saginaw bay newbies

[dzag23]

Hello everyone-

My brother and i are planning on going to fish the bay for some walleyes. This will be our first time out there and i was wondering if i could get some advice on where to go and where not to go. How safe is the ice? What to use as far as jigging raps, pimples, minnows. Pretty much any info that you are willing to give. We have a 4 wheeler and a snowmobile so getting out shouldn't be a problem. Thanks in advance for any help.

--Dave

[Duckman1]

Dave,
Raps in orange were good this morning. Pimples too. Tip with walleye minnows.
The ice seemed to be pretty good in most spots but with the snow on the ice it can be hard to tell sometimes. Follow the paths out from people before you.
Right now the cracks are the big thing to watch out for. These are from 1.5 to 2 miles and further out, depending on where you go out from.

We were out off the mouth of Sag river near the island and no one was around. Closets guys were on the river or about 3 miles off of State Park. It was kinda wierd for a Saturday, like a ghost town out there.

Good luck!

[BlackRhino]

You can go out of numerous places. We have been going out of Erickson rd, usually out somewhere near the blackhole. Have went out of Linwood as well, but did better at Erickson. Seems like the lure of choice this year for us is either a swedish pimple or a do-jigger. Both are made by Bay de noc and can be found everywhere. Other choices could be jigging rapalas, plain jig heads, crocodiles, little cleos, etc. This year it seems like every choice needed to be tipped with a minnow head.

The best advice is to follow others across the cracks and respect the cracks and, more importantly, the wind. I have not made it out since Monday, but I understand there is a bridge that a nice guy put down for us to cross off Erickson. I hear it works nicely. Just remember to drop a little donation in his coffee can to support his efforts.

Also, if you have a gps, (you should have one venturing out there (at least a good compass)) mark each crack crossing or bad spot you encounter. That way, if your coming back alone, you do not have any surprises.

Good luck

[dzag23]

thanks guys. that was some great advice. we went out from erickson road and angled north. went out about 4.2 miles in 22 fow. marked alot of fish but tough to get them to commit. managed one on a dead rod that went 24 inches. All in all a great day and a great first trip to the bay. thanks for the advice.

--Dave

[notmuchtime]

Whenever you go to a new spot and don't get skunked it's always a good day. I have been out to the bay only 3 times and all 3 this year. My bro brought home 4 keepers and I got 1 our first time out. Getting fish and making it off the ice the first time out on a huge body of water that the bay is is very satisfying. Good luck.

[jamieking989]

I have been having good luck with "flyer jigs" glow in the dark and bright green are the best. I try all the rest and seem to do better with the flyers, tipped with a minnow and a stinger hook. Got 3 yesterday and missed quite a few. Good Luck

Jamie