Dan Boss shows off a walleye he caught.
(Photo courtesy Jack Payne)
Favorite Baits That Will Not Fail
By Jack Payne
Looking at my tackle boxes, it occurred to me that I use just a few lures for many different species. Perhaps no lure is used more than the Charlie Brewer Slider Grubs.
Once the bluegills start suspending over the thermocline, the one-inch Brewer Grub works great. Throwing a 1/64th-ounce jig head with the one-inch plastic tail produces many hand-sized or larger bluegill.
This small bait works well along the deep side of a cabbage weed bed and really excels on the suspended fish. Count the lure down to the depth that your graph shows the suspended fish at and slowly start reeling.
The 1.5-inch size was designed for the crappie anglers and was the first Brewer bait that I used. Quickly, this bait became our favorite crappie lure. To this day, I use two primary colors, yellow and chartreuse.
When crappie fishing, I like the Charlie Brewer Slider jigheads. One of their heads was designed to “slide” or “glide” through the water. You can work this head through the cabbage weeds, around timber, or in open water. It’s a great jighead, and the 1/32nd-ounce or the 1/16th-ounce heads are our favorites.
Hands down, my favorite walleye plastic bait would be the three-inch Brewer Grub. This plastic bait lands 80 percent of my walleye on any given season. We vertically jig this plastic on spring walleye and use it as a swim bait during the summer. It also makes a dandy bass bait.
The Whistler jighead with the front propellor blade has long been a favorite when targeting walleye and crappie. I love the design, and it works extremely well when fishing weeds.
Whenever confronted with windy conditions, I would suggest using a Whistler jighead. We work it over the tops of the weeds and alongside the deep edge of the weeds.
Early in the spring, we vertical jig this lure on deep water walleye. Most often, we added a Brewer plastic grub. However, adding a leech when chasing walleye works very well, as does a minnow when crappies are the target.
When it's windy, we like to drift with a Whistler jig and a leech. One of our local walleye lakes has a flat that sits between 18 to 24 feet of water. Drifting a Whistler over the tops of the short grass works extremely well.
We also enjoy drifting on a windy day for crappies. In this case, we will use a 1/32nd-ounce Whistler with a Brewer grub or action tail. It’s a very simple technique that fits the bill on a windy day.
The original floating Rapala and the Rapala Husky Jerk are two of the best crankbaits on the market. Many white bass and crappie have fallen to a very small Rapala.
Very few anglers think of a small Rapala as a good crappie bait, but they do and will turn the trick. We will cast the smaller versions on shallow water fish, and once the thermocline sets up, we often troll these behind the Church Tackle planner boards.
Trolling crankbaits shines on dishpan lakes with no weed cover. We have three Great Lakes where the visibility is poor, weed growth nonexistent and crappies are roaming.
The Original Rapala has perhaps caught more fish and more species than any other lure. A close second would be the Rapala Husky Jerk. The original works well in shallow water or when trolled.
I love slow-trolling the original in early spring or in the late fall periods. Adding a sinker or a snap weight makes this lure extremely versatile. My largest pike have all been caught speed trolling a number 18 original Rapala on a three-way rig. We motor along between 2.5 and 4 miles per hour.
The Husky Jerk once more will land any species. The smaller will land large crappies. The beauty of a Husky Jerk is that it will suspend. Stop reeling, and the bait will freeze. Reel in with the tip down, pause and repeat, mix it up, and pop the rod tip.
Remember to visit Bob's Gun and Tackle Shop this summer.
Looking at my tackle boxes, it occurred to me that I use just a few lures for many different species. Perhaps no lure is used more than the Charlie Brewer Slider Grubs.
Once the bluegills start suspending over the thermocline, the one-inch Brewer Grub works great. Throwing a 1/64th-ounce jig head with the one-inch plastic tail produces many hand-sized or larger bluegill.
This small bait works well along the deep side of a cabbage weed bed and really excels on the suspended fish. Count the lure down to the depth that your graph shows the suspended fish at and slowly start reeling.
The 1.5-inch size was designed for the crappie anglers and was the first Brewer bait that I used. Quickly, this bait became our favorite crappie lure. To this day, I use two primary colors, yellow and chartreuse.
When crappie fishing, I like the Charlie Brewer Slider jigheads. One of their heads was designed to “slide” or “glide” through the water. You can work this head through the cabbage weeds, around timber, or in open water. It’s a great jighead, and the 1/32nd-ounce or the 1/16th-ounce heads are our favorites.
Hands down, my favorite walleye plastic bait would be the three-inch Brewer Grub. This plastic bait lands 80 percent of my walleye on any given season. We vertically jig this plastic on spring walleye and use it as a swim bait during the summer. It also makes a dandy bass bait.
The Whistler jighead with the front propellor blade has long been a favorite when targeting walleye and crappie. I love the design, and it works extremely well when fishing weeds.
Whenever confronted with windy conditions, I would suggest using a Whistler jighead. We work it over the tops of the weeds and alongside the deep edge of the weeds.
Early in the spring, we vertical jig this lure on deep water walleye. Most often, we added a Brewer plastic grub. However, adding a leech when chasing walleye works very well, as does a minnow when crappies are the target.
When it's windy, we like to drift with a Whistler jig and a leech. One of our local walleye lakes has a flat that sits between 18 to 24 feet of water. Drifting a Whistler over the tops of the short grass works extremely well.
We also enjoy drifting on a windy day for crappies. In this case, we will use a 1/32nd-ounce Whistler with a Brewer grub or action tail. It’s a very simple technique that fits the bill on a windy day.
The original floating Rapala and the Rapala Husky Jerk are two of the best crankbaits on the market. Many white bass and crappie have fallen to a very small Rapala.
Very few anglers think of a small Rapala as a good crappie bait, but they do and will turn the trick. We will cast the smaller versions on shallow water fish, and once the thermocline sets up, we often troll these behind the Church Tackle planner boards.
Trolling crankbaits shines on dishpan lakes with no weed cover. We have three Great Lakes where the visibility is poor, weed growth nonexistent and crappies are roaming.
The Original Rapala has perhaps caught more fish and more species than any other lure. A close second would be the Rapala Husky Jerk. The original works well in shallow water or when trolled.
I love slow-trolling the original in early spring or in the late fall periods. Adding a sinker or a snap weight makes this lure extremely versatile. My largest pike have all been caught speed trolling a number 18 original Rapala on a three-way rig. We motor along between 2.5 and 4 miles per hour.
The Husky Jerk once more will land any species. The smaller will land large crappies. The beauty of a Husky Jerk is that it will suspend. Stop reeling, and the bait will freeze. Reel in with the tip down, pause and repeat, mix it up, and pop the rod tip.
Remember to visit Bob's Gun and Tackle Shop this summer.
_________________________________________________
Ottawa Sands County Park Receives Nationwide Parks Award
An aerial view of the 345-acre Ottawa Sands County Park in Ferrysburg, which has received a 2025 National Association of County Park and Recreation Officials Award in the Conservation category.
(Aerial photo courtesy GEI Consultants)
The Ottawa County Parks and Recreation Commission has announced that Ottawa Sands County Park has received a 2025 National Association of County Park and Recreation Officials (NACPRO) Award in the Conservation category.
This national honor recognizes efforts to acquire, restore, and preserve natural areas, as well as initiatives that foster public awareness and appreciation of conservation.
Ottawa Sands, a former sand-mining site, is now a 345-acre ecological and recreational treasure in Ferrysburg. Nestled where the Lake Michigan Coastal Greenway meets the Grand River Greenway, the park completes a six-mile stretch of uninterrupted public land along the Lake Michigan shoreline — providing vital habitat corridors for wildlife and expanded opportunities for people to connect with nature.
A key aspect of the park’s success lies in its balanced master plan, which sought to maintain the serene aesthetic features of the site while enhancing ecological health and expanding access. The vision for Ottawa Sands is inherently regenerative, focused on restoring and maintaining the ecological integrity of the area for future generations.
The master plan is informed by a comprehensive understanding of the park’s current ecological conditions, with a goal of measuring and improving key ecological indicators through active stewardship and monitoring. The park’s varied natural features provide habitat for birds, butterflies, insects, fish, amphibians, and other wildlife. However, without ongoing restoration and management efforts, it would be on a trajectory of species loss.
“This award is a powerful affirmation of our commitment to a regenerative approach. This recognition is not just a celebration of what Ottawa Sands has become – it’s a reflection of the transformation that began years ago,” County Parks Director Jason Shamblin said.
“We’re proud to build on the restoration efforts initiated by the mining operation, whose thoughtful reclamation laid the groundwork for today’s regenerative approach. By combining that legacy with science-driven stewardship and inclusive design, we’ve created a model for how former industrial landscapes can be reimagined into vibrant, resilient ecosystems that serve both people and nature,” Shamblin added.
The regenerative approach led to the following plan features:
• Restoration and enhancement of 238 acres (69 percent of the site)
• Active ecological improvements on at least 26 acres (8 percent of the site)
• Creation and restoration of wetlands to increase biodiversity
• Reduction in higher intensity development areas, including the removal of a 30-acre RV park from earlier plans
Conservation efforts were made possible through extensive collaboration with partners including Audubon Great Lakes, the Michigan Department of Natural Resources (MDNR), the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation, and MDNR’s Fisheries Habitat Grant Program. Together, these organizations have supported a wide range of habitat enhancement projects designed to benefit fish, birds, amphibians, and other wildlife.
Key conservation achievements at Ottawa Sands include:
• Creation of six acres of interdunal wetlands—a rare and vital habitat unique to Lake Michigan’s coastal dune ecosystem.
• Shoreline sculpting using GPS-guided equipment to expand the littoral zone, promoting fish spawning and improving aquatic habitat. The littoral zone is the shallow, down-sloping area of land close to the shore of a lake.
• Installation of over 200 woody structures around the inland lake, enriching environments for fish, turtles, and amphibians.
• Extensive native plantings and removal of invasive species to restore natural communities and strengthen biodiversity.
• Placement of educational signage throughout the park to inform visitors about ecological enhancements and its lasting benefits.
According to Audubon Great Lakes, the Grand River Coastal Corridor – which includes Ottawa Sands – supports some of Michigan’s highest-quality natural communities and provides critical stopover habitat for migratory birds. The region is recognized for its biodiversity and its importance on both regional and global scales. Learn more about the Grand River Coastal Corridor.
“The transformation of Ottawa Sands is nothing short of inspiring. By restoring the shoreline and interdunal wetlands, we’ve created critical habitat for marsh birds like the Sora, Marsh Wren and Swamp Sparrow.” said Kylie McElrath, Conservation Manager at Audubon Great Lakes. “This restoration doesn’t just bring back birds – it also strengthens our climate resilience by buffering floods and improving water quality, while offering local communities' new opportunities to engage with nature. It’s a powerful example of how healing our wetlands benefits both wildlife and people, inspiring hope for the future of our natural landscapes.”
The conservation and enhancement work at Ottawa Sands is part of a $30 million master plan which includes restoring 238 acres while ensuring equitable access and sustainable recreation. The park’s inclusive design incorporates green infrastructure and aims to welcome visitors of all abilities to experience this remarkable landscape for generations to come.
The projects at Ottawa Sands were made possible thanks to the support of many partners, private donors, and grants. The county is grateful for the additional support:
• The previous owner sold the property to Ottawa County Parks with a generous donation of 25 percent of the $11.22 million appraised land value.
• The Michigan Natural Resources Trust Fund (MNRTF) granted more than $8 million for land acquisition.
• The Land Conservancy of West Michigan (LCWM) was instrumental in supporting the acquisition by purchasing about half of the property with funding from The Conservation Fund, which allowed Ottawa County Parks time to secure the grants needed to purchase the property. LCWM donors raised nearly $400,000 to support the acquisition.
• A $30,000 Coastal Zone Management grant and $17,460 from the Ottawa County Parks Foundation allowed for the completion of the Ottawa Sands Master Plan.
• Philanthropic gifts totaling $3.48 million, including a $2.5 million gift from the Bill & Bea Idema Foundation, supported significant access improvements projects and the Idema
Explorers Camp.
• Philanthropic contributions helped leverage additional grants for amenities including $300,000 grant from the MNRTF for the lake loop, $3.4 million in funding from the Ottawa County Board of Commissioners, and a $242,900 Land and Water Conservation Fund grant for the day-use restroom.
Discover the incredible journey of Ottawa Sands County Park in a short film by director Scott Vandenberg. From its unique acquisition to ongoing conservation efforts and accessibility enhancements, this story showcases the dedication and collaboration behind a truly remarkable space. You can watch the video at you tube.com/watch?v=gIDvjPd664c&t=41s.
For additional information about Ottawa Sands County Park, please visit miottawa.org/park-lo cations/ottawa-sands.
This national honor recognizes efforts to acquire, restore, and preserve natural areas, as well as initiatives that foster public awareness and appreciation of conservation.
Ottawa Sands, a former sand-mining site, is now a 345-acre ecological and recreational treasure in Ferrysburg. Nestled where the Lake Michigan Coastal Greenway meets the Grand River Greenway, the park completes a six-mile stretch of uninterrupted public land along the Lake Michigan shoreline — providing vital habitat corridors for wildlife and expanded opportunities for people to connect with nature.
A key aspect of the park’s success lies in its balanced master plan, which sought to maintain the serene aesthetic features of the site while enhancing ecological health and expanding access. The vision for Ottawa Sands is inherently regenerative, focused on restoring and maintaining the ecological integrity of the area for future generations.
The master plan is informed by a comprehensive understanding of the park’s current ecological conditions, with a goal of measuring and improving key ecological indicators through active stewardship and monitoring. The park’s varied natural features provide habitat for birds, butterflies, insects, fish, amphibians, and other wildlife. However, without ongoing restoration and management efforts, it would be on a trajectory of species loss.
“This award is a powerful affirmation of our commitment to a regenerative approach. This recognition is not just a celebration of what Ottawa Sands has become – it’s a reflection of the transformation that began years ago,” County Parks Director Jason Shamblin said.
“We’re proud to build on the restoration efforts initiated by the mining operation, whose thoughtful reclamation laid the groundwork for today’s regenerative approach. By combining that legacy with science-driven stewardship and inclusive design, we’ve created a model for how former industrial landscapes can be reimagined into vibrant, resilient ecosystems that serve both people and nature,” Shamblin added.
The regenerative approach led to the following plan features:
• Restoration and enhancement of 238 acres (69 percent of the site)
• Active ecological improvements on at least 26 acres (8 percent of the site)
• Creation and restoration of wetlands to increase biodiversity
• Reduction in higher intensity development areas, including the removal of a 30-acre RV park from earlier plans
Conservation efforts were made possible through extensive collaboration with partners including Audubon Great Lakes, the Michigan Department of Natural Resources (MDNR), the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation, and MDNR’s Fisheries Habitat Grant Program. Together, these organizations have supported a wide range of habitat enhancement projects designed to benefit fish, birds, amphibians, and other wildlife.
Key conservation achievements at Ottawa Sands include:
• Creation of six acres of interdunal wetlands—a rare and vital habitat unique to Lake Michigan’s coastal dune ecosystem.
• Shoreline sculpting using GPS-guided equipment to expand the littoral zone, promoting fish spawning and improving aquatic habitat. The littoral zone is the shallow, down-sloping area of land close to the shore of a lake.
• Installation of over 200 woody structures around the inland lake, enriching environments for fish, turtles, and amphibians.
• Extensive native plantings and removal of invasive species to restore natural communities and strengthen biodiversity.
• Placement of educational signage throughout the park to inform visitors about ecological enhancements and its lasting benefits.
According to Audubon Great Lakes, the Grand River Coastal Corridor – which includes Ottawa Sands – supports some of Michigan’s highest-quality natural communities and provides critical stopover habitat for migratory birds. The region is recognized for its biodiversity and its importance on both regional and global scales. Learn more about the Grand River Coastal Corridor.
“The transformation of Ottawa Sands is nothing short of inspiring. By restoring the shoreline and interdunal wetlands, we’ve created critical habitat for marsh birds like the Sora, Marsh Wren and Swamp Sparrow.” said Kylie McElrath, Conservation Manager at Audubon Great Lakes. “This restoration doesn’t just bring back birds – it also strengthens our climate resilience by buffering floods and improving water quality, while offering local communities' new opportunities to engage with nature. It’s a powerful example of how healing our wetlands benefits both wildlife and people, inspiring hope for the future of our natural landscapes.”
The conservation and enhancement work at Ottawa Sands is part of a $30 million master plan which includes restoring 238 acres while ensuring equitable access and sustainable recreation. The park’s inclusive design incorporates green infrastructure and aims to welcome visitors of all abilities to experience this remarkable landscape for generations to come.
The projects at Ottawa Sands were made possible thanks to the support of many partners, private donors, and grants. The county is grateful for the additional support:
• The previous owner sold the property to Ottawa County Parks with a generous donation of 25 percent of the $11.22 million appraised land value.
• The Michigan Natural Resources Trust Fund (MNRTF) granted more than $8 million for land acquisition.
• The Land Conservancy of West Michigan (LCWM) was instrumental in supporting the acquisition by purchasing about half of the property with funding from The Conservation Fund, which allowed Ottawa County Parks time to secure the grants needed to purchase the property. LCWM donors raised nearly $400,000 to support the acquisition.
• A $30,000 Coastal Zone Management grant and $17,460 from the Ottawa County Parks Foundation allowed for the completion of the Ottawa Sands Master Plan.
• Philanthropic gifts totaling $3.48 million, including a $2.5 million gift from the Bill & Bea Idema Foundation, supported significant access improvements projects and the Idema
Explorers Camp.
• Philanthropic contributions helped leverage additional grants for amenities including $300,000 grant from the MNRTF for the lake loop, $3.4 million in funding from the Ottawa County Board of Commissioners, and a $242,900 Land and Water Conservation Fund grant for the day-use restroom.
Discover the incredible journey of Ottawa Sands County Park in a short film by director Scott Vandenberg. From its unique acquisition to ongoing conservation efforts and accessibility enhancements, this story showcases the dedication and collaboration behind a truly remarkable space. You can watch the video at you tube.com/watch?v=gIDvjPd664c&t=41s.
For additional information about Ottawa Sands County Park, please visit miottawa.org/park-lo cations/ottawa-sands.
_________________________________________________
Edible nasturtium blossoms brighten up this salad.
(Photo courtesy MelindaMyers.com)
Bring the Garden to Your Next Gathering
By Melinda Myers
Make every dining experience fun and flavorful by including garden fresh herbs, vegetables and flowers in your meals. Allowing guests to harvest and season their drinks, entrees and sides from the garden or container creates an interactive experience they are sure to remember.
Start your gathering with a review of the menu and a tour of the gardens. Provide guests with a harvest basket and snips so they can collect all their favorite ingredients.
Or gather an assortment of herbs and vegetables in advance and display them in containers for your family and guests to make their own selections.
Include a few herbs and vegetables that can be blended, muddled or added to yours and your guests’ favorite beverage. Use the hollow stems of lovage as a straw for tomato juice or bloody Mary. You’ll enjoy the celery flavor this edible straw provides. Provide mint, basil or rosemary leaves to flavor iced tea and lemonade. Just set the herbs near the beverage table for easy access, provide needed utensils, and herbal cocktail recipes.
Bring the garden to the party by placing a few containers of herbs, edible flowers and vegetables on your balcony, patio, deck or near the grill. Use small herb containers as edible centerpieces and add a pair of garden scissors or snips. Label the plants, offer seasoning suggestions, and allow your family and guests to season the meal to their taste when it arrives. Remind guests to adjust the quantity of herbs used to allow for the difference in flavor intensity of fresh versus dried herbs. In general, you will need two to three times more fresh than dried herbs.
Add a bit of color and unique flavor to the meal with edible flowers. Pick the flowers early in the day when they are at their peak and taste best. Wash them by dipping the flower in a bowl of water and gently shaking. Remove the bitter tasting base of the petal and the reproductive parts from larger flowers before preparing.
Make sure the flowers you select are edible and free of pesticides. Let your guests know they can eat the flowers, or you’ll end up with a pile of petals on the side of every plate. Try nasturtium and daylily blossoms stuffed with cream cheese; calendula, pansy, and borage petals sprinkled on salad; chive flowers for baked potatoes; and mint leaves on top of a slice of chocolate cake.
Harvest your garden and containers regularly to keep plants looking good and producing. Cut the outer leaves of leaf lettuce when they are four to six inches tall to keep the plant growing new leaves. Pick peppers and tomatoes when fully ripe, so the plant continues flowering and forming new fruit. Remove faded flowers as needed to keep flowering plants covered with blooms.
Dress up your table with a bouquet of your favorite garden flowers. Pick a few extras to send home with your guests and they’ll surely remember your special gathering filled with homegrown flavor and beauty.
—————
Melinda Myers has written more than 20 gardening books, including the Midwest Gardener’s Handbook, 2nd Edition and Small Space Gardening. She hosts The Great Courses “How to Grow Anything” instant video series and the nationally syndicated Melinda’s Garden Moment radio program. Myers is a columnist and contributing editor for Birds & Blooms magazine and her website is www.MelindaMyers.com.
Make every dining experience fun and flavorful by including garden fresh herbs, vegetables and flowers in your meals. Allowing guests to harvest and season their drinks, entrees and sides from the garden or container creates an interactive experience they are sure to remember.
Start your gathering with a review of the menu and a tour of the gardens. Provide guests with a harvest basket and snips so they can collect all their favorite ingredients.
Or gather an assortment of herbs and vegetables in advance and display them in containers for your family and guests to make their own selections.
Include a few herbs and vegetables that can be blended, muddled or added to yours and your guests’ favorite beverage. Use the hollow stems of lovage as a straw for tomato juice or bloody Mary. You’ll enjoy the celery flavor this edible straw provides. Provide mint, basil or rosemary leaves to flavor iced tea and lemonade. Just set the herbs near the beverage table for easy access, provide needed utensils, and herbal cocktail recipes.
Bring the garden to the party by placing a few containers of herbs, edible flowers and vegetables on your balcony, patio, deck or near the grill. Use small herb containers as edible centerpieces and add a pair of garden scissors or snips. Label the plants, offer seasoning suggestions, and allow your family and guests to season the meal to their taste when it arrives. Remind guests to adjust the quantity of herbs used to allow for the difference in flavor intensity of fresh versus dried herbs. In general, you will need two to three times more fresh than dried herbs.
Add a bit of color and unique flavor to the meal with edible flowers. Pick the flowers early in the day when they are at their peak and taste best. Wash them by dipping the flower in a bowl of water and gently shaking. Remove the bitter tasting base of the petal and the reproductive parts from larger flowers before preparing.
Make sure the flowers you select are edible and free of pesticides. Let your guests know they can eat the flowers, or you’ll end up with a pile of petals on the side of every plate. Try nasturtium and daylily blossoms stuffed with cream cheese; calendula, pansy, and borage petals sprinkled on salad; chive flowers for baked potatoes; and mint leaves on top of a slice of chocolate cake.
Harvest your garden and containers regularly to keep plants looking good and producing. Cut the outer leaves of leaf lettuce when they are four to six inches tall to keep the plant growing new leaves. Pick peppers and tomatoes when fully ripe, so the plant continues flowering and forming new fruit. Remove faded flowers as needed to keep flowering plants covered with blooms.
Dress up your table with a bouquet of your favorite garden flowers. Pick a few extras to send home with your guests and they’ll surely remember your special gathering filled with homegrown flavor and beauty.
—————
Melinda Myers has written more than 20 gardening books, including the Midwest Gardener’s Handbook, 2nd Edition and Small Space Gardening. She hosts The Great Courses “How to Grow Anything” instant video series and the nationally syndicated Melinda’s Garden Moment radio program. Myers is a columnist and contributing editor for Birds & Blooms magazine and her website is www.MelindaMyers.com.
