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Thank you I appreciate the offer even if it wasn't just for me LOL. I do have a lot of tackle that is both old and new since I have trouble getting rid of things. I'm sure I will be looking for new tackle and equipment as the season goes on. Do J-Plugs still work? I do not have down riggers but I'm sure I will in the future. 

I live west of Chicago and never launched out of Indiana, what are the good launches? 

I do have plenty of equipment (according to my wife) and have been fishing all along just didn't have a boat that I felt comfortable going on Michigan with. My wife and I were talking about upgrading for a bit. Then a woman decided to not pay attention while driving and totaled our boat and made the decision for us. I don't know about anyone else but getting something new or new to them takes a bit to get comfortable with. 

Thanks in advance

Sorry to hear about the boat - sadly there are alot of people out there that just dont pay attention due to the vast amount of water out there.  I have been close to hit multiple times but never have been thankfully.  Also if your wife thinks you have too much tackle, you more than likely dont have nearly enough.  If you think you have too much tackle, you are getting close

BN - I agree with you whole heartedly.  We do alot of different things, for different reasons, to attain the same end goal as does everyone on this lake.  There is definitely no "one right way" to do everything.  We all do things a little different, talk about, compare, and on occasion adjust as we see appropriate.  

Eopperman13  I do have a few okuma coldwater line counter reels that I would be willing to sell at a very reasonable price.
 

For twenty years or so I was always hoping some person (with good insurance) would crash my boat - no personal injuries of course. I always knew what I'd replace it with and how I'd rig it better. Now, for the last 20+ years I've always worried about that happening because this boat is perfect for me and they don't make this model any longer. Anyway I hope the person who crashed your boat had good insurance and this troublesome incident will become a happy opportunity. 

As far as coming from West Chicago. Probably the closest marina to you is Hammond. It's not likely to be the easiest one to access from your area but it has nice ramps and plenty of good, nearby places to fish. 
Next (and probably easier driving access) is East Chicago. Good ramps and a great place for spring fishing on all but any wind with an "east" in it.  

Go another 12 miles east on I-80/94 to Portage Public Marina (renamed Sammie Maletta). Good ramps, you have to go down a river almost a mile to get to the lake. Offers access to good fishing all season long, nearshore in early spring - offshore May through August and then some king salmon action in September nearshore. Also has some good summer steelhead fishing nearshore in June/July. 

Another 15 miles or so is Michigan City.  One access point near the lake, sometimes good, sometimes silted in, sometimes open or not, sometimes free, sometimes pricey.  The other one is a mile or so upstream in Trail Creek. Fishing opportunities similar to what is available at Portage.  

Good Luck 

All great info thanks. 

I just want to clear it up that the boat was on the trailer being towed when a lady in a car hit and totaled it. Everyone was ok.

Heartbreaking, but glad everyone was okay.
Did you get, or are you getting a new boat?

Got a new one this past summer, love the boat but still getting used to it. Not as much time to get out as I hoped. 

Nice, what make and model, just curious

Lund Baron

That's an awesome big water boat.  I had an '87 for awhile until November of 2020 when i picked up the rig in my signature.
Did you go new?