Lake St Clair guide

[ESOX]

Our own Walleye Mike has started guide service for LSC ice fishermen this year. Mike is certainly one of the most qualified guys around. Congrats Mike, and good luck with the new business venture.:)

http://home.comcast.net/~takemefishingcharters/index.htm

[JEFFK]

Congrats Mike, good luck. Now all you need to do is get with IFN and the two of you can have a monopoly on ice fishing charters and hot dog stands.

[William H Bonney]

Great idea,, I can't believe it took one of you "pro's" this long to start doing it.

Just curious, are you going to charge the "gawkers"???

[fasteight]

hey, good luck Mike with your guide service.. do ya provide a discount for fellow sportsman?? lol :fish2:

[gsepan]

Congrats Mike, good luck. Now all you need to do is get with IFN and the two of you can have a monopoly on ice fishing charters and hot dog stands.

Mike (IFN) wants to expand to more then just Hot Dogs... He now wants to branch out into the Beer Delivery Service... He uses the 1 for you, 1 for me concept!!! ;) They only problem I see is he won't be able to see after the first few deliveries. :tdo12:

Call it Mike Squared Fish & Food Service...

[GWPguy]

Great Idea mike. Good luck.

[Ed Stringer]

Best of luck to you Mike. Tricky deal but you have to try it to know.

Eddie

"Gino's home to Jolopy Perch"

[WALLEYEvision]

Congrats and best of luck Mike!

[WALLEYE MIKE]

Thanks guys. I know most of you go out on your own, but I figured there might be some interest from those who can't hike out that far and also don't want to invest in all the equipment.(much like summer charters)

We'll see how it goes.

[deepwoods]

...............or people that can't seem to catch fish like me :lol:

[JEFFK]

At least knowing now that Mike is Chartering he'll be out every possible day scouting fish and we can get the best reports!! Right.... Mike....???? ;)

[FishTales]

I remember Mike saying he was his own boss, he could take a day off work anytime he wanted to go fishing, HA HA, now if he isn't plowing snow, he will be out on the ice, taking out charters. Guess he won't have any time to have fun now. :lol: :D :lol:

[WALLEYE MIKE]

I remember Mike saying he was his own boss, he could take a day off work anytime he wanted to go fishing, HA HA, now if he isn't plowing snow, he will be out on the ice, taking out charters. Guess he won't have any time to have fun now. :lol: :D :lol:

Rich, that is the fun. (taking people out and fishing). Tho I would make more money plowing snow.

[shark]

Very ,Very risky!!! Get caught on an ice flow and you can pay their fees too.Also, those of us who have fished this lake many years to learn the spots don't need someone putting the"X" marks the spot. Sorry but I don't apprieciate your plan. Took me a lot of ice time to know where and when.I have as many years as you Mike ,I know that from some of your notes from last year and I saw a lot of new faces in areas that were often overlooked in the past.But going back to my comments of responsibilty beware when you charge some one.

[ESOX]

Also, those of us who have fished this lake many years to learn the spots don't need someone putting the"X" marks the spot. Sorry but I don't apprieciate your plan. Took me a lot of ice time to know where and when.I have as many years as you Mike ,I know that from some of your notes from last year and I saw a lot of new faces in areas that were often overlooked in the past.And another post

Today this site gives too many novice fisherman good locations that took guys like me to learn over years of fishing the lake.
I have to wonder, just why do you come here? Why would such a an expierenced vetran such as yourself want to come to a site which is dedicated to the SHARING of information? It is clear that you don't think that the sharing of information is a good idea, yet your presence here would indicate that your taking away good information is OK, but you don't feel like sharing any of your vast amounts of expierence. Sounds kind of self centered to me.

[Gone Fishing]

Shark, a man of your talent shouldn’t be worried about people fishing around you. Are you worried about some us helping others to catch your fish. :rolleyes:

[hoffie1]

Esox is right on with his reply.This site should be about shareing info.

BTW good luck Mike

[GWPguy]

Very ,Very risky!!! Get caught on an ice flow and you can pay their fees too.

Good Point. I know the way my brother in law ice fishes. Sometimes I think He like to walk to the edge of the ice and cast. Scary the stuff I have seen him walk on.

[shark]

We that are good at fishing share all the time .I was really making apoint that there is a risk if Mike takes people out and God forbid there is a mishap. As far as giving away info to the novice thats different. If you fish this lake enough you learn on your own. I don't believe since I've taken any fishing tips but always look for where ice has separated and refroze between trips.That I will share as well.

[Gone Fishing]

I was really making apoint that there is a risk if Mike takes people out and God forbid there is a mishap.

Yes, you make a good point there and I'm glad to hear you're willing to share info with people that are not able to enjoy the excitement of having a good day fishing.
Just for the record, if somebody gives me their spot, that info is not passed on. However, if I locate a good spot (which believe it or not does happen occasionally), I'm more than willing to pass that on to anyone that politely asks. :)

[shark]

I would rather send a pm so that person gets the info . But the biggest thing is safety and this site is very very good for that.

[Gone Fishing]

But the biggest thing is safety and this site is very very good for that.

I agree! BTW, if you have read any of my posts, I give a general area such as 18 fow off the Bassett. There is a whole lot of 18 fow off the Bassett and 90% of it is unproductive. I will give the numbers to those that ask for them by PM but I usually ask that they do not pass them around. Now, don't ask a few days before a tounament! :p ;)

Sorry Walleye Mike, didn't mean to hi-jack your guide thread.

[gsepan]

I don't believe I've taken any fishing tips but always look for where ice has separated and refroze between trips.That I will share as well.

And you didn't head out to Geno's after reading the "Geno's Jumbos" reports from last years icecapades??? Paaaaaaleeeeeeese!!!

Mike is taking a big risk and I would emagine that you would need some sort of insurance for such a business. If someone were to loose his/her life on one of his excursions, the lawyers of the families would be coming out of the woodwork to sue him... so I see Sharks point on that. But being worried about someone infringing on your teritory is a bit obsurd. Big Lake, Lot's of Fish... I myself stay away from the crowds and I find plenty of fish, and I don't blame the crowds on not being productive. Too many people, time to move eh? Like I said, Big Lake, Lot's of Fish...

Icefishing party this year in Fairhaven... Everyone is invited!!! I'd love the company!!! Your invited too Shark...

[Fishfoote]

Mike doesn't sound like someone that just fell off the turnip truck when it comes to safety or liability.... Heated Shanty & Transportation, I may give you a call this winter - always wanted to try your neck of the woods.

[Ed Stringer]

I to don't mind giving a guy a shot at a good location via a P.M. and if they have kept it low key. Loose lips sink ships. I leaned LCS no my own for the most part in fact last season I was on perch at Gino's Before I even knew of this site. But since I've joined I picked up a few new holes and friends plus I've hooked others up also. At any rate good luck Mike and play it safe you know the ropes, life is to short.

Little boy what did you learn in school today? ( sharing )

[shark]

Never went there for that and didn't miss the Jumbos.Got more big fish the last 2 years than I have the past 5 years. I have never fished Geno"s ,but a little north I have.There are plenty of good spots without the crowds.This lake is the best around for quality fish. I started fishing this lake at age 7 and today I'm 61 so I paid my dues.

[Iceman1]

And another post


I have to wonder, just why do you come here? Why would such a an expierenced vetran such as yourself want to come to a site which is dedicated to the SHARING of information? It is clear that you don't think that the sharing of information is a good idea, yet your presence here would indicate that your taking away good information is OK, but you don't feel like sharing any of your vast amounts of expierence. Sounds kind of self centered to me.

I think your missing the point, the Shark is simply saying things have change alot on the ice in recent years, alot of fishing taken place where it hasnt before. Sharing info is 1 thing, and with guys u know well is another. These past years icefisherman are making way to many headlines in the papers, do to lack of knowledge on the lake. Calling someone self centered, for his concerns for others, is not what this site is about, Im rather surprised a comment of this nature came from u.

[Houghton laker]

Good luck to you Mike!! I know a man of your experiance has thought about all the problems that can arise and hope you do well !! To me there is no difference in what you are doing as to what any water charter boat would be doing....taking people out who don't fish much and showing them a good time!! As to sharing info....I know when I post something I usually also just give a general area...the rest is up to that person to move around a little and explore...a pm will get you right there!! and for the people I have met off this site!! well nothing but a great group of guys!! Hopefully will meet a few more at the xmas greet and meet!!

[William H Bonney]

Oh boy,, I can see it now,,, "sign here, and here and again on the next page, whoops, you need to initial here, and one last time on this "slip and fall" waiver. :rolleyes: Not trying to put a damper on your business venture Mike, but thats what you're looking at,,,, seriously.
Think about these things, lantern burned coat, hook in finger, ANYTHING the client might drop down the hole, slip and fall,,,,,,,,,,, theres just a "plethora" of misphaps that could happen. Its a great idea and should work,, just make sure you cover your butt.

[trout]

Come on , soft water charters would have those very same accidents, except slipped on dock not ice.
It doesn't stop the Captains from running out 7 miles to fish.
Why what if the boat sank a storm blew up?
A fish bit a client a person lost their eyeglasses? A...............

What if a slip in front of the bait store?
Risk is everywhere.

[WALLEYE MIKE]

How much of a risk do you guys take everyday of your lives?. Do you drive? Heck of a risk on the road isn't there? How many of you guys smoke? Any risk there? There a risk when you wake up in the morning.If you don't awake in the morning, you got nothing to worry about. In other words there is risk in anything you do. Its a matter of reducing risk with common sense.

There are a few ways to reduce or eliminate any losses that "might " occur if sued.

Nuff said!!!

[William H Bonney]

I know what your saying Mike with the ,, "nuff said",, its just that I've been on the wrong end of one of these "risks" before. Believe me,, its no picnic. All I can say is,, thank God for homeowners insurance. Good luck anyway, I'm sure you'll do well.

[FishTales]

Nuff said!!!

I agree with you Mike.
He is already in business for himself, I am quite sure he is aware of what he has to do.
Cut him a little slack, Wish him luck in his new venture and let it go at that.

[shadow7663]

Good Luck Mike in your new venture and I wish you the best.

[Joeker51]

Go for it Mike. You've been in business long enough to figure the in's and out's. We've crossed paths a few times on the ice and your pretty cautious about where you are and stand. Should the opportunity arise, I wouldn't hesitate to recommend you. Good luck ! :)

By the way....if your GPS goes out I've got a big bottle of red food die you can borrow to make an X on the ice. :lol:

[THE ROOKIE]

Mike ,
I bet you expected the criticism you are getting . I must tell you that I
personnaly being new to St Clair would feel there would be far Less risk if you took me out on the ice than trying it on my own. Like you say there is risk in everything and Im sure you have a waiver letter of some sort that would take care of most of the petty issues. The way I look at it is you have been on the ice for a long time and your still on the right side of the water ( you must know what your doing). As far as sharing info to a new guy like me , you were one of the first to reply to my questions along with gone fishing and several others and I cant tell you how much I appreciate it!!!!!!!! Theres no reason to be selfish with fishing info on this site theres enough fish for everyone . If I ever get on some good spots in the future I certainly would find it gratifying to share the info with anyone who asked me for help. Good luck Mike and I may just take you up on your venture!!!!!!!!! when the ice gets safe.;)

[FISHLESS OF PH]

Good luck Mike, I hope everything works out for you. Wish I would of thought of it "FISHLESS CHARTERS" :lol: I think I might have to give Mike a call myself,

[hiddenlake]

I'm gonna see where you put your clients so I can catch more fish ;) . If business really booms for you let me know and I'll run people in and out for you, good luck !!!!

[WALLEYE MIKE]

To all of you guys who were concerned about the liabilty I might run into with this venture, let me put your minds at ease. Take me Fishing Charters is now a LLC. Which means a Limited Liability Corporation. I personally cannot get sued only the corporation and its assets. I hope that I am careful enough not even be put into a situation like that anyway.

But thank you for your concerns. Lets all enjoy the ice this winter with no mishaps.

[shadow7663]

Way to Go Mike, Very Smart move on your part. And of course the company will have no assets like a gas auger because you can put that in my name:lol:

[Houghton laker]

Your always looking out for people aren't you shadow!! :lol: Smart move mike!! Wish you the best of luck on your business adventure!!

[shadow7663]

Your always looking out for people aren't you shadow!! :lol: Smart move mike!! Wish you the best of luck on your business adventure!!
AAAAAAAhhhhhhh shucks Kevin I would do the same for you too!:lol: :lol: :lol:

[Jumbo]

Well put. . I'm such an expert, I am looking for help.... ~~~><>....!

[WALLEYE MIKE]

I knew I would make CEO of a corporation someday. :lol:

As a matter of fact I will be CEO,COO,CFO, bookkeeper, janitor.......... :lol:

[Czarthree]

Good going Mike. Conrats on your venture. Do u primarily spear for pike or use tip ups? Are you going to expand to summer charters also? Happy holidays. :)

[Fried Fillets]

A reply to all those who had concerns about Mike's questionable decision due to liability. Lake Simcoe thrives on hut operators!