Fishing & Hunting

Senses

This story comes to us from Joe Polasek of Downers Grove, Illinois.  Joe writes:

For years I have explored and for years I have been filled with wonder. You cannot stop Lake Michigan’s beauty or power; it’s a wonder to the senses.

I learned this at an early age traveling to the lake to smelt fish with my father. On the way there I remember watching the cars, buildings, and people go by, while in my mind I created fantasies about each of them.

When we finally arrived at the harbor, I remember trying to get the best parking spot before everyone else arrived. Read More » »

Invasive Species Wreaking Havoc on Lake Erie Fishery

Two radio spots from WOSU in Ohio detail how invasive species are wreaking havoc on Lake Erie and its fishery, which generates millions for the state’s economy annually.

In “Alien fish bully Lake Erie bass,” Elsa Youngsteadt reports on how the round goby is harming the Lake Erie bass fishery. She reports: “Winslow studies the goby’s interaction with smallmouth bass, whose numbers declined when the goby arrived.”

In another story, Marcus Woo delves into how the zebra mussel is contributing to the return of algae blooms and the Dead Zone. In his report, Read More » »

Detroit River Sturgeon

This fishing story comes to us from Tom in Westland, Mich., who writes:

Three years ago we were fishing on the Detroit River for walleye. We were almost done for the day. Tom got a knot in his line and did not fix it for this was the last drift of the day. Then he got a bite. He knew it was not a walleye. For the first few moments he thought it was just a big old carp, for it felt larger than a walleye. After a few he realized it was something else and bringing in this fish would Read More » »

A First Salmon, A Spectacular Sunrise, and A Tradition Continues

This story comes to use from Rob in Maple Grove, Minn. He writes:

Our family was in Algoma, Wisconsin in August of 2005 visiting my wife’s parents. While we were there we like to fish for salmon on Lake Michigan. We have two young boys and they had never been fishing on the big lake before. We had asked them if they wanted to go fishing and our oldest son, Evan, said he would like to go. He was five years old at the time so we didn’t want to take him Read More » »

Fishing On the Eve of a Deployment to Iraq

This photo comes to us from Darrald from Harrison, Mich. Darrald is currently stationed in Iraq. About the photo he writes:

“This picture was taken on the back waters of Houghton Lake by Reedsburg Dam. I only had a few days left in Michigan before my deployment to Iraq and spending time with my sons in the outdoors fishing was all I cared to do. This is what life is all about to me, great memories that I will always cherish. After nearly a year in the desert I long for the Read More » »

Fishing Off the Dock of the Bay

This photo comes to us from Jane in Grand Rapids, Mich., who writes:

“This is a picture of our granddaughter, Madison, fishing off the dock at our cottage on South Manistique Lake. She, and her mother, Kyanne, caught quite a few small fish that day. Madi enjoyed releasing them as much as catching them.”

Thanks, Jane, for sharing your photo.

 It’s not too late to enter the contest. You, too, can enter the Great Lakes story and photo contest for a chance to win prizes.

You can also participate in Read More » »

Me and My Bass

Diane from Manhattan, Ill., sends us this fishing tale. As you can see by the photo she enclosed with the entry, this is not going to be about “the one that got away.”

But don’t let me tell the story. Here’s Diane’s story, which is competing in the Fishing Story, adult, division.
 
This is a very exciting time for me as I finally caught the big one. My Bass weighed in at 5.5lbs and 19 1/2 inches.

As with many fishermen I have plenty of stories about the big one that got away, including Read More » »

Photo: The Boat House

This photo comes to us from Jeremy in Chicago. He writes:

“It was taken while fishing at around 8 AM.  We were fishing for blue gills and crappie for our lunch.  The lake was calm and the light hit the boat house perfectly. Just a beautiful bit scenery for fishing.”

Thanks, Jeremy.

You can enter the contest today by clicking here.

You can also get involved in the campaign to restore the Great Lakes today. Learn more and be a part of the solution!

Advisors to Great Lakes Fishery Commission Frustrated over Inaction

The U.S. and Canadian Advisors just released a resolution urging the Great Lakes Fishery Commission and its Commissioners on the need to regulate aquatic invasive species from ballast water.

It speaks frankly to the progress (or lack of) in the federal government curbing invasive species introductions when it says:

“Whereas, current ballast water regulations have proven ineffective inasmuch as the rate of aquatic invasive species introductions has not slowed, and
Whereas, governmental action on legislation, regulation, and funding to remedy this serious problem has been woefully lacking, and
Whereas, meaningful, comprehensive AIS legislation Read More » »

Fishing Will Never Be Simple Again

“Fishing is supposed to be a relaxing pastime. It provides the opportunity to immerse ourselves in the natural wonders we cherish. But with the number of invasive species in our waters, there’s nothing simple about it anymore.”

Those are the words of Tony Hansen in an op-ed today in the Detroit Free Press. Hansen, who works for Michigan United Conservation Clubs, writes about the devastating impacts of invasive species, and what it means for anglers in Michigan.

The impacts stemming from the introduction of a deadly non-native fish virus are highlighting how the invasion of non-native species are contributing to the Read More » »