How do I use my G.P.S

How do I use my G.P.S
By Lake Michigan fishing charter Capt. Jim Hirt
Finding and consistently producing fish is the goal of every fisherman every trip out on the water. The question is how can it be done? This article will communicate the importance of G.P.S. for filling the cooler and returning home safely.

Questions
Should you have a question please e-mail me from my Blue Max website contact us page. Read all my articles and see video fish reports at http://www.jimhirt.com

The Tool
For those of you not familiar with G.P.S. I will give you a brief overview of the product. Global Positioning System is a series of satellites that circle the earth each with a distinctive signal. This signal is sent by the satellites to a receiver. The receiver will then tell you your location on the earth in longitude and latitude. The accuracy of this information is within 15 feet or less.

The Cost
The price of a G.P.S. can range from $80 to several thousand dollars. The more expensive units will offer more graphic information that makes them easier to use, although the accuracy is the same. My experience with both high and low priced units tells me I do not need an expensive unit. The key to successful operation is learning how to apply the extensive information available.

G.P.S. and Safety
The question is how do I use my location as provided by G.P.S. to fill the cooler and return home safely? Let’s start with safety. You should always enter in the memory of your unit the spot where you put your boat in the water. We will call this your home waypoint. Most units will store 500 or more waypoints. Assuming there is no shallow water or obstacles like land in your path, use your home waypoint and compass to find your way home. Fog, darkness or bad weather does not effect the operation of this unit. In the event of an emergency you could call someone with your coordinates and they would know where to find you.

G.P.S. and finding fish
In the more sophisticated units a map showing your position with the depth of water at your location is displayed. The use of this information is critical when working bottom structure for fish.

There are many ways to use G.P.S. for finding fish. On my boat we log the coordinates of every fish caught on a sheet of paper. These coordinates are used to return to the same spot day after day. After a fish hits a lure it makes perfect sense to turn the boat around to try the same spot again. Many times we will get another fish on immediately as we pass the same location. When no additional fish are taken, we will circle in that area using the original coordinates as the center of our search.

Save the spot
I usually enter one of the areas where action has been very good as a waypoint in the G.P.S. for future trips. Working with latitude and longitude numbers takes a little practice, stay with it the work is worth it. There are chart plotter units that draw a line showing the path of the boat on the display screen to simplify this process. As I mentioned earlier a chart plotter G.P.S. with a map chip for your area will give you your position relative to water depth, land features and harbor entrances. I use the water depth when I follow a bottom contour for fish holding near the bottom. Lake trout are known for staying near the bottom. This technique is very effective for them.

G.P.S. save tackle
On the Great Lakes we often fish in areas where wrecks are located. The location of wrecks entered in the G.P.S. will save a lot of lost tackle. It will allow you to fish near wrecks without the fear of hanging up on them.

G.P.S. a must have
I like to enter the location of schools of bait fish you see on the locator when under power heading out to a spot or trolling for further investigation.

On a trip that starts before daylight, you must have G.P.S. to pin point the location of yesterday’s hot first light action.

I could go on and on about the importance of knowing precisely where you are and where you want to be. Some would consider G.P.S. a luxury or not needed. I find the information this unit supplies as invaluable and you will too. Good luck. Jim charters out of Milwaukee, WI. with Blue Max Charters. He can be reached at 414-828-1094 or visit his web site at http://www.bluemaxcharters.com Copyright© 2013, James J. Hirt, All Rights Reserved .

Lead Core Rigging For Spoons

Lead Core Rigging For Spoons

By Wisconsin fishing charter Capt. Jim Hirt
Now is the time to think about changes to make your trips more productive next season. There are many ways to go on this subject. Over the next several articles I will try to cover topics like rigging, tackle and presentation. My goal is to provide information, which should lead to more fish and less slow fishing.

Questions
Should you have a question please e-mail me from my Blue Max website contact us page. Read all my articles and see video fish reports at http://www.jimhirt.com

Lead Core will work
In the last article we covered rigging diving planers and flat lines. Let us continue with rigging presentations. The tools out there are endless. Being flexible on the slow days is the answer to more fish. It is a fisherman with a full arsenal of presentations that finds action when fishing gets tough.

Clear water presentation
The hot rig for the last several years has been lead core. With the influx of Zebra Muscles the waters of the Great Lakes have become very clear. In my opinion the toughest conditions are calm clear sunny days. On these types of days lead core is the way to go.

Start basic then go lead
I do not recommend lead core presentation for first light it is far to time consuming to run during a hot bite. After the early morning bite or about two hours after sunrise I break out the lead core.

Equipment
The basics are reel, rod, line and planer board. The cost of a rig will start at about $150. The reel you use is based on the amount of lead core line you want to run. When selecting a reel purchase one large enough to handle the amount of colors you would like to run. Lead core is a bulky line and most likely will not fit on the reels you are currently using. Find a tackle store that deals with this product to ensure a correct purchase.

Hitting the Marks
The rule of thumb is 4-5 feet of depth to every color of lead core. When your target fish is 15 feet down you should run 3 or 4 colors of lead core. Some of you may be thinking why is there a variation of 4 to 5 feet per color. The factors that affect this are type of lure and boat speed. This line is graduated in 10-yard sections each having a different color. Popular set ups are 3 colors, 5 colors and 8 colors.

Correct rod is important
Rods for lead core need to have plenty of backbone. I use a heavy action 8-foot rod. This should give you the power needed to reel in 500 feet of line, planer board and 20-pound Kings.

Cortland Lead Core
The line comes in many test weights 27 or 36 pound is what I run it all has the same sink rate. You will also need a backing line of mono, braided Dacron or one of the super lines like 50 pound Berkley FireLine Braid. From the lead core to the lure use a 20-pound fluorocarbon line.

Church walleye Board the Best Planer Board
To avoid tangles when running multiple lead cores you will need a planer board for each rig. The purpose of a planer board is to move the line off to the side of the boat away from other lines. Several manufactures have boards for leadcore. The Church walleye Board out performs all the others and it is what I use.

Loading Up
When loading the reel, start with 300 yards 50 pound FireLine Braid
for a backing line then strip the lead out of the end of the lead core and tie a Willis Knot to the lead core. Finish with a Willis Knot and 30 feet of a 20-pound fluorocarbon to a ball bearing cross lock snap.

Go Catching
To run this rig, snap on your favorite lure I like Reaper or Vulcan by Badger Tackle and let out all of the line to the backing. Then install your board on the backing so it does not release. I usually run them 150 feet off each side of the boat. Very wide turns and low boat traffic are a must to avoid tangles and getting run over. I set my drags light. When the reel starts to scream, adjust the drag as necessary. Reel in the line until you can reach the board and hand release it. Now the line is clear to bring in the fish. Some of my biggest fish were caught on this presentation this year. The good news is it produces fish all day long.

Badger Tackle has a promotion now buy 4 or more spoons and receive a free spoon.

Call me anytime to help with your spoon selection. If you would like to try the hottest spoons for salmon and trout for shore anglers or trolling and jigging in 2012 go to http://www.badgertackle.com Good luck. Jim charters out of Milwaukee, WI. with Blue Max Charters. He can be reached at 414-828-1094 or visit his web site at http://www.bluemaxcharters.com Copyright© 2013, James J. Hirt, All Rights Reserved.

Milwaukee Fishing Lake Michigan Salmon Report 9/24/12

Milwaukee Fishing Lake Michigan Salmon Report 9/24/12

By Wisconsin fishing charter Capt. Jim Hirt
Milwaukee Fishing Remains Steady!
Surface temperature is 60 degrees and the fish are in the harbor and out to 190 feet of water. To get my fish reports and how to videos first go to http://www.jimhirt.com By subscribing you will keep ahead of the other anglers. When I post you will get it fast!

Anglers are catching all species and you find the fish of your choice by working the temperature preference of your quarry. Reaper spoons by Badger Tackle have been the ticket out deep and in the harbor. Reaper spoons are made by http://www.badgertackle.com

Presentations
Our best presentations are 8 color Cortland lead core for Rainbows to 10 pounds on Church Walleye Planner boards. Downriggers 70 to 130 down for two and three year old Chinooks and divers set to #2 with 125 to 150 feet of line out with the ring. Fish have been on regular and magnum spoons in a blue and silver or green and silver pattern. Our best boat speed is 1.7 to 2.0 mph on the Depth Raider.

Where!
Water colder than 52 is out over 100 feet of water 70 feet and down. Set up in 100 feet and troll northeast. Whitefish Bay is the shortest distance to deep water. Harbor fishing is best at first light. On lumpy days you will find big spawning Chinook on plugs and spoons in the harbor. Out in front of the water filtration plant in 60 feet of water is a good option on calm days for small boat anglers. The water is warmer in 60 however this has not slowed the action. I caught big Chinooks to 16 pounds in that area over the weekend. Have a great fishing season. Let’s go fishing!! Jim charters out of Milwaukee, WI. with Blue Max Charters. He can be reached at 414-828-1094 or visit his web site at http://www.bluemaxcharters.com Copyright© 2012, James J. Hirt, All Rights Reserved.

Milwaukee Fishing Lake Michigan Salmon Report 9/17/12

Milwaukee Fishing Lake Michigan Salmon Report 9/17/12

By Wisconsin fishing charter Capt. Jim Hirt
Milwaukee enjoying great fishing and weather!
Surface temperature is 70 degrees and the fish are in the harbor and out to 150 feet of water. To get my fish reports and how to videos first go to http://www.jimhirt.com By subscribing you will keep ahead of the other anglers. When I post you will get it fast!

West is best
Anglers are catching all species and you find the fish of your choice by working the temperature preference of your quarry.
Reaper spoons by Badger Tackle have been the ticket out deep and in the harbor. Reaper spoons are made by http://www.badgertackle.com

Presentations
Our best presentations are 8 color Cortland lead core for Rainbows to 14 pounds on Church Walleye Planner boards. Downriggers 40 to 130 down and divers set to #2 with 125 to 150 feet of line out with the ring. Fish have been on regular and magnum spoons in a blue and silver or green and silver pattern. Our best boat speed is 1.7 to 2.0 mph on the Depth Raider.

Where!
Cold water is out over 100 feet of water 80 feet and down. Set up in 100 feet and troll east. Whitefish Bay is the shortest distance to deep water. Harbor fishing is turning on and on lumpy days you will find big Chinook on plugs and spoons. Out in front of the water filtration plant in 60 feet of water is a good option for small boat anglers. The water is warmer in 60 however this has not slowed the action. Have a great fishing season. Let’s go fishing!! Jim charters out of Milwaukee, WI. with Blue Max Charters. He can be reached at 414-828-1094 or visit his web site at http://www.bluemaxcharters.com Copyright© 2012, James J. Hirt, All Rights Reserved.

Milwaukee Fishing Lake Michigan Salmon Report 9/5/12

Milwaukee Fishing Lake Michigan Salmon Report 9/5/12

By Wisconsin fishing charter Capt. Jim Hirt
Fish Everywhere You Go In Milwaukee!
Surface temperature is 70 degrees and the fish are in the harbor and out to 190 feet of water. To get my fish reports and how to videos first go to http://www.jimhirt.com By subscribing you will keep ahead of the other anglers. When I post you will get it fast!

East wind again
Warm water is back in after the northeast wind last weekend. Anglers are catching all species and you find the fish of your choice by working the temperature preference of your quarry.
The father son team of Brian and Michael Greenlees boated this great combo of Rainbow and Lake Trout in 155 feet of water on a Badger Tackle Reaper spoon. Reaper spoons are made by http://www.badgertackle.com

Presentations
Our best presentations are 8 color Cortland lead core and 225 copper on Church Walleye Planner boards. Downriggers 40 to 100 down and divers set to #2 with 125 to 150 feet of line out with the ring. Fish have been on regular and magnum spoons in a blue and silver or green and silver pattern. Our best boat speed is 1.7 to 2.0 mph on the Depth Raider.

Where!
Cold water is out over 100 feet of water 60 feet and down. Set up in 100 feet and troll east. Whitefish Bay is the shortest distance to deep water. Harbor fishing is turning on and on lumpy days you will find big Chinook on plugs and spoons. Out in front of the water filtration plant in 60 feet of water is a good option for small boat anglers. The water is warmer in 60 however this has not slowed the action. Have a great fishing season. Let’s go fishing!! Jim charters out of Milwaukee, WI. with Blue Max Charters. He can be reached at 414-828-1094 or visit his web site at http://www.bluemaxcharters.com Copyright© 2012, James J. Hirt, All Rights Reserved.

Milwaukee Fishing Lake Michigan Salmon Report 8/29/12

Milwaukee Fishing Lake Michigan Salmon Report 8/29/12

By Wisconsin fishing charter Capt. Jim Hirt
Hog Lake Trout and All Size King Salmon in Milwaukee!
Surface temperature is 70 degrees and the fish are 35 feet to bottom. To get my fish reports and how to videos first go to http://www.jimhirt.com By subscribing you will keep ahead of the other anglers. When I post you will get it fast!

All day action
If you haven’t been out for awhile now is the best time to fill the freezer with Chinooks, Coho and trout. In recent weeks the fish have been deep but not any more. There are fish down deep but the best action has been 35 to 65 feet down. Thirteen year old Master Jack Hansen battled this sixteen pound two ounce Lake Trout up from 100 feet down. The trophy came on a Vulcan Magnum Monkey Puke Glow Spoon. Vulcan spoons are made by http://www.badgertackle.com

Presentations
Our best presentations are 8 & 10 color Cortland lead core and downriggers 40 to 75 down. Fish have been on regular and magnum spoons in a blue and silver or green and silver pattern. Our best boat speed is 1.7 to 2.0 mph on the Depth Raider. Divers are producing very well set to #2 with 50 to 125 feet of line out with the ring.

Where!
Cold water is in and there is an all day bite from the break wall and out to 150 feet. With all the current troll southwest to northeast. Set up in 60 and troll northeast. Out in front of the water filtration plant is a good option for small boat anglers the fish seem to be closer to shore in that location. Have a great fishing season. Let’s go fishing!! Jim charters out of Milwaukee, WI. with Blue Max Charters. He can be reached at 414-828-1094 or visit his web site at http://www.bluemaxcharters.com Copyright© 2012, James J. Hirt, All Rights Reserved.

Milwaukee Fishing Lake Michigan Salmon Report 8/21/12

Milwaukee Fishing Lake Michigan Salmon Report 8/21/12

By Wisconsin fishing charter Capt. Jim Hirt
Biggest King Salmon of The Year in Milwaukee!
Surface temperature is down to 70 degrees and the fish are 40 feet to bottom. The weather has been clear in the morning pop up storms in the afternoon.

Morning Action
Clear skies and calm winds go deep to 110 to 150 feet. With all the current troll southwest to northeast. Set up in 110 and beat the bottom for the deep marks as it gets deeper. Our Lowrance HDS Gen 2 has been keeping us on fish with most of the marks in 105 to 155 feet. Tons of warm water out there and a very slow troll (1.5 – 1.7 MPH) has been best with Badger Tackle Magnum Reaper spoons. Bill and Mike Imhoff double teamed this 21.5 pound 35 inch Chinook. Smile and laughs all around with action on some of the biggest fish of the year the last five days. Reaper spoons are made by http://www.badgertackle.com

Afternoon pop up storm action!
Our best presentations are 8 & 10 color Cortland lead core and downriggers 40 to 75 down. Fish have been on regular and magnum spoons in a blue and silver or green and silver pattern. Our best boat speed is 1.7 to 2.0 mph on the Depth Raider. Divers are producing very well set to #2 with 50 to 125 feet of line out with the ring. Yes the big kings are in the warm water!

Where!
Head north south or due east compass bearing and set up in 110 feet of water. Out in front of the water filtration plant is a good option for small boat anglers the fish seem to be closer to shore in that location. Fished northeast of the Milwaukee shipwreck 43° 08.242’N / 87° 49.888.00’W with steady action in 120 feet. It’s eight miles north but can be worth your time and gas.
On the way out we have seen some big marks in the gaps. We spent a half hour on them nothing. Shore fishing is zip nada nothing! Have a great fishing season. Let’s go fishing!! Jim charters out of Milwaukee, WI. with Blue Max Charters. He can be reached at 414-828-1094 or visit his web site at http://www.bluemaxcharters.com Copyright© 2012, James J. Hirt, All Rights Reserved.

Milwaukee Fishing Lake Michigan Salmon Report 8/12/12

Milwaukee Fishing Lake Michigan Salmon Report 8/12/12

By Wisconsin fishing charter Capt. Jim Hirt
The Gales of August are over!
Two days at the dock but what can you do. Ten foot waves are gone and it’s time to go hunting for fish. This is more of a heads up and maybe a how to for anglers heading out after the big blow.

Where to Start.

Surface temperature is up to 76 degrees and the fish are going to be scattered. I recommend. The tools you will need are depth gauge, temp gauge and fish locator. I key on temp and food. In most cases when you find them you will catch fish. Start with a temp check on the surface. If it is too warm for your target species, you must take a temperature check from the top to the bottom in the water you are in to see if it is cold enough for your target.

How To

East wind will bring warm water into Milwaukee. The result may be water that is too warm for your target. When you find this scenario move out to deeper water and check again. Repeat this process until you are satisfied with the temp. Look for a sharp break in temp from the warm surface to the colder water. I work tackle both slightly above and below the break. Having said that, there are exceptions to every rule. I would also run one line well above and below the temp break. This may be out of the temp you expect to catch fish, but at certain times of the day they will be there.

Lures

Run your most aggressive lures with the most action on the warm side of the break. In contrast, use slower less aggressive tackle on the extreme cold side. Baitfish are a very important ingredient to this mix. Always fish schools of baitfish when you see them. When you are under power on the way out and see baitfish on the locator get the lines in. Good Luck Captain Jim. Let’s go fishing!! Jim charters out of Milwaukee, WI. with Blue Max Charters. He can be reached at 414-828-1094 or visit his web site at http://www.bluemaxcharters.com Copyright© 2012, James J. Hirt, All Rights Reserved.

Milwaukee Fishing Lake Michigan Salmon Report 8/1/12

Milwaukee Fishing Lake Michigan Salmon Report 8/1/12

By Wisconsin fishing charter Capt. Jim Hirt
King Salmon Fishing Has Maxed Out in Milwaukee!
Surface temperature is up to 74 degrees and the fish are 40 feet to bottom. The weather has been great! In about a month the four year old Chinooks will run the rivers. Now is your chance to wrestle the biggest KINGS of the year. Fishing has been exciting with a mixed bag of all species. Mostly Chinooks, Rainbows and Coho. Chinook to 19 pounds are screaming line and all are enjoying some great action. Fish from 100 to 180 feet of water anywhere east of Milwaukee. Grant Courley landed the biggest fish of his young life on a Vulcan Magnum Silver Spoon! It was just under 18 pounds. Vulcan spoons are made by http://www.badgertackle.com

How!
Our best presentations are 8 & 10 color Cortland lead core and downriggers 80 to 155 down or five feet off the bottom. Fish have been on regular and magnum spoons in a blue and silver or green and silver pattern. The Vulcan Magnum or Reaper Magnum spoons by Badger Tackle have caught most of our fish. Our best boat speed is 2.0 to 2.1 mph on the Depth Raider. Slide Divers are producing very well set to #2 with 50 to 85 feet of line out with the ring.

Where!
Head north south or due east compass bearing and set up in 100 feet of water. Out in front of the water filtration plant is a good option for small boat anglers the fish seem to be closer to shore in that location. The gaps are dead and the shore fishing is zip nada nothing! Have a great fishing season. Let’s go fishing!! Jim charters out of Milwaukee, WI. with Blue Max Charters. He can be reached at 414-828-1094 or visit his web site at http://www.bluemaxcharters.com Copyright© 2012, James J. Hirt, All Rights Reserved.

Milwaukee Fishing Lake Michigan Salmon Report 7/24/12

By Wisconsin fishing charter Capt. Jim Hirt
Huge coolers of salmon in Milwaukee!
Surface temperature is up to 72 degrees and the fish are 40 feet to bottom. The weather has been great! Fishing has been Hot Hot Hot with a mixed bag of all species. Mostly Chinooks, Rainbows and Coho. Chinook to 20 pounds are screaming line and all are enjoying some great action. Fish from 100 to 160 feet of water anywhere east of Milwaukee. Brian Burrell is looking forward to Salmon on the grill. He caught this 18 pound Chinook a Magnum size Reaper Watermelon spoons made by http://www.badgertackle.com

How!
Our best presentations are 8 & 10 color Cortland lead core and downriggers 80 to 155 down or five feet off the bottom. Fish have been on regular and magnum spoons in a blue and silver or green and silver pattern. The Vulcan Magnum or Reaper Magnum spoons by Badger Tackle have caught most of our fish. Our best boat speed is 2.0 to 2.1 mph on the Depth Raider. Slide Divers are producing very well set to #2 with 50 to 85 feet of line out with the ring.

Where!
Head north south or due east compass bearing and set up in 100 feet of water. Out in front of the water filtration plant is a good option for small boat anglers the fish seem to be closer to shore in that location. The gaps are dead and the shore fishing is zip nada nothing! Have a great fishing season. Let’s go fishing!! Jim charters out of Milwaukee, WI. with Blue Max Charters. He can be reached at 414-828-1094 or visit his web site at http://www.bluemaxcharters.com Copyright© 2012, James J. Hirt, All Rights Reserved.