We should start thinking about the 2008 DK Fall Open. It is almost the first of August and it takes us a long time to make any choices on dates and places. Any early thoughts on where we should fish or when? I know we talked about Chippewa Lake and Mona Lake last year, both are good choices I think. I am open to most anyhwere and in September/October dates aren't all that important either.
Cy
I would suggest a northern michigan lake, I think the quality of fishing alone during the fall will draw enough members. I bet many guys on this site are planning a trip in september or october anyways up there, I know I am.
Long or Grand Lake?????(Alpena)...I know they are a long drive with gas at 4 bucks, but there are some hogs pulled out of those lakes in the fall. Maybe Dan could tie it in with the Alpena club's open..
Just my 2 cents...
I just can't see many people wanting to drive that far north this year. If enough anglers prove me wrong, that's another story.
I was thinking about a true Western open this year, but not too far north - I'm just concerned to increase in fishing success might not offset the additional cost of driving - I'm overwhelmed with stories of anglers cutting back on their fishing due to the high cost of travel. I know I have too.
I think the fishing on some of the western lakes can be better in September/October based on my past experiences anyway. My only concerns about the West event are not getting many East/SE members able to make the drive, and having a very hard time finding a date and lake that enough of the West people will/can make it.
I understand...With gas prices the way they are traveling is tough..Just wishful thinking out loud..
Lake Ovid ;D
how about something around your hometown. Lake lansing, Ovid. Maybe Cass it is close to Lansing i think. Maybe invite the GOV..
Lansing's not a bad choice. Please not Ovid ;D
I took money home from last years fall open Ovid. I would fish it again.
I don't care where we fish. I am always busy in the spring so it is my goal to make the fall open.
Cy
PawPaw had a nice write up this last year it may be to far south but it is west. ;D ... Remember my fishing has been limited to Belleville lake & Lake St.Clair.
I consider myself a rookie still after 1 1/2 years and already im turning into a lifetime CO ...lol
my 0.02 Ill shut up and listen now.... :D
Don L
I picked Ovid again, because there just wasn't enough consensus to do anything further West last year. I was afraid I'd only have 4 boats.
I'm open any suggestions that seem to have good support. Even Ovid again - I'm sure Durand Dan will eventually... some to enjoy Lake Ovid. ;D Some of the west coast lakes/rivers can be very fun in the fall too.
Dan, are there any fish in the Grand River around Lansing?? I haven't fished it in about 20 years and it was horrible back then. I remember the results of the Grand Pointe Marina tourneys were pretty light.. I keep hearing reports of better fishing in the Lansing area..
Ya going up north would be a long haul for alot of guys and expensive, I just thought enough guys might prefer to do that maybe make a weekend out of it and whack double digit 4-5 pounders a day. Also a long haul and expensive for the eastsiders a true westside tournament would be nice as well, my vote would be for Paw Paw or White lake in that case. In michigan I dont think Largemouth fishing can get any better than those two lakes. Although my money would be best spent to travel farther for the best smallmouth fishing in the world at the best time of year with a great group of guys.
T
Quote from: djkimmel on July 24, 2008, 12:49:30 PM
I picked Ovid again, because there just wasn't enough consensus to do anything further West last year. I was afraid I'd only have 4 boats.
I'm open any suggestions that seem to have good support. Even Ovid again - I'm sure Durand Dan will eventually... some to enjoy Lake Ovid. ;D Some of the west coast lakes/rivers can be very fun in the fall too.
Dan,
Just kiddin. I fish Ovid quite a lot being that it's only about 25 mins. away. I'll show up where ever you choose. ( I also fished the Grand back in the late 90's and found it tough, however lately I would have a hard time in a stacked pond!! ;D)
The Grand in Lansing got better for quite a while, then it got tougher again. I haven't fished it much lately so I don't have a real good handle on how tough or good it might be. I may get down there a little soon. Not sure if many anglers would want to travel here to fish the river, although I do like river fishing.
I like White Lake on the west side too. I don't do well there in tournaments lately for some reason, but I do pretty good when just fishing. I like going up north to whack big smallies too. Can enough people want to do that to pull it off?
i would definitley make it to a white or paw paw event.... as long as its not when i'm in canada :)
I would like to try Chippewa, just because I have never been there, it is a little bit up north and westside, and I don't know anybody on here who fishes it a lot. We did have a really good time on Ovid last year though.
I have never been on Paw Paw, but I have heard the bite is good. Chippewa is good, I know it has a good population of bass but I haven't fished it very much. White lake is always good, I don't think I have ever fished it in the fall. I am sure it is awesome in the fall.
Hardy Pond should be good in fall too. It will produce a mixed bag of fish and not to hard to get to.
We could do a river float trip / tournament on the Muskegon below Croton dam. Every one could buy, beg, borrow or steal a kayak, ODC or canoe. I saw a picture in the Newaygo sports shop yesterday with some nice smallies from the river.
How about September 13 or 14 on Wixom Lake, or Cadillac/Mitchell, or if it has to be on the west side, Muskegon or White?
For us east siders, anything west of Woodward Ave. is the west side. So using that logic, Lake Ovid would be considered a West side lake. ;D
I would try to pick a lake.........but I can't.
:-\'
Dan and Vince, how has the fishing been on Lake Ovid this year??
I'm game for Wixom
what about hardy...not too far north east south or west.... and its big with big smallies.....also you guys were talking about mona lake last year....I have fished this lake more than any other this year cause its close and it is my new fav.. lake holds alot of huge smallies.
Quote from: csfishslayer on July 28, 2008, 07:19:54 PM
I'm game for Wixom
I'll second that. Wixom's a great lake to fish in the spring and fall.
Dan,
I would like to make it to a fall DK Open but I am one of those who can't do it if its too far north or east. White would be a good lake (and would be fine by me) but is certainly the extreme 'west side' which could make it more challenging for any east/central people making the trip. I know Hardy Pond has been discussed last year and may be worthy of more discussion. It is an hour closer than White for some of the east siders and is still considered part of the west side. Plenty of water there for any size group and, if the smallies cooperate, there are some good 3-5lb chunks there that anyone would be happy with. Just my thoughts for what its worth.
Marc
I live in GR and would be happy to have anyone ride with me to were ever we go. Assuming you are not dragging along a boat, because I can't tow two. Once we figure this whole thing out if anyone wants a ride let me know.
Cy
I have to probably work the day job most of this weekend, but I'll look at the calendar and see what seems like 2 or maybe 3 good options tops. I realize more of the East side guys would do Wixom or Ovid, but I have been promising a west side event. There are plenty of good fall lakes towards or on the west. I even like the Grand River over there in the fall. Can be a good flipping bite, but I won't try to put it there...
Here's what I need from the west side guys - what are the major event over there in mid September to early October? I hope to fish the TBF divisional the week of September 8 - 12. I think I'll be too whipped to try something somewhere the weekend of the 13-14. I need to avoid the BFL if possible. What else?
I hope I can make it this year, however fall Saturday's are tough due to my son playing soccer. If it would fall on a Sunday that would be great. At the same time, I don't know if he is going to have his games on Saturday or Sunday this fall and won't know until the end of August. A westside tournament may keep me off the participant list also. I would make every effort to try however, I too have cut back on fishing because of gas prices. I am fishing less but going to St. Clair and Erie more than I ever have. So I really don't want to cast a vote on where the Open would be......but I sure would like to be able to make it.
BD ;D
I also can't do the weekend of the 12-14th.
Some of the guys in the East Side Bass Anglers are supposed to fish a tournament on Clair in Sept, but I don't remember the date.
Jack knows.
I don't care where we go, as long as I can drive there, fish it, and drive back the same day without killing myself.
I usually don't care about the date, except that after October 1, I'll be using a different stick and string.
Larger west side fall events that I know of are:
BBT has an open on Muskegon Sept 6th, it should draw around 50 boats.
BAU has a wildcard on Muskegon Sept 20th.
I'm sure there are more but that is all I can think of right now.
I didn't think the Grand River would be on the table but if it is I would fish there anytime.
Cy
What about Gull Lake by Kalamazoo? It more central for both east and west people. Ramp has parking for around 80 rigs. Mostly Largemouths but has some good smallies also...
if you guys are real nice to me, i might be able to get us on lake templene.... which is by sturgis.. i think zona has a house there. big private lake, awesome fishing. My 2nd cousin is on the fisheries board for lake association.
Ok this is just my 2 cents and it's probably not worth anything, however to me west side means anything west of 131. Again just my 2 cents, I would like to see a true west side open. I have been trying to make an open for 3 years now and haven't made it yet. I have been willing to come over for the spring one but the dates haven't worked for me. I don't want to commit to this one either until dates are picked. However, I only have one weekend in sept booked so far. I would love to see Hardy picked that is pretty central, or white or Muskegon, our other club just had a tourney on Gull and the bite was awful, and the big bass was less than 2 pounds. But I will try to make it where ever this is truely not all about the bite, as long as the weekend is a free one for me I will be there.
I like the Grand in the fall, but many do not like the Grand and it can be challenging just getting around to someone new. Maybe too much additional gas burned in the boat after long drives with the tow vehicle?
Quote from: spinninbug on July 29, 2008, 05:22:40 PM
Ok this is just my 2 cents and it's probably not worth anything, ....
At todays rates it is worth approximately 1.93 centas. ;D
LOL :D
Make it a Sunday in Sept and I am there. Doesnt matter where. Anywhere west side I am there.
Quote from: Jay-MadWags on July 28, 2008, 03:19:43 PM
Dan and Vince, how has the fishing been on Lake Ovid this year??
Jason, Ovid has been a little slow this year. We definitely haven't seen the numbers or weight that we usually do, by this time. It has fished a little weird this year.
Gull usually gets pretty good in the fall. Both the numbers and weight tend to go up (sometimes, way up), from late September through November.
I haven't fished the Grand River (Eastmanville) for a few years, but I wouldn't object to giving it a try. As a matter of fact, I'm pretty much game to try anything that doesn't require being gone for the whole weekend. I've never been to Hardy, but wouldn't mind checking it out, either.
As close as it is, the Grand River (Lansing) would not be my choice. It's okay for a little adventure, but if you don't know it, it may be more adventure that anyone would want. The fishing is not what it used to be.
I'm thinking Hardy...? I've only been there once in the fall, but it does have some really nice bass.
I don't know about Sunday. I also lose a number of members if I go on Sunday. Maybe for the fall, go Sunday, and Saturdays in the spring (east)?
I'm in for anwhere in the fall on the west side. I have never fished Hardy in the fall - should be fun - like the spring!
Quote from: thedude on July 29, 2008, 03:09:18 PM
if you guys are real nice to me, i might be able to get us on lake templene.... which is by sturgis.. i think zona has a house there. big private lake, awesome fishing. My 2nd cousin is on the fisheries board for lake association.
Is a 2nd cousin close enough to pull this off?? I always liked Templene, but haven't been on the lake in... wow, I can't even remember how long ago that was. A long way across for many of the anglers, although if they knew more about the lake, maybe they'd want to come.
The only place I've seen a boat launched by a horse-drawn boat trailer... ;D
Okay, I understand the whole expensive gas deal and wanting to make it a 1 day event, but come on. We (Us West-siders and out-of-staters) make the trip over to St. Clair to fish the Spring Open, not just because it is fun and good fishing, but because we attend the DK Open. How much further East can you possibly go? Give us west-siders some credit and come over to fish, without worrying about getting over and back for under $200. Traverse City has I would believe the best, yeah I said it, smallmouth fishing the fall has to offer. We caught a dozen fish over 5 pounds there in 2 weekends last year on Leelanau. It was tough for some, but it was every fish over 3 pounds amazing! Paw Paw has been putting out some good fish this year pretty consistently, but it takes some looking. A lot of people hate that lake, and if the pleasure boaters are out it is horrible. White Lake has been very consistent on numbers this year, and it is a lot of community hole fishing with some refining thrown in. I say we make this a true and honest west-side event, and come or not, let us west-siders bathe in a tourney for a change.
1Jav
Quote from: djkimmel on July 30, 2008, 10:59:23 PM
Quote from: thedude on July 29, 2008, 03:09:18 PM
if you guys are real nice to me, i might be able to get us on lake templene.... which is by sturgis.. i think zona has a house there. big private lake, awesome fishing. My 2nd cousin is on the fisheries board for lake association.
Is a 2nd cousin close enough to pull this off?? I always liked Templene, but haven't been on the lake in... wow, I can't even remember how long ago that was. A long way across for many of the anglers, although if they knew more about the lake, maybe they'd want to come.
The only place I've seen a boat launched by a horse-drawn boat trailer... ;D
my dad's cousin and a semi-retired bass hound to boot. He took fishin a lot as a kid and has given me his key to the ramp many times. They have public tournaments out there so it shouldn't be that big of a deal.
and yes - the only place i've ever seen the horse launched boat too!! lol.
Quote from: djkimmel on July 30, 2008, 10:59:23 PM
Quote from: thedude on July 29, 2008, 03:09:18 PM
The only place I've seen a boat launched by a horse-drawn boat trailer... ;D
I've heard this story. I thought that it was just a "(Sub) Urban Legend".
Quote from: VinceR on July 31, 2008, 11:44:40 AM
Quote from: djkimmel on July 30, 2008, 10:59:23 PM
Quote from: thedude on July 29, 2008, 03:09:18 PM
The only place I've seen a boat launched by a horse-drawn boat trailer... ;D
I've heard this story. I thought that it was just a "(Sub) Urban Legend".
I've seen a horse launch a boat on Pickerel lake up by Newaygo. The worst part was the guy had his horse double parked and his buggy was taking up 2 spots at the ramp. We were going to fish there but once we saw that we just kept on going.
Hardy? Woo Hoo that would be awsome!
I can't make people go where they don't want to or can't afford to.
I have no problem going to the west IF I get enough participants to be worth having the event in the first place. I don't expect very many East siders to make the trip any more than I expected West siders to make the trip.
The real issue is only this - are there enough west side members I can get to agree on one lake on one day? So far, that has not happened. Too many other events and too many PM'ing me or emailing me and saying 'if you have it THERE I won't come but I'll come if it is HERE instead' and then the next one sends me a message and says the opposite.
Here's what I can do - I will pick a 3 lakes and maybe 2 dates - I have to work all weekend so it just depends on my breaks if I get to it this weekend, but I'll put them up as soon as I can. Then I'll pick the most popular. Then we'll see how many people say they will come on that day and that lake. If I get less than 10 persons saying they will come, then I probably will not hold the event, or maybe propose coming back further East.
If I can get, say 12 or more persons, then I will hold a West side event. It will help if everyone remembers there is no perfect date and perfect lake that makes everyone happy, so there has to be some compromise for these things to work.
I will start with one poll just to clarify now if Saturday or Sunday is preferred. I know I have many East members who can't fish on Sunday, but I also know there are a fair amount of West siders who also don't fish tournaments on Sundays.
You must have never been to Dukes Bridge in Northern Indiana. There are actually hitching posts in the ramp parking lot.
found Hardy on my map, 350 mile round trip for a days fishing. hope you get a good turnout.
I will be on the couch.
see ya in the spring.
ss
Lake Templene it is!! I have never heard of this lake, but what the hey, private and Zona has a house on it, it should be fun!! If nothing else we can host our own version of 'World's Greatest Fishing Show'
1Jav
Templene is an interesting lake. In the past, the fishing was very good one minute and terrible the next. I don't know what it looks like now, but it had a creek winding through standing timber. Additional areas of standing timber. Two or three basins from old ponds that were flooded. Used to be lots of milfoil. My memory beyond that, and launching off the side of a road, are vague.
Quote from: djkimmel on July 31, 2008, 11:12:16 PM
Templene is an interesting lake. In the past, the fishing was very good one minute and terrible the next. I don't know what it looks like now, but it had a creek winding through standing timber. Additional areas of standing timber. Two or three basins from old ponds that were flooded. Used to be lots of milfoil. My memory beyond that, and launching off the side of a road, are vague.
thats pretty much it. the upper lake is a lot of standing timber, shallow and lots of milfoil... the lower lake is the flooded basins, mostly weed cover, some downed timber/stumps w/ a creek channel down the middle. Better deeper water structure out here also. Lots of pads/hydrilla as well. they have a private lake assoc. launch to use. last time i was there the milfoil was pretty thick, but the water quality was great... fishing was good too. If its a serious consideration, let me know and i will contact John to see if its doable before everyone votes on it.
That sounds like a good place, especially since it will be new to most of us. I stopped by Hardy yesterday to check it out and it looks pretty good too. Anyplace is fine with me.
BTW, is this the launch that you are talking about?
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v412/bender16v/amish_haul_a_boat.jpg)
Interesting. You made me laugh.
How come they have to use horse & buggy on land, (no motors). But in the water a gasoline outboard is ok?
Quote from: fiker on August 02, 2008, 08:43:35 AM
Interesting. You made me laugh.
How come they have to use horse & buggy on land, (no motors). But in the water a gasoline outboard is ok?
don't ask me.. they're using fishfinders, trolling motors and fancy baitcasters too!
It's kinda like eating muskrats in Monroe County on Friday's instead of just fish... muskrats swim in the water... so it's okay. I guess! (I think it helps if it is really old too...)
Guess I wouldn't mind a trip to Templene after a long hiatus. It's a long drive for pretty much everyone, but it is different than most lakes in Michigan. How much parking do they have there? I've only been by the private ramp by water.
not a ton of parking i don't think - maybe 10-15 spots. Been a while since i've been there. i don't want to throw a wrench in the works.. if shooting for a "true" west side outing maybe something like White would be more appropriate... its been taking like 16-18lbs to win there all summer.
Quote from: fiker on August 02, 2008, 08:43:35 AM
Interesting. You made me laugh.
How come they have to use horse & buggy on land, (no motors). But in the water a gasoline outboard is ok?
Steering wheels are the "no-no" as long as it is a tiller motor they are good. At D and R we would sell to these guys 6-7 times a year and I finally asked!
Quote from: JCOOPER on August 04, 2008, 09:30:06 AM
Quote from: fiker on August 02, 2008, 08:43:35 AM
Interesting. You made me laugh.
How come they have to use horse & buggy on land, (no motors). But in the water a gasoline outboard is ok?
Steering wheels are the "no-no" as long as it is a tiller motor they are good. At D and R we would sell to these guys 6-7 times a year and I finally asked!
Man... I'd like to get a peek into that 'rule book,' wouldn't you?
Quote from: thedude on August 04, 2008, 08:30:50 AM
not a ton of parking i don't think - maybe 10-15 spots. Been a while since i've been there. i don't want to throw a wrench in the works.. if shooting for a "true" west side outing maybe something like White would be more appropriate... its been taking like 16-18lbs to win there all summer.
That would probably be more than enough parking, but it is a long ways for many. Maybe later? (And maybe you and I ought to go out there for a photo op sometime ?? ;D just to catch myself up on the cool lake - I enjoyed fishing there the few times we went despite the long drive that I usually had trouble staying awake from on the way home...)
I'm leaning towards White, Hardy or Mona right now if I can get enough participation. Probably a Saturday from the looks of the poll. I'll have some options up by the end of the week.
just fyi mona has a bad toxic algae bloom in it right now..not sure how it's affecting the fishing. If you do white, I'd like to see no running, open to the pier heads only....just my 2 cents...that lake fishes great anyways.
I wouldn't want running for any new anglers and for the small number of boats we'd have and for the purpose of a tournament like this.
went to mona on sunday caught 16 pounds of smallies.....one nice largie......algie was lifted..this lake is good.....maybe muskegon with some running.....short ride to mona if I can get in.
I like Ovid, but would prefer to do the DK somewhere else. I can't stand the idle only speed limit on Ovid. It makes for a long day. I was just there BTW and got one 15" Largemouth for an entire morning's work. It was S L O W. But I'll show up wherever it is held.
Have never fished that side of the state so this is gonna b a learning experience for me.
Just talked to Skeeterman and he said a few weeks ago Muskegon and White both had the algae on it as well, pretty nasty too he said. I'm game for wherever whenever, just let me know in advance so I can clear it with work and wife.
1Jav
muskegon was very bad 2 weeks ago... NEON even... i'll be out there sunday to give a report. hoping to weighin about 80lbs.
SALMON! the other pink meat. ;D