I've struggled several times on this lake and I have been doing as much research as I can this winter. But I could use more! ;D
About 4 years ago I fished a FOM on Muskegon. During prefishing we went to Bear lake and slammed some big largies and I though we had a good plan. What I didn't plan on is all the other tourneys and fisherman that day going to my same spots. Needless to say we got skunked. The last couple of tourneys I have fished I could never get a fish over 13 1/2''. :( I'm starting to think I have a pattern, but its taking WAY to long to figure it out. Especially on a lake that all the bigger tourneys always end up fishing. Looking for some tidbits about that body of water. Anything will help. Baits, Area, whatnottodoes. Thanks in advance.
I used to love this lake when the water was more clear and the weeds were growing like crazy! However, something changed on Muskegon a few years ago and the lake has seemed to go downhill quickly. I remember one tournament that was Muskegon only about 6 years ago when we had 20.5, second was 17.5, third 17.25, fourth 17, and fifth 16.5. Now, those weights are going down, except for people making the run to White. Even in White though the weeds are not growing like they used to and the fishing is constantly changing. If you just want to catch some fish in Muskegon I would go to the Devil's Kitchen but that is all I am giving up because I can't stand fishing that area lol
You don't want to fish Muskegon. It's junk. Just leave it for me. Unfortunately, I can't help you out, as I will be fishing lots of tournaments there and on White this year. Good luck!
Quote from: Redbone on February 24, 2011, 10:50:48 AM
I've struggled several times on this lake and I have been doing as much research as I can this winter. But I could use more! ;D
About 4 years ago I fished a FOM on Muskegon. During prefishing we went to Bear lake and slammed some big largies and I though we had a good plan. What I didn't plan on is all the other tourneys and fisherman that day going to my same spots. Needless to say we got skunked. The last couple of tourneys I have fished I could never get a fish over 13 1/2''. :( I'm starting to think I have a pattern, but its taking WAY to long to figure it out. Especially on a lake that all the bigger tourneys always end up fishing. Looking for some tidbits about that body of water. Anything will help. Baits, Area, whatnottodoes. Thanks in advance.
when u get bit,pay extreme attention to the kind of weeds the fish came from and find more,you will find that bigger fish pefer a certain kind of weed,and when u figure that out,don't even fish place's that don't have them weeds.......sometimes it's even small patches of the good weeds in a field of ugly weed....u will have to put some time in like jgip said it change's a little from year to year.......hope this helps
8)see u on the water 8)
Quote from: jgip087 on February 24, 2011, 11:16:15 AM
I used to love this lake when the water was more clear and the weeds were growing like crazy! However, something changed on Muskegon a few years ago and the lake has seemed to go downhill quickly. I remember one tournament that was Muskegon only about 6 years ago when we had 20.5, second was 17.5, third 17.25, fourth 17, and fifth 16.5. Now, those weights are going down, except for people making the run to White. Even in White though the weeds are not growing like they used to and the fishing is constantly changing. If you just want to catch some fish in Muskegon I would go to the Devil's Kitchen but that is all I am giving up because I can't stand fishing that area lol
definitely - in 05 i fished it for the first time, came in with 15lbs sight un-seen. thought it was one of the best lakes i'd ever fished. water was higher, clearer and the weeds were way different than the last few years. not sure what made it change, be nice if it changed back!
Quote from: jgip087 on February 24, 2011, 11:16:15 AM
I used to love this lake when the water was more clear and the weeds were growing like crazy! However, something changed on Muskegon a few years ago and the lake has seemed to go downhill quickly. I remember one tournament that was Muskegon only about 6 years ago when we had 20.5, second was 17.5, third 17.25, fourth 17, and fifth 16.5. Now, those weights are going down, except for people making the run to White. Even in White though the weeds are not growing like they used to and the fishing is constantly changing. If you just want to catch some fish in Muskegon I would go to the Devil's Kitchen but that is all I am giving up because I can't stand fishing that area lol
The sudden change in the weed growth on Muskegon has a lot to do with the local fertilizer ban that started to be enforced about 4-5 years ago as well as the "shoreline clean-up". Muskegon is a cycle lake if there is a such a thing - one year it's a 10 lbs fishery the next year it's a 15 lbs fishery. I have only been fishing it for 2 years now and that's all I needed to be able to draw my conclusion as to why there has been decreasing sizes over the last 5-7 years......All it took for me was to watch the behavior of the 250+ bass released during our 60+ boat opening Sunday ROI Tourney in 2010......
What happens to all those Big Fish allegedly coming from White? Shouldn't we see weights increasing with all those big fish being released at Fisherman's? From what I witnessed first hand those big fish are not surviving - Fisherman's Landing is the best tournament venue in the state logistically but is also the poster child of where fish should NOT be released; high boat traffic area, dock accessible for shore fisherman, poor ph levels, mounds of salt and coal, ect.....I watched over 100 smallmouth and largemouth swim directly under the dock they were released at - meanwhile there were 5 or 6 "spectators" commenting on which fish they were going to catch after we left to be put in their frying pans....."that smallies going in the fryer tonight", "that one going home with me" and so on. People can argue the delayed mortality percentages but what they can't argue is the fact that there are a whole slew of bass being harvested the night after most major tourneys out there. Go out to Fisherman's the night after any big tourney and you'll find the docks there shoulder to shoulder and the 5 gallon buckets full of tourney fish. For 2011 we will be using a Live-Release Pontoon for the opening Sunday Muskegon tourney (also be using on St. Clair in July) hopefully it catches on with everyone out there eventually and I can proved wrong......
Lake Mac is the new White ;D ;D
The pontoon is an excellent idea, but I don't think any bass would live in Lake Mac. Way too muddy ::)
So I can blame everyone that catches fish on Muskegon for my inability to catch fish? ??? I doubt it. Your talking about the overall picture of the catch of all anglers. And in the long run you are definitely on the right path. But seeing how 60 boats caught around 250 fish, I still think I need some more advice on how to be part of the 250 ::).
On muskegon it's simple:
Throw your bait in the water an pray.
Been aggresively fishing it for about 5 years now... learned a lot in that time. But to say I have it figured out would be a gross(monkey) overstatement. I learn something new every time I fish there.
Time on the water is the ONLY way to figure out a lake and catch fish there.
I agree with WaterFoul completely...I can't believe I just typed that! Unfortunately it's true.
Muskegon is hard fishery to figure out. There are places that always hold fish and you will learn those spots as you fish it and watch what is going on. I have been fishing it hard for 5 years now too and there are days I struggle out there. My own theory is the fish roam around a lot on Muskegon. One day you will find them deep and the next day those fish are gone. I have to assume they are chasing bait or the current moves them around. Especially the small mouth!
Chris when the weather warms we can go out there I will show you around and see what I help you with.
Cy
Thanks everyone. It sounds like I'm on the right track. There is really only two lakes I've been on that I dont have confidence in. Muskegon is one of them. And any body of water that holds fish, holds BIG fish. I just have to find the pattern. I better go buy half of Gander mountain just to make sure I have the right stuff! :)
And I agree with time on the water. Now if I could just figure out how to get paid to fish! ::)
Ah... I knew you liked me a little bit Cy. I didn't think you were always a D&*$head and now you have proved me right. ;D
Thanks buddy.
Chris, fish it, fish it, fish it. And you know that no matter what half of Gander Mountain you buy... the fish will be biting on the other half.
So in that case, you might want a faster boat so that when they aren't biting on your half of the lake, you can race to the other side! And if that doesn't work, guess you have to go back to Gander again...
Quote from: Fishmael on February 25, 2011, 02:22:21 PM
So in that case, you might want a faster boat so that when they aren't biting on your half of the lake, you can race to the other side! And if that doesn't work, guess you have to go back to Gander again...
Ha! That's the 1st thing i did. Lmao.
Quote from: ROI Outdoors on February 25, 2011, 01:28:55 AM
Quote from: jgip087 on February 24, 2011, 11:16:15 AM
I used to love this lake when the water was more clear and the weeds were growing like crazy! However, something changed on Muskegon a few years ago and the lake has seemed to go downhill quickly. I remember one tournament that was Muskegon only about 6 years ago when we had 20.5, second was 17.5, third 17.25, fourth 17, and fifth 16.5. Now, those weights are going down, except for people making the run to White. Even in White though the weeds are not growing like they used to and the fishing is constantly changing. If you just want to catch some fish in Muskegon I would go to the Devil's Kitchen but that is all I am giving up because I can't stand fishing that area lol
The sudden change in the weed growth on Muskegon has a lot to do with the local fertilizer ban that started to be enforced about 4-5 years ago as well as the "shoreline clean-up". Muskegon is a cycle lake if there is a such a thing - one year it's a 10 lbs fishery the next year it's a 15 lbs fishery. I have only been fishing it for 2 years now and that's all I needed to be able to draw my conclusion as to why there has been decreasing sizes over the last 5-7 years......All it took for me was to watch the behavior of the 250+ bass released during our 60+ boat opening Sunday ROI Tourney in 2010......
What happens to all those Big Fish allegedly coming from White? Shouldn't we see weights increasing with all those big fish being released at Fisherman's? From what I witnessed first hand those big fish are not surviving - Fisherman's Landing is the best tournament venue in the state logistically but is also the poster child of where fish should NOT be released; high boat traffic area, dock accessible for shore fisherman, poor ph levels, mounds of salt and coal, ect.....I watched over 100 smallmouth and largemouth swim directly under the dock they were released at - meanwhile there were 5 or 6 "spectators" commenting on which fish they were going to catch after we left to be put in their frying pans....."that smallies going in the fryer tonight", "that one going home with me" and so on. People can argue the delayed mortality percentages but what they can't argue is the fact that there are a whole slew of bass being harvested the night after most major tourneys out there. Go out to Fisherman's the night after any big tourney and you'll find the docks there shoulder to shoulder and the 5 gallon buckets full of tourney fish. For 2011 we will be using a Live-Release Pontoon for the opening Sunday Muskegon tourney (also be using on St. Clair in July) hopefully it catches on with everyone out there eventually and I can proved wrong......
Lake Mac is the new White ;D ;D
I like the idea of a release boat. I still think it's one of the better lakes around for numbers of fish. In a six hour tournament, you should be catching 10-20 keepers on most days. The size does seem to be down. The bigger fish might be out deeper feeding on the gobies.
One of these days I'm going to get over there and fish Muskegon Lake. I probably haven't really made an effort because St. Clair is 40 minutes from my front doorstep. Come to think of it, Lake Erie is 40 minutes away in the other direction. I guess Muskegon will have to wait.
BD ;D
BTW...I think a release boat is a great idea. I know BBT used to load up fish and go run them back around the lake. I think all tournaments over 10 or 15 boats should be running fish back to the main lake, even on smaller lakes. If we want to protect our lakes and our fish we should not leave tired out fish hanging by the docks for easy pickings on any lake.
Something to think about.
Cy
If you couldn't get a release boat, I am sure you could get a few guys to volunteer to transfer some of the fish 4 or 5 boats could take a lot of fish out. You could transfer the fish to the volunteer boat livewells after they are weighed and you could have a couple boats going back and forth for the whole weigh-in. Just a thought for smaller tourneys that can't get a regular transfer boat.
Quote from: Fishmael on February 26, 2011, 08:31:41 PM
If you couldn't get a release boat, I am sure you could get a few guys to volunteer to transfer some of the fish 4 or 5 boats could take a lot of fish out. You could transfer the fish to the volunteer boat livewells after they are weighed and you could have a couple boats going back and forth for the whole weigh-in. Just a thought for smaller tourneys that can't get a regular transfer boat.
That's exactly what I had in mind...I can't think of any smaller tournament that will be able to get a dedicated release boat or have someone to tow it and drive it.
What's the D&R say about putting a bunch of fish in a boat and then taking them out. Do you have to do it in batches of 10? Do you have to get a permit for a release boat?
Quote from: Dan on February 27, 2011, 02:05:24 PM
What's the D&R say about putting a bunch of fish in a boat and then taking them out. Do you have to do it in batches of 10? Do you have to get a permit for a release boat?
That is a good question!
Quote from: Dan on February 27, 2011, 02:05:24 PM
What's the D&R say about putting a bunch of fish in a boat and then taking them out. Do you have to do it in batches of 10? Do you have to get a permit for a release boat?
Technically you'd have to do it in batches of 10....Michigan is about 15 years behind most states on these matters and from what I can tell does not currently have a transport permit that deals with just bass - that being said I am sure that there is a permit that encompasses the necessary requirements but it isn't obviously a priority for them. I hope to see something similiar to the Maryland Transport Permit (Pasted Below) soon available here in Michigan. There's some opportunity for the DNR to improve a whole for our state and hope they can finally capitalize like almost every other state in the country has done.
MARYLAND FISH TRANSPORT PERMIT 2009
Permit Number: Permit Expiration Date:
This permit authorizes a person to transport a number or live fish in excess of the legal creel or size limits in Maryland and in Maryland waters for the sole purpose of returning these fish to the waters of Maryland. This waiver is issued under authority provided by Natural Resource Article # 4 - 205 of the Annotated Code of Maryland .
Name and Address of Permittee:
Phone Number or E-mail Address:
Name or Chapter of Fishing Tournament:
Name of Fish Transporter (if different from Permittee):
Phone Number or E-mail Address of Fish Transporter:
Dates of Transport Species to be Transported
Type of Transport (1) Land Vehicle License Number
(2) Boat License Number
Capacity of Transport Tank Number of Transport Tanks
River of Fish Origin
Fish Destination
Restrictions:
1) density of fish in live wells shall be 1 pound of bass per gallon of water;
2) water temperature within the release boats' live wells should be within 5° F of the water temperature measured at an approximate depth of 3 feet in the water body to which fish will be released. These temperatures are 75°F ± 10° F, depending on month (May – September);
3) fish are to be kept within well-aerated containers (near or above 100% saturated oxygen) of water prior to and following the weigh-in;
4) minimum capacity of live wells for release boats will be 100 gallons of water;
5) the tournament director must submit a tournament activity report within 30 days of the tournament (attached, or at http://dnrweb.dnr.state.md.us/fish/bass/basstournament.asp).
Transfer implies you are taking them too another body of water. If you are putting them back in the same lake I doubt you need a permit. A phone call too the DNR might get you permission to carry more than a boats limit back out. Notice I said MIGHT.
I honestly think, based on a number of CO's I've talked to, that the DNR would applaud the effort.
That's something that really should be done. If you've ever fished a tournament on Muskegon, there's no way you could miss the crowd of shore fishermen. It's unbelievable how many people crowd that place. It really is a shame that they don't do more to regulate that. The first year I bought a launch permit there, they gave me trouble about launching my speed boat before a tournament was scheduled to come in. She told me that tournaments take priority there. Fair enough. Well, why don't they not let people fish there after a tournament? That's what I think should be the case. There are plenty of other places for people to fish from shore. I have had people ask me if I had any dead fish in my livewell as I was getting ready to pull my boat out of the water to weigh in. Guess they do that quite often?
Quote from: UAWBigDog on February 26, 2011, 03:04:31 PM
One of these days I'm going to get over there and fish Muskegon Lake. I probably haven't really made an effort because St. Clair is 40 minutes from my front doorstep. Come to think of it, Lake Erie is 40 minutes away in the other direction. I guess Muskegon will have to wait.
BD ;D
Driving away from St. Clair and Erie to go to Muskegon would be a waste of time !!!
I've never fished over there but it sounds like a bad place to be a release fish! Glad you guys are bringing a release boat. Are you guys going to be adding rejuvenade or catch and release to the tanks? I think one or both is supposed to protect against fungal infections and things like that? We have all caught those fish that are covered in sores or whatever and it concerns me about keeping them at high density's with other fish. I usually keep them in solitary confinement all day then bleach that livewell when I get home.
Quote from: fishstick on March 02, 2011, 07:57:18 AM
I've never fished over there but it sounds like a bad place to be a release fish! Glad you guys are bringing a release boat. Are you guys going to be adding rejuvenade or catch and release to the tanks? I think one or both is supposed to protect against fungal infections and things like that? We have all caught those fish that are covered in sores or whatever and it concerns me about keeping them at high density's with other fish. I usually keep them in solitary confinement all day then bleach that livewell when I get home.
bad place to release fish and its got a tournament or 2 just about every day of the week from memorial day through sept.
People gotta eat man!
Let them eat Cake! er.... CARP!!
Carp Cakes are the bomb! ;)
I don't have a problem with that one guy who is usually at the weigh in for the dead fish. They might as well go to some good use. But netting and catching the fish out of the channel there is a little much.
Catch and Release is anti-fungal and antibacterial. It also kills zebra mussel larvae and VHS. They are the only livewell treatment that can scientifically prove these things! Rejuvenade gets a fish through a tournament most of the time but tests have shown that it is bad for the fish. If you smell it, it smells like garlic and it basically ticks a fish off. It gets them through the tournament but post-release mortality goes up with its use. You can actually use it in your livewells to remove the heavy metals with those big walleyes in the Detroit River as well, just leave them soak for a while before you eat them, bluegills also, but please don't do it with our bass!!! Below is the actual description and Lane, one of the owner's, would send you the scientific facts if you want to argue...
CATCH AND RELEASE® is the most advanced livewell formula on the market today. Our new formula has taken stress and delayed mortality reduction to the next level. We have incorporated a natural tranquilizer that will calm your fish, lower deadly cortisol levels and has shown to inhance the immune response in bass and walleye.
CATCH AND RELEASE® aids in reducing secondary bacterial and fungal infections that result in delayed mortality in bass and walleye. When used in conjunction with proper handling procedures and livewell management, it ensures that bass and walleye can be released in superior condition so that they can live to fight another day.CATCH AND RELEASE® is the evolution of live release.
With superior dissolving capabilities, improved calming effects and an overwhelming ability to remove both heavy metals and pesticides (both of which can be especially harmful in coves or canals), CATCH AND RELEASE® is the choice of champions. Use CATCH AND RELEASE® in both livewells and weigh-in tanks as both a conservation measure and to assure that tournament points are not lost due to dead bass. Technically, CATCH AND RELEASE® will:
Calm your hard caught tournament catch so that injury in the livewell is reduced.
Reduce losses from stress by the all important addition of electrolytes back into bass and walleye.
Helps bass from regurgitating stomach contents which helps stop weight loss.
Immediately removes any harmful chlorine which may be present from melting ice.
Helps heal both hook and net wounds.
Replaces the all important natural slime coat of bass and walleye.
Quote from: Firefighter Jeff on March 01, 2011, 08:38:10 PM
Quote from: UAWBigDog on February 26, 2011, 03:04:31 PM
One of these days I'm going to get over there and fish Muskegon Lake. I probably haven't really made an effort because St. Clair is 40 minutes from my front doorstep. Come to think of it, Lake Erie is 40 minutes away in the other direction. I guess Muskegon will have to wait.
BD ;D
Driving away from St. Clair and Erie to go to Muskegon would be a waste of time !!!
BD we'll see you over on Muskegon in 2011 with the Dodge RAM fishing team......................and Mr. Regina how many times have been up to Muskegon on opening weekend? It is the only time I enjoy heading there unless I'm forced to fish a tourney there - either way every body of water has their own unique characteristics and challenges.
I just realized this post is in the wrong category - it should be in the Fishing the Great Lakes Subforum especially seeing as so many tournaments are "closing" the Lake. Is Muskegon a inland lake or river if the Lake is "closed"? Instead of Closed or Open I think they should be know as European Social Utopia Events or Freedom Events....
You been sniffing the air out of new tires again??
Drove by Muskegon Lake today while working and noticed that about 1/3 of the upper part of the lake was wide open. Saw 4 or 5 boats out there. Probably perch fishing. However, at this point, any sighting of open water makes my heart skip a beat... ;D
Driving away from St. Clair and Erie to go to Muskegon would be a waste of time !!!
[/quote]
BD we'll see you over on Muskegon in 2011 with the Dodge RAM fishing team......................and Mr. Regina how many times have been up to Muskegon on opening weekend? It is the only time I enjoy heading there unless I'm forced to fish a tourney there - either way every body of water has their own unique characteristics and challenges.
Mr. ROI I wasn't necessarily saying Muskegon was bad. Didn't mean to hurt your feelings. I have fished Muskegon a few times, never opening weekend. I have fished St. Clair and Erie early in the season and still say the two do not compare. JMO Maybe a tourney where you can only count 5 fish would be different, but I fun fish mostly, hence my comment.
Quote from: Firefighter Jeff on March 07, 2011, 10:36:04 PM
Driving away from St. Clair and Erie to go to Muskegon would be a waste of time !!!
BD we'll see you over on Muskegon in 2011 with the Dodge RAM fishing team......................and Mr. Regina how many times have been up to Muskegon on opening weekend? It is the only time I enjoy heading there unless I'm forced to fish a tourney there - either way every body of water has their own unique characteristics and challenges.
Mr. ROI I wasn't necessarily saying Muskegon was bad. Didn't mean to hurt your feelings. I have fished Muskegon a few times, never opening weekend. I have fished St. Clair and Erie early in the season and still say the two do not compare. JMO Maybe a tourney where you can only count 5 fish would be different, but I fun fish mostly, hence my comment.[/quote]
We must be talking about 2 different things - I simply was asking if you have ever fished on Muskegon opening weekend so I don't know where feelings come into play with a simple question about something to do with fishing of all things. I agree that you can't really compare anything to best smallmouth fishery in the world especially from a pure bass whacking good time aspect. I'm shooting you a PM with some potential early season whackfest fisheries a little closer to home.
Dan,
It wasn't sniffing air of out new tires this time; it was the fecal matter of cormorants for 2 days down at Pickwick and Wilson - their like the B-52's of the bird droppings Air Force. When we got within 1 mile of both dams our eyes would start burning from all the fresh air they provided......
Driving away from St. Clair and Erie to go to Muskegon would be a waste of time !!!
[/quote]
BD we'll see you over on Muskegon in 2011 with the Dodge RAM fishing team......................and Mr. Regina how many times have been up to Muskegon on opening weekend? It is the only time I enjoy heading there unless I'm forced to fish a tourney there - either way every body of water has their own unique characteristics and challenges.
Mr. ROI I wasn't necessarily saying Muskegon was bad. Didn't mean to hurt your feelings. I have fished Muskegon a few times, never opening weekend. I have fished St. Clair and Erie early in the season and still say the two do not compare. JMO Maybe a tourney where you can only count 5 fish would be different, but I fun fish mostly, hence my comment.
[/quote]
We must be talking about 2 different things - I simply was asking if you have ever fished on Muskegon opening weekend so I don't know where feelings come into play with a simple question about something to do with fishing of all things. I agree that you can't really compare anything to best smallmouth fishery in the world especially from a pure bass whacking good time aspect. I'm shooting you a PM with some potential early season whackfest fisheries a little closer to home.
Fair enough. I didn't mean fishing Muskegon at the opening was a waste of time. I was agreeing with BD that it was hard for him to leave Erie and St. Clair which are both 40 minutes away for him, to drive across the state to go fish Muskegon.
Thanks for the input I recieved from everyone. I think I have a plan of attack.
BRING IT! 8)
I dont know... ;D