Where We Fish

     Captain Jay started fishing at a very young age almost before he could walk.  Growing up in Berrien Springs Michigan, he often skipped school to fish on the river banks and got in trouble for it several times. Captain Jay started working on the back of charter boats when he was 12 years old and with over 30 years of experience on the Great Lakes, he knows how to put you on the fish when nobody else can.

     January & February, Captain Jay is chasing steelhead on either the Manistee River or the St. Joseph River.  Winter Steelhead fishing can be exciting and fun, if you have the proper equipment.  Captain Jay has that equipment as well, as a covered, heated boat.  Heat is a necessity on those cold winter days.  Action can be fantastic at times with large trophy steelhead looking for an easy meal.  If your looking for an adventure winter steelhead fishing is it, just look out for the ice bergs.

     March & April,  This is what most consider the spring run of steelhead and really is the peak time for Spring Steelhead.  Captain Jay usually is running seven days a week.  Since this is what most consider the peak time, book early and be ready for exciting action.  The water is warming up and these fish are getting feisty and are ready to play.

 

     May, June & July,  Captain Jay heads to the east coast of Michigan to Linwood to fish for Walleye. Linwood is the Walleye Capital of Michigan and Captain Jay's boat is seen leaving the dock on a daily basis.  Filling the cooler with tasty walleye is a real treat, but the action on Saginaw Bay is awesome.  This is the "greatest walleye fishery in the world".   This is fun in the sun.  Bring the Kids as this is great and it's a great way to get them started in fishing.  Because the action is fast and furious and you never know what will be on the end of the line.  It could be a 10 pound walleye, 12 pound catfish or even a 20 pound northern pike.  The bay is full of many different fish.

     July, August and September, Captain Jay heads back to the Gold Coast for the Salmon season out of Manistee on Lake Michigan.  Since the beginning of Great Lakes Salmon fishing, Manistee has been known as the top destination for Great Lakes Salmon.  In August, massive schools of Salmon stage off the mouth of the "World Famous Manistee River" and feed heavily before making the charge up the river to Tippy Dam.  Coolers of fish weighing in excess of 300 lbs are not uncommon in July, August and September.

    

     September & October, Captain Jay is back on the Manistee river, chasing the Monster of the Manistee.  King Salmon, whether it's casting crank baits, floating spawn or back bouncing skein.  Captain Jay has mastered them all and being on the water everyday keeps him on top of the changing habits of the fish.

     October, November and December,  Is Captain Jay's favorite time of the year, while most people are in the woods hunting.  You can find Captain Jay on the river chasing the Fall run of Michigan Steelhead. These are typically the biggest Steelhead of the year, and it's not uncommon to catch steelhead above 12 lbs and even up to 18 pounds.  These fall run steelhead are extremely aggressive and eager to take spawn and plugs.

 

     May & June also offers up fantastic Smallmouth Bass on the Manistee river it not  uncommon to catch 50 smallmouth a day.  Just floating down the river casting a small jig, rapala or spinner.  Also during this time of year Crappie fishing on Lake Cadillac is in full swing.  If your interested in one of these please call for the latest report and to set up a trip.

Captain Jay (231) 884-2198 or Email: captjay@netzero.net