Thanks Spaghetti,
I very much enjoy the art of moving in water with minimal disturbance.
Michigan (the state that is shaped like a mitten) - but close enough
Lake Trout have been the most fun to sneak up on. They want to stay on the edge of visibility - which is usually at least 35 feet - mostly more. Really most of the species here - in open water - require a little skill. You have to have a feeling of how they see you. I inland lakes it is much easier.
I never even saw a freshwater drum until two years ago! In fact many people here don't even know what they are. These are the first big walleye I've seen - they are not so skittish as the trout - but will not come in close unless you are still and low. They will leave the area for awhile if you spook them. Next I want to try for some even closer shots - maybe from underneath.
In winter all the fish move out into deeper waters and are less likely to approach - even if you do find them.
The closest we have to eels are Burbot - they seem to just hide under things and also stay fairly deep - at least 12-15 meters. So it is hard to find them. Too easy once you do though - very interesting looking for pictures.
The open water Walleye are careful enough that it feels like hunting to get close to them. With Trout and many other species the big one's are the bravest but, even if it were legal, I would not spear the largest of any long-lived species. The trout are allways in motion and move quickly. If you alarm them they move to another area. there are lucky chances - but usually you have to allready be in their path, motionless and best with a little cover - then wait. Even slowly raising the camera can make them vanish. Sometimes, If they see you go down behind a large object that is between you and them - they seem to find it interesting.
On my suit I use nylon out pants with knee-pads. I also have an Omer weight vest that gives some protection - but I often lay on the bottom, which is mostly covered with very sharp mussels. So far no problems with the smooth top. Elios has a textured/smooth out top that is supposed to be a little more durable.
For my first gun I bought a Riffe MT0 - it is only 32 inches long. I've made it so it will shoot at least 12 feet though - I want to catch the fish I want - not the one I can get closest to
There are other species here that I've rarely seen - whitefish, cisco etc. - all supposed to be very quick and wary. The Salmon in open water have no interest at all - if they see you they avoid you. no curiosity.
