Door County - 7/14/2016 - 7/18/2016

[jpb2187]

Head up to WI for my wife's family reunion. Brought the kayak and was able to do a little fishing. 

We we staying in Egg Harbor, about halfway up the Peninsula. I was able to get out a few times and and fish in a couple area. My best success came in Egg Harbor itself, as I was able to locate a few areas with some steeper drops that were withing reasonable paddling distances from launch. 

Day 1 - headed out into Egg Harbor and went exploring. Very clear water, could see easily 10-20 feet down. A lot of muck and stuff grows on the rocks so some techniques were better than others. Had to ditch the jerkbait b/c of all the snot on it.  Had the best luck with a smoke grub and a smash tube. Nothing big, but I caught a few, so I was happy with that I got the skunk out of the trip already. 

Day 2 - Headed to a place called Kangaroo Lake. Largest Lake in the peninsula, but very shallow. Water was very clear here as well. Sightfished a bit, and hooked one big smallie, but it shook me off. I was also feeling a little iffy that morning (too much Jim Beam/Vodka the previous night?) so I didn't stay out there long and went back to take a nap. 

That afternoon I went back out into Egg Harbor and caught the biggest fish of the trip - an 18" on a Rage Menace Grub. Caught it near the intersection of a point and a channel that had been carved out for a private dock.

Day 3 - I headed to Rowley's Bay, which in hindsight was a decision I regretted. I was paddling around looking for a drop off, but hours later I still found myself paddling around. I got frustrated and said F it and went into the mink river. Ended up catching one, nothing big, but definitely the hardest fighting fish of the trip. After paddling around the bay, and up the mink and back out to the launch I think I paddled a total of 6 miles that day, in some 20mph winds. 

On the last Day i just stayed in Egg Harbor again and fished some familiar areas, didn't catch anything big, but kept the rod bent for most of the time. Best baits were grubs and drop shot worms. 

All in all a pretty fun trip. Wish i would've paddled out to Strawberry Islands instead of Rowley's Bay, but that was my only regret for the trip. Hooked into some fish, that kept me busy, although not much size. Thought I did ok for no guide and first time fishing the big water. If there's a next time I may have a better idea. 

 

[Pat Magee]

Great Report!  I had the same kind of weather at Rowley's but had the best fishing.  It was tough to pin-point where the fish where even in gin clear waters but when the tournament boats showed up I figured I was in a good spot.

The Mink River is where I was at home the most.  When you threw to a "fishy" spot it was usually followed by a bite.

I look forward to heading back up there soon!  Hopefully you got to indulge in some good eats up there.  They have some of the best darn food I have ever had aside from the east/west coasts.