When I originated the "on the water seminars" in 1999, my peers in the fishing business all looked down their nose at me and thought very little of this endeavor.  Now, several outfits are trying to imitate what I started.  I'm very proud to say, many of my graduates have went on to be tournament winners and successful charter operators.

  August 6th, 2005, Capt Paul Vantol is hosting another on the water Salmon seminar in Ludington, MI.  Start time is 2pm and I'm handling the booking arrangements.  Capt. Paul is my personal ambassador to Ludington and is highly knowledgeable in all areas of Great Lakes fishing.  If you're interested in attending call me at: 800 552 2009.  Click here for further info.  This seminar still has room for 3 more anglers seeking knowledge

Let me start by saying, "I'm not God's gift to Salmon fishing."  Also, don't let this website thing make me something, that I'm not.  If you do, you'll be highly disappointed!  Just because, I'm willing to share what wisdom I've accrued over my career of 35 years on Lakes, Erie, Huron and Michigan, I have no magic wand to instantaneously turn you into the "World's Greatest."  I've spent most adult life in pursuit of all species of fish that inhabit our Great Lakes.  Fishing can be a very humbling experience at times.  Anyone who says different, is one extremely bold-faced liar!

What I am offering is, "a chance for you learn first hand what methods and techniques have kept me from getting skunked since August of 1988."  What knowledge I do have, I'm more than willing to reveal to you. There is no set curriculum, and for the seminar to be successful, you must be willing to ask questions!  I do feature item specific things like, running 4 divers and shipping a high diver over a low diver without tangling up. 

With the cost of tackle and boats this investment into your future is slim, when compared to the benefits to be gained.  Especially, if you're tired of watching others fight and catch fish, while action on your vessel is next to nonexistent.  Remember, the cost is the same whether you're successful, or coming back with small box each time you leave the dock.

Covered techniques

Included: fixed, or free sliders?  We'll cover lead core basics.  Basic attractor fishing with finned styled flasher, Coyote Flashers, Hot Spots, dodgers and of course Reel Flashers).   Surface tactics with the "birds," or inline side planers and dual planer boards can be part of our program.  Lead ball drop weights and what sizes I prefer for certain depths, will be employed.  Depending on how deep preferred temperature is, I'll use 3 different types of lines for proper diver fishing, which you'll see first hand.  Terminal tackle and correct tying of knots will be in-depth as possible, as you learn how to tie the "EZ-snell" single Salmon hook knot for rigging of flies and squids.  Nothing is written in stone and subject matter can and will more then likely be changed accordingly.  Info above depends on the time of the season

How to hook-up better and not lose fish will be keyed on, while I can't put more fish under your boat, I can increase your hook-up to landing ratio, especially on large adult Kings. 

You'll be asked set the rods, downriggers and the net fish.  Please help out as necessary when there's "fish on."  I want to emphasize this is not a charter, where producing numbers of fish is stressed.  If that was the case, a deckhand and myself would set the boat up in a much speedier fashion and you'd be asked to sit down and stay out of the way.  Also, on charters I spend more time monitoring the electronics, rather than answering your questions, or trying to expound on the virtues of what our game plan is.

(Sat.) May 27th, 2006

We'll be fishing out of the Port of Ludington with Capt. Paul Vantol who bought my Cherokee last November.  His vessel is beyond compare when it comes to fishablity, electronics and tackle.  Knowledge gained will transpose easily to the entire season. I expect this one to fill up quickly, and the group size will be limited to 4 persons only.  4 hours on the water and an two hour dockside instruction and review.  The cost is $150 person and has to be pre-paid upon enrollment.  The May seminar will probably be the most diverse as far as methodology goes.

Louis B, Darl K, Carl C, George B

You'll see your first name listed and the initial of your last name
posted on the date you choose upon enrollment.