Detroit River

[WallyHunter]

I haven't been out to the Detroit River in a few years. But I just bought a new boat, and I am looking forward to gettting out there in the next couple weeks. Any tips for a rusty jigger? I have a trolling motor, but am not too sure as to how to use it in keeping my line vertical. What are the best colors for jigs and grubs?

[double trouble]

the only way i can cover this much info is really by phone or on the water.p.m. me for phone #. the river is a fickle gal. this time of year fish are all over. depth changes day to day. use your trolling motor in reverse to back troll the speed of the current. POINT THE MOTOR STRAIGHT IN TO THE WIND!!! match the current speed with the motor and jig a chartruse half to three quarter ounce jig tipped with a large shiner, and a 5 inch shad plastic or twister tail.try seams of water where the depth drops off.or follow the pack until you get better with electronics.get a hot spots map . anyone else want to chine in ?? Dan

[Hotwired]

Don't forget to use a stinger hook for the short strikes.

[WallyHunter]

Hey thanks guys for the advice. I guess it will just take some practice. I'll let you know how it all turns out.

[eyebuster]

I call it line chasing.......

[Joe_G]

I hear it gets real crowded around them honey holes down there. I plan on going Sunday for my very first time. I'm going to stay on the north end, up by Peche Island, cow pasture area. Should be quite a circus for me the first time out. If I gently bump another boats side rail, just how bad do you get yelled at? We all were there for the first time, the first time out right? This post has a tone of humor to it, just wondering if I'm in for some yelling at. Maybe I'll stay off to the side of everyone 'til I get the feel for it. But I'm gonna be very impatient watching them nets fly down the honey run :D

[Hotwired]

Joe,
I wouldn't worry about bumping into other boats. Usually everyone is slipping the current at the same pace somewhat.
If you do get to close you can just move to the right or left of the other boat. Just don't stop and start jiggin' right in the path of a handliner, they may throw something at you, LOL.
I will be out in those areas on both days on channel 68.
Later and good luck.

[suckerbass]

like double trouble sead keep the boat pointed into the wind (with a bow mount) I like to use short burst of the motor to fallow the line. As the line starts to swing out just hit the motor untill the line is straight up and down again. I would recomend trying an area like Great lakes steel to start. There are not as many snags as most hot spots and still a lot of fish. Also I would recomend 6lb fire line. This is a thin line with low drag and will make it easier to stay vertical. Good luck I hope to get out in a weak or two depending on the weather and work.

[Carpmaster]

I prefer 3/8 oz. chartreuse jigheads with small minnow or 3" twiistertail grub, stingerhooks are bad idea in my experience for Detroit river due to increase in snags. VERY sensitive rod with thin line is a must. As far as running the boat, make sure trolling motor has enough power and chase your line with short bursts not constant running, you want to slip the current not fight it.

[I'llbeoutside]

The side can be very productive lots of times. I have not fished the upper, but have had many days when I was one the the first half dozen boats in the Trenton and caught a few right off the bat and finished the day by picking fish up on the edge. MOST people understand, but some think you are sitting in their hunting blind. Just carry a long handle net to push off with. Hey HOTWIRED... you forgot to tell him not to throw stuff at the handliners while they are catching fish all around the poor jiggers like myself!!!! I really need to mount some reels.

Welcome Carpmaster!!!

[Slimshady]

Joe G,

I know you are anxious to get out on the river, however, you may want to rethink Sunday. Have you seen the weather report? Gale Force winds out of the North. The river is already muddy, so your chances of catching any walleyes are nill. I would wait another week to go. I was planning on going myself, however, I am bailing on it.

Do yourself a favor and stay in bed.

[Joe_G]

I just noticed that forecast too.....Trip cancelled. SLIM.....I just sent you a PM.