Well, I took a little trip up in the thumb of Michigan last weekend with a mixed bag result.  It was opening day of Bow season, and the deer seemed to know it.  They were all over the road, and I am unhappy to say I went 1-4 on M-25.   

I just love how those bastards seemingly throw themselves toward your car when they can run ANY other direction!

Not sure what happened to the deer, I was only going 15mph or so when I hit it (It actually ran into the side of the car, so it hit me) and there was no sign of he deer afterwards. 

Anyways, I still went fishing and went 3-4 on Lakers....was looking for Browns though.  Oh well, still fun.

Ouch!  Deer seem to attract to moving cars like magnets.  Was it dark out or did this happen in the day light?

Hey GreatLakesJ, on another note can you tell me a little about your setup for surf fishing in Lake Huron?  I don't want you to give away any secret but it would be cool if you could share a little bit of insight on your setup.

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"Chance favors the prepared mind" - Louis Pasteur

squirrelnutz:

Ouch!  Deer seem to attract to moving cars like magnets.  Was it dark out or did this happen in the day light?

Hey GreatLakesJ, on another note can you tell me a little about your setup for surf fishing in Lake Huron?  I don't want you to give away any secret but it would be cool if you could share a little bit of insight on your setup.

 

The little *** ran out at me right as light was starting to creep into the morning, I would say around 6:15ish. 

 

The surf fishing setup that I use in the thumb is very simple.  It's really not a "surf" setup at all.  You can use the same methods any pier angler would use, jump into some waders, and find yourself a nice spot.  That last part is the key.  I like to cast out into the surf on the overcast, windy days with small casting spoons like little cleos.  The lakers hit the 2/5 ounce green/silver color.   A variety of lures will work at different times.  Body baits like bombers, fish stalkers,  hotntots, thundersticks,  and shad raps will work.   I personally like to cast little cleos.  I like to use 6lb test line in the surf, with a four pound leader if you are using spawn.  Try using longer noodle rods in the 9-10'6" range and any spin casting reel with  multiple bearings for the best experience. 

Last fall I was fishing for Salmon, Lakers or Browns up at Port Austin and was using little Cleos without any success, but we could see the salmon darting  around right next to the break wall, it looked like they were chasing minnows.  Anyway I was wonder if anybody has tried using a minnow for slamon and if it worked?

Calvin21:

Last fall I was fishing for Salmon, Lakers or Browns up at Port Austin and was using little Cleos without any success, but we could see the salmon darting  around right next to the break wall, it looked like they were chasing minnows.  Anyway I was wonder if anybody has tried using a minnow for slamon and if it worked?

 

I have never heard of anyone using "minnows" to target Kings.  I have caught a few Coho's in Lexington harbor on a minnow/ice jig combo.  Steelhead will hit minnows, and so will Brown trout.  Kings are more programmed to eat alewives and smelt.  If you can use a cast net to catch your own live alewives, you will find that the Kings LOVE them.  They can be used under a slip bobber, or off the bottom using a slip sinker rig.  8-12 lb. line, a reel with a smooth drag, a 9-11 foot medium action graphite shafted rod, and a trusty rod holder will serve you well.

 

Oh BTW- don't bother with Lake Huron.  For the time being, alewives are virtually non-existent in that lake.  Lake Michigan, on the other hand, has been a sure bet of recent.