With walleye and pike season closed until May 15th, anglers are targeting some of the other less fished for species at this time. I'm specifically referring to Perch, Whitefish, and Burbot. Most of the better perch fishing is taking place on the north half of the bay from Gladstone to Rapid River. The mud flat along the east side about a mile north of Hunter's Point has been producing good eaters of 9-12 inches in 30-45 feet of water using small minnows for the most part. Another good area has been the east side of Butler's Island off Kipling in 13-23 feet of water. In this area, waxworms, wigglers, and small minnows all seem to be catching fish. Whitefish anglers are having their best luck off the mouth of the Escanaba Yacht Harbor in 70-90 feet of water. Cloudy days have been best using small minnows and salmon eggs for bait fished right on the bottom. This area is also a great area for Burbot. What some folks often call Lawyers or Eelpout. Whatever you want to call them, one thing is for sure. They are darn good eating. That's because they are actually a freshwater Cod. And about the only time you find them in shallow enough water to catch them consistently here on Little Bay de Noc is during the winter months. One of the best tactics for Burbot is to set up at the base of a drop-off and fish at night. Burbot are really attracted to anything that glows. And glow in dark Buckshot Rattle Spoons are one of the best lures. Tip the spoon with a 3 inch minnnow and jig it about 3-6 feet off bottom and hang on! Here is a picture of some perch and Burbot my brother Kevin caught the other day. As soon as the ice is gone, I'll post another report. Until then, good luck on the water.
Captain Kenneth Lee
www.baydenoccharters.com
