Well, Gang.
My big boat goes in at Hoyles in a couple of days to make ready for the open water walleye bite. Been hearing lots of good reports coming from every corner of the Bay about any and all offerings that people are throwing at the gator's. Bottom Bouncers with harnesses and cranks of every description are taking fish in 8 to 18 FOW. So this year is starting off and looking a lot like last year so far.
But there is a couple of new things that we all have to both keep an eye on and make our voices heard. It's about a new threat to our fishery. VHS (Viral Hemorgenic Septicemia) is something new found in Lake Huron lasts year and has recently infected many species of fish in and around the great lakes and inland lake sources most recently. It is a virus that was (most likely) brought in by ocean going ships in their ballast water and the virus has killed many fish these last 2 years in quit a few great lakes locations. The Virus itself is not hazardous to humans, but unless the fish develop a resistance to it, it could be devastating to our fishery. Another new development is large Tape Worms being found inside fish recently.They to represent no human hazard but weaken and stunt the fish, who then may succumb faster to the other new threats. We all have to let our reps and Governor know our feelings on these matters now. We have taken in over 160 new invasive species over the last 15 years from bilge and ballast waters of these ocean going freighters. We've been dodging a deadly bullet for to long without a clear remedy to this problem. Our fishery means to much to me and should to you to keep silent on the matter.
On a happier note, I'm including a few pictures from my last 2 trips on the Tittabawassee. My next report will/should be about and on the Bay. Be safe. fish smart, stay environmentally aware and tight lines. Capt. Dan.
