Milwaukee Fishing Lake Michigan Salmon Report 5/29/12
By Wisconsin fishing charter Capt. Jim Hirt
Many Kings Over Fifteen Pounds In Milwaukee!
Surface temperature is up to 53 degrees and the fish are top to bottom. The weather has been full sun, rainy and at times windy but the fishing has been consistent. Heavy coolers the last five days with and all species mix. Chinook to 20 pounds are screaming line and all are enjoying some great action. Fish from 60 to 125 feet of water north of Milwaukee. All alone we put together groups at $125 per person. The hot bait was the Magnum size Reaper Fish n Chip spoons made by http://www.badgertackle.com We also had action on orange flashers and flies.
How!
Our best presentations are 8 color Cortland lead core and downriggers 40 to 75 down or five feet off the bottom. Ran the SWR over the weekend at 45 feet and it produced very well. The 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. Six inch orange dodgers and Johnnie Peanut Flies are also doing a good job on Coho. Our best boat speed is 1.7 to 2.0 mph. Slide Divers are producing very well set to #2 with 70 to 125 feet of line out with the ring.
Where!
Head northeast at 47 degrees compass bearing and set up in 65 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. Water color has cleared up so their should be some action in close to shore but I haven’t fished it try this at first light.
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.
Fishing Downriggers 101
By Wisconsin fishing charter Capt. Jim Hirt
Now is the time to think about changes to make you more productive this 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. Should you have a question please e-mail me from my Website contact us page. Read all my articles and see video fish reports at http://www.jimhirt.com
Let’s get started with rigging.
This is a very large topic that needs to be broken down into smaller subjects. Downriggers are a good place to start. This is one of the most basic of presentations and yet is very easy to get confused about. The use of this tool is limited only by your imagination. For every method I write about here some of you know dozens of other ways to work a downrigger.
Basic downriggers
The basic concept is a wire line with a weight on one end with a release to hold a lure at a given depth. The other end is a spool or wheel to hold the wire and facilitate the raising or lowering of the weight. Downriggers are made in manual or electric. There are many brands out in the market place and I think they are all good.
Electric and manual options
The high-speed electrics will give you an advantage when you are on a hot bite. For the average fisherman manuals will get the job done. There are all kinds of additional features you can add to your downrigger. An important one is temperature at the ball to tell you when your lure is in the temp for your target. This can also be added to any downrigger later. Cameras to watch lure action and the attitude of the fish. All the extras may or may not get you more fish depending on your ability to interpret the information provided.
Setup and tune up
Basic set up is to let out your fishing spoon behind the boat and attach it to the weight. The way you attach it has everything to do with how many fish you will put in the boat. I have tried most of the different styles of releases. I like the Blacks release with the clip to attach the weight as one unit. The Blacks releases are completely adjustable to set the hook when the fish bites and never tangle or wear the line.
Weight selection is also important
Things to consider are size, shape, construction and color. For my corner downriggers a flat weight called a pancake with a large adjustable fin is the way to go. When the fin is correctly tuned it will spread your presentation and avoid tangles. For the two inside downriggers I prefer a weight that tracks well and looks like a fish.
How heavy?
I use 10-12 pound weights when fishing deep over 100 feet and go to 8 pounds for shallow presentation. Attach the weight to the cable with a Clincher. This plastic termination for the end of the cable allow you to attach a snap for the ball without crimps. The clincher or similar types will save cable fatigue and lost downrigger weights. I will finish on this subject in the next article.
Buy Four And Get One Free
Badger Tackle has a promotion for 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 2011 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© 2012, James J. Hirt, All Rights Reserved.
Fish Milwaukee Salmon Too Much Tackle
By Wisconsin fishing charter Capt. Jim Hirt
In previous article we covered lure speed as it relates to fish species. Correct speed along with good presentation in the temp location the target prefers will put fish in the cooler. Let’s talk about presentation. Should you have a question please e-mail me from my Website contact us page. Read all my articles and see video fish reports at http://www.jimhirt.com
How long is long enough?
Many of my fish reports talk about long leads on the downriggers. Early in the morning or low light days 20 feet behind the ball on the downrigger is fine. On clear blue skies late in the day cut down on the number of rods and run long leads behind the ball.
Strange happenings or not?
Has this happen to you? You start an afternoon trip clear skies lots of sun set the first line and you got a fish on before you can set the next line. You boat that fish get all the lines in and no more action. I believe too much tackle turns the fish off.
Well what do you do?
No one wants to run one line! Spread your presentation and go long. If the temp break is at 60 feet and you run 4 downriggers run the outside or corner riggers at 60 and center riggers at 90 and 30 feet. Experiment with the lead. If you are marking fish and not getting hits lengthen the distance from the lure to the weight.
SWR?
I run what some call a SWR. This consists of a two to five color leadcore. This presentation may be 250 feet back running 10 to 25 below the weight or ball. This is a killer stealth approach to for very difficult conditions.
Getting the edge with electronics!!
No two days are the same. Your ability to evaluate the changes will lead to your success. To complete this article you must know what tool will give us the most reliable measurement of depth and temp. A great product out in the market place for this purpose is the Smart Troll. This unit offers a sender/sensor that you connects to any of your presentations ( inline ) giving you depth and temp at the lure to depths of 300 feet. This information is sent to an easy to read display. If you would like to try the hottest spoons for salmon and trout in 2011 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© 2012, James J. Hirt, All Rights Reserved.
Hot Lures For Salmon And Trout
By Wisconsin fishing charter Capt. Jim Hirt
In previous articles we covered where to start if you have not been out for awhile. In this article I would like to help you with what lures to buy at the tackle store for a typical July or August trip on Lake Michigan. Should you have a question please e-mail me from my Website contact us page. Read all my articles and see video fish reports at http://www.jimhirt.com
Done right flies will work
This is a very difficult question. Where I cannot possibly go into all species and all situations, perhaps I can define what I believe will catch fish 90 percent of the time. Please keep in mind that the best lure not properly presented will not catch fish.
Huge Chinooks favorite lure
Milwaukee is known for excellent Chinook salmon fishing, so I will focus on salmon. If I were to run just one lure day in and day out in July or August and consistently catch fish, it would be a flasher and fly. Early and late season Flasher and fly may not be as good
Flasher Set Up
Flashers come in dozens of colors and sizes. The one I would select would be an 8-inch green blade with silver and glow tape with a green fly. The length of the leader from the flasher to the fly should be give or take 25 inches. I measure from the end of the hook to the back of the flasher. This measurement may change day to day. The length of the leader will affect the speed of the fly movement. The bigger Chinooks may require a longer leader but this is a good starting spot.
Spoons are Simpler Answer
My number two choice would be two different spoons. For first light fishing I like a Reaper Magnum Fish Fry Glow. This spoon has put more fish in the cooler than any other spoon I run. The other spoon I like is a Vulcan Magnum or Regular Silver with blue and green accent both are available at badgertackle.com. Use Magnum Glow spoons when fishing in over cast situations or below fifty feet down.
How and Where
Run spoons on your divers and flasher flies on your downriggers. A simple and very effective way to produce fish on calm days with clear skies is to run just two spoons. The lead from the spoon to the downrigger should be one hundred fifty feet. This presentation will not allow tight turns. When the morning bite stops, go long to continue catching fish. If you would like to try the hottest spoons for salmon and trout in 2011 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© 2012, James J. Hirt, All Rights Reserved.
Where To Go, Fish Finding Tips
By Wisconsin fishing charter Capt. Jim Hirt
In previous articles we covered basic leadcore. I would recommend trying a leadcore line set up. This presentation will work when all others are dead. In this article I would like to explain where to start if you have not been out for awhile.
Should you have a question please e-mail me from my Website contact us page. Read all my articles and see video fish reports at http://www.jimhirt.com
Resources
I find Internet fish reports invaluable for up to date information look for the most recent reports. If you do not have that option, ask at the local sporting goods stores or the other fisherman at the launch ramps. Marine radio is also helpful if you have one.
Tools
What if none of these options are available? Then follow the steps 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
Wind will move water and predicting what it has done to the temperature of the water where you fish is important. The result may be water that is too warm or cold for your target. When you find this scenario move out to deeper or into shallower water. You may need to go to the opposite shore line (when possible) 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 or colder water to the warmer. 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. If you would like to try the hottest spoons for salmon and trout in 2011 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© 2012, James J. Hirt, All Rights Reserved.
Fishing Hooks Make the Difference
By Wisconsin fishing charter Capt. Jim Hirt
The last article closed with a promise of exploring the different types of hooks I use on Lake Michigan and the techniques I use to sharpen them. Let’s get to it. Should you have a question please e-mail me from my Website contact us page. Read all my articles and see video fish reports at http://www.jimhirt.com
Inexpensive answer
This is a somewhat controversial issue for most fishermen. Everyone has an opinion I can only state what works for me. One thing I believe all will agree on is a sharp hook will catch more fish. There are many types of sharpeners out there. I have tried most of them. A simple $4.00 file is the system I keep coming back to.
How to start
Start with a check of the point by trying to stick the tip into your thumbnail. A hook that slides off your nail needs some work. Do not shortcut this process 10 hits and 9 fish is a good day 10 hits and 2 fish you wasted your time coming out on the lake. File three sides of the point and test again.
Check new hooks
New lures do not always have sharp hooks! After you have boated a fish check the hook for sharpness and that it didn’t get bent out of shape. A word of caution if you loose the tip of the hook from repeated sharpening it’s time to replace it. This is the first step for any type of fishing and I guarantee it will improve your number of fish in the box.
Hook shopping
When you shop for hooks buy quality extra strong hooks. It should say 2x or 3x on the package. There are cheap hooks that bend easily and won’t hold a sharp point look for the best. A recent trend is to use red hooks this makes sense. Red will trigger most fish to bite. Badger Tackle includes VMC red hooks on all of their spoons. You may purchase them at http://www.badgertackle.com
Singles or trebles
Always replace hooks with the same size you removed or the action will change. This leads us to the big question single hooks verses trebles. My rule is this stay with the original manufactures recommendation, they do the testing and that’s good enough for me. 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© 2012, James J. Hirt, All Rights Reserved.
Milwaukee Fishing Lake Michigan Salmon Report 9/27/11
By Milwaukee Wisconsin fishing charter Capt. Jim Hirt
East Gales May…. Change The Action !
Cold water and unsettled weather has turned on the fish. As of two days ago action was fantastic but this may all change on east gales. Eight to Twelve foot waves yesterday shut down any opportunity to get out and time will tell how the lake will respond after the blow. My guess is the fish won’t be affected significantly and will stay in the 55 to 100 feet of water. The big 20 pound Chinooks have been slow and may be done for this season. 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!
How!
Try trolling the harbor with magnum glow spoons at first light. Magnum Reapers in silver or glow on 75 foot leads are my go to bait for shallow water trolling. Shore anglers, I recommend regular size Badger Tackle Vulcan spoons in the glow colors for the cloudy water of the harbor when working the browns. My top producer trolling the last trip out for all species was the Reaper and Vulcan magnum spoon on six and eight color leadcore. Down riggers 30 to 50 down with spoons also worked. Looking for Reapers and Vulcans made by http://www.badgertackle.com you may only order them online. Try them their shipping is cheap and they arrive fast. My lead cores and coppers all run behind a Church Walleye Board. When fishing deep braid divers no ring set to #3 with 65 feet line out are working. I use the Depth Raider to measure speed at the ball. The boat speed of 2.0 to 2.2 has been best.
Where!
The harbor is packed with 2-3 pound Brown Trout and you may find this an option for shore fishing. Boat anglers fish northeast out of Milwaukee north of the Filtration Plant 70 to 90 feet of water. Head out the Main gap Milwaukee 65 degrees for the best deep 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© 2011, James J. Hirt, All Rights Reserved.
Milwaukee Fishing Lake Michigan Salmon Report 9/13/11
By Milwaukee Wisconsin fishing charter Capt. Jim Hirt
Seven Days Of Northeast Wind Again!
Warm water on northeast wind has again driven the feeding fish out to 165 feet and down 80 to 150 down. The fish are there for anglers willing to travel out seven miles to get them. The big 20 pound Chinooks are coming in with some action from 55 feet to the inner harbor. Glow spoons inside the break wall have been good at first light. Derek Gresenz landed his trophy Chinook of 21 pounds 3 ounces! Magnum Reapers in silver or glow on 100 foot leads my go to bait for shallow 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!
How
My top producer out deep for all species is Reaper and Vulcan magnum spoons on 300 and 225 copper rods also down riggers 80 to 150 down with spoons. Big Chinooks in close to shore are hitting Reaper Magnum Fish Fry Glow spoons 100 feet behind the ball off downriggers 20 feet down. Looking for Reapers and Vulcans made by http://www.badgertackle.com you may only order them online. Try them their shipping is cheap and they arrive fast. My lead cores and coppers all run behind a Church Walleye Board. When fishing in close braid divers no ring set to #4 with 40 feet line out are working. I use the Depth Raider to measure speed at the ball. The boat speed of 2.0 to 2.2 has been best.
Where!
Fish east out of Milwaukee north of the Filtration Plant 125 to 170 feet of water. Head out the Main gap Milwaukee 65 degrees for the best deep action. In close fish the harbor and harbor gaps at first light and move out to 40 to 55 feet when they turn up the lights. 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© 2011, James J. Hirt, All Rights Reserved.
Milwaukee Fishing Lake Michigan Salmon Report 8/29/11
By Milwaukee Wisconsin fishing charter Capt. Jim Hirt
In and out for fish Milwaukee.
Warm water on northeast wind has again driven the feeding fish out to 125 feet and down 80 to 100 down. Eight to twelve pound Chinooks are plentiful with an occasional Lake Trout and Rainbow. The big 20 pound Chinooks are coming in with some action from 55 feet to the inner harbor. Glow spoons inside the break wall have been good at first light. Magnum Reapers in silver on 100 foot leads my go to bait for 50 foot 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!
How
My top producer for Rainbows have been Reaper and Vulcan magnum spoons on 6 and 8 color leadcores. Chinooks best on 300 and 225 copper rods also down riggers 80 to 100 down with spoons. Big Chinooks in close to shore are hitting Reaper Magnum Fish Fry Glow spoons 100 feet behind the ball off downriggers 20 feet down. Looking for Reapers and Vulcans made by http://www.badgertackle.com you may only order them online. Try them their shipping is cheap and they arrive fast. My lead cores and coppers all run behind a Church Walleye Board. When fishing in close wire divers have replaced the braid divers set to #2 with 100-120 feet if line out. A little faster speed about 2.2 is required for Rainbows. I use the Depth Raider to measure speed at the ball. The boat speed of 2.0 to 2.2 has been best.
Where!
Fish east of Milwaukee off the Filtration Plant 125 to 170 feet of water. Head out the Main gap Milwaukee 75 degrees for the best deep action. In close fish the harbor and harbor gaps at first light and move out to 40 to 55 feet when they turn up the lights. 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© 2011, James J. Hirt, All Rights Reserved.
Milwaukee Fishing Lake Michigan Salmon Report 8/8/11
By Milwaukee Wisconsin fishing charter Capt. Jim Hirt
Milwaukee enjoys good fishing after east wind !
Our numbers have been great the last four days. All species have been active with warm water on top the fish have pushed down. Leadcores and divers best with action on downriggers as well. Magnum spoons are a good bet for the big fish. Surface water has warmed to 76 degrees and most of the action is 40 to 66 feet down. 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!
How
My top producer has been Reaper and Vulcan magnum spoons on 6, 8 and 10 color leadcores. Throw in a flasher fly on the downrigger and keep moving till you find action. Coho will hit all size spoons from 30 to 55 down off downriggers fifty to one hundred feet behind the ball. Tons of Rainbows hitting at the same depth or a little higher. Looking for Reapers and Vulcans made by http://www.badgertackle.com you may only order them online. Try them their shipping is cheap and they arrive fast. Ten color lead behind a Church Walleye Board is one of our best presentations. Wire divers have replaced the braid divers set to #2 with 100-160 feet if line out. Silver spoons have taken Rainbows to twelve pounds the last several days. A little faster speed about 2.5 is required for Rainbows. I use the Depth Raider to measure speed at the ball. The boat speed of 2.0 to 2.2 has been best. Don’t forget the Lake Trout near the bottom magnum Reaper glow spoons SLOW, SLOW, SLOW 1.5 or less will net Poor Mans Lobster. Currents are crazy out there if your not catching fish change directions and speed.
Where!
Fish east of Milwaukee 100 to 170 feet of water. Head out the Main gap Milwaukee north or south the best 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© 2011, James J. Hirt, All Rights Reserved.
May 30, 2012 5:28 am | 
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