I fished today with Art Baacke and Ron Poquette from the Iron Mountain, Mi area. We got on the bay at about 7 AM after the 57 mile drive from home.The breeze was very light and Southerly so I opted to head for the north end. There were several boats off the Gladstone beach in about 25-30′ of water but I watched them for quite a while and saw no nets waving. Water temps have climbed to 67-69 degrees with weed growth starting to thicken out to about 8-10′ of water.
The few fish we marked were relating to the weed edges and biting very light.
As the wind intensity picked up so did the action…they seemed to prefer a drifted red hook jig/crawler. We rigged up 6’9" St. Croix MLXF rods and Avid reels with 4# Solar XT and had a BALL! This particular model has become my all time favorite for pitching light jigs and bait…21" and 22" walleyes on light tackle really rev up the old ticker. The fish Ron and Art are holding put up a spirited fight on light tackle.
It is important to stay FLEXIBLE when you plan your fishing strategy. I’ve watched guys troll cranks and pull boards for a couple weeks now with frustrating results with the cold water temps we had. Light tackle, slip bobbers, and dead stick rigs were the key then…working steeper contour breaks near deep water. With temps now close to 70 its time to get those stick baits and harnesses rigged up!
All in all we boated 29 eyes…along with some big Sheepies and jumbo perch. I had a ball fishing with Art and Ron…Whose Mom makes the BEST sandwiches!!! Thanks Bud!!
The Summer pattern is just around the corner!
Get out there and get FISHING!
Great fish guys
.I would love to try some of those lakes soometimes.Good job 
Nice pics and Report Tom.
Great report Tom.
Keep the reports coming. thanks Dave
Makes me want to make another trip over, but we do have a couple lakes and rivers a little bit closer to home. 10,000 of them.