Downrigger Bait

Downrigger Bait

Fishing in Lake Michigan

Fishing in Lake MichiganSeasons of FunEarly Fishing Season

• Fishing the upper bay offers many different types of fishing. Early in the season, (starting May 15th) walleyes can be caught around the mouths of the rivers emptying into Little Bay de Noc. These rivers are the Whitefish River, the Tacoosh River, the Escanaba River, and the Days River. The waters off the Ford River also present excellent fishing excitement early in the season.
• This early season offers the fisherman casting opportunities. Some of the best fishing takes place in very shallow water, 5 feet or less. The early season usually lasts about a month or until the alewives enter the bay. Northern pike can also be caught in these same areas. If you are crappie anglers, large fish can be caught around the shallow water around the Rapid River site.
• In the past few years, night time hours serve as a time for outstanding fishing. One thing to remember is MAKE SURE YOUR LIGHTS WORK before you go out. By law, you must have working navigational lights on your boat and use them after dusk.
• If you fish the Escanaba River, a small launch ramp is located about a half mile up river from the mouth. Great care should be taken if you launch here. Logs and pilings lie just under the surface of the water. Ask someone where the channel is.

Summer Fishing

• During the summer months and into the fall, trolling can be extremely productive. You’ll have to see the depth the fish are holding and fish down to them. If you lures will not go down deep enough, try using lead core line, snap weights, bottom bouncers, or downriggers. At any rate, fish at the depth the fish are located.
• For those of you who have downriggers., set your lines up just as you would if you were fishing for salmon and use small salmon spoons about 30 feet behind your downrigger weight. A good speed is about 1.5 miles an hour. This has proven to be an excellent pattern over the years.
• Some of the best spoons have included North Port Nailers®, Silver Streaks®, and Laker Takers®. The Laker Takers® are made by the Swedish Pimple® Company located right in Gladstone, Michigan.
• Some of the best crawler harnesses are made by the Walleye Choice® Company which is also located in this area. These companies specialize in baits that work well in this area for walleye and pike. These baits can be purchased at any bait shop in this area. Colors vary throughout the year so ask bait store operators what’s hot and what’s not.

Fall Fishing

• Salmon fishing is also quite good in the waters south of Escanaba. Approximately six miles south of Escanaba is a navigational buoy known as the Ford River Can. This buoy marks the west side of the shipping channel. Trolling along this bank with spoons offers some exciting times. This fishery usually takes off during the middle of July and will last for about 6-8 weeks. Salmon can also be caught from the bank along the Escanaba Harbor entrance in late September and October.

Winter Fishing

• Ice fishing on Little Bay de Noc also poses some great North Shore times. First ice is usually the best for walleye, but be sure to check out ice conditions before venturing out. Both the upper and lower bays are excellent during this time of the year. Try fishing close to the bottom. Fish tend to travel very close to the bottom.
• Another great sport fish is the Splake ( a cross between a lake and brook trout, planted in the bay by the DNR) Splake fishing is excellent during the winter months. Fish these the same way as you would a walleye, jigging is best. Generally, splake can be found across from Escanaba on the Stonington side of the Bay. Water depth varies from 28 to 45 feet. Having a depth sounder really helps a great deal when trying to locate these fish.

Exotic Species

• A number of exotic species have been found in waters surrounding Michigan which compete with native species and disrupt the balance of nature. Please take precautions to prevent the transport and introduction of these from one lake or stream to another by draining water from live wells, bilge, and transom BEFORE leaving any water body. Empty your bail bucket as well. Before going to another water body let your boat and trailer dry at least 5 days. If you can’t wait, wash everything down with hot (at least 140 degrees) water thoroughly before entering new waters.
• Whether you have your own boat or you would like to book a charter on a charter boat, Delta County and Little Bay de Noc have much to offer. It is a fisherman’s paradise, but remember just take what you can use. Help us maintain our fishery for future generations. Practice catch and release and consult the Michigan Fishing Guide published by the Michigan Department of Natural Resources for rules and regulations concerning fishing limits and sizes.

Information courtesy of
Travel Bays de Noc
Visit our web site to learn all of what you can do in Michigan including fishing, golfing, scuba diving, historic lighthouses, theatre, and much more!For more information on
Michigan Vacations
please contact us at 1-800-533-4386, 1-906-789-7862, or visit our web site at http://travelbaysdenoc.com.
About the Author

Travel Bays de Noc is the Convention and Visitors Bureau providing information on everything to see in Michigan's Upper Peninsula.

Cannon 1902325 Digi-Troll 10 Electric Downrigger $1134.99 "Cannon Digi-Troll 10 Brand New Includes Limited Lifetime Warranty, Product # 1902325 The Cannon Digi-Troll 10 Electric Downrigger provides fastest in the industry 250-feet-per-minute retrieval rate. This downrigger is features the telescopic stainless steel boom that extends from 24"" to 53"" for the heavy duty performance. Digi-Troll 10 Electric Downrigger is enhanced with the easy-to-use illuminated keypad control along with the bright LCD screen control . This way the focus can be kept more on fishing rather than the control units. The Digi-Troll 10 Electric Downrigger features the Cannon Edge . It is built tougher and smarter to make you a better angler. Other features includes IP 68 waterproof power cord with 20-lb weight capacity and short-stop feature that protects the boat from swinging weight. Digi-Troll 10 Electric Downrigger Features: Electric Downrigger - 20-lb weight capacity - Digital depth counter - 24"" to 53"" heavy-duty telescopic boom, New Cannon Edge Design - Fewer moving parts - One-piece composite construction - Redesigned boom end - Protected circuit boards - Easy access to spool, switches, plugs & mounting nuts, Corrosion-resistant construction, Low-profile swivel base, IP68 waterproof connections, Integrated ball storage hook, Adjustable retrieve & deploy - Industry-leading 250-feet-per-minute retrieval rate - Short-Stop automatic weight retrieval prevents swinging weights - WaterLine Zero lets you keep your weight at a set depth below the surface, Integraded control screen - Provides illuminated keypad controls with large backlit LCD screen - Displays IntelliTroll speed and temp ratings - Lets you raise and lower the weight, adjust Positive Ion Control, or program the line amounts, Revolutionary control features - Cycle the weight up and down at preset intervals and depths - Bottom Track automatically keeps bait at a preset distance from the bottom - Store up to five different preset depths for easy refernce, Adjustable Positive Ion Control (PIC) - Allows adjustment of the amount of voltage emitted - Emits positive ions from the cable to combat the negative ions from your boat - Creates a fish-attracting field of energy, Cannon Link compatibility allows for control of up to six downriggers at once from your Humminbird fishfinder"

Downrigger, Offshore Line Release $16.99 DOWNRIGGER, OFFSHORE LINE RELEASE

Cannon Digi-Troll 10 TS Electric Downrigger Digi-Troll 10 TS Electric $1209.99 "Cannon Digi-Troll 10 TS Brand New Includes Limited Lifetime Warranty, Product # 1902330 The Cannon Digi-Troll 10 TS Electric Downrigger provides fastest in the industry 250-feet-per-minute retrieval rate. This downrigger is features the telescopic stainless steel boom that extends from 24"" to 53"" for the heavy duty performance. Digi-Troll 10 TS Electric Downrigger is enhanced with the easy-to-use illuminated keypad control along with the bright LCD screen control . This way the focus can be kept more on fishing rather than the control units. The Digi-Troll 10 TS Electric Downrigger features can disply Cannon s IntelliTroll&trade trolling-information from sensor even. It is built tougher and smarter to make you a better angler. Other features includes IP 68 waterproof power cord with 20-lb weight capacity and short-stop feature that protects the boat from swinging weight. Digi-Troll 10 TS Electric Downrigger Features: Electric Downrigger - 20-lb weight capacity - Digital depth counter - 24"" to 53"" heavy-duty telescopic boom, New Cannon Edge Design - Fewer moving parts - One-piece composite construction - Redesigned boom end - Protected circuit boards - Easy access to spool, switches, plugs & mounting nuts, Corrosion-resistant construction, Low-profile swivel base, IP68 waterproof connections, Integrated ball storage hook, Adjustable retrieve & deploy - Industry-leading 250-feet-per-minute retrieval rate - Short-Stop automatic weight retrieval prevents swinging weights - WaterLine Zero lets you keep your weight at a set depth below the surface, Integraded control screen - Provides illuminated keypad controls with large backlit LCD screen - Displays IntelliTroll speed and temp ratings - Lets you raise and lower the weight, adjust Positive Ion Control, or program the line amounts, Revolutionary control features - Cycle the weight up and down at preset intervals and depths - Bottom Track automatically keeps bait at a preset distance from the bottom - Store up to five different preset depths for easy refernce, Adjustable Positive Ion Control (PIC) - Allows adjustment of the amount of voltage emitted - Emits positive ions from the cable to combat the negative ions from your boat - Creates a fish-attracting field of energy, Cannon Link comp"

Good Bait $9.99 Good Bait

Squirrel Bait $11.99 Squirrel Bait

Live Bait $14.99 Live Bait

Whistle Bait $47.98 Whistle Bait

Cannon Downrigger Cover Black Downrigger Cover White $46.95 "Cannon Downrigger Cover Brand New Includes One Year Warranty, Product # 1903030 (Black), 1903031 (White) The Cannon Downrigger Cover provides perfect protection against all the outside elements with a secure velcro fit and non-abrasive backing. Downrigger Cover Features: Downrigger Cover, Protection Against All Outside Elements, Non-Abrasive Backing, Velcro Closure"

Cannon Downrigger Cover White Downrigger Cover White $46.95 "Cannon Downrigger Cover Brand New Includes One Year Warranty, Product # 1903030 (Black), 1903031 (White) The Cannon Downrigger Cover provides perfect protection against all the outside elements with a secure velcro fit and non-abrasive backing. Downrigger Cover Features: Downrigger Cover, Protection Against All Outside Elements, Non-Abrasive Backing, Velcro Closure"

Bait $10.9 Ex-Flying Squad cop Jake Moore's career was cut short by a bullet; ten years on, he runs a game fishing business that is about to go to the wall. But old habits die hard, and when cerebral Mombasa detective Daniel Jouma - seemingly the only good policeman in a city where corruption is king - asks for his help in solving a baffling murder case, he cannot help but become involved. The mangled body of a street criminal has been washed up on the beach and a fishing boat skipper and his bait boy have blown up in the water. When Jake and Jouma look closer, they discover that not only are the murders linked, but the conspiracy surrounding them stretches far beyond the reaches of Africa - and has deadly implications for everyone concerned. This gripping crime thriller strips away Kenya's tourist glitz and exposes the country's dark and treacherous underbelly beneath.

Lamiglas CGA 90 DR A Versatile Plug and Bait Troller $242.19 Total American made pride in the palm of your hand. Lamiglas highly skilled designers and builders take these all fiberglass rods to heroic levels of detail. The CGA 86 MHC is a stout powerful and fexible plug puller. Downrigger anglers will find the CG

Cannon Fixed Base Downrigger Pedestal-4 Aluminum Fixed Base Downrigger $82.95 "Cannon Aluminum Fixed Base Downrigger Pedestal Brand New Includes One Year Warranty, Product # 1904030 (4""), 1904031 (6"") The Cannon Fixed Base Downrigger is a Pedestal that works with either surface or track mounting. Pre-drilled top plate is tapped to allow to mount swivel base and downrigger, as well as other swivel base and downrigger brands. This Aluminum fixed base downrigger pedestal comes in 4"" and 6"" sizes. Fixed Base Downrigger: Fixed Base Downrigger Pedestal, Available in 4"" & 6"", Pre-drilled Top Plate, Allow to Mount Swivel Base & Downrigger"

Cannon Fixed Base Downrigger Pedestal-6 Aluminum Fixed Base Downrigger $89.95 "Cannon Aluminum Fixed Base Downrigger Pedestal Brand New Includes One Year Warranty, Product # 1904030 (4""), 1904031 (6"") The Cannon Fixed Base Downrigger is a Pedestal that works with either surface or track mounting. Pre-drilled top plate is tapped to allow to mount swivel base and downrigger, as well as other swivel base and downrigger brands. This Aluminum fixed base downrigger pedestal comes in 4"" and 6"" sizes. Fixed Base Downrigger: Fixed Base Downrigger Pedestal, Available in 4"" & 6"", Pre-drilled Top Plate, Allow to Mount Swivel Base & Downrigger"

Cannon / Cannon 200ft Downrigger Cable / 2215396 $37.75 Cannon - Cannon 200ft Downrigger Cable - 2215396

Cannon / Cannon 150ft Downrigger Cable / 2215392 $28.98 Cannon - Cannon 150ft Downrigger Cable - 2215392

Scotty / Scotty Electric Downrigger Cover / 3015 $29.68 Scotty - Scotty Electric Downrigger Cover - 3015

Cannon / Cannon Downrigger Cover Black / 1903030 $38.63 Cannon - Cannon Downrigger Cover Black - 1903030

Canon / DOWNRIGGER, UNI-TROLL 5 / 1901105 $222.9 Canon - DOWNRIGGER, UNI-TROLL 5 - 1901105

Cannon / Cannon 400' Downrigger Cable / 2215397 $50.91 Cannon - Cannon 400' Downrigger Cable - 2215397

Bait A Hook $6 Bait A Hook - Justin Moore

Bait (Chorus) $6 Bait (Chorus) - Wale

Jail Bait $12.49 Jail Bait - Masterprint

Cougar Bait $21.99 Cougar Bait - T-Shirt

Spoon Bait $24.99 Spoon Bait - Photographic Print

Cannon 1903020 Downrigger Lock $46.95 "Cannon Downrigger Lock (1903020) Brand New, The Cannon 1903020 Downrigger Lock locks large-bodied downriggers securely to the boat with a pin-tumbler lock. A perfect security for your downriggers is assured with the 1903020. 1903020 Features: Downrigger Lock, Locks Large-Bodied Downriggers, Compatible With: Digi-Troll 10, Digi-Troll 5, Mag 5 ST & Mag 10 STX Models"

Cannon 2215397 400 Downrigger Cable $56.95 "Cannon Downrigger Cable Brand New, The Cannon 2215397 400' Downrigger Cable is a 7-strand, 316-grade stainless steel cable. Each cable is 150-lb test providing super durability and performance assurity. 2215397 Features: Downrigger Cable, Measures 400', 316 Grade Stainless Steel, Super Durability & Performance"

CANNON 1903030 Downrigger Cover Black $47.07 CANNON COVERProtect your downrigger with a professional.grade cover. It guards against the elements with a secure Velcro fit and nonabrasive backing. Product : CANNON DOWNRIGGER COVER BLACK. Manufacturer : CANNON. Manufacturer Part No : 1903030. UPC : 029402035199