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Hi all! I just joined the site and look forward to learning all I need to know about boat fishing in Lake Michigan. I’m a recent retiree (63 years young) who decided to relive his childhood by buying a boat. I was born and raised in NJ and boated the Jersey coastline up until the time I went to college. I never had time to get back to boating until now. I needed to buy a boat that would fit in my garage so I went with the Robalo R160. Not ideal for big waters but it should do fine...weather permitting. I’m not new to boating or fishing but I’m really green about trolling gear, tactics, electronics and where it’s best to boat fish. I’m also land-locked in Indianapolis IN so it will be a bit of hike to lake Michigan but I’m up for the challenge. Love the St. Joseph to South Haven stretch of the lake coast but will go anywhere the fish are (avatar catch was off the South Haven inlet pier). I only have a million questions about gear, fish finders etc., but will do some more homework before I start flooding the site with inquiries. Looking forward to the thaw!

BTW, I just did some shore fishing in South Haven where Steelhead were being caught in the Black River. I didn’t catch anything but others did (see attached).

Welcome to the site. I would say you are in the right place for learning. Don’t be afraid to ask anything here. We have guys with over 30 years experience and guys just like yourself just getting into trolling the big lake. For starters you don’t need anything fancy for fish finders. I would recommend that you have a unit with gps and maps.

Welcome aboard!

Welcome! Like you I have a long drive to get up to the big pond. I am from Rockville so we have about the same drive. There are several of us crazy enough to make the pilgrimage multiple times a year to feed our addiction. I've only been fishing the big Lake seriously for a couple of years. The people on this site are fantastic and will help you out any way they can. Don't be afraid to ask questions. Hope to see you out there.

Welcome aboard!

Welcome to the site. I am one of the oldtimers that has been doing this since the 70's. Here is my first suggestion and you seem like you are already on the right track. Before you get the fever and start buying everything you think you might need. As you research and ask questions keep a list of your preferences handy as it will probably change several times and seem really confusing if you try to remember everything your read. You can really spend a lot of money and time on things that you may or may not need, or bought and then not used. I have outfitted numerous boats throughout the years from 14 to 36ft for weekend warriors to charter fishing and they all have been very fishable but also different in many ways as we all have different personal preferences. Good luck, this is a very good place to start.

Welcome! I fish the st joe area and decently connected in that area along with indiana. Give me a pm when you head to the st joe area, I can give you some info that will give you a decent place to start a trip.

Welcome aboard. This is a great bunch of guys with lots of useful information and a willingness to share it.