May 2010

Spring arrived extra early, and we’re off to another “GREAT FISHING SEASON”.
 
I’ve been involved with many different events and meetings that concern our fishery. I’ve attended meetings with the Michigan Charter Boat Association and the Grand Traverse Area Sports Fishing Association.  (Click here for details regarding the MCBA Meeting.)
 
Jim Dexter DNRE Lake Michigan Basin Coordinator asked if I would represent fishermen from Northwest Michigan by becoming a Member of the Lake Michigan Citizen’s Advisory Committee. I attended a meeting in Lansing yesterday April 26th concerning our future Lake Trout Laws.
 
I’ve been involved with the Elmwood Township Marina planning board. The Grand Traverse Area Sport Fishing Association is working hard to get a Fish Cleaning Station at Elmwood Marina in Traverse City. Plus I managed to slip in a little back surgery. This has taken up much of my time during the winter months.

Last summer our fishing out of Glen Arbor was great! I won’t go into detail. Just check the fish report on the website. I quit writing them and post pictures now. Dated pictures tell more than I could ever write. Cindy has reworked the website. Make sure you check it out!

The fall perch fishing was spotty with a few good catches. Winter white fish jigging was slow.
 
Now IT'S TIME TO FISH SALMON !!!! Our fishery is in good shape. Forage and bait fish numbers are up. There was actually a smelt run this spring. The first I’ve heard of in about 10-15 years. Lake Trout numbers are up. King Salmon numbers are similar to last year. Salmon are bigger, and can be guaranteed to tear the tackle apart. Lake Michigan is slowly getting back to the big fish of years back.
 
The April Lake Trout jigging in Traverse Bay was good. There were a lot of nice fish. Not too many in the slot limit.
 
May 1st opened the Lake Trout Season in Glen Arbor. We do have good numbers of Lake Trout in Sleeping Bear Bay with some big Kings hanging around. I will be out Saturday May 1st. I’m really excited about our summer fishing. I have talked to many Captains up and down the coast, and fishing is good.
 
Hope to see you on the Boat!
Captain Bill Winowiecki