Detroit River Newb? [Archive] - Walleye Message Central (2024)

Bowtech84

03-11-2016, 11:01 AM

Planning a trip to the Detroit River the 31st of March and was wondering if someone could help me out with a few questions?

1)
Is a mapping chip of the river a necessity or can a guy get by with the maps already on the unit (800 series birds)? I've never been on the DR and plan on fishing Trenton channel. Don't want to be the guy hung up on a rock pile or something. Also don't really want to spend the money on a chip that I will only use a few days. But I will if I have to.

2)
Do I need anything extra to be legal on the water besides what is already in the boat to comply with Iowas regulations(boat is registered in Iowa)? Or any safety equipment you feel would be a good idea to have on board?

Pfd for every passenger
Throwable
Oar
Whistle
Air horn
Fire extinguisher
Rope
Navigation lights

3)
I've been doing some research and people are recommending 3/4-1oz jigs. I'm going to invest in a new rod and am wondering if an extra fast tip would be to soft to handle that kind of lead? Was thinking of going medium/fast but I feel a medium lite/xfast would be better for the fishing I do most of the time around home. Would I be able to get by with a mlxf or will I be kicking myself for not having a stiffer rod?

Thanks

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Jfraze10

03-11-2016, 12:24 PM

alberta bum

03-11-2016, 01:38 PM

I've fished the river for over 30 years. Go with a medium fast rod.. Medium lite doesn't have enough back bone as far as I'm concerned.. You need too drive that hook home in sometimes 35fow thru a boney mouth.

Spool up with high vis braid(fire line/power pro) and run a 3' mono or fluorocarbon leader.. Stick with 1 size jig for everyone on the boat,,3/4 oz will work just fine.. And to be honest if it's your first trip stay away from the Trenton,, go fish the steel mills, matchstick, mud island, fighting island area.. It's just too snaggy down in the Trenton.

Don't forget the stinger hooks!!!!

brigeton

03-12-2016, 03:46 AM

Bowtech84

03-12-2016, 01:21 PM

Thanks guys

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FishManDan

03-13-2016, 05:37 PM

I believe flares are required.

It is important to do your homework on the border with the queen.

Read here for more than enough info http://www.michigan-sportsman.com/forum/forums/detroit-river-and-lake-erie.89/

hommer23

03-14-2016, 07:50 PM

I believe flares are required.

It is important to do your homework on the border with the queen.

Read here for more than enough info http://www.michigan-sportsman.com/forum/forums/detroit-river-and-lake-erie.89/

If you have a Flare Gun in the boat make sure you stay in US water! Flares are not required on the River. No need for special Mapping as long as yours has the borders on it, just follow the masses and don't cut in an a drift and you will be fine.

Crankbaiter

03-15-2016, 03:28 PM

I've fished the river for over 30 years. Go with a medium fast rod.. Medium lite doesn't have enough back bone as far as I'm concerned.. You need too drive that hook home in sometimes 35fow thru a boney mouth.

Spool up with high vis braid(fire line/power pro) and run a 3' mono or fluorocarbon leader.. Stick with 1 size jig for everyone on the boat,,3/4 oz will work just fine.. And to be honest if it's your first trip stay away from the Trenton,, go fish the steel mills, matchstick, mud island, fighting island area.. It's just too snaggy down in the Trenton.

Don't forget the stinger hooks!!!!

Hello AB you've seen a lot of these spring bites develop in 30 years with this mild winter what's your forecast for the pre spawn and post spawn peak bites as far as when to hit it right????
(maybe the pre spawn is over??)

Walleye Rush

03-15-2016, 05:17 PM

If you have a Flare Gun in the boat make sure you stay in US water! Flares are not required on the River. No need for special Mapping as long as yours has the borders on it, just follow the masses and don't cut in an a drift and you will be fine.

Flares are required.

walleye-bum

03-15-2016, 05:35 PM

Fish are just starting to trickle in. So you should be coming on a good weekend for some real big fish. Don't expect alot numbers wise though. If you want numbers with some big fish thrown in you will want to come a few weeks later.

Also get to the launch early!!! Like 5.30 early otherwise you will spend 2 hours waiting to launch your boat. It is a zoo!!!!!! You will be fishing around hundreds of boats. So if you don't like a crowd you will hate the Detroit river.

alberta bum

03-15-2016, 06:27 PM

Hello AB you've seen a lot of these spring bites develop in 30 years with this mild winter what's your forecast for the pre spawn and post spawn peak bites as far as when to hit it right????
(maybe the pre spawn is over??)

My guess... Right now they are starting too stage in big numbers in Erie.. In 7-10 days they are going too start coming into the river in numbers.. April 2-8 will be good for that once in a lifetime super heavy fish,, between the 8th and 12th the spawn will go,, then it will be fabulous fishing until early May when the silver bass show it up so thick you can't get a bait to the bottom. Guys are catching decent numbers of really big fish south of the river in Michigan waters.. I may go and try Canadian waters of Erie between now and the weekend,, weather depending.

kzoofisher

03-15-2016, 07:49 PM

hommer23

03-15-2016, 09:58 PM

Flares are required.

Flares are not required on the Detroit River, per the Boating Rules. River is not part of the Great Lakes. If you fish at night you will need the proper lighting on your boat and flares.

Visual Distress Signals (VDSs)
Visual Distress Signals (VDSs) allow vessel operators to signal
for help in the event of an emergency. VDSs are classified as day
signals (visible in bright sunlight), night signals (visible at night),
or both day and night signals. VDSs are either pyrotechnic
(smoke and flames) or non-pyrotechnic (non-combustible).
■ Vessels on federally controlled waters, such as the Great
Lakes, must be equipped with visual distress signals that are
U.S. Coast Guard–approved, in serviceable condition, and
readily accessible.
• All vessels, regardless of length or type, are required to carry
night signals when operating between sunset and sunrise.
• Most vessels must carry day signals also; exceptions to the
requirement for day signals are:
- Recreational vessels less than 16 feet in length
- Non-motorized open sailboats that are less than 26 feet in
length
- Manually propelled vessels
If on State Waters
Vessel 16 feet up to
26 feet long and under
engine power
Whistle or horn capable of producing a
blast of two seconds or more and audible
for at least one-half mile is required.
Vessel 26 feet long or
longer and under engine
power
Whistle capable of producing a blast of
two seconds or more and audible for at
least one mile is required.
If on Federally Controlled Waters
Less than 65.6 feet long
(includes PWCs)
Whistle or horn audible for at least
one-half mile required
65.6 feet long or longer Whistle or horn and a bell audible for at
least one mile required
Copyright © 2015 Boat Ed, www.boat-ed.com
It’s the Law! 35
■ If pyrotechnic VDSs are used, a minimum of three must be
carried in the vessel.
■ An example of VDSs that could be carried on board to
satisfy U.S. Coast Guard requirements is one handheld
orange smoke signal (day), two floating orange smoke
signals (day), and one electric light (night only).
■ It is prohibited to display visual distress signals while on the
water unless assistance is required to prevent immediate or
potential danger to persons on board.
Federally Controlled Waters
Vessels must observe federal
requirements on these waters:
• Coastal waters
• The Great Lakes
• Territorial seas
• Waters which are two miles
wide or wider and are
connected directly to one of
the above
Arm Signal
Although this signal does
not meet VDS equipment
requirements, wave your
arms to summon help
if you do not have other
distress signals on board.

Crankbaiter

03-16-2016, 06:09 AM

My guess... Right now they are starting too stage in big numbers in Erie.. In 7-10 days they are going too start coming into the river in numbers.. April 2-8 will be good for that once in a lifetime super heavy fish,, between the 8th and 12th the spawn will go,, then it will be fabulous fishing until early May when the silver bass show it up so thick you can't get a bait to the bottom. Guys are catching decent numbers of really big fish south of the river in Michigan waters.. I may go and try Canadian waters of Erie between now and the weekend,, weather depending.

Thank you.

wallybagger

03-16-2016, 08:43 AM

hommer23

03-16-2016, 06:48 PM

wallybagger

03-17-2016, 02:44 AM

For boats 16' & over:

Must carry visual distress signals approved for daytime and nighttime use. For pyrotechnic devices (hand-held or aerial red flares, floating or hand-held orange smoke, and launches for aerial red meteors or parachute flares) a minimum of three required, in any combination that totals 3 for daytime and 3 for night use. Three day/night devices will suffice. Devices must be in serviceable condition, dates not expired and stowed accessibly. Exceptions are open sailboats less than 26 feet long and not equipped with propulsion machinery, and manually propelled boats; both required to carry only night signals.

JMHO

Crankbaiter

03-17-2016, 08:04 AM

sjfishon

03-17-2016, 02:39 PM

whitedogone

03-22-2016, 05:26 AM

wallybagger

03-22-2016, 08:28 PM