4/26/24  Tomorrow is the traditional opener for designated Trout river and streams. Rain has been so-so with the water not being overly muddy.
                 Our MDNR  is asking for your help to limit the spread of invasive species that can cling to your waders.  Worst one I see the Didimo that can cover the bottom, limiting spawning habitat.  This plague has been verified in the upper stretches of the Big Manistee River.  Click MDNR guidelines

4/25/24  Today is about the passing of Lee Bienz from Wellston, MI.  Lee had an innate ability to be successful at any undertaking.  In the 1980s thru the early 1990s he was highly sought after river guide on the Big Manistee River.  By the mid 1990s he went into building river boats. I bought a 17' Rivermaster vee jet sled that served me well thru 2003 when I stopped guiding on the Big M.
                Later 1990s Lee turned his attentions to Lk. MI and became a  charter skipper purchasing a 31' Baha.  Beforehand he crewed for me.  When he 1st got his USCG license he even ran a few trips off my boat when I needed a day off.
               Lee had a wanderlust and could change focus on a dime.  Knowing he would be winner at his next endeavor.  Click for Lee's pic

4/24/24  Lee Bienz formerly from Wellston, MI has went to the big pond in the sky.  Lee was successful at everything did.  He was a outstanding river guide and boat builder par excellence. More on his reel-story tomorrow...
                 Posted a photo Tom M's fatty football shaped Brown Trout caught a few days ago.  12 pounds is a good estimate. Click for this fish

4/23/24  Another fishing report for Tom M. down in E chicago, IN.  Tom gave our Salmon Buster™ spoons a rave review.  Here's Tom's report:

"Took a little longer to get our 15 yesterday the fishing is still great. I hope it holds up. I ran the red spoon is a slider above the bonus spoon you sent me and it had as much action as the bonus spoon in that downrigger had more action than any of the other seven poles we were running.
             The action looks great on those spoons. I gave John the guy that was with me one of the red and one of the orange spoons to use on his boat he’ll probably be ordering some, not sure how to add. Pictures did catch a nice healthy brown on the green frog downrigger on the bottom didn’t weigh. It took a picture and put it right back. It swam away. We’re guessing 12 pounds give or take."