Little bay de Noc

[Kevin Lee]

For the second weekend in a row, the weather stunk! But the folks braving high winds and rain ALL DAY Saturday, did catch a few fish. And the size is increasing with everyday it seems, so it looks like a fair number of fish have returned to the bay from their deepwater haunts farther south on the big pond. Anyway, spinners and crawlers continue to work very well, but the bite on crankbaits does seem to be picking up. And we are starting to get some good reports from those that are jigging with suckers and chubs. Lots of boats have been seen on the water at night, but since I haven't spoke to anyone fishing at night, I don't know how they are doing. My brother said Keith Wils landed 8 walleye yesterday and lost a couple too. Kenneth is on the water everyday this week, so I will try and post more often.

[Kevin Lee]

Yesterday saw a tough bite for my brother Kenneth until about 4:00 o'clock pm. Spent the first part of the day working over the north end where he has done so well of late. But to no avail. Too many boats running over the structure at full throttle forcing the fish into a negative feeding mood. So he headed south and then got into them bigtime. Only brought six fish back because they couldn't hardly catch a fish under the 23" slot size. They had three doubles and a triple to end the day letting 8 fish go that were over 23". Just the opposite for Keith Wils, as I think he said they landed nine walleye in the morning. But he got out there at daylight, and Kenneths clients didn't arrive until 9:00 am for the trip, so Kenneth missed the great first light bite that has been going on. Kenneth also switched over to leadcore/snapwieghts and stick baits in the afternoon too. Best was the purple prism Thunderstick and also the Matzuo's. All in all, turned out to be a good day! He is back on the water again today...

[THE BAIT SHOP GUY]

We've been hearing pretty much the same thing at the shop. The daytime crankbait bite has picked up over the last couple days. Mostly all been on leadcore and snap-weights. We've been going thru a little bit of everything as far as crankbaits go - Thundersticks, Husky Jerks, Challengers, and Matzous among others. The last few days, #12 an #14 Husky Jerks in firetiger, blue/silver, gold, and glass minnow have been the best sellers.

Like Kevin noted, the north end of the bay starts to get busy this time of year(especially on the weekends.) You'll do yourself a big favor if you can get on fish south of Gladstone. Lots more elbowroom and plenty of fish to go round. Good luck to everyone.


CHRIS WAHL
www.baydenoc.com/bayviewsports

[Kevin Lee]

The fishing has been real good. Kenneth has started working south of Gladstone just to get away from the crowds at the north end. Loads of fish at the north end. But the increased boat traffic plays heck with making correct trolling passes. People have to realize that if you run down over the top of a reef wide open, you will push the fish off the reef and make them noticably more inactive. Trolling stickbaits with either leadcore or snap-weights being the best tactic the last three days for Kenneth. Thundersticks ( Purple Prism )and Challengers ( Firetiger ) have been two of the top colors. I just noticed I sold out of (Lady Bug) Challengers, but have not talked to anyone using them. Obviously, someone must have caught something!!!I have heard the guys trolling at night over the reefs have also been doing quite well. Not many folks jigging for some reason. Best time of the year for that! Good luck on the water...

[Kevin Lee]

The highlight of Ken's trip today was ending it with a tripleheader (after having their first four fish come unhooked). Not uncommon to have a triple. But all three fish were behemoths! The weights of the three walleye were 8 , 9 1/4 , and 10 1/4 pounds. That is why this triple was so awesome! It was just a five hour trip this afternoon which limits both the number of methods and also spots that can be covered. But all in all, not a bad afternoon. High winds today made anyone out there really have to work for them. Anyway, lots of fish in the bay right now. Oops, almost forgot. All the fish hit spinners and crawlers!