April 8-11 The Hunt for Big Pike @ Harsens Island 2010

[kayakwolf]

[quote="trollingfortrout"]I have a question about the wet-dry suit. Most of my cold weather fishing is done in the river, so i wear my waders and rain jacket. You would suggest a wet suit instead and wear my rain gear over it to keep me dry."

Glad you can make it! Always great to have new anglers at events!
Regarding your clothing - yes, you would be better off with a wetsuit and wear raingear (Gore-Tex, etc) over it. Although waders may work in shallow water you can easily stand in, they are dangerous in deep water - especially when there is current. In the event of a capsize the waders can (and usually will) fill with water making it difficult or ebeven impossible to get back in the boat (or worse) . Wetsuit with an exterior waterproof/windproof layer is the way to go A dry suit is even better if you have one. Some anglers will have them at the event and you can check out some different brands and styles and get some feedback before dropping cashola on one.

[cgretire]

I usally not offer advice, but on this I feel the need to speak up. I lived on Kodaik Island for almost 8 years (Coast Guard). I had a friend who insisted on wearing waders in a canoe while he duck hunted. One day he did not return. The boat had flipped and he fell out. The waders filled, and he died.

Do not wear waders. Once they are full of water, the become an anchor. Even if you are cold, you will have a few minutes to make it to some where you can maybe stand, or someone can get to you. The will be hard to get off if they are full and you are confused by the cold water. Stick with a rain suit and layers to shed.

[gl_yak]

Waders are OK but you need to put belt on.
I am also using dry top so water can't get into waders.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OYwG52p4 ... _embedded#
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9YPTqrwXgkM

[Lucian]

Waders eventually will fill up with water even with a dry top and belt as shown in the video. If that happens I can't see how anyone will ge back into their kayak with the addditional weight of the water in the waders and forget about swimming in them. The dry tops funtion through the use of two tunnels, one inside the paddling pants and one outside to form a barrier. The use of waders and the suspenders does not allow the proper use of the dry top thus negates the benefit of a dry top and thus even a semi dry top will funtion with the same results. In deep water, where you can't stand in, waders are not advisable.

Check out the following link for more discussion on the topic.

http://www.kayakanglermag.com/blog/buzz ... aders.html

As far as I am concerned, Bottom Line ...... If you are going to fish in cold deep water a dry suit is the only SAFE way to go. It is a relatively cheap insurance policy for your life. There are many good priced options available out there.

[Filanto]

Another thing to remember is make sure that your kayak load rating is sufficient. Do not overload the kayak as it can take on water or at least be unstable. I personally use a sit in that has a capacity much more than I weigh, I am no light weight either. In three years I have yet to flip, but I surely get whopper cramps, I am envious of you guys with the sit on's. This year I got slower tackle, last year I had the wrong tackle and caught nothing except a reed.

[PikeCreek]

Now that I have a Michigan Fishing License, I would like to join the rest of you on the Thursday morning. It will be my first time fishing on US waters. Not sure about staying overnight yet.

[Doug G]

Only 30 more days and we will be fishing Harsens Island


I will be getting out there in the morning on the 8th to turn on the power and heat.

Who will be staying on the island and when will you be out?

What to bring if spending the night.
1. Water
2. Food
3. Sleeping bag
4. Extra Clothes

If anyone whats to camp by the cottage there is plenty of space and power.

A few of us talked about putting chili or soup in the crock-pot, just let me know if you are planing to bring something for the crock-pot.

We will have two parking locations, one will be the DNR launch site and the other will be for the people spending the night (limited parking here). Check map out for parking, fishing locations and base camp.

Pike fishing 2010.jpg

Water Temp should be 35-40 degrees!
Clothing Considerations:
Always “dress for the swim”. As an example, if you are properly dressed for full immersion in 40 degree water, you are already dressed for the cold air temperature. A good rule of thumb to remember; if the air and water temp combined are 120 degrees or below use extreme caution. Always wear appropriate kayaking clothing such as a dry suit or dry top and bottom or a 3mm or thicker neoprene wetsuit with a dry top for colder applications. Like all outdoor sports, clothing should be layered and kayak clothing is sport specific. Kayaking is a water sport – assume you will get very wet and dress accordingly. You winter parka may keep you warm when you are in your boat, but it will not help you when you are in the water.

If anyone has questions post a message here or send me an email.
We believe in safety first! http://www.michigankayakfishing.com/images/General%20Safety%20Considerations%20for%20kayakers.pdf

Thanks,
Dan

I'm so looking forward to getting out to Harsens Island again and plan on fishing thursday but wont be staying that night. I plan to get back out again on eithe saturday / sunday or both but it will depand upon my work load that weekend.

[Doug G]

Thank You!
I could not stand it anymore. I put my new Ultimate 14 in today at Aloganic State Park and took a spin. Not a lot of ice and no traffic. I install a rudder and it made a great difference. The upgrade from the U 12 was a good move. I was able to move faster in the U14 with more stability. I just ran one rod for the first voyage, but will continue to "practice and move up to a couple of rods. Jigged on the float back, but no fish. Setting up gear and looking forward to the pike hunt. Now I am planing to stay a couple nights, but will decide as time gets closer. Still puling my hair out about a gps/finder. Picked up hummingbird at BP, but do not like it. Played with in the yard, but did not make it on the boat. I have always used Loranence.

I know the thing these days is a combo unit, but I am starting to look a two pieces. Maybe a handheld gps with charts and a color fishfinder. (Oregon 200-West Marine- 299) Can I ask what do you use an suggest? Looking to spend 5 bills or so. I can use the gps on othe yaks. I still enjoy the paddle.

Checked Deckers today and it is clear. I plan on going a couple more afternoons this week. Need to build up the kayak arms before the pike hunt.


Tom

Hi cgretire,

I use a Lowrance x67c sonar and handheld Lowrance H20c GPS on my Manta Ray 14. It has worked great for me over the last couple years and has a dual purpose in the winter time for icefishing. I also bought both the Navionics Hotmaps and Lakemaster chips which I fell is worth every penny. I've noticed cabelas has them on sale right now for $169 vs $269 retail. Picked mine up in the clarance barn for $130. When I was at the ultimate fishing show this year and talking to the Lowrance rep he said it will be another year or so before the next geration hand held gps will be compatable with the lake maps.

You will enjoy this Harsen Island outting. It's an easy paddle, awsome setting and a great group of people.

Doug

[cgretire]

Thanks for the advice. I picked up a hummingbird 385 gps/combo color screen, but am worried about the small screen. Will give it a try the day or two an post my findings.

I have been on the water twice and plan on a couple of more days this week. Got hung on the wrong side of ice flow commig out of the sni. Took a while to work my way across. Be carefull out ther fokes. No ice in site when I left the dock. Things change fast.

[Lucian]

cgretire,

Thanks for the update.