Advice and recommendations for Apostle Islands

[fishing shrink]

On Thurs I'm taking my family to the Apostle Islands for an early vacation. I've never been there before and am wondering about what to expect and to plan for. My boat is an 1850 Lund Tyee with a 190 hp Mercruiser I/O. We plan to do some boating, hiking and fishing. Any tips, suggestions, warning and comments re boating and fishing?

Thanks in advance.

[MinnesotaBoatman]

I've taken my 1850 Lund Tyee I/O on numerous Lake Superior trips including the Apostles, Isle Royale, St. Ignace island and the Slate islands. The boat can handle Lake Superior when the weather permits. Listen to the weather radio for the near shore forecasts. Calm mornings can get rough in the afternoon when the wind kicks up. Waves of three feet or more can be unpleasant.

I usually depart from Cornucopia or the Little Sand Bay launch. A favorite picnic destination is a little sandy cove on the NE side of Bear Island. The Sandstone caves near Squaw Point or Devils Island are fun to explore.

If it gets rough when you are far out, Rocky or Stockton Islands offer some shelter.

Good Luck,

[fishing shrink]

Thanks very much. I'm feeling a little more at ease.

[MinnesotaBoatman]

A good reference book on Lake Superior is Superior Way by Bonnie Dahl. It covers all the lake and places to explore. It has a chapter on the Apostles Islands.

[Deep_Sinker]

The casino in Red Cliff has a nice landing and a nice sheltered marina. You'll need flares and two-way communication. I heard spoons have been working well on all species in the islands, but you'll want to get them deeper. Stop at Outdoor Allure on Hwy. 13 outside of Washburn for good advice.

[EYESTALKER]

Fish Shrink,

Enjoy the trip ! Bayfield is one of the more picturesque places around. Your boat can handle the Apostle Islands. Take care going outside of them though. Deep Sinker is right in recomending a VHF radio. That's a key on that lake. Just do some island hopping. See some of the lighthouses.... Enjoy ! Chaquamegon Bay (a little south) is a renowned smallie fishery, if you're looking for that. A stop at a bait shop will yield coordinates for you, to put you on them. Good luck.

[fishinJohn]

Soyunds like an awesome vacation to me. Have fun and post some pictures