Tackle shops, hardware or department stores, TV ads,cataloges, magazines ...... all offering a dazzling array of lures and baits and "whatch-a-ma-callits", each tempting you that this is the magic gizmo that you MUST have on the end of your line to fill the box with fish. The fisherman easily parts with some money, and this new item takes priority in the top of the tacklebox.
While each and every product is good in its own right, most fishermen slowly add that one extra ingredient, called EXPERIENCE. This important tool cannot be learned all in one season, or from reading just one article. Make sure your "box" for experience is always open.
ANONYMOUS QUOTE:
FISHERMAN: A jerk on one end waiting for a jerk on the other.
Several of the former local Captains once shared ideas that are of interest to all fishermen, and the logic still holds true today.
One 18+ year veteran of Lake Michigan fishing remembered the men coming up to try the fishing, then returning with their entire families. Tried and true methods are usually productive, but there is always room to experiment, since one simple change might produce a "hot" lure. Prismatic reflector tape allows you to change colors instantly, and it works. Checking, or changing lures for action is important too. Slight bends or twists will alter the action of such lures as flutter spoons and Northport Nailers. Plugs can be made to run deep, wobble, or tilt to one side.
RECOMMENDATIONS: Keep records of all your fishing activity and studying that of others and compare. Get the when, where, why, how and what for each catch and write it down. "It's called experience, and it doesn't come easily."
80% of the Captains held other full time jobs, commenting that "You have to love fishing more than you want to make money." Another 12+ year veteran mentions that Lake Michigan is unpredictable, with boaters averaging 3 or 4 good fishing days per week. Whether a charter or launching your own boat, the best laid plans can go astray. He does remember clients who would book a charter for the following season even before returning to the dock.
RECOMMENDATIONS: Skamania Steelhead .... "When the Steelhead are in, we are never more than two miles from the Lighthouse in any direction." A fisherman advantage is to use a medium light 7 1/2 ft. graphite rod with 17 lb. test line. Run a jointed Rapala about 150 ft. behind the boat. Keep it up in the top 5 ft. of water and work the areas from 8 ft depths out to 40 ft.
One Captain once set his mind to do one thing ... break records. His achievements included holding the State Record for Lake Trout from 1974-1980, and the State Record for Chinook Salmon from 1974-1979. Between the fun, there was a serious commitment to constantly monitor all the factors that could affect the fishing that day. Traditional methods take precedence, but there was room to adapt to the clients who sought more challenging sportfishing techniques. Pit the skill of the fisherman against a trophy fish using ultra-light equipment, twelve ft rods, mini-reels, and 2 to 4 lb. test line. Fly fishing was also another option out on the big lake.
RECOMMENDATIONS: To be consistent, pay exact attention to every detail. As you depart the dock, begin to analyze the weather and water conditions. This will start to form your decision as to what size and color lures to run, how deep to run them, and at what speed. Go out there to catch fish.
Whether it be a charter, bringing your own boat, or stalking the shoreline, Lake Michigan offers many exciting challenges for your sportfishing adventure. Michigan City, Indiana is just one of the ports available in this productive southern region of Lake Michigan. Some visitors experience the thrill of a "Round Robin", a term used when catching one of each species in a single day.
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