Grand Haven Fishing Report

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Fishing Reports and Captain's Log

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The DANEL--Designed for utmost in comfort and rigged for fishing success Gawronski Group--catch of fish from August 23, 2011

Well--Our season ended the last week of October with a great 20 fish trip and we came out of the water the first week of November.. What a great season! I would like to thank our customers for helping make us Grand Haven's busiest charter boat for 3 years straight. Our tournament team was very successful with all top-10 finishes, all but one tournament with top-five finishes including a First Place finish. Our tournament team members are the same Captain's and Mates that you will find on the boat when you charter with us along with family members. Their hard work along with the support of our Sponsors gave us a great season-Congrats!

This past season brought Salmon that were much larger in size than in many years past. Great size fish and great catches. If the fish we were catching in late October is any indicator- 2012 should be a great year. (sidenote-- with our so far mild winter-- Capt Dana and First Mate Joe Maka were out on Joe's boat catching fish a few days before Christmas--if Joe gets back from his cruise this week, maybe we can get out on the lake again)

The winter season puts us on the show and seminar circuit. Dates and place we will be:

Feb 10, 2012 5th Annual Sportman's Swap meet Grandville, MI Booth-- I will be available for trip bookings and question/answer from fellow fishermen

March 31-April 1 Mid Michigan Steelheader's Show Ingham County Fair Grounds Booth for bookings and question/answer

KIDS WELCOME! ADULTS TOLERATED! Our new slogan last year that says it all! We are very Kid friendly and will continue to do more for families with kids. We love having them on the boat. We've had kids as young as 2 yrs old reeling in fish (not easy-but it can be done). Our L-shaped Comfort Lounge provides a great place for them to get out of the weather and see everything that is going on when they are not reeling one in. They are the future and we wish to get them involved as much as possible.

We will begin our season with spring PERCH FISHING TRIPS starting April 9- May 5th . This is a good time of year for perch since the water is cold and the perch are coming into spawn. For those that have never tasted perch--you have no idea what you are missing They are great tasting and considered a delicacy by many . We will be offering Perch Fishing Charters thru the first week of May. We provide the poles and bait--you bring the energy and excitement. Call me for details and special rates on these trips.

One of the best kept secrets comes right after our spring Perch trips. Our spring SALMON fishing is incredible with red-hot fishing thru the month of May until mid-June. I hear it year after year--"when do the fish start "running"" The fact is this--SPRING TRIPS ARE HANDS DOWN INCREDIBLE-(I am repeating myself) It may be a little cool on the water this time of the season, but remember we have a full enclosure to get out of the elements along with seating for ALL 6 PASSENGERS in the enclosure. Granted--you might be able to save a few $$ on another boat--but this will keep the bride and kids much happier. We also have a Microwave on the boat for customers use. I am offering a discount on trips thru mid-June(up to $120 off a trip) Call and ask for details. Remember, feel free to call us 7days a week from 8am-10pm EST at 616-638-6145.

We will be fishing thru the month of October. If you are interested in a trip do not hesitate to pick the phone up and call me directly at 616-638-6145. I will be glad to answer any questions and help you create a successful trip.

INCREDIBLE FISHING!! No other way to describe it. The past 2 weeks have been red hot. Many trips in the 12-25 fish range. Here is a trip from the past week and yesterday:

Most of the charter boats have already stopped fishing in our area-BUT NOT US!! We are one of the few FULL-TIME Services that fish the entire season. October has always been one of the best months to fish (as long as the weather cooperates) The DANEL is one of few boats in the area that offers a full heated enclosure to get all 6 people out of inclement weather on those cooler or not so nice days. (if you are comparing rates--a few more $$ may bring you a ton of comfort) The shorter days and lake temps bring in great catches of KING SALMON, STEELHEAD, and now LAKE TROUT(Unlike previous years- Lake Trout season is still open in October) We will offer trips thru October 25 and will be coming out of the water on the 26th. Don't miss out on our best rates of the year!!!

Still great fishing this past week-- Our customers had incredible catches ---we still have openings this week thru Friday and then the only trip available this weekend is Sunday morning. DONT MISS OUT!! If you do not get out with us this week, we will resume trips April 7th, 2012 for Perch fishing and Salmon fishing on May 5, 2012.

This year has been another incredible fishing year and for the 3rd year straight we are Grand Haven's busiest charter service. Thank you to all of our customers and sponsors for their support!!! You helped make us #1 again!

Report--We have been fishing offshore outside of the temp break that is in 220-270 fow . The surface temp goes from 47 -50 degrees as you cross it to the west and the water clears up to BLUE. Everything has been in the top 100 ft- top 60 ft baits-standard size Stinger Jager Bomb, Steelie Stomper, Chrome 2x org crush, orange dolphin , 60 ft and deeper- Stingray size Blue Dolphins and Blue Veggies, 8" white Stinger Rotator with fishscale with Rapture Frosted Fern or Oceana Fly

Congrats to our Tournament team for an impressive day of fishing. We took 3rd Place in the Grand Haven Salmon Festival BIG 3 contest--weighing in 3 salmon for a combined weight of 46 lbs. We also took 5th place in the Grand Haven Salmon Festival BIG KING contest--weighing in the 5th largest King Salmon of the day at 17.55 lbs. This is the second time our tournament team has finished in the top 5 for the BIG KING and top 3 for the BIG 3. I want to thank our Sponsors Michigan Stinger Products, Pro Troll, Rapture Trolling Flies, Proos Downtrollers, and MR Marine(a great tuned boat for the long run we had to make) I would also like to thank our team of Capt Rob Bonney, his son Ryan Bonney, Joe Maka, Jordan Hirdes, wife Kim Bonney, son Parker Bonney for pulling it together after a tough start. In the first 2 hrs we had only 1 small salmon. After we moved fishing grounds, our team was able to pull it together and land all of our fish to get the weight we needed. GREAT JOB! This concludes a great 2011 tournament season with our team placing in the top 10 in all contests and the top 5 in all but one contest including our first place finish. Keep up the hard work!!

Incredible story today. The DANEL was returning early back to the port of Grand Haven from our afternoon charter fishing trip due to high wind and waves(20 plus knot winds and 6-8 ft waves) when approx. 1/4" mile from the pier head I noticed a sailboat not under sail. As I approached the sailboat I saw 2 people at the very back of the boat looking over the side and then we saw a person in the water clinging onto a seat cushion. I quickly turned to the sailboat from downwind and approached the man in the water while my brother Capt Rob Bonney grabbed our throw ring. When we were close enough, Rob threw the ring which the man caught and then we pulled the man to our back swim platform. Our charter customers Javan Mallery and Randy Chamberlain along with Capt Rob and myself pulled the man onto our swim platform and then into the boat. What an incredible feeling to bring someone back from the lake. The man explained that they had just cleared the pier head at Grand Haven on the sail boat and were preparing to put their sails up for a sail to Muskegon when he fell overboard. He at first managed to hold on to the sail and a line from the sail and attempted to get back on the sailboat on a rope ladder . Due to the high wind and waves he was unable to get back on the sailboat and was adrift the back to the boat when we pulled him out to the water. I would like to thank my brother and my charter customers for helping save this man's life. God was with us today.

L to R Javan Mallery, Randy Chamberlain, RJ Chamberlain, Joe Doyle (man retrieved from water holding his cushion), Capt Dana Bonney, Capt Rob Bonney

Fishing remains red hot! We have not been out on the lake due to high winds yesterday afternoon and today, but we are hoping to be back out tomorrow. The pic above is from our catch yesterday before the winds came up. Many large fish are being taken --nice King and Coho salmon. The biggest salmon on our boat this week was a 24 lb--but there were many over 20 lbs the past week. Our fishing should remain consistant thru October. Many boats stop fishing after the 3rd week of September and miss some of the best fishing of the year. Late Sept/October brings cold water and incredible Salmon and Steelhead fishing with many trips of 20 plus fish. We offer a full enclosure and heat for the late season trips--one of the few boats in the area that can get all 6 customers out of the elements on the not so nice days.

September specials-- Save up to $60 a trip! 6th person is free on all weekday and weekend afternoon half day trips.

October Special --Save up to $120 a trip!! 5th and 6th person is free on all weekday and weekend afternoon half day trips, 6th person free on weekend morning trips

Best depths have been 140-230 fow 67-120 ft down Stinger Stingray Blue Dolphin, Area 51, Twister, Gator, Stinger White Fishscale 11" Rotator with Hypnotist or Oceana, Stinger White 8" with UV Crush and Purple Mirage, Live Wire with Grn Bead Mirage, Pro Troll Chrome/mt dew with yellow bead mirage.

FISHING IS RED HOT! Many KING Salmon up to 20 lbs ( and a few over 20 lbs have been taken in the past week) If you are considering a trip, now would be a good time to get it set up. We are in our PRIME TIME right now. Many double digit catches. We offer trips thru October 20th--don't wait and miss out on your special date. This is a great time to come to the beach town of Grand Haven and experience our world class fishery. Contact me at 616-638-6145

I am offering a special this week on all trips remaining thru the end of August. 6 th person is free on all weekday and weekend afternoon half day trips.

Hot Baits-- Stinger Live wire with a hypnotist fly, pro troll chrome and mt dew , chrome and grn, both with frosted ferns. Jager bomb. Grn dolphin modified, Nbk, Ras. Dolphin, Pooh Bear, 80 -120 fow 35 ft down to bottom.

After a fantastic week of fishing with most catches in the 12-20 fish range-and many fish in the 10-20lb range-- our tournament team scored a first place finish in the Muskegon MSA Salmon Shootout PRO Division Women's/Kids Tournament last weekend!! L to R Matt Speyer, Capt Dana holding our trophy in one hand and son Parker in the other, Joe Maka, wife Kim, mother Ellen and Collin Betten Thanks to our sponsors- Michigan Stinger Products, Rapture Trolling Flies, Pro Troll, Proos Downtrollers, MR Marine along with my brother Rob and Dad for their support over the years. Great Job!!

We are fishing in 240-300 fow- Best baits- the NEW STINGER RIG in the mt dew color, the doctor spoon-red hot!!!, nbk, grn alleycat, orange killer, jager bomb, mixed veggies and kevorkian veggies. 6 colors down to a 450 copper and 47-150 ft down. We are taking reservations thru October 20th---616-638-6145

Fishing in Grand Haven is steady- many nice salmon being caught in the 130-240 fow range. We are starting to take some Lake Trout on the new STINGER RIG- This is a tournament proven fish killing machine for lake trout-- This exciting new product works great on trout and comes in 4 colors. Spoons that are working as of late- Chrome 2x orange crush, gator, dolphins, grn blue and carmel from 70-150 down.

Fishing remains good in Grand Haven. Nice salmon being caught today in 90-125 fow water 40-100 ft down, 8 colors of lead- 300 coppers. Blue Dolphin, Green Dolphin, Allycat, Gator, Jager Bomb in the Stingray size Stinger spoons. Past week round up. We caught 9 for 11 this morning, 7 for 9 in a short 3 hr trip on Tuesday pm. Last Sunday 17 , Sat 9 in a 4 hr trip in the afternoon, 20 last Sat Am and 15 last Friday pm. The past week it seems there have been pockets of fish. Best advice for anglers is to try to stay on the fish when you get into them.

A trip on Lake Michigan is a great Father's Day gift--we have gift certificates available-call Capt Dana at 616-638-6145.

We also have a group of 2 people looking to add 2 more people to their group for a trip this weekend. Call Capt Dana at 616-638-6145 anytime until 10 pm 7 days a week.

Fishing has gone from Red hot to good and steady in Grand Haven. Fish have been scattered from 100-200 fow for salmon, and 220 + fow for steelhead. Best baits are jager Bomb, Tangerine, Chrome 2x orange crush, Get r Done, and a 11" Pro Troll with a Rapture Hypnotist or Oceana Fly.

Hats off to our Tournament teams- Our Ladies and Kids team took a 5th place finish in the Grand Haven Offshore Challenge last Friday. During the 2 day Main Tournament-we were in 3rd place after Saturday's session and ended up finishing in 9th on Sunday. I am proud of the hard work of our tournament teams in producing 2 top-10 finishes last weekend.

Women and Kids team-- Capt Dana, Capt Rob, Kim Bonney, Ellen Bonney, Jarod Seaberg, Matt Speyer, Jordan Hirdes, and my son Parker Bonney.(yes the 2yr old actually reeled one in)

2 Day Challenge team- Capt Dana, Capt Rob, Matt Speyer, Tim Speyer, Capt Brian Moat, Zack Young, and Observer Jordan Hirdes. These guys worked very hard over the weekend--and each one of them was instrumental in our success.

Fishing is RED HOT in Grand Haven. Still double digit catches since the last report-- Today I was out with Capt Rob, First Mate Matt Speyer, First Mate Collin and our new addition to Lake Michigan Fishing---my nephew Ryan. Ryan caught his first Lake Michigan fish today and many more. The day started with a slow start for the first hour and a half and then the pace picked up quick with many doubles and triples. Very nice King Salmon, some nice Lake Trout and a Coho was included in our catch of 19 fish by 9:45 am. What a great day on the lake with family and not only co-workers, but the best of friends. Baits remain basically the same with the better fish concentration in over 100 fow.

Fishing has picked back up after a couple day lull last weekend. Today, many good double digit catches of Salmon out of Grand Haven---most of them being caught in the 60 fow range directly out from Grand Haven. Best baits are the Stinger Tangerine, Shanster, Steelie Stomper, and Jawbreaker. For the most part, the top 45 ft was the best target area for downriggers and lead cores from the surface to 8 colors. We have openings this weekend and have special pricing for afternoon trips that are open.We also have a group that is looking to add 2 or 3 people to their trip. This could be a great way to get out on a trip if you do not have a full group of your own. (Call Capt Dana for details at 616-638-6145) We are booked solid from Tuesday afternoon thru Sunday, so if you would like to get out in the next week, please contact us ASAP.

King Salmon fishing is heating up in Grand Haven-- Nice fish being caught! Today our smallest king was just over 10lbs and the biggest 16 1/2 lbs. This pattern should continue as it normally does in May/Early June. We have some openings for this weekend---If interested in a trip prior to Monday May 16, call us at 616-638-6145 for a last minute special on our open weekend trips. --our special deal is too low to put in print.

Fish were caught in 60-100 fow Best baits: Stinger Jager Bomb, NBK, and Gator, anywhere from a 3 color to an 8 color.. Our best rigger depth was 43 ft down.

Our 28th Charter Season from Grand Haven is underway!!! Thanks to all of our customers for again making us Grand Haven's busiest charter service during 2010. You helped make us Grand Haven's #1 Charter Service.

If you fished last year or are considering a trip be sure to look at our Facebook page for photos of previous trips.

. We have pictures from the 2010 season there including the largest COHO Salmon registered in the 2010 Michigan Master Angler Program caught on the DANEL by customer/angler Wendell Brand from Jackson, MI.

Our boat is a Custom 10 Meter Trojan International. The 33 ft length and 13 ft width of the boat provide a wide stable trolling platform. We feature comfortable seating, large ,clean, private restroom facilities, and have a full enclosure, making trips very enjoyable when mother nature does not cooperate. We are one of a few vessels in the area that can get your entire group up to 6 people out of any inclement weather. We may not be the least expensive charter boat in town, but your personal comfort level on our boat is unmatched.

For 2011, we began our season on April 14th.. This is a good time of year for perch since the water is cold and the perch are coming into spawn. For those that have never tasted perch--you have no idea what you are missing. We will be offering Perch Fishing Charters thru the first week of May. We provide the poles and bait--you bring the energy and excitement. Call me for details and special rates on these trips.

For those considering a SALMON trip in the 2011 season, do not miss out on our Spring Fishing!! Our spring SALMON fishing is incredible with red-hot fishing thru the month of May until mid-June. I am offering a discount on trips thru mid-June(up to $120 off a trip) ---call and ask for details. Remember, feel free to call us 7days a week from 8am-10pm EST at 616-638-6145.

After some great fishing during October and even as late as yesterday, we are now out of the water and closed for the season---

Fishing remains good from Grand Haven ( high winds kept us off the lake Friday and today), We have been seeing nice catches of Salmon and Steelhead during the past week. Here is a picture from our trip on Thursday morning.

The DANEL is one of a few boats in the area that fishes into the late season-one of the most overlooked times to fish. We are also one of the few boats in the area that can get all 6 passengers out of inclement weather --an important consideration for a fall trip. If you are considering a trip--give me a call at 616-638-6145 and I will be glad to give you more details about this exciting time to fish. Our last trip will be on October 25th.
Capt Dana

The fishing the summer has been very consistent--nice catches and nice sized fish. We are currently approaching our fall fishing which typically produces our largest sized King Salmon and along with great catches of Salmon and Steelhead The DANEL is one of a few boats in the area that fishes into the late season-one of the most overlooked times to fish. We are also one of the few boats in the area that can get all 6 passengers out of inclement weather --an important consideration for a fall trip. If you are considering a trip--give me a call at 616-638-6145 and I will be glad to give you more details about this exciting time to fish.

Well- due to the great weather and fishing- we went in the water a week early. We will be finishing rigging the boat on Saturday and taking the family out fishing on Sunday. Monday April 12th we will be open for business.. Perch fishing has been good. If you are considering a perch trip- we have weekday availability and some weekend dates available.

We are now booking May salmon trips- be sure to look at our rate page for our current special for May trips. You can save up to $120 a trip! May fishing is one of the best kept secrets--producing some of our best catches of the year. It can be cooler during these trips due to the cold water- but our full enclosure will keep all 6 passengers cozy. Feel free to contact me at 616-638-6145 anytime from 8am-10pm 7 days a week for more information on trips.