Any one that has spent time in Michigan knows what going "up north" means. Most of us suckwads are stuck living in the southern portion of the state. Most of the wonderfulness is to the north. Like many people in this state, it seems like I am never up north enough. The kids have been bugging to visit Grandma and Grandpa lately, so thats just what we did last weekend. I arrived early enough to hit the local river for an hour or so. I'm no sign expert, but it says here fish can be caught with hooks. Good thing I brought hooks. Hotspotting. This area looks good. First time through I get a good pull, but it doesn't stick. Switch colors and go through again. There she is, and this time she doesn't let go. I heart fat chicks. Tried one more pool before the moon got up, and I don't want to be late for dinner. Sunday morning brought the real reason the kids wanted to go north. Grandpa had promised he would take us squirrel hunting. It took the kids awhile to fall asleep. You would have swore it was christmas eve. After daylight we hit the woods. This was me over 25 years ago, being led into the woods by my Mom. Now my son is lucky to have the same opportunities, by the same awesome woman. We found some players. Time to head back for breakfast. We stuffed ourselves with Grandma's specialty of chocolate chip pancakes and shoulder bacon. Then it was back to real life.
Awesome stuff buddy! Like you, my most memorable times are with the kids outdoors. Great to see the smiling faces while holding dead animals.
Nice Vito! Looks like a great time was had by all Some of us are suckers enough to try and live 'up north'. Then pay cut was steep, but in the end, we're happy we made the move.
Nice steelie! Way up north here I don't expect I'll be getting hooked into any of those for another 2 months at least. Unless I head down towards Milwaukee area - with temps in 40s this past week and the smell in the air it gave me a little bit of an itch.
Nice pics, looks like you guys had a great time. I bet you are already looking forward to the next trip.
I like the serious Vito! I am glad you took time to Good looking kids and not a bad fish. By the way, how do you know the difference between a Steelhead and Rainbow? I know... dumb Southerner question.
I hear ya, Fitz. I still make less money to live where I do, and I can be out of the city in minutes. The area we live now provides great opportunities for my kids. When they are all grown up, moving north will certainly become a possibility. Similar to the route my parents took. Not a dumb question at all. Great Lakes steelhead are basically rainbows that live in the Great Lakes. Size is usually the easiest way to tell the difference, and then coloration. Most of the resident stream rainbows are not that big here, compared to steelhead.
Sounds like a great time! I'm going to ventue into the wonderful world of flyfishing this year. I have a good friend that has been doing it for years so hopefully that will help with the learning curve.
Awesome Matt - nothing like spending time afield with the kids. I'm sure Gram and Gramps loved it just as much as the kids. Nice fat steelie too... Congrats.
Definitely. That's what I did this last year. I still suck, but it helps nonetheless. Matt, great writeup. I never knew those signs were telling me what the fish were biting on. Hooks, you say? Hmmm...
I went to school in Michigan for 2 years, everyone I know had a cabin up north.... bunch of redneck Canadians (if you ever want to make someone from Michigan blazing mad, call them that)
Cool stuff. That's why I live where I do. I can do any of that 30 seconds to 30 minutes from the house. LOL The kids will remember it 50 years from now.
He gave me a brief demonstration last summer and I managed to catch a few small smallmouth. Couldn't quite cast as far as he did though. We're going to a fly fishing festival in April. Should be educational.
