Last Saturday Chris LeMessurier and I spent the day in Lansing at the Quiet Water Symposium promoting kayak fishing at our booth, Kayak Fish The Great Lakes.
The response was overwhelming. People, not only from Michigan, but other states as well stopped by to inquire about fishing from a kayak.
Questions ranged from what type of boat to buy, where to go to try them out, what equipment should go on them, and where and how to fish.
Chris brought two boats and I brought one. They were all different models and manufacturers and were laid out differently.
The big think I came away with was the many people that buy boats that don't fit them or worse yet, aren't suitable for the activity they intended it for.
Try before you buy. That's key. And let you kayak dealer know what you plan on doing with the boat.
If you are into tripping on one of the Great Lakes and camping from your kayak, you'll want a sea kayak with plenty of storage.
If you are looking to fish from your boat, you'll want a sit-on-top or a boat made to fish from. Where you fish will be important. If it's Cass Lake here in Oakland County, you can get a way with a shorter boat. If it's Lake St. Clair, a bigger boat is preferable.
Once you make the purchase, find out about taking a class before you venture out. And lastly, this isn't s solo sport. Get a buddy and fish together. Good luck.
For more information visit www.kayakfishthegreatlakes.com.
Monday, March 8, 2010
Thursday, March 4, 2010
Asian carp meeting
Today's story-March 4-dealt with a pnanel disccussion with some experts and people knowledgeable about the Asian carp problem.
Over the past month or so I've written weekly stories about Asian carp, the problems they could cause if they are allowed into the Great lakes, the monetary concerns, and some suggested solutions.
Someone beore me said, "this is like peeling an onion. There are layers and layers." It's true in this case. every day brings more information, new technology, and additional learning. One can only imagine what scientists and biologists must go through as they attempt to come up with a workable solution that will satisfy all parties concerned.
There is no quick fix. This is going to take some time. But time doesn't seem to be one thing we have in our favor. Not with Asian carp knocking at the door into the Great Lakes.
Someone, the U.S. Supreme Court who has a suit before it, the Army Corp of Engineers, the people that have the say on closing the locks in Chicago thereby keeping this invasive species out, and the President, who controls the purse strings and ultimately decided when and how dollars will be spent.
This is no longer a Michigan issue. Nor is it a political issue. But it is an issue of safeguarding our valuable sportfishing and recreation industry. So much is at stake not only in terms of the loss of the best sportfishing in the country, but the devastating affect such an introduction would have on jobs and Michigan economy, already at a low point.
Whether you fish or not, please take the time to email, write a postcard, or call your representative or legislature asking them to support action to control Asian carp. Your kids and grandchildren will think you.
Over the past month or so I've written weekly stories about Asian carp, the problems they could cause if they are allowed into the Great lakes, the monetary concerns, and some suggested solutions.
Someone beore me said, "this is like peeling an onion. There are layers and layers." It's true in this case. every day brings more information, new technology, and additional learning. One can only imagine what scientists and biologists must go through as they attempt to come up with a workable solution that will satisfy all parties concerned.
There is no quick fix. This is going to take some time. But time doesn't seem to be one thing we have in our favor. Not with Asian carp knocking at the door into the Great Lakes.
Someone, the U.S. Supreme Court who has a suit before it, the Army Corp of Engineers, the people that have the say on closing the locks in Chicago thereby keeping this invasive species out, and the President, who controls the purse strings and ultimately decided when and how dollars will be spent.
This is no longer a Michigan issue. Nor is it a political issue. But it is an issue of safeguarding our valuable sportfishing and recreation industry. So much is at stake not only in terms of the loss of the best sportfishing in the country, but the devastating affect such an introduction would have on jobs and Michigan economy, already at a low point.
Whether you fish or not, please take the time to email, write a postcard, or call your representative or legislature asking them to support action to control Asian carp. Your kids and grandchildren will think you.
Wednesday, February 24, 2010
Asian carp-officials lack of response
You would think that anything as important and potentially devastating to the state's econmy, tourism and sport fishing industry as the possibility of Asian Carp infesting the Great Lakes, the Department of Natural Resources and Environment would be more forthcoming and accomodating when it comes to the release and discussion of this issue.
Instead, I am told to call Lansing and talk with an official who would answewr questions in an effort "to be one voice."
What's wrong with officials anwering the phone and explaining what they are doing, along with taking some questions. It's better from the horses mouth, and more accurate.
It's timely as well. Understandably, the DNRE wantrs everyone to be on the same page, but speaking with one voice is sometimes difficult.
It's unfair to the public and those trying to become informed when so many obstacles are put in the way.
Recently, I spoke with the director of the Tennessee fisheries Bill Reeves. Unlike politicians and leaders today that spend more time dodging answers to questions, he was forthright, and stated exactly what he felt should be done.
"You need someone in charge that will make the decision. It's either river barges or contaminate the Great Lakes with Asian carp. There isn't anyone with the guts to make that call," he said.
I'm not saying our DNRE officials lack courage. In the pasdt they have always been accessible and willing to discuss issues without dodging the questions.
Why someone has decided with the Asian carp issue to put a lid on communication is strange to say the least.
As they say, stay tuned.
Instead, I am told to call Lansing and talk with an official who would answewr questions in an effort "to be one voice."
What's wrong with officials anwering the phone and explaining what they are doing, along with taking some questions. It's better from the horses mouth, and more accurate.
It's timely as well. Understandably, the DNRE wantrs everyone to be on the same page, but speaking with one voice is sometimes difficult.
It's unfair to the public and those trying to become informed when so many obstacles are put in the way.
Recently, I spoke with the director of the Tennessee fisheries Bill Reeves. Unlike politicians and leaders today that spend more time dodging answers to questions, he was forthright, and stated exactly what he felt should be done.
"You need someone in charge that will make the decision. It's either river barges or contaminate the Great Lakes with Asian carp. There isn't anyone with the guts to make that call," he said.
I'm not saying our DNRE officials lack courage. In the pasdt they have always been accessible and willing to discuss issues without dodging the questions.
Why someone has decided with the Asian carp issue to put a lid on communication is strange to say the least.
As they say, stay tuned.
Wednesday, February 17, 2010
Invasive critters
This week's column had to do with invasive species, specifically what we are coming to know as Asian Carp.
There is a little history and some background information to begin hopefully, what will turn out to be a series.
Anytime we find invasives or exotics in our ecosystem it's very serious. A few years ago the plant, purple loosestrife was on the loose. Brought over here from another country, this plant takes over, choking everything else out.
It isn't easy to eradicate either. At the time, the DNR was asking for volunteer help to pull plants up on public lands.
One of the early problems was people thought the purple blooms were colorful and wanted to see them growing everywhere.
What seemed to be a thing of beauty was actually a big nuisance. The message is to guard against exotics in every and all forms.
There is a little history and some background information to begin hopefully, what will turn out to be a series.
Anytime we find invasives or exotics in our ecosystem it's very serious. A few years ago the plant, purple loosestrife was on the loose. Brought over here from another country, this plant takes over, choking everything else out.
It isn't easy to eradicate either. At the time, the DNR was asking for volunteer help to pull plants up on public lands.
One of the early problems was people thought the purple blooms were colorful and wanted to see them growing everywhere.
What seemed to be a thing of beauty was actually a big nuisance. The message is to guard against exotics in every and all forms.
Monday, February 15, 2010
Invasives
Invasive anything gets the mind conjuring what these things really look like and maybe later, what impact will they have on the ecosystem.
Years ago; probably the mid 1950's, growing up in Grand Haven then Spring Lake, I used to fish off the south shore pier in Grand Hasven for perch.
One year, the catch was really off. Anglers blamed it on the "alewives." In the spring we used to see thousands of them washed up on the beach of what is now called Grand Haven State Park.
At the time it was felt these creatures were destroying the sport fishing industry. Remember, salmon fishing had yet to make it's hay-day.
If we fast forward we have found that salmon will readily eat alewives. Today, with the alewive population down in Lake Huron, the salmon fishery is down as well.
That's not to say invasives are a good thing. But there are a few good stories that have come from the introuction of invasives.
But fish aren't the only form of invasive trouble. There is also vegetation in many forms that left alone will take over ponds, lakes and rivers in short order.
And what about those pesky zebra mussels and gobie's we all have had to deal with and now make their home in our inland lakes? Is there any good to come from these critters?
These and other questions, especially how we deal with the problem is very complex and will take more than electroshocking or canal closing to control. Stay tuned as they say!
Years ago; probably the mid 1950's, growing up in Grand Haven then Spring Lake, I used to fish off the south shore pier in Grand Hasven for perch.
One year, the catch was really off. Anglers blamed it on the "alewives." In the spring we used to see thousands of them washed up on the beach of what is now called Grand Haven State Park.
At the time it was felt these creatures were destroying the sport fishing industry. Remember, salmon fishing had yet to make it's hay-day.
If we fast forward we have found that salmon will readily eat alewives. Today, with the alewive population down in Lake Huron, the salmon fishery is down as well.
That's not to say invasives are a good thing. But there are a few good stories that have come from the introuction of invasives.
But fish aren't the only form of invasive trouble. There is also vegetation in many forms that left alone will take over ponds, lakes and rivers in short order.
And what about those pesky zebra mussels and gobie's we all have had to deal with and now make their home in our inland lakes? Is there any good to come from these critters?
These and other questions, especially how we deal with the problem is very complex and will take more than electroshocking or canal closing to control. Stay tuned as they say!
Thursday, February 11, 2010
Today's story, Feb. 11, had to do with fishing Saginaw Bay during the annual Mark Martin Ice Fishing Vacation School.
Yes, there were fish being caught and no, I wasn't one of those doing the catching. It certainly had nothing to do with trying. My arm was both tired and sore from jigging. We were fishing about 7:30a.m. and began packing up around 6:15p.m. That's a long day and an even longer ride on the backend of a snowmobile across rough ice.
The important thing to take away from this trip is that issue of safety. Being on the ice with professionals as well as many local anglers that know the Bay better than their own yard, didn't allow for cutting any corners.
Cutting a corner in fact got one fishermen in trouble. Instead of taking the correct route back-althought it wasn't direct-he decided to cut the corner and make a straight line out of it.
A shortime later his maching went through the ice into open water. Thankfully he didn't go in with it and with help, was able to get his expensive quad out of the icy water.
I can't emphasize enough how unstable the ice can be. Out on the Bay you are sure to run into open water or expanding pressure cracks.
Mark Brumbaugh, pro angler form Ohio and one of Martin's staff, built a rack on the front of his quad to hold an alumninum extension ladder. I saw a couple more machines with ladders attached.
Great idea. Now get a pfd that you can wear over winter clothing, carry some rope and don't forget your picks. Another tool we used was a spud.
When in doubt as to the route we stopped. Someone walked ahead and tested the ice with a spud to be sure there was enough to support us.
Finally, I talked about the new IceArmor clothing; boots, suits, hats, gloves. This stuff is the real deal, and no I don't get any break from the company. What I did get this trip was the ability to stay warm, head all the way to feet.
Check it out at your sporting goods store or IceArmor.Com. Fish safe!
Yes, there were fish being caught and no, I wasn't one of those doing the catching. It certainly had nothing to do with trying. My arm was both tired and sore from jigging. We were fishing about 7:30a.m. and began packing up around 6:15p.m. That's a long day and an even longer ride on the backend of a snowmobile across rough ice.
The important thing to take away from this trip is that issue of safety. Being on the ice with professionals as well as many local anglers that know the Bay better than their own yard, didn't allow for cutting any corners.
Cutting a corner in fact got one fishermen in trouble. Instead of taking the correct route back-althought it wasn't direct-he decided to cut the corner and make a straight line out of it.
A shortime later his maching went through the ice into open water. Thankfully he didn't go in with it and with help, was able to get his expensive quad out of the icy water.
I can't emphasize enough how unstable the ice can be. Out on the Bay you are sure to run into open water or expanding pressure cracks.
Mark Brumbaugh, pro angler form Ohio and one of Martin's staff, built a rack on the front of his quad to hold an alumninum extension ladder. I saw a couple more machines with ladders attached.
Great idea. Now get a pfd that you can wear over winter clothing, carry some rope and don't forget your picks. Another tool we used was a spud.
When in doubt as to the route we stopped. Someone walked ahead and tested the ice with a spud to be sure there was enough to support us.
Finally, I talked about the new IceArmor clothing; boots, suits, hats, gloves. This stuff is the real deal, and no I don't get any break from the company. What I did get this trip was the ability to stay warm, head all the way to feet.
Check it out at your sporting goods store or IceArmor.Com. Fish safe!
Wednesday, February 3, 2010
This week's story has to do with Mark Martin's Ice Fishing Vacation School. If you have not ever gone, give it a try. It's not too far from Oakland County, it looks like the weather will cooperate, and according to everything I have heard, the fish are biting.
There's several good and positive things about attending. First is the emphasis placed on safety. Saginaw Bay is large and finicky. What may be good ice today can be truly hazardous tomorrow. In fact, under certain conditions, it can change hour by hour.
By going with experienced people, you'll be assured of getting out there and back, safely. They won't take chances and will error on the side of being safe.
Another plus is all of the individual attention a class of 25 gets from three professionals. Martin, joined by Mike Gofron and Mark Brumbaugh have been together for a number of years. The three have fished professionally all over the country and have been individual champions.
Their expertise is priceless. You tap into it at the seminar Sunday that is only for participating anglers.
It's here you'll learn how to rig up and get set for the next day's fishing. (I go most years and always learn a lot at these things.)
Then around meal time, more ideas and questions are prompted. Finally, sometime during the evening, anglers are asked to get up and briefly speak about how their day went-fish or not.
If you want to learn to fish a portion of Saginaw Bay and be safe doing it, give this outing a try. While fish aren't promised, you'll have a greater chance under these circumstances. Good Luck!
There's several good and positive things about attending. First is the emphasis placed on safety. Saginaw Bay is large and finicky. What may be good ice today can be truly hazardous tomorrow. In fact, under certain conditions, it can change hour by hour.
By going with experienced people, you'll be assured of getting out there and back, safely. They won't take chances and will error on the side of being safe.
Another plus is all of the individual attention a class of 25 gets from three professionals. Martin, joined by Mike Gofron and Mark Brumbaugh have been together for a number of years. The three have fished professionally all over the country and have been individual champions.
Their expertise is priceless. You tap into it at the seminar Sunday that is only for participating anglers.
It's here you'll learn how to rig up and get set for the next day's fishing. (I go most years and always learn a lot at these things.)
Then around meal time, more ideas and questions are prompted. Finally, sometime during the evening, anglers are asked to get up and briefly speak about how their day went-fish or not.
If you want to learn to fish a portion of Saginaw Bay and be safe doing it, give this outing a try. While fish aren't promised, you'll have a greater chance under these circumstances. Good Luck!
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