We need Fishing Reports & Photos

Posted on May 15, 2013 by admin

Please send your fishing reports to Captain Ron RDUBSKY04@comcast.net and we’ll post on the web.

New phone number for Ron.
Captain R.A. Dubsky
Executive Secretary MCBA
(734)502-3209

If you have a smart phone and would like to post a few pictures each week to the MCBA twitter feed shown on the home page, please send an email to captainmax@michigancharterboats.com

 

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Follow-up notes from Conservation leadership discussion forum

Posted on March 29, 2013 by admin
Conservation leadership discussion
Overview
March 15, 2013
DNR Director Keith Creagh welcomed everyone and thanked them for coming.  Attendees went around the room and a spokesperson from each table introduced the members and the number of years they’ve worked for natural resources. There were representatives from hunting organizations, fishing organizations, forest products groups, DNR and the NRC. At the end of the introductions, we marveled at the fact that we had over 1,000 years combined experience in the room! There were also comments about “the amount of gray hair” and lack of diversity among the attendees. This led to a brief discussion about how we engage the next generation of conservationists.
The meeting started with a presentation by Director Creagh and DNR Deputy Director Bill Moritz. Director Creagh started off by explaining why we were all there: “We are leaders of organizations that are part of a larger community, Michigan’s conservation community.”
The director said that traditionally, the DNR would solve stakeholder issues one at a time. They would get lots of requests or issues from various groups, who might go directly to them, the NRC, the Legislature. This resulted in large numbers of (sometimes conflicting) priorities. The DNR would like to incorporate the priorities of stakeholders by working together as they build out strategic plans and goals. Director Creagh said that in order to be successful, “this cannot be a DNR plan. It has to be OUR plan,” motioning to everyone in the room.
Director Creagh said the DNR is going through processes to become more strategic, efficient and transparent to stakeholders. The department has some high level “evergreen” goals that are based on the department’s mission:
•       Protect natural and cultural resources
•       Ensure sustainable recreation use and enjoyment
•       Enable strong natural resource-based economies
•       Improve and build strong relationships and partnerships
•       Foster effective business practices and good governance
Right now we have an opportunity for Michigan’s natural resources, and all of the conservation leaders to work together for the reinvention of our state. We have a governor who believes that natural resources are the linchpin to this reinvention and will drive tourism and business to local communities. He’s proven that with his proposed budget, which includes a mix of funding solutions to support natural resources.
Deputy Director Moritz spent some time going over the proposed new funds for natural resources, which include a mix of General Fund tax dollars, a license fee increase and restructuring and dollars from the transportation package. He discussed the long list of proposed outcomes from these additional funds, which included more “boots on the ground and waders in the water.” There would be grants to partners to help with habitat work. The proposal would simplify the license structure from 227 licenses to 41 and improve the license sales system.
Deputy Moritz explained the challenge we all face is balancing the protection of the resource with recreational opportunities and benefits to local economies. He illustrated this concept by describing three concentric circles representing “resource protection,” “recreation” and “economic benefits,” saying it’s our job to find the place in the middle where they all overlap.
Deputy Moritz said to be successful we need to be a united conservation community. We have to focus on what we have in common, and present a unified voice. At the end of the day, we are all in this for Michigan’s natural resources.
The meeting continued with attendees breaking up into eight mixed groups and discussing these questions:
1.       What are the three main concerns facing the conservation community?
2.       How could the proposed increase in funding benefit the conservation community?
The top concerns or priorities were:
·         Providing better public education and broadening engagement (7 occurrences)
·         Securing sustainable funding for conservation (4)
·         Supporting habitat maintenance and improvement (4)

Other concerns included simpler regulations, DNR website improvement, the relationship between conservation and economic prosperity and enhancing collaboration among diverse organizations.
The most common themes for how increased funding might benefit the conservation community were that it would:
·         Support improved DNR staffing and enhanced habitat management
·         Support collaboration and improved stakeholder relationships
·         Support marketing and education
·         Create opportunities for building non-consumptive support
·         Simplify the license process
The meeting wrapped up with discussion and suggestions from attendees on what can be done to move forward, both individually and as an organization.
Overall, attendees felt the most important step toward moving forward was building partnerships and taking collaborative action.
Individuals made suggestions on what THEY would personally do to move forward, which could be generalized into:
·         Broaden outreach and engage others
·         Inform memberships and build partnerships to support needed actions
·         Collaborate with the DNR
·         Pursue funding
The DNR asked for an evaluation of the meeting so the department could make changes/improvements for the future. Overall, attendees gave high marks and appreciated the opportunity to be part of the discussion. Suggestions for improvement included: more time for discussion, and another meeting with a larger number of stakeholders (including parks, trails and other recreation).
The DNR will take this feedback into consideration as the department decides on future meetings.
Thanks to Dennis Eade for capturing pictures of our productive day!
Kristin Phillips
 
Acting Chief
Marketing & Outreach Division
Department of Natural Resources
517-335-2747
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Update on the DNR Funding Bill, Sea Grant Workshops and 1st Reminder of the Joint Lake Huron and Lake Michigan Citizens Fishery Advisory Committee

Hi Everyone,

I received another update Friday on the progress of the Governor’s DNR Budget and fee restructuring package.  As I stated before there is continued support from Organizations but some of the Legislators would like to hear more from individuals. 

If you have not already done so, or if you want to encourage your Legislators again, just click the following links for their contact information, SENATOR List and REPRESENTATIVE List.  If the DNR Budget Bill is not approved, it will be next to impossible to move forward on expanding hunting and fishing opportunities in Michigan.  To say the least, that would be devastating for hunters and anglers but also a major blow for expanding the State’s economy.  For your convenience, below are some of the areas that will be implemented if the funding package is approved.
  1. Increasing the rearing and stocking of fish by addressing infrastructure needs at DNR hatcheries
  2. Increasing the acres of public game areas receiving habitat management or maintenance; providing grants to stakeholders for this purpose; increasing the acres of state forest land where wildlife habitat management or maintenance is performed
  3. Providing grants to stakeholders to increase fisheries habitat on inland lakes and streams
  4. Increasing outreach to anglers who fish for perch, bluegill and bass to improve angler retention
  5. Increasing the Pheasant Restoration Initiative focus on public lands throughout southern Michigan
  6. Increasing technical assistance for fisheries habitat improvement on coldwater streams
  7. Increasing creel surveys and assessments on inland lakes and streams
  8. Expanding hunter access opportunity in southern Michigan
  9. Replacing the Great Lakes research vessel Chinook: $2 million one-time General Fund expenditure to replace the 65-year old Great Lakes research vessel
  10. Training and hiring 25 new Conservation Officers
Brandon Schroeder has completed the arrangements for the Sea Grant Lake Huron Spring Workshops and the flyer is attached.  Meetings will be held in the evenings from 6-9 pm at Ubly on Thursday April 18, Oscoda on Wednesday April 24 and Cedarville on Thursday April 25.  Several very interesting items will be discussed including the newly expanded Atlantic salmon program, the final results of the Lake Huron predator diet study, updates on the fisheries and many other pertinent subjects.  The agendas will be finished shortly and I will send them along when they are available.
I want to remind everyone of the Joint Lake Huron and Lake Michigan Citizens Fishery Advisory Committee Meeting to be held on Tuesday April 16, 2013 at the Doherty Hotel in Clare Michigan.  The meeting will start at 10 am and conclude by 3 pm.  Topics covered at the meeting will be of interest to Advisors from both Lakes and include the low water levels and the logistics of dredging the numerous harbors along Lakes Michigan and Huron if funding is approved.  We are planning to have speakers from the Waterways Commission and the U.S. Corps of Engineers.  Other items that will be discussed are how the funds of the hunting and fishing fee restructuring proposal will be spent if the budget is approved by the Legislature, an update on the Chinook salmon stocking reduction in Lake Michigan, an update on the progress of the Atlantic salmon program, updates from the managers and law enforcement and the highlights of the Lake Michigan and Lake Huron presentations at the Upper Great Lakes Committee Meeting to be held in Duluth this week.  Several of us will be attending this meeting and the focus will be native species restoration.
Frank Krist
Posted on March 17, 2013 by admin | Comments Off

2013 Lake Huron Regional Fisheries Workshops

Posted on March 12, 2013 by admin

You are invited to join and participate this spring in the upcoming 2013 Lake Huron Regional Fisheries Workshops offering current research and information related to the status of our Lake Huron fishery.

The Michigan Sea Grant and Michigan State University Extension, in partnership with the Michigan Department of Natural Resources Fisheries Division, the USGS Great Lakes Science Center and local fishery organizations will host three regional workshops locally along Lake Huron’s coastline. Topics will include information and updates regarding fish populations and angler catch data, native species such as Lake Huron walleye, forage fish surveys and results from the Lake Huron predator diet study, low water levels on Lake Huron, updates of fisheries management activities, among other Lake Huron related topics of local interest.

Three evening workshops, hosted across the state, are open to the public and will offer valuable information for anglers, charter captains, resource professionals and other community members interested in the Lake Huron fishery. Workshops are open to the public at no cost; however, pre-registration is requested. Workshop dates and locations include:

Ubly/Bad Axe
April 18, 2013 (6:00 — 9:00 p.m.)
Ubly Fox Hunter’s Club
2153 Ubly Rd, Ubly, MI 48475

Oscoda
April 24, 2013 (6:00 — 9:00 p.m.)
Wiltse’s Family Restaurant
5606 F-41, Oscoda, MI 48750

Cedarville
April 25, 2013 (6:00 — 9:00 p.m.)
Les Cheneaux Sportsman’s Club
M-134, Cedarville, MI 49719 (Approx. 2-3 miles east of blinking light in Cedarville)

To register for any of these no-cost workshops, please contact Val Golding, Michigan Sea Grant/MSU Extension Alpena County Office by email: goldingv@alpenacounty.org or by phone (989) 354-9870.
Workshop details are attached and also available online at www.miseagrant.umich.edu/explore/fisheries/fishery-workshops/.

Please forward and share with any and all who may be interested in participating; and we hope you will plan to join one of these educational opportunities yourself!

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Public meetings announced to discuss fishing regulations

Posted on March 6, 2013 by admin

Are you interested in hearing about new or proposed local and statewide fishing regulations that might affect your area? The DNR’s Fisheries Division has announced public meetings to be held throughout the state to discuss these regulations.

The purpose of these meetings is to discuss local fisheries management and regulation proposals. Additionally, modifications to northern pike and muskellunge regulations were adopted for the 2013 fishing season and a presentation summarizing these changes will be given at each meeting.

Northern Pike Regulations
Regulations in effect until March 31, 2013
Regulations in effect on April 1, 2013

Statewide General Regulation Waters
24-inch minimum size limit and 2 fish daily.
24-inch minimum size limit and 2 fish daily possession limit.

Waters where up to 5 Northern Pike may be harvested
No minimum size limit and 5 fish daily possession limit.
5 fish daily possession limit – only 1 fish greater than 24-inches.

24 to 34-Inch Protected Slot Limit Waters
Not in effect.
Northern Pike between 24 and 34-inches may not be harvested on these waters. Northern Pike less than 24-inches and greater than 34-inches have a 2 fish daily possession limit.

30-Inch Minimum Size Limit Waters

30-inch minimum size limit and 2 fish daily possession limit.
No longer in effect.

*See Note 7 on page 18 of the 2013 Michigan Fishing Guide for waters listed in each category.

Muskellunge Regulations
Regulations in effect until March 31, 2013
Regulations in effect on April 1, 2013

Statewide General Regulation Waters
42-inch minimum size limit and 1 fish daily possession limit.
42-inch minimum size limit and 1 fish per angler, per year possession limit (free Muskellunge Harvest Tag required).

Depending on the geographical area, managers may discuss the modifying management for northern pike or muskellunge on specific local lakes based upon these newly adopted regulations types.

Below are the meeting details; including dates, times and locations for all Fisheries Division management units.

Central Lake Michigan Management Unit

Tuesday, March 12 from 7:00 to 9:00 p.m. (EDT) at the Carl T. Johnson Hunting and Fishing Center located at 6087 E. M-115 in Cadillac.

Southern Lake Michigan Management Unit

Tuesday, March 19 from 6:00 to 7:30 p.m. (EDT) at the Portage Library located at 300 Library Lane in Portage.

Northern Lake Michigan Management Unit

Tuesday, April 9 from 7:00 to 9:00 p.m. (EDT) at the Bay College Heirman Center located at 2001 N. Lincoln Road in Escanaba.
Thursday, April 11 from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. (CST) at Bay College West located at 2801 N. U.S. 2 in Iron Mountain.

Southern Lake Huron Management Unit

Tuesday, March 19 from 7:00 to 9:00 p.m. (EDT) at the Bay City State Recreation Area’s Visitors’ Center located at 3582 State Park Dr. in Bay City.

Northern Lake Huron Management Unit

Tuesday, April 2 from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. (EDT) at Cheboygan Sportsman Club located at 13516 Seffren Rd. in Cheboygan.

Western Lake Superior Management Unit

Tuesday, April 2 from 7:00 to 9:00 p.m. (EDT) at Ishpeming Township Hall located at 1575 U.S. 41 in Ishpeming.
Wednesday, April 3 from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. (CST)/7:00 to 9:00 p.m. (EDT) at Gogebic Community College located at E. 4946 Jackson Rd. in Ironwood.
Thursday, April 4 from 7:00 to 9:00 p.m. (EDT) at Portage Lake District Library located at 58 Huron St. in Houghton.

Eastern Lake Superior Management Unit

Monday, April 8 from 7:00 to 9:00 p.m. (EDT) at Sydney’s Restaurant located at 400 Cedar St. in Munising.
Tuesday, April 9 from 7:00 to 9:00 p.m. (EDT) at Tahquamenon Area Public Library located at 700 Newberry Ave. in Newberry.

Lake Erie Management Unit

Thursday, April 4 from 7:00 to 9:00 p.m. (EDT) at Clinton-Macomb Public Library located at 40900 Romeo Plank Rd. in Clinton Township.

For more information on these meetings, visit www.michigan.gov/fishing.

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Michigan Sea Grant and MCBA new videos

Posted on February 8, 2013 by admin

At the 2012 MCBA annual meeting there was a review of the MCBA Drug Compliance Program. Michigan Sea Grant has produced a number of videos from the conference. Please follow the link below to view all videos.

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Michigan State Waterways Commission to hold special meeting Feb. 8 in Lansing

Posted on February 2, 2013 by admin

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Feb. 1, 2013

Michigan State Waterways Commission to hold special meeting Feb. 8 in Lansing

The Michigan State Waterways Commission (MSWC) will hold a special meeting on Friday, Feb. 8, to address the impact of low lake water levels on recreational boating. The meeting will be held in the Lake Superior Conference Room of the Michigan Library and Historical Center, 702 West Kalamazoo St., in downtown Lansing, Mich. The public meeting will begin at 2 p.m.

The Michigan State Waterways Commission is an advisory group, created by Public Act 451 of 1994, Part 78.This meeting has been called to address an emergency dredging plan for 2013.

Anyone seeking more information about this meeting, wishing to provide public comment on any boating-related issue, or needing accommodations to attend this meeting should contact Andrea N. Turner, Parks and Recreation Division, Department of Natural Resources, at 517‑335‑3035 (TTY/TDD711 Michigan Relay Center for the hearing impaired), or visit the MSWC website at www.michigan.gov/dnr, under Commissions, Boards and Committees. A copy of the meeting agenda will be available on the website on Monday, Feb. 4.

Contact: Andrea N. Turner, 517-335-3035 or Ed Golder, 517-335-3014

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