Disappointment @ Bay De Noc

[Walleye-1]

I was at Bay De Noc this past weekend, and needless to say I was very disappointed. I am not disappointed because the fishing was less than good, but becasue of the personalities of the local people. Not only were the people at the baitshop unhelpful and tightlipped, but when caught in a snowstorm on the lake the locals would rather kill you than help you. I am from Wisconsin and have never seen "sportsmen" act and conduct themselves in such a manner. What happened to ethics?

[KnottyBuoy]

I have posted it many times on this board but the single biggest threat to our sport of fishing is the caliber of the fishermen.....Here in Minnesota it was not common for 2 or 3 fellow fisherman help you with a boat at the landing ...either loading or unloading....or to give you a hand during an emergency.... Most (not all) would now sooner run you over than give you a hand. The talk at the bait shops or bars was always friendly.......now you are treated as an advisary....We have to start being nice to people again.......

[jerry]

Walleye-1,

Sorry to hear things were difficult at LBDN for you. I've been fishing there 6-10 times/year for 8 years and can honestly say that I've never experienced this problem. In fact, two weeks ago I burried my 4wd and trailer in a snowbank and received almost instant assistance in removing it. As for the fishing, it hasn't been easy this winter. In order to catch fish at LBDN, you need to be mobile. I rarely sit in one spot for more than 30 minutes. About 95% of my walleyes are caught jigging with jigging rapala's, swedish pimples, whistler jigs, or cicadas. I usuallyy don't waste time with tip-ups unless it's early a.m. or last light. By the way, it seems that this year's best bite on the ice has been from 4p.m. to 8 p.m. Normal for most waters but not typical of the action I've encoubtered.

[stewart]

I think it's sad, but competition will only increase as more users try to make use of shrinking wild areas. Like Hemmingway said, people not in your party kind of spoil things.

The pros on T.V. can afford to be free with information because they can always zip away to another lake, but locals don't have this luxury.
A great spot can quickly become a has-been when overrun by fisherman.

That said, increasing people makes good manners an absolute necessity if anyone is going to enjoy themselves.

[I can relate!!]

Try going to Ludington or Harbor Beach area of Michigan and you will get the same, if not WORSE response! Very Rude!!

I have fished many lakes and ports of Michigan where the people will bend over backwards to show you hospitality. So, unfortunately we have the bad sides of some areas.

Living in Michigan I apologize for the time you had in our state and the lack of hospitality.

[kingwalleye1]

try fishing petenwell lake we have been just killing the walleye.25 to 30 feet of water, medium shinner's. big's 23in small's 13
in. we have lot's of fun you will too.