[Lucky Dog Charters]

The bite started looking good until we had that strong Northeast cold front on the 10th. Prior to that we had cold water (upper 40`s to mid 50`s) down about 50` no matter what depth you were in. After the blow the temps were 70-72 at the surface and still 65 90` down. I`ve marked 5`-10` of solid bait on the bottom from 70`-90` of water on some mornings, I don`t mean clouds, I mean a steady reading of bait The morning bite has been sporadic, some days there is one, others just a few fish.
The afternoons haven`t been what we had the past few years either.
This seems to be the same all over the Lake, we believe it is weather related. Coming down to my dock, up until a few weeks ago, you could see the bass were still on their beds
Most guys are doing better with dodger/flie combos during the morning low light conditions. I`ve found the glow spoons to work well in the afternoon down 90`-115` in 100`-130` of water. The best for me has been the Moonshine brand standard "Moonshine". The Silver Streak Smurf and Black Fin Tuna have done well also.
I`ve received a few calls and heard "I guess the fishing is tough since you don`t put up any reports" Yes the fishing has been tough this year, for everyone. The truth is I`ve been really busy and haven`t had the time. I just now posted pics from the end of July on my website.
The reports I posted this year were very less detailed than those of the past. For one, after running a number of trips in a row they all tend to run together, and second there hasn`t been any real pattern to go by. I heard it best described by a Captain that charters up in Northern Wisconsin. "Every time you go out it`s like starting over, the baits you had out on your last trip don`t work on your next." Although as I mentioned I`ve had a few good spoons, this is basically true.
I did have one pic for the highlight reel, these two Browns came in as a double, never before have I had a double on Browns. And yes the two boys brought them in.



True this season has been spotty, I`ve heard many guys on the boat talk of going up North and having a tough time with the Muskies and other fresh water fish.
As I said before even the Cubs have gone into an occasional World Series slump 8) , this should make us appreciate all the great seasons we`ve had so far.

"Wet Nets"
Captain Jim

[Michigander]

Jim,
I think everyone on this board has appreciated your past rerports. You have always given very detailed info and when anyone has asked a question your response was always accurate.
There is a lull in the Salmon bite this year and everyone knows this.
Your business has to come first and when you are running multi charters per day, there is not much time for reporting it to the web.
We all know that the fishing has been tuff. And everyday is a NEW day, when it comes to finding a pattern that will work.

I for one have gained a wealth of knowledge from you and will always welcome any info. Good or bad, fishing is fishing.

Now get out there and find the fish...

Bob

[Bubbalouie]

As Michigander said!!

Thanks!

Although I wasn't fishing, I was wearing a great Tee-shirt that says "Lucky Dog Charters" on it- and you know, I always smile when I put it on-

Bruce

[windycitysalmon]

Lucky Dog,

I began running out of Waukegan this year (was a first mate for many years before) and we experienced the same conditions right ahead of the NE blow two weeks ago. I was fishing in 45FOW off the hotel during the afternoon before that blow began and it had been good. It's been spotty at best ever since and I haven't put up many posted in the last two weeks. I have a full weekend ahead so we'll see what we can do.

[JAWZON]

ThankS you for all your input i think i speak for all. We need more input like yours JAWZON

[Captain Jim]

Maybe we need to take up a collection and get the Captain a laptop computer? Anyone have a laptop to donate?

I think he just needs a way to post from the boat? Captain, they do have high speed data cable at the dock don't they?

I would have to say I bet many would agree this is the toughest year for fishing the big pond in about 13 years I've been at it! Real tough!

[Popeye]

All I can say is... Dude, if you're finding it tough going, then I sure don't feel bad when all I can do is a 1 for 1 day. Your posts sure are informative and a pleasure to read. Best of luck in the remaining season.

[Willysol]

Willysol; Thanks for all the great reports Lucky Dog and all the other guys giving info so we can be a bit more successful . In this last month I thought my presentations needed improvement, but I realize it's not just my fishing thats bad everyone is having similar problems. Because of the crazy water temps I get the feeling the big numbers might be past the 230 fow area?? I was hoping to try this theory out Sunday, but it looks like the waves might be too big, 2-4 footers. Even in a 19 footer safety comes first. I'll post good or bad reports Sun. night , let's keep the info rollin.

[Aloha Joe]

Jim you da king man
Thanks for all your input and sharing of knowledge. You have helped my family and friends have many many days of enjoyment catching fish.
Thanks and aloha
Hail the king