Michigan Spearfishing Regs - getting them changed

[Fondueset]

I'm exploring the idea of trying to get some of the spearing regs here in Michigan changed. Currently the regulations for hand spearing and bowfishing are much more liberal than for 'rubber propelled spears'. This in itself is silly since fishing with a speargun is a much more difficult and rare activity.

I'd also like to see species such as walleye, lake trout and salmon legalized on a seasonal basis. Lake trout and salmon are very difficult to approach and would create a small tourist business for divers wanting to do 'freshwater/bluewater' spearfishing. With the stunning visibility in Lake Michigan I think this could become a popular activity among the relatively select group of midwest spearos.

Anywho - any input, suggestions etc. would be greatly welcomed. Biggest thing I'd see hanging it up would be resistance from anglers - which is probably just an educational issue.

[Dangerous]

Sounds like a great case for using a pneumatic speargun

[Fondueset]

Lol!
'Self Propelled' I think is the term...

[Quetzal]

Are you amember of the FRA? If so ask Denny, it not JOIN!
I would like to be able to take Large and Small Mouth Bass here in SC in Freshwater. and while we are at it a Brown Trout.
Denny?

[IRONHEAD]

I grew up in michigan fishing the great lakes for walleye. what is it like diving in the great lakes? are there ledges? I would like to try it out sometime. what is the water temps? etc.

[BluewaterRocket]

I did a lot of salmon fishing in Lake Michigan growing up in Chicago. Don't know what it's like now, but back then the fishery was pretty good. We'd consistently get 10-15 pounders with an occasional 25-30 pounder.

On recent trips to Chicago I've fantasized about slingin' some steel into a steelhead , coho, lake trout or chinook. You'd have to deal with the cold water, kinda like the thermoclines we get here on the east coast of Florida in the summertime. My recollection of salmon fishing in the summer in Lake Michigan was that we'd have to drop the downriggers somewhere between 100-200' of water to get to the fish. Steel LP120s would work just fine.

[wvandeman]

My brothers and I have been trying to do the same thing in Indiana. I am afraid that the number of spearos may be outweighed by the large numbers and influence of the traditional fishing lobbies who protect their fishing rights religiously and think we will wipe out any decent fish or pose a public menace with our spearguns.

We have formed a small group (hoosier underwater hunters) to give us a voice and have tried to contact the DNR, but I think it will take a while to make any progress. If you need any support or want some collaboration I think there may be some strength in numbers for us freshies. It sounds like maybe a few of us freshwater guys in different states need to keep in contact on our different states.

I would love to spear big eatable fish in lake michigan three hours from home versus 24 hours to the Florida Keys.

Until then I will have to get my fix hearing from the coastal guys.

[one shot]

I grew up in michigan fishing the great lakes for walleye. what is it like diving in the great lakes? are there ledges? I would like to try it out sometime. what is the water temps? etc.

COLD, COLD, COLD, COLD, AND COLD! I dive superior alot and in the heat of summer water was 40 f at 100'. I dive wet 5m wetsuit 3m hood and vest. After changing back into clothes after this dive I saw the shocked look on my girls face :eek: I had to do a little extra re-assuring that night! :lol: I am saving up for a drysuit :thumps:
There is alot of the same structure that you dive. Shipwrecks too, and they stay very well preserved from the cold fresh water. Any of you guys wanting to dive here pm me and I will hook you up. I hope to be ice diving this winter and will post pics.

I would love to spearfish close to home, at least things you can eat. I think its a great idea

[IRONHEAD]

That is cold but I used to surf here in florida year round water was 53 degrees and air about 40 degrees in a 3/2 mm suit with hood and booties. I imagine a 7 mm suit would work for a couple dives.

[one shot]

Yes a seven mill wetsuit would work fine for a couple of dives. I would still recommend renting a dry suit, it makes your dives much more enjoyable and comfortable.