2014 Spring MadWags Memorial Members
Bass Tournament East
Saturday May 10
8 AM until 2 PM - please arrive no later than 7:15 AM
Lake St Clair - Michigan waters only
Harley Ensign MDNR Ramp - end of South River Rd
Entry Fee $5 per angler 13 and older (required)
Big Bass $2 per angler 13 and older (required)
anglers under 13 fish for free
Open to all registered GreatLakesBass.com members.1
This is a paper tournament - catch, measure & release.*
IMPORTANT: Each boat will need a Largemouth Bass Weighmaster Golden Rule designed for catch and release with weight conversion based on length.
Format is draw tournament with boater and nonboater fishing as a team. 5 biggest bass between the two or three team members will be counted to determine finish.
*Biggest non-bass fish brought in to weigh wins the coveted BIG UGLY prize! Fish must be in season and legally caught to count.
1Please note:
Family members may be able to fish together. Please contact me directly by PM (http://www.greatlakesbass.com/forum/index.php?action=pm;sa=send;u=1), phone 810-433-BASS (2277) or email (http://glbass.com/contact) to arrange this. I would prefer family members 18 and older be a registered member of GreatLakesBass.com. I will not request that for family members under 18 and prefer not to have family members under 13 register due to federal privacy regulations. If you have a family member that wants to fish but not be a member, please contact me privately prior to the event. Youth 17 years or younger must be participating with a parent or legal guardian. Exceptions to this will need to be discussed with me in advance. Use the contact information above please. Thank you.
GENERAL INFORMATION
Nonboaters please bring life jackets to make sure we have enough. Life jackets must be worn zipped and/or buckled whenever the gas motor is running. Boater must use working kill switch when gas motor is running.
No live bait, artificials only.
I try to make sure there are as few boats as possible with no one that knows the water. I can have a mini-seminar before we launch on where to fish for people who ask about it.
This event is all about everyone catching some fish, having fun and getting to know each other, and also to honor the memory one of our greatest members - David MadWags Wagensomer!!! Thank you for being members of GreatLakesBass.com.
If you have anything new or like new you'd like to donate for prize giveaways, please contact (http://glbass.com/contact) me.
Post that you are attending, and if attending as a boater or nonboater in this thread please. It is easier for me to keep track if your status is in this thread. Thanks!
Feel free to cross reference Dan. Just posting something to get you started.
edit: due to an oopsy with my boat, I'll be fishing with bob o.
Updated 5/9/14
Boaters (8 Open seats - 19 altogether):
Vince R + DK
Laporte + Mike S
Stackenem + Son Jason
TheFishinPollock + throw momma from the trai... er boat
t-bone + family + Capt Charlie
kram1982 + little brother
Baybass + spinnerbation
Jay-MadWags + Tdrouillard
bob o + Ypsibass
todd postil + gfrantz
Hoekset + thedude
Dave B
customfishn
SethV
dartag
Mark Goetsch
Coop
MaizeNBlue
eetz
Non-boaters( 9 ) :
Waterfoul
Hollada
Team houston
44 MAG
mikballa
dlittle344
mikesmiph
Trux
BNL
looks like you have Vince R listed twice.
Im in as a Non-Boater! Looking forward to meeting you all down there this year
My buddy Bill is coming from that state south of us that we all hate. LOL. Williamonica0214 non-boater. I'm still coming, non-boater
Well. Guess who's commin to town. No it's not santa. It's FP!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Still making sure Ma can make it. Won't know that till late next week. Sorry if that holds up anyone.
I'm brining a GLB member from Wyandotte. He is a walleye guy just getting into bass fishing.
Tdrouillard will be fishing with me.
Jay
I'll be there. Nonboater. Will be tagging along with Laporte.
been so busy didnt realize it was already that time .im still in.by boat is still at lake drive marine getting service should be done in time.if anyone needs a spot i still have one available.have to find this largemouth ruler. hope someone local has one.
I am looking forward to it hope you guys aren't to hard on me since I am from Ohio. I have never fished in your great state. I Hope to catch a few smallmouth.
I'm pretty sure Mike Szot and I will be looking to fish AFTER the event since we don't get over there very often. So if anyone would like (and the weather is decent) we'd love to hang out with you for a couple hours in the afternoon.
I am still in. Looking forward to meet everyone.
I am so excited to meet everyone and fish St Clair. When do I find out who I am fishing with? I am sure I won't out fish mikesmiph.
Nice edit but only in your dreams LOL
Everyone might want to bring a jig or senko rod. The water is really muddy so LM fishing the canals may be another option. I will be out Thursday and will post a lake report that night
Supposed to have bad storms on Thursday. Be careful.
Quote from: Waterfoul on May 01, 2014, 07:06:48 PM
I'm pretty sure Mike Szot and I will be looking to fish AFTER the event since we don't get over there very often. So if anyone would like (and the weather is decent) we'd love to hang out with you for a couple hours in the afternoon.
You read my mind!
Quote from: TheFishinPollock on April 29, 2014, 08:34:59 PM
Well. Guess who's commin to town. No it's not santa. It's FP!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Still making sure Ma can make it. Won't know that till late next week. Sorry if that holds up anyone.
Well, of course you'll be there. You're everywhere! I won't be surprised to see you there like I was when you showed up in Muskegon.
Looks like we may need a couple more boaters if anyone knows someone.
Are you trying to say I " get around" Mike???? :D :D :D :D
Yeah. Like the Butler in Mr. Deeds!
I loved that guy!!
Capt Charlie isn't ready with his boat. He is going to fish with me and my nephew Andrew out of my boat.
No Cheetam? hmm less beer required ;D
Quote from: bob o on May 07, 2014, 08:24:42 AM
No Cheetam? hmm less beer required ;D
I think he lives out beyond the Dune Sea. Have not had a sighting in a while. Probably busy with his girls.
I used to tease him about using crankbaits. Now I love them. Guess he did teach me something.
Had to change myself to non-boater because I did a bad thing that I don't want to talk about to my boat.
it looks like ypsibass and i will be fishing together on saturday
Looks like we don't have enough boats, and those who have them are pairing themselves up. Someone else might have to do the cooking.
a swing and a miss, while rick does have a boat kent lake took his lower unit today, so while I was thinking I would make it easy on people, feel free to put rick back onto the non-boater list and draw a non boater for me.
we still have 6 more non boaters than we have empty boats. The numbers are not matching up this year.
If there are 2 people that just want to go fishing and not enter the tourny. I can take them in my boat. . We can go out and have some fun. Don't want to leave anyone on shore.
Not really crazy about paper tournys anyway.
I'd do that. Fishing is more important than the tourney :-)
Might as well stay in the tx and take that many out because no matter how many in your boat it's still your best five fish. I'd say you just doubled your odds!
3 in a boat is no big deal and stay in the TX. I did it last year and will have 3 this year (granted one is a youngster who is there catching sheephead and having fun just being with us) . It isn't big money and having three is not going to make that much of a difference to anyone.
Entering as non-boater but will be with Todd Postill on his boat.
thedude and Hoekset (boater) will be there. better put us together in case we run into any delays in the AM.
Due to the shortage of boats, I will bring mine down now. So I'm still in but as a boater now.
Hey guys, been trying to figure this out but I have to bail. My wife has something on her work calendar that she forgot about. I would have to be back to Midland by 1. I am out this year. Maybe next year...
Fished today from Crocker to past Ford Cove. Lake is pure MUD with less than 1 foot visibility. We caught 3 smallies in 4 hours. Did see a couple caught dragging tubes. Went to the canals and caught some nice largemouth. I have no idea how long it will take to clear up. I still plan on going Saturday but will probably be fishing in the canals.
Did see Zona at the gas station and on the lake.
Maybe it will clear up but I wouldn't plan on catching a lot of smallies.
I can be a boater on Saturday.
Can you add me to the list?
I will try to catch up Friday morning. Anyone who is willing to take 3 in their boat let me know on here or privately. You can also let me know if you prefer not to. We'll work it all out, I'm sure with some of all of your help as usual.
I had to repeat a med test today and it required 24 hours no sleep or caffeine. Unlike the first time, I crapped out a lot earlier this time so I didn't accomplish much of anything Wednesday afternoon through Thursday other than the test (and taking out the garbage... :) ).
I'm hearing I may need to check on the food situation. Mikesmiph might not be able to make it Saturday. Not sure if we have any other cooks? Or what the meat situation is?
I did borrow a printer thanks to a family member who needed to get it working along with the right 'cord' so I can print out weigh in forms tomorrow along with a few other things I use to help run the event. I really needed it for the House hearing on Tuesday. They conveniently started a few minutes late so I was able to fill out my speaking in support card and turn in my 30 copies of our statement for that one.
There's so much going on right now I hope I can catch up a little better next week to share more good or needed info. Meanwhile, I snuck out Monday with my old friend Derek onto the old Grand River here in Lansing to get some Vitamin D and Vitamin 'Bass' and that day helped remind me why we do all this stuff!
I'm hoping Saturday will be another reminder to all of us about why we do this, regardless of the muddy water or late spring. I know it will be real nice for me to be back on the big lake! I hope it is nice for everyone else too! I'll see if I can shake up a couple last minute extra boaters to join the fun with us.
Can't wait! See you tomorrow!
I'll be there, with grill.
Quote from: dartag on May 08, 2014, 06:00:03 PM
Fished today from Crocker to past Ford Cove. Lake is pure MUD with less than 1 foot visibility. We caught 3 smallies in 4 hours. Did see a couple caught dragging tubes. Went to the canals and caught some nice largemouth. I have no idea how long it will take to clear up. I still plan on going Saturday but will probably be fishing in the canals.
Did see Zona at the gas station and on the lake.
Maybe it will clear up but I wouldn't plan on catching a lot of smallies.
Here is a pic from my fishing trip with Dartag. Its always good to hang with a glb member for a day of fishing... We ran across uawbigdog and seen many other people fising on the lake as well. Here is one from the muudy hell that is StClair.... lol Dartag and I had a blast largie fishin... we even had a double once...lol
Do not let the dirty water scare you off. I have caught plenty of SM in muddy conditions. Dan, along with the cooler full of pop I picked up one 20 pack of hotdogs and some buns and mustard.
For those of us with very limited LSC experience, can someone give some general tips, techniques, colors, etc for fishing LSC when the lake is muddy? Just trying to get a general idea of what to bring.
Thanks!
bright colors (chartruse, chrome) and rattles.
It sounds like it will be a nice day out.. I'm looking forward to this. even my beloved Belleville is stained as always... we still catch fish there... Its on !!!!!!!! put on your off road tires and follow me to the mud.... lol
Quote from: dartag on May 08, 2014, 06:00:03 PM
Fished today from Crocker to past Ford Cove. Lake is pure MUD with less than 1 foot visibility. We caught 3 smallies in 4 hours. Did see a couple caught dragging tubes. Went to the canals and caught some nice largemouth. I have no idea how long it will take to clear up. I still plan on going Saturday but will probably be fishing in the canals.
Did see Zona at the gas station and on the lake.
Maybe it will clear up but I wouldn't plan on catching a lot of smallies.
That visibility is great compared to the days we were there. April 29 thru the 2nd. 2-4 inches those days. :(
read a report on some LSC website that the visibility was 1-4" between 9mile up to the air base :-[
And with the major storm today, it seems like it's not going to change for the better.
Thanks for the tips Mark.
You guys need to remember... just because you can't see the fish doesn't mean they aren't there. They are still in the same places as they were earlier in the week... spawning "protocol" demands it. They will not move far this time of year. You just need to think a little different on how to catch them. Noisey, bright baits. Tubes probably aren't going to be the ticket. Think spinnerbaits, traps, cranks, etc... They are still there, they are still hungry.
I for one can't wait to get over there tomorrow!
I hate to admit it but I agree with Waterfoul. I have had success (and buddies too) fishing in some pretty flooded/stained rivers with NBAA in the spring during the spawn. The river in question literally rose 15 feet in one night and we were still catching spawning fish on the same beds - those beds were now just 15 feet deeper. Once they start - they stay.
Good luck everyone and have fun!
I'm working on updating the draw. Lots of messages and new posts today so it will take me a little while longer to finalize and post it today.
I hope most of you are still coming. I just got a report of lots of clear water coming down the St. Clair River. Things change fast out there all the time. One thing that doesn't change much - there are tons of fish in the lake and they are staying so we will find and catch some. We always do! :)
Quote from: Genie on May 09, 2014, 03:32:00 PM
I hate to admit it but I agree with Waterfoul. I have had success (and buddies too) fishing in some pretty flooded/stained rivers with NBAA in the spring during the spawn. The river in question literally rose 15 feet in one night and we were still catching spawning fish on the same beds - those beds were now just 15 feet deeper. Once they start - they stay.
Good luck everyone and have fun!
Can I quote you on that? Oh wait... I just did!! Nice... once it's on the net, it's always on the net. ;D
still cant find largemouth weighmaster ruler if anyone has a extra to borrow or has some were local to get one and can pick one up for me i would greatly appreciate it and of coarse pay you back.no one around here has them if not i plan on using my digital scale and taking a picture for proof.pm if you have one or can get one thanks.
We are leaving now. Cross yer fingers. Bringing a back up truck since the headlight switch in my truck just crapped out.
Williamonica024 will not be able to make this one.
Yeah, I don't have a golden rule bump board either. Is there enough from everyone else to cover? I would have gotten one, except i just figured I would bring my boat down just yesterday due to the shortage.
If there aren't extras just right down the length and it can be figured out later.
Yes. Get the length to the nearest 1/8 inch or whatever your bump board has. We'll provide a conversion for the nearest, smallest length the tail touches or goes over.
I am bringing my board to let someone use tomorrow.
Quote from: Mike S. on May 09, 2014, 08:16:47 PM
I am bringing my board to let someone use tomorrow.
Thanks Mike S.!!!
As a non boater is it overkill or rude to bring a big bag and 4-5 rods?
that's a perfect amount of stuff to bring
Quote from: Mike S. on May 09, 2014, 08:16:47 PM
I am bringing my board to let someone use tomorrow.
Non boaters dont forget to bring a life jacket ( just in case)
Almost done with the reworked boater/non-boater draw. Lots of messages today! Hang in the a little bit longer.
Than we can all go to bed and dream about big bass!
Right now we are set on boaters and non-boaters. If one more boater does want to come we have a couple boats taking out 3 that we can split up. We could fit 1 more non-boater if we need to as is.
I'll get some results posted as soon as I can. Weather was pretty good - other than the building breeze it was probably the nicest day yet. I definitely got a good sunburn.
I just found out I have Mother's Day plans tomorrow... so tomorrow probably isn't likely for much results. Hopefully, I have no other plans (I'm not already aware anyway...)
Quote from: LAPORTE on May 09, 2014, 09:08:43 PM
Quote from: Mike S. on May 09, 2014, 08:16:47 PM
I am bringing my board to let someone use tomorrow.
Non boaters dont forget to bring a life jacket ( just in case)
Boaters Don't forget to bring an extra set of keys.
Oh boy... that one might sting more than a little... you better take those golf tickets and head North and STAY there for a few weeks!!! By the way, you can thank TheFishinPollock who got the golf course to donate 4 tickets for 18 holes each.
What a great weekend for this Tournament....Can't wait to hear some stories...It was tough doing a drive by Saturday morning and seeing all you guys getting ready to head out but that is just the way it goes with work anymore......Glad everyone was safe and hope everyone had a great time...
Quote from: customfishn on May 11, 2014, 12:47:01 AM
Quote from: LAPORTE on May 09, 2014, 09:08:43 PM
Quote from: Mike S. on May 09, 2014, 08:16:47 PM
I am bringing my board to let someone use tomorrow.
Non boaters dont forget to bring a life jacket ( just in case)
Boaters Don't forget to bring an extra set of keys.
Nice one..... :-) I have several extra now.... lol
Another very enjoyable Madwags open. Thanks to all the participants. Especially DK for putting it on and all the hard work he has done to get the Bass season changed. I enjoyed the day with newcomer Coop. We did not catch a lot of fish but did get some quality bites for a decent finnish.
Sometimes you get quality over quantity. We didn't catch a lot either but I think both VinceR and I did not drink enough coffee. That's all. The ones we caught sure felt good! Plus dlittle344 caught his 1st Lake St. Clair smallmouth bass. He also caught his 2nd, 3rd and 4th. Maybe 5th? I forget.