Can we be honest?

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Published: 08 August 2025

By Louie Stout

Michiana Outdoors News publishes a lot of tournament results and relies upon anglers to provide some insight into how the fish were caught.

The purpose is to recognize successful anglers, but more importantly, share information about various lakes and successful techniques that are working in the Michiana area.

Tournament directors have a lot going on, so we’re extremely grateful that tournament directors make the effort to get us details and photos and some basic information about how the fish were caught. We request the winning pattern, depth, key lures and any other information the directors care to pass along to us.

We’re especially appreciative for what we get from Brendon Sutter (Tackle Shack), Bill Mathews (Stars and Stripes) and Rick Kedik (CastingCouples and Michiana Singles) who often provide additional quality details on their events.

Yet, tournament directors can only pass along information that they receive from top finishers.

Since I review all the information – and even participate in a few of these events - it is apparent that some competitors aren’t being honest.

That not only blows my mind, but diminishes the credibility of this website as well as the angler.

If it’s so important that you hide that you won a couple hundred bucks skipping docks or scoping a jig and minnow in 50 feet, just tell the tournament director, “I’d rather not say.”

That’s what Trevor Paulus said after winning The Tackle Shack tourney on Lake Charlevoix this summer. He had his reasons and we can respect that.

It’s a lot better than lyin’.

So, if you’re fortunate enough to get a check at one of these Michiana derbies, please provide legitimate details.

We aren’t asking for your secret spot. We just want basic, honest details, like, “half ounce green pumpkin jig on outer weed edges,” “Pop Rs over shallow weeds,” “scoping suspended bass with jig/minnows in 40 feet,” “cranking Rapala crankbaits on 10-foot weed edges,” or whatever pattern worked best for you.

Or, simply tell the director, “I’d rather not say.”

Lake Drive Marine Offers More than Boat Deals

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Published: 14 July 2025

By Louie Stout

Lake Drive Marine has been around for 38 years and for good reason.

The Coldwater, Mich. marina has serviced a variety of boat customers over the years and specializes in fishing boats.

It’s handy, too. The marina has immediate access to Coldwater and Long lakes, so you can get an on-the-water test of any boat you’re looking to buy.

They currently sell Lund, Skeeter, Phoenix and Icon boats. They are longtime Mercury and Yamaha outboard dealers.

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