Planning Ahead for 2025
By Jack Payne
Part of the fun in fishing and hunting is in the planning. Planning includes making reservations, inventorying tackle boxes, making rigs and tackle.
We are particular where we stay in Detroit. The Best Western and Holiday Inn in Woodhaven is set up for the anglers. They offer cleaning tables and water for cleaning our fish and ample outdoor receptacles when charging our boat batteries. The month of April is prime time on the Detroit River, and the hotels fill up quickly.
All of my fishing buddies do a quick inventory of their tackle boxes. What we are low on we order as a group. This also applies to the fishing line. Buying in volume saves money for all of us.
Another plus is that we can order well in advance. This served us well last week when we found out that our favorite walleye jig was discontinued. Very few anglers use the Northland Whistler jighead. It’s by far our favorite and the one-ounce size was discontinued.
YouTube took care of this problem. We found two videos that showed how we can make our own jighead. The Whistler Jig is very similar to the Do-It-Mold “Diner Shiner” jighead. I own that mold. All you need to do is add a propeller blade and a bead.
Our detailed log books showed us that three baits produced 95 percent of our bluegill - the Hot Leg foam spider, the Black Gnat fly from Stopper Lures and the Perch Pounder rigs. My only issue with the Perch Pounder rig is that you can’t mix various colors at the same time. Second, when one hook breaks the rig is shot. We watched a few videos on how to make a Sabiki rig and made a few dozen this past Friday.
We trim the legs on the Hot Leg Spiders. The spiders and gnats are fished on the surface early in the season and then on a dropper line over deep water during the summer.
Another crazy thing that we do is test our Carlisle Slip floats. How much weight will it take for the float to be completely submerged? Then we mark the float with a permanent marker. This way when we grab a slip float we know how much weight we can use.
Instead of a sinker, we use the Sitka Smelt Sticks. You will be shocked at how many fish we catch on these things. These “chain-style” little spoons are deadly on both the bluegill and the perch.
As we inventoried our tackle and looked at our log books we were surprised by the number of crappie that we caught using the Original Pinkie jig. There is something about a marabou jig that crappies can’t resist. Fishing a Pinkie jig under a float works surprisingly well.
One small item that made a huge difference in our panfish catch rate was adding a small soft glow egg. We try to use a glow lure but when we can’t we slip on a small soft glow egg. These glow beads make a difference.
We also use the Rapala Glow/UV charger. This very small and slender tool will recharge your glow baits in 10 seconds. This makes a big difference.
Another item to carry would be a small hook sharpener. Rest assured, most panfish anglers never consider sharpening their panfish baits. It only takes a few swipes on the honing stone to put the edge back onto the lure or hook.
This is also a great time to inventory your freezer. I enjoy making salami, snack sticks and jerky. I then pack up very small bags that are perfect in size for a half-day on the water. The canned fish is often used as a fish dip appetizer when we take our overnight fishing trips.
January is also a prime time to research new lakes. You can check the DNR surveys, talk with bait shop owners and other anglers. January and February are also my prime times to scout deer. Beds and trails readily show up and adding a waypoint can be saved for future use.
Happy New Year and stop in at Grand Valley Sport Shop.
We are particular where we stay in Detroit. The Best Western and Holiday Inn in Woodhaven is set up for the anglers. They offer cleaning tables and water for cleaning our fish and ample outdoor receptacles when charging our boat batteries. The month of April is prime time on the Detroit River, and the hotels fill up quickly.
All of my fishing buddies do a quick inventory of their tackle boxes. What we are low on we order as a group. This also applies to the fishing line. Buying in volume saves money for all of us.
Another plus is that we can order well in advance. This served us well last week when we found out that our favorite walleye jig was discontinued. Very few anglers use the Northland Whistler jighead. It’s by far our favorite and the one-ounce size was discontinued.
YouTube took care of this problem. We found two videos that showed how we can make our own jighead. The Whistler Jig is very similar to the Do-It-Mold “Diner Shiner” jighead. I own that mold. All you need to do is add a propeller blade and a bead.
Our detailed log books showed us that three baits produced 95 percent of our bluegill - the Hot Leg foam spider, the Black Gnat fly from Stopper Lures and the Perch Pounder rigs. My only issue with the Perch Pounder rig is that you can’t mix various colors at the same time. Second, when one hook breaks the rig is shot. We watched a few videos on how to make a Sabiki rig and made a few dozen this past Friday.
We trim the legs on the Hot Leg Spiders. The spiders and gnats are fished on the surface early in the season and then on a dropper line over deep water during the summer.
Another crazy thing that we do is test our Carlisle Slip floats. How much weight will it take for the float to be completely submerged? Then we mark the float with a permanent marker. This way when we grab a slip float we know how much weight we can use.
Instead of a sinker, we use the Sitka Smelt Sticks. You will be shocked at how many fish we catch on these things. These “chain-style” little spoons are deadly on both the bluegill and the perch.
As we inventoried our tackle and looked at our log books we were surprised by the number of crappie that we caught using the Original Pinkie jig. There is something about a marabou jig that crappies can’t resist. Fishing a Pinkie jig under a float works surprisingly well.
One small item that made a huge difference in our panfish catch rate was adding a small soft glow egg. We try to use a glow lure but when we can’t we slip on a small soft glow egg. These glow beads make a difference.
We also use the Rapala Glow/UV charger. This very small and slender tool will recharge your glow baits in 10 seconds. This makes a big difference.
Another item to carry would be a small hook sharpener. Rest assured, most panfish anglers never consider sharpening their panfish baits. It only takes a few swipes on the honing stone to put the edge back onto the lure or hook.
This is also a great time to inventory your freezer. I enjoy making salami, snack sticks and jerky. I then pack up very small bags that are perfect in size for a half-day on the water. The canned fish is often used as a fish dip appetizer when we take our overnight fishing trips.
January is also a prime time to research new lakes. You can check the DNR surveys, talk with bait shop owners and other anglers. January and February are also my prime times to scout deer. Beds and trails readily show up and adding a waypoint can be saved for future use.
Happy New Year and stop in at Grand Valley Sport Shop.
Pure Michigan Partners with Shaggy’s to Create Limited Edition Michigan-Made Ski
Michigan has a long and storied history of snow sports and winter recreation.
Some of the earliest examples of organized skiing took place in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula in the late 1800s. The first chairlift in the Midwest carried skiers to the top of Boyne Mountain in 1948. The “Snurfer” – which inspired the first snowboards – was invented in Muskegon in 1965.
More innovations in ski lifts, snowmaking technology, and recreation equipment followed as skiing and winter sports grew in popularity across the country. Today, Michigan is home to the second-most ski areas of any state, drawing millions of visitors each winter to explore the state’s winter wonderland.
To complement its 2024-25 winter “Keep It Fresh” campaign, Pure Michigan is celebrating Michigan’s rich skiing heritage and wealth of snow sports opportunities by partnering with Shaggy’s Skis to create a Pure Michigan-branded ski, now available for purchase on the Shaggy’s website at skishaggys.com.
“Snow sports and family ski vacations have been an integral part of Michigan’s winter traditions for generations,” said Kelly Wolgamott, vice president of Pure Michigan, part of the Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC). “We are thrilled to partner with an innovative company like Shaggy’s to create this limited edition Pure Michigan ski to celebrate winter recreation and inspire visitors and Michiganders alike to experience winter fun in Pure Michigan.”
Brothers Jeff and Jonathon Thompson started building skis in Michigan as a hobby in 2005, and in 2008 the Thompson family released the first line of Shaggy's skis to the public. The limited edition Pure Michigan skis will be manufactured at the company’s factory in Boyne City, where every pair of Shaggy’s skis is handcrafted.
“To me, Pure Michigan represents the beauty of our state, the tenacity of our people, and the pride of where we’re from,” Shaggy’s co-founder Jeff Thompson said. “We are proud to put the iconic Pure Michigan branding on our custom skis that we build right here in Michigan. The goal is to show our product, our state to the world. And now, when you look down at your skis, you’re going to be able to see that pride in Pure Michigan.”
The design for the limited-edition skis features iconic Michigan destinations like Tahquamenon Falls and Turnip Rock paired with Pure Michigan branding. The special-edition Pure Michigan design will be available across all 16 models of the Shaggy’s skis lineup.
“Embracing and enjoying the winter season exemplify the beauty and excitement of our four-season Pure Michigan lifestyle,” MEDC chief executive officer Quentin L. Messer, Jr. said. “This collaboration with Shaggy’s goes well beyond promoting the tremendous winter recreation we have here in Michigan - it connects the Pure Michigan brand with our Make It in Michigan economic development strategy by supporting a homegrown small business that delivers a product that helps all of us better enjoy visiting and living in our state’s two wonderful peninsulas. Another risk-taking entrepreneur delivering value to customers while creating opportunities. That’s a Pure Michigan story.”
To celebrate the release of the special-edition Pure Michigan design, Shaggy’s is giving away a Pure Michigan Ski Package, including one pair of Shaggy’s Pure Michigan skis in the model and length of the winner’s choice, four lift tickets at Caberfae Peaks, a $100 gift card for Pure Michigan apparel from The Mitten State, and a $300 swag pack from Boyne Country Sports. Snow sports enthusiasts are encouraged to learn more and enter at skishaggys.com/PureMichigan through Friday, Jan. 31. The winner will be announced on Monday, Feb. 3.
For those interested in seeing the special-edition Pure Michigan skis in person, Shaggy’s will have the skis on display at Shaggy’s demo days at ski areas and resorts throughout Michigan this winter.
• Saturday, Jan. 25 - Shanty Creek Resorts
• Saturday, Feb. 1 - Nub's Nob
• Saturday, Feb. 8 - Marquette Mountain
• Saturday, Feb. 15 - Crystal Mountain
• Saturday, Feb. 22 – Mt. Holly
• Saturday, March 1 - Caberfae Peaks
Travelers are encouraged to visit michigan.org/winter for trip ideas, inspiration, and information for planning the perfect winter getaway. Stay up-to-date on snow conditions, winter activities, and seasonal events by signing up for the Pure Michigan Snow Report eNewsletter at michigan.org/enews and by following @PureMichigan across social media.
Some of the earliest examples of organized skiing took place in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula in the late 1800s. The first chairlift in the Midwest carried skiers to the top of Boyne Mountain in 1948. The “Snurfer” – which inspired the first snowboards – was invented in Muskegon in 1965.
More innovations in ski lifts, snowmaking technology, and recreation equipment followed as skiing and winter sports grew in popularity across the country. Today, Michigan is home to the second-most ski areas of any state, drawing millions of visitors each winter to explore the state’s winter wonderland.
To complement its 2024-25 winter “Keep It Fresh” campaign, Pure Michigan is celebrating Michigan’s rich skiing heritage and wealth of snow sports opportunities by partnering with Shaggy’s Skis to create a Pure Michigan-branded ski, now available for purchase on the Shaggy’s website at skishaggys.com.
“Snow sports and family ski vacations have been an integral part of Michigan’s winter traditions for generations,” said Kelly Wolgamott, vice president of Pure Michigan, part of the Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC). “We are thrilled to partner with an innovative company like Shaggy’s to create this limited edition Pure Michigan ski to celebrate winter recreation and inspire visitors and Michiganders alike to experience winter fun in Pure Michigan.”
Brothers Jeff and Jonathon Thompson started building skis in Michigan as a hobby in 2005, and in 2008 the Thompson family released the first line of Shaggy's skis to the public. The limited edition Pure Michigan skis will be manufactured at the company’s factory in Boyne City, where every pair of Shaggy’s skis is handcrafted.
“To me, Pure Michigan represents the beauty of our state, the tenacity of our people, and the pride of where we’re from,” Shaggy’s co-founder Jeff Thompson said. “We are proud to put the iconic Pure Michigan branding on our custom skis that we build right here in Michigan. The goal is to show our product, our state to the world. And now, when you look down at your skis, you’re going to be able to see that pride in Pure Michigan.”
The design for the limited-edition skis features iconic Michigan destinations like Tahquamenon Falls and Turnip Rock paired with Pure Michigan branding. The special-edition Pure Michigan design will be available across all 16 models of the Shaggy’s skis lineup.
“Embracing and enjoying the winter season exemplify the beauty and excitement of our four-season Pure Michigan lifestyle,” MEDC chief executive officer Quentin L. Messer, Jr. said. “This collaboration with Shaggy’s goes well beyond promoting the tremendous winter recreation we have here in Michigan - it connects the Pure Michigan brand with our Make It in Michigan economic development strategy by supporting a homegrown small business that delivers a product that helps all of us better enjoy visiting and living in our state’s two wonderful peninsulas. Another risk-taking entrepreneur delivering value to customers while creating opportunities. That’s a Pure Michigan story.”
To celebrate the release of the special-edition Pure Michigan design, Shaggy’s is giving away a Pure Michigan Ski Package, including one pair of Shaggy’s Pure Michigan skis in the model and length of the winner’s choice, four lift tickets at Caberfae Peaks, a $100 gift card for Pure Michigan apparel from The Mitten State, and a $300 swag pack from Boyne Country Sports. Snow sports enthusiasts are encouraged to learn more and enter at skishaggys.com/PureMichigan through Friday, Jan. 31. The winner will be announced on Monday, Feb. 3.
For those interested in seeing the special-edition Pure Michigan skis in person, Shaggy’s will have the skis on display at Shaggy’s demo days at ski areas and resorts throughout Michigan this winter.
• Saturday, Jan. 25 - Shanty Creek Resorts
• Saturday, Feb. 1 - Nub's Nob
• Saturday, Feb. 8 - Marquette Mountain
• Saturday, Feb. 15 - Crystal Mountain
• Saturday, Feb. 22 – Mt. Holly
• Saturday, March 1 - Caberfae Peaks
Travelers are encouraged to visit michigan.org/winter for trip ideas, inspiration, and information for planning the perfect winter getaway. Stay up-to-date on snow conditions, winter activities, and seasonal events by signing up for the Pure Michigan Snow Report eNewsletter at michigan.org/enews and by following @PureMichigan across social media.
The limited-edition Shaggy's Pure Michigan skis features winter views of Tahquamenon Falls and Turnip Rock.
Photo courtesy of Shaggy’s Skis
Photo courtesy of Shaggy’s Skis
DNR?To Host Jan. 22 Meeting in Chelsea About the Waterloo Rec Area Management Plan
Those interested in long-term planning for Waterloo Recreation Area in Jackson and Washtenaw counties are invited to attend a public meeting later this month or review and comment on the plan online.
The Michigan Department of Natural Resources uses general management plans to define long-range planning and management strategies that protect the resources of state parks, while addressing recreation and education needs and opportunities.
Meeting details, online review
The DNR-hosted meeting will give people the chance to learn about the new draft Phase 2 general management plan, proposed improvements and planning process, followed by time for feedback and questions with DNR staff.
The meeting will take place 5:30-7 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 22 at the Eddy Discovery Center, located at 17030 Bush Road in Chelsea, inside the park. For those who can't attend, a copy of the draft plan is available on the project website and comments will be accepted through Jan. 24. Find links at Michigan.gov/Waterloo.
Additional information
Waterloo Recreation Area is located in southern Michigan, just east of Jackson. The park is home to two seasonal modern campgrounds, rustic and modern cabins, boating access sites, rustic camping opportunities, 80-plus miles of trails, including 21 miles of equestrian trails, 10 miles of mountain bike trails and the Waterloo Pinckney hiking trail. The park is also home to the Gerald Eddy Discovery Center, which offers interpretive education opportunities that explore the park's geology and diverse natural habitats.
Comments and questions about the park, draft plan and meeting also can be shared via email with Matt Lincoln, DNR Parks and Recreation Division land specialist, at LincolnM@Michigan.gov.
Additional information on the DNR’s general management planning process is available at Michigan.gov/ParkManagementPlans.
The Michigan Department of Natural Resources uses general management plans to define long-range planning and management strategies that protect the resources of state parks, while addressing recreation and education needs and opportunities.
Meeting details, online review
The DNR-hosted meeting will give people the chance to learn about the new draft Phase 2 general management plan, proposed improvements and planning process, followed by time for feedback and questions with DNR staff.
The meeting will take place 5:30-7 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 22 at the Eddy Discovery Center, located at 17030 Bush Road in Chelsea, inside the park. For those who can't attend, a copy of the draft plan is available on the project website and comments will be accepted through Jan. 24. Find links at Michigan.gov/Waterloo.
Additional information
Waterloo Recreation Area is located in southern Michigan, just east of Jackson. The park is home to two seasonal modern campgrounds, rustic and modern cabins, boating access sites, rustic camping opportunities, 80-plus miles of trails, including 21 miles of equestrian trails, 10 miles of mountain bike trails and the Waterloo Pinckney hiking trail. The park is also home to the Gerald Eddy Discovery Center, which offers interpretive education opportunities that explore the park's geology and diverse natural habitats.
Comments and questions about the park, draft plan and meeting also can be shared via email with Matt Lincoln, DNR Parks and Recreation Division land specialist, at LincolnM@Michigan.gov.
Additional information on the DNR’s general management planning process is available at Michigan.gov/ParkManagementPlans.
