February 18, 2014
By Tracy Breen
Now is the time to plan for the year ahead. One thing to plan for in 2014 is more time on the water! Michigan is home to more than 11,000 inland lakes and, of course, Great Lakes fishing is a favorite.
Anglers with large boats have endless possibilities from salmon fishing to walleye fishing in Michigan , and everything in between. This February, your best bet for bluegill fishing in Michigan is on Hamlin Lake. Here are the details.
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Hamlin Lake
Bluegills When February rolls around, Miller focuses his attention back on the west side of the state where he fishes bluegills on Hamlin Lake in Ludington. "Hamlin Lake is known for holding many bluegills and catching 8- to 9-inch bluegills is not very uncommon," said Miller. "Every year a few folks even catch 10-inchers. It doesn't take long to fill up the frying pan with bluegills this size."
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The advantage of this lake is the bite is usually good throughout the day, not just in the morning or evening like so many other lakes. The fish stay active. Catching a limit there is relatively easy for the experienced angler to do. My favorite bait for this lake is a spike with a black or purple teardrop. I also like using a spring bobber. I typically fish in 10 to 12 feet of water and work the bait throughout the water column. I suggest that anyone who wants to fish Hamlin Lake show up early in the morning. The lake is a popular ice-fishing spot in February.
Suzuki DF15AEFI/20A www.suzukimarine.com
MSRP: $3,329/$3,738. TACKLE TOTE VEST www.fishandhunt.com
MSRP, $19.99. HONDA OUTBOARD www.marine.honda.com
MSRP, $24,025.
FLEX 'N GO TACKLE SATCHEL www.planoMolding.com
MSRP, $24.99-$29.99. CABELA'S RAINGEAR www.cabelas.com
MSRP, Jacket $249.99-$269; GEAR GRABBAR www.geargrabbar.com
MSRP, $18.95 per pair.
AV MICRO www.Aquavu.com
MSRP, $299.
BERKLEY TRILENE XL www.berkley-fishing.com
Berkley says they've improved a classic. New Trilene XL lines are now 10 percent stronger 20 percent more flexibility then they had been. Knot strength has also improved, said the company. Trilene XL has been around since 1972.
ABU GARCIA REVO SX www.abugarcia.com
MSRP, $159.95. SIMMS WEATHER GEAR www.simmsfishing.com
MSRP, jacket $349, bibs $299. T-REIGN TETHER www.t-reignoutdoor.com
Anglers like their tools close by. And it's even better if it's connected to you so it doesn't go in the drink. T-Reign retractable gear tethers hold onto your pliers, hemostats or landing net. Several size options. Carabiner connects to D-ring, belt loop or strap, or use the stainless steel clip on belt or pack.
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