{"id":1120,"date":"2011-07-28T02:55:52","date_gmt":"2011-07-28T02:55:52","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/janinajacobs.com\/?p=1120"},"modified":"2011-07-28T15:32:09","modified_gmt":"2011-07-28T15:32:09","slug":"fish-and-chips-michigan-style-2","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/theaposition.com\/janinajacobs\/golf\/1120\/fish-and-chips-michigan-style-2","title":{"rendered":"Fish and Chips, Michigan-Style"},"content":{"rendered":"
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When I'm not making birdies I'm fishing in Michigan or the Florida Keys. A record Mangrove Snapper....for me.<\/p><\/div>\n

We may not wish to admit this, but golfers and fishermen are a lot alike:\u00a0 we prefer good weather but will tolerate the bad and downright inhospitable; we tackle the well-known venues but search out our own little secret places; we can play by ourselves yet having a trusted buddy or two along for the golf or angling encourages unspoken silence which bonds friendships; we pour over new toys and tweak our equipment to get that little extra bit of performance; we exaggerate the events of our rounds and the size of the ones that got away;\u00a0 golfers and anglers are both approachable.\u00a0 What fisherman has ever not answered \u2018having any luck?\u2019 with an honest quip?\u00a0 Golfers will offer the same courteous small talk \u2013 but don\u2019t ask after you\u2019ve seen someone four-putt the 18th.<\/sup><\/p>\n<\/dt>\n<\/dl>\n<\/div>\n

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Michigan astronaut Jerry Linenger said there were few landmarks that stood out while orbiting the Earth aboard Russian space station Mir.<\/em> One was the Great Wall of China; another was the outline of Michigan, resplendent in greens and blues as well as the sapphire circles and streaks of over 11,000 inland lakes and 36,000 miles of rivers and streams, which prompted his move to Traverse City once he landed.\u00a0 That\u2019s reason enough to look at some ‘stellar’ northern Michigan destinations.<\/p>\n

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Traverse City, Michigan.....who wouldn't want to live there?<\/p><\/div>\n

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Astronaut Jerry Linenger, homegrown in Eastpointe, Michigan<\/p><\/div>\n

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Manistee National Golf Club is part of a relatively new consortium, Osprey Recreational Properties whose tagline is \u2018We Are Michigan Golf\u201d.\u00a0 A bold statement, yes, but Osprey meets the challenge with the two courses at Manistee seemingly named after golf faults, Cutter\u2019s Ridge and Canthooke Valley, though one would hope Canthooke would not <\/em>apply to the nearby angling as well.<\/p>\n

Architect Jerry Matthews\u2019 Cutter\u2019s Ridge and Canthooke Valley, designed by Gary Pulsipher are quite different in design but are both environmentally sensitive;\u00a0 Canthooke Valley is more traditional and playable with few forced carries and minimal wetlands \u2013 though the 14th<\/sup> hole has guardian waste bunkers and \u2018canthooke\u2019 transforms into \u2018must-hook\u2019 in order to negotiate the hole.\u00a0 Cutter\u2019s Ridge has the wetlands Canthooke lacks and is the gentler of the two courses.<\/p>\n

If you\u2019ve had it with trying to stay out of wetlands and water while playing golf, the Manistee area provides superb opportunities to submerge yourself for great fishing on the Manistee River, which is famous for brown, rainbow (Steelhead) and brook trout, smallmouth and rock bass. Its Indian name, Manistiqweita <\/em>means \u2018crooked\u2019, a characteristic which translates into great fishing because of the constant flow and movement with pooling at the bends and twists bringing an abundance of food.\u00a0 Fish love when their dinner comes to them.<\/p>\n

The Manistee is regarded as one of the country\u2019s best and most stable rivers.\u00a0 What makes it so special?\u00a0\u00a0 Fishing expert Ray Schmidt, of Schmidt Outfitters in Wellston, explains:<\/p>\n

\u201cThe water quality of the Manistee remains excellent despite any bad rains or natural disasters because of the flood plains and soil type.\u00a0 Also, there is no industry or man-made pollution along the river.\u00a0 More importantly, the Manistee is protected by two government programs: The U.S. Forest Service deems it a \u2018Wild and Scenic River\u2019 and the state claims it for the Natural River Act\u201d.<\/p>\n

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A Steelhead from the Maple River in hand.....<\/p><\/div>\n

Trout love the cool and clear waters of the Manistee.\u00a0 Other unique migratory fish like prehistoric White Lake sturgeon and Chinook Salmon swim in from Lake Michigan continuing up toward the Tippy Dam.<\/p>\n

Complete guide services for catch-and-release only are available. Schmidt Outfitters is located in the heart of the Michigan Century Circle, a 100 mile radius of wildlife, rivers, ponds, streams, and backwoods.\u00a0 Owner and Founder Ray Schmidt can be reached at 888-221-9056 or 231-848-4191.\u00a0 The website, www.schmidtoutfitters.com<\/a> is a wealth of information including river conditions, reports, equipment, what\u2019s biting and when.\u00a0 A female fly-fishing instructor, Kate Smith, also an avid photographer, will inspire more women to embrace the spirit of the outdoors.<\/p>\n

Manistee National Golf and Resort is located at 4797 US-31 S., Manistee, MI 49660; or call 231-723-8874;\u00a0\u00a0 Consider the Stay-and-Play packages at Manistee National\u2019s website, www.manisteenational.com<\/a>. \u00a0 To book a tee time, call 800.867.2604. \u00a0 Check out the junior programs, including age appropriate golf camps for kids even as young as 5-years-old.<\/p>\n

Meandering up toward ‘Big Mac’, a magnificent suspension bridge which separates Michigan’s upper and lower peninsulas, a truly \u2018hidden\u2019 gem awaits in Brutus:\u00a0 Hidden River Golf and Casting Club.\u00a0 The \u2018Golf\u2019 may be on the premises but professional fishing guide Tony Dunaske prefers the nearby Pigeon River State Forest for great fishing, nature watching, and solitude.\u00a0\u00a0 Limited fly-fishing is permitted on the Maple River, which runs through Hidden River in spectacular fashion, but to catch trophy fish, you need to get off the beaten path.<\/p>\n

\u201cI take a lot of dirt roads, really two-tracks, to get to my favorite spots.\u00a0 You don\u2019t find fish off of a paved road,\u201d said Dunaske, who spent 3\u00bd years in Alaska and 45 years as a guide and teacher.\u00a0 \u201cPeople in Michigan are spoiled because we have so much more access here than in Alaska, where you have few roads and have to fly most places to get good fishing.\u00a0 The weather plays a big factor and it is expensive.\u201d<\/p>\n

Dunaske charges about $125 – $300 per person for half-day excursions, lasting 4-6 hours, depending upon your needs and the number in your group.\u00a0 All fishing gear, tackle, bait, and food are provided.\u00a0 You need to bring a one-day fishing license, polarized sunglasses, billed hat ideally covering the neck and ears, khaki slacks and a long-sleeve shirt.\u00a0 Shorts are not recommended because you\u2019ll be donning waders and bugs will eat your arms alive if left exposed.\u00a0 Other items suggested include a first aid kit, insect repellent, plastic garbage bags, an extra knife, rain gear, and a source of fire.<\/p>\n

The biggest mistake people make?<\/p>\n

\u201cPeople believe too much of what they read in books and see on TV about where to place the fly.\u00a0 Fly-fishing isn\u2019t like A River Runs Through It<\/em> and doesn\u2019t require big muscles and major throwing.\u00a0 It\u2019s a gentle action which can be picked up,\u201d said Dunaske.<\/p>\n

About 70% of his clients are novices; women are much better students than men.\u00a0 He added, \u201cThey listen better and are not driven by a quantity quest; however the frustration level is the same as men if they aren\u2019t catching anything.\u201d\u00a0\u00a0 Looks like another similar golf comparison, Tony!<\/p>\n

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Day's end at Hidden River: table for two 'al fresco' style at the Rainbow Room<\/p><\/div>\n

When you\u2019ve had enough water action, check out the W. Bruce Matthews III designed Hidden River Golf and Casting Club, rated 4\u00bd stars from Golf Digest.\u00a0 The Maple River is prominent as 1.5 miles of it winds through the 7101-yard layout.\u00a0 Great conditioning, a nice mix of pines, links and dunes on the middle holes, and hardwoods with some elevation mixed in provide a perfect venue for a challenging yet relaxing round.\u00a0 After golf, the Rainbow Room terrace overlooks the river, where you will enjoy fine northern Michigan cuisine (translated: fresh fish) as you watch the anglers try to catch some. On Tuesdays, sit outside and enjoy the entertainment or \u2018Music on the Maple\u2019.\u00a0 It should come as no surprise that the Rainbow Room was selected by PGA Travel Magazine as one of the top 4 golf course restaurants in the Midwest in 2008.\u00a0 Stop in on Fridays for Seafood Night to enjoy fresh Michigan Walleye, Rainbow Trout, Salmon Fillet, and Great Lakes Smoked Fish Chowder.\u00a0 Hidden River G&CC is located at 7688 Maple River Rd., Brutus, MI 49716 but is now part of the Boyne USA family.\u00a0 Call 800.325.GOLF (4653) or 231.529.4653, or log onto the website at www.hiddenriver.com<\/a>.\u00a0 You can also call 1.800.GO.BOYNE.<\/p>\n

However, if you want a taste of genuine up-north hospitality, make reservations at The Crooked River Lodge, a bit south at 6845 U.S. 31 North, in Alanson, MI, about 15 minutes from Hidden River.\u00a0 You will not find a more friendly, family-oriented place to stay, mostly due to the down-home attitude of owners Ken, Sharon, and Mike Pressey.\u00a0 Built of logs harvested on the Pressey family’s property, a huge and open atrium and great room, complete with a 3-story fireplace, overlooks the Crooked River.\u00a0 Resident dogs affectionately greet guests as they arrive; and a turtle, who lives in a special large pen under the stairs, has its own fan base.\u00a0 Ask Sharon about her true and remarkable tale of triumph over adversity, though I won’t give it away here.\u00a0 Contact Crooked River Lodge at 866.548.0700 or via their website, www.crookedriverlodge.com.<\/p>\n

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Crooked River Lodge 3-story atrium fireplace overlooking the Crooked River<\/p><\/div>\n

Not all great fishing spots are \u2018up north\u2019.\u00a0 To comprehend the incredible natural beauty of Bucks Run Golf Club in Mt. Pleasant one must take a quick peek at the true love of its creator, prolific Michigan course architect Jerry Matthews, who originally set out to be a conservation officer.<\/p>\n

\u201cI just love being outdoors, especially hunting and fishing.\u00a0 I could spend days doing nothing else, coming inside only when I had to,\u201d Jerry mused.\u00a0 In 1988 Jerry changed the name of his architectural company to Natural Course Design to reflect his continuing philosophy of blending design with nature and making it appear as if the course was always there. \u00a0Golf Digest Magazine\u2019s Places to Play gives Bucks Run 4.5 stars proving it\u2019s the golfers who love the mix of natural wetlands, lakes, and woodlands.<\/p>\n

Who can fathom how anyone can play Bucks Run and not<\/em> want to immediately go fishing?\u00a0 Seeing about 1.5 miles of the amazingly brisk waters of the Chippewa roiling by on seven holes and then conversely, the peaceful serenity of Fisher Lake on the 9th<\/sup> and 18th<\/sup> holes evoke widely differing emotions;\u00a0 in the end, it\u2019s all about gettin\u2019 and nettin\u2019 the fish.\u00a0\u00a0 The river is loaded with smallmouth bass and steelhead trout.\u00a0 While you are not allowed to fish the river from the golf course, there are still public entries where you can get to the banks and wade in alongside the 12th<\/sup> and 17th<\/sup> holes.\u00a0 It is rumored that ‘tons of smallmouths have been caught by anglers who are tubing and canoeing down the river’.\u00a0 No doubt General Manager\/Course Superintendent and GCSAA Member Jeff Sweet and PGA Head Professional Jon Conklin have verified this during some rare down time.<\/p>\n

A few years ago while taping an episode of CBS-Detroit\u2019s Michigan Golf Weekly, <\/em>we were standing on the par-3 17th<\/sup> hole, whose peninsular green can be seen from the clubhouse deck.\u00a0 Waiting for the crew to set up, I was spellbound by the awesome panorama.\u00a0 Snapping me out of my visual paradise, the crew chided me about holding up production……I reminded them that sometimes ‘one has to step back to enjoy where you are and let the golf simply happen”.\u00a0 I then rolled in the 40-foot double breaking putt for a \u2018one-take\u2019 birdie.\u00a0 ‘Nuff said.<\/p>\n

Later that day, Jerry Matthews escorted me across M-20 to visit owner Bud Fisher\u2019s Zelda\u2019s Deer Ranch, a private hangout that can be yours for the day.\u00a0 80-acre Lake Fisher is home to walleye, trout, perch, and bluegill where you can fish off the dock, the boathouse or the pontoon.\u00a0 Anyone is welcome but no gear is provided, so you must bring your own.<\/p>\n

Bucks Run is located at 1559 Chippewa Rd., Mt. Pleasant 48858; for more information call 989-773-6830 or go to the website, www.bucksrun.com<\/a>.<\/p>\n

If you are one of those who eschews good advice and thinks using a guide is a waste of money, consider this:\u00a0 would you take up golf on your own \u2013 with no professional help – and expect to shoot par immediately?\u00a0 Then you probably shouldn\u2019t go fishing without using the services of a qualified guide like the ones mentioned here.\u00a0 If you are a true novice at either sport, the maze of equipment, terminology, and advice will have your head spinning like a power slice or a screaming 10-lb. test line with a 50 lb. trophy attached.\u00a0 You may think you\u2019re playing or fishing for fun, but you need something <\/em>to show for your toils.\u00a0\u00a0 If you still won\u2019t pay for expert help to achieve that, here are a few tips to get you through:<\/p>\n

–\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 you can\u2019t catch fish that aren\u2019t there; know your species and where they hang out;<\/p>\n

–\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 fish don\u2019t like light (no eyelids, remember?) and don\u2019t want to be seen – or eaten, so they\u2019ll hang out under shelter, in weeds, or near rocks;<\/p>\n

–\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 dawn and dusk are the best times to fish<\/p>\n

–\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 if fish don\u2019t like what\u2019s on the menu they won\u2019t bite; fish are energy efficient and want food to come to them; it is vital to have the right bait, whether it is alive or artificial.<\/p>\n

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Can fish resist this artificial lure?<\/p><\/div>\n<\/dd>\n<\/dl>\n<\/div>\n

There is constant debate regarding using live bait vs. lures and artificial flies.\u00a0 Ponder this: \u00a0did you know that color affects the performance of an artificial fly?\u00a0 Master Floral Designer Bill Taylor of Eastpointe is also a motivational speaker and has studied Color Therapy for 25 years.\u00a0 \u201cYou have to look at how the different colors appear under<\/em> the water as the light diminishes and then dissipates altogether.\u00a0 That\u2019s what the fish sees.\u201d<\/p>\n

Vibrational levels in deeper, denser waters are lower, according to studies by Rutgers and Texas A&M Universities.\u00a0 All colors give off vibrations but purple has the lowest and can still<\/em> be seen at depths of approximately 180-feet.\u00a0 By then, the rest of the rainbow has turned opaque.<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m a practical applications guy.\u00a0 We humans are made up of mostly water, are drawn to the water, but guys, well, guys can\u2019t just stand on the dock.\u00a0 We have to get our feet wet.\u00a0 We may be spiritual beings but we want results!\u00a0 And the fish will<\/em> go after the purple lure because it stands out and looks different from everything else.\u201d<\/p>\n

In the end, it\u2019s acceptable to tread Michigan\u2019s bountiful waters knowing little.\u00a0 Ray Schmidt will gladly take novices on an excursion instead of forcing them into fishing school.\u00a0 He adds, \u201cYou know, in Germany you must complete a course which covers environmental issues and proper etiquette before they\u2019ll ever let you out in the real fishing world\u2026.but that\u2019s OK.\u00a0 I don\u2019t mind taking inexperienced anglers out for \u2018playing lessons\u2019.\u00a0 Who cares? I have the greatest job on the planet.\u201d<\/p>\n

Doesn\u2019t sound like a bad idea for golfers either.\u00a0 But wait \u2013 I thought I<\/em> had the greatest job on the planet.<\/p>\n

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We may not wish to admit this, but golfers and fishermen are a lot alike:\u00a0 we prefer good weather but… Read more »<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":31,"featured_media":1122,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paid_content":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[9,3729,18,17],"tags":[95266,95685,2590,94915],"class_list":["post-1120","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-golf","category-golf-travel","category-lifestyle","category-courses-and-travel","tag-fresh-fish","tag-northern-michigan","tag-fishing","tag-golf-2"],"jetpack_featured_media_url":"https:\/\/theaposition.com\/janinajacobs\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/24\/2011\/07\/Janina-Mangrove-Snapper-20102.jpg","jetpack_sharing_enabled":true,"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/theaposition.com\/janinajacobs\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1120","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/theaposition.com\/janinajacobs\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/theaposition.com\/janinajacobs\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/theaposition.com\/janinajacobs\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/31"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/theaposition.com\/janinajacobs\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=1120"}],"version-history":[{"count":11,"href":"https:\/\/theaposition.com\/janinajacobs\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1120\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":1146,"href":"https:\/\/theaposition.com\/janinajacobs\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1120\/revisions\/1146"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/theaposition.com\/janinajacobs\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/1122"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/theaposition.com\/janinajacobs\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=1120"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/theaposition.com\/janinajacobs\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=1120"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/theaposition.com\/janinajacobs\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=1120"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}