2009 Fall DK Open West
Sunday September 20
8 AM until 2 PM - please arrive no later than 7:20 AM
White Lake, Montague Michigan - Lake Michigan closed, White Lake only to end of channel piers
Montague Ramp - off Water Street ($10 launch fee box)
Entry Fee $5
Big Bass $2
Open to all registered GreatLakesBass.com members only - register on this forum to become a member - no deadline to join.
Format is boater / non-boater draw tournament with boater and nonboater fishing as a team.
5 biggest bass 14 inches or longer (mouth closed) between team members will be weighed to determine finish. Please take good care of your bass with working livewells.
Biggest non-bass fish legally caught (must be in season) and brought in to weigh wins the OTHER FISH category prize!
Please note:
Family members can fish together. Please contact me directly by PM or email (http://www.greatlakesbass.com/fishing/contact.html) to arrange this before the event. Family members must still be a registered member if older than 13. 16 years old or younger must be participating with a parent or legal guardian. Exceptions to this must be discussed with me in advance.
GENERAL INFORMATION
Nonboaters, please bring a life jackets if at all possible 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. A Golden Rule courtesy board will be available at the weigh in. You can use your own weigh in bag.
A mini-seminar will be held before we launch on where to fish for anyone interested.
This event is all about everyone catching some fish!!!
Sunday's tough! I'm still positive I will be working that Monday ;D
If I hear good news on my boat soon I will be willing to fish this. Sounds like fun.
1Jav
I would like to fish this, unfortunatly thats the same week as the BFL super tournament. Seems like alot of guys on this site including myself fishes the BFL and those dates would not be an option.
Following week would be better for me, but I think I have a decent chance of making it on the 20th. I work til 7am on Sunday, but could see about getting someone to come in early. But I wouldn't know that til a later date.
I'm in, no matter the date. My son will be my co ;D
Dan,
The Montague ramp is $10 not $5...unless you worked out some kind of deal with the City.
https://mylocalgov.com/montagueMI/WebSubsection.asp?key=6
I'm in as a boater and looking forward to it!
Cy
How about all you west side guys getting your boats together and doing all the prefishing and us east siders will come as non-boaters. huh huh huh how about it?
Quote from: MadWags on July 12, 2009, 02:42:04 PM
How about all you west side guys getting your boats together and doing all the prefishing and us east siders will come as non-boaters. huh huh huh how about it?
That works for me! If I were coming to the East that's what I would do.
Quote from: MadWags on July 12, 2009, 02:42:04 PM
How about all you west side guys getting your boats together and doing all the prefishing and us east siders will come as non-boaters. huh huh huh how about it?
Great idea!!
You can count Terry and I in, me as a non boater, Terry as a boater. We have never been on this water, but we will try to get down there and fish before the tourney...
Quote from: Cy on July 12, 2009, 02:27:34 PM
Dan,
The Montague ramp is $10 not $5...unless you worked out some kind of deal with the City.
https://mylocalgov.com/montagueMI/WebSubsection.asp?key=6
I'm in as a boater and looking forward to it!
Cy
HOLY @%#! When did it go up? I didn't think it's been that long since I've been there and it was $5 last time I launched there?!? Couldn't be more than a couple years (I think?)...
Well, it is a nice ramp. Plenty of grass, parking, doesn't get rough. I hope this isn't a problem for anyone? I'm just not familiar with any of the other ramps.
I don't want to seem like I'm ignoring any comments on timing of the date, but I feel it is the best compromise based on who I most likely expect to make the event and west side schedules. Always a challenge scheduling an event in our short, compacted season. Saturdays vs. Sundays? This weekend or that?
There is no intention on my part to leave anyone out on purpose and I know, no matter what date I pick, some members will not be able to participate. This date seems to be the least of the issues considering the overall target members. I apologize to anyone who would like to participate and will not be able to.
There really aren't any other ramps that you could run a tourney out of on White. There are a couple of other small, free or cheap ramps on the lake if anyone would like an alternate ramp let me know. But keep in mind this ramp is $10 for a reason...it is a great ramp and they take great care of it.
Cy
Cy when are you going to take me to White for my preview trip. Never been there.
Quote from: Dan on July 14, 2009, 12:47:09 PM
Cy when are you going to take me to White for my preview trip. Never been there.
First you have to sign up, Dan!?!
I didn't think there was another suitable ramp. I think I've launched at other ramps once, maybe twice. It is a very nice ramp facility.
I'm still brooding over being ditch when TCook and I fished the spring open a few years back. It was a classic case of the east side guys losing the west siders after the tournament going for eats. T and I had to end up eating 24 hour dogs at Speedway. Although you know a dried out dog is crunchy and tastes almost like a deep fried dog which is somewhat similar to a grilled dawg that is left over a low heat for a long time. Nothing like a microwaved dog and not to be confused in the least with the $1.50 dog and coke from Cosco.
Dan - if its any consolation, there's a Dog'n Sudz drive-in right near the ramp off biz 31. I highly recommend a coney-dog and dogn-sudz house brand of root beer. ;D
DK - if i'm not in canada that weekend, i'll be there as a boater.
Quote from: Dan on July 14, 2009, 12:47:09 PM
Cy when are you going to take me to White for my preview trip. Never been there.
I would say sometime before Sept 20th. I could however pull a deal like you did to me on Hamlin...I think owe you one for that. ;D
I would think we could find some time in late August.
Cy
Quote from: Dan on July 14, 2009, 10:11:14 PM
I'm still brooding over being ditch when TCook and I fished the spring open a few years back. It was a classic case of the east side guys losing the west siders after the tournament going for eats. T and I had to end up eating 24 hour dogs at Speedway. Although you know a dried out dog is crunchy and tastes almost like a deep fried dog which is somewhat similar to a grilled dawg that is left over a low heat for a long time. Nothing like a microwaved dog and not to be confused in the least with the $1.50 dog and coke from Cosco.
We've got to stop the east side verses west side stuff sometime Dan. I live right in the middle so I say sign up for the tournament and catch a bunch of fish! That's what matters.
East. West. North. South. It's all good! ;D
Wait a minute! I can agree with the east side west side family reunion BUT the the North shall NEVER make amends with the south!
Watch it or I'll have to change your screen name...
Count me in as a NON boater. I can be a boater if push comes to shove, but I prefer not.
Shouldn't be a problem - thanks.
I'll go as a non boater as long as somebody wants to car pool over.
I'm in as a boater, and more than willing to share a ride from the Lansing area, west.
I will also be willing to carpool from the kzoo/paw paw area my car/your car doesnt matter.
Glad to see all of you signing up!!! Thanks!!!
I'm in nonboater Rick you drive I'll buy
Forgot to mention - I'm in as a boater of course. I'll make sure I can talk normally at this event too rather than the squawking I was doing in May.
I'm in as a boater and will have my 11-yr old fishin with me. Would be happy to have a non-boater join me if 3 per boat is allowed. Looking forward to it!
I'm in as a non-boater...if that date remains open for me. As usual, I'll just have to wait to see if something comes up.
Quote from: cameraguy on July 21, 2009, 10:30:43 AM
I'm in as a non-boater...if that date remains open for me. As usual, I'll just have to wait to see if something comes up.
What...? Like you have to wash your hair that day?? ;D
I am thinking about fishing this tournament, and was wondering if my partner also had to be a member of the forum? Not like it's a big deal to join, but was just wondering.
All adult participants need to be a member of GreatLakesBass.com (by joining the forum). This not normally a team tournament as far as fish with your buddy, but a draw of boaters and nonboaters so everyone has a chance to get to know each other.
If you really want to fish with someone specific, please let me know ahead of time privately so I can work through arrangements. It's not normally a problem. Just want to make sure I have all the nonboaters covered with enough boaters along with a few family matches.
It looks like I won't be able to make it, after all, due to a previous commitment. Sorry about that.
Vince... I'll catch a few extra for you... ;D
I wish I could come. Have a club tournement that day.
Sorry to hear that. Hopefully you can make the next one. Good luck in the club tournament.
I'm in. Non-boater since I've never fished it and probably cannot make it before then.
No problem and thanks.
Im in, I'll bring my boat too since its not to far. Hopefully a little better showing than last year at Hardy!
9/10/09 - had to pull out due to unforseen circumstances
lodging, where is everyone staying? i'm thinking of making the trip from livonia but i need to know if we have a hotel/motel or campground picked out for the weekend?
i have that weekend open and as a boater would be happy to take a westsider out for a schooling on white lake. i've never fished it but it is on my bucket list.
It's a great bucket list lake! I'm just going over for the day and usually when I have stayed, it's been at Muskegon.
There's the Muskegon State Park. There is a campground closer to White Lake I stayed at many years ago off US-31? I'll look it up this evening. Maybe one of the westsiders can suggest a decent motel in the area since I have no recent experience in that area?
there's a super 8 right off the interstate in montague 5 min from the lake.
this looks like where i'll be staying
http://lake-landmotel.com/
oh yea, sign me up as a boater.
i just called and they got plenty of open rooms for that weekend.
Here is a list:
A. Weathervane Inn
- www.theweathervaneinn.net - (231) 893-8931 - 19 reviews
B. Montague Mountain Inn
- www.montague-mountain-inn.com - (231) 893-2171 - 5 reviews
C. Montgomery Inn
- www.montgomery-inn.com - (231) 894-4339 - More
D. Super 8 Whitehall
- www.super8.com - (231) 894-4848 - 20 reviews
E. Lakeland Motel
- www.lake-landmotel.com - (231) 894-5644 - More
F. Ramada Inn Whitehall
- www.ramadawhitehall.com - (231) 893-3030 - 33 reviews
G. Maple Tree Inn
- www.themapletreeinn.com - (231) 894-4091 - 4 reviews
H. Best Western Whitehall Inn
- www.bestwesternmichigan.com - (231) 893-4833 - 20 reviews
I. White Lake Motel
- maps.google.com - (231) 894-4526 - More
J. Lakeside Inn Resort
- www.lakesideinn.net - (231) 893-8315 - 8 reviews
All I did was google Montague, MI Motel.
I have never stayed at any of these places so I have no idea how nice they are but I always think....I only have to sleep there.
As far as I know I am open that entire weekend...so if anyone wants to grab a beer or soda and talk fishin' or go fishin' shoot me a PM or email.
Cy
Count me in as a boater. Do I need to bring a partner as well for the draw part of it or are there people who need a ride?
Mike
Count me in as a non-boater. Sounds like a good time.
It looks like I have rejoined the ranks of the revenue enhanced Michiganders. Count me in as a boater!!
Great to hear Dan!!
Quote from: Waterfoul on July 24, 2009, 06:30:13 PM
Count me in as a boater. Do I need to bring a partner as well for the draw part of it or are there people who need a ride?
Mike
You can bring someone if you know about someone who is a GreatLakesBass.com member, or who will join, and wants to fish. I think we are doing pretty good on boats right now. We can always use more anglers, but you don't have to bring anyone if you don't want to.
I'm in as boater with deep diver as my non boater.
Quote from: djkimmel on July 24, 2009, 11:27:40 PM
Quote from: Waterfoul on July 24, 2009, 06:30:13 PM
Count me in as a boater. Do I need to bring a partner as well for the draw part of it or are there people who need a ride?
Mike
You can bring someone if you know about someone who is a GreatLakesBass.com member, or who will join, and wants to fish. I think we are doing pretty good on boats right now. We can always use more anglers, but you don't have to bring anyone if you don't want to.
Well at this point I'm open to either since I know I can get Martin to fish with me (he's a member here and a regular partner of mine). BUT... if you need an open back seat for someone I'd be willing to be a boater only and make sure everyone gets a seat if you have more non-boaters than boaters. Let me know.
Quote from: Waterfoul on July 28, 2009, 10:01:22 PM
Quote from: djkimmel on July 24, 2009, 11:27:40 PM
Quote from: Waterfoul on July 24, 2009, 06:30:13 PM
Count me in as a boater. Do I need to bring a partner as well for the draw part of it or are there people who need a ride?
Mike
You can bring someone if you know about someone who is a GreatLakesBass.com member, or who will join, and wants to fish. I think we are doing pretty good on boats right now. We can always use more anglers, but you don't have to bring anyone if you don't want to.
Well at this point I'm open to either since I know I can get Martin to fish with me (he's a member here and a regular partner of mine). BUT... if you need an open back seat for someone I'd be willing to be a boater only and make sure everyone gets a seat if you have more non-boaters than boaters. Let me know.
Everyone please keep in mind the main goal of this tournament is to get to know someone else on the site and to fish with someone you don't normally fish with. That's most of the fun, fishing or winning is just a great bi-product.
I think we are doing pretty good on boaters at this time so bring him along and hopefully, he'll enjoy the chance to fish with someone else maybe? Let me know.
Quote from: djkimmel on July 29, 2009, 12:40:33 PM
I think we are doing pretty good on boaters at this time so bring him along and hopefully, he'll enjoy the chance to fish with someone else maybe? Let me know.
if we end up with too many boaters i'll fish alone. if that is possible.
it looks like i will be wrapping up the tail end of the 24hr drive back from canada sometime on the 20th... so its not likely i will make it this year :(.
Hoping to make the east side again next spring.
Due to a shoulder/arm injury it looks like my fishing is done for the season. :o I'm going to have to back out of the fall open. Sorry :(
count me in as a non boater.....and i know the lake pretty well (if im paired with a east side boater)
Okay. I like getting more participants.
Dan, play for keeps is my regular partner and a pretty good stick! He'll be showing up with me.
Great - thanks. We'll see you there!
I am in for White Lake and in the process of recruiting more people for the DK OPEN WEST and would like to request fishing with my 10 year old son Evan. Flyin200
Quote from: Flyin200 on August 10, 2009, 10:01:06 PM
I am in for White Lake and in the process of recruiting more people for the DK OPEN WEST and would like to request fishing with my 10 year old son Evan. Flyin200
Awesome deal! Very glad to have you and your son along. I greatly appreciate your word of mouth. It is very important to GreatLakesBass.com! Thank you!!
Looks like I can make it this year Dan. Sign me up as a boater.
I want to fish with Don!
You are automatically disqualified from fishing with Don. You know why...
Glad to have you aboard finally Don! I haven't forgot either. Both you and Dave probably figure I have.
Dan.
Jason and I are going to make every attempt to participate in this prestigious event.
We prefer to fish as non-boaters with some westside anglers that are on fish. Big fish.
But if you need me as a boater let me know. I have never fished the selected lake.
Hopefully our schedules remain open to this event. Pencil us in.
Wags
Will do. Guess I better check on the boater to non-boater ratio to see where we are at.
Whatever you guys do, watch out for the hotel just off the highway on Colby Rd. We took our kids there one night last winter to swim, and the beds were so hard that we packed up at midnight and went home. You'd probably be more comfortable on the concrete under your boat for the night. Just a heads up. Can't wait for this event.
Well, I'm afraid that due to a scheduling error on my part (didn't write it down... duh) I will not be able to make this years event after all.
I am co-chair for a charity tournament being held on Hardy Pond that day. We are raising money for the Juvenile Diabetes Foundation in the name of a young local girl (she's 8) that has severe diabetes and is in need of some help. She is the neice of a good friend of mine so I feel this is the more important event (sorry Dan), especially since I am one of the key sponsors with my store.
So, with that I will make every effort to get over to the east side for the spring event.
Mike
Thanks for the update. I understand. Good luck with the charity event.
Quote from: Waterfoul on August 21, 2009, 05:55:24 PM
Well, I'm afraid that due to a scheduling error on my part (didn't write it down... duh) I will not be able to make this years event after all.
I am co-chair for a charity tournament being held on Hardy Pond that day. We are raising money for the Juvenile Diabetes Foundation in the name of a young local girl (she's 8) that has severe diabetes and is in need of some help. She is the neice of a good friend of mine so I feel this is the more important event (sorry Dan), especially since I am one of the key sponsors with my store.
So, with that I will make every effort to get over to the east side for the spring event.
Mike
Hey Waterfoul Mike..... does that mean I can fish your spots???? lolololol Hey Dan, please count me in on the fun. I can go as boater or nonboater... whatever you need, just let me know. Just a warning though. I'll be coming from the fire station. I have a guy coming in a little before 5. If I catch a medic run or fire, I may be late ot unable to make it. I'd say the chances of that are less than 5%, but possible.
Oh and Waterfoul, I really am disappointed you won't be there.
Jeff
Ok - I'll do a boater / nonboater list this week.
Quote from: FF Jeff on August 21, 2009, 11:30:07 PM
Quote from: Waterfoul on August 21, 2009, 05:55:24 PM
Well, I'm afraid that due to a scheduling error on my part (didn't write it down... duh) I will not be able to make this years event after all.
I am co-chair for a charity tournament being held on Hardy Pond that day. We are raising money for the Juvenile Diabetes Foundation in the name of a young local girl (she's 8) that has severe diabetes and is in need of some help. She is the neice of a good friend of mine so I feel this is the more important event (sorry Dan), especially since I am one of the key sponsors with my store.
So, with that I will make every effort to get over to the east side for the spring event.
Mike
Hey Waterfoul Mike..... does that mean I can fish your spots???? lolololol Hey Dan, please count me in on the fun. I can go as boater or nonboater... whatever you need, just let me know. Just a warning though. I'll be coming from the fire station. I have a guy coming in a little before 5. If I catch a medic run or fire, I may be late ot unable to make it. I'd say the chances of that are less than 5%, but possible.
Oh and Waterfoul, I really am disappointed you won't be there.
Jeff
Yeah, you can fish my spots... I guess. LOL!! I sure wish I could be there but this is the way is has to be.
Quote from: Waterfoul on August 24, 2009, 08:06:01 AM
Yeah, you can fish my spots... I guess. LOL!! I sure wish I could be there but this is the way is has to be.
Ummmm where were they again????? lolol jk jk Good luck with the charity tourney!
boat motor is still tore down, insurance says they won't fix it, so it is going to gether in stages at this point, which means with hunting season this close it will be the stages of January thru April that it goes together in. Sorry but I won't be there.
1Jav
I'm in as a non-boater.
Funny... I just drew him in the initial boater / non-boater draw!! :o ;D
Just kidding. Probably have to have one boater on boater team and I volunteer to fish with Don Watts...
1Jav... you are more than welcome to come out as a nonboater and get in some good early fall fishing.
Ha... I wish I could be called a ringer! Wait... I guess I could be called a ringer if you a referring to netting fish! I'm good at that.
Quote from: bhorlings on August 26, 2009, 10:58:33 AM
Ha... I wish I could be called a ringer! Wait... I guess I could be called a ringer if you a referring to netting fish! I'm good at that.
just make sure your boater has you sign a liability waiver and has all steps down from the rear deck clearly marked with reflective traction tape :D :D
Wow it's been a while since I have been on here..Sounds like the tourney is coming together nicely.
Terry and I are still planning to fish, we haven't made it to the lake yet, he's working so many hours, in fact I'm fishing our last tourney on Hamlin tomorrow night with my nephew.
So Terry is a boater and me I'm just along for the ride...maybe I can ride with FFJeff and just net his fish for him....LOL
Quote from: thedude on August 26, 2009, 01:34:19 PM
Quote from: bhorlings on August 26, 2009, 10:58:33 AM
Ha... I wish I could be called a ringer! Wait... I guess I could be called a ringer if you a referring to netting fish! I'm good at that.
just make sure your boater has you sign a liability waiver and has all steps down from the rear deck clearly marked with reflective traction tape :D :D
NICE!!! ;D ;D
Brian, don't take that crap from him!!!
Glad you're still going to make spinninbug. I'm excited to have a very nice turnout for this event lined up already.
Quote from: spinninbug on August 26, 2009, 03:21:45 PM
Wow it's been a while since I have been on here..Sounds like the tourney is coming together nicely.
Terry and I are still planning to fish, we haven't made it to the lake yet, he's working so many hours, in fact I'm fishing our last tourney on Hamlin tomorrow night with my nephew.
So Terry is a boater and me I'm just along for the ride...maybe I can ride with FFJeff and just net his fish for him....LOL
Net MY fish??? I'd be netting yours. lolol I told Dan I could go as either boater or non-boater.... whatever he needed. Waiting to see what pans out. :)
Spinninbug, you're welcome to join my 11-yr old son and I also. It was a pleasure sharing a boat with ya once last year. There's plenty of room for 3 in my 19' Ranger. Whatever Dan decides....
Thanks fasttrack. We may have to do that with a few boats but there's still some time before a draw is made to see how things wash out. Right now, we are looking pretty good overall in the separate boater/nonboater post I put up yesterday.
Please anyone, let me know ASAP if your status has to change for this event. Thanks.
Dan
Quote from: thedude on August 26, 2009, 01:34:19 PM
Quote from: bhorlings on August 26, 2009, 10:58:33 AM
Ha... I wish I could be called a ringer! Wait... I guess I could be called a ringer if you a referring to netting fish! I'm good at that.
just make sure your boater has you sign a liability waiver and has all steps down from the rear deck clearly marked with reflective traction tape :D :D
Nice... just because you almost break your ankle fishing in a guys boat the second time you ever fish with him means... he gets to make fun of you every chance he gets about it.... Mr... do we need to take you to the hospital... I don't want to get sued!!!!
Is the boat launch we are using on the North end of the lake? There are several on that lake, so I was just curious as to whether or not I was looking at the right one.
Quote from: mikeszr800 on August 31, 2009, 09:10:59 PM
Is the boat launch we are using on the North end of the lake? There are several on that lake, so I was just curious as to whether or not I was looking at the right one.
NE off of Water St - the biggest ramp on the lake with lots of parking
Quote from: djkimmel on August 31, 2009, 01:51:04 PM
Thanks fasttrack. We may have to do that with a few boats but there's still some time before a draw is made to see how things wash out. Right now, we are looking pretty good overall in the separate boater/nonboater post I put up yesterday.
No problem - whatever works best for you is fine by me. As previously stated, it can be just my son and I or a non-boater can join us. I'm flexible.
Since Waterfoul isn't coming, now FFJeff and I can fight over 'his' spots!!
It hasn't been stated in a while, so just a reminder to others that the City is very proud of the launch and the fee is $10. (Didn't know we had to buy shares of stock just to launch a boat!). Its too weedy to beach boats there so we'll have to launch and take off from out by the narrows or something.
This time of year the tuna boats will be HEAVY. Make sure to leave yourself some time to get situated. Like fastrack said, once your boat is launched, there is no place to beach it. Not sure of the weeds he is talking about - THE LAKE IS BALD. But it is really shallow with locks of rock so beeching is not really an option.
"Since Waterfoul isn't coming, now FFJeff and I can fight over 'his' spots!!"
LOL Fasttrack... we didn't really do all that well on "His" spots. I have one spot I'd like to start at, but not sure if we'll get on it first.
Quote from: Genie on September 01, 2009, 07:24:21 PM
This time of year the tuna boats will be HEAVY. Make sure to leave yourself some time to get situated. Like fastrack said, once your boat is launched, there is no place to beach it. Not sure of the weeds he is talking about - THE LAKE IS BALD. But it is really shallow with locks of rock so beeching is not really an option.
"The lake is really bald" This the same place I fished in July??? there were weeds all over the place.
Not sure what Genie is talking about White Lake has tons of weeds, alot of deep water, and not much rock.
I guess it is interpretation on what constitutes a weed - living or dead ...
Rocks along the shore right by the boat ramp I think is what he means. It's shallow and mucky off to the sides of the dredged approach to the boat ramp. Fairly safe, but really shallow. We'll probably just move out to the edge of the shallows a little ways from the ramp and stay out of the approach to the various marinas. I'll go over it when we are all there.
What I'm hearing is that the weeds have died off big time this year and there aren't the big thick weed beds like normal. Haven't seen it for myself, but that's what I hear.
Now why couldn't I just explain it that way .... as always - Dan Kimmel for President!
Sorry about that I thought he was talking about the entire lake being bald, rocky, and shallow. I have not been there since spring and was not aware that the weeds died off big time, if thats true the fishing should be tougher than normal. Wish the date would have worked out with my schedual so I could join you guys. Hope you all have a fun tournament and catch alot of nice bass.
T
I was very surprised to hear about the weeds. My first reaction is trepidation... but then thinking about it... maybe that will just put more bass on the next available cover items? Guess we'll find out.
Hopefully, the spring DK open will make up for the scheduling conflict. Whenever possible, I will try to avoid a conflict with the popular circuits.
Weeds were very thick last month - sounds like that has changed. I better get out there before the tourney to see for myself (at least that will be my story to my wife)
FFJeff - Yeah, we only did mediocre on waterfouls spots too - never like in practice. I know we'll have plenty of company in the main area, but I have a couple other tricks up my sleeve. We'll see if they pan out. Look forward to meeting you!
Hello all.. I have never fished one of DK's tournaments, debating on joining this one. Like to know how the more experienced DK tournament fishermen feel about a less experienced joiner as a non boater. ???
Everyone starts somewhere ... come on along! This is not the type of tournament to get worked up about or worry about not being prepared or experienced enough. The main purpose is to bring the members of the board together ... oh, and then fish a tournament ...
weeds took a very long time to come up... in fact i think it was over 4th of july or so when we had a week of hot weather and they literally went from nothing to full bloom in like 5 days. haven't been there in while, but mid july they were about normal i would say
Quote from: fasttrack on September 02, 2009, 03:50:08 PM
Weeds were very thick last month - sounds like that has changed. I better get out there before the tourney to see for myself (at least that will be my story to my wife)
FFJeff - Yeah, we only did mediocre on waterfouls spots too - never like in practice. I know we'll have plenty of company in the main area, but I have a couple other tricks up my sleeve. We'll see if they pan out. Look forward to meeting you!
Looking forward to meeting you also Fasttrack. Ummmm What's your first name??
FFJeff,
Marc
Quote from: marya on September 02, 2009, 09:58:59 PM
hello all.. I have never fished one of DK's tournaments, debating on joining this one. Like to know how the more experienced DK tournament fishermen feel about a less experienced joiner as a non boater. ???
Marya, we are happy to have you, this is a "come as you are" kind of tournament. Like Genie said we all started somewhere. Tournament fishing can be a great learning experience, especially a tournament like this one. This will be a laid back, have good time event and it is a great opportunity to experience tournament style fishing and perhaps learn some new techniques or a new body of water. Please don't hesitate to sign up.
Cy
Quote from: fasttrack on September 03, 2009, 07:23:42 AM
FFJeff,
Marc
Cool, my roommate from college spelled it the same way.
can we use a drop shot rig on this lake or is the dnr being all crabby about it?
My official public opinion has to be: It is illegal to use a drop shot on White Lake without a 3" dropper. Let's please leave it at that on the message board. This is a fun, low-key tournament for members to get together and make a bunch of casts.
And I hope marya decides to fish since she had to miss out on last spring. She hasn't been fishing a while and I know she's caught some big bass before (and needs to do so some more).
I was just on white lake last Sunday, and it is full of weeds. Very thick just about everywhere. Drop shotting is not allowed by DNR regs unless you have a 3 inch dropper. :-[
I fished White for the second time last Friday. Ummm Hope I get a non boater that knows how to catch fish. I stunk. Only a few fish. How did you do Mike ????
Thank you Genie and Cy for the encouragement... :)
Cmon marya... you know most of us anglers are great guys... and gals. We have both coming already!
As far as the weeds 'issue'... maybe I don't have reliable sources?? Maybe it's a half full verses half empty situation?? Either way, we'll be there on September 20th. And I'm sure some of us will catch them!!
Quote from: FF Jeff on September 07, 2009, 08:42:48 PM
I fished White for the second time last Friday. Ummm Hope I get a non boater that knows how to catch fish. I stunk. Only a few fish. How did you do Mike ????
Saturday was a joke. I've been trying to spend more time on White than Muskegon. Two weekends ago I found a spot where I caught several nice largemouths, and a real nice smallie. Will definitely be a spot to try on tournament day. I also fished a spot that another forum member told me about, but it was really slow Saturday, I'm thinking because of the full moon. A buddy of mine who fishes a tournament out there every other week told me where hius spots are, so I have a good idea of where to go.
Slow was not quite the word for it on Friday !!!! Grrrrrr lol
Went to White Last night... Thought I'd give an update for those who haven't been there in a while. The weeds are up big time compared to when I was out there two weeks ago even.
We did pretty well. Found a few spots to try on the tourney day if the conditions are right.
I wanna fish with someone who knows the lake really well. ;D Just kidding. I just want to have a good time. Looking forward to meeting everyone.
Hello Dan,
I would like to sign up for White Lake tournament as a non boater :) Thanks !
I'll add you to the list - thanks marya!
is there a bar/restaurant to meet at saturday evening for a get to know ya' beer or two? and then for sunday morning bfast too, denny's, mom & pop place etc?
Quote from: bob o on September 11, 2009, 11:21:38 AM
is there a bar/restaurant to meet at saturday evening for a get to know ya' beer or two? and then for sunday morning bfast too, denny's, mom & pop place etc?
I don't know off the top of my head. I'm going to head over there tomorrow for a little practice...I will look around and let you know.
Cy
I'm usually a quick stop at the McDonalds and hit the lake or highway over there...?
I went out to White Lake with a friend yesterday for about 6 hours or so. The skies were high and bright and the wind was light and variable. I would say our 5 went about 12 or 13 lbs. The odd part of the day was we caught 3 small mouth all under 14" which is unheard of for White Lake and 1 nice walleye, he was tasty! There was really no pattern yesterday. I would say the best bait was a lipless crank. We also caught nice fish on a shakey head and a 10" worm. All in different spots too. The fishing was kind of tough but every large mouth we caught was a good one. I would have been a good tournament day...we came up with 5 good bites. All in all we had a good day and we wrapped it up with Dog N Suds.
However I did forget to look around for a good food and drink place. I did drive past the Wayside Bar & Grill on my way it and it looks like a bar...but I was reading online and they have a perch special on Friday and Saturday night. Here is a list from the Chambers site.
http://www.whitelake.org/Dining
Cy
Hey Cy, Thanks for the report. Aweful nice of you. I fished there a week and a half ago and unfortunately didn't have much to report. :( Maybe I'll get lucky Sunday. :) I'm one that can only stay the day. Anyone else in the same situation???? Jeff
thanks for the report cy, the wayside might be a place to start anyway.
a heads up for eastside guys i'm i'm heading over saturday morning and i have room for a car pooler or two i might ever be talked into leaving friday after work. 10" worms :o
Quote from: Cy on September 11, 2009, 12:46:51 PM
Quote from: bob o on September 11, 2009, 11:21:38 AM
is there a bar/restaurant to meet at saturday evening for a get to know ya' beer or two? and then for sunday morning bfast too, denny's, mom & pop place etc?
I don't know off the top of my head. I'm going to head over there tomorrow for a little practice...I will look around and let you know.
Cy
Gary's restaurant has a good breakfast, gets pretty crowded with locals though.
In north Muskegon, maybe 10 minutes form White lake, is a place called Hobo's tavern. May be a good place for a couple of beers.
There is a Russ' restaurant off of 31 at the Freemont exit in North Muskegon. I don't know what time they open on Sunday mornings, but I will find out and let you guys know. It is maybe 10 minutes from the lake. I live 2 minutes from the restaurant. There aren't too many places for an early breakfast anymore. On Apple Ave. there is a place called Papa Bears. Not a bad place to go. There is also a Bob Evans on Apple right next to 31 heading North. I haven't gone to Whitehall or Montague for breakfast ever, so I can't say for sure if there's anything there or not....other than Mc Donalds. As for a place for a few beers, there is an Applebees on Sherman off of 31. Right next door is a WalMart, so there is plenty of parking for the boats. There is also another place in North Muskegon called the Westside Inn. They have decent food, and cold beer! Also right off the highway.
Every Russ' is closed on Sundays, so I would recommend not stopping there...you will be still hungry when you leave. :D
10" worm...that's right, don't leave home with 'em!
BTW, as far as grass goes, yes there is lots. Some of it is starting to die but a lot of it is good and green. The one thing that is a little different then normal are the grass mats. The huge thick grass carpet is not there this year. There is some smaller sections of it but not anything like years past.
Cy
well, crapelbees for beers/food saturday night and micky'ds for bfast? the micky'ds on our side open at 6:00am what about on the west side?
So... maybe the whole weed issue is just semantics...??
For breakfast, I'll probably have to eat in Lansing right after I leave home. We'll see about after. If someone promises to keep me awake on the drive home and any of my passengers can stay around a bit. I like to eat, that's for sure ;D
Well, I guess I won't go see if Russ' is open on Sunday. I was told that Mcdonalds doesn't open until 7 on Sundays. :-[ Better pack a breakfast.
For those of you not familiar with the White Hall and Montague are...if McDonald's isn't open you should stop in the Wesco gas station. IMHO they have some of the best donuts and other baked goods around. I mean they are really good. There is one on Colby Rd as you get of US-31 and there is one on Water St in Montague less than 1/2 east of the boat launch.
Cy
I was just over at the Northside Inn this evening, and they have some darn good pizza. A major bonus though was the $5 pitchers.
not to sound like too much of a beer snob, but $5 pitchers of what?
signed, the beer snob
Quote from: bob o on September 15, 2009, 08:58:51 PM
not to sound like too much of a beer snob, but $5 pitchers of what?
signed, the beer snob
I'm with you Bob...even $5 crap is still crap.
I was drinking $5 pitchers of Bud Light.
Couldnt help but noticing - You used the word "I" (singular) and "pitchers" (plural). I'm surprised you remember where you were and what the brand was! No wonder the pizza tasted so good!!
Maybe we should turn the Kimmel Open into a full weekend event and join you (lol)!
Sounds good to me. Fishing, beer.....beats the hell out of work! ;D
I was playing with the handheld GPS I won for the 1000th member contest this morning, and I took a trip to White Lake. For those of you that it may help out, I have some GPS coordinates for the boat launch in Whitehall. Now, as I said, I am playing with this thing and learning how to use it. So, worst case scenario is that you will end up at my dining room table, or the boat launch. If you end up in the driveway, please don't follow the directions to the table....for fear of scratching your boat. I don't really want my kids to get up that early either. But anyways, here they are.....N 43 degrees 24.323' and W 86 degrees 21.333'. Good luck. Hopefully we'll meet at the launch, and not my driveway. If so, you can follow me to the lake. See ya Sunday.
Do they look obviously different? Or somewhat similar? ;D
Glad you are already getting in some practice with your new GPS unit. Thanks for being lucky 1000 on GreatLakesBass.com!! See you Sunday.