2011 Fall MadWags Memorial
Members Bass Tournament West
Sunday October 2
8 AM until 2 PM - please arrive no later than 7:20 AM
Lake Skegemog, Elk Rapids Michigan
Lake Skegemog MDNR Public Access - Baggs Rd
Entry Fee $5 per angler 13 and older
Big Bass $2 per angler 13 and older
anglers under 13 fish for free
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 - PM me or contact me (http://www.greatlakesbass.com/fishing/contact.html).
GENERAL INFORMATION
Nonboaters, please bring a life jacket 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.
If you have anything new or like new you'd like to donate for prize giveaways, please contact (http://www.greatlakesbass.com/fishing/contact.html) me.
This event is all about everyone catching some fish, having fun and getting to know each other!!! Thank you for being members of GreatLakesBass.com.
Post that you are attending and if attending as a boater or nonboater in this thread please.
Veronica and I wouldnt miss it.
I'll be there too Mike. Boater. Let's hope for an Indian summer and the weights could be pretty impressive!
Dang Kimmel! What got into you...I was shocked when I saw a DK Open fall tournament posted almost a year early! Dude your freakin me out!
BTW, I plan to be there as a boater.
Sorry, but I wouldn't have a home to come back to if I left my wife with 3 children for a couple days "just to go fishing" (as she says). Keep doing this for another 5-10 yrs and I'll join ya then - I'm already counting the days! Catch a few for me!!
I wish the tourny was a full 8 hrs tho.....its a long run to the north side of torch!!!!!
Here is a piece I lifted from my blog that pertains to Skegemog. It's on my teardropbass.com main page. The Tear Drop Tournament Trail is a group I use to be quite active in. Now I just do their website info. If you want to read the whole article it's under the 2006 year, and again under the I.A.T.A. Articles. It's double buttoned.
"The Torch Chain, north and east of Traverse City is some beautiful water. Turquoise blue shallows running off the vast sand flats to dark blue bottomless depths. The chain of lakes there is comprised of Skegemog, Elk, Torch, Clam, and Intermediate. The Tear Drop put in at the DNR ramp on Baggs Rd. The ramp is on Skegemog and from Skegemog you have direct access to Elk. To get to Torch from Elk and Skegemog you must make a 45 minute no wake cruise up the Torch River. You access the Torch River on the north shore of Skegemog about mid lake in the stump field. Coming back down the river is a few minutes faster, because you are going with the current. About 5-7 miles up Torch's east side is the Clam River. You can go up the Clam, a swollen rivermouth, in to Intermediate Lake. During our prefishing expeditions we didn't make that run so I can't tell you how long that takes.
If you are thinking of fishing the chain here are some directions you may find helpful. If you are coming from the south many of you would come up 131. You take that until the expressway ends and then keep heading north to the yellow blinker at the corner of 131 and Fife Lake Rd. At the corner of Fife Lake Rd. and 131 there is a credit union on the northeast corner and next to that is a Tom's Grocery. (Some people confuse Fife Lake Rd. with the road just before it that goes into Fife Lake. If you do turn on that road and go in to Fife Lake make sure you stop at the Fife Lake Party Store just past the Dairy Queen. They make a great toasted sub that is well worth the short detour. It's only about a mile from 131. Back to the directions. Take a left on to Fife Lake Rd., and go to the stop sign. Turn left at the stop sign and continue until you come to a Y in the road. You want to stay right heading toward Williamsburg on Williamsburg Rd. , it's marked. This will take you to the stop sign at M72. Turn right on M72 and go 3.4 miles to Baggs Rd. and turn left, north. Take Baggs to the launch which is just before Baggs turns to gravel. The ramp is fair. Holds about 30 boats - maybe. You can't launch and then beach your boat - all rock.
If you come up north on M37 you end up hitting US 31 and then have to follow the Bay through Traverse City around to Acme. Turn right in Acme onto M72. You will go east past Turtle Creek Casino. When you see the big white Williamsburg water tower you are about 4 miles from Baggs Rd.
We went up to prefish on Wednesday before the tournament and stayed that night at Whitewater Township Park. I would highly recommend the park. Very clean, 25 cent showers so bring your quarters. They have a really nice ramp with space to park 40 or more boats. Great place to run a tournament out of. We wished we knew about it earlier. If you don't stay at the park there is a ramp fee of $5.00. The park is only 6.5 miles from the DNR access on Skegemog by road. To get to the park, if you are coming up 131 the way I described, when you hit M72 on Williamsburg Rd. you just go straight across 72. Williamsburg Rd. changes names at M72 so once you cross it, it becomes Elk Lake Rd. If you are coming from Acme, there is a sign for Elk Lake Rd. and on that same sign there will be notice of Whitewater Township Park.
The campground does take phone reservations early starting April 1, 2007. After May 11 you can't make reservations over the phone. We got there Wednesday and made reservation at the camp for Saturday and good thing we did because they booked up solid for the weekend. Their number on April 1 is 231-267-5141. After May 11 call 231-267-5091. They have ice to buy and a pop machine. They even have a pavilion if you want to rent it. They charge $22 a night rustic and $25 a night for electric. They also charge a $5 reservation fee. While you are there and you are looking for food, there is the Arizona Steak House back down East on 72 a few miles. Pricey, their hamburgers are good but $8. The rest of the entrees were all around $20 expensive for road anglers, unless you are a Skinner and have the big bucks to buy those new Rangers. If you head out of Whitewater and go north on Elk Lake Rd. you are only about seven miles from Elk Rapids. There are several places to eat there. You can also put your boat in at Elk Rapids and fish the bay. Ron Fassel was at our weigh in and showed us a picture, which he is suppose to email me, of 5 smallies that he and Tony DeFlippo caught a week earlier in a NBAA Tournament that went 29.6 lb. Whoa five six pound smallies!!! "
I am in Boater. That is only 20 minutes from our property up there. ;D
stack!! Where you been?!?
Cy... I did it just for you!!!
Quote from: LipRip on December 21, 2010, 10:05:23 AM
I wish the tourny was a full 8 hrs tho.....its a long run to the north side of torch!!!!!
Are you going to fish it is the first question?
I would consider adding an hour maybe if I do a private poll of everyone attending, but I'm also concerned about people having to drive a long way home.
I'd love to but i honestly cant say for sure untill it get a little closer!
I'll let you know as soon as i know. if i do fish it, it will be as a boater.
Awesome choice, Ill be there as a non-boater. The weights should rival the spring DK on st clair.
I guess I can wait one more day to go deer hunting, Im in as a boater.
Uh oh... I might be fishing in the same spot..!!
Stay off my stuff
Race you there!!! (Actually, I'll be slightly behind you so I know where I'm going ;D )
HOLY CATS!!! A DK open north of Traverse City, MI. Better believe I'll be there with the old pro-craft, burnin' spinnerbaits and chunkin' cranks.
Never been there. But, I have learned that spinnerbaits and cranks work, so I read, and that LGMOUTH must have spots there. Hmmmm. I'm in. Non boater. Putting vacation days in for this and LSC when I go back to work after Christmas. Good luck catching Don. I've seen that boat go here a few times when I was on the water before a tournament started. It goes fast out of the water too! ;D
rumor has it that don could be looking for a boat...seems his is lost somewhere between here and texas.....don has it been located yet....
Count me in Dan as a non boater. Now if I can just get someone to trade a day of work with me for the spring DK Open !!!!!! :-\'
Quote from: Firefighter Jeff on December 25, 2010, 09:47:13 PM
Count me in Dan as a non boater. Now if I can just get someone to trade a day of work with me for the spring DK Open !!!!!! :-\'
I'll see what I can do...
Quote from: macbass on December 24, 2010, 12:53:34 PM
rumor has it that don could be looking for a boat...seems his is lost somewhere between here and texas.....don has it been located yet....
Heck it could be in California for all I know.... Im sure I will see it before spring, at least I hope.
Quote from: djkimmel on December 25, 2010, 10:26:49 PM
Quote from: Firefighter Jeff on December 25, 2010, 09:47:13 PM
Count me in Dan as a non boater. Now if I can just get someone to trade a day of work with me for the spring DK Open !!!!!! :-\'
I'll see what I can do...
Wow Dan, you are a awesome tournament director !!!! lolol You know a fireman that would work for me??? lolol
I do know one, but I probably can't get him to drive down and work for you. But there are always options. Usually. Sometimes.
october 2011 is a long way off but count me in as a boater for now. i know it's early but is there any leads on lodging yet?
Not yet. I may camp at Whitewater on Elk Lake. There's some places a little ways away along US-31 and in Elk Rapids. I'll have to look to see what is closer. I've always stayed in Elk Rapids in the past and it's been a while.
I see the NBAA Fall Championship is the same weekend. Probably going to fish that one so I won't be going north. See ya St-Clair if the ice and snow are gone by then.
LGMOUTH is fishing both! If he can do it, you can do it!
Quote from: djkimmel on February 03, 2011, 01:23:26 AM
LGMOUTH is fishing both! If he can do it, you can do it!
After 3 or 4 days on Muskegon I will be done. Old age is a terrible thing. ;D
Catching some big northern Michigan smallies makes me feel younger again?!?
I'll tentatively put my name in as boater. Depends on how college is going, where college is exactly, and if the finances allow this the weekend before my ROI Classic win!! :o ;D
1jav
I'm in. Probably as a boater. Long drive so ill get a hotel. Ill either be bringing a 7 year old, or a case of beer. Ill know more as it gets closer
Frank
Just don't bring a 7 year old case ofd beer. :o
Quote from: MadWags on February 07, 2011, 02:45:11 PM
Just don't bring a 7 year old case ofd beer. :o
i ain't picky
Dan I'm in as boater. Deep diver is my co. He will chime in later.
P.s. I'm lookin to 3 peat in the big ugly division
You are definitely talented in that area!! ;D
Quote from: bassfan586 on February 07, 2011, 08:50:01 PM
Dan I'm in as boater. Deep diver is my co. He will chime in later.
P.s. I'm lookin to 3 peat in the big ugly division
No sir! You have taken enough prizes from all of us with your ugly fish! Ha ha! Just kidding. Somebody has to. Good luck.
Quote from: TCook on December 22, 2010, 01:31:08 PM
Awesome choice, Ill be there as a non-boater. The weights should rival the spring DK on st clair.
You'll never really know because the Spring Open is a paper tournament. Even though the golden rule will give you an idea how much a fish weighs, you'll never really know unless you put them on a scale. That's why I would love to see a DK Spring Open on St. Clair in the late spring or early summer or even the fall for that matter when the lake is open for catch and delayed release. A fall DK Open on Erie would be good too. Erie is awesome in late September and all of October right on into November. Believe it or not and DK can attest to this, the largemouth bite is excellent and you can get some weights that rival smallie weights believe it or not. Largemouth fishing is really coming on and St. Clair is starting to get a good largemouth bite too. And yeah DK, I would be happy to help you run it.
BD ;D
DeepDiver will be attending and fishing with BassFan586
Looking forward to it!!!!
What are the numbers like? I can do either nonboater or boater. and is this a draw for partners or sign up together got confused on that last post. ;D Thanks
It is a draw, but I do allow for families and such when doing pairings. Some mention it here and some send me PM's. Works either way.
If you want to put down as boater or nonboater preference, I'll get to this one a little later to see where we are at (after the May open) and then people can change around a little if they need to or really want to.
Boater...I need to check my schedule....
I love TC.....If the weather holds up may have to spend a day on the East Bay....
Dan, My son Jason who is a member of GLB (head) will be fishing with me.
Thanks
bill
Okay. I had not made that connection previously.
If there is an open spot, I would fish as a back seater if the day stays open (no work) as it is now.
I'll write you down in pencil though I'm sure there would be room somewhere.
up here in Tc for a wedding. Drove around Skeg and Elk lake yesterday. Lots of nice looking water. To bad the boat is at home :'(.
Error in strategic planning...
was supposed to bring it but plans got changed for me. I did get a lot of fishing credits this weekend. not a bass boat in sight on the bay for 3 days. did see some gill netting boats.
saw a momma and 2 baby river otters in Leeland. didn't know we had them in Mi
I might have to re-think this open.
You should. Beautiful up there and October is BIG smallie time!!
Ok, lets wake this topic up. Its coming sooner than we think. Or maybe its just me getting older and time is flying. Whos going? Lets start getting a list up and some numbers. I already took the weekend off. Do we want to cook out after the tourney? Get some ideas out here people. I think I counted 7 weeks.
That should be a fun time, but 200 miles is a little too far for me. Good luck! (And yes Mike, it is you getting older! ;D)
DD
I will have to be a nonboater. I messed up one of my rear spindles and won't be buying a new axle anytime soon. I may be bringing another boater. Maybe. If he lets me know... One of these days? Starting to get some prizes in for it.
I wasn't sure about a cookout only because the ramp isn't real big. Not a real good grassy area. I was thinking most people would want to get on the road for the drive home, but it is up to all of you. If enough want to do it I will, of course, go along.
I wasn't actually suggesting a cookout, just want to know what everyone else wanted to do. I have to be up at 2:30am on Mondays, LOL
I was thinking a restaurant or something instead maybe but there's not a lot real close to that boat ramp. It will depend on where most people are heading. I don't know where I'm heading yet.
i'm planning on going, boater or non - doesn't matter to me.
also if anyone is looking for a place to stay let me know, i can try and get a group rate at the fairfield inn in TC
The more, the merrier. I'll keep the group rate in mind. Still waiting to hear from my ride. Guess I better call him again.
Dan, if you need a ride, let me know. We wont be heading up till Saturday afternoon though. Veronica is cheerleading a football game early in the day.
Ok. Most likely, if my travel partner decides not to go, I'll be driving my little car up just for the day at this point. But he might come through.
But I'll keep the offer in mind depending on all the variables.
Still have room for campers at our place and room for a cookout also.
Dan, I am definitely going, but I am up in the air on boater or non. I really want to bring my boat, but finances are tight. I will have a definite within a couple weeks of that trip.
Also, if any west siders want to ride up, I will have room for 3 others in the truck. If I don't take the boat, I will have room for 3 others in my wife's van.
I'm looking forward to heading north, and I'm in as a non-boater.
Hmmm since they moved up the girls soccer sectional a week, I may not be coming up for the open. :( Is there anyone around the northern Indiana/ southwest part of Michigan looking for a ride or rider ???? Don't count me out just yet Dan.
Okay. I appear to have my driver now so I believe I will show up Sunday with Genie in tow but we won't be camping.
Dan...I am at about 90 percent sure I will be there as a boater...I have a jack plate issue I am working through...I need to call Bass Cat or CMC Monday to see if I can get some parts but either way I should be able to nurse it through the weekend...My onboard charger took a dive also but I am thinking about getting away from the onboards and going with the individual charger setup....Quite a few pros have gone that way and Bass cat encourages that setup...I may try it for a year and see...
I have an onboard, but I always carry two portables as a back up. Just let me know. I'll be working on the event details later this week. Got a few prizes in already and working on getting more from generous tackle companies.
Hmmm home lake, good date, might have to make it, as a boater, if im not duck hunting at the entrance to torch lake that week
You could fish the event and then duck hunt in the evening (because anglers will be fishing nearby if they can) ;D
cool. i'll bring my gun.
Just remember I said afterwards... not during ;D
boy you take the fun outa keeping my spots to myself LOL
I was going to post 'no shooting at the other contestants' but that could just go anywhere...
i regularly fish with my shotgun in the bottom of the boat during duck season. effective at harvesting ducks and deterring potential spot stealers. ;D
i regularly fish with my shotgun in the bottom of the boat during duck season. effective at harvesting ducks and deterring potential spot stealers. ;D
i'm not shooting "AT" you, i'm shooting "with" you.
Quote from: thedude on September 06, 2011, 10:51:25 PM
i regularly fish with my shotgun in the bottom of the boat during duck season. effective at harvesting ducks and deterring potential spot stealers. ;D
i'm not shooting "AT" you, i'm shooting "with" you.
I should have used that line in the desert.... ;D
I think the guys at Half Moon shot over our bow one year when we all blasted off during that big open - also opening day of duck season - past their decoys in the morning. Hate when that happens. Not sure if they were shooting at or with or just a 'friendly' warning.
Anyone up to a boater/backseater tally?
I'm shooting for early next week to do the first one. Takes a couple hours to read through the posts and do a grid of who is coming and going. I also have a number of maybes who have contacted me through other means but I told them I won't count anyone in for sure unless the post on this thread.
Looks like I will go as a boater. Everything is falling in line for me, so I will drag her up there. If anybody wants to ride along, let me know.
That's good news. I got my ride but you can probably pick someone up from over there and ride together.
Got a nice box full of great donations from Drop Shot Denny (http://thedropshotdenny.com) today!! Thanks macbass! Good luck tomorrow in the Riley Memorial!
PS: A rumor has it that the toads are already biting on the Elk-Torch Chain! This could be something!
OK, Marc Dehollander and I are in... under one minor condition which I will send you a PM to discuss. Me as a boater, Marc as a non-boater.
Mike
Good deal Mike. Glad to hear you guys are going to make it. :)
I have to get a list worked up by this weekend, looks like. Getting close. I can almost smell the North!
Quote from: Firefighter Jeff on September 14, 2011, 11:10:38 PM
Good deal Mike. Glad to hear you guys are going to make it. :)
You better bring the drop shot rod Jeff! LOL!!
drop shot? gimmie a break - if you have to use a drop shot to catch these fish than its not even worth going!
Only Waterfoul has to use a drop shot to catch the fish. Anyone else can catch them on all kinds of different lures and presentations!
Actually, it's just a standing joke between Jeff and I. I'm already picking out which crank baits and jerk baits I want to tie on for that day!! I'll probably even bust out the Trap box!!
Yeah... we'll have to get video of that! May be the only time anyone will ever see such a site!
Dan, count me in as a boater, i'm getting the basscat back monday-tuesday next week ;D
Quote from: bob o on September 16, 2011, 11:50:26 AM
Dan, count me in as a boater, i'm getting the basscat back monday-tuesday next week ;D
Hey! That's great news! The fall bite is turning on up north too!
Wow, so far, not a whole lot of people committing. I counted 26, maybe. We are under the 2 week mark, where is everybody? ???
Im in just hoping to have my boat back:/
Where's your boat?
Gaylord. It should be done this weekend. Other than labor day weekend from the pontoon, I havnt fished :'(
Bummer man. I thought you were getting it fixed around the time the little one arrived. Hope you get it in time.
Dan, PM sent on my Status...
Total rebuild and jumping thru hoops for insurance.
I hear that. Insurance companies are fast to take the money, but they take their sweet time and mess with you in any way they can before they pay you part of what they should. Good luck man. Look forward to seeing everyone up there.
Dan, I got my dad to sign up, mikesxf7. He is going to go to Skegemog, and fish with me. I will have him post it as soon as he gets his activation done.
Quote from: mikeszr800 on September 21, 2011, 06:57:52 PM
Dan, I got my dad to sign up, mikesxf7. He is going to go to Skegemog, and fish with me. I will have him post it as soon as he gets his activation done.
I activated his account since you are his reference. Hope the email address is right. It appears notices have gone through. See you up there.
I am in for the Skegemog tourney. I will fish with my son, mikeszr800.
I can't wait to get up there. New lake, smallies, and a good trip with the old man. Will be a good time.
There! Now it's official! Glad to have you aboard.
I am sorry to say that I will not be able to make it. Everyone, make my Uncle Dave MadWags proud by bringing in some big sacks. God rest his soul.
Jay-MadWags
Quote from: Jay-MadWags on September 21, 2011, 10:54:58 PM
I am sorry to say that I will not be able to make it. Everyone, make my Uncle Dave MadWags proud by bringing in some big sacks. God rest his soul.
Jay-MadWags
I know you would be there if you could. Thanks for letting us know. I hope things are going well for you and your family.
I will be there as a boater also will be fishing with my wife. Thanx !
i'm out, parts for my boat are back ordered until some undisclosed date in october >:(
Bob, what do you need...????
hyd unit and trim motor 1995 200 omc
There are quite a few used and rebuilt fasttrack tilt trim units for sale on ebay
kimmel.
list.
now.
;D
need to know if i'm bringing my boat or not.
I had it 2/3's done last night before some business stuff came up. I should have it done shortly. I'm dissing cameraguy's new video upload too so I'm getting it from several directions!!! eeek
Video can wait. List is higher priority.