Bass Boats on Saginaw Bay

Saginaw has earned a reputation amongst bass fisherman as a very dangerous place for bass boats.  Don’t let the horror stories scare you away from experiencing some of the world’s finest smallmouth bass fishing.  With preparation and a little common sense, Saginaw bay can be fished very easily.

Tips

1.      1. Boat- Make sure your boat is capable of handling the large waters of Saginaw bay.  Learn to drive your boat in rough water, although not forecasted rough water is always a possibility and you should be prepared.  Also make sure your boat is in full working order, boat problems can make for a long day on the bay. 

1.      2. Take your time!!!- Give yourself plenty of time to slow down if you have to. 

1.      3. Slow down in unfamiliar water- Anything under 15 feet can become hazardous very quickly on Saginaw bay.  The same rocky reefs that hold smallmouth bass can also do major damage to your boat and motor.  Slow down in unfamiliar waters especially when shallow, 15 feet or less.  Be especially careful around the Charity Islands, there are more reefs than any one person could ever know about.

1.      4. Communications- Be sure to bring more than one communication device.  I always have at least my cell phone and VHF marine radio on board.  There are large areas of Saginaw Bay that do not have cell phone service, so be prepared. 

These tips don’t cover everything, so use your head on the bay.  Also remember that big storms will drop water levels at times.  Big storms can also build sand bars in a short amount of time, so that safe water you ran though could be too shallow in just a few days.  Take time to select one of the many boat launches on Saginaw bay, always try to give yourself the shortest run and calmest water based on wind direction.  Try to plan your trip around good weather and never fish alone. 

Be safe on the bay and good luck.