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Posts: 188
Location: Chicago | Hello All,
A buddy of mine and I are thinking of going to Green Bay to fish muskies for the
first time in November. I told him that before asking for Hotel, and meal recommedation
we should first see if the muskies are in the river or in the bay come November.
He has a 16ft boat and I do not think it would be safe to go into the bay as I can assume
you will need a bigger boat. However if the muskies are in the river in November, then
I would be open to making the trek north.
I would appreciate any insight you might share regardng this question.
Thank you!
Rob |
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Location: Green Bay, WI | THAT is the $64,000 question. But the problem is that no one can tell you the answer until the day arrives. Put another way--you're gonna have to find out when the time comes.
Regarding your boat... I have been out in the southern bay when it's glass calm, and when there are 3-4 footers, and everywhere in-between. Seriously, it's quite variable and (like locating the fish), you're just going to have to see how it goes when the time comes. But even if the fish are in the bay and it's rough, you should still be able to pick up fish in the river...just maybe not as many. But no fish is worth risking your life over, as water temps are often in the upper 30's at that time of the year. Last year we got a 53+" fish in the bay on November 8th, and the water temp was about 36 degrees.
So here's the best advice I can give you:
1) Make sure the boat is in good working condition.
2) If possible, have a small kicker as a back-up. You might easily find yourself 5-6 miles from the landing, and the wind can change REAL fast and big waves will ruin your day.
3) MAKE SURE YOU HAVE THE PROPER SAFETY EQUIPMENT (Yes, I am yelling it). I personally have mustang survival gear, but most guys don't go that far. If you simply have life vests (and WEAR THEM) that are in good condition--you should be fine.
4) Make sure you have good quality rope on board. You may have to tie off to a buoy, or use it to get towed in case of a break down.
5) If possible (especially if it's cold), have some sort of shelter on the boat. This is a personal preference of mine and most guys don't do it, but if you can get out of the wind, you'll enjoy things a lot more. If it's windy...you're going to get wet. Count on it. Ever see the show "The Deadliest Catch"? There were a number of days out there when my Tyee looked like those boats--bow rising way up and then crashing down. You're going to get sprayed with water, so be prepared.
That's about it. Don't be afraid to experiment with lures--I did, and did about as well as anyone out there.
The last thing I'll advise is that if you want to go out onto the bay with a 16-foot boat, then make sure to stay near other boats. If the fish are there, you'll be sharing the bay with about 30 of your closest friends, so this shouldn't be too difficult to do. But the point is not to go maverick and launch out there on your own if the waves are 2-footers...because 2-footers can become 3-4 footers in about 30 minutes. Trust me--been there, done that.
Enjoy the experience. In all likelihood you'll have to find the fish like everyone else does, but your eyes should tell you what's going on so it shouldn't be that difficult. It's a great place to fish, and most people are very helpful to people in need.
Oh, and make sure your net is large enough, and that you have the proper release tools. These fish are limited in quantity, and we want to treat them as such. CPR only works if anglers do it correctly.
Good luck to you guys!
TB |
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Posts: 1270
| Tom said it pretty good but I would like to reiterate that the Bay can take your life in a second if you are not careful and in November it can be even worse. Remember also that you are in USCG waters so make sure you have all the required equipement that the USCG requires. But then again if you don't have you have no business being on the Bay at anytime let alone in late fall.
Have fun but remember to be safe! |
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Posts: 144
Location: Green Bay, WI | Even though most were caught in the Bay last year there were still plenty caught in the river. Try closer to the mouth of the river if the bay is too rough. Have the required equipment, use common sense, be safe, and life will be good. |
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Posts: 434
Location: searchin for 50 | Where can you find out what the coast guard requires? I know most of it is common sense stuff but would like to know for sure. |
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| Here you go. http://www.boat-ed.com/wi/course/p4-17_checklist.htm |
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Posts: 434
Location: searchin for 50 | Thank you |
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Posts: 89
| Have you considered hiring a guide for a day? This would be the fastest way to find out where the fish are and how to catch them. A good guide will teach you more in a few hours than you will learn in several trips on your own. I'm not telling you to hire me, there are several good guides on the bay, but if you are interested do a little research. You can check out my website at www.captainjollycharters.com and feel free to give me a call with any questions about a trip.
Good luck,
Captain Brett Jolly
http://www.captainjollycharters.com
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Posts: 188
Location: Chicago | Thank you for the insightful information. This has been very helpful.
Rob |
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