, livestock, domestic animals, or
property. Intentional release of swine in Michigan is a
felony and may be punishable by not less than $1,000.
The law also requires domestically raised swine (including
Russian and Eurasian Boars), have a physical examination by
an accredited veterinarian to determine the health status
before and after importation into Michigan. Proper housing,
husbandry, and confinement of the animal must also be
determined at the time of importation. Therefore, swine not
raised in captivity may not be imported and released
anywhere in Michigan.
To help eliminate these pests, the DNR encourages hunters to
take any legal opportunity to shoot feral swine. They can be
unpredictable when and where they show up. Hunters may not
easily get a second chance. (Tip) When shooting a pig,
aim for the shoulder or slightly ahead of the shoulder. The
vital area of a pig is more forward than a deer.
If you see or shoot any feral swine please contact: the DNR
at (517) 336-5030 or email
brownkr@michigan.gov; MDA at 800-292-3939 (press "4"
for the Animal Industry Division); or USDA Wildlife Services
at (517) 336-1928.
For more information on Zoonotic diseases and feral swine,
go to:
www.michigan.gov/emergingdiseases
11-9-2006 Today I winterize the boat, always a fun job.
Well, Prop 1 passed, that's good. Prop 3 failed and I am sure we will see fallout from that. The fight just begins now.
11-7-2006 Election Day! Defend your rights, get out and vote!
11-6-2006 I am back from South Dakota. We had a great time out there. Birds everywhere there was water available. South Dakota had a severe drought this year, so the birds are concentrated where they can get water.
I actually only shot one of the birds in the photo, and that was a "partial kill" as the bird was hit a couple of times at once.
Don't ignore those ditches! Out last bird came after we walked a fence row out to the opposite mile road and were waiting for the ride back. Two dogs, four hunters all standing there talking when a bird took off right in front of us. He must have been as nervous as a congressman in church when he finally flushed.
These birds are not your farm birds. They run through cover, flush low and fast and generally it's 10:1 birds per shot. Fortunately there are literally thousands of birds out there.
Anyone up for a road trip next year?
On the local front, coming just South of the bridge I saw a pickup with four NICE bucks heading home last night. Congratulations to that camp! I saw lots of deer on roofs but that load was truly impressive.
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TOMORROW IS ELECTION DAY! Don't let someone else decide YOUR future! Even if you vote wrong (as in, not exactly the same way I voted ;) ), VOTE!
Proposition 3 boils down to this: In 1996, the people of Michigan, decided through proposal G (by a 2/3 majority) that the DNR is to manage game through SCIENCE, not emotion or popularity. If there is SCIENTIFIC reason to restrict or eliminate hunting, we agreed to that. On the other hand, hunting was not to be restricted by emotion, by if a bird is pretty or whatever. Now an outside anti-hunting group has paid $8.7 million dollars in advertising to go against the will of the people of this state.
What really makes me angry about this is the LIES. "No one eats doves" and "Doves are target practice" are the biggest lies of them all. Go to http://www.mucc.org/ and view their video ad to see a picture of a "Dove roast". They are GAME and they are EATEN.
I know I am "harping" on this. Lies make me angry. If you want to say that you don't believe in hunting and you want it stopped, I won't agree with you, but that is your right to say that. Hire some actor and put him in an orange hat and have him say he is a hunter and spout your lies is just plain wrong. If he is a hunter, he is grossly misinformed (or a liar) and just plain a fool if he thinks that this is "just about the doves". If I was a dove hunter in Ohio, I would take severe offence to what is being said about dove hunting and I think that clown in the ad owes them an apology for his ignorance.
Say no to the LIES. Vote YES ON 3.
I think you should vote yes on 1. I think your recreation fees, hunting, fishing, boating and camping, should go to the resources you paid to use, not as a secret tax on people who use outdoor recreation. If you believe the legislature can be trusted to use that money wisely, then feel free to disagree with me.
As far as the other elections, I don't think this is the proper forum for that. Unless one candidate was strongly for or against our sports, I would not bring that up here. Governor Granholm approved the use of State money for Cormorant Control and approved the Dove Hunt last year, and Dick Devos being from Grand Rapids is not, to my knowledge, going to be unsympathetic to our issues. Both Devos and Granholm support proposition 2. I think you need to look at other criteria to make that decision.
As far as the other elections http://www.mucc.org/documents/06MUCCVoterEducationGuide_000.pdf has an excellent review of the candidate's views. I personally take a dim view of politicians that won't respond to MUCC. I take that as a lack of respect for the sportsmen and women of this state. At least stand up and disagree with us and show us that much respect.
For my customers in other states, check your local groups for information on the issues in your area. Be informed and above all VOTE!
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11-1-2006 I am off to South Dakota this morning early. Anyone heading that way can get me on my cell at 877-455-7096 for a hunting report.
10-31-2006 I just learned that a friend of mine, the same Mike in the Free Press article below, almost lost his dog the other day. The dog jumped in a ditch and took a reed in the neck and almost bled to death. A DNR agent picked them up and drove them to the vet, saving the dog's life. Kudo's to the DNR on this one.
That's Mike above with (I think) another one of his dogs. He managed to bag a wild pheasant on public land that his dog pointed, not a small feat. From the number of bands, this was a mature bird.
You can check out Mike and his dogs at http://www.uplandvizslas.com/
I voted today. I have something going on that may take me out of town on the 7th, so I went down to the clerk's office and voted. It was quick, it was EASY, and it saved me the line next Tuesday.
If things go the way they have for many recent elections, less than 50% of eligible voters will vote next week. Look at it this way, your vote counts DOUBLE.
I find it especially disturbing that while we are asking soldiers to serve in harms way, asking them to risk their lives and be apart from their families, and yes, asking some of them to die, that more than half of Americans think exercising one of the most important rights they are defending, the right to vote, is too much trouble.
10-30-2006 I just read
that I am a "fear monger" in that I claim that Proposal 2's
defeat will be a first step in taking away your rights to
hunt and fish. OK, let's look at what the HSUS
president Wayne Pacelle has clearly stated:
“We are going to use the ballot box and the
democratic process to stop all hunting in the United States
... We will take it species by species
(Just in case you think Deer hunting is safe)
until all hunting is
stopped in California. Then we will take it state by state.”
10-29-2006 Check Out this Free Press Article. Mike was kind enough to educate me this fall on Grouse habitat at the Michigan-Sportsman Grouse camp.
10-25-2006 I received one of the funniest video's I have seen in a long time from Chip Greene, the "Ridgeback Rattler guy". It is on my Jokes page
10-23-2006 I have been away for a couple of days but I'm back now. I was tooling down a local road when I spotted these two Turkeys. They actually chased the truck off as I left. You can tell Jenny is very bewildered, I think she was wondering how Pheasants can get that big!
I know this is a real long shot that someone on my site would know someone, but a 50 pound white and orange English Setter with distinctive markings on face - 6 yrs. old -was possibly stolen in South Dakota on August 12 and may have been sold to an unsuspecting person. For information check out this link:
If you or someone you know recently acquired a dog like that, check out the photos with the markings.
I don't think I have to say what I think about someone stealing a dog. Get your dog micro chipped, so if the dog is lost, a responsible, honest person can return it.
10-18-2006 Today, Wednesday, Oct. 18th is the Flint Steelheaders General Membership Meeting at Walli's. (Center Road 1/2 mile South of I69 on the East Side of Flint (Burton)) The Meeting starts at 7:30pm. Guest Speakers are Jake VanRooyen with a Lake Huron Video presentation and Keith Kampainen who will be talking about Drift Boats and Hootchie Mama's. Keith is a long time friend of the Flint Chapter and supports us throughout the year. As always the Membership Meetings are open to the public where everyone is invited to attend.
10-17-2006 Tomorrow is the Flint Steelheaders October Meeting, all are welcome.
10-10-2006 I learned something today about the Dove Hunting issue I was not aware of. Opponents of Dove hunting say that Michigan has a "tradition" of protecting the dove. What is the source of that tradition? Why was the dove "protected" in the first place? Did the people, legislature or government come to the conclusion back then at the turn of the century that they should protect the mourning dove? NO!!!!!!
They enacted laws to protect the ENDANGERED PASSENGER PIGEON!!!! Apparently the now extinct passenger pigeon looked very similar to the mourning dove in flight, so the powers that were at the time, in a responsible effort to protect the now extinct bird, made a decision based on FACTS and SCIENCE to ban dove hunting. Since the passenger pigeon has been extinct for nearly 100 years now, it is safe to hunt doves again.
Make no mistake, if dove hunting is banned, the HSUS and the animal rights Nazis will not go away. They are after YOUR sport and even your pet.
"Ultimately we are out to stop all hunting...dove hunting is particularly vulnerable" Mike Markarian, EVP, HSUS
"We have no problem with the extinction of domestic animals. They are creations of selective human breeding." Wayne Pacelle - President of the HSUS
10-7-2006 I was at the Michigan-Sportsman.com Grouse Camp Wednesday through Friday. We flushed a lot of Grouse and a few Woodcock, but in the heavy cover it was hard to get a shot. Above is Mike looking at a Grouse that had flushed straight up into that small tree. Unfortunately we had his pup with us that he did not want shot over.
10-6-2006 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE - Contact: Al Stewart 517-373-1263 - Fall Turkey Leftover Licenses Still Available
Michigan Department of Natural Resources wildlife officials today announced there are more than 30,000 leftover licenses still available for the fall turkey hunting season. These licenses may be purchased over the counter by individuals who did not apply for a fall wild turkey license in August.
The licenses will be sold until the quota for each hunt unit is met. The complete list of leftover licenses is located on the DNR Web site at www.michigan.gov/dnr.
The fall turkey season opened Oct. 2 and runs through Nov. 14 in selected areas of the state. A hunter may purchase only one fall turkey hunting license each year. Last year, 17,100 fall wild turkey hunters harvested 4,700 turkeys. See the 2006 Fall Wild Turkey Hunting Guide for all hunt numbers, dates and regulations pertaining to the fall season. The guide is available on the DNR Web site or at all DNR license vendor locations.
The DNR is committed to the conservation, protection, management, use and enjoyment of the state’s natural resources for current and future generations.
You are receiving this information because you voluntarily provided the DNR with your e-mail address while purchasing your hunting/fishing license online. If you would like your name removed from this mailing list, please click here: MDNR-E-License@michigan.gov .
Thank you
MDNR E-License
10-4-2006 I am off to the Michigan-Sportsman.com Grouse Camp up near Harrisville today. Jenny and I are going to try some Grouse Hunting and have some fun.
10-3-2006 I have added a new product to my store, Bob's Professional Deer Feed. I did some research into what the game farms feed their big Bucks and this is what I found. Why not improve the herd while you bait this year?
I am looking to expand my product line outside of just Salmon Fishing. If you know of any outdoor or hunting gear that is locally made and is in need of wider exposure, let them or me know. The type of item I am looking for is #1 High Quality and Useful and #2 not widely available.
A Waterspout seen near Holland last Friday. I bet that guy was at full throttle!
9-27-2006 I went to Mitchell Farms Hunt Club today to give me and Jenny a work out. Don't tell anyone but I am now not the best hunter in the house. I have some serious target practice to do!
Before anyone says anything, this is a put-and-take club, so these birds are not out of season and yes, that is the first hen I have ever shot, and it is legal. I know its not a "real" hunt, but in my experience the biggest difference between "real" hunts and club hunts is at the club I actually get to shoot. Here is an opportunity to get out on some pheasants in North Oakland County at a pretty reasonable price.
It's good for the dog to actually scent birds and good practice for me to learn how she hunts. After flushing 4 birds I now can tell you when she is on a bird and when she is not.
Actually that cock was a nice shot, if I do say so myself. I could tell she was on a bird so I was ready, and that bird was not on the ground for more than a second before she had it.
I am so excited about bird season this year, more excited than I have been in years.
Some links for you to check out concerning the ballot proposal: www.cwcmi.org, www.cwccmi.org this link has the anti-trapping video on it, www.protectyourfunds.org this link is for prop 1
You can buy a shirt to help support the cause
at
http://www.trappintees.com/ You can also buy the
shirt at KD Outdoors in Waterford.
9-26-2006 I urge you to remember to vote this year, especially on ballot proposals 1 and 3
|
PROPOSAL 06-1 A PROPOSED CONSTITUTIONAL AMENDMENT TO REQUIRE THAT MONEY HELD IN CONSERVATION AND RECREATION FUNDS CAN ONLY BE USED FOR THEIR INTENDED PURPOSES The proposed constitutional amendment would: |
Too often our fees are looked upon as a piggy bank to raid.
|
PROPOSAL 06-3 A REFERENDUM ON PUBLIC ACT 160 OF 2004 – AN ACT TO ALLOW THE ESTABLISHMENT OF A HUNTING SEASON FOR MOURNING DOVES Public Act 160 of 2004 would: |
I don't know how much dove hunting I plan to do, but reading what the Humane Society has to say on it has made me feel strongly on this one. Make no mistake, they view this as a step toward banning all hunting, fishing, dog and cat ownership, animal raising and breeding of any kind. "One generation and out. We have no problems with the extinction of domestic animals. They are creations of human selective breeding." Wayne Pacelle, now CEO, HSUS, 1993
As is typical of these jerks, they start right out by lying. My favorite is that the dove is "Michigan’s Official Bird of Peace". That stems from a bill that WAS NEVER PASSED probably put in by some tree hugger. The bill never passed which makes the word "official" a LIE.
The second is the LIE that doves are not eaten. Yes they are. I don't care if you think they have much meat, I feel the same way about bluegills, but lots of people eat them. Shooting game and not making an effort to recover it is ILLEGAL. Dove HUNTING is not target practice.
These jerks love "messages". Well send them a message, vote yes on 3. Even if you do not hunt, these guys are after YOUR RIGHTS.
STOP THE ANIMAL RIGHTS FASCISTS!
I just found a pretty neat web site you might be interested in:
9-25-2006 Last weekend we took a trip up to Mackinaw City and checked out Wilderness Park. Everybody seems to head to the UP or the Island up there and the park gets little attention. They have some nice campgrounds right on the water and you can hike west right out on to the peninsula on Lake Michigan. I am told that the "rock bars" out there are one of the best places in Michigan to fish for Bass.
9-20-2006 Tonight is the Flint Steelheaders September Meeting! All are welcome.
As you can see the boat is in the barn for the winter. The rod holders and the radar had to come off the roof and the tires needed to be deflated, but in it went. For the first time since I bought it, the boat will be readily available to me for working in the off season. She needs a good cleaning and polishing, reinforcing of the planer board mast mount and a half dozen other small projects. Winterizing is first on the list though.
One of my programs for looking at traffic into this site tracks the search strings people use to get here, which can be useful in seeing what you guys want when you get here. The biggest hitter usually is "bob's outdoors" which means you heard of me in an ad or on line or maybe just use the search engine as an easy way to get to my sire rather than typing the URL. This month the biggest hitter is "terry tate", I think my son is getting his football buddies on my joke page.
One search string caught my eye - "does anyone use twinkie rigs with dipsy divers?" If you got here through that question, the answer is YES!! I use them on downriggers and dipsys. I daresay my success rate with dipsys is higher than downriggers. Shorten your lead from the dipsy to the bait though, so the rig is short enough to net the fish!
9-14-2006
Click on the picture for a larger view
From Lake Ontario - Team Offshore wins the Scotty Derby!
"It was a
very tough weekend for all that ended in a sweet way for us.
We owe a lot of credit to our partner boat Royal Flush for
letting us in on some information they had from Friday. This
is a team I trust wholeheartedly when it comes to sharing
information with and a team I really respect as anglers.
Had we known it was going to be so close, I can guarantee
you I'd have never cut it so close coming in. We made an
almost 19 mile run back with 1 minute and 40 seconds to
spare. I have learned over the years to never give up no
matter what (evidence of this was fishing 1 1/2 days at the
last Scotty with a blown lower unit on my big motor with my
only power coming from an 8hp kicker) but that was a little
too close for comfort for me.
We found our fish just a little west of Bluffers Park at the
drop off. We targeted the 180 foot depth fishing 120-150
down on the riggers. If I was to go out in the next few days
I would go there again. We marked LOTS of baitfish and a lot
of big fish marks. A Purple Taco fly (called Whitey) and a
white pearl J-plug were the baits of choice. We took two
rips on the Shurestrike meat rigs (blue/glow and red/glow)
but no one was home.
All in all I had an excellent time hanging out with my
Canadian buddies, Team Royal Flush, my teammates Curt and
Skeiner, and in conveying the play by play to Deryk on the
phone while he was locked down in Nova Scotia.
As always, thanks goes out to my sponsors Offshore Tackle
LLC., Riviera Trolling Systems, Opti Tackle, Ridgeback
Rattler downrigger weights, Purple Taco, and of course
Shurestrike. A special thanks goes out to our families for
allowing us to escape for one last weekend of the summer to
follow our dreams."
Craig MacFee
I have been told now all the fish came from riggers with Ridgebacks....
9-12-2006 Not exactly fishing news, but if you know Steve Burns, a Flint Steelheader and a heck of a guy, you should check this out.
9-8-2006 This just cracked me up completely for some reason. The city of Amarillo, Texas is very proud (rightly) of one of their students for coming in eighth in the national spelling bee. They put up a billboard that said, "Congratulations! Caitlin Cambell for making Amarillo proud." Obviously the city sees the importance of spelling correctly. Unfortunately the young lady's name is Caitlin Campbell.
Congratulations Caitlin, I only spell this well because of spell check. I couldn't spell "collyrium" on a bet, and my spell checker did not know how to either.
9-7-2006 If you have a high speed connection and some time for a pretty decent show on fishing, check out http://www.gettinghooked.net/Episodes.htm The late summer Kings episode is pretty good.
9-5-2006 new net alert, a new net has been placed north of Big Sable Point. "Deep end: 44° 05.501N 086° 30.9 W. Staff with orange flag. Depth: 165'. Inside end: 44°05.25N 086° 30.2 W. Staff with two flags, orange over black. 128'.(approximate). In addition to the staffs locating the lead and the pot, the wings and the king anchor are also marked with staffs. The king anchor staff is 1000 feet west of the pot staff. As seen on the water, there will appear to be four staffs near each other in the vicinity of the pot. They are the king anchor staff, the pot staff, and a staff on each wing of the pot. At this time this is the only net with such complete staff markings." For complete information click here.
9-4-2006 Welcome to the post-season season. While most guys are pulling boats and getting ready to hunt, some of the best fishing of the year is still out there. This is one of my favorite times to fish, the weather is cool and there are not nearly as many boats out there.
Since experience has shown me not to hold my breath for orders now, (8 orders last September for the whole month) I am going fishing. I have some prototype stuff to run and some equipment to figure out.
Now that the "frenzy" is over, I am back to 5 business days or less shipping, unless you call me with an urgent need and I am able to accommodate. That is still better than most "big" online retailers and plenty fast for 99% of the orders I will get until March.
9-1-2006 If you needed another reason to understand that a cell phone is NOT ENOUGH out on the water, that you need a VHF, the Coast Guard is going to be doing live fire practice out on the Great Lakes and will be warning people over the VHF.
8-29-2006 I took off yesterday to the lake and caught a couple of fish for a cookout this weekend. Fishing continues to be good with some real hogs in the 25-30 lb class around.
8-24-2006 I am getting reports from Ludington to Frankfort of massive catches. Lots of fish, and some real hogs mixed in there.
Congratulations to my fishing partner, who is on the board at Captain Chuck's with a 16# Laker.
8-23-2006 I am back from Maine. Filling orders is the order of the day.
8-17-2006 I have been having autopilot [problems all year. On Monday I spoke with a Raymarine technician finally who seemed to know the problem so yesterday I went out and fixed it FINALLY. My fishing report is above.
Number one, fishing in Ludington is HOT HOT HOT. I personally saw a fish over 29 lbs weighed at the Marina, the first I have seen in years. The fish are big and they are staging off of the point. Now is the time to get out there.
Second, yesterday was yet another example of the ability of these bait rigs to get fish after the morning bite is over. Boats were heading in because the bite had dies when we headed out.
Third, you do not need the huge flashers to run meat. I have run spin doctors and Inticers all year and don't intend to change now. The Inticers proved them selves yesterday to be fish catching machines on my boat.
Well, I have to fire up the smoker. I have a family reunion in Maine to go to this weekend, so orders placed after today at noon will not ship until Tuesday.
8-15-2006 From our DNR:
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE CONTACT: Rod Clute
11 AUGUST 06
517-373-1263
Private Land Antlerless License Sales Begin August 16
The Department of Natural Resources reminds deer hunters that private land antlerless deer licenses will be sold on a first-come, first-served basis beginning August 16, 2006 at 10:00am. Several important changes have been made this year regarding private land antlerless deer hunting.
Fewer private land antlerless deer licenses will be available in many northern Michigan and Upper Peninsula Deer Management Units (DMUs). Hunters may wish to purchase their licenses early.
Eighty-one of 98 DMUs will have 582,200 private land licenses available.
To purchase a private land antlerless license for a given DMU, hunters must provide the contact phone number of the private landowner granting permission to deer hunt in the DMU. For zones 1 and 2, the landowner granting permission is required to have 40 or more contiguous acres within the DMU.
Hunters will also be limited to a maximum of three private land antlerless deer licenses, of which no more than two may be from zones 1 and 2 combined. The seven-county Bovine Tuberculosis area, referred to as the Special Regulations Units in the 2006 Michigan Antlerless Deer Hunting Guide, is exempt from the 40 acre requirement and the limit on private land antlerless deer licenses.
Private land antlerless deer licenses may be purchased at any of the 1,500 license dealers around the state or online at www.michigan.gov/dnr.
The landowner phone number will not be printed on private land licenses purchased on online, as it will be on licenses purchased from a license agent. However, HUNTERS ARE STILL RESPONSIBLE FOR CARRYING THE PHONE NUMBER WITH THEM WHILE HUNTING, AND MUST PROVIDE THE NUMBER IF REQUESTED BY A CONSERVATION OFFICER.
For complete information on these and other changes, refer to the 2006 Michigan Antlerless Deer Hunting Guide available at license agents and online.
The DNR is committed to conservation, protection, management, use and enjoyment of the state's natural resources for current and future generations.
Thank you
MDNR E-License
8-14-2006 Another boat on the break wall at Ludington harbor Saturday night. This was not a GPS mishap or drinking this time, just confusion about lights.
The best thing about radar is coming in the harbor at night. There is no mistaking the shape of the harbor as you approach it.
At night I approach the piers at a greatly reduced speed with my radar on and a sharp watch ahead. I'm not saying that nothing can ever happen, but with some caution you can greatly reduce the risk and the effects of an accident.
East wind howling kept me off the lake, my fishing partner was just not up for it. Fishing is great, big fish and lots of them. Get out for the early morning bite and you'll be eating breakfast at the Hamlin at 9 am.
The Inticers are on fire! I am getting all kinds of reports from the East side of the lake. I will have many more colors later this week.
8-10-2006 Heading out to the lake this evening. If you are in Ludington, look me up.
8-9-2006 I have a report from last weekend out of Ludington that the fishing was real hot. 27 fish in 3 trips (limit of Kings every time out), some well over 20 lbs. Meat rigs and spoons, DEEP.
8-8-2006 From Josh at Raider Spoons: "Your spoon (Bob's Radioactive Clown) has gotten hot for me out of Milwaukee. I couldn't catch a cold on it a month ago, but the standard size took several fish yesterday and caught our biggest one today." OK, he might be a little biased, but right now, the Radioactive Clown is hot.
8-7-2006 As usual it's the Monday rush to ship. I went up to Grindstone City Saturday and spent the night in the "new" camper with my wife. With some modifications it's getting real comfortable.
8-2-2006 I am starting to get a lot of positive reports about the Bob's Radioactive Clown spoon, including a bunch of reorders for multiple spoons, which is the best report I can get. A guy does not order 4 or 6 of the same color unless it works for him.
8-1-2006 You know, if you are a sport fisherman and really want to improve your game, you should join the Steelheaders (or another club if you are not near a Steelheader chapter) and participate in the club tournaments. They are a lot of fun for $20, you learn a lot and there is no problem with "not doing well", if that is what worries you. If you look at the Ludington results, you would see that you would have had plenty of company, including me, down at the bottom. I have not problem with that myself, I had my day in South Haven and I will have my day again, I'm sure.
The Manistee Outing on the 12th will include a cookout and will be a great time to join the club and meet some of the members.
From a long time customer: "great spoon you came up with. (Bob's Radioactive Clown)...it caught 14 of 22 Salmon... Your Radioactive Clown was a killer...needless to say the four I purchased were not in my box when I arrived back to Chicago. I was informed last night that they are working extremely well. Thanks for all the tips...they made a big difference. Once I moved the spoons to about 10' - 12' feet behind the ridgebacks the fishing really picked up."
7-27-2006 Off to the lake today to get some work done on the boat and get ready for the Flint Steelheaders Ludington Tournament. My buddy Dick will be there and we will be "Head to Head" with my fishing partner Skip.
“Monster Master Angler” Qualifying Salmon Caught off
Frankfort
2006 Frankfort catch one of the largest Lake Michigan
King (Chinook) Salmon caught in several years!!!
On Tuesday July 18th, 2006, Benzie County Charter Captain Dave Rusch, who’s Boat, the Family Feud, had one heck of a Great Day Fishing off of Frankfort!
BIG FISH…BIG FISH ON…was the word of the day!!!
The Family Feud Captain and one of his Charter Customers, Max Griffith, caught a 2006 “Goliath” sized King (Chinook) Salmon! The Family Feud landed a huge male Chinook Salmon that tipped the scale at 32# lb.- 12 ounces, and was 43” inches in length. While the average size of Lake Michigan Chinook (King) Salmon is up this season, this Department of Natural Resources “Master Angler” Qualifying Fish was huge, by all current standards. Current minimum DNR Master Angler requirements for a Chinook Salmon are 27# lbs. (or 41” inches in length) both of which Captain Rusch’s Monster King exceeded.
To put this into perspective…only 6 total Michigan Master Angler Awards were applied for during the 2005 Michigan Fishing Season, for the King (Chinook) Salmon category!
Locally, news’s of this catch brought this comment from Brian Murphy, Owner of the Frankfort Tackle Box, “It's been a long time since a fish that size has been caught in these waters. This monster was taken on one of Frankfort’s favorite spoons, the Magnum size Wolverine Silver Streak Glo-Screwball”. (A spoon I recommended and sold to several customers at the shows this spring BTW)
A Reporter’s call to Tom Rozich, Michigan Central Lake Michigan Unit Manager (Muskegon North to Mackinaw responsibility) for the DNR Fisheries Division, Mr. Rozich suggested “that this fish potentially was the biggest salmon yet caught this season” and a huge trophy, based on the size of this years King Salmon and those over the last several years”.
Mr. Rozich said “ Last year, the largest King Salmon caught in Lake Michigan was 32# lb.- 8 ounces, a fish caught in late August. This fish, the Griffith fish, weighing in at 32# lb.- 12 ounces in mid-July, surely could have outpaced last years largest King. These fish can put on a pound a week, weight-wise and potentially, the Griffith fish could have been a 36# pound plus fish a month from now! With the catch of this Griffith King Salmon, we feel it is an excellent indication that we will have multiple 30# plus pound class fish and multiple Master Angler Award Winners this year, once again. This years Class of King’s are Fat and Sassy…which is a very good thing!!!”
When called, Jay Wesley, the Southern Lake Michigan Unit Manager (Area’s South of Muskegon responsibility) for the DNR Fisheries Division confirmed that “the Family Feud fish is the biggest Fish I have heard being caught on Lake Michigan this Summer, or possibly in the last couple years for that matter, and he stated “that a 28# lb. King, out of the Port of Ludington, was the largest he had heard of so far this year”. Mr. Wesley went on to say that “the good news is that the average “Chinook Weight’s” are up from the last year, which is great news, and due to a dramatic increase in their food source”.
Captain Rusch said that “Our Charter Trip was already going very well (11 beautiful Salmon in the Cooler), when we hooked into this monster. One of my Customers, young Max Griffith of Haslett, Michigan, was on the rod and did a great job battling this huge fish to the Boat. Congratulations once again Max!”
Max’s Dad, Dale Griffith, was still excited when called at Home one week later. “Oh, we had such a great time. Max loves Fishing and this catch was a real thrill, a lifetime memory. This fish just would not come in. While Max had his huge fish on, for what seemed like an hour or so, we had other fish hitting our baits. At one point, we had a “triple header” going, including Max’s monster. We finally cleared all of the lines and had to begin to try and chase this fish down, in order to land Max’s trophy! The Family Feud Captain and his Mate did a great job!”
Max, a recent High School graduate from Haslett, will be starting College at Western Michigan University this Fall. The Griffith Family was in Frankfort Area, with many “Out of State (Iowa)” Family Members, for a Family 50th Wedding Anniversary Party. Said Mr. Griffith, “All of us were elated with our Charter on the Family Feud, a beautiful 40' Silverton, and with the event of Max’s huge King Salmon conquest. Frankfort/Elberta and Benzie County are two of our most favorite places on the Great Lakes, and when it comes to Great Lakes Fishing…Frankfort is second to none!!!”
Charter Trips on the Family Feud can be booked by calling
Captain Dave Rusch 989-773-9042 (Ext. 116) or via email at
david.r@sttsecurity.com.
************************************************************************************************************
Copy provided by Don Harrison, Director, Benzie County Sport Fishing Association.
Don Harrison and the Benzie County Sport Fishing
Association
can be reached via email at
FishBenzie@yahoo.com.
The BCSFA Web Site: www.geocities.com/FishBenzie
7-25-2006 I bough a camper the other day to give me a place to stay on my hunting and fishing trips. Just your basic place to sleep, not very fancy at all. Turns out the accessories are more expensive than the camper.
11# Ridgebacks are selling like hotcakes. I was fishing one 100 feet down Saturday with very little blow back.
7-19-2006 All of the Silver Streak Spoons we have are on the store and inventoried, so if you can order it, we should have it, barring any mistakes. I spilt them into magnum and Standard size pages so you can browse them easier.
I have added Okuma Convector Wire Rods to the store. Don't let the name fool you, these are really nice roller rods, Think Talora rods at a reasonable price. I also have a combo with a Daiwa SG47LCA reel.
Getting ready to head out to Ludington tomorrow.
7-17-2006 Shipping orders is the task of the day. How about this heat?
I tried out the new 11# ridgeback this weekend. It took care of my blowback problem with the strike vision all the way down to 50 feet. Unfortunately the fish were a lot deeper in that heat and all the hits were on the other rigger.
7-14-2006 Off to the lake today, weather looks good so I hope to get a lot of fishing in. I will be trying out my new 11# Ridgeback with the Strike Vision.
7-12-2006 The 11# Ridgebacks are in stock! I now also have the G-Fly Hurricane Jr. and some G-Fly Stainless Steel at a very good price.
7-11-2006 I now have whole herring in 5 pack or 9 pack containers. I saw the same product for sale at tackle stores for $7 a tray, so my prices ($6 and $5.55) are actually pretty competitive, and that's with a free cooler for your bait!
This red label herring will fit in your bait heads. I tried some other product last year and it had not been processed properly, the stomach contents burst open and the bait would fall apart. This bait has been soaking in warm water in my sink for a couple of hours now with no sign of such problems.
I also now have some real nice, reasonably priced sunglasses from the Florida Keys.
I should have the 11 lb Ridgeback Rattler tomorrow. Hopefully I will be getting out Walleye fishing tonight also.
7-10-2006 I have some new stuff coming today, as usual first priority is orders after the weekend. Boy was I happy to see the size on the fish we took Saturday.
From Greg Gumbrecht of the Flint Steelheaders:
"Greetings All,
I just received a phone call from Norm Anderson (Flint River President) who received a voice mail message from Carl Levin's Office. According to them, the Sea Lamprey fund was approved with no funds being taken away like originally planned.
This is great news for Michigan's fisher-people as well as the other States and Countries that border the Great Lakes. By not making any cuts this will help insure a specific control plan stays in place to control the sea lamprey.
I also did some poking around Senator Levins Website and found two articles where Senators Levin & Stabenow have introduced Bills to get information on what impact the Double Crested Cormorants are having on Michigan. Thankfully these two Senators are seeking accurate information about this migratory bird and it's impact on Michigan instead of wondering what department is getting funded or not....
There is also funding set aside for improvements in Michigan's Harbors. Hopefully these funds will be used wisely."
The comment about the "wondering what department is getting funded or not" is referring to some political battles about who should get the funding to do Cormorant control. Now I am not going to get into politics here outside of the subject of the Great Lakes Fishery. I know many of you have opinions about the Senators on a wide range of issues, some negative, but I will put a plug in here for anyone who is working to support the fishery.
Special Kudo's should go to the Steelheaders who have worked tirelessly on these issues. If you are not a member you should be, your dues do a lot to improve your fishery.
From Jim Fenner, Pres. Ludington Area Charterboat Association: "The wind site at Big Sable could be very useful to us all. You may want to look at some of the information below. The address of the Big Sable station is: http://www.ndbc.noaa.gov/station_page.php?station=bsbm4 You may want to add it to your weather bookmarks."
7-7-2006 I have some new colors of Twinkies available - Glow/Blue, "Oil Slick", and "Black Beauty" and Twinkies are at a new lower price.
"Alert to all, The Association has been informed that a very large lime boat is due to arrive at the (Ludington) lime dock on Sunday at 1:30 PM and is expected to be at the dock for up to 8 hours. The message relayed to me from the call taken at the chamber stressed that it was a very large vessel. No other information was provided. Jim Fenner, Pres. Ludington Area Charterboat Association"
In other words, this is a very large vessel and you should keep well clear. The props on these things will have no problem eating a small (under 50 ft) boat and the thrusters and wake could easily throw your boat against the wall at a surprising distance. In other words, don't be stupid, stay the heck away.
I have a ton of stuff to do around here, so instead I am going fishing. I advise you to do the same. Besides, another week and I'll be able to sell the hay from my lawn! ;)
7-6-2006 I had a request today for a copy of a receipt for an item that I sold over a year ago. That is one bit of service you will get here that you will never get at the big retailers. I have a complete record of all my sales, even the items I sold on "the other store", except for cash transactions at shows.
Whew - all of the orders that were waiting shipped yesterday right before the PO closed. It was a little frustrating because my credit card service decided to be down yesterday. It was the first time in two years so I guess I should not be too upset, but it figures when I am in a hurry that's when it happens. A couple of orders had to go out with the card "authorized", not actually run, so if you got a packing list instead of a receipt that's why and your receipt will be mailed today. My problems are not going to delay you getting your tackle if I can prevent it.
7-5-2006 We are back and shipping orders.
6-30-2006 We are closed June 30 to July 4 2006. Orders will be shipped July 5
Off to the lake for a few days. If you are fishing Ludington my boat is the Sarah Ann, give me a shout.
6-29-2006 Well, my 11 month old lab Jenny is home today after a month of training at the Rooster Ranch. We took her out yesterday and it is quite amazing what they have taught her. She flushed a bird, kept pace with it as it flew and eventually found and retrieved it without harming it. I am really looking forward to this fall's hunting season. Now my job is keeping her sharp.
6-26-2006 The June meeting of Salmon Unlimited will be held at 7:30 PM CDT on Monday June 26, 2006 at the Indiana Harbor Yacht Club, located off Cline Ave and the lakefront in East Chicago (Pastrick Marina). Guest speaker is Capt. Mike Orr of 5 Orrs Charters. All are invited to attend. Unfortunately I will not be able to attend.
6-25-2006 I was in Manitowoc, Wisconsin Saturday and I went to Mills Fleet Farm to check out their tackle and I found something on the rack that I just had to buy. Right there in the first aisle was Bob's Fish Holder! It was pretty exciting to see something I made on a store shelf like that.
6-24-2006 "I have received creditable information that at least one new net has been placed in our area (Ludington). I do not yet have the exact coordinates or depths. Several boats preparing to fish the Manistee tournament this week end lost tackle to this net. The net is in the 44° 07's, and is said to be somewhat deeper than the nets in the 06's. A new preliminary "Net Alert" is on our website. (http://www.ludingtoncharterboats.org/) When more complete information is known, it will be updated.
Jim Fenner, Pres. Ludington Area Charter Boat Association"
6-22-2006 Introducing, ONLY at Bob's outdoors, Bob's Radioactive Clown, with a unique extended green glow front and extended blue glow back.
6-21-2006 I have an assistant for the summer, you might talk to her when you call. I have trained her to do some of the things I never get around to. Today she added about a dozen silver streaks to the store.
6-20-2006 I am fishing the Fourth Annual Red Hook Tackle Outing on Lake Michigan this weekend. This is an excellent outing with a great group of guys. It's kind of fun to fish the "wrong" side of the lake!
You can now Preorder the 11# Ridgeback Rattler here. We expect them some time this week, but Chip is at the mercy of the plater, so there are no guarantees.
6-19-2006 I just read that Dick Coleman of Captain Chuck's in Ludington rescued a man last Saturday Night at Big Sable Point who had fallen in the water at sunset. If he had not it is likely he would have died. Good job Dick.
I will have the new 8th Edition of the Precision Trolling Book in stock by Wednesday, you can order it now.
By popular demand, I now have Dan Keating's first book, "Great Lakes Salmon and Trout Fishing" which I understand is in limited supply.
My boat is finally in Ludington and in the slip for the season. Wind and Thunder Storms kept us from doing anything about it though. I hope you all had a good Father's Day.
I have been keeping a pretty good log this year and one thing I just figured out is my cost/hr in fuel. It has cost me $6.80/hour to fish so far this year in gas.
6-16-2006 I have a couple of new products for the store. I have been messing with various solutions for the "rattling Dipsy issue" for years and finally have figured out that a 6" strip of velcro is the way to go. You can pick up a set for your self here.
Daiwa Heartland Rods and a bunch of new combo's are available
6-15-2006 Looking to go fishing with Chip tomorrow morning.
6-14-2006 My fishing trip with Chip is up in the air. The good news is he says the fish are still "jumping in the boat".
For any who care, the Pontiac lake Shooting Range is open from 10-5 Thursday through Monday. I only mention it because that makes this the ONLY site on the web with the hours, certainly not the Pontiac Recreation Area web site, what a ridiculous idea, having your hours on your web site! I had to drive all the way down there today to find this info out.
&nbs