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(Illustrative Only)
A guy spear fishing and bringing a pole. I integrated the pole and the spear for multi fish purpose. One you can spear, but if it is restricted you can unhook the line and fake bait.
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One of the best parts about spear fishing is that every trip turns into a scouting mission. Every few days, when I get the chance, I head to a new spot to see what's under the surface. So far, I haven't had a single wasted trip. Even when I don't come home with dinner, I come home with information.
The first location was easy to access, but fish were about as common as free parking a big city (In Esky we don't have that problem. San Diego parking is a little more tricky.). My conclusion? The good stuff is probably farther offshore, so that spot stays on the "come back later" list.
The second location was full of bass. Unfortunately, you can't spear bass in Michigan, but after a little research I learned you can catch them with a hook while you're in the water. Suddenly my "failed" scouting trip became a successful fishing reconnaissance mission. Now I know exactly where they're hanging out.
The third spot looked promising from shore, but underwater it was pretty quiet. There were a few anglers fishing farther out, which makes me think the fish are simply holding in deeper water—or maybe they were all at a fish convention that day.
My latest adventure was the most interesting. It looks like there were old docks or breakwaters there decades ago because underwater I found what looked like square built up gravel foundations and artificial structures. I wasn't in full spear-fishing mode—I was mostly snorkeling with my spear and fishing rod "just in case" something impressive swam by.
After making sure I stayed more than 150 feet from the nearby docks (regulations below), I explored the area and found plenty of fish...they just had better real estate than I did. Bigger fish disappeared into deep pockets filled with weeds, algae, old wood, and enough underwater junk to snag just about everything except the fish. It was like trying to hunt in an underwater junkyard.
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After I realized you can remove the time stamp I may have new ways of taking photography.
I can print most pictures up to poster size for $50 Frame (depends on frame.) or Unframed. I try and donate a significant percentage to charity. You may check out My Gallery and Art Page. You may also send the amount and size you want with $50 for any photo to PayPal Photography You can send me a message to the right or contact me at muradabel@gmail.com for questions or special requests. |
The snorkeling itself wasn't worth repeating because the algae made visibility terrible, but as a fishing spot? Absolutely. Between this location and the bass hotspot, I've now got two excellent places to cast a line (Spearfishing might not be great but casting a line would work.).
Next on the list are a couple of new locations farther down the shoreline where there aren't any docks to worry about. Every trip adds another piece to the puzzle, and eventually those puzzle pieces turn into a reliable map of where the fish actually live.
The next project is getting my inflatable dinghy back into service. It currently has about ten holes, which technically makes it more of a sponge than a boat. I haven't decided whether to repair it or surrender and buy a new one. After fixing my e-bike and installing an extender, the dinghy is next in line for rehabilitation.
Once it's patched, inflated, registered, and hopefully capable of floating, it'll let me reach areas that are impossible to access from shore. Sometimes the biggest challenge isn't finding fish—it's simply finding a way to get to them. Every trip teaches me something new, and that's what makes the adventure worthwhile...even if the fish occasionally seem determined to keep all the secrets to themselves.
Note: Stay up-to-date on regulations and read them yourself. Some species are open year round, some are not, some can be speared, some must be caught with hook & line, some are in season and some are not, and you must know the difference and know it for yourself. I did some of the background work but am slow and hesitate until I'm sure I understand. For now I'm mostly just exploring different places and If I come across something I can take then I will do so with caution. Being in the water is more important than the fish but if I can be in the water, get some exercise in and fish then I'm having a good morning. Just after coffee. 🏊☕🐟
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I can print most pictures up to poster size for $50 Frame (depends on frame.) or Unframed. I try and donate a significant percentage to charity. You may check out My Gallery and Art Page. You may also send the amount and size you want with $50 for any photo to PayPal Photography You can send me a message to the right or contact me at muradabel@gmail.com for questions or special requests. |
btw. the mesh backpack bag worked great and I forgot I had it on. The one I got has very bright colors to help highlight me to boats and others.
eRegulations Bow and Spear Fishing Michigan
Inland Trout and Salmon Regulations map
A Citizen's Guide for the Identification, Mapping and Management of the Common Rooted Aquatic Plants of Michigan Lakes
- Explains the ecological importance of aquatic plants, including their role in improving water quality, providing fish and wildlife habitat, stabilizing sediments, and supporting healthy lake ecosystems.
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Provides identification keys, photographs, and descriptions of common rooted aquatic plants found in Michigan lakes, helping readers distinguish native species from invasive or nuisance plants.
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Describes methods for collecting plant samples and mapping aquatic vegetation to better understand plant distribution and guide management decisions.
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Discusses integrated management strategies, including prevention, mechanical removal, biological control, herbicides, and the importance of obtaining appropriate permits before treatment.
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Emphasizes that successful aquatic plant management requires balancing recreational use with ecological health through long-term planning, citizen involvement, and professional guidance.
Wandell, H. D., & Wolfson, L. G. (2007). A citizen's guide for the identification, mapping and management of the common rooted aquatic plants of Michigan lakes (2nd ed., Water Quality Series WQ-55). Michigan State University Extension. https://www.canr.msu.edu/resources/guide_for_the_identification_mapping_and_management_of_aquatic_plants_of_mi