GLADSTONE, Mich. (WZMQ) – The warm early winter has made for a challenging season for businesses centered around ice fishing.
After months of anticipation, many ice fishermen finally got out onto Little Bay De Noc for the first time last week.
“We were once known as the Walleye Capital of the World,” said Jon Creten, owner of Bayshore Resort, Bait and Tackle. “We don’t have the numbers we used to, but we still do have some of the biggest fish in the area. Everybody wants to land one of those Bay De Noc golden ten-plus pounders.”
Bayshore Resort, Bait and Tackle has long been a popular destination for them.
“This time of year, the parking lots, the roads are usually just packed with cars,” Creten said. “Hundreds, if not thousands of people.”
This year, the ice is significantly emptier.
“The warmer weather we had set things back,” he said. “This weekend, I’d say there was maybe 300 out there, if that.”
That drop in fishers leaves Bayshore about a month behind schedule. Creten says it’s also a blow to the bait and tackle side of the business.
“The cabin rental is big, and we plan accordingly throughout the year, put money aside just in case it is slow,” he said. “We get a lot of people passing through that we usually don’t rent to just because one-nights are a lot of work, but you have to do what you have to do at times.”
However, Creten says ice fishing is starting to pick up thanks to the recent dip in temperatures.
“They’re liking it now,” he said. “Everybody’s had that itch, and some guys went out when I would’ve suggested not going out, but the fishing has been really good the last three, four days.”
Creten always urges caution when fishers head onto the ice, especially in mild conditions.
“Don’t go out by yourself when the ice is thin, and always let everybody know where you’re at,” he said.
Despite the ups and downs of the season, Creten is optimistic for the rest of the winter at Bayshore Resort, Bait and Tackle.
“I think it’s going to be good!” he said. “We’ll be able to tell at the end of this week because it’s supposed to be pretty warm, but I don’t think it’s going to do too much to the ice.”
Bayshore Resort, Bait & Tackle is located at 1323 North Lakeshore Drive in Gladstone. For more information on ice fishing or lodging, visit Bayshore’s website or Facebook page.
