Well we had the annual TC trout tournament over the weekend. It was a different feel with a new format catch 8 and you are done fishing layout. I think everyone involved had a great time! We were fortunate to get the right bites and pulled out a win! The win was close however we weighed in 37.85 pounds on our 4 biggest Lake Trout, the second place boat brought in 37.50! It always seems in these tournaments it is super close. We as usual make tournaments fun and laid back as possible. What good fun is it if you are stressed the whole time? I feel that is a huge key to success on the water day in day out. Go out and enjoy your time on the water and things can fall into place with a positive attitude!
We have been experiencing some INCREDIBLE FISHING here in Traverse City! Combine awesome fishing with gorgeous weather, that is the perfect combination for a quick family fishing trip! I had a blast taking my wife and two little ones out last Sunday mid morning we went out in hopes for one fish on the “Frozen fishing pole” that Myla my oldest got as a present recently. We set 3 lines and it did not take long, we caught one on a lead-core line with in minutes. We managed to get that fish in the boat, once we had secured dinner it was time to focus on the frozen rod. A few minutes went by without a bite then it was one! Myla was so excited to be reeling in her first fish! With a little help from momma and baby sister Teagan we were able to put it in the boat! Traverse City is the perfect place to experience a family fun fishing trip and we at Storm Hawk Sport Fishing love being apart of those memories!
I wanted to take a post to discuss where and why we fish in certain areas through out the season.
Spring starting early on before the water warms up from early May until roughly Memorial day we like to target deep water deep as in 120-200 feet of water. The water is actually warmer out in the deep water than it is in the shallows. Once the sun starts shinning and the water starts warming up the fish storm the shallows. This is my favorite time of the year to fish Trout we get the chance at a mix bag from Lake Trout, Steelhead, Salmon, and Brown Trout. I like to target anywhere from 20-60 this time of year. This fishery is totally dependent on the weather. Rule of thumb if history repeats itself we will be able to enjoy this fishery from Memorial Day until about July 4th is when they start moving out. But I have seen this fishery be red hot at least the first hour of the day well into July. Then those fish will move deeper after they do a heavy feed for thing in the morning outside of temp.
Summer
Fishing in summer evolves day to day but most trips we are targeting 65-120 depending on currents water temps. The most important thing is you have to fish the fish. There are times they will be way out of temp chasing after bait fish especially early or late in the day. Those sunrises and sunsets on the water of Grand Traverse Bay are incredible while the sound of fish on fill the air.
Fall
Depending on species we are targeting this is a fun time of year to be fishing Traverse City. For the Lake Trout it seems to be in the 100-120 along the drop offs. If they aren’t in that range we will fall off into the 140-160 feet usually we will find them in either of those depth ranges. They can be trickier to get to bite this time of year after being chased after all season. But staying persistent and changing lures to find what they want and you can catch a nice cooler of fish. The Salmon are a different story we really like to target them from 60-110 feet of water depending on the location we are fishing. Fishing Downtown we are working the shallower water even up to 30 feet some days. Along ole Mission Peninsula or Leelanau Peninsula the typical depth is 80-110. But it all is dependent on time of day we are fishing and location, location, location.
That is a basic breakdown on the depths we fish on any given day through the whole season. If you want to learn more and get a hands on experience give us a call we would love to take you out to enjoy a day on the water while on a fishing charter in Traverse City!
It is May 8th here in Northern Michigan, but you wouldn’t know it with out looking at the calendar. With blistering winds, and whiteouts through the day it felt a lot more like November. But summer is almost here I promise! Think warm thoughts as this should be the last of the white stuff. Stay positive and the best of 2020 is ahead of us. Put the bad in the review mirror! Can’t wait to get the boat back in the water!
The Walleye season is now open in Michigan! I have been fortunate to get out a few times since it has opened on the 25th of April. The fish have been hungry! Fishing along the drop offs targeting 10-15 feet has been best. Most of our fish have come trolling, however there has been some success casting “jerkbaits” into the shallows and working them out to deeper water. Both are worth a shot to try and beat the COVID-19 blues. I will continue to go out and test new waters and tackle as the lock down continues! Get out and enjoy a evening of Walleye fishing Traverse City.
With the new orders from Gov. Whitmer the marinas are now open. Meaning we will be able to get our boat out soon and into the water to her summer home in Traverse City. Unable to charter however our season usually begins on May 1st, that is not reality this season. With the difficulties of COVID-19 has presented every one we need to stay positive. We hope for good news soon that brings a positive twist into our near future! I am hopeful we will be fishing together soon in beautiful Traverse City. Stay positive and remember there is a fish out there with your name on it!
As we all await to see what is going to play out with the COVID-19 I sit and wonder. When will our fishing season begin in Traverse City? I am well aware fishing is minor when you weigh in life and death. But it is something that keeps me going in these crazy times. We are a little over a week out from the governors “Stay at home” policy expires. I am sure we have more answers sooner than that, but that’s where we stand as of now. We are hoping everyone is staying safe and healthy and lets all hope we come through this stronger than before! I am confident we will be fishing and enjoying a glorious West Bay sunrise in Traverse City before you know it. With the sound of “FISH ON” going through the air. We are hopeful we will be out on the water soon.
Traverse City is such a great option to experience a fishing charter. If you are a seasoned veteran to a first timer, we got you covered! The advantages of choosing Traverse City are truly endless. From our world class fishery for Lake Trout, and Salmon. Or the scenery you can take in while you enjoy your time on the water. One of my customers favorite things about enjoying a Traverse City fishing trips is the calmness of the water. We are so fortunate to be protected by land by almost every direction, meaning we can generally find calm waters to fish, and fish successfully! Unlike on the “big” lake there is almost no protection from the wind and waves which can all make for a bumpy fishing trip.
Don’t look now, spring is in the air birds are chirping sun has been shining! Before you know it we will be on the water chasing the fish of Traverse City! I am impatiently waiting for the season to come to light, we are roughly two months out from launch. The Storm Hawk will be in her summer home the first week of May. The early season fishery in Traverse City can be some of the most exciting fishing of the season. It provides excellent Lake Trout fishing, with possible bonus species like Salmon, Steelhead, Brown Trout, Cisco, and Walleye! Whats not to love about that kind of fishing trip? If you are thinking of scheduling a Fishing Charter in Traverse City, put the overlooked Month of May on the list.
Spring Traverse City Charter Fishing~ Storm Hawk Sport Fishing
Its official with our current “heatwave” we are wrapping up our guided ice fishing trip season. It is a week or two early this year but that is ok! We had a lot of fun and caught a bunch of fish! Thank you to all of our amazing customers that came out with us this season. The best ice fishing season yet! We were all able to share some memories, laughs, and of course catching fish! We will be revamping some of our gear adding to our inventory to make sure you all can experience the best guided ice fishing trip possible. I look forward to next season, until then I will be enjoying some sun and the 2020 charter fishing season!
