May - Blue Water Sportfishing Association

VOLUME 29, NUMBER 7 • MAY, 2003
Blue Water Sportfishing
Association Newsletter
P.O. Box 611337, Port Huron, Michigan 48061-1337 • Phone 1-800-255-0508 • Fax (313) 841-3786
Web Site: www.bluewatersportfishing.net • E-mail: fish@bluewatersportfishing.net
BOARD OF DIRECTORS MEETING - TUESDAY, MAY 6, 7:00
AT McMORRAN. ANY INTERESTED MEMBER MAY ATTEND.
MEMBERSHIP MEETING - WEDNESDAY, MAY 14, 7:30
AT McMORRAN.
2003 Blue Water Classic Tournament
Welcome to the 19th annual Blue Water Spring
Salmon Classic Tournament. This tournament is the
largest salmon classic in the state of Michigan. All the
people who work this tournament are volunteers and this
tournament could not exist without their help. There are
over 150 volunteers who work long hours in order to
bring you this weekend. Work begins in September and
it doesn’t end until several weeks after the last weigh-in.
I wish to thank all the volunteers who have given so
freely of their time to help me successfully chair the
Blue Water Classic.
There will be more than $35,000.00 in cash and
prizes given away at this year’s Classic. As always,
$10,000.00 is guaranteed to the first place captain with
the heaviest catch for a two-day total. The cash prizes
for the 2nd through 10th places are dependent upon the
number of entries. There will be prizes of $1,000.00
each day for each port for the heaviest total on both
Saturday and Sunday. There is a $500.00 for the second
heaviest catch on each day of the tournament for
Lexington and Port Huron. New this year is a third place
award for these ports of $250.00. There are also awards
and plaques for the heaviest fish of each species that is
listed in the rules.
One of the goals of the Blue Water Sportfishing
Association is to protect and safeguard the sport fishery
in the Blue Water Area. Without your participation in
this tournament, achieving our goals would be a much
more difficult task. The BWSA supports the Michigan
Fisheries Conservation Coalition in their attempts to
obtain fair agreements between the Michigan tribes and
the Federal Government. The MFCC only wants a fair
allocation of resources for all users. We also support
other educational and charitable events, such as,
“Hooked On Fishing…Not On Drugs,” scholarships at
Michigan State University, future handicap boat ramps
in Port Huron and Port Sanilac, and the Sarnia hatchery.
The BWSA supplies and maintains fishing equipment
for eleven county libraries. Equipment can be checked
out with a regular library card. All these programs and
more are sponsored by the BWSA.
Last year’s fishery was the best it has been in many
years. This year promises to be even better in Lake
Huron. Last year’s tournament was a huge success
thanks to you, the fishermen. The Blue Water Classic
continues to be a fun tournament and still one of the
state’s best.
Each year the tournament committee fine-tunes the
rules of the Classic and the systems that run it. Please
fill out the questionnaire that you will receive several
weeks after the conclusion of the tournament and return
it to me. Your input is important to all of us. We are
already planning bigger things for next year ’s
tournament. We, the Classic committee, sincerely hope
you enjoy this year’s Blue Water Classic Tournament.
We will enjoy having you here.
Good Luck, Good Fishing, and be extra careful.
Norm Heinrich
Classic Tournament Chairman (01-03)
Page 2, May, 2003
Blue Water Classic 2002
Long time participants in the Blue Water Classic, the Rawhide
Fishing Team (previously Deep Caesars), entered the 2002
tournament with optimism and hope of an “in-the-money” finish.
The crew of my father Gary, wife Andrea, friends Dave Lowry,
Herb Campbell, and myself, was ready. Our pre-fishing the week
prior to the tourney had yielded some solid catches, and
confidence was high, despite the blustery weather forecasts.
Saturday morning proved to be just as nasty as predicted. The
temps were near freezing, the wind was howling out of the north,
and the waves swelled to nearly eight feet. Luckily, our intended
starting point was only four miles from the harbor, and we
arrived there without any problems. Unfortunately for us, the
days fishing did not go nearly as smoothly as we had hoped.
Yours truly, fumbled our only net into the “drink” on the first
fish, and it was all downhill from there. After eight hours of
rocking, rolling, and unsuccessfully attempting to surf fish in the
“tuna door”, Rawhide arrived at the Port Sanilac harbor with a
very meager catch of three fish, and a total weight of 13 pounds
and change. The leaders in the clubhouse, Captain Tom Loy and
Big Fish, came through with a limit weighing over eighty
pounds. It seemed that we were out of the running for 2002.
Sunday morning was also predicted to be a rough one on the
water, but Mother Nature cut the Classic fishermen a break.
Lighter northwest winds prevailed prior to the shotgun start. I
had the chance to review the on-line satellite water surface
temperatures before heading to the boat, and it revealed warmer
water (47 degrees) off Port Hope than there had been all spring.
With the seas flat enough to allow the 35-mile run, I asked the
crew if they wanted to take a risk and try some new water. They
were less than enthusiastic about the idea, given we were so far
behind the leaders and no one had caught fish off Port Hope all
week. After some persuading, I had convinced the team the only
way to make up a lot of weight was to bring in a big catch, and
hope that the fish off C-Can in front of Port Sanilac shut off. The
six o’clock flare went up, and we were off.
The lake had gotten lumpy by the time we reached Harbor
Beach, but we pressed on, inspired by radio traffic indicating that
some fish were being caught straight out of the harbor. We shut
down about two miles short of the Classic’s northern boundary,
in 45 feet of water, and the fish finder lit up like a Christmas tree.
Schools of baitfish and solid-red arcs were stacked from top to
bottom as we hustled to get baits in the water. The dipsies were
set first and before the second could be set, the first was peeling
drag. The number one ‘rigger got
ripped next, and before we knew it,
we had two adult kings in the box.
The next two hours were a blur of
bent rods, screaming drags, and wet
nets (thankfully not the whole
thing). Lead core, dipsies, ‘riggers,
drop weights…it didn’t matter; the
silver fish were in thick, and they
were active. Given the weight we
had to make up from our day one
debacle, and the school of fish we
were on, the team made the decision
that we wouldn’t be keeping anything under five or so pounds.
Despite shaking off four small fish behind the boat, and farming
two others, by 10:30 A.M. we had 5 good size kings and one lake
trout on ice. We were in good shape to limit out, but as the sun
rose higher, the fishing slowed down.
The arcs were still traveling across the fish finder screen, but
the baitfish were gone. It appeared the hot bite was over, and the
Rawhide crew would have to work hard to land the last three
fish. The dark/glow patterns that had been on fire early had gone
quiet, and it was bait change time. Out came the late morning
standbys; blue dolphin, mongoose, and Michelle. Longer leads
and deeper depths prevailed on the downriggers; with the new
spoons came more action. We landed two more kings by 12:00
P.M., and had about thirty minutes of good fishing time to get
our limit. By 12:20 we were getting nervous, and we really
needed that last king. The fish gods smiled upon us when the
lead core got ripped. Shortly thereafter we had boxed and tagged
our ninth fish; another solid, four-year-old king. Cocktail time!!
The wind was at our back, the sun bright, and the fish box
heavy. Our crew was thrilled over our Sunday performance, but
we all assumed our estimated 100 lbs. would not be enough to
win the tournament. The conversation was upbeat, but included
many “what ifs” about day one. Little did we know the “C-Can”
school, the day one leaders had been working, had scattered and
our catch would be good for $10,000.
The weather finally broke for the weigh-in outside the Zebra
Bar, and the beers were flowing. For the first time all weekend it
felt like a spring salmon tournament! Our total weight of 117
pounds was posted, and we sat back waiting for the rest of the
boats to weigh their catches. One by one, the day one leaders fell
just short and the excitement built. Could we really finish first
after weighing 13 pounds on Saturday? The scales closed and
boat number 142 was still on top. We had finally won
the Classic!
Winning the Classic was special to us for many reasons. The
cash prize was obviously great, as was the recognition from our
peers that comes with winning the richest tournament on Lake
Huron. Having our years of persistence finally pay off was also
gratifying. The best thing about winning this tournament was the
knowledge that we had competed well against the very best
captains and crews on the Great Lakes.
The crew of Rawhide would like to thank the Blue Water Sport
Fishing Association and the many volunteers who make the
Classic possible. We would also
like to thank all of the sponsors of
the Classic for their support of the
tournament. Lastly, we would like
to thank my father, Gary, for
making our tournament fishing
possible by giving us access to his
beautiful boat.
Good luck to all in the 2003
Classic. Calm seas and tight lines!
Captain,
Jason Fletcher
Page 3, May, 2003
FROM YOUR EDITOR
Hello All,
I hope you are all getting out, enjoying Michigan,
and catching some fish.
I took over your BWSA Newsletter in the summer of
’02, so I thought it was time for a note from me.
First, I would like to thank everyone that helped me
get situated and who have contributed to helping
me with your newsletter. Sandy and Dave Weed from
Acorn Press probably helped me out the most when I
first started. A lot of times I would be short on material
or fillers and they always seemed to come through
and find something for me whether is was more fillers
or writing from one of their own experiences. Thanks a
ton. Fred Witter, our past editor for many years, also
made the transition over to me very easy. Fred is there
when I need advise or when I did not know what was
exactly going on. Thanks Fred. Fred and all of our past
editor s kept a file box of the major ity of the
newsletters dating back to the early 1980s. Thanks to
all who contributed to this, as it contains most of our
club’s history. Tim Cook did a great job getting our
film developed for the club tournaments and handing
them off to Acorn Press. He also helps get all of the
tournament standing and C of the Y standing to me
with ease. Great work Tim. John Brennan, Big Fish
Chairman, always promptly got me his standing when
I had deadlines to meet, Thanks John. Bob Lane
needs a big thanks for organizing all of our
adver tisements , and also for organizing a new
committee for it. I am sure those guys will do a great
job. Jim Gibson, Frank Biessel, Dave Rymar, Bob
Roskey, Vic Ruehle and Dan Owens all contributed
interesting articles and images, Thanks guys. With me
doing this job and living in Clinton Twp., all of you
made my life a lot easier.
If anyone is interested in writing a story, article, or
fishing tip for the newsletter, just drop me a line. You
just need to get it to me and we can get it printed.
After all, this newsletter belongs to all of us.
The 2003 season is in full swing. It is good to see after
the long harsh winter that Mother Nature forced us to
endure. I would like to wish you all a great 2003
season.
Tight Lines,
Mike Rymar, Editor
FISHING HOT-LINE
The Fishing Hot-Line is back and running
again this spring. With the help of Mike Mullin,
of Mullin’s Sports & More in Lexington, we will
try to have it updated 1 or 2 times a week with
current fishing reports. The number for the HotLine is 810-987-FISH.
GENERAL MEMBERSHIP
MEETINGS
April’s guest speaker was one of our own, Fred
Witter. Fred did a presentation on spring salmon and
trout fishing using planer boards.
Fred started out by explaining some of the things he
does before he hits the water in the spring. Respool
with fresh line, as the sun’s UV rays will deteriorate
mono from last season. He also uses a small stone
and sharpens any hooks that he thinks he may use.
It’s better to do this at home than wasting time doing
it on the water.
Areas that Fred targets first are the shallows and he
tries to find the warmest water possible. Other hot
spots are river mouths that drain into the lake.
Fred likes to run one big planer board on one side of
his boat and smaller in-line planer boards on the
other. He feels this gives him more maneuverability
when getting into crowded fishing grounds. On the big
boards, he has found that the best release to use is a
rubber band and a shower curtain rod loop. He also
always runs the same lead lengths on one side of the
boat, usually running 50 ft. back on one side and 100
ft. on the other.
Other tips that Fred discussed was using a slide
diver in the spring. A slide diver allows you to get your
bait farther from the boat. Fred also puts a release on
his net. The release is attached to the netting to pull it
tight to the handle. That way it will not drag in the
water when you are trying to net a fish. When the fish
gets inside the hoop and is lifted, the release will pop
and the fish will fall deeper into the netting.
Thanks for the great clinic Fred.
Our May speaker will be Ray Argyle with USGS. His
topic will be a report on the “Thermal Tagging” of
Chinook salmon. It will be very interesting; the thermal
tag tracks the depth of the fish and the water
temperature as it swims for up to two years.
Page 4, May, 2003
25TH ANNUAL SALMON STAKES
The 25th Annual River Crab Salmon Stakes
tournament was held Saturday April 26, 2003. The
beautiful weather enjoyed on Friday morning had
left that after noon and was replaced with a
northeast wind and cooler temperatures for
Saturday. The fishing was a bit slower but 174
teams still managed to catch 1,189 pounds of
fish. A total of 8 clubs fished in the tournament
and an additional 63 teams with no affiliation
participated.
The tournament and ticket sales netted the Blue
Water Mental Health Clinic a total of $87,000. Also
the club prize money of $1,000 for the big Brown
trout and big Steelhead was donated to the clinic,
as these owners had no club affiliation. This
money goes a long way for the services the clinic
provides. Many patients will now have an even
greater chance of recovering from their illnesses.
This tournament is run by a host of volunteers.
They all deserve a big “Thank You”. Every one of
you did a fantastic job this year! Anderson’s Pro
Bait, Angler Rod and Reel, Frank’s Place, Gander
Mountain, Mullins Sports and More, My Trophy
Shop and Nat’s Sporting Goods, thank you for
having tickets and registration forms available.
The Roskey family and friends, Chuck Scott, Jeff
Parker, and Rob Helzer all helped in one way or
another and contributed to a great cause. Every
one of you who sold tickets helped. Ruth Rhoades
and her staff from the River Crab restaurant went
well beyond the “call of duty” again this year.
Thanks Ruth! Finally, the River Crab Restaurant, all
its employees, management and benefactors
helped tremendously to generate the atmosphere
and money raised to this very noble cause. If
there is anyone I missed, I want to thank you also.
The Super Skipper prize went to Martin Bringard
from the BWSFA with a total of 64.55#.
Gary Wright
Jeff Parker
Joel Anderson
Doug West
Fritz Morrison
Danny Owens
Rob Helzer
James Slaczka
Dave Roehr
BWSFA
BWSFA
BWSFA
Manistee Co. Steelheader
Sanilac Co. Steelheader
BWSFA
BWSFA
BWSFA
Detroit Steelheader
Biggest
Biggest
Biggest
Biggest
9.6
6.6
12.6
9.4
Brown
Coho
King
Steelhead
lbs.
lbs.
lbs.
lbs.
Frank Walker
Jay Korneffel
Brian Meredith
Mike Marjan
Early River Crab Crowd
Captain Jim Slaczka and crew
56.90
55.70
45.90
45.70
43.70
38.90
38.50
36.35
34.70
lbs.
lbs.
lbs.
lbs.
lbs.
lbs.
lbs.
lbs.
lbs.
No Club Affiliation
BWSFA
BWSFA
No Club Affiliation
Page 5, May, 2003
25TH ANNUAL SALMON STAKES
Captain Jeff Parker & crew
Captain Rob Helzer with crew Mike Duey,
Linda Straight, Linda Lee, Cindee Smith
Tim Dobson (no club affliation with possibly
the biggest brown)
Brent Dutcher with monster walleye
caught aboard NO-I.D.
Tracy Saffian with largest King caught
Super Skipper Captain Marty Bringard and crew
Page 6, May, 2003
Fishing Forever Banquet 2003
Our 4th annual Fishing Forever Banquet was a great success.
This year our banquet was held at the Crystal Gardens in
Marysville. Janet and her staff at the Crystal Gardens did a
fantastic job making sure everything went well. The food was
very good and the setting was elegant. The Starlight Stage girls,
that we hired to sell tickets, did an outstanding job and helped us
sell almost as many tickets as last year! Considering the
economy we think we did very well. Our overall profit was down
a little from last year but we still think it was very successful.
I think this was our best banquet ever and it was due to all the
hard work that our committee did before and during the event.
Jim Gibson took on the job of handling all the ticket sales and
did a fantastic job. Paul Zimmer and Brian Meyers sold the most
tickets on an individual basis. Paul Zimmer also handled the
purchasing of all the guns and some of the other prizes. Lee
Harrison and Tim Stephenson helped with most of the other
prizes. Dave Bollman (local artist), painted our print “Water
Wolf.” Dan Owens handled the advertising for the program. Jeff
Zimmer and wife (Pam) made the signs for most of the tables.
Frank Biessel and Reinhardt Hrdlovich handled the special raffle
that had two pistols and also made the sign for that table. Chuck
Scott and Dan Dobson took care of all the financials. Doug
Newberry built the stage platform. Brian Meyers, Dan Fenner,
Brian Meredith, Dean Pilat, Rod Cope, Skip Murray, Paula
Hillman, and Jim Biewer (Honorary Chairperson), all played a
major part in making this banquet come together. Many of these
guys donated almost every Tuesday night to come to our
meetings for over twelve weeks. I would like to say a very
sincere thank you to each and every one of you! We could not
have made this banquet such a success without all of you!
Thanks again and I hope to see all of you again next year!
The dinner was excellent, consisting of HUGE steaks, baked
potatoes, a shrimp bar, salad, vegetables and dessert.
1 of the 5 Gun Blitz Winners
Rob Helzer
Fishing Forever Chairman
4 Big Jon Electric Downriggers Winner
Gun Safe Winner, Prize donated by LumberJack
Page 7, May, 2003
Fishing Forever Banquet 2003
200 Fishlander Spoons Winner
Thank You Fishing Forever Crew for the
excellent job on a great event!!!
200 ProKing Spoons Winner
2 Winners of the Squares Raffle with their two new Handguns
200 Stinger Spoons Winner
4 Cannon Electric Downriggers Winner
Page 8, May, 2003
2002 BLUE WATER CLASSIC TOURNAMENT STANDINGS
Place
1st
2nd
3rd
4th
5th
6th
7th
8th
9th
10th
Captain
Jason Fletcher
Douglas Kubiac
Tom Loy
Chad Palicke
Fred T. Kaul
Steven Piper
Randy Rogers
John Crum
Greg Rahn
Gary Parker
Boat
Rawhide
Home Wrecker
Big Fish
Trippin Dipseys
Tail Walker
Outer Limits
Double Time
T.T. Marie
Strictly Salmon
Ty-Guy II
Saturday
Fish
Weight
3
13.54 lbs.
6
73.30 lbs.
9
84.32 lbs.
8
72.20 lbs.
7
42.24 lbs.
4
21.94 lbs.
8
55.40 lbs.
7
52.02 lbs.
7
57.54 lbs.
5
31.38 lbs.
Sunday
Fish
9
5
4
8
6
7
4
5
4
9
Weight
103.70 lbs.
36.66 lbs.
22.30 lbs.
26.86 lbs.
52.88 lbs.
69.84 lbs.
34.38 lbs.
37.38 lbs.
28.96 lbs.
51.20 lbs.
Total
Fish
12
11
13
16
13
11
12
12
11
14
First Place Winners
Winner’s Sunday Catch
Third Place Winners
Second Place Winners
Sponsors Trophy - Silver Streak
Total
Weight
117.24 lbs.
109.96 lbs.
106.62 lbs.
99.06 lbs.
95.12 lbs.
91.78 lbs.
89.78 lbs
89.40 lbs.
86.50 lbs.
82.58 lbs.
Page 9, May, 2003
2002 CLASSIC BIG FISH WINNERS
PORT PRIZES 2002
Saturday
Port Sanilac
1st
Lexington
1st
2nd
Port Huron
1st
2nd
Tom Loy, Big Fish
84.32 lbs.
Daniel Miller, Hobbitt
Roger Combs, Sea Weed
56.72 lbs.
45.34 lbs.
Don Gruschow, Donald Duck
Frank Rotondi Jr., Dog House
25.56 lbs.
18.20 lbs.
Sunday
Brian Myers with the Biggest Fish
Port Sanilac
1st
Lexington
1st
2nd
Port Huron
1st
2nd
Jason Fletcher, Rawhide
Fred Kaul, Tail Walker
Gary Parker, Ty-Guy II
52.88 lbs.
51.20 lbs.
Don Gruschow, Donald Duck
Gary Edwards, Incognito
16.52 lbs.
13.98 lbs.
Largest Fish
1st
2nd
3rd
Paul Zimmer, Donna Mae
Skip Braun
Jarod Frank
22.36 lbs.
19.56 lbs.
19.26 lbs.
Largest Lake Trout
Gary Hock, Rhonda-Voo
14.02 lbs.
Largest Steelhead
Mike Bryer, Tail Walker
11.80 lbs.
Largest Coho
Mike Bryer with the #1 Steelhead
ZEBRA MUSSELS BLAMED
FOR DUCK DEATHS
Scientists fear zebra mussels are poisoning ducks. Zebra
mussels filter water and researchers say impurities in the water
stay in the mussels and are subsequently ingested by waterfowl.
Some species of ducks feed heavily on the striped invaders.
Scientists claim they are not seeing the number of scaup they
used to see in the 1970s and 1980s in Lake St. Clair. The lake is
a favorite stopover for migrating birds.
Selenium has been found in small numbers of scaup taken
from Lake Ontario and moderate levels in ducks taken in Lake
St. Clair. Selenium is not like PCBs; it is a required element in
humans. Scientists believe selenium can kill or lower the
reproduction of waterfowl that eat zebra mussels tainted with the
nutrient. Selenium is a semi-metallic trace nutrient that can be
found naturally in the environment, but also comes from
industrial sources.
from Great Lakes Basin Report
Martin Bringard, Flippin Silver
6.94 lbs.
For Sale
1980 Carver Santa Cruz
28'5" LOA, 11' Beam
Twin 220 Crusaders - 400 hrs SMOH
2 Electric, 2 Manual Downriggers
22' Outriggers, On Board Battery Charger
Loran, Depth Finder
Extra Large Stainless Anchor, Auto Helm
New Canvas and Curtains, Full Galley
Storage Trailer, Bottom Painted
Ready to Fish!
$33,000.00
Dave Weed (810) 984-3813
Page 10, May, 2003
4-19 PORT HURON CLUB TOURNAMENT
Our first tournament went better than we expected. With there
being ice on the shore just 7 days prior, fishing was good for this
outing. Plus the weather was outstanding for early spring. Terry
Richert, Rob Helzer, and the Dorsey House put on a great picnic
for us. Majority of the boats headed north into the lake and some
nice fish were taken off of Lakeport.
Place
1st ($100)
2nd ($50)
3rd ($30)
4th
5th
6th
7th
8th
9th
10th
Boat
In The Net
Donna Mae
Double Down
In The Red
Fishigan
Ivanhoe
Big R
Here After
Golden Oldie
King Kong
Captain/Angler
Joel Anderson
Paul Zimmer
Jim Frazer
Jeff Parker
Dave Rymar
Jay Korneffel
Ron Siewersten
Randy Bugaiski
Howard York
Tim Cook
Weight
52.5 lbs.
44.3 lbs.
40.0 lbs.
38.8 lbs.
34.3 lbs.
30.5 lbs.
29.7 lbs.
29.2 lbs.
28.9 lbs.
28.8 lbs.
1st Place - In the Net
Big Fish ($50)
Double Down Jim Frazer
13.7 lb.
King
Total Boats – 20
Total Anglers – 62
Total # of Fish Weighed-In – 71
Conditions – Slight SE winds/Mostly sunny
Picnic – Terry Richert / Dorsey House
2nd Place - Donna Mae
4th Place - In the Red
5th Place - Fishigan
3rd Place - Double Down
Page 11, May, 2003
2569 LAPEER ROAD PORT HURON, MI
(810) 987-2532 • www.jboil.com
$3.00 Off Full Service with Coupon
Page 12, May, 2003
Fishing out of:
Port Huron
Lexington
Port Sanilac
32 ft. Marinette
Licensed
Insured
Inspected
Bob Lane
USCG Master Capt.
Port Huron, Michigan
810 367-6202
Member BWSA
Luke and Jonathan Dewey
Easter morning 2003
Page 13, May, 2003
For Sale
1990 Thompson 260 Fisherman
26' LOA, 10' Beam, 260 Mercruiser, Raytheon
Auto Pilot, Lowrance - GlobalMap 1600, Sub-Troll
900, 5 Cannon Digi-Troll Downriggers,
New Trailer in 2000, Trim Tabs
Thank you
for your support
$17,500.00
Chuck Scott (810) 367-6527
Weigh In Headquarters
Go Fish!
Dave & Sandy Weed
1419 Water Street
Port Huron, Michigan 48060
Phone: 810 / 984-3813 • Fax: 810 / 984-8211
MEMBER OF B.W.S.F.A.
from the BWSA and
the Classic Tournament
Committee
Page 14, May, 2003
BOY SCOUT FLY TYING
Earlier this year, the BWSA sponsored a fly tying course for
the Boy Scouts Troop 246. Club member Vic Ruehle was the
instructor of this course. Troop 248 sent us this Thank You note:
February 23, 2003
Blue Water Sportfishing Association
We here in Troop 246 would like to extend a very heartfelt thank
you to the Blue Water Sportsfishing Association. The BWSA
generously picked up the fees for a three week course in fly tying
and a brief introduction to the sport of fly fishing, taught by Victor
Ruehle, and assisted by Jeff Vass. The course was very informative
and entertaining, and the leaders noticed that attendance was
strong during the three classes held on February 6th, 13th and the
20th at Washington Elementary School in Marysville.
Mr. Ruehle is to be commended for his engaging teaching
style, and his infinite patience with the boys. Both he and Mr.
Vass were very helpful, always quick to help the boys who were
struggling with some of the fly tying. We are currently planning
an outing in April/May at 40th Street Pond in which we hope to
get a chance to cast our new flies. Boy Scouts of America just
within the last year recognized fly fishing as a separate merit
badge from the regular fishing badge. It is our hope that some of
the boys continue on to earn this merit badge, and genuinely pick
this sport to pursue in their off time. We feel they have had a very
good introduction to it.
It was mentioned at one of the meetings that our troop may be
called upon to assist at one of the club’s tournaments. We are
excited and look forward to hearing from you in regards to that.
In closing, we wish to thank you again for your generosity. It has
been a very rewarding and enriching experience not only for the
boys, but for the leaders as well - Thank You!
The BWSA says you’re very welcome!
Page 15, May, 2003
Starters • Alternators
Generators • Electrical
Jim Holth
Bill Armstrong
810-984-5543
810-984-5508 (Fax)
2543 Lapeer Rd.
Port Huron, MI 48060
Page 16, May, 2003
Page 17, May, 2003
Page 18, May, 2003
Truck Caps &
Accessories
We Replace
ALL KINDS OF
Sunrooms
GLASS
Mike Oakley
Owner
985-8104
PORT HURON GLASS
Auto - Residential - Boat
4120 Lapeer Road • at Beach Road • Port Huron, Michigan 48060
Member of B.W.S.F.A.
Page 19, May, 2003
MUDPUPPIES MUST BE RETURNED
SAFELY TO THE WATER
Michigan Department of Natural Resources
officials today reminded anglers to return to the
water any mudpuppy caught while fishing.
DNR Fisheries managers recently investigated
several reports that ice anglers in Southeast
Michigan have been catching large numbers of
mudpuppies and leaving them on the ice to die.
While perhaps not the most appealing creatures to
look at, these salamanders serve an important role
in Michigan’s aquatic ecosystem and are protected
under state law.
In southeast Michigan, mudpuppies often are
caught on Lake St. Clair and the Detroit River.
“Anglers often leave mudpuppies on the ice to die,
because they think they are competitors for popular
game species and feed on fish - which is not true - or
because they think they are worthless,” said Robert
Haas, research biologist at the DNR Mt. Clemens
Research Station. “Their diet consists of crayfish,
snails, insect larvae, worms and some fish eggs, but
there is no evidence they damage fish populations.”
If a mudpuppy is caught during the ice-fishing
season, the law requires its release back into the
water. They cannot be taken out of Michigan waters
from Nov. 15 through the last Saturday of May.
Those caught by anglers typically are 8-12
inches long.
Mudpuppies are native to North American lakes
and streams, but their populations have been
declining severely in recent decades. They have
flattened heads, slimy skin and four legs with four
toes on each foot. They also have bushy, reddish gills
behind their heads. Their color varies, ranging from
a brown to a grayish-brown with scattered dark
spots or blotches.
from Michigan DNR Press Release
FUEL TAX REFUND
All legally registered Michigan charter boats are
entitled by law to receive a refund for the Michigan
road tax applied to the fuel they purchase.
Applications must be filed within six months of use.
Captains on record with the Michigan Department
of Treasury Motor Tax division should have been
sent a form for this year with last year’s refund.
New captains should call 517-373-3180. At 18.3
cents per gallon, it may be worth hundreds of
dollars to you.
Great Lakes Sport Fishing Council
Page 20, May, 2003
COMPLETE LINE OF FISHING TACKLE
& OUTDOOR EQUIPMENT
THE BLUE WATER’S BEST SELECTION OF TROLLING EQUIPMENT
Your source for Lead-Core • Steel-Line • Fire Line • Line Spooling
Anderson’s
Pro
Bait
2731 Pine Grove
Port Huron, MI 48060
Ph (810) 984-3232
Fish Hot Line (810) 984-3474
THE ANDERSONS
An official IGFA weigh station
Member BWSA
• Electronics • Watersports • Marine Clothing • Fishing
Outfitting and much much more!
Page 21, May, 2003
PORT HURON TOURNAMENT CWT FISH 2002
Date
Site Name
Species and strain
Len
Wgt Age Plant Site
05-19-01 LEXINGTON
CHINOOK SALMON
25.30
5.90
2.00
PORT AUSTIN
05-24-99
05-18-02 PORT HURON
CHINOOK SALMON
27.00
8.54
2.00
PORT SANILAC
05-15-00
05-18-02 PORT HURON
CHINOOK SALMON
28.00
7.50
2.00
PORT AUSTIN
05-23-00
05-18-02 PORT HURON
LAKE TROUT
26.00
5.76
7.00
SIX FATHOM BANK
06-00-96
05-18-02 PORT HURON
LAKE TROUT
28.90
8.62
7.00
SIX FATHOM BANK
06-00-96
05-18-02 PORT HURON
LAKE TROUT
27.00
7.42
-1.00
05-18-02 PORT HURON
LAKE TROUT
32.40
10.80
9.00
SIX FATHOM BANK
06-12-94
05-18-02 PORT HURON
LAKE TROUT
-1.00
6.60
7.00
STURGEON POINT
06-00-96
05-18-02 PORT HURON
LAKE TROUT
28.00
6.78
-1.00
UNKNOWN NO TAG
05-18-02 PORT HURON
LAKE TROUT
34.20
14.05
16.00
SIX FATHOM BANK
05-18-02 PORT HURON
LAKE TROUT
29.00
8.10
-1.00
UNKNOWN NO TAG
05-18-02 PORT HURON
LAKE TROUT
25.40
6.16
5.00
SIX FATHOM BANK
04-20-98
05-18-02 PORT HURON
LAKE TROUT
27.00
6.30
7.00
STURGEON POINT
06-00-96
05-19-02 PORT HURON
CHINOOK SALMON
32.60
11.48
3.00
PORT AUSTIN
05-24-99
05-19-02 PORT HURON
CHINOOK SALMON
29.00
9.30
2.00
PORT SANILAC
05-15-00
05-19-02 PORT HURON
CHINOOK SALMON
26.60
6.50
1.00
MEDUSA CREEK IMPRINT POND 06-05-01
05-19-02 PORT HURON
CHINOOK SALMON
24.70
5.36
1.00
PORT SANILAC
05-09-01
05-19-02 PORT HURON
CHINOOK SALMON
35.70
17.64
3.00
SWAN RIVER
05-12-99
05-19-02 PORT HURON
LAKE TROUT
25.00
6.90
6.00
SIX FATHOM BANK
06-15-97
05-19-02 PORT HURON
LAKE TROUT
26.30
6.78
7.00
SIX FATHOM BANK
06-00-96
05-19-02 PORT HURON
LAKE TROUT
26.30
6.20
7.00
POINT AUX BARQUES
06-00-96
STEWART’S
Marine Service
Release Date
UNKNOWN LOST TAG
05-18-87
Page 22, May, 2003
Salmon and Trout Identification
Michigan Dept. of Natural Resources
Page 23, May, 2003
Page 24, May, 2003
Page 25, May, 2003
MICHIGAN'S #1 LURE
Wolverine Tackle's Silver Streak has been the most
consistent spoon for producing Master Angler size
Salmon and Trout. For the 13th consecutive year Silver
Streaks have caught more Master Angler award winning
Salmon & Trout than any other spoon, plug, live or
artificial bait.
Silver Streak is also the top tournament winning
spoon, having captured the #1 spot in MI largest
tournament (The Blue Water Classic) for 10 years,
among many other tournaments.
SILVER STREAK
(248) 682-3388
FAX 682-0553
Official Lure of the Classic Tournament.
We can prove what others only claim.
TOP 10 SILVER STREAKS
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592 (Blue Dolphin)
5355 (Monkey Puke)
5352 (Dr. Death)
598 (Green Dolphin)
5128 (Glo Screwball)
574 (Chilly Willy)
573 (Green Chilly Willy)
513 (Ludington Watermelon)
5260 (M.J.)
5129 (Screwball)
Manufacturers of
Fine Fishing Lures
WOLVERINE TACKLE CO.
McDonald’s
1125 24th St.
Port Huron, MI 48060
McDonald’s
105 N. Main
Yale, MI 48097
McDonald’s
2805 Wadhams Rd.
Kimball, MI 48074
McDonald’s
6658 S. Riverside Rd.
Marine City, MI 48039
McDonald’s
2509 Pine Grove Ave.
Port Huron, MI 48060
McDonald’s
1155 S. Carney Dr.
St. Clair, MI 48079
McDonald’s
4155 24th Ave.
Fort Gratiot, MI 48059
McDonald’s
700 Pointe Tremble Rd.
Algonac, MI 48001
Sponsor of 3rd
Largest Fish!
Good Luck
Blue Water Classic
Fishermen
Markus & Jean Schulz Family
Restaurants
Page 26, May, 2003
Over 100,000 Specialty Items Available...
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Specializing in customized
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Good Luck
Fishermen!
359-5300
Page 27, May, 2003
LAKESIDE FISHING SHOP
“Your One Stop Fishing Shop”
Shop on the Internet @ www.lakesidefishingshop.com
®
Michigan’s largest Rapala dealer
ST. CLAIR SHORES
Corner 10 Mile & Jefferson
(586) 777-7003
FISHING REPORT (810) 777-7008
E-mail: orders@lakesidefishingshop.com
Hours: M-F: 7-8 Sat: 6:30-6 Sun: 6:30-5
FARMINGTON
34801 Grand River - 1/4 mi. East of Drake
(248) 473-2030
Hours: M-F: 10-8 Sat: 10-6 Sun: 10-5
www.GanderMountain.com
Page 28, May, 2003
10% Off
BWSA
Members
Only
810-622-9622
Quality Meat & Produce
Jeff Durecka
Owner
In Memory of Jack Falls
Thank you to
all our sponsors!
Page 29, May, 2003
PORT SANILAC HARBOR COMMISSION
FIRST HARBOR OF REFUGE OF THE GREAT LAKES
66 Wells Available
Gas & Fuel Available
P.O. Box 134 • Port Sanilac, Michigan 48469
Office 810-622-9610 • Fax 810-622-7801
Fuel Dock 810-622-8818 • E-Mail pshc@greatlakes.net
VILLAGE OF PORT SANILAC 2003 CALENDAR OF EVENTS - ALL EVENTS ARE OPEN TO THE PUBLIC
DATE
EVENT
PLACE
May
25
Blessing of the Fleet at 1:00 pm
Harbor
June
6, 7 & 8
DDA Fishing Tournament - call 622-9610 for information
Harbor
July
4
Village Fireworks at Dusk
July
25, 26 & 27
25th Village Festival - beer tent, music & fun
July
27
Antique Car & Boat Show
Please visit our web site for event updates: www.portsanilac.net
Page 30, May, 2003
Grilled Salmon with
Honey-Mustard Sauce
Yield: 4 servings
1 1/2 lbs. salmon fillets - brushed with oil
8 Tbs. honey
8 pinches dry mustard
8 Tbs. water - warm
8 tsp. soy sauce
salt - to taste
pepper - to taste
Step one: Honey - Mustard Glaze
In a bowl, combine honey, mustard, water and soy sauce.
Salt and pepper to taste.
Step two: Grill each side for 6 to 8 minutes or until fish
flakes with a fork. Brush each side of fish with glaze while
cooking. Remove from grill. Serve at once.
Recipe compliments of
Gayle Gaw, Dea Lynn Charters
A major sponsor of the Blue Water Classic
Page 31, May, 2003
“Virtual Reality”
NEW HAVEN
FARMERS ELEVATOR
WADHAMS DRIVE THRU STORE!
Purina Chows • Buckeye Feeds • Bird Seeds • Animal Supplies
2273 Wadhams Rd., Kimball
31071 Division, New Haven
(1/2 Mile S. of I-69, Behind Tack Shack)
(1 Block N. of the Foundry)
Hours: M-F 9-5
SAT. 9-3; SUN. CLOSED
Hours: M-F 9-5
SAT. 9-3; SUN. CLOSED
(810) 966-4729
(586) 749-5133
Page 32, May, 2003
2002 CLASSIC STATISTICS
Port Prize - $1,000.00 Heaviest Catch
MANY THANKS TO OUR
2003 SPONSORS
Each Day Each Port
Saturday
Port Huron
Lexington
Port Sanilac
Sunday
Port Huron
Lexington
Port Sanilac
DONALD DUCK
HOBBITT
BIG FISH
25.56 lbs.
56.72 lbs.
84.32 lbs.
DONALD DUCK
TAIL WALKER
RAWHIDE
16.52 lbs.
52.88 lbs.
103.70 lbs.
Largest Coho, 6.94 lbs. - Martin Bringard
Largest Lake Trout, 14.02 lbs. - Gary Hock
Largest Steelhead, 11.80 lbs. - Mike Bryer
1st Largest Fish Caught, 22.36 lbs., Paul Zimmer
2nd Largest Fish Caught, 19.56 lbs., Skip Braun
3rd Largest Fish Caught, 19.26 lbs., Jarod Frank
Port Huron & Utica, Michigan
2002 WINNERS!
1st:
2nd:
3rd:
4th:
5th:
6th:
7th:
8th:
9th:
10th:
Jason Fletcher, Raw Hide
Douglas Kubiac, Home Wrecker
Tom Loy, Big Fish
Chad Palicke, Trippin Dipseys
Fred T. Kaul, Tail Walker
Steven Piper, Outer Limits
Randy Rogers, Double Time
John Crum, T.T. Marie
Greg Rahn, Strictly Salmon
Gary Parker, Ty-Guy II
117.24 lbs.
109.96 lbs.
106.62 lbs.
99.06 lbs.
95.12 lbs.
91.78 lbs.
89.78 lbs.
89.40 lbs.
86.50 lbs.
82.58 lbs.
IMPORTANT FISHING DATES
May 17-19
Blue Water Classic
June 6-8
Sarnia Bay Marina Tournament
contact 519-862-2291
SILVER STREAK
WOLVERINE TACKLE CO.