West Michigan Carp Fishing Social and Lighthouse Visit

We visited the beach and lighthouse recently in St. Joseph, Michigan. 

I love fishing but the guys out on the pier without railings, in gusty winds with waves breaking over the edge ankle deep in water, are more dedicated (or willing to risk a lot in the name of catching an occasional fresh water drum) than I am.

And, we were in St. Joe for a carp fishing social in the downtown for two days on Friday and Saturday in pursuit of the freshwater sport fish.

I caught one fish each day. I'm guessing the up and down temperature swings have impacted the carp spawning activities and we likely caught the tail end of the spawn in the St. Joe River.

Neither fish was too big. The one on Friday weighed in the 16# range and, being a River fish, it was a very strong swimmer.

Urban River Carp Fishing

I've been carp fishing since 2013. Like most everything that's worthwhile, fishing for these freshwater fish has its up's and down's.

Some days go well and some do not. Others take awhile to get started, like my efforts on Saturday morning.

We caught five with a hook pull that would've been six.

Books About Fishing

Here are some nice books about Fishing if you're looking for reading material:

• "The River Why" by David James Duncan

• "A River Runs Through It" by Norman Maclean

• "The Longest Silence" by Thomas McGuane

• "Trout Bum" by John Gierach

• "The Old Man and the Sea" by Ernest Hemingway

Longest Day Fishing Fundraiser for Alzheimer's Association

In 2024 I am participating in The Longest Day Alzheimer Fundraiser for the 2nd time and will spend the day fishing. 

Last year I caught 6 fish. Please consider making a donation to the Alzheimer's Association. Consider making a donation 

Here are some photos from last year's effort.