July, 2011
Marquette County Walleye and Pike,
Published by THE HOLLAND FISH & GAME CLUB
by Jack Payne
Darn, another pike cut off my jig and action tail. One thump and you are left with a limp line. Such was
the price for an exciting and never to be forgotten trip to Michigan’s Upper Peninsula.
Seven of us traveled to Marquette County and enjoyed success that we could not dream of. We landed
and released just over 700 walleye and pike while fishing 4 different lakes in Marquette County.
Nearly every fish was caught on a jig head with either an action tail from Mr. Twister, the Sassy Shad
from Mr. Twister, The Brewer Walleye Grub or a Swim bait from Storm/Rapala. Two primary jig heads did the
damage which included the two colored round heads from Northland Tackle and Bass Pro Shop and the Slider
Head from Charlie Brewer.
There were times where we polished the rocks with the
Charlie Brewer Slider Heads. During the middle of the day we
often found the fish in a neutral mode. This was ever so true
when the skies were bright and the sun beating down.
Often the fish moved into the 18-24 foot depths and hung
tight to the rocks or fallen timber. A fast popping action would
yield few results but a slow dragging the jig head over the rocks
and across the timber would get a soft tap. Dropping the rod tip
toward the fish and reeling in the slack followed with a side
sweep hook set often ended with a nice fish being boated.
Of course there were times that the jig found a home into
a tree limb or wedged inside a rock pile. This meant tying on a
new jig and this occurred nearly 100 times over the week for the group.
One overcast day we found the pike and walleye either tight to the shoreline or hanging at the first
break line. The first break line was within ten feet of the shore. This style of fishing reminded me more of bass
fishing. The hits occurred before the jig hit the bottom or just as the jig was sliding over the drop-off. Once
again snags were costly but part of the price to be paid.
Early morning and evenings found us in depths between 10-16 feet working active fish. In most cases
this meant fishing a small area, maybe the size of your house if you were lucky or the size of a one stall garage.
The round heads and hot heads were easier to vertical jig and when popping the jig on a retrieve during
the hot bite. In most cases we were casting towards an object, be it a large rock, an under water point, a ledge,
etc., whatever was concentrating the active fish in one location.
On our fifth day each boat landed seventy fish or more. We found a large bay that had cabbage weeds in
the back, a rocky shoal in the front and after two strong days of blowing into the bay, it was loaded with predator fish.
We landed fish that were coughing up minnows and crawfish and they still had to hit our lures. Four of
us used plastic action tails for the most part while three others used Swim Baits or Sassy Shads on the same
heads or pre molded as in the case with Storm.
Witch Lake is a small lake that covers 200 acres. Located off of M-95 this little lake has walleye, bass,
pike, perch and lake trout. We were able to land all of the species except for the Lake Trout.
continued on next page...
Red Flannel Night
Mark your calendars for an evening of fun, great
food, games and prizes. Thursday, November 3 is the annual club event and it always draws a large crowd. Besides a
great dinner there are many games to be played, raffles,
door prizes and stories to be shared.
Tickets can be purchased at Gold Coast, Graafschap
Hardware, Bullet Hole, Powder Horn or the downtown
store of Ace Hardware in Zeeland. Left over tickets can be
purchased at the door the night of the event.
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The north east end of the lake drops off extremely
rapid with the center portion being 90 feet deep. This was a
fun lake to flip the shorelines and a great lake for mid day
drifting along the many break lines.
Squaw Lake is located off of M-95 and a lake that we
missed. It has both cold water fish such as trout and warm
water fish like bass, bluegill and perch.
The north half of the lake is fairly shallow and the
southern half very deep. The boat launch is near the southern tip of the lake. The lake covers 200 acres.
Horseshoe Lake is located near Squaw Lake and across the
street from Witch Lake. We hit this lake twice for the bluegills and bass. Another small lake that is fairly quick to
learn.
Some of the bluegills are really nice but being honest
we had to sort through our fish and kept only half for a fish
fry.
Deer Lake was our favorite lake. This lake has a mercury warning and is a catch and release lake. If you are
looking for a Canadian experience and a much lower cost
then this lake is for you.
This was my third time on this lake and each time
only gets better. Rock walls that drop off into deep water
line much of the lake but there are three nice bays that
attract plenty of forage.
One shoreline has a ton of logs on the bottom and
when the minnows move in the walleye and pike follow. A
quick scan with your eyes will provide you of the answer.
Many rocky points are found and a few nice submerged
rock piles.
Regardless of the wind or lack of the wind, some
areas always have some breeze. Casting towards the shoreline and working the jigs back to the first drop-off was our
routine. During the bright sun we worked the rock piles
and the deep points with great success.
Most of us used St. Croix rods or the Ugly Stik rods.
We needed to change weights often to match the conditions
and the mood of the fish, but what a wild week of fishing
in Michigan!
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....continued from previous page
holland michigan 49423holland michigan 494
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Kansas 2010
by Duane
This past fall’s hunting trip actually began a few years ago while I was talking to Chad Dykema. I had just
returned from a Kansas whitetail rifle hunt. Although I didn’t fill a tag that year, I saw a few impressive bucks. I
was eager to go back and Chad was interested in experiencing a Kansas hunt as well. We began to plan and talk
about trying a bow hunt.
Last spring, after being unsuccessful in the drawing for Montana Deer tags, we decided to try the trip this
year. I did some research on Bowsite.com where I received some valuable tips. I was advised to take an early trip
to the area to spend time knocking on some doors. We spent the last weekend of June in Kansas. We gained access
to a couple of pieces, but the last farmer, who’s name we will refer to as Frank, sounded the most promising. Chad
and I decided that we needed to plan on two weeks around the rut since this was going to be a DIY hunt.
October 30 arrived and we hit the road heading west at 4:00pm. We arrived in Kansas early on Saturday
morning to meet Frank. Most of that day was spent riding around with Frank. We checked out the property lines
and looked at deer rubs and scrapes. We were finally able to hang a couple of stands before it got dark.
Early the next morning found us in our stands with time to spare. Actually, too much time to spare since the
alarm was set to Michigan time. We sat in the stand for 11/2 hours before it even began to crack light. That morning, we both saw a couple of does but no bucks. However; that was all about to change.
On Sunday afternoon, Frank said he wanted to take us up to his northern property. When we arrived there
with Frank, we began to see deer right away, as well as many rubs and scrapes. After a brief tour, we quickly found
a spot that looked promising and hung a stand.
Back in camp that night, we made a game plan for Monday. Because of the many deer we saw in the short
time we were at the northern piece of property, we decided to pulled our stands from the first property in the morning and move them to this new northern piece. Our first night hunting the northern property, we both saw a few
does and small bucks, but nothing great.
The next morning, Tuesday, I sat in a stand that was in a text book funnel. The flood gate opened with the
buck activity and I saw the largest buck of my life, but couldn’t get a shot before the wind swirled and he was gone
faster than he arrived. Chad also saw a couple of bucks from our north funnel stand. After our morning hunt,
Chad and I were pumped. We decided to hold out for a mature deer until the last few days since we were seeing so
many nice 2-1/2 year old bucks.
Wednesday, it was Chad’s turn to hunt the south funnel stand. When we met later, Chad reported that he
had seen 10. I thought that was good. Then he said “10 different bucks but no mature bucks”, so he videoed them
instead. I also saw a couple of nice 2-1/2 year old bucks that morning. That night brought more of the same.
Thursday dawned clear with high winds. I was back in the south funnel stand. It was a slow morning with
little deer activity. At noon Chad and I met and compared our hunts. That night we both took two-way radios so
we could talk while we were in the stand. After he dropped me off, Chad went up the road to call home. While
talking to his wife, he spotted a big buck crossing a field. He quickly got dressed and went to his stand. He called
me a little while later and informed me he was cold. A few minutes later, he called again and said, “big buck
down”. I called him right back and asked if he was serious. He said he couldn’t talk and would call me back in 15
minutes. Only a few minutes passed, but I couldn’t wait any longer, so I called and started drilling him for details.
He said he saw the deer go down. I asked if he wanted me to head over there. He said yes and to bring my camera.
I found Chad still in his tree stand recovering from his
case of buck fever. I quickly scanned the area and saw his
Tracer arrow nock blinking. Then I looked to the north and
saw the deer lying dead in the field. When Chad finally
climbed down, the celebration began. The body size of the
deer was larger than anything I have ever seen! Fortunately
the deer went down on the edge of the field so we could drive
right up to him, but it still took all we could do to load it in
the truck.
The next few days were a game of cat and mouse for
me. I would sit in one spot and only see a few deer, while
Chad sat in another spot and video taped many deer walking
by within feet of him. He was having fun rubbing a little salt
in the wound. But with Chad watching a couple of good
bucks coming out of a draw consistently, we decided I needed to sit there Sunday night.
continued on next page...
....continued from previous page
Mulch
Chips
Bark
Soil
Tim Becker
Owner
127 N River Ave
Holland, MI 49424
[email protected]
616.796.0755
Sunday night was warm with a south wind. The wind
direction was perfect for my location. As it got darker I could
hear the deer coming up the draw. Brush was breaking and I
could hear deer running through the leaves. It was apparent
that the bucks were harassing the does. I could hear they
were getting closer. I turned and a nice buck appeared 20
yards behind me, but it was too thick to shoot. The deer eventually crossed a fence approximately 30 yards to the east
where getting a shot through the brush would be impossible.
Monday morning I was in the north funnel stand
where Chad shot his deer. I saw about 10 deer and one coyote. But after sitting in that stand for two mornings and seeing deer moving up on the ridge, we decided that we needed
to move the stand closer to where I was seeing most of the
deer.
That afternoon I went back to the stand at the head of
the draw. Shortly after getting settled I could hear a buck
grunting back in the draw coming my way. That night I listened to bucks fighting, grunting, and chasing. It was starting
to get dark, and I could still hear the deer getting closer, but
was unable to see them through the brush. Before long it was
too dark to shoot, but I stayed up there in the dark. Chad
finally called on the radio to find out where I was. We decided that he should drive up to me with the truck so the deer
would move off and I would be able to get out of the stand
without being seen. It was an exciting night in the stand.
Tuesday morning it was still breezy out of the south,
so Chad dropped me off to hunt the stand we moved the day
before. As it got light, I tipped the Primos can a couple times.
A few minutes later I heard a deer walking behind me. When
I turned to look, I saw one of the bucks that fell into the
“shooter the last couple days” category.
I decided if I could get him to stop walking, I would
take a shot. With the buck walking through the dry crunchy
leaves as well as the strong wind, he didn’t hear me grunt and
didn’t stop. He continued to walk north of me but suddenly
caught my scent. His deadly mistakes were retreating back
the way he came and stopping broadside at 20 yards. He
looked right at me, but it was too late. I was already at full
draw. I settled the pin behind his shoulder and released.
The bright red lighted knock behind the shoulder
assured me he wouldn’t go far. I checked my watch; it was
7:05am. I quietly climbed down and went and looked at
where he had stood. There was plenty of blood, so I left to
find Chad. After a brief trailing job, we found the deer. He
was not as large as I had prayed for, but he was the biggest
buck I had ever taken with a bow.
On Wednesday, we packed up our camp and then
stopped to thank Frank and his wife. While saying good-bye,
Frank graciously invited us back next year and we gratefully
accepted. On our way out of town, we stopped by the property and wore out some boot leather and did some tree trimming to prepare for next year. Thankfully, we were blessed
with safe travel and a successful trip. Lord willing, Chad and
I will be back in Kansas next November.
Rest Haven Fish Boil
August 11 at 5 pm is the annual fish boil at Rest
Haven. The residents look forward to this event all year
and the volunteers enjoy it nearly as much. This is an
event where extra hands can come in handy.
Besides the cooks we can use servers and runners.
It only takes about 15 minutes to serve all of the patrons
a dinner of fish, spuds, onions, Cole slaw, rolls and ice
cream. If you are interested in helping out please call a
board member.
This year all of the
serving will be done at the
back of Rest Haven, the north
side of the building. All residents will eat inside.
Drew Deters
Associate Broker
OFFICE:616-355-3748
CELL: 616-218-8307
HOME: 616-772-1651
[email protected]
www.drewDeters.com
Rimfire Resale, Pawn & Gun
Buy, Sell & Trade
Rick
Tim
We Buy Guns, Gold & Things of Value
4601 134th Ave
Suite F
Hamilton, MI 49419
Phone 269-264-1223
Fax 269-264-1224
Fishing Rodeo
The monthly fishing
rodeos drew a nice crowd
this summer. If you missed
one you still might have time
so check the calendar of
events. The July event was
very productive on bass.
Hunter Safety
The annual hunter safety program will be offered
in September starting on Monday the 12th. It will
continue on the following two Mondays and you must
attend all three classes. Class starts at 6pm but come
early on the first night for registration if you can.
The cost is $5, but if you have a junior membership or a regular membership it is free. A junior membership costs 5 dollars.
Storm Damage
Our small garage was flattened by a large tree.
The straight winds made havoc in the community and
we were lucky that the tree only hit the small garage.
Zeeland
10636 Chicago Dr
Zeeland, MI 49464
616-748-1750
Holland
581 State St
Holland, MI 49423
616-396-6461
Holland
273 North River
Holland, MI 49424
616-392-5511
www.oktirestores.net
MAKING TRACKS
Hamilton
3546 M-40
Hamilton, MI 49419
269-751-7323
CALENDAR OF
EVENTS FOR 2011
Apr 14 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Spring Banquet (Th)
Apr 21 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Flea Market (Th)
Apr 28 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Club Clean Up Night (Th)
Holland Fish & Game Club, Inc.
Prsrt Std
US Postage
Paid
Holland, MI 49423
Permit 117
PO Box 1065
Holland MI 49422-1065
www.hfgclub.com
May 12 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Youth Fishing in Pond (Th)
May 12 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Youth Conservation Day (Th)
May 21 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Shooting Day @ Blendon Pines (S)
Jun 9 . . . . . . . . . . . . . Youth Fishing in Pond/Hot Dog Roast (Th)
Jun 16 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Fish Fry (Th)
Jul 14 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Youth Fishing in Pond (Th)
Aug tbd . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Fish Cleaning Saturday Afternoon (S)
Aug tbd . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Rest Haven Fish Boil (Th)
Aug 11 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Youth Fishing in Pond (Th)
Sep 12, 19, 26 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Hunters' Safety Mondays (M)
Nov 3 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Red Shirt Night (Th)
Jan 5, 2012 Board Meeting* . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Open to Members
*Voting for new Board Members to take place at this meeting.
Board Member Phone Numbers
Mike Berens
Marty Bonzelaar Todd Buter
Matt Carini
Tim Dekker Drew Deters Mike De Vries Jim Dokter Bill Fodor Hans Heuvel Bill Keen Jerry Klomparens
Harold Kronemeyer
Ken Lemmen Jack Payne Steve Raak Ray Tubergan
Roger Van Liere 616-218-4490
269-317-9909
616-772-9212
616-399-2052
616-335-9725
616-772-1651
616-399-0707
616-392-6718
616-399-7088
616-218-0453
616-396-1170
616-786-9402
616-335-1756
616-836-2542
616-741-9520
616-218-0383
616-772-6318
616-836-6378
Budget . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Ken Lemmen
Legislative . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Mike Devries
Publicity / Deliar Advertising . . Jim Dokter
Deliar Editor . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Jack Payne
Ponds & Grounds . . . . . . . . . . Ray Tubergan
Rest Haven Fish Boil . . . . . . . . . . . . Bill Keen
Boat Ramps . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Mike Devries
Flea Market . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Drew Deters
Retirees Club . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Ken Lemmen
GENERAL COMMITTEES
Annual Meeting . . . . . . Steve Raak/Todd Buter
Deer & Fish Contest . . . . . . . . . . . . Roger VanLier
Highway Cleanup . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Hans Heuvel
Membership . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Hans Heuvel
Hunter’s Safety . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Mike Devries
Red Shirt Night . . Marty Bonzelaar/Tim Dekker
Rabbit Hunt . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . JimDokter
Air Gun Program . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Bill Fodor
Wild Game Dinner . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Jim Dokter
Spring Banquet. . . . . . . . . . .Rog VanLier
Servers. . . . . . . . . . .Ken/Ester Lemmen
Womens’ Division. . . . . . . . . .Jim Dokter
Rentals. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Drew Deters
Youth Conservation Day. . . . Mike Devries
Youth Fishing Derby. . . . . . . Mike Berens
Fishing Tournaments. . . . . . Brad Dykema
Fish Fry. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Todd Buter
Prizes/Donations. . . . . . . . . . . .Mike Berens
Wanted, articles, stories or just plain information that the membership might find
interesting. Please send the information to Jack Payne at [email protected]
or at 1990 84th Ave. Zeeland, MI 49464