Reel & Hunt Reports
Welcome to the Reel & Hunt Reports, your authoritative source for all things fishing and duck hunting on the Great Lakes.
This is where Captains Mark and Adam share current conditions, seasonal forecasts, and expert tactics to help you make the most of your time on the water or in the blind. Whether you're planning your next charter with us or scouting on your own, you'll find the insights you need directly from our logbook.
Our reports cover the full spectrum of your Great Lakes adventure:
Fishing Deep: Saginaw Bay walleye tactics, Detroit River walleye jigging, ice fishing tips, and deep-water methods for salmon and lake trout.
Hunting Hard: Essential information and techniques for layout hunting for sea ducks.
Stop scrolling social media and start planning. Dive into our latest reports and get the upper hand on your next Great Lakes trip.
Below are the most recent topics
Hooks Matter
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.