March 1, 2010

It’s March already, with many events in North West Michigan going on with our fishery.

We are still working on Lake Trout Regulation(s). I’ve talked to Todd Kalish, MDNR Cadillac office and Jim Dexter, Lake Michigan Basin Coordinator on several occasions. During our last conversation Jim mentioned that the DNR is looking at extending the season length in MM-5 and discussing changes in size limits and catch rules in MM-5 (Arcadia to Northport) and MM-4 (East and West Grand Traverse Bay). I have asked Jim Dexter and Denny Griswold if we can put the Lake Trout Issue on the agenda at the Lake Michigan Citizens Advisory Committee meeting April 26, 2010. I have agreed to help represent fisherman from north west Michigan by becoming a member of the Lake Michigan Citizen’s Advisory Committee with the support of the Grand Traverse Area Sports Fishing Association. I plan to be present to discuss the Lake Trout issue at the April meeting.

Elmwood Township Marina Planning Board has been meeting monthly on a topic very dear to us. The fishing cleaning station at the marina. It is moving forward very slowly. Members of the GTASFA are working hard on the plans. Location, pollution control, sewage and many other factors are being taken into consideration. All of the Marina board members seem to be in favor but it’s still a couple years out. I’ll tell you it’s hard to sit through these meetings at times, and we can use all the support we can get.

The GTASFA has really jumped on board the Asian Carp Threat. They’ve organized protests and meetings, and they are working endlessly on the on-line petition: www.stopasiancarp.com

The GTASFA Annual membership dinner banquet is being held this year on April 10 at the NMC Hagerty Center in Traverse City.