Scott Baker
There is a reason they call it fishing and not catching. The RR Fishing Club’s recent trip for Chinook (or king) salmon proved that point all too well. We headed to Escanaba, Mich., a top spot for salmon fishing because of the deep, cold waters of Lake Michigan’s Bay of Green Bay, rich bait fish populations, and accessible local river runs. We dreamt of the king’s formidable size and strength; of the heart-pounding, big-grin thrill of fighting a fish for so long that our arms would hurt; and of the mouthwatering meals to follow.
Mother Nature had other plans. Lake Michigan features highly volatile and fast-changing weather due to its massive size acting like an inland sea, creating localized microclimates, sudden squalls, and rapid wind shifts that can transform calm waters into dangerous conditions within minutes. Our expected three full days of fishing was cut in half due to winds gusting up to 27 miles per hour with three to six foot swells. Not the ideal conditions for fishing from 30 foot V-hull boats.
By day three, the weather had calmed, and we were able to get out on the water. And, like all fishermen, even after a bad day, we hung in there imagining the thrill of the next catch, just knowing the next cast would change everything. Unfortunately, the kings dashed our hopes of maximizing our catch. They just wouldn’t bite most likely due to a post-cold front slump where sudden drops in temperature or violent storms cause salmon to hunker down and temporarily shut down their feeding windows Yep, Mother Nature had given these powerful predators temporary “lockjaw”.
Despite all the setbacks, we still managed to reel in 16 kings, the largest measuring 33 inches long and weighing 15 pounds. Luckily, each of us was able to bring home 12 pounds of boneless pink fillets with a thin layer of silvery skin on one side. Just right for grilling.
Although not the ideal fishing outing with the unstable weather and infrequent bites, it was still “perfect” for the Fishing Club. Beyond the numbers, the time spent enjoying the outdoors, barely avoiding getting skunked, and jokingly recounting the misery of the slow days made the whole trip worthwhile. The shared laughter and stories filled the quiet hours better than a full cooler.
So, if you can relate—your wallet is lighter, your tackle box is emptier, and your cooler is completely clean, come join your fellow anglers. Plans are always in the works to visit local fishing destinations and beyond. The RR Fishing Club meets the second Wednesday of each month at the Wildhorse Grill Boardroom at 4 p.m. For any inquiries, comments, or suggestions contact RobsonFishing@gmail.com or Scott Baker 214-334-7664.