I talked to our Tournament Director for Michigan BFL - Anthony Wright - and we were at 93 boats this morning for the Burt/Mullett June 10th opener, with several more having called in later today saying they wanted to enter too!
We should be at or over 100 boats by tournament time next Saturday. Sounds like we may hit the fishing perfect too for huge catches from the reports I'm hearing.
I appreciate that Anthony announced today that he is looking forward to our division and our anglers - he has already picked to be tournament director for the Michigan division again for 2007 - shows a lot of faith and confidence.
I should make it up there this weekend so stay tuned for any other helpful information I come up with for anglers planning on fishing Burt/Mullett.
Dan-
I heard a rumor that the launch site is changing to the north end of Mullett in the river. Is that true? I have seen nothing from FLW yet?
Seth V
I just checked the FLW page. The lauch site HAS changed. It is now:
1000 Watersedge Dr.
Cheboygan, MI
It will be interesting to see how this changes things. It will make a longer run to Burt...I wonder if this will pile up boats in Mullett more? More guys headed to Huron?
Seth V
I was waiting for confirmation from Anthony Wright, our tournament director before changing anything here. They are making every effort to notify participants before they arrive about the change.
I'll update with a new map to the launch tonight along with some other information as soon as I talk to Anthony about his final decisions on how he wants to work this location. I'm going to be checking it out this weekend too for logistics support.
The new location is VERY enthusiastic and supportive - the ramp is on the Cheboygan River at the M-33 bridge - the Pier 33 Party Store / Summer Moorings Marina, 1000 Watersedge Drive
Cheboygan MI 49721-8581
Phone: (231) 597-8693
Dan-
When you talk to Anthony, can you ask him about the Lock schedule? Will the lock be able to open early for us to go to Huron, or will we have to wait until 9:00? I know sometimes in other events they worked out a deal with the lockmaster to open up earlier. Since we will be launching 1/3 of the way to Huron, it may be a nice option.
Thanks-
Seth V
Does anyone have any knowledge or experiences regarding where to (or not to) stay up there?
Don't stay at The Landings. I haven't heard any complaints about any of the places in Indian River or Cheboygan. I've mostly camped, but I did stay at the Best Western in Cheboygan once and that worked out well.
I've updated the original post with the Cheboygan Chamber's web site and the contact info for the new official lodging too if that might help.
Seth, I don't know if Anthony is going to contact the lock or not. I was able to work out something with them a while back in an off time myself. You may want to try to contact the Petoskey SP and ask since they will schedule other times, especially if a number of boats want through (at least in the past they did). I'm not sure if I will be able to get to that or not. I'll mention it to Anthony if I get another chance.
What I have found out about Lock masters is, A little grease in the palm goes a long ways.
When your up there on thursday or friday prefishing, go through the lock and give the lock master a descreat little tip and ask if he can come early on Saturday. I usually find they are more than willing to do so. They are like the rest of us, If you want me to come in early, compensate me for it.
If everyone that wants to go that way slips him 5 or 10 bucks in the days before, it will be more than worth his time to set his alarm a little early.
From the launch site to mullet does anyone know if it is a no wake zone?
Yes - the entire Cheboygan River and Black River are no wake.
Going to Mullett will be against the current. Coming back in will be faster with the current.
It's not a real long idle - maybe 20-25 minutes to Mullett and less than 20 back, but I'll have to time it again - been a while since I've gone up the river to the bridge - it might be half an hour. If I time it this weekend, I'll post the time here.
Do NOT quote me on this, but maybe they will give us a little extra time for the no wake. Would be nice, but not sure if it will be feasible.
this consist of two parts
I. Does anyone think a Canadian fishing licence is needed for the Burt/Mullet tournament? If so please help with any info on where I can get one before the tournament. I did not realize this water system leads to Lake Huron ???
II. This is my first time fishing the BFL, I will be a co-angler. I live in Chicago. In response to that other thread I was reading, Why I pick the Michigan BFL.
1st and formost this division CATCHES FISH. I compared Michigan, Illini, and Great Lakes and by far this division catches alot more fish, alot more limits. I figured you have more fun at a tournament if you weigh something.
2nd, when comparing the miles I would have to travel, Michigan was in the middle with Illini (being my home state) being the most miles.
Looking forward to this season, Thanks for the help
Great site, I am glad I found it ;)
I can't imagine needing a canadian license. Nothing is impossible of course, I've spent alot of time up there over the years and I wouldn't even consider that run. Ever.
However, when they move down to St Clair I can almost gaurantee you'll need both a Canadien and Walpole license.
Hey DSMatch,
Welcome to the Michigan BFL - This will be my third year as a coangler and all the guys are great !!
Ditto Canvas - You won't need a canadian for Burt/Mullet but you WILL need one for the rest of tourneys except Grand River. Buy the one year canadian license and you can get them from this website. www.lakesidefishingshop.com - It will take a couple weeks so buy NOW. It should run you around $54.00 USD. As far as Walpole - The indian reservation in LSC, I usually buy one but not this year I just won't fish if I goto Walpole unless I enter the Stren series. However, don't screw your boater and get a canadian license for sure. You WILL be in canadian water especially in the last two tourneys if your boater wants to win ;D
Later CKev
What is a Walpole licence? Where do I buy one and how much?
Sorry for all the questions I just want to be as prepared as possible.
Any other suggestions or lessons learned from previous experiences would be greatly appreciated.
Walpole is the Indian reservation at the north and northeast sides of St. Clair. Excellent fishing but few go there because they don't want to by the license.? As a co-angler for the last four years I have always bought the license so I wouldn't mess up my boater. The Indians don't mess around with people without a license, they will take your gear and give you a ticket as well. You can buy a license at the tackle shop at 10th and Jefferson, I think it was $38 dollars (US) last year.
Get your Canadian Lic. today. I don't have the phone number (you can get it on line) but you can order it over the phone with a credit card. It took a week and a half to get mine this year, but they will tell you it can take up to 5 weeks. SO ORDER TODAY.
REEL_MAN :)
Back to the topic...there must be at least 94 boats now. I signed up online. I forgot about the late fee of $25. Ouch.
I have a ? this will be my first bfl and im going as a co-angler and im wondering what amount of money I should give my boater for gas.Also is there anything special I will need for registration.I would also like to thank Dan for all the great information.I got a spot at waterway campground today.So thanks again Dan.
You're welcome RB and thanks for registering on the GreatLakesBass.com forum.
$20 is still fairly customary for a rider fee. These are not huge lakes with real long runs unless your boat decides to go to Crooked and Pickerel, or Drummond Island. I tend to think if the boater wants to make a long run, he/she should expect you to necessarily foot a much larger part because of it.
If you have a spot a ways away and the boater agrees to go there, then maybe more is in order. The real key, I think, is to work this out the night before the tournament at the pairings. Less chance for unpleasant surprises or misunderstandings. Some co-anglers feel that if they have a bad day, they shouldn't pay or pay less. Bad days can be in the eye of the beholder and doesn't change the expense of hauling a boat and running it around.
The more you work out at the pairing meeting, the better the fishing day may go.
Make sure you get to the pre-reg meeting before 7 PM or call 270-252-1000 before 5PM and register over the phone on Friday. Bring a pen. They usually have cards available on the stage to write flights, your boat number and partner's name on. Get a contact number or location on your partner too once drawn.
Two years ago, I gave $30 at each tournament. Some probably could have got more based on amount of travel, I didn't use anything to figure out how much the boater should get, I just handed the money over right after I introduced myself at the pairings. It gets it out of the way. I would say, give as much as you can. With gas prices $40 is not unreasonable but just offer something and please do not base it on how many fish you catch. Also, it is very polite to pack an extra sandwich or pop/water/gatoraid for the boater just in case and offer to get a bag of ice for the morning.
I ask all my non-boaters for $40 for expenses.? I think it's very fair.
With gas around $3 a gallon we no longer live in the $20 world.? The type of day you have is not a factor in charging a gas fee.? The only exception I make is if my boat has a mechanical problem that ruins the day.? I feel it's my duty to have a boat ready to go just as if I were a guide.? I've been getting tough on non-boaters as far as gas fees go.? Some non-boaters think boaters are all millionares and that's just not the case.? Last year I showed my non-boater partner who complained about the $40 demand the credit card slip of $161 that it cost to fuel my boat for the long run out into lake erie.? He was then happy to pay the $40 I had asked.? I think if you educate your non-boater about the cost they understand completely
I understand your desire to have the non-boater pay, but I really think I would be offended by a demand for a certain amount of money and I wouldn't want that kind of tension to start off with from either side. Hopefully that demand only comes after it looks like you may get stiffed but either way, I hope it works alright for you. I really think most boaters are there to fish anyways, they are fishing their own spots and having a co-angler is just a necessary thing to compete in these tournaments. Any money offered is better than nothing, but really try to think about the amount of money involved on the boaters side and offer as much as you can.
Now in "share the boat" type tournaments where you get equal time controlling the boat or a say in where you go is when there definitely needs to be a set amount.
I have never felt any tension with a co-angler partner.? Co-anglers are far more than just observers.? They compete in there own division.
Many with ambitions of becoming a boater.? I applaud there ambition.
They enter into the tournament knowing the rules about boat control.? I don't see this as a factor when sharing expenses.
I know some boaters view co-anglers as a necessary evil.? But I think that's a mistake.? I have learned much from my co-angler partners over the years.? Many have local knowledge and skills I don't have.?