Lake Michigan Salmon Fishing News from Big Bird Charters: 04/27/15 BIG BIRD CHARTERS FISHING BLOG - FISHING ...

Lake Michigan Salmon Fishing News from Big Bird Charters: 04/27/15 BIG BIRD CHARTERS FISHING BLOG - FISHING ...:     www.bigbirdcharters.com Just A Little View From The Marina - Big Bird Charters Welcome to Big Bird Charters Fishing ...

04/27/15 BIG BIRD CHARTERS FISHING BLOG - FISHING REPORT AND NEWS

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Just A Little View From The Marina - Big Bird Charters

Welcome to Big Bird Charters Fishing Blog and Discussion.  This week will be short and sweet as we are preparing to kick off our heavy month of May fishing.  Lake Michigan fishing is picking up and our gear is more than ready for the tasty Coho Salmon, Spring Kings, and Trout. 

BIG BIRD READY TO GO!

The fishing report for this week is not a strong one, but it does show promise for how things will shape up.  The main factor of the "hot & cold" fishing is all of our April storms and heavy winds.  There have been many fish caught already, but as soon as the good fishing starts to set up...the heavy weather scatters the fish which resets the tracking of the fish.  This is common for this time of the year, just increases the challenge of fishing.  Baits commonly used for this time of the season are crank baits, dodgers and fly's, and smaller trolling spoons consisting of blue, green, red, and orange color schemes.  We are highly anticipating May fishing and are ready to rock n' roll!

 

New for "BIG BIRD" in the 2015 season is the use of a Go Pro action camera.  We will catch plenty of reel time action so we can deliver the real feel of what salmon fishing is like on Lake Michigan.  Stay tuned for all the "live action" and see what the Lake Michigan Salmon Fishing buzz is all about!!

 

Until next week...If the fishing ain't easy, fish harder!

 

Captain Eric – Big Bird Charters

04/19/15 BIG BIRD CHARTERS FISHING BLOG - SALMON FISHING REPORT

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Heading back in from the "SHAKE DOWN".  St. Joseph River - St. Joseph, MI.

DNR inspection, All IS GOOD.

Well the winter ice is gone and the fishing is picking up.  "BIGBIRD" is in the water and we are very close to having all of our pre-season projects completed so that we can focus 100% on FISHING!  Fishing gear is ready, boat is purring like a champ, just a few loose ends to tie up and we will be getting after it!  

We had to go through our DNR inspection this year as we do every two years, passed with flying colors.  They ensure all operations of boat are safe and sound and that all restrictions are met for passenger safety.  One of the Conservation Officers even joined us for a picture!

One of our many projects.

One project among many that are taken care of in pre-season preparations is the complete refinishing of our Teak wood trim on the exterior of the boat.  Although not done every year, this is a lengthy process that I am eager to see FINISHED!

Yesterday, “Big Bird” and I ran the boat for the first time of the season on Lake Michigan, she’s running clean and strong.  We always do a “shake down” before our first trip just to make sure everything’s running like they should.  All is good, even caught a few Coho just messing around.  One more week and we will kick off yet another fishing season…and we are almost ready for it!  A few little tweaks and we’ll be good to go!

Just a normal day, you know.

So for the random picture of the week, here we have Mike and his 21 year old parrot named Beegee hanging out in Tackle Haven just passing time.  Two peas in a pod and both characters all in their own.

Steelhead action on Jawbreaker!

FISHING REPORT:  Fishing has slowed up for the pier fishermen, but has picked up significantly fishing by boat.  Coho Salmon are biting like crazy 10 miles south of St. Joseph, MI near the Cooke Plant.  The boat launches are packed as a result of this Coho Salmon craze.   King Salmon are starting to come around and Steelhead are bending hooks!  The season is setting up to be a good one, time to round ‘em up… giddy up!

If the fishin’ ain’t easy, fish hard!

Till next week….Captain Eric –Big Bird Charters

 
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04/05/15 Big Bird Charters Fishing Blog - Saint Joseph/Benton Harbor, MI. Places To Stay & Bait/Tackle.

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"Big Bird" Saint Joseph, MI.

Welcome to this weeks blog article/discussion brought to you by Captain Eric of Big Bird Charters.  Well we are one week closer to kicking off our 2015 fishing season .We uncovered “Big Bird” from her winter hibernation and are making all the preparations for operation.  There is still ice floating around on Lake Michigan, but with warming temps and rain…. the Lake will be wide open for fishing soon. 

Stop in and see us!

Tackle Haven Welcoming Crew,
Just Don't Be On The Wrong 
Side Of Their Bark!

Early spring is a time in which all the winter blues get kicked to the curb and it’s time to fish, or at least throw a line out just because we can!  Tackle Haven, a “mom and pop’s” fishing tackle and bait store is a fisherman’s paradise.  Located in Benton Harbor, MI., many of the locals know this store like the back of their hand.  Unlike the commercial superstores, this is a place where “everybody knows your name”.  Fisherman gather in to find their favorite baits, see what’s new and hot on the tackle market, and even just hang out and talk shop.  You 
can always find out the newest up to date fishing reports and different ways to fish.  Tackle Haven caters to all species of fishing, but has heavy focus on Lake Michigan Salmon and Trout fishing and trolling.  If you are not local, Tackle Haven offers an extensive inventory list in their on-line services.  Whether you need a fishing license, tackle, hunting gear, or are rigging a boat from scratch...Tackle Haven may just have what you’re looking for!  I work here part time around our charter fishing schedule and have had much pleasure in meeting all the fisherman in the area, sharing stories of fish caught, and the ones that got away!

Dune Lake Campgrounds & RV

Benton Harbor, MI.

We at Big Bird Charters are happy to announce our new partnership with The Red Roof Inn located in Benton Harbor, MI. just a few miles from our marina.  The Red Roof Inn will now offer discounted rates for those joining us in salmon charter fishing.  For those interested, just drop us a line and we'll be happy to assist in the planning of your Lake Michigan Salmon Fishing accommodations.  For the outdoors folk, Dune Lake Campgrounds offer plenty of camping options and activities that is less than 20 minutes from St. Joseph.  If you are looking for clean, safe, and beautiful campgrounds that the family can enjoy, than look no further!

A few of our favorite baits!

Tackle Haven - Moonshine Lures

04/05/15 Fishing Report: Fishing is still a bit slow, but we are on the verge for great fishing.  The pier fisherman are catching a few Coho Salmon, Brown Trout, Steelhead, and White Fish using skein, spawn bags, and even night crawlers.  If your fishing by boat, don’t expect a quick bite by trolling plugs.  Anchor up and drift spawn.  The anglers fishing more upriver are still catching Steelhead here and there, but the catfish and suckers are responding more and more as the water temp rises.  Slow catch rate at Berrien Springs Dam, but they are catching Steelhead and Brown Trout with casting baits and drifting spawn, corkys, and wobble glos.  

Til next week be safe and fish hard - Capt. Eric

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