Author Topic: The 6th Annual "The Gathering!" February 22nd (Read 2321 times)

Hollywood703 · « **on:** Dec 02, 2013, 07:47 PM »

****The date selected was February 22****

I know its early, but wanted to get started talking about dates etc. for the Gathering, if I am not mistaken it should be back at Gull Lake this year due to Higgins last year. The event will be a smelt-a-thon but you are welcome to fish for whatever.

2014 Free Fishing weekend per the DNR is 02/15 and 02/16 so I am thinking that would be a great weekend, unless anyone has some huge event already scheduled. This way if anyone wants to bring someone who doesn't regularly fish, or for our Indiana Friends no license will be required.

Parking is plentiful, and is walking distance to normal smelt grounds.

When everything is set in stone, I will submit to Dach for event listing.

Mud_n_Fun has started a thread on this
[ur]lhttp://www.iceshanty.com/ice_fishing/index.php?topic=265499.0[/url]
for February 22nd. Please move all discussion over to that thread, this thread can be closed.

swampbuckster · « **Reply #1 on:** Dec 02, 2013, 10:07 PM »

It would be nice to participate this year. Heck it would be nice to get back onto Gull. I'm expecting my first kid around then so if it ended up an earlier date, that would be fantastic!

Hollywood703 · « **Reply #2 on:** Dec 02, 2013, 10:10 PM »

well the date isn't set in stone, but, it is nice to do it on this weekend as last gull trip we had ~10 people from Indiana and that saved them some $$$

sweetdad040 · « **Reply #3 on:** Dec 03, 2013, 03:57 PM »

What ever the date, send an invitation to the smelt. Make sure they know the date.

tip ups · « **Reply #4 on:** Dec 03, 2013, 06:13 PM »

count me in the parks only 10 min. drive from my house.. be nice to meet the faces behind the chit chat

swampbuckster · « **Reply #5 on:** Dec 03, 2013, 06:45 PM »

An hour and 45 minutes for me, so yeah, make sure those smelt get the invitation!

DR.SPECKLER · « **Reply #6 on:** Dec 03, 2013, 06:47 PM »

im gonna try to make it this year.

michiganice · « **Reply #7 on:** Dec 03, 2013, 08:42 PM »

I'm interested. Was just talking to a guy about smelt fishing on Gull today. Never tried, but would sure love to.

Burt Lake Ron · « **Reply #8 on:** Dec 03, 2013, 08:50 PM »

What happened at Higgins last year???

Hollywood703 · « **Reply #9 on:** Dec 03, 2013, 09:16 PM »

as far as? I couldn't make it due to work but what are you looking for?

Quote from: Burt Lake Ron on Dec 03, 2013, 08:50 PM

What happened at Higgins last year???

IceCold82 · « **Reply #10 on:** Dec 03, 2013, 09:19 PM »

Never fished for smelt u do it at night right. I think it be fun dies it cost anything let me know I'm game

Hollywood703 · « **Reply #11 on:** Dec 03, 2013, 09:39 PM »

Yes smelting starts at dark......in years past usually had a group there during atleast part of the day, but the true even will be for smelt, I know in years past some have stayed out all night.

Typically there is no cost for fishing.

pastaboy · « **Reply #12 on:** Dec 04, 2013, 05:02 AM »

Quote from: swampbuckster on Dec 02, 2013, 10:07 PM

It would be nice to participate this year. Heck it would be nice to get back onto Gull. I'm expecting my first kid around then so if it ended up an earlier date, that would be fantastic!

Congrats on becoming a Father swamp!!

Being a Father is the one of the most exciting things you will ever do AND one of the most scariest things you will ever do!

IceinKzoo · « **Reply #13 on:** Dec 04, 2013, 06:14 PM »

I haven't been to the gathering yet. I am really looking forward to meeting some fellow IS members this year as I plan on attending but I won't be going for smelt.

icebreaker · « **Reply #14 on:** Dec 04, 2013, 06:41 PM »

Count me in!! I love smelt fishing gull lake

swampbuckster · « **Reply #15 on:** Dec 04, 2013, 07:52 PM »

Quote from: pastaboy on Dec 04, 2013, 05:02 AM

Congrats on becoming a Father swamp!! Being a Father is the one of the most exciting things you will ever do AND one of the most scariest things you will ever do!

Thanks! Yes, I'm excited... and scared! But I'm having a boy so it makes it a little more exciting!!!

BC_ICE · « **Reply #16 on:** Dec 04, 2013, 08:02 PM »

My boy will be 13 in a few months and loves hunting and fishing. I take him with me every chance I get, as every time out is a new memory. It will be fun for you Swamp.

IceCold82 · « **Reply #17 on:** Dec 04, 2013, 10:59 PM »

How do u fish for smelt

Weatherman · « **Reply #18 on:** Dec 04, 2013, 11:05 PM »

I enjoyed the 5th Annual Gathering at Higgins Lake last year and looking forward to this event at Gill Lake - I plan to be there....

DLB · « **Reply #19 on:** Dec 05, 2013, 08:16 AM »

Where is Gull Lake and is there any lodging in the area?

smeltbuster · « **Reply #20 on:** Dec 05, 2013, 06:04 PM »

First off,Congrats Swamp! Your huntin & fishin trips will only get better! Hoping to meet many of you at "the gathering". The closest lodging will be in Kalamazoo(20 min.) & Battle Creek(30-40min).Unless I can convince my wife to let a bunch of strangers crash in my basement (10 min.) ,probably not

Parking on the north end is 5 bucks.120 or so parking spots.Watch the Gull lake thread for current fishing reports.There is a great bunch of local guys who will share honest info.I am expecting a great year,marked tons of smelt this summer while trolling. Cant wait for this

DLB · « **Reply #21 on:** Dec 05, 2013, 06:27 PM »

Thanks for the information andyes, they are a great bunch. I was at the Higgins one several years ago and had a great time. I'm not sure if I can make this one but right now, I'm in.

tip ups · « **Reply #22 on:** Dec 05, 2013, 08:12 PM »

there is a motel over by the Bay up on M-89, that would be closer then kazoo or BC. would be about a 10 min. or so drive around the lake or a long a## walk across the lake.. had friends stay there couple years ago not bad priced and walking distaint to the bay for smelt as well.. all depends on which end there getem at..

smeltbuster · « **Reply #23 on:** Dec 05, 2013, 08:23 PM »

Quote from: tip ups on Dec 05, 2013, 08:12 PM

there is a motel over by the Bay up on M-89, that would be closer then kazoo or BC. would be about a 10 min. or so drive around the lake or a long a## walk across the lake.. had friends stay there couple years ago not bad priced and walking distaint to the bay for smelt as well.. all depends on which end there getem at..

Went by there,this past week-end,the sign said "CLOSED",will see what else I can find.

tip ups · « **Reply #24 on:** Dec 05, 2013, 08:44 PM »

well that would have been the closest. Smeltbusters right the next ones will be in B.C or Kalzoo.

IceCold82 · « **Reply #25 on:** Dec 05, 2013, 09:11 PM »

what do you use to fish for smelt

smeltbuster · « **Reply #26 on:** Dec 06, 2013, 03:02 AM »

I use a Hali-jig,w/ 10 -12 #10 hooks above it,spaced about 6" apart,on short droppers.Each is baited w/ a spike.I no longer use regular ice jigs;seem to get less misses w/ the plain hooks.Of course this set-up does not work well,in a shanty,because of the long line of hooks(about 7'),but you could do it w/3-4 hooks& do just fine.Waxworms,& Berkley Gulp maggots are popular too.An underwater green fishing light also helps.

IceCold82 · « **Reply #27 on:** Dec 06, 2013, 02:48 PM »

thanks

dgb · « **Reply #28 on:** Dec 06, 2013, 05:02 PM »

Cant wait, I will be there along with the smelt queen.....

smeltbuster · « **Reply #29 on:** Dec 07, 2013, 07:09 PM »

No promises here,but I am trying to get Gull lk. inn,on M-89, to open up for 1 week-end.My sons best friends' uncle owns it & while we were duck hunting this A.M.,I asked if he could talk to his uncle about it.They close for the winter,due to slow business.I will keep ya posted & hopefully will know within the week. Also got to thinking,Plainwell/Otsego,is only about 15 min. west of Gull lk. & I believe there is at least 1 motel,right next to 131.

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Author Topic: The 6th Annual "The Gathering!" February 22nd (Read 2321 times)