The reminder is in line with the National Association of State Boating Law Administrators Spring Aboard – Take a Boating Education Course campaign (March 17-23). Many states require completion of a NASBLA-verified course to rent or operate a powerboat. In Michigan, boaters born after June 30, 1996, must have a boating safety certificate to operate a boat, and boaters born after Dec. 31, 1978, need a boating safety certificate to operate a personal watercraft.
Surface temperature is around 61 degrees. Slow trolling for walleye with Thunderstick Jr. and Bandits seemed to produce. Perch color baits. 60 ft back. Stoney Point and in front of Brest Bay in 20 to 24 ft of water produced nice walleye with only a few under size. The White Bass were thick at times. There are walleye between E buoy and Bolles Harbor in 15 to 18 ft of water, the fish were scattered here and there and thinned out near the Ohio boarder.
For those who don’t have a fishing boat, may not have the correct fishing gear, don’t know how to fish, are new to an area, or are just looking for a day of fun, the Michigan Department of Natural Resources suggests considering a charter fishing trip. Charter fishing businesses are located throughout the state and offer a great way to experience Michigan’s world-class fisheries.
Licensed fishing charters make a full or half-day of fishing easy and enjoyable, as they provide the boat and all the equipment, plus the knowledge needed for a day on the water. Fishing charters are for anyone, children or adult, from the first-time angler to those who are experienced. Charter businesses in Michigan help anglers of all experience levels enjoy memorable experiences – whether it’s reeling in a fish for the first time or trying one’s hand at catching a new species.
In Michigan in 2016, more than 70,000 anglers participated in more than 17,000 charter fishing trips on Great Lakes and specific navigable waters. These anglers caught more than 244,000 fish of various species, with about half of the fish caught being trout and salmon.