BIO
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| Jim Conder "Big Bird" - Owner/Captain |
CAPTAIN JIM "BIG BIRD" was raised in Jackson, Mo. where he spent much of his
childhood fishing the local creeks and ponds . Needless to say, fishing
has been a passion of his for years.
Years later in June of 1980, he and a few buddies hit the road from IL. with a 20 ft. Sea Craft on trailer and headed for St. Joseph, MI. to try their luck with the big lake salmon fishing. Although they caught 2 Lake Trout and got ran off by a storm, it was enough to have him "hooked". In 1982 Jim purchased a 24ft. Sea Ray and off it went! The birth of Big Bird Charters took flight in 1983 which led to 32 years of Lake Michigan Charter Fishing. Years later he stepped it up with the purchase of a Carver Santa Cruz flybridge cabin cruiser. Tough as nails and a fishing machine to current date. His love for water, boating, and the challenge of fishing transcended into decades of sea time on Lake Michigan.
Years later in June of 1980, he and a few buddies hit the road from IL. with a 20 ft. Sea Craft on trailer and headed for St. Joseph, MI. to try their luck with the big lake salmon fishing. Although they caught 2 Lake Trout and got ran off by a storm, it was enough to have him "hooked". In 1982 Jim purchased a 24ft. Sea Ray and off it went! The birth of Big Bird Charters took flight in 1983 which led to 32 years of Lake Michigan Charter Fishing. Years later he stepped it up with the purchase of a Carver Santa Cruz flybridge cabin cruiser. Tough as nails and a fishing machine to current date. His love for water, boating, and the challenge of fishing transcended into decades of sea time on Lake Michigan.
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| Eric Conder - Captain/Blog Writer |
CAPTAIN
ERIC, son of Jim “Big Bird” made his return to the family
fishing business in 2013. Many of his
childhood memories revolve around the marina and boating/fishing life. As far back as childhood, Lake Michigan
Fishing and boating was his “back yard” in the summer with fond memories of
family fun. He began working as first
mate with his dad in his early teens.
From 2003 to 2011, he pursued a career down the music route in
Nashville, TN. There, he professionally
trained in guitar building and sharpened his skills constructing high end
custom instruments. Although the great “Music
City” etched lasting memories for him, he still could not resist the calling
and return to the water life and thrills of Lake Michigan Fishing. He obtained his 50 Ton Master Captain License
in 2011 which enabled jobs from Alaska, Florida, and finally…back to Michigan!
INTRODUCTION
Welcome fishermen, fisherwomen, and all that are interested
in Lake Michigan Fishing! Our goal is to create a discussion “plate” in
which EVERYONE is invited to interact, from the bluegill angler to the marlin
angler….all are welcome. If you aren’t a fisherman/gal but are just plain
interested, this blog is for you! We encourage all questions and opinions
so that we may raise awareness and educate folks about our Great Lake Michigan
Fishery as well as gaining knowledge of fisheries nationally and
internationally. All positive energy so that we may all gain and learn
from each other.
CURRENT NEWS
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| Big Bird In Flight - End Of Season Blues - Big Bird Charters |
This is the time of year when we are just busting at the
seams to get our season started. The anticipation and anxiety rises to
get back out on the lake and start fishing. Gear and tackle is prepped
and now we wait until April. Once the cover of the boat comes off from
it's winter hibernation, it is time to attack the "to-do" list and
get the boat ready for the season. We will start our season the last week
of April and bust right on into May for the spring Kings and Coho Salmon.
According to NOAA satellite reports, Lake Michigan is right around 75% frozen over and the St. Joseph river is completely locked up with
ice. There is a very small portion of open water close to the Berrien
Springs Dam. Just about the same as last year. Although the lake is
frozen over, it is not safe to ice fish. There is always water current flow
below the ice which creates inconsistent ice thickness. With ice cover as
far as the eye can see from the pier heads, it sure is a sight to see, but we
are ready for the big thaw!
Folks are doing well at ice fishing on the local smaller
lakes and tributaries. From bluegill, crappie, pike, perch, and walleye
there is bound to be fun had by those motivated to get out there.
MORE TO COME
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| King Salmon Delight - Big Bird Charters |
Next week I will talk more
in depth about our various methods and techniques used throughout our fishing
season. Topics will include fishing shallow to deeper water, baits used
for targeting certain species, copper line vs. leadcore, and insight on how all
this ties together. We look forward to hearing your feedback and hope
that the information is beneficial to those that are interested. Snow be
gone and let's get to fishing!
BIG BIRD CHARTERS - CAPTAIN ERIC
www.bigbirdcharters.com
https://twitter.com/BigBirdCharters
https://instagram.com/big_bird_charters/
http://www.yelp.com/biz/big-bird-charters-saint-joseph
https://plus.google.com/+BigBirdChartersStJoseph/about?hl=en&gl=us
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