Michigan's Best February Bluegill Fishing is at Hamlin Lake

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.

FEBRUARY

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."

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.

Suzuki's two new four-stroke, two-cylinder portable outboards have a compression reduction system for easier starting. The 20hp tiller model weighs 97 pounds the eletric-start model weighs 106 pounds. Single overhead cam, four-valve engine with Suzuki's Lean Burn Control and bat-tery-less electronic fuel injection. Built for running in skinny water, both motors come with five tilt pin positions and 15- or 20-inch shaft.

TACKLE TOTE VEST

www.fishandhunt.com

MSRP, $19.99.

If you wade when you fish, Fish-N-Hunt Pro Gear designed a Tackle Tote Vest that to keep gear accessible but dry when you're standing in deeper waters. It's adjustable, sturdy, has lots of pockets and a modest pricetag.

HONDA OUTBOARD

www.marine.honda.com

MSRP, $24,025.

Honda Marine's BF250 outboard is a 24-valve 3.6-liter V6 that uses varia-ble valve timing and lift electronic control (VTEC). Programmed fuel injection delivers the precise amount of fuel and air to each cylinder for easy starts and instant throttle re-sponse. 20-, 25- and 30-inch shaft models.

FLEX 'N GO TACKLE SATCHEL

www.planoMolding.com

MSRP, $24.99-$29.99.

On-the-go anglers will find a lot to like in Plano's new Flex 'N Go Tack-le Satchel. It features adjustable built-in storage with a deep bin on one side and framework for the pair of swap-pable Plano 3600 StowAway boxes on the other, each Stowaway held with a flexible strap.

CABELA'S RAINGEAR

www.cabelas.com

MSRP, Jacket $249.99-$269;
Bibs, $229.99-$249.99.

Cabela's Guidewear raingear now comes in four distinct series. Bass Angler (pictured) jackets and bibs are built with the tournament bass angler in mind. Xtreme parkas and bibs will help anglers fishing Northern lakes and rivers. Tidal jackets and pants offer lightweight, waterproof and breathable protection. River Runner jackets are perfect for wading anglers.

GEAR GRABBAR

www.geargrabbar.com

MSRP, $18.95 per pair.

The original Gear Grabbar is a unique way to hold lures and tools at the ready in boats. But the new Lure Hangar is a step beyond. This is a 12- by 16 1/2-inch plate,m ade to mount on your gunwhale, that holds 16 or more lures. There's enough room for a selection of jig, plugs, topwaters or whatever other baits you want to hang.

AV MICRO

www.Aquavu.com

MSRP, $299.

The new AV Micro is a complete underwater camera system that is the same size as a smart phone. On the boat or off the dock, use it to see where fish are hanging out. 3 1/2-inch diagonal display. Built-in rechargea-ble lithium ion batteries.

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.

Abu Garcia's Revo SX baitcasting reel is now 25 percent lighter than before. The SX frame is crafted of a strong alloy while the handle sideplate are built with weight-reducing C6 carbon. Holds 145 yards of 12-pound mono.

SIMMS WEATHER GEAR

www.simmsfishing.com

MSRP, jacket $349, bibs $299.

Simms designed its Contender Gore-Tex jacket and bibs for anglers who need reliability when they are motor-ing on the water at 70 mph in rain and wind. Waterproof and breathable. Cuffs are water tight and adjustable.

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.

Where are your favorite fishing spots in Michigan? "Like" us and share your opinions on G&F Facebook!

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Michigan's Best February Bluegill Fishing is at Hamlin Lake

FEBRUARY

Hamlin Lake

Bluegills

Suzuki DF15AEFI/20A

TACKLE TOTE VEST

HONDA OUTBOARD

FLEX 'N GO TACKLE SATCHEL

CABELA'S RAINGEAR

GEAR GRABBAR

AV MICRO

BERKLEY TRILENE XL

ABU GARCIA REVO SX

SIMMS WEATHER GEAR

T-REIGN TETHER

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