Yes it's rewarding but very challenging mentally, I can only handle a few days at a time. It gets tough when you haven't seen a fish or had a rip in four days. Then you see one that doesn't eat, doesn't get pinned, straightens a hook. I can put in about 30 hours before I have to bail out and go somewhere that I know I can catch a fish.

There are a few locals that have some secret big fish spots that will stay that way. If the traffic ever gets too busy I wouldn't be surprised to see some vandalism happening along the lines of Lac Suel or the Ottawa. Big fish spots stay that way because people don't open their mouth except to their inner circle. It's easy to be cast out…

There is a 51 or 50.5 Pike from Grand traverse bay 36 lbs. Master angler awards. Caught trolling in the spring west arm of the bay. And you got it right big water there. Big Bay denoc also has some huge Pike but like Will says 30 hrs is a long time. Locals talk when they get a little drink in them. Most I have met start flappin about 6 beers. I ve been going up to the Traverse area since 84 . This year we will be spending most of our time in the top third of the state. I dont expect to see or catch many fish but it doesnt matter. I have no desire to land another mid 30's fish except to help someone else get started. I saw three truly big fish in the last 3 years. Had one on for 6/7 minutes that was about 54" and 35 to 38 lbs. Ill be looking for her again this year. I also know where a 50" class Tiger still lives . We had the Tiger up three different times in the last two years. I have a lot of invites to fish with Canadians on Georgian Bay and the Larry. That will have to wait till 2006 as we are still paying off last years over spending. With gas prices as high as they are and climbing Im likely to do a little more Local Blue gill fishing and troll up some kings in the big lake. Dont get me wrong, I enjoy catching smaller Muskies and do not down play anyone who targets them. They are a blast to fish for. Im just short on time and still short of one on my wall. That 50" Tiger would be a nice replica and I have just the place for it. Kingfisher

We like it that way.
Kevin

Yes, vandalism in the TC area and MORE. As I said a couple weeks in a round about fashion, fish poachers had their trucks destroyed/tampered with. That was 30 yrs ago and there was altleast one death as a result. Obviously different scenario than someone legally just fishing a "secret" spot but Will's right on the sensitivity thing to "outsiders" invading an area only known to a small select group.

Another extreme development, in some remote Canadian areas you may have to pay the local rough necks that look for Yankee rigs and follow them to wherever they are going. It's the old "protection" money thing. You lose either way and there's no one typically around to report it to.