MuskyJohn Loc: Benton Harbor, MI

Hi Fisherpeople - I've been reading on here for a while. And it has been nice to read in the afternoons during the Kahuna Virus issues. I fish almost exclusively for Muskies, but have been trying for what saltwater folks call a Grand Slam for the Esox family. That is catching one of each species of fish in the family of fish. So, a billfish Grand Slam would be catching a Sailfish, a Swordfish, and a Marlin. The Ultimate Grand Slam would be catching each and every species within the family. So, I'm after all of the Esox species in North America. I'd like to catch a grass pickerel in Michigan, if possible. Does anyone around the Lower Peninsula of Michigan know about catching them here? I've caught all of the Muskies available and, of course, Northern Pike. But I'm getting older and wanting to try the smaller varieties for fun. I've got the inside scoop on Redfin Pickerel and will go for them next year. I'm afraid I will never get the Ultimate Grand Slam of Esox as there are a few species that do not exist in North America. Amur Pike exists in Russia, I believe.
Anyway, I appreciate reading the stories you folks share especially the old timers sharing their life stories. That is really good stuff. Take care folks and thanks for any help you can offer. I will post photos soon.

Gordon Loc: Charleston South Carolina

No nothing about fishing the great lakes but welcome aboard John. Good luck on your slam.

Spiritof27 Loc: Lincoln, CA

Welcome to the stage Musky John. I grew up in northern Indiana around South Bend and I used to (60 years ago or so) catch grass pickerel in the Kankakee River. I would imagine that the Wabash would have them also, they used to be pretty common. I never fished the St. Joe, but I don't why they wouldn't be in there. I used to use a Johnson silver spoon with a pork rind tail attached. Don't know if you can even buy those any more. Do you ever get down to New Buffalo to Redamak's? I've traveled all over the world and the States. You'll be hard pressed to find a better burger anywhere.
Speaking of being all over the world, I once had the goal of fishing in every country in the world, so I can relate to yours of catching one of each species within the family. I used to travel a lot, but like you I'm older now and my traveling days are behind me, so I'll most likely have to call it quits on that one. Good luck on your grass pickerel, and never say never. You never know. Oops, I said it.

Fredfish Loc: Prospect CT.

Welcome Musky John, to the stage. Sorry but Chain Pickerel are the only ones we have here.

ghaynes1 Loc: Strawberry Plains, TN

Welcome John. Spent most of my life fishing northern WI lakes before I moved to TN. Caught plenty of northern pike mostly on red and white daredevils. I'm not famikiar with grass pickerel but others probably are and can help.
Enjoy FS. A good group of knuckleheads here.

MuskyJohn Loc: Benton Harbor, MI

My wife and I went to Redamak's last Summer. It's odd as great as that place is and as packed as they are, they still do not take credit cards. They have an ATM up front. That was last year, maybe with the virus it's different now. Great place though.
I call my home away from home - Hayward, WI. I fish the Chippewa Flowage there every year in September and snowmobile there in February. Everyone I know loves the warmer weather. And a lot of the folks around here retire in Florida. I haven't figured out how people can stand that. It's too hot. I love the cold. I did catch a great Musky last year from the Flowage. I'll have to try to figure out how to send a photo. I was alone and had to take a selfie. It made it difficult to photograph the fish. It was 43" long. Not the biggest fish in the World, but a great catch. And I let it go.
I will be trying for Chain Pickerel soon. I'm not sure where would be the closest place to catch them from Southwestern Lower MI. I'm traveling less now because of the virus. I'm almost 51 years old but have been in many car wrecks and have lung damage from one of the last accidents. It was caused by a texting driver that crossed the median at I-94 ( a big highway here) hit us head on. My son was OK. I was in the hospital for over a month. Sorry that's not fishing related.
Regardless, I am more frail now but in good shape.
And my trips to WI are to fish and to see the loons and bald eagles etc. It's fishing. Not necessarily catching. And I love catching but really don't care either way. It's all about getting away.
Thanks you guys. Have a good weekend.

ghaynes1 Loc: Strawberry Plains, TN

I fished Chippewa Flowage as a kid with my grandfather. Great memories. A good friend of has a nice home on a lake in Minocqua. Beautiful area in spring and summer. Great fishing. I spent summers in the Eagle River area fishing with father and grandfather. Plenty of wildlife to enjoy.

Huntm22 Loc: Northern Utah. - West Haven

Welcome aboard there MJ.