Muskegon Lake smallies 12/19/11

[Mike S.]

I called in today, and went fishing, only for 2 hours.  Was well worth it. 

I launched around 10:30 at Fisherman's.  Went to the spot that Waterfoul and I caught our fish in in November.  In an hour's time, I got one in the boat.  I was good with that.  I didn't really expect to do well anyways.  I decided to move.

I go to a spot of mine on the south shore, about 11:30.  I am throwing "THE bait", by the way.  First cast in my spot, fish on.  I'm really pumped now.  My dreams for the day have come true.  If any of you read my post from earlier, I was wishing for a smallie or two.  I call my wife and ask her to meet me at the boat launch a little later to take some pics.  I have no 2 fisted pics whatsoever.  I hang up the phone, and boom, number 3 joins my livewell party.  A few casts later, here's number 4.  I call the wife again.  I ask when she's coming to take pics, and tell her I now have 4 in the boat.  We talk for a few minutes, and as we're saying good bye, fish on!  I dropped my phone on the floor, so I didn't lose this fish.

Once number 5 is in the boat, I'm ecstatic.  I never would have thought I'd catch that many today.  I'm new to this cold water thing.  So, I decide I'm going to the launch to meet the wife.

The water was 37 degrees, west wind at around 14 mph. The sun went away.  All of my fish were between 7 and 13 feet deep.  I had an absolute riot!  All 5 fish measured between 16 and 17 inches.  All 5 also swam away nice and easy, like nothing ever happened.  There was even an old guy on the dock watching us take the pictures.  He didn't understand why I was letting them go. 

[djkimmel]

You're going to make a bunch of people jealous!

[Mike S.]

It was awesome!  If Waterfoul wouldn't have gone out with me a few weeks ago and given me some confidence, I never would have been out there this late in the year.  I especially love catching smallies, big or small.

[Waterfoul]

If I had a trolling motor on my boat I would have been out there today as well.  Glad you did so well Mike!!  I can hardly wait to get my motor back!!!

[Mike S.]

Man, I don't know what day it is ever. My days run together working 7 days. I should have called you. Probably would have been a blast. I would have stayed out longer for sure.

[TCook]

That blade bait can really catch em when its cold huh lol. Nice fish mike

[Mike S.]

That blade bait can really catch em when its cold huh lol. Nice fish mike

Nope, wasn't a blade bait. Don't even own one of those. Only hint I will give on "THE" bait is that it is a Texas rigged plastic. Endless possibilities there.

[djkimmel]

You should start working on the blade bait. Really.

[Waterfoul]

You should start working on the blade bait. Really.

I have quite a few blades... would have thrown them if I had gotten a phone call.      

[bsimpson]

Count me as one of the jelous people!  Nice job!!!

[Mike S.]

Any suggestions on what blade baits to buy?  Manufacturer, colors, sizes, and so on. I would love to learn something else. I watched Waterfoul fish one for a little bit, so I have a slight clue about what's going on. He's definitely willing to explain the things he does. So, I guess I will get some and work on that next year.

[Jmeis]

Any suggestions on what blade baits to buy?  Manufacturer, colors, sizes, and so on. I would love to learn something else. I watched Waterfoul fish one for a little bit, so I have a slight clue about what's going on. He's definitely willing to explain the things he does. So, I guess I will get some and work on that next year.

Nice catching. You may look here DJ offered some good basic info.  http://www.greatlakesbass.com/forum/index.php?topic=11282.0

[Waterfoul]

I like these:

[REMOVED - see No Links Policy List]

There are several others as well.  Not sure where to get blades in the Muskegon area though.

[TCook]

I still think the original silver buddy works best, I have tried a bunch and you can feel the difference in the tight vibration especially on the 1/2oz version. Silver buddies have new ownership now and they skimped on the metal plate used on the body think its made out of tin now which bends very easy and the silver plating comes off after bending back into place a few times. Although the tight vibration and effectiveness is the same you just go through them quicker. I switch back and forth between the 1/2oz buddy and 3/8-1/2oz cicada until the fish tell me what they want that day. The larger blade baits probably work well at certain times most likely the fall when the bait fish are generally bigger but I always get bit better on the smaller versions, I prefer that quick tight vibration with blades.
   When working follow it down on the fall so basically with semi slack line. It takes a little time to get this down but you need just the right amount, let the bait fall on slack line but reel in the excess to prevent the hooks from catching your line. Let the blade sit on the bottom for a second or two since some days that's when they pick it up. Then lift until you feel the vibration and quickly let it fall again. Your not bringing it off the bottom much maybe a foot or less.   

[bigmojet]

Add another jealous couch fisherman.

[djkimmel]

Mikes Rx Baits sells VIBE-E that some of the Great Lakes experts like (I haven't tried them yet): http://shop.mikesrxbaits.com/category.sc?categoryId=172

Economical Bass Baits sells Poor Boy's Baits blade bait which are similar to the homemade ones I throw: http://www.economicalbassbaits.com/apps/webstore/products/category/555194?page=1

The Tackle Huts sells two other American made blade baits - Reef Runner, which many Lake Erie guys switch up with, and ZAP Lures blade bait: http://www.thetacklehut.com/blade-bait.asp

[Waterfoul]

Sorry Dan... tried to just copy and paste a photo... guess I screwed that up eh?

[Firefighter Jeff]

  Good for you Mikeszr !!!!  So glad you got out.  I was thinking that the weather was cooperating and someone should be getting out.  I winterized the motor last week.    But that's ok.  Thanks for posting the pics.

[red68prostreet]

Another great bladebait is called a Steel Shad. They are longer than a silver buddy but deadly. Very popular on Kentucky Lake. You can go to www.steelshad.com and order them direct. They come in various colors but silver & gold are the most popular.

Get job on the pics Mikeszr800. I am as Mr. Kimmel said very jealous. That brings me to a question for you & Waterfoul. Every yr a few buddies & I go to kentucky lake in Oct. We always go in May as well and the fishing is always great. The fall trips have always been a bust. I have got them convinced to do a fall trip to the northwest area. My question is? If you had 5 days to fish in Oct where would you go and stay? Any help would be appreciated.

[Mike S.]

I don't get time to travel and fish much, so i don't have a ton of suggestions for that question.

But, I have a question for you.  red68prostreet what?  I know you're a car guy.  You have to be with a screen name like that.  Pro street means two things to me, big tires and lots of horsepower!!!!!!