With limited time to get ready for St Clair...I have a question. I don't know the lake at all since I just moved into the area. I have been on St Clair before about 6 yrs ago, but this will be my first tx on that water.
What are the rules for fishing in Canada before the 24th? Are pike/sheephead/musky legal? I just don't want to have to argue with the Canada DNR about "targeting" a certian kind of fish. At the least, I want to be able to look around over there on the south shore and GPS some spots. What about fishing a tube with no hooks? Can that be considered "targeting" a certian kind of fish?
Later,
Seth V
If history repeats itself, the OMNR officers will be making the rounds on the hump and on the south shore chasing off bassboats. They are aware of this tournament and have run off a lot of people I have talked to in the years past, but they have always just given warnings. That may change this year and I am not saying it is okay to fish regardless of the rules, but there will be many other boats doing the same.
If you aren't comfortable with risking a ticket, you could check out the post "LSC 6-7-06"? - I think. Sounds like it might be an up year for the mile roads.
If you have no rods out on your deck, you can boat around and look all you want in Ontario waters. Otherwise, there is some risk. I keep hearing they are cracking down this year (the past 3 seasons) but have not gone over there before season to see what they are actually doing for real.
If you are in a bass boat and they see you, I'm sure they will stop and talk to you, especially if you have rod in your hand. The lure with no hook will probably not work because it doesn't really work in Michigan either. The consider it fishing still.
I would suggest looking in Ontario water and fishing in Michigan water. Should be safe that way.
Though I've never fished BFL, its my understanding that if you want to win the event, you'll run to Lake Erie. If you're just wanting a more reliable decent limit, stay on St. Clair. I've been on the bodies of water and both are spectacular. Erie definetly has more bigger fish. Good luck. Let us know how you do.
Duke
Never had a problem on Lake St. Clair this time of year.? That doesn?t mean it?s not possible.? Then I?ve never been one to fish in the well know community holes during practice on week-ends.? I can see where a number of bass boats would cause some attention.? If you stay away from these well-known spots, Lake St. Clair is so big I?ve never had any trouble finding a place to hide.? If possible a day trip during the week is great.? I never see any type of DNR boat U.S. or Canadian during the early part of the week.
With the launch being out of metro beach I doubt the tournament will be one in Erie. That was a rumor started some ten years ago to get anglers to make the long run.? To make a run to Pelee Island you would need to plan a four hour round trip.? That?s with good weather.? ?I?ve done it before but I think time can be better spent staying in St Clair. Just my opinion.? With $3 gas I won?t be doing a lot of running!
Clapper won it last year or the year before on the North shore of Erie (the seasons blur together for me now). Most of the next few places - with 2nd only a few ounces below Clapper - came from the St. Clair River.
I think the fish are bigger this year on St. Clair on average than they've been the past few seasons so it could be real interesting having the extra time to fish verses running to Erie.
My brother was a co-angler in the event two years ago and he was with Clapper. It was in fact won on Erie somehere along the north shore. They had it all to themsevles!
With the conditions being right, I could see where Erie would be good. It's a big gamble but that's how you win these tournaments. One thing for sure is that you'll be fishing by your self for the most part.