What's New?
Twelve fish habitat conservation projects in streams and lakes across the state will share close to $1.8 million in Fisheries Habitat Grants administered by the Michigan Department of Natural Resources.
In a perfect world, every lake is full of biting fish and hosts a nicely pitched boat ramp with nobody waiting in line. But we all know perfect is just a fantasy. With more boats on the water and an increasing knowledge base among anglers, lakes are often crowded and the fish less than willing. Now, more than ever, you need a secret honey hole.
New Gear for 2022
Anglers seeking panfish and trout will find the new Daiwa QC750 is a good fit. Perfect for ice fishing, too, the QC750 offers anglers a dependable small reel on a budget.
| Year-Round Tactics for Northern Pike |
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TIP Program Helps DNR Bust Fish and Game Poachers
- Details
By Louie Stout
No one likes a poacher – certainly not conscientious sportsmen and definitely not conservation officers.
That’s why northern Indiana Conservation Officer Dustin Whitehead dogged a case for three years that resulted in arrest of two men, one of whom did prison time for multiple charges, including illegal taking and possession of 16 deer, illegal possession of a stolen firearm and resisting arrest.
But Whitehead didn’t stumble upon this case. He got it from a tipster who called Indiana’s Turn in a Poacher (TIP) hotline. The informant – who received a $2,000 reward from the TIP program - reported information over the phone that one of the suspects was spotlighting deer at night.
“I’ve been on the force for 11 years and gotten quite a few convictions from cases that come through our TIP program,” Whitehead said. “It’s rare that we go down a road at night and see unlawful taking of deer. The odds aren’t in our favor, and that’s why this program is so important.”
This case was unique in that it required extra patience and good police work that ultimately led to conviction of the repeat offender.
Cold Weather Finally Delivers Ice Fishing Action
- Details
By Louie Stout
Finally…ice.
Area tackle shops reported a lot of ice fishing activity the past day or so, and with more cold and less snow, action should pick up more in the coming days.
However, that doesn’t mean everything is safe. Several lakes still had open-water areas last weekend. Although they may appear froze over, not all sections are as safe as others.
“We’re hearing anywhere from unsafe to 4 to 5 inches of ice,” said Brian Hensley of Clear H2o Tackle in Edwardsburg.
Those opinions were echoed at the Tackle Box in North Webster and D&R Sports Center in Kalamazoo.
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