Free Lures from the DNR

[EdB]

Here's the batch of free lures I received from the DNR for returning micro tagged fish heads from last season. Remember to save and freeze the heads from any salmon and trout that have the adipose fin clipped. Include a slip with your name and address, the length, weight and sex of the fish and where you caught it. If you see a creel clerk, you can get a tag return slip from them. They only give out lures for salmon, steelhead and browns. They don't for lake trout. They also send you a letter telling you where and when the fish were planted. That stinger in the upper right corner looks like an old one.

http://www.michigan-sportsman.com/photopost/data/500/3070Free_Lures.jpg

[jeremy L]

just great, the two of us, dad and i, had about 20 kings that had the missing adipose fin, but we only turned in one, due to many reasons. if i would have known we got a free lure for each of those, then they would have all been turned in. I never thought we could be rewarded for doing something we loved, fishing!

oh well, there is always this spring, next fall

[mrymar]

I have turned in several throughout the years.

At Ludington city Marina, the DNR has a freezer there just for this purpose so it is very convienient to fill out the info.

It usually takes about 3 months to get your spoon. They will only send you a spoon if the find the wire tag.

Capt. Chuck also had an awesome Master Angler program too. They worked out a deal with 6 of the Spoon Companies, if you weighed your MA fish at CC's. You had your pick of 6 free spoons, one from each of the company. Then they had to start putting restriction on it, when we had 600 MA Coho caught in that area. Just after they restricted it, I walked down there with 4 MA Coho's for one days catch. I believe they still have this avialable for Kings only now.

[ausable_steelhead]

The mauler's the omly lure I'd want!

[Ruler]

Ditto A_S! I got some trolling spoon (like in the lower right of the picture) and a Mepps that looks like it'd be good for barracuda. It's gonna do me a lotta good- trolling for salmon outta my canoe. :rolleyes: ;)

Heck, it was free though. :) Still wish I would've gotten a couple of Maulers- those things work!

[jeremy L]

my idea:

get many lure for free, no matter what type, remember free is good, then turn around, sell trolling lures, and buy good usefull lures:) :D :) :D :)

oh, btw, old trolling spoons, silver steaks, northport nailer, etc. can be made into great jack hooks! just get some hooks, cut out the pattern and make yourself some lures!

[Termie33]

Ed, youre right, the stinger is a old one, they must have found it buried some place...i havent seen that package in years. I only turned in one fish over the years, mainly because there isnt really any place that collects them in the areas i fish. Besides, i dont need any more confusion as to which lures to use. But i must admit the info they provide is very cool and interesting.

[captdenny]

It is great to see that the lure program the MDNR has in place rewards those who returm micro tagged fish. The information gained from those heads provides the MDNR fisheries div. valuable data on their research. Don't forget to thank those who have donated those lures to the MDNR. I personnally know that the Michigan Steelheaders has been a big backer of this program as well as some of the Charter Boat organization. If you know of others, post them and let our fellow fishermen know who supports their sport. Fish-on

[EdB]

The letter that comes back with the heads lists all the sponsors of this program who provide the free lures. Here's the list, it's long but I think worth it to get it out. If you are ever in contact with these folks, tell them thanks for supporting the program. It allows the DNR to gauge the success of their plants so that they can achieve maximum survival and provide more fish for us to catch. It's a big part of the scientific management of the greats lakes resources so save your heads, turn them in and thank and support the sponsors.
Advance Tackle-Boyne City
Bay De Noc Lure Co-Gladstone
BC Nymph Co-Lansing
Big Jon-Traverse City
Bluewater Sportfishing Assoc.-Port Huron
Calvert Rod and Gun Club-South Bend IN.
C&J Manufacturing-Muskegon
DW Hooks and Rod Holders-Porter IN.
Fishlander-Traverse City
Federation of Fly Fishers
Hammond Bay Area Anglers
Invader Inc, Magna Dyne Products-Holland
Ludington Charter Boat Assoc.
Luhr-Jenson-Hood River OR.
Manistee County Sportfishing Assoc.
MI Steelheaders and Salmon Fishing Assoc.
Mishawaka Lure & Tackle-Mishawaka IN.
Northern King Lures-Rochester NY
Pentwater Sport Fishing Assoc.
Pro Spoon Corp. New Troy
R&R Spoons-South Bend IN
R Bogner Co-Ludington
Sheldons Inc.-Antigo WI
The Producers-Kalamazoo
Witchcraft Tape Products-Coloma
Wolverine Tackle-Orchard Lake
Yeck Lure Co. Ludington