Michigan and Michigan State are hosting the Big Ten Collegiate Bass Championship this fall on Lake St Clair, Sat/Sun Oct 10th & 11th.
We are looking to secure around 30 boat volunteers from our local contacts & clubs. I know that you have a large network and have helped us out the past couple of years for UofM and MSU events.
Boat volunteers will take 2 students from one of the schools out for ideally both Saturday and Sunday. If boat volunteers can do only 1 day or the other that will also work if we are having trouble getting numbers.
Saturday is a pre-fish day and the volunteers get to fish and act as on-the-water coaches. Sunday is tournament day and the volunteers act as a tournament official and cannot fish nor give suggestions. But the boat volunteer will be the one driving the boat's gas engine at all times.
For past Big Ten tournaments students have been given the option of how much gas money to give boaters but with UM/MSU events on St Clair we use $20 per student per day as our guideline and can suggest this to the other schools given the size of St. Clair.
Boat volunteers and their family are also invited to a complimentary dinner Saturday night and food/drinks at the Sunday weigh-in.
Tournament waters will be U.S. water only to keep boat runs to a minimum. We are thinking either Harley Ensign, MetroBeach, or Selfridge for the launch site and will be figuring out permits within the next week if you have any suggestions.
Please let me know what other information we can provide and if you can help us pass along this request to your members.
Thanks,
Adam Young - University of Michigan Bass Fishing
Ben Cummings - Michigan State University Bass Fishing
**Contact TBF of Michigan President Jeff Cox (email below) if you can volunteer for this event. I've done it once or twice and thoroughly enjoyed the experience helping some of our young people enjoy fishing and the outdoors. I hope to be a boater volunteer again this year.**
This sounds too cool, I'm no Pro on LSC but sent a msg anyway!
Scott
For anyone that is willing to help out please email me at jcox7fishing@yahoo.com Everyone that is intrested to help out with the event with or without a boat is welcome I am sure they need shore help also running the tournament.
Thanks
Jeff Cox
Jeff... I just sent you a PM with my information. I'd love to help out as a boater if at all possible.
Mike, Michigan class of 1990 and a VERY avid bass fisherman!!
Does anyone have any more info as to what is going on with the tourney? Do they still need volunteers?! Times? Places?
Scott
Scott,
I don't have any recent updates. Email Jeff Cox - TBF of Michigan president at jcox7fishing@yahoo.com.
Don't PM him. His doesn't use his membership on here any more.
I just got a reply back from him a few minutes ago. He told me they are about 8 boats short...
Don L
Thanks for the help, Dan.
Just shot jeff an email... but forgot to ask... should we secure canadien fishing licenses or is this going to be limited to the US waters? Guess I better shoot him another email.
US waters only.
GO STATE! ;D
Quote from: MIBassKid on September 22, 2009, 04:08:25 PM
US waters only.
GO STATE! ;D
Yup... just heard from Jeff.
And Go Blue!!
Mike
UM class of 1990
In an email from Adam on Tues he stated that they are still in need of several (8-10) boaters to help take everyone out fishing. We need more members to step-up and volunteer to take these college kids (some who are traveling a good distance) out on LSC. We always talk about what a great community we are here, time to ante-up. It'll be too bad if, in our area, we don't have enough boats to properly support the Big Ten Bass Fishing Championship...
Scott
sorry to say, purdue is gonna spank all y'alls. ;D
My boat may be green and white but I'm hearing "Hail to the Victors!"
Come on guys... step up and take the kids fishing! Oh, and if you live nearby... anyone willing to put me up for a couple nights? LOL!! Maybe I'll just sleep in the Mt. Clemens store... LOL!!
Waterfowl, a few of us are planning on staying at the Chesterfield Holiday Inn. I'm gonna call this afternoon and I'll let you know what I find for prices.
Tip of the day: if you stay on the same floor on Shaner, bring ear plugs for the snoring!
Quote from: River Rat on September 25, 2009, 11:23:34 AM
Waterfowl, a few of us are planning on staying at the Chesterfield Holiday Inn. I'm gonna call this afternoon and I'll let you know what I find for prices.
Tip of the day: if you stay on the same floor on Shaner, bring ear plugs for the snoring!
Yeah, let me know what you find out. I know the Bayview (I think that's what it's called... maybe the Baymont?) right off the highway around 9 mile has a $59 "fishermans" discount.
I spoke to the Holiday Inn and they are $50 per night and will give us a 1st floor room to plug our rides in. The Baymont Inn at 13 Mile & I94 is (B this is for you) $69 a night with no guarantee of a spot to plug-in.
Scott
The flyer said they had rooms at a hotel at a 50.00 rate. I think boaters get in on that too. I dont have the flyer in front of me but email Adam and check.
B
The Chesterfield Holiday Inn is the one from the flier, the # is 586/465-2185, and the rate is $49 plus tax per room.
So where are we all going to stay? Would be nice if we all stayed in the same place so we could meet and greet! Maybe hit the hotel bar or a nearby place Friday or Saturday night!
Mike
I've got a reservation at the Holiday Inn even though I'm Downriver, just makes it easier not driving an extra hour and a half. When you call just tell 'em you're with the Big Ten and you'll get the group rate.
Scott
Sent an email but didn't get a replay. Boaters still needed?
They still need help, I'm sending ya a PM with Adam's contact info.
Scott
Quote from: River Rat on September 29, 2009, 03:51:29 PM
I've got a reservation at the Holiday Inn even though I'm Downriver, just makes it easier not driving an extra hour and a half. When you call just tell 'em you're with the Big Ten and you'll get the group rate.
Scott
OK, I'm game for the Holiday Inn as long as it's fairly safe to leave my rig in the parking lot and I'm able to plug it in at night.
Mike
This is awesome guys. We really appreciate the help and time you guys are giving!
-Luke
OK, I have a room rented on the first floor at what is now called "The Victory Inn" by the way... not the Holiday Inn. Two queen beds. Anyone interested in splitting the cost of a room? I have it for Friday and Saturday nights since I'm coming from across the state. Boats can be plugged in thru the window.
Mike
Mike,
If no one else has spoken yet, I'll room with you. I had not called yet. As long as it is a non-smoking room... otherwise the deal is off :)
The official housing is The Victory Inn, not the Chesterfield Holiday Inn - two different places. The Victory Inn is about 3 miles south of M-59 on Gratiot Ave. The phone number above is for The Victory Inn.
Sorry, I was just going by what Adam had on the original flier he sent me a few wks ago. When I called, the perosn who answered the phone mumbled pretty bad and I was in a hurry doing other stuff... maybe I should have paid better attention! I think I'll call and find out where the heck I am!!!
Quote from: djkimmel on September 30, 2009, 09:26:59 PM
Mike,
If no one else has spoken yet, I'll room with you. I had not called yet. As long as it is a non-smoking room... otherwise the deal is off :)
The official housing is The Victory Inn, not the Chesterfield Holiday Inn - two different places. The Victory Inn is about 3 miles south of M-59 on Gratiot Ave. The phone number above is for The Victory Inn.
Works for me Dan, as long as you don't snore to rattle the windows! It's a non-smoking room... and I don't smoke anyway.
I will be heading across the state early Friday... I'm going to get some fishing in... back seat is open if anyone want's to ride along. Should be over that way by 9:00 or so (hey, I'm not going to get up THAT early! LOL!!) I need to be to the hotel by 4:00 to get my room so I'll be off the water by 3:00.
Mike,
If no one else takes you up on the ride, I might tag along (I'm not too proud to back seat) or worst case meet you up there and we can scout some areas together. Maybe we'll get a small group going to make our own $5 mini-tourney!
Scott
Hey, whatever works for me! Let me know before next Friday!
Quote from: River Rat on October 01, 2009, 07:40:21 AM
Sorry, I was just going by what Adam had on the original flier he sent me a few wks ago. When I called, the perosn who answered the phone mumbled pretty bad and I was in a hurry doing other stuff... maybe I should have paid better attention! I think I'll call and find out where the heck I am!!!
Whenever I'm not sure where I am... I just ask the first person I see who doesn't look crazy (sometimes difficult if a mirror is the first thing I see ;D) :o
I was confused too at first because the lady told me they used to be the Holiday Inn... but then she added that was over 20 years ago. I thought I knew where the Chesterfield HI was and we finally got on the same page. Thought I remembered Mike isn't a smoker so I didn't make any reservation until I heard back from Mike.
I'll be heading over Friday evening after work, so late evening. Oh... and no snoring from me anymore. I gave it up a few years ago.
Ha... ask me for directions while I'm over there... I dare you!! If not for my Nuvi I'd be the guy swerving all over while the map book blocked my view!! LOL!!! Certain places I can drive right too... like boat ramps! Otherwise I'm gonna Nuvi it!!
Oh, and you're local West Marine has the Nuvi 255 Wide screen clearanced at $189.99 right now!! You should ALL have one of these things. And this is from a hard core map reading SOB (and former geography teacher!!) who refuses to ask directions!!
That was a good laugh Dan, thx!
I know I should know where here is when I'm there but sometimes I'm not sure in what state I am to truly understand where here is... I need one of Mike's maps but then I'l be blinded and not even see the crazy person in the mirror looking back at me wondering where we are!!!
I'm so lost all over again...........................
I'm sure you'll find yourself as soon as you get back on the water!
Quote from: River Rat on October 01, 2009, 06:18:04 PM
That was a good laugh Dan, thx!
I know I should know where here is when I'm there but sometimes I'm not sure in what state I am to truly understand where here is... I need one of Mike's maps but then I'l be blinded and not even see the crazy person in the mirror looking back at me wondering where we are!!!
I'm so lost all over again...........................
Anyone else have trouble reading that??
??? That's the intent, it's meant to make ya "lost"... ;D
How the heck did this thread get hijacked like this?!
Anyone got a weather forcast for this event? I can deal with anything but big waves. Big waves beat the crap out of your boat and equipment.
Since we are not competing against eachother and this is about putting these guys on fish, anyone care to atleast give a general idea what the smallies are doing on Clair this time of year? They doing the chase baitfish shallow thing and eating up for winter or what? Never fished Clair this time of year.
B
So far the forecast is for West and NW winds each day respectively at 8-9 mph. Pretty decent forecast for fishing the US side, even though it's going to be cold.
I think I almost felt a snow flake today. Why am I in Michigan again?
B
I talked to Adam Young from the U of M team and found out there have been several last minute cancellations. We could really use some more boats - we are way short now with only a week to do. Getting near desperation time for these kids to all get out fishing. Kids will be coming in from all over the midwest for this opportunity.
They are coming from a number of Big 10 schools. It would be more than a shame to not get them all out. Please remember we need to keep every single person we can involved in the outdoors which means passion the legacy on to our youth.
Saturday is a practice day so if you can only make Sunday, the actual competition day, could definitely use some help!?!
Send me a message and I will get you Adam's contact information ASAP!! Please!
I have been checking the shallow bite occasionally and will again today. All the big smallies, the biggest being 5.5 plus, have come deeper in the 12-15ft range. I have been keying in on the perch schools. Seems the smallies are eating the little perch. Don't shy away from the groups of perch fishermen. They are part of the food chain. If they are on the perch and walleye, the big bass are there.
Good info, thanks!
B
I started in the 11'+ range and marked fish on rock piles that I've liked before (except on tourney days) but didn't get anyone to really take, and there were perch fisherman around. Got small fish up in 8'.
I talked to a good friend and LONG time St. Clair tourney fisherman Friday... he said don't bother thinking "fall bite" as the summer bite really never got going and the fish are still scattered. He is fishing a tourney this week some time and said I should call him on Saturday for an update.
I was there about 3 weeks ago and couldn't buy a bite along the Mile Roads. All our fish came from 13-16' of water seemingly in the middle of nowhere.
Anyone care to have a $5 a man sheephead contest on Saturday since we are able to fish that day? Not the students... just us boaters. Anyone???? Could be interesting.
None of you stand a chance against me in a Sheephead tourney. You should just keep your money.
B
Has anybody's student anglers contacted them yet?
I have not heard from mine. Only a few days away. Looks like they are hurting for boaters now though.
It's pretty late in the year to expect a good turn out. I know a good portion of guys who put their boats away for the winter by now in favor of hunting season.
Personally, I'm putting off my winterization and winter clean out to support this tourney. I hope it goes well!!
Should be fun!
B
Shoot... I fish till the ice hits the lakes. But I don't hunt so it's easy for me.
I've asked the few guys I know who's boats are still out and they are all busy this weekend.
Well, last two times I've been there I've gotten a few sheepies that would qualify as TOADS... so there you go! Who's in??
I've done nothing but donate at tournaments this year, put me down for $5.
I haven't been contacted yet. I'll see if I can find out more tomorrow. I had the feeling many of the students would start arriving starting tomorrow on so that might be why. Wags, I'll ask Adam to confirm they have you down and received your information too.
I just noticed earlier today that the 'St. Clair River' is off limits. Glad I noticed that because a bunch of us fished the river last time the Big Ten came to St. Clair. I want to find exactly what they expect by saying the river is off limits.
I have not heard from my fishermen either. Cutting it close guys!!
I also wanted to ask about what constitutes "the river."
Update today (Wednesday) from Adam Young. This is tentative, but probable.
Due to continued problems getting the last few anglers a boat to fish out of things have been delayed. Adam is checking today with 3 boaters who were getting their boats fixed to see if they would be available. If you can talk someone into helping out as a boater, please do and have them contact Adam. PM or email me (djkimmel at greatlakesbass dot com) and I can put you in contact if you don't already have Adam's info. We are short with no alternates.
Wags - you are confirmed in both days.
Either tomorrow, or maybe Friday morning Adam will be getting the competitor anglers' contact information to each boater and vice versa - again delay due to the shortage of a few boats. Make sure Adam has a phone number he can reach at on those days.
Since most of the anglers are staying at the Victory Inn, getting together there Saturday morning with your anglers will be simplest. Otherwise, expect to meet them Saturday morning before safe light at Harley Ensign unless you are contacted and work out something different. If you are volunteering both days, you will probably have the same anglers in your boat both days. (Some kids are bringing their own boats and final specifics depend on how many boats available Saturday and/or Sunday.)
The St. Clair River is not entirely off limits. Again - this is NOT final - but we will probably be able to fish the US side of the river up to about Algonac State Park. Most likely up to a line across the river very near there. As in most tournaments over there when there are mixed seasons, expect to be asked to not fish OR run in any closed waters. I believe the Detroit River will be completely off limits for various reasons that make sense in this type of event (remember the teams can work together on the water).
The goal of this event is to help the kids get on and catch keepers. I was told the most recent event saw only 22 keepers weighed by 37 anglers. So big fish are cool, but for this event, any keeper will be real important to these kids all things considered (that means brown or green bass remember is all else fails ;D).
Though they are on their own as far as fishing Sunday and boaters can't fish, you can help a lot on Saturday.
BTW, the real Firecracker tower is entirely in Canadian waters and therefore not available to fish. The international line cuts half way between the floating buoy on the channel drop and the fixed tower marker. I wouldn't expect this to be an issue in this type of event, but I see tournament anglers often claiming ignorance of the ability to read a nautical chart fishing the actual Firecracker tower during closed seasons.
Well, according to my contacts the St. Clair River hasn't been fishing very well lately anyway... but I may want to hit some of the channels on Sat.
Thanks for the updated info DK!
I'll be out tomorrow w/ my brother scouting around if anyone else is out and want to compare notes. I'm in a white and green Champion.
Scott
I'll be out friday morning... time depending on what time I drag my sorry butt out of bed here in Grand Rapids. Black/silver Triton that says "West Marine" on both sides.
Wow! You should see the mud line from the wind storm last night.
Chocolate Milk !
Maybe this will drive them shallow because the near shore water is the only thing fishable right now.
Where's that at, which shore or area?
The winds were extremely strong TUESDAY night. Snapping trees and downing powerlines in my area. I frequently drive down Lakeshore and monitor the Lake conditions. I'll do so again today. The only water that even looks fishable is very close to the east shore. A distinct mudline formed from the wind storm as the lake has been churned up pretty good.
Hey guys. I just wanted to thank you all for volunteering at this event. Without support from people like you, we definetly couldn't have a tournament like this. I'm going to be heading over friday after class and will be staying at the Victory motel, so if any of you guys see a kid wearing MSU gear and pulling a Triton, stop and say hi. I like to actually meet you guys instead of just reading your posts.
Thanks again.
-Ryan
"Go Green!"
You're welcome Ryan ("Go Blue!!!" I just wanted to say that actually ;D)
I am a diehard Michigan fan (UM class of 90) BUT no matter what school ends up in my boat believe me when I say.... I want my kids to win!!!
So Go Blue! AND whatever school ends up in my boat!
Found the dang mud line out of Harley today, it's a full mile (as of 1400ish) off the west shore! I didn't run up to the Anchor Bay shore but the Flats leading to the Channels is clear and looking good.
How long does it usually take for a mudline to clear up or blow out?
Clears up pretty quick. Generally couple days. SHould be fine for the Tx.
I am paired with a Wisconsin team, found out last night.
What time is everyone starting practice on Saturday? I'm thinking of getting to the ramp about 0700.
Illinois. I'll be at the ramp at 7:30.