fishyaker Loc: NW Michigan (Lower Peninsula)

Another spectacular sunny day in Northern Michigan so I could not resist heading to a local favorite lake again. I think this makes 4 days in a row now and it never gets old!

Tried 2 different locations today in the vicinity of where I have noticed some large pike and at least one big muskie. Managed to hook a nice sized pike but the battle was short lived. It struck a tiny micro jig that I was using for yellow perch and I knew that it would probably be over before it started. Sure enough...no solid hookset! Oh well...I did get to see it do one "snake roll" beneath my feet before things went sour.

The yellow perch were on a steady bite as usual. Only caught 7 that were in my 8" or above "keeper" range, however, the micro, tiny, tidbit sized fish under 8" were extraordinarily plentiful. Caught a boatload of them using a very small Swedish Pimple jig, set up with a single hook on a dangle chain and a "spike" wax worm for live bait. The hook barbs are pinched down to make for quick releases and less harm to small fish.

Game warden stopped by to check me out today, which is always a welcomed visit. I knew he would, because we left the boat launch at the same time. I admired his ambition today because there were only about a half dozen huts active, and and they were speckled at quite a distance apart. To reach them all would be a round trip on foot of a little over 2 miles. Since I was his last stop I offered a quick ride back to shore but he said that it was all part of his duty and he enjoyed the hike anyways in terms of getting some exercise. Our local Conservation Officers are a great bunch, and I appreciate them very much for what they do.

As I was wrapping up to leave, I wondered if today was worthy of a post here. Then the thought crossed my mind about fish as "manna"...thus the title...just for the fun of it!

Ah...these pleasant days of March are most definitely getting my thoughts directed towards Spring, kayaking and warm weather fishing.

So warm out with the sun that you could actually have fished in shorts and a tee shirt inside the shanty. Very windy outside, but calm in the shelter.


When I say "tiny"...I do mean tiny! These little fellows litter the lake bottom like a field of carpet!


A plump little 8 incher. I felt kind of bad because as she emerged from the depths a recently digested minnow coughed out and I was not about to stuff it back in! I nickname this size as a "palm perch" because they fit right into the palm of my hand

OJdidit Loc: Oak Creek Wisconsin

Nicely done Yaker!

saw1 Loc: nor cal Windsor

I take it you had NO visits from the BIG GIRL today.

fishyaker Loc: NW Michigan (Lower Peninsula)

Thank you OJ! I think I get the biggest kick out of this kind of ice fishing because it is all about "sight fishing". I was in 13 feet of water again for both set ups with the shanty, and with the water clarity you see everything come in...take a look at your offerings...and then watch as they decide to partake!

flyguy Loc: Lake Onalaska, Sunfish Capitol of the World!

Thanks for the story and the pics, Yaker.

fishyaker Loc: NW Michigan (Lower Peninsula)

That is correct Saw1! The first place I went was where I had been on Sunday...having all those encounters with the big muskie. She never once appeared today, which really disappointed me! I had brought out some really "fishy" looking offerings. At times I had 2 rods jigging with likely attractions...changing frequently...and "nothing". I almost wonder if she has some sort of short term memory of having been stung on the lips twice recently!

After a while, I switched one rod to just perch, using very small jigs, and just had fun catching the perch non stop. The perch were always hanging below...which was actually a "bad sign"...because they must have felt very safe.

It is supposed to get really warm tomorrow, so I am not sure if I will head out again or not. I'll be headed to Columbus, OH on Friday...unfortunately to attend the funeral of an old friend that lost a fight with an illness. I just found out about it and now my mind is not really on fishing like usual.

fishyaker Loc: NW Michigan (Lower Peninsula)

Thank you Flyguy! I was really hoping for another "slime dog" today just to tickle your ribs a bit!

As I was talking with the game warden today he mentioned that a few of the shanty's were set up for spearing. Rumor is that a 56" muskie was recently taken by spear in the area where I am fishing. I'd love to connect with the big gal I entertained a few days ago! A hook and line connection on a small rod would be awesome!

Fredfish Loc: Prospect CT.

Sounds like a fun day Yaker. Thanks for sharing.

fishyaker Loc: NW Michigan (Lower Peninsula)

Thank you Fredfish! As ice fishing season is winding down around here I have been trying to get out often. Even though there is still a solid foot of sturdy ice, the lake is making a lot of noise (expansion/cracking, etc.) on these long sunny days. Pretty soon I will have had my fill of it and then just sit back and wait for it all to melt away!

The ice is still connected to shore so that you can actually back your truck and trailer onto the lake to load/unload the snowmobile. The parking lot is bare asphalt, and can be a pain in the neck to drive a sled on...plus the bottom of your bobsled gear tote can wear thru if you are not careful! No sense in replacing stuff if you can keep it in good shape!

In a few weeks my wife and I leave for a late Winter vacation in Florida. She is so excited she can't stand it! I plan to bring surf fishing gear and spend days sitting under a shade canopy on the beach with her while I keep an eye on the line. I have heard about the sargassum blob and red tides that have been appearing in the Gulf, so I hope that gets over with soon!

By the time we get home the local lake ice will be "toast"!

NJ219bands Loc: New Jersey

Nice 👍

Fredfish Loc: Prospect CT.

It sounds like you're having a great winter Yaker, glad to see someone enjoying it.

fishyaker Loc: NW Michigan (Lower Peninsula)

Thank you NJ! I am trying to make the most of each opportunity I get to fish!

bknecht Loc: Northeast pa

I’m envious FY, we only had 3 days of safe ice this year in our general vicinity and certainly not enough to haul gear by snowmobile. I miss the camaraderie on the ice.

Papa Jack Loc: Indianapolis

Well done

Gordon Loc: Charleston South Carolina

Another great post Yaker. I thorough enjoy reading them. Enjoy your stay down in Florida also. What part of Florida are you going to?