DNR urges safety on, around the ice
Frozen bodies of water should be checked carefully before braving the ice. While there is no perfectly reliable method to determine if ice is safe, you can use a spud, needle bar or auger to test the thickness and quality of ice.
Always wear ice picks secured to your chest so they are within easy reach in case you break through the ice.
With cold temperatures becoming more consistent throughout the state, more people are en-joying ice fishing, skating, hockey and other outdoor adventures. The Michigan Department of Natural Resources urges everyone to have fun, but always use caution when venturing onto or near ice.
“Even during consistent cold stretches, pressure cracks in the ice can develop within hours,” said Lt. Skip Hagy, DNR law enforcement supervisor in Newberry. “There is no such thing as ‘safe’ ice. Always check conditions for yourself; don’t rely on what you see others doing or what they tell you.”
River mouths and other places where river or lake currents may be located are often places of unstable ice. Reservoirs with changing water levels also require great caution.
Frozen bodies of water should be checked very carefully before braving the ice. While there is no perfectly reliable method to determine if ice is safe, you can use a spud, needle bar or auger to test the thickness and quality of ice.
“Keep in mind that warm spells as brief as one day may weaken the ice,” Hagy said. “Melting ice during the day only partially refreezes at night, creating a thin layer of unstable ice.”
The DNR suggests wearing a buoyant fishing jacket or snowmobile suit. Additionally, wear a U.S. Coast Guard-approved life jacket as the outermost layer of clothing, and have a pair of ice picks and a whistle clipped to your chest.
“Nobody plans to fall through the ice, but you should be prepared in case it happens,” Hagy said. “If you fall through the ice, the most important thing is to remain calm and return in the direction you came from. Return to the ice where you broke through, and pull yourself out of the water, rolling onto the ice. Don’t try to stand. Instead, crawl to help distribute your weight until you feel you’re safely away from the weak spot. Seek help immediately to prevent hypo-thermia.”
Additional ice safety tips include:
• If there’s ice on the lake but water around the shoreline, use extra caution.
• If you are visiting a new area, ask locals at bait shops, restaurants or stores about ice conditions, but always check conditions for yourself before going onto the ice.
• If you’re walking on the ice, wear a pair of ice-cleats to help with traction.
• Wear bright colors to increase your visibility. White clothing and gear are difficult to see.
• Use the buddy system and tell someone who is staying on shore where you will be and when you plan to return.
• If you’re operating a snowmobile or off-road vehicle, ride in a staggered line. This makes it easier to maneuver in case a rider ahead of you breaks through the ice.
“Ice picks are inexpensive insurance, a great purchase or gift for anyone who ventures onto ice-covered bodies of water,” Hagy added.
For more information, visit Michigan.gov/IceSafety. For snowmobile safety tips, go to Michigan.gov/RideRight.
“Even during consistent cold stretches, pressure cracks in the ice can develop within hours,” said Lt. Skip Hagy, DNR law enforcement supervisor in Newberry. “There is no such thing as ‘safe’ ice. Always check conditions for yourself; don’t rely on what you see others doing or what they tell you.”
River mouths and other places where river or lake currents may be located are often places of unstable ice. Reservoirs with changing water levels also require great caution.
Frozen bodies of water should be checked very carefully before braving the ice. While there is no perfectly reliable method to determine if ice is safe, you can use a spud, needle bar or auger to test the thickness and quality of ice.
“Keep in mind that warm spells as brief as one day may weaken the ice,” Hagy said. “Melting ice during the day only partially refreezes at night, creating a thin layer of unstable ice.”
The DNR suggests wearing a buoyant fishing jacket or snowmobile suit. Additionally, wear a U.S. Coast Guard-approved life jacket as the outermost layer of clothing, and have a pair of ice picks and a whistle clipped to your chest.
“Nobody plans to fall through the ice, but you should be prepared in case it happens,” Hagy said. “If you fall through the ice, the most important thing is to remain calm and return in the direction you came from. Return to the ice where you broke through, and pull yourself out of the water, rolling onto the ice. Don’t try to stand. Instead, crawl to help distribute your weight until you feel you’re safely away from the weak spot. Seek help immediately to prevent hypo-thermia.”
Additional ice safety tips include:
• If there’s ice on the lake but water around the shoreline, use extra caution.
• If you are visiting a new area, ask locals at bait shops, restaurants or stores about ice conditions, but always check conditions for yourself before going onto the ice.
• If you’re walking on the ice, wear a pair of ice-cleats to help with traction.
• Wear bright colors to increase your visibility. White clothing and gear are difficult to see.
• Use the buddy system and tell someone who is staying on shore where you will be and when you plan to return.
• If you’re operating a snowmobile or off-road vehicle, ride in a staggered line. This makes it easier to maneuver in case a rider ahead of you breaks through the ice.
“Ice picks are inexpensive insurance, a great purchase or gift for anyone who ventures onto ice-covered bodies of water,” Hagy added.
For more information, visit Michigan.gov/IceSafety. For snowmobile safety tips, go to Michigan.gov/RideRight.
Traverse City State Park campground to close for improvements
A massive $8.5 million project is getting underway at Keith J. Charters Traverse City State Park that is expected to provide visitors with improved access, new camping amenities and modern facilities.
The enhancements, a direct result of stakeholder and public feedback through the park’s 2021 general management plan, include:
• A newly-designed entrance to address traffic congestion by reducing campground road backups and improving access to campsites.
• A new, accessible campground contact station, which will allow for better traffic flow and customer service.
• A new park headquarters building that will be relocated south of Mitchell Creek and minimize visitors’ views of the park’s work area and equipment.
• Removal of the non-accessible pedestrian bridge over U.S. 31 and addition of an at-grade pedestrian crossing and traffic signal.
• Expansion and relocation of the park’s sanitation station to reduce wait times and enhance vehicle flow.
The project is being funded as part of a $273 million boost in federal American Rescue Plan relief funding that has enabled the Michigan Department of Natural Resources to tackle a decades-long backlog of infrastructure and rehabilitation projects in state parks and trails.
Project kickoff
The first phase of this enhancement project begins this week with the removal of trees, primarily at the park’s entrance off U.S. 31 and on land south of Mitchell Creek.
While the majority of the campground will retain its existing tree cover, campers may notice the changes in the tree-scape, particularly near the park entrance, parallel to U.S. 31/Munson Avenue and the back of northwest campsites.
The DNR will prioritize saving mature trees during construction and implement a comprehensive landscape and tree replanting program to mitigate losses.
“To protect the park’s remaining trees and reduce the risk of oak wilt disease, tree removal must take place in the winter months, outside of the growing season. The timing is crucial for the long-term health of park trees,” said Stephanie Rosinski, Traverse City and Leelanau state parks supervisor.
Campground closures
To accommodate the work and ensure public safety, closures will take place in phases.
• The modern campground is closed from now until April 1, including to pedestrian traffic.
• The modern campground will close again July 7 – following the National Cherry Festival – and the closure will be in place throughout the 2026 camping season.
The park’s day-use area located along the Lake Michigan shoreline will remain open during park construction, although occasional closures may be required for intersection work.
Three Mile Road/U.S. 31
The Three Mile Road/U.S. 31 intersection will also be reconstructed in a project led by the Michigan Department of Transportation. This will align the state park day-use (beach) entrance with the intersection, along with other improvements. Construction is slated to begin in early 2026, and some temporary road closures are anticipated.
A joint MDOT-DNR public meeting will be scheduled in early 2025 to provide more information on the U.S. 31 and park access/campground improvements.
For more details on the project, contact Stephanie Rosinski, Traverse City and Leelanau state parks supervisor, at 231-922-5270 or RosinskiS@Michigan.gov.
The enhancements, a direct result of stakeholder and public feedback through the park’s 2021 general management plan, include:
• A newly-designed entrance to address traffic congestion by reducing campground road backups and improving access to campsites.
• A new, accessible campground contact station, which will allow for better traffic flow and customer service.
• A new park headquarters building that will be relocated south of Mitchell Creek and minimize visitors’ views of the park’s work area and equipment.
• Removal of the non-accessible pedestrian bridge over U.S. 31 and addition of an at-grade pedestrian crossing and traffic signal.
• Expansion and relocation of the park’s sanitation station to reduce wait times and enhance vehicle flow.
The project is being funded as part of a $273 million boost in federal American Rescue Plan relief funding that has enabled the Michigan Department of Natural Resources to tackle a decades-long backlog of infrastructure and rehabilitation projects in state parks and trails.
Project kickoff
The first phase of this enhancement project begins this week with the removal of trees, primarily at the park’s entrance off U.S. 31 and on land south of Mitchell Creek.
While the majority of the campground will retain its existing tree cover, campers may notice the changes in the tree-scape, particularly near the park entrance, parallel to U.S. 31/Munson Avenue and the back of northwest campsites.
The DNR will prioritize saving mature trees during construction and implement a comprehensive landscape and tree replanting program to mitigate losses.
“To protect the park’s remaining trees and reduce the risk of oak wilt disease, tree removal must take place in the winter months, outside of the growing season. The timing is crucial for the long-term health of park trees,” said Stephanie Rosinski, Traverse City and Leelanau state parks supervisor.
Campground closures
To accommodate the work and ensure public safety, closures will take place in phases.
• The modern campground is closed from now until April 1, including to pedestrian traffic.
• The modern campground will close again July 7 – following the National Cherry Festival – and the closure will be in place throughout the 2026 camping season.
The park’s day-use area located along the Lake Michigan shoreline will remain open during park construction, although occasional closures may be required for intersection work.
Three Mile Road/U.S. 31
The Three Mile Road/U.S. 31 intersection will also be reconstructed in a project led by the Michigan Department of Transportation. This will align the state park day-use (beach) entrance with the intersection, along with other improvements. Construction is slated to begin in early 2026, and some temporary road closures are anticipated.
A joint MDOT-DNR public meeting will be scheduled in early 2025 to provide more information on the U.S. 31 and park access/campground improvements.
For more details on the project, contact Stephanie Rosinski, Traverse City and Leelanau state parks supervisor, at 231-922-5270 or RosinskiS@Michigan.gov.
A birds-eye view of Keith J. Charters Traverse City State Park
MDARD completes spotted lanternfly tracking efforts
The Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development, in partnership with the U.S. Department of Agriculture and a variety of local and regional organizations, has completed its 2024 spotted lanternfly monitoring efforts.
Throughout the summer and fall, teams across Michigan worked collaboratively to monitor and track the spread of this invasive pest, resulting in new detections in Macomb and Lenawee counties, as well as new findings in previously affected areas.
“We are grateful to our partners for their ongoing work helping us monitor the spread of spot-ted lanternfly in Michigan,” said Steve Carlson, MDARD’s Pesticide and Plant Pest Management Division Director. “This collaboration allows us to collect critical data on new infestations which helps better understand how this pest is spreading across the state.”
As part of the 2024 monitoring efforts, USDA’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service con-firmed the presence of spotted lanternfly in several new locations across Michigan. In Macomb County, populations were confirmed at two separate sites about one mile apart. In Lenawee County, several adult spotted lanternfly were detected at two locations more than seven miles apart. These new findings add to previous detections in Monroe, Oakland, and Wayne counties, highlighting the continued spread of this invasive pest across the region.
Spotted lanternfly, an invasive species native to eastern Asia, was first detected in the United States in 2014. Since then, it has spread rapidly with confirmed populations in 18 states. The insect has distinct life stages: Nymphs (juvenile spotted lanternflies) are black with white spots, then become red with black spots as they develop. Adults are roughly one inch long and one-half inch wide. Their brown forewings have black spots at the front and are speckled to-wards the rear. When their wings are unfolded, their distinctive scarlet hindwings become visi-ble.
Spotted lanternfly prefers to feed on the invasive tree-of-heaven (Ailanthus altissima), but also feeds on a wide range of plants including grapevines and trees such as black walnut, river birch, willow, sumac, and red maple. When feeding, spotted lanternfly produces a sticky liquid, honeydew, that can collect on the ground or surrounding vegetation. This results in the growth of sooty mold, which can discolor and kill plants.
Since the first detection of spotted lanternfly in Michigan in 2022, MDARD and its local and regional partners, including Michigan State University, Michigan’s Cooperative Invasive Species Management Areas, and USDA-APHIS, have assisted in monitoring more than 100 locations across the western and southern parts of the state.
“MDARD is committed to raising awareness about this pest and its impact,” Carlson said. “Pub-lic vigilance is key to helping slow the spread of invasive species, and we encourage all Michiganders to stay informed and proactive.”
If you are traveling in areas with known spotted lanternfly populations, be sure to check your vehicle and any items that have been outdoors for the presence of spotted lanternfly insects and egg masses and remove them before leaving.
If you find a spotted lanternfly egg mass, nymph or adult outside of known areas of infestation take one or more photos, make note of the date, time and location of the sighting, and report it online to Eyes in the Field. Photos are necessary to verify a report and to aid in identification.
For additional information on identifying, reporting, and managing spotted lanternfly, visit Michigan.gov/SpottedLanternfly.
Throughout the summer and fall, teams across Michigan worked collaboratively to monitor and track the spread of this invasive pest, resulting in new detections in Macomb and Lenawee counties, as well as new findings in previously affected areas.
“We are grateful to our partners for their ongoing work helping us monitor the spread of spot-ted lanternfly in Michigan,” said Steve Carlson, MDARD’s Pesticide and Plant Pest Management Division Director. “This collaboration allows us to collect critical data on new infestations which helps better understand how this pest is spreading across the state.”
As part of the 2024 monitoring efforts, USDA’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service con-firmed the presence of spotted lanternfly in several new locations across Michigan. In Macomb County, populations were confirmed at two separate sites about one mile apart. In Lenawee County, several adult spotted lanternfly were detected at two locations more than seven miles apart. These new findings add to previous detections in Monroe, Oakland, and Wayne counties, highlighting the continued spread of this invasive pest across the region.
Spotted lanternfly, an invasive species native to eastern Asia, was first detected in the United States in 2014. Since then, it has spread rapidly with confirmed populations in 18 states. The insect has distinct life stages: Nymphs (juvenile spotted lanternflies) are black with white spots, then become red with black spots as they develop. Adults are roughly one inch long and one-half inch wide. Their brown forewings have black spots at the front and are speckled to-wards the rear. When their wings are unfolded, their distinctive scarlet hindwings become visi-ble.
Spotted lanternfly prefers to feed on the invasive tree-of-heaven (Ailanthus altissima), but also feeds on a wide range of plants including grapevines and trees such as black walnut, river birch, willow, sumac, and red maple. When feeding, spotted lanternfly produces a sticky liquid, honeydew, that can collect on the ground or surrounding vegetation. This results in the growth of sooty mold, which can discolor and kill plants.
Since the first detection of spotted lanternfly in Michigan in 2022, MDARD and its local and regional partners, including Michigan State University, Michigan’s Cooperative Invasive Species Management Areas, and USDA-APHIS, have assisted in monitoring more than 100 locations across the western and southern parts of the state.
“MDARD is committed to raising awareness about this pest and its impact,” Carlson said. “Pub-lic vigilance is key to helping slow the spread of invasive species, and we encourage all Michiganders to stay informed and proactive.”
If you are traveling in areas with known spotted lanternfly populations, be sure to check your vehicle and any items that have been outdoors for the presence of spotted lanternfly insects and egg masses and remove them before leaving.
If you find a spotted lanternfly egg mass, nymph or adult outside of known areas of infestation take one or more photos, make note of the date, time and location of the sighting, and report it online to Eyes in the Field. Photos are necessary to verify a report and to aid in identification.
For additional information on identifying, reporting, and managing spotted lanternfly, visit Michigan.gov/SpottedLanternfly.
Outdoor Truths: Keep Paddling
By Gary Miller
If you have been fishing long enough, you have got a story to tell about a motor breakdown and how you had to paddle all the way back to the dock.
I can remember two of these episodes and the order of events is always the same. You’re several miles from the dock and the big motor dies. You use the trolling motor until the batteries run dry, and then you skull with a paddle the last mile from the front of the boat.
If you were catching fish, there would be three other boats in the hollow that you’re in. But when you really need help, there is not another one within a hundred miles. And then there is the wind. Why is it that you always have a head wind when you’re in these situations? I guess it’s just part of the trial.
I’ve also noticed this dilemma has no respect for the brand of boat you own. Whether it’s a Ranger, a Nitro, a Basstracker, or a Jon boat, there is going to come a time where the most important piece of equipment you have will be a paddle.
I’m reminded of a story in the Bible. The men in this boat had no Mercury or Evinrude or John-son. They knew nothing about horsepower, only manpower. The Bible says Jesus was on the bank and saw they were in serious trouble, rowing hard and struggling against the wind. Later that night, He walked out on the water and saved them.
The lesson for them is also the lesson for us. Some of you are rowing hard and struggling against the wind. That wind may be one that is coming from disaster, disappointment, discouragement, depression, or a host of other things. It may be blowing against your family or your finances. But it’s real and it’s serious.
Let me encourage you by telling you the Lord sees, and he cares. There is no obstacle that can keep him from getting to you. He may not come when you think he ought to, or he may allow you to go through more than you think you can stand. But remember, he always has one hand on the thermostat and the other on the timer. And just when you think you can‘t paddle any longer, He will come walking on the water, just in time, to throw you a rope and give you a tow.
Gary Miller has written Outdoor Truths articles for 21 years. He has also written five books which include compilations of his articles and a father/son devotional. He also speaks at wild-game dinners and men’s events for churches and associations. You can email him at gary@outdoortruths.org.
If you have been fishing long enough, you have got a story to tell about a motor breakdown and how you had to paddle all the way back to the dock.
I can remember two of these episodes and the order of events is always the same. You’re several miles from the dock and the big motor dies. You use the trolling motor until the batteries run dry, and then you skull with a paddle the last mile from the front of the boat.
If you were catching fish, there would be three other boats in the hollow that you’re in. But when you really need help, there is not another one within a hundred miles. And then there is the wind. Why is it that you always have a head wind when you’re in these situations? I guess it’s just part of the trial.
I’ve also noticed this dilemma has no respect for the brand of boat you own. Whether it’s a Ranger, a Nitro, a Basstracker, or a Jon boat, there is going to come a time where the most important piece of equipment you have will be a paddle.
I’m reminded of a story in the Bible. The men in this boat had no Mercury or Evinrude or John-son. They knew nothing about horsepower, only manpower. The Bible says Jesus was on the bank and saw they were in serious trouble, rowing hard and struggling against the wind. Later that night, He walked out on the water and saved them.
The lesson for them is also the lesson for us. Some of you are rowing hard and struggling against the wind. That wind may be one that is coming from disaster, disappointment, discouragement, depression, or a host of other things. It may be blowing against your family or your finances. But it’s real and it’s serious.
Let me encourage you by telling you the Lord sees, and he cares. There is no obstacle that can keep him from getting to you. He may not come when you think he ought to, or he may allow you to go through more than you think you can stand. But remember, he always has one hand on the thermostat and the other on the timer. And just when you think you can‘t paddle any longer, He will come walking on the water, just in time, to throw you a rope and give you a tow.
Gary Miller has written Outdoor Truths articles for 21 years. He has also written five books which include compilations of his articles and a father/son devotional. He also speaks at wild-game dinners and men’s events for churches and associations. You can email him at gary@outdoortruths.org.
Be a Weather Watching Gardener
By Melinda Myers
Each gardening season seems to offer new growing challenges. Our gardens are exposed to more drastic and variable weather with changing weather patterns. Floods, droughts, wind, temperature extremes, and unseasonable weather episodes can have immediate and long-term impacts on our plants.
Monitoring and noting these occurrences will help you diagnose immediate and future plant and garden problems. It also reminds us to adjust plant maintenance when these stressors oc-cur, and watch for potential insect, disease, and plant decline that may appear in the future.
Create your own weather station with a rain gauge, snow gauge, and high-low thermome-ter. These gauges monitor the conditions in your backyard as opposed to those reported for nearby locations. Having information from your yard allows you to make any needed adjustments to watering and care to help your plants thrive.
Record significant weather extremes that can negatively impact plant health and longevity. Check with local nature centers, botanical gardens, and extension services for gardening calen-dars. Many include information on significant weather events in your area. You can then add your observations for future reference. Refer to this information as needed in the future to help diagnose plant problems that may result from these extremes.
Large trees and other established plantings are often overlooked when weather extremes occur. Extended dry periods, temperature extremes, and flooding can stress and weaken these plants making them more susceptible to insect pests, diseases, and decline in the coming years.
Always select plants suited to the growing conditions and start watching for those that appear to be more tolerant of extremes. Visit local public gardens and consult with your University Ex-tension specialists and other plant experts when selecting new plants for your gardens.
Adapt your landscape maintenance and design to reduce the negative impact of flooding, drought, and temperature extremes. Protect plant roots from temperature extremes with a layer of organic mulch. Incorporate organic matter into the soil to improve drainage and in-crease the water-holding ability of fast-draining soils. Cover the soil with plants and mulch to help protect the soil from compaction and erosion during heavy downpours. Healthy soil is the key to growing plants that are better able to tolerate environmental stresses.
Manage water that falls on your property. Check with your local municipality for any restrictions or support for these efforts. Create rain gardens to capture, clean and direct rainfall to groundwater to help manage water where it falls. These also support pollinators and provide added beauty to your landscape. Enlist the help of rain barrels, if permitted, to capture rainwater to use on ornamental plantings and containers when needed.
Take this interest one step further and volunteer to be part of a network of volunteer weather watchers. The Community Collaborative Rain, Hail and Snow Network (CoCoRaHS) is a non-profit community-based network of volunteers that provides daily measurements of rain, hail, and snow that fall in their backyards.
The goal of the network is to provide more localized weather information to scientists, re-searchers, resource managers, decision makers and more. The data is used for natural re-source, educational and research applications.
Weather watching is a great project for the family or classroom. It helps boost gardening suc-cess while increasing our awareness and knowledge of what’s happening around us.
Each gardening season seems to offer new growing challenges. Our gardens are exposed to more drastic and variable weather with changing weather patterns. Floods, droughts, wind, temperature extremes, and unseasonable weather episodes can have immediate and long-term impacts on our plants.
Monitoring and noting these occurrences will help you diagnose immediate and future plant and garden problems. It also reminds us to adjust plant maintenance when these stressors oc-cur, and watch for potential insect, disease, and plant decline that may appear in the future.
Create your own weather station with a rain gauge, snow gauge, and high-low thermome-ter. These gauges monitor the conditions in your backyard as opposed to those reported for nearby locations. Having information from your yard allows you to make any needed adjustments to watering and care to help your plants thrive.
Record significant weather extremes that can negatively impact plant health and longevity. Check with local nature centers, botanical gardens, and extension services for gardening calen-dars. Many include information on significant weather events in your area. You can then add your observations for future reference. Refer to this information as needed in the future to help diagnose plant problems that may result from these extremes.
Large trees and other established plantings are often overlooked when weather extremes occur. Extended dry periods, temperature extremes, and flooding can stress and weaken these plants making them more susceptible to insect pests, diseases, and decline in the coming years.
Always select plants suited to the growing conditions and start watching for those that appear to be more tolerant of extremes. Visit local public gardens and consult with your University Ex-tension specialists and other plant experts when selecting new plants for your gardens.
Adapt your landscape maintenance and design to reduce the negative impact of flooding, drought, and temperature extremes. Protect plant roots from temperature extremes with a layer of organic mulch. Incorporate organic matter into the soil to improve drainage and in-crease the water-holding ability of fast-draining soils. Cover the soil with plants and mulch to help protect the soil from compaction and erosion during heavy downpours. Healthy soil is the key to growing plants that are better able to tolerate environmental stresses.
Manage water that falls on your property. Check with your local municipality for any restrictions or support for these efforts. Create rain gardens to capture, clean and direct rainfall to groundwater to help manage water where it falls. These also support pollinators and provide added beauty to your landscape. Enlist the help of rain barrels, if permitted, to capture rainwater to use on ornamental plantings and containers when needed.
Take this interest one step further and volunteer to be part of a network of volunteer weather watchers. The Community Collaborative Rain, Hail and Snow Network (CoCoRaHS) is a non-profit community-based network of volunteers that provides daily measurements of rain, hail, and snow that fall in their backyards.
The goal of the network is to provide more localized weather information to scientists, re-searchers, resource managers, decision makers and more. The data is used for natural re-source, educational and research applications.
Weather watching is a great project for the family or classroom. It helps boost gardening suc-cess while increasing our awareness and knowledge of what’s happening around us.
Melinda Myers has written over 20 gardening books, including Midwest Gardener’s Hand-book, Revised Edition, and Small Space Gardening. She hosts The Great Courses “How to Grow Anything” instant video and DVD series and the nationally syndicated Melinda’s Garden Moment radio program. Myers is a columnist and contributing editor for Birds & Blooms magazine. Myers’ website is www.MelindaMyers.com.
Rain barrels can help manage the water on your property and provide
water to use in your gardens.
photo credit: MelindaMyers.com
Costa Rica Tarpon
By Jack Payne
“Set the hook, set the hook,” shouted our guide.
I yelled back, “I did, three times.”
Within five seconds of the tarpon hitting my hair jig, it was out of the water. On the initial hit, the big tarpon peeled off 100 yards of line.
This was no 40-pound fish. I gained line and then lost it. This was repeated many times over a 30-minute period. Then I finally started gaining line and at least 20 times got the big fish to the boat, only to watch it tear off with the reel screaming.
After a 55-minute battle, I was able to subdue the fish. This was in large part due to the fantastic boat maneuvering that our guide provided. From where I hooked the fish to where we were able to release the big fish, it had to be a mile.
Folks, this was a bucket item that I wanted to fulfill. I wanted a tarpon that went over 100 pounds and this fish easily exceeded that goal. It went closer to the 150 mark and was released carefully to roam the ocean waters again.
The best time to fish tarpon in Costa Rica starts near the end of January and runs through March. We were a bit early and we experienced the true meaning of a rainforest. We caught the tail end of the rainy season coupled with some wind.
I believe that our guide bill was $350 per day for the boat. We split that cost among the three of us and that makes this an inexpensive outing.
Lodging is strictly up to you. You can stay in a true fishing-style camp or at the far end of the spectrum an all-exclusive style camp. The guide fees will remain the same. Only two guides work this 30-to-40 mile shoreline.
Our guide did some trolling the first two days due to the windy conditions and muddy water. The third day was dead calm on the ocean and the waters were clean.
Tarpon hang out at the river mouth where the “breakers” are. The breakers are that location where deep water meets shallow water, creating a lot of wave action. The river mouth adds the dirty water to clean water, creating a mud line.
Many times you will spot a tarpon rolling on the surface. Every fish that we hooked hit a two-ounce hair jig tipped with a six-inch Mister Twister curly tail. The best plastic colors were white and yellow.
Cast the jig tight up to the breakers, let it sink and then start popping the jig up and letting it sink down. The current will slowly pull the boat outward. This jigging process takes a toll on your arms.
We also spent some time chasing down snook. In this case we fished in the river. We sought out a deep slot that borders a current break. Small hair jigs in the one-eighth to the one-quarter ounce weights worked the best. Snook hit hard and are a blast to fish on a light action rod. We kept two snook for our evening meal. The resort we stayed at cooked them to perfection.
When you travel south in the winter you will burn quickly. Thus, sun protection becomes important. Besides a good sun lotion, I would suggest a quality sun-proof style hat and sun protector-style fishing gloves.
I would also suggest a long-sleeve sun protector shirt. I also wore long light fishing pants. My two fishing buddies skipped the last two items and paid the price dearly.
No trip to Costa Rica would be complete without exploring the rainforest. One day we asked our fishing guide to take the long slow way back to our lodging. This was incredible. The botanic beauty was amazing. From the ground cover, the various flowers, the trees, birds and yes, crocodiles and the smaller caimans.
If a trip down south is not in the cards for you, I would suggest dusting off your ice-fishing gear. It looks like this year we will finally have some adequate time on the ice.
More on this next week, and remember to visit Grand Valley Sport Shop.
I yelled back, “I did, three times.”
Within five seconds of the tarpon hitting my hair jig, it was out of the water. On the initial hit, the big tarpon peeled off 100 yards of line.
This was no 40-pound fish. I gained line and then lost it. This was repeated many times over a 30-minute period. Then I finally started gaining line and at least 20 times got the big fish to the boat, only to watch it tear off with the reel screaming.
After a 55-minute battle, I was able to subdue the fish. This was in large part due to the fantastic boat maneuvering that our guide provided. From where I hooked the fish to where we were able to release the big fish, it had to be a mile.
Folks, this was a bucket item that I wanted to fulfill. I wanted a tarpon that went over 100 pounds and this fish easily exceeded that goal. It went closer to the 150 mark and was released carefully to roam the ocean waters again.
The best time to fish tarpon in Costa Rica starts near the end of January and runs through March. We were a bit early and we experienced the true meaning of a rainforest. We caught the tail end of the rainy season coupled with some wind.
I believe that our guide bill was $350 per day for the boat. We split that cost among the three of us and that makes this an inexpensive outing.
Lodging is strictly up to you. You can stay in a true fishing-style camp or at the far end of the spectrum an all-exclusive style camp. The guide fees will remain the same. Only two guides work this 30-to-40 mile shoreline.
Our guide did some trolling the first two days due to the windy conditions and muddy water. The third day was dead calm on the ocean and the waters were clean.
Tarpon hang out at the river mouth where the “breakers” are. The breakers are that location where deep water meets shallow water, creating a lot of wave action. The river mouth adds the dirty water to clean water, creating a mud line.
Many times you will spot a tarpon rolling on the surface. Every fish that we hooked hit a two-ounce hair jig tipped with a six-inch Mister Twister curly tail. The best plastic colors were white and yellow.
Cast the jig tight up to the breakers, let it sink and then start popping the jig up and letting it sink down. The current will slowly pull the boat outward. This jigging process takes a toll on your arms.
We also spent some time chasing down snook. In this case we fished in the river. We sought out a deep slot that borders a current break. Small hair jigs in the one-eighth to the one-quarter ounce weights worked the best. Snook hit hard and are a blast to fish on a light action rod. We kept two snook for our evening meal. The resort we stayed at cooked them to perfection.
When you travel south in the winter you will burn quickly. Thus, sun protection becomes important. Besides a good sun lotion, I would suggest a quality sun-proof style hat and sun protector-style fishing gloves.
I would also suggest a long-sleeve sun protector shirt. I also wore long light fishing pants. My two fishing buddies skipped the last two items and paid the price dearly.
No trip to Costa Rica would be complete without exploring the rainforest. One day we asked our fishing guide to take the long slow way back to our lodging. This was incredible. The botanic beauty was amazing. From the ground cover, the various flowers, the trees, birds and yes, crocodiles and the smaller caimans.
If a trip down south is not in the cards for you, I would suggest dusting off your ice-fishing gear. It looks like this year we will finally have some adequate time on the ice.
More on this next week, and remember to visit Grand Valley Sport Shop.
Jack Payne with a 140-pound tarpon he caught in Costa Rica.
