January 11, 2008 @ 21:51

2007 End of Season Letter

Dear Friends

2007 is slowly wrapping up. It’s been a trying year with some good fishing. The winds were relentless this past summer.

In May there was good Lake Trout fishing. The Salmon started showing up just on time for Memorial weekend. Salmon tend to follow the alewives in to the area when the alewives spawn.

In June there was steady fishing with some Salmon and Lake Trout on every trip.

During the July 4th week the winds kicked in and made things tough. We couldn’t get out for 2 ½ days and the fish were scattered. Fishing was steady the rest of the month.

In August the wind and the fishing really kicked in. We had nice bunches of fish on South Manitou when we could get to them. Glen Arbor Bay held some good catches.

It was really windy Labor Day weekend. It seems like this past summer was windier than most.

This September I fished into the second week. Fishing was good. I shut down a couple weeks early this year. My Dad passed away and the phone wasn’t really ringing off the hook. People think Salmon fishing ends on Labor Day weekend, but fishing can be really good in September.

October Perch fishing has been good. The weather was warmer than usual. Perch fishing still is good here in November, but Deer season’s coming on fast.

Sue and I attended the Michigan Charter Boat Association meeting again this fall.  The Michigan economy and gas prices aren’t helping our fishing industry. The Michigan DNR was a bit dumb founded. They can’t decide what to do with our boat inspections. Hopefully our fish plants will remain steady. With all the budget cuts the Biologists are overwhelmed with the problems of VHS, Botulism, and invasive species. There needs to be a license and user fee increase but the Michigan politicians aren’t doing anything to help. This could be very dangerous to our lakes. We, the sportsmen are willing to pay more in fees, but not 100% more like the MUCC proposed.

Fishing in Lake Michigan should be similar to the past couple of years. Fish will run smaller in size, but fishing should be good.

I hope things are good with you and your families. Thanks again for making this year’s season a success.

Wishing you all a safe Holiday Season

Good fishing and hope to see you next year

Captain Bill