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GLSI Update on the Trolling License Proposal

We have been working hard to contact Great Lakes fishing organizations to gather support for our optional trolling license to run extra rods when trolling. We have also been working with the MDNR on this proposal. This will be a long process and if successful would go into effect for the 2025 license year.

The MDNR is very interested in our proposal.  They are looking to restructure licenses for 2025 and the ability for trolling with extra rods could be a part of it if we can secure majority support from Great Lakes anglers.  Fisheries Chief Randy Claramunt has confirmed they view this as a social issue and that it will not have a detrimental effect on our fishery. The creel limits in place, which won’t change with our proposal, will protect the fishery.  Our forage base is improving but it is still important to keep it in balance with predators like salmon and trout. Anglers pay to plant salmon and trout and it’s a put and take fishery meant for us. The optional trolling license can make our time on the water more enjoyable and more productive. The MDNR Law Enforcement division has also confirmed they do not have concerns with our proposal effecting their ability to do their job. Having this support from the MDNR is crucial for the success of our proposal.

We are pleased to report we have support from anglers all over Michigan and we have support from these organizations:

Michigan Charter Boat Association
Great Lakes Salmon Initiative
Northwest Michigan Fishing Club
Detroit Steelheaders
Eastern Michigan Sportsman
Ludington Charter Boat Association
Hammond Bay Area Anglers Association
Arenac County Walleye Club
Bay De Noc Great Lakes Sportfisherman
Battle Creek Chapter of MSSFA
Bluewater Sport Fishing Association
Isle Royal Boaters Association
Manistique Area Sportfishing Club
Muskegon Charter Boat Association
Thunder Bay Chapter of MSSFA
Copper County Walleye Association
Michigan Spearfishing Association
Grand Haven Chapter of MSSFA
Hoosier Coho Club
Grand Rapids Chapter of MSSFA
South Haven Chapter of MSSFA
Holland Chapter of MSSFA

Having this broad support from anglers is also critical to make our proposal a reality.  We are working with a number of other fishing groups who have indicated they like the proposal and are taking it to their membership for formal support. We fully expect this list to grow in the coming months. If your fishing club is not on this list, please encourage them to support our proposal.

We are disappointed that some members of MUCC have put forth an emergency resolution to oppose the trolling license at their upcoming convention March 9th and 10th. Members of the GLSI Board will be attending the convention to speak in support of our proposal and encourage those in attendance to support it. The resolution opposing the trolling license will require a 2/3rds vote of support to pass. If you are part of an affiliated MUCC Club who has a representative voting for you, please encourage them to support our proposal and vote against the resolution opposing the trolling license. This resolution to oppose is full of incorrect assumptions. If you are attending the convention as a voting delegate, we need your vote and ask you encourage other delegate’s to oppose the MUCC resolution.  

With 2024 well underway, we are asking for your support to renew your membership in the GLSI to help us move the trolling license forward. A basic bronze membership is only $20. A $100 silver membership comes with a GLSI T shirt and decal.  Other levels are available also.  You can see these and renew at our website at the link below or mail your renewal to GLSI, PO Box 189, Chelsea Michigan, 48118.
You can renew here:  glsalmon.org/great-lakes-salmon-initiative-memberships/




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