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It was 27 degrees when we stopped at the Tiger Den to pick up Fishing Tiger. It was still 27 when we got to Huron. Why Huron? Because I wanted payback after my last trip there, lol.

We went North East out of the channel and quickly started marking fish just as before. The boat picked up a coat of ice from the run out. Reminded me of the show deadliest catch. We went through the fish into the North wind so we could fish back with the waves. We picked up a couple 17 inchers on Blue Chrome Bandits but it was slow just like last time. But at least these fish came up on the bandits 80 back at 1.2 mph.

As the sun got higher we shifted more into the dirtier water which was 4 degrees warmer and started hitting on Taco Salad 80 to 100 back naked at 1.2 to 1.4 mph. You had to be turning. They hit on inside and outside turns but not when running strait. There was a 90 minute flurry then things slowed way down again. My guess is these fish are so cold/slow they only need to eat once a day, but what do I know. When I bled one out it lived for almost an hour, very slow metabolism, the heart couldn’t pump out the blood.

We called it quits early with 12 fish total. We released the 6 biggest all 26 inches or more and kept the 6 smallest. 9 fish and the biggest came on Taco Salad in the dirtier water. 1.2 to 1.4 doing turns 80 to 100 back.

Hi everyone, I wanted to let you know that I wrote an article about understanding how deep your crankbaits are running. Most people on this site are probably well aware of the Precision Trolling App. If you are, then you also know that when it comes to using Snap-weights, it only has measurements for the 50+2 oz option. Over the winter we made it down to Lorain and Huron several times and everyone we talked to was using terms like 20/20 or 25/25 with P-10s. I had no clue how deep those set-up might be running, because the App didn’t account for that.

In my article, I include a chart that you can screen-shot and store in your phone for those situations.

Here’s the link to the article:
How deep is my crankbait running?
– Slimshady Customs

Cheers,

Mike

I know a lot has to do with water temp but when does the jig bite action start around the reefs? I was thinking about trying it on Sunday but hate to drive 3 hours and drag a boat for nothing more than being impatient lol

Sorry for the late report everyone. Been busy between fishing and painting, etc.

Made it out Friday out of a MI port and we smoked’ em. One of the best trips ever in terms of size and quantity in recent years. We ended up with 33 eyes, only 1 of them was under 5 lbs. Most were 6-8 lbs. Many had the baits inhaled. We were fishing in 22-26 fow, 8-9 feet down. Bandits (my customs) and P-10s mixed. Early the P-10s were better, later in the day it shifted to Bandits. Our best pattern by a wide margin was a new prototype that I have since put into the catalog. In fact, I went home and started immediately painting up another dozen of them because my two fishing partners each wanted 2, as well as 2 of my clients that followed us over there in their boat. They wanted 2.

If it was just this trip, it might be a fluke, but it was the best pattern we had last week, and then we went again yesterday on LSC and it was good again in totally different colored water. So, it has me convinced.

Here’s a picture of it with a fish.

Here’s a better picture of the bait itself. I was trying to figure out what to call it and my buddy suggested “G-Spot”, as it has a green spot and he thought it was funny. So, that’s what I went with. Only walleyes haven’t had any issues finding it so far. 🙂

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Hi all. Was looking to get out next 3 days out of indiana. Was looking for any tips or clues on where to start. Was thinking on starting on east kellys and out front of cedar point. Or launching from huron and working that towards vermilion. Any help would be greatly appreciated and will keep you all updated on how we do!

Fished straight out from Castle(Cranberry area) 40 fow, 1.6-1.9 mph, Bandits Blue Chrome and anything Chartruese, 60 – 120 unassisted. Two man limit in 2 hours, big eyes

What is everyone thinking as far as using one of the new live imaging locators? Do you use it on Erie and does it help? Is there a favorite brand. If so why?

First few weeks of the season have been great we have been catching fish from vermillion to the islands depending on wind and mud. Speed has been 1.0-1.5 p-10’s and bandits have been the baits. Mostly white body baits have been working best but some days chrome. Stained water is producing the best. Clean water seems to be absent of fish and too muddy you can’t catch them. It has been good so far and there are lots of fish to be caught. Good luck and tight lines to you all.

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I have been exploring changing out my lead acid trolling motor batteries on a 36 volt system to lithium. One manufacturers rep recommended a single 36 volt 100 AH battery versus three 12 volt batteries. Is anyone running a single 36 volt battery on their rig and how do you like the performance? I know the possible downside is if you have an issue, I would have a large battery to repair or replace. The convenience of a single battery does appeal to me. Let me know your thoughts.

We were finally able to get the new Tiger out of it’s den to find out if it is going to be a Fishing Tiger. We got stopped at Mazurek’s ramp for a safety check and got dinged for no anchor.

There were several reports from boats coming in of eyes East of Kelleys. Not my first choice for this time of year but since this was mostly a shake out trip we decided to work there.

First fish was a 26 inch fatty. We ended up with 11 total but 5 were over 25 and the biggest 28 1/2. We let the 5 big mammas go to do their thing and kept the 6 smaller for the grease. By smaller I mean 18 inchers and above. We had no shorts.

We didn’t find any fish schooled. It was just a grind covering water. We worked mostly 35 to 40 feet of water. 9 of our fish came on the downrigers oscillating between 25 to 30. All 9 came on blue chrome Rogues. We started with Blue Chrome on one rigger and gold red on the other, but quickly went to blue chrome on both. We didn’t touch a fish on Bandits but 2 of our largest fish came on Spro Madeye 120s fished 100 back naked. They were on Blue and Chrome also. Note the Spro looks almost like the Rogue color.

Speed was around 1.5 give or take.

Final decision is the new Tiger is a Fishing Tiger, yea!!!!