Every serious waterfowl hunter knows the allure of the sea duck—the fast, tough, big-water birds that challenge your skills and fill your wall with truly spectacular trophies. And when you think sea duck, you probably picture a remote trip to the New England coast, the Canadian Maritimes, or even Alaska.

I’m here to tell you to look closer to home. Right here on the vast, churning waters of Lake Huron and Saginaw Bay, we have a sea duck mecca that delivers all the thrills without the logistical nightmare or the crushing price tag of an ocean hunt.

Spring on the Detroit River is an event that every angler, from seasoned veterans to absolute beginners, should experience at least once. It’s not just great fishing—it's the heart of the walleye world. We host the single biggest walleye migration on the planet as millions of Lake Erie walleye push upstream to spawn.

As your guide with Reel Fishn LLC, I can tell you that when these fish are running, there is only one way to consistently put trophy-class walleye in the boat: vertical jigging.

Looking for the perfect blend of world-class fishing and a memorable family vacation this summer? I can tell you there's no better place than Oscoda, Michigan. Situated on the beautiful shores of Lake Huron at the mouth of the legendary Au Sable River, Oscoda offers stunning natural beauty and incredible angling opportunities.

And for the ultimate thrill, come join me, Capt. Adam of Reel Fishn LLC, for an unforgettable trip on the "big lake!"

Hundreds of charter days have taught me hooks are critical. Too often, factory hooks are cheap and inadequate. That's why my summertime go-to, Berkley Flickers on Saginaw Bay, get immediate hook upgrades. I replace factory hooks with Mustad Triple Grips or VMC Barbarians—stronger, sharper, and built to hold.

While bigger isn't always better, one size up is my rule. A size 6 Flicker gets a size 4 Mustad. And forget three hooks; they cause lost fish, net tangles, and injuries. I remove all but the rear hook. It's simpler, safer, and gets your line back in the water faster.

Quality hooks cost more, but they're worth it. At Reel Fish'n, performance trumps price. Invest in your hooks; invest in your success.

The Detroit River is widely recognized as one of the top destinations for walleye fishing in the United States, particularly during the spring season. Although there are numerous presentation methods that can be effective, vertical jigging with heavy jigs weighing 3/4 and 1 ounce is the most commonly used. This is because the river's heavy currents, the fact that walleye prefer deeper water, and the fish's widespread distribution make vertical jigging the most viable option. However, it is important to have the appropriate gear to execute this technique effectively. Here are some tips on how to "gear up" for vertical jigging:

As a tournament fisherman I always held to the belief to use the lightest jig possible to keep contact with the bottom. Not a bad rule if everyone in the boat is a skilled jig fisherman and your TOTAL focus can be put on boat control. When I started guiding my thinking changed-and to my surprise so did my success!

I spend most of my time in the Upper River, from the mouth of Lake St. Clair downstream to the Ambassador Bridge, but will head further south if necessary, to catch fish. The Upper River is loaded with shallow flats, deep drop offs, rock beds, and deep current areas.

The Saginaw Bay can be a phenomenal bite as soon as the ice leaves the Bay, and night fishing is a great way to start catching early season walleye. Shallow water, less than 12 feet is full of walleye in the pre-spawn to post-spawn calendar periods and they are hungry!