Saginaw Bay 5-31-09

[djkimmel]

I've broke more things at Saginaw Bay than everywhere put together. I've done some crazy things (way in the past) when I was driving and gone with other crazy people... who were maybe more crazy. But it can be a fun place to fish - just really tough on tournaments when you have to go out (you think) that day because it's the tournament.

I did have the outboard break off in the mouth of the Detroit River - that was big, but it was the only thing that broke that day (thank goodness). You have to be prepared anytime you go on the Great Lakes and fishing Saginaw Bay should cement that in your mind.

It is the only place I've been were multiple boats are severely damaged, stranded or spend the night out there multiple times. The worst ever was the first big walleye tournament out there that lost 14 boats in one day... BUT they all had one thing in common - boaters who were determined to get out there to the fish NO MATTER WHAT. I just hope everyone who's been through that learns not to repeat it, and those who haven't learn from them to respect the water, the waves and the way the weather can get brutal out there in a big hurry.

Discretion is the better part of valor by far in the Great Lakes. Particularly the Bay. Fish a big canal, the river or a bay on those days you shouldn't go out or even wonder if you should go out. Or a nearby lake. And enjoy the days you can get out. Just watch the weather. If there's any question at all, turn on the weather radio in your boat (better have one) and pay attention to what the computer weather guy tells you. Don't wait very long. Storms travel faster than you can run in the waves out there (I know... from experience... not all good).

The Bay has taught me many things about weather and water management. Great Lakes weather 'tides.' Preparedness. Safety, boat and livewell management. Reading charts. Gauging and detecting water hazards.

And of course rough water driving and figuring out ways to minimize the amount of time you have to drive in the worst of it. The shortest distance between two points is not always a straight line out there.