St. Joe River Mishawaka / Elkhart

[canvsbk]

Fished out of Maggies on Saturday. Water temp 59' and up quite a bit.Caught a few, nothing special, off gravel bars and points. White on white spinnerbaits, smoke with silver tubes.
Went to Six Span tonight, water temp 62', water falling. White tubes and #8 X rap were the ticket. Had 1 that might have made 3#......maybe! There's been a ton of pressure here already, as usual.
DIAMOND ON SATURDAY! Can't wait.

[canvsbk]

When you guys get old like me you'll see how easily the days all run together.NOT THIS SATURDAY - the last Saturday. My grandpa told me never to wish time away, I still can't wait.

[djkimmel]

It ain't bad being down near the border - just a hop and a skip to year-round legal bass fishing.

[Duke]

You're one of the few people I've heard of that actually enjoys Diamond Lake. Whats wrong with you?!

I have not been out on the river yet, but I suspect its going to get real good soon. Are you fishing the Miller Tournament there this year? The date is June 10. However, that's just a qualifier. There are 3 qualifers with a classic on Aug 20 where they will be giving out a boat and truck this year. All for $50! I will be living on the river (Maggies) ome late May/early June.

Duke

[djkimmel]

Are the 'Miller Tournaments' put on by a group or company? Michigan or Indiana-based? Haven't heard about that one. Actually, don't hear much about the ones put on by Chip Harrison either, if those are still going on.

[Duke]

I believe the tourneys run by Chip Harrison are sponsored by Moore Boats in Ligonier, IN. They are fishing Wawasee on May 20 and Randall Chain sometime in July. They average about 100 boats. Great payback.

The Miller Tournaments are sponsored by Miller Lite Brewery, tournament directors are Mickey Thomas and Dave Clark. Last year they held their first tourney on St. Joe River, Maggies Launch. Winners got a boat; they paid back 15 teams; had free wings from Hooters that were served to you by the Hooters Girls and Miller Lite Girls.  The entry fee was only $50. This also included a free meal the night before the tournament in Mishawaka. 109 boats participated. This year they are having 3 qualifying tournaments: June 10 @ St. Joe River; July 9 @ Coldwater; and July 29 @ Wawasee. The top 30 boats from each event will qualify for the classic Aug 20 @ St. Joe River again. They are giving out a boat and truck this year at the classic. The purse is awesome at each event. You should all fish it!

Duke

[Cheetam]

...Winners got a boat; they paid back 15 teams; had free wings from Hooters that were served to you by the Hooters Girls and Miller Lite Girls.? The entry fee was only $50. This also included a free meal the night before the tournament in Mishawaka...

Wow!  Now that sounds like a good time.  I would pay the $50 just to see Poorboy's reaction to being served wings like that.  Did Miller pony-up some free beer to help wash those wings down?

[Duke]

No beer, sorry.

[Teachspark]

For all those interested in fishing the 3rd annual Miller tourney, bad news...They had such problems last year due to some complaints that they have decided it is not worth it.  It's too bad when a couple of bad apples ruin it for the rest of us. 

I fished both the 2005 and 2006 Miller tourneys and they were truly a class act tournament.  Mickey and Dave always put on a nice tournament and now we know that with a sponsor like Miller they can put on a great one.

Hopefully somone can convince Miller to try it again.