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| Hi Everyone,
I'm going back to Lake St. Clair in July. Last time I was there was a fly fishing trip for muskie trip back in 2007. HORRIBLE! After the second day, I left. Did see so much as a carp.
This time, I will be with someone who knows the lake, and will be bringing my muskie gear with me, like my Calcutta TE, and a new Tranx HG. Has anyone fished here recently and had luck. Let me know. I would appreciate some feedback from my muskie fishing brothers. Thank you.
MuskieMagnet |
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Posts: 720
| The lake is as good as ever. The fish are migratory and move alot. That is why the trollers try and cover so much water, as these fish often act like striped bass, just crusin' and looking for food. You can cast or troll the open lake around subtle break lines, or fish the edges and drops in the rivers and channels. The fish seem to have gotten bigger and bigger each year, despite the VHS that came through here. July is an awesome time and the weather is usually very nice. It pays to watch the wind forecast because the lake can stir up bad and hurt the bite. Hope this helps some... |
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| It does help, and am excited. Thank you! |
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Posts: 1638
Location: Minnesota | ill be going there for the first time this year over the 4th of july i cant wait |
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Posts: 75
| I will be there the whole week July1st thru the 7th
Call me on channel 68 I will monitor for reports and info
good luck Jim
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Posts: 1530
| you may want to fish deeper water in july. anchor bay is good early on but the big girls move deeper in july.try canadian waters |
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Posts: 1638
Location: Minnesota | if you fish canadian waters do you have to carry a pass port???? |
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Posts: 202
| Muskiemagnet, you are going to have a blast, its easily the hottest musky lake in the world right now. You made a good choice |
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Posts: 720
| Canada does not require a passport. All you need are 2 pieces of ID. The US requires the passport to return home by vehicle if that is what you mean...or a nexus card, etc. |
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Posts: 431
| Funny how times have changed! Used to be that you would keep a hot bite secret! |
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| Juhas - 4/28/2012 11:09 AM
Funny how times have changed! Used to be that you would keep a hot bite secret
Posts: 32955
Location: Rhinelander, Wisconsin | Yet, here you are.... |
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Posts: 1638
Location: Minnesota | yes but no matter how hot the bite not many people will tell you where they were fishing or what they were using its easy to say i cought 5 muskies on mille lace on cow girls on the north shore thats a big shore line and unless you know where on the north shore its not much help know you have to figure out what color i was using this is typical of most guids they want you to pay them to take you out witch is fine its there job for me ill tell you xactly where i was fishing what i was using the way i see it the more peop[le out there fishing muskies and catching muskies the better for the sport |
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Posts: 720
| St. Clair is as good as it is because you have a 24 miles by 26 miles of open water where the fish act just like pelagic striped bass, cruising around in a migratory fashion chashing open water perch, bass, walleye etc. The fish in the rivers are constantly on the move too temporarily setting up on contact points where they can be caught if your timing is right...lots of current, lots of bait and lots of musky.
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Posts: 431
| Yeah but if you guys keep boasting, uh advertising your business uh, that 23 miles by 23 miles will be compacted in a certian 2 mile strip. But I'm glad there were several shows done there last year to show us all exactally where to fish. |
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Posts: 425
| Beautiful Fish, John !!!
Did you use Bondy Bait,Bondy Bait Jr.,Meal Ticket or Bondy '2.0 ? What color?
esoxone |
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Posts: 720
| Reg bondy...pearl! |
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Posts: 425
| Thank you,Jon !!! You are always very kind !!!
esoxone |
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Posts: 720
| There are also tons of walleye here...musky food. Caught these today...nom nom nom.
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Location: minocqua, wi. | looks like you're pretty good with a knife there Jon ...
Juhas ... how long have you lived in Mo-Town? always figured you for a flatlander ... |
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Posts: 431
| Oh Jon you've got me all figured out. |
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Posts: 1023
| Keep it secret??? Not when there is money to be made I guess?? You need to promo your business when you're a guide - hopefully not to the detriment of the fishery.
I don't know you Jon but I tip my hat to you as you fine-tuned a technique and spot well before anyone knew the potential there. As much as I hate to see internet reports , I would not have learned about this were it not for your research...
Landry
Edited by Landry 4/28/2012 11:38 PM
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| I'm fishing with you Spencer! |
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Posts: 720
| Likely the top smallmouth lake there is too...20-40 bass a day is average.
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| Guides like Jon have pioneered techniques on this system and although it's his business, Jon is not one I would consider exploiting LSC. I actually think he doesn't get mentiioned enough by other guides who have started to guide here, taking what Jon learned over 20+ years, film locations with little caution in the background and then never mention the Bondy Bait or Jon when they jig up fish after fish in areas Jon discovered long time ago. There's some long time guides on this system and they aren't the problem. It's the couple that decide to move in and after a few sessons get their license and pimp information from some of the guides and locals then go out, have some success and whore out every possible option to create a buzz about their service. Ive witnessed and seen the phone calls come in from some of the newer guides over the years desperately trying to pimp information because their struggling to connect with fish. Now you hear how great they are.....
It's a great system and a big one at that! Put your time in and you'll boat big fish. Or to cut the learning curve down a bit hire someone like Jon who has fished this system all his life to help you better understand this unique body of water. The fly by night guides will come and go, squeeze everything they can out of it before they move on again to new water after exploiting a lake that sometimes fishes small for such a big system. There's fish everywhere and can be caught from opener to close. Part of the fun is fishing new water and putting the pieces of the puzzle together! I've been putting in 100's of hours of fishing over the years and learn something new every year about this system. My first years fishing were trial and error and countless fishless days trying to learn on my own and it's paid off plus I can take pride knowing I wasn't one of the guys always trying to ask for information. It's that much sweeter when you land that fish!! |
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Posts: 720
| Dang....Wow, thanks. Whoever you are.....Jon |
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| Just an honest fisherman who will be fishing with you on June 19th and we always seem to wave at eachother on the water. For me it's all about putting time in and being rewarded and paying respect to ones that "wrote the book" on any particular system. I fish LSC System religiously for years and spent my youth growing up fishing walleye with my pops but looking very much forward to spending a day with you on the water. I have the ultimate respect for guys like Thorpe, Lazurus, Dahlberg, you and many many others I don't need to name that spent most of their lives fishing a system and put some serious time in doing things their own way. Following the crowd is easy but it's what you do when you get there that makes a difference on boating fish or not. This lake has the numbers to support the crowds but it's tough to see some newer guides exploit the heck out of system without thanking the local help and trying to captilaize on the hard work of others before them. |
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| i started in 56 with my dad. seen lots of fish and egos. your only as good as the day ya fish.. jon does great river fishing muskys. then theres the guys that dedicate the lake fishery. |
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| Guest - 4/29/2012 12:21 PM
This lake has the numbers to support the crowds but it's tough to see some newer guides exploit the heck out of system without thanking the local help and trying to captilaize on the hard work of others before them.
That was exactly my point but you said it oh so well in your 2 posts.
Landry |
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| +2 for the guest comments. I have a pretty good idea of who you might be. I also find it irritating to see a non-local guide not being more considerate.........but oh well, what is one to do? |
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Posts: 299
| I was the "guest" posts, just wrote everything before signing in and trying to multi-task posting and chasing the kids around the house...
This will be another stellar season on LSC. We've got some of the best trollers who have catch rates that are mind blowing. Woodie is also right!! What MOMC has done over the decades for the GLS Muskie is really the heroes of LSC! No longer the days with clubs, handguns and spearing these fish. MOMC needs no introduction for any diehard Muskie Angler but although I'm not a troller (caster/jigger only) I'm proud to fish the same waters with a Conservation Club (not just fishing club) who has done so much for this fishery!
Michigan Muskie fishing has also improved due to MMA Chapter #47 as well. We are on the verge of seeing new regulations for our Muskie and these two clubs are the real heroes. Most times it's better to remember where our sport has come from and where it's heading than rather worry about who's the new "hottest" guys guiding. You want to learn LSC? Either commit and put your time in through trial and error or choose one of the long time MOMC charter guides, casting/jigging guides who have most likely spent more time on LSC than dry land. These guys actually know the lake, entire system well. The best fishermen I know are the ones who "quietly" fish. Oh and it's cool to not know anything...Going on 5 years on dedicating myself strictly to LSC Muskie and there's many days I feel like I have no idea what to do. It's okay to admit that these fish get the best of me at times... Muskie's don't care about ego's.... |
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Posts: 1530
| many dont realize. with the laws in effect now guides wanting to fish canadian water the passport issues and calling in will definatly hamper efforts. that issue alone is unsettled. 2/3 of st clair is canadian waters.. someone will lose their boat before the years out. |
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Posts: 378
Location: Michigan | If you are thinking about St. Clair, it would be advised that you take this very seriously. The Canadian authorities are cracking down. This is the law Woodieb8 is referring to... If you plan to fish in Canada, it may just be easier to launch in Canada... Whatever you do, do not cross the line... This is beyond comprehension... Talk about a kick in the teeth...
http://www.cbsa.gc.ca/media/facts-faits/096-eng.html |
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Posts: 299
| Chasin50's right.... For those not into "complicated" fishing, LSC could be a confusing hassle. Regs have changed and the international waterway is becoming a nightmare to fish Muskie with seasonal/daily movement. Enjoyment on this system has become a big pain in the butt! I'm not looking forward to the changes at all!! |
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| Lake St Clair Eh, Here Ya Go.
2 days ago
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ma0DxoABBks
not long ago either
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2CBDG53BSxk |
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Location: Detroit River | Guest - 4/29/2012 8:29 AM
Guides like Jon have pioneered techniques on this system and although it's his business, Jon is not one I would consider exploiting LSC. I actually think he doesn't get mentiioned enough by other guides who have started to guide here, taking what Jon learned over 20+ years, film locations with little caution in the background and then never mention the Bondy Bait or Jon when they jig up fish after fish in areas Jon discovered long time ago. There's some long time guides on this system and they aren't the problem. It's the couple that decide to move in and after a few sessons get their license and pimp information from some of the guides and locals then go out, have some success and whore out every possible option to create a buzz about their service. Ive witnessed and seen the phone calls come in from some of the newer guides over the years desperately trying to pimp information because their struggling to connect with fish. Now you hear how great they are.....
It's a great system and a big one at that! Put your time in and you'll boat big fish. Or to cut the learning curve down a bit hire someone like Jon who has fished this system all his life to help you better understand this unique body of water. The fly by night guides will come and go, squeeze everything they can out of it before they move on again to new water after exploiting a lake that sometimes fishes small for such a big system. There's fish everywhere and can be caught from opener to close. Part of the fun is fishing new water and putting the pieces of the puzzle together! I've been putting in 100's of hours of fishing over the years and learn something new every year about this system. My first years fishing were trial and error and countless fishless days trying to learn on my own and it's paid off plus I can take pride knowing I wasn't one of the guys always trying to ask for information. It's that much sweeter when you land that fish!!
I couldn't agree more. Well said.
When I watched the fishing shows that filmed on the LSC system last year and watched them catching fish after fish on the Bondy Bait & not hear one mention of Jon or mention of the Bondy Bait it peeed me off. It made me realize even more of how full of chit most of these fishing shows are & what phonies some of these guys are.
As for the fly by night guides coming to LSC, most of them don't even bother to get fully licensed to guide.
4 or 5 years ago I could fish my favorite casting spot for musky on LSC & not have another musky boat near me. Now I have to get to that spot early else I’m SOL. Even when I get there early other guys will still cut me off to get ahead of me. A couple of fishing shows shot in that location a couple of years ago & now that spot is even worse.
Edited by Zib 5/10/2012 11:44 AM
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Location: Detroit River | detroithardcore - 5/1/2012 11:06 PM
Chasin50's right.... For those not into "complicated" fishing, LSC could be a confusing hassle. Regs have changed and the international waterway is becoming a nightmare to fish Muskie with seasonal/daily movement. Enjoyment on this system has become a big pain in the butt! I'm not looking forward to the changes at all!!
Calling in is easier than people have been making it out to be. I've done it several times now on the Detroit River & everything went smooth. The first time takes the longest but once you info is in the system it only takes a couple of minutes because they already have your boat info & the boat owners info. Then they only need the info of your passengers if they haven't been with you in Canadian waters before. Then they ask the standard questions & give you your confirmation number. Calling in is a LOT easier that tailoring your boat across the border. |
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Posts: 202
| Zib I understand what you are saying but you have to keep in mind that on that TV show they are getting paid big dollars from 6-8 different tackle companies to use there products. They are under contract with these companies to use there products. We actually broke the rule in order to use the baits that one day the fish went deep. We did not mention we where using them because that would of been a big breach of contract. However hopefully the coverage will help him out with sales anyway. |
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| SpencerBerman - 5/10/2012 2:54 PM
Zib I understand what you are saying but you have to keep in mind that on that TV show they are getting paid big dollars from 6-8 different tackle companies to use there products. They are under contract with these companies to use there products. We actually broke the rule in order to use the baits that one day the fish went deep. We did not mention we where using them because that would of been a big breach of contract. However hopefully the coverage will help him out with sales anyway.
Big dollars in the muskie world, ha, you must be dreamin, kid! |
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Posts: 720
| The big money is in catfishin'. |
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| Bondy - 5/10/2012 3:43 PM
The big money is in catfishin'.
You mean that noodlin thing where they stick there hands in the catfishes mouth? |
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Posts: 202
| $10,000 to $12,000 seems like a fair amount of money to me but the actual dollar value was far from the point I was trying to make. |
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Posts: 720
| Thanks guys....As for the baits not being mentioned...I never saw the shows, but heard from alot of people about it, which tells me the bait is already well known or I wouldn't have heard a thing. As for other guides...I just take life one day at a time and I don't get worked up about much....Jon
PS...The mold for the Bondy Bait 'Magnum' size is about to be cut any day. |
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Posts: 349
| The key word is CONTRACT. These shows have CONTRACTS with bait companies stating they will endorse their baits and use them on the show. If they endorse other baits, such as the bondy, that would breach the CONTRACT and they would likely lose all money from their bait company sponsors. The shows may not be big business but they are still a business and have the obligation to uphold their CONTRACT. |
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Posts: 458
| Bondy - 5/10/2012 8:59 PM
Thanks guys....As for the baits not being mentioned...I never saw the shows, but heard from alot of people about it, which tells me the bait is already well known or I wouldn't have heard a thing. As for other guides...I just take life one day at a time and I don't get worked up about much....Jon
PS...The mold for the Bondy Bait 'Magnum' size is about to be cut any day.
MAGNUM sounds AWESOME! Can't wait! |
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Posts: 299
| Bring on the Magnum Jon!!! My mouth and I'm sure the LSC Spotty's mouth is foaming!!!! Can't wait for this bait!! Will it be avaialable before the opener?? |
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Posts: 720
| That is the plan... |
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Location: Minnesota | ill take one in pearl |
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Location: Detroit River | Bondy - 5/10/2012 9:59 PM
Thanks guys....As for the baits not being mentioned...I never saw the shows, but heard from alot of people about it, which tells me the bait is already well known or I wouldn't have heard a thing. As for other guides...I just take life one day at a time and I don't get worked up about much....Jon
PS...The mold for the Bondy Bait 'Magnum' size is about to be cut any day.
Put me down for one of each.  |
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Posts: 12
| Muskiemagnet, if you are going there for multiple days and still want to try to fly fish for musky don't rule that out. I only fly fish and though we may not get nearly as many hookups there are still days will multiple hookups and days with many fish moved. Obviously it can be much more work and not as many results but very rewarding when you do finally get one.
PM me before you go and if you want to try throwing flies I may be able to give you a little info to get you in the write direction or if I am around at the time I may be able to take you out. |
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| thanks, but I sold my fly gear last year because I've been 100% committed to muskies, and just hadn't had the desire. quite honestly, casting a heavier bait with my TE and Tranx is a lot more rewarding. That's just my opinion, and thanks again for reaching out. |
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