Tribal fishers have placed several  trap nets in the Ludington area. New net locations will be added to the Net Alert list as soon as the locations are known to the LACA and are confirmed.  Please check the net alert often for new net locations and for new information about older nets.
Several  nets have  been placed near Big Point Sauble.  Anecdotal information suggest these nets are well marked with at least two highly visible staffs consistent with the tribal regulations.  The depths of the nets vary.  Please check each nets depth listing.
When fishing normally the nets should stand approximately 20' to 30' up from the bottom.  It is possible to fish over some of the nets depending on the depth  of the fishing gear.  However staff and buoy lines extend to the surface and may be inclined in the direction of the wind or current. These lines should be carefully avoided.  Occasionally, due to accidents, strong winds or currents the net buoys and flags may not be visible.

All net related incidents should be reported to the MDNR commercial fisheries division by calling the RAP line (800-292-7800). Please record the GPS location, the time, weather, sea conditions, and the presence and type of any flags, buoys, floats or other net markings. 
This is extremely important for the MDNR record keeping and helps to lead to corrective actions.

All sightings of unmarked or improperly marked nets should also be reported.

Also, anyone observing any length of yellow polypropylene line floating loose at or just below the surface in the vicinity of a net location is urged to promptly report the exact GPS location including the depth, to the DNR RAP (800-292-7800) line as soon as possible. Please note the approximate diameter of the line if possible.
Net entanglement or other net related incidents may also be reported to the Mason-Oceana County Emergency Hot Line at: (231) 869-5858. Emergency help may be provided.

In the event of eminent danger of loss of life or vessel, call the USCG  on FM 16 or by cell: 231-843-2447. 

Net locations are listed from South to North, by their last known position, with conditions as noted:
Twelve identified and marked trap nets are currently fishing. Three are located south of Ludington and nine are located north of Big Sauble Point. Note: only Trap nets located between Little Point Sauble and 44°10.00 are listed on this website. Chub Net buoys are not listed. Several chub nets are being fished in the area. Chub nets are marked with one buoy, and are always set beyond 240'. Watch for chub net buoys and avoid them when fishing in deeper waters.
(Note: GPS coordinates vary slightly from instrument to instrument)  All net locations should be regarded as approximate, and subject to change.

South of Ludington:
1. Deep end: 43° 50.555 N 086° 30.707 W. Staff with orange flag. Depth: 129'.
Inside staff:  43° 50.529 N 086° 30.450 W. Staff with orange & black flags. Depth: 118'.
2. Deep end: 43° 51.615 N 086° 30.623 W. Staff with orange flag. Depth: 121'.
Inside staff:  43° 51.749 N 086° 30.373 W. Staff with orange & black flags. Depth: 110'.
3. Deep end: 43° 52.469 N 086° 28.524 W. Staff with orange flag. Depth: 60'.
Inside staff:  not reported. Staff with orange & black flags.. Depth: 78'.


North of Big Point Sauble:
1. Deep end:  44° 04.752 N 086° 31.025 W.   Staff with orange flag. Depth: 120'.
Inside staff:  not reported.
2. Deep end:  44° 04.941 N 086° 31.186 W.   Staff with orange flag. Depth: 170'.
Inside staff:   44° 04.863 N 086° 30.905 W.   Staff with orange & black flags. Depth:116'.
3. Deep end:   44° 05.265 N 086° 30.669 W.   Staff with orange flag. Depth: 111'.
Inside staff:  not reported.
4. Deep end:   44° 05.501 N 086° 30.718 W. Staff with orange flag. Depth: 165'.
Inside staff: Inside staff:  44° 05.410 N 086° 30.426 W.  Staff with orange & black flags. Depth:113'.
5. Deep end:   44° 05.783 N 086° 30.457 W.   Staff with orange flag. Depth: 156'.
Inside staff:  not reported.
6. Deep end:   44° 05.996 N 086° 30.406 W.   Staff with orange flag. Depth: 150'. 
Inside staff:  not reported.
7. Deep end: 44° 06.376 N    086° 29.940 W.   Staff with orange flag. Depth: 129'.
Inside end:   44° 06.206 N    086° 29.901 W.    Staff with two flags, orange over black. Depth: 132'.
8.  Deep end:   44° 06.838 N    086° 29.344 W.   Staff with orange flag. Depth: 130'.
Inside end:   44° 06.450 N    086° 29.246 W.    Staff with two flags, orange over black. Depth: 94'.
9. Deep end:   44° 07.059 N 086° 29.344 W.   Staff with orange flag. Depth: 130'. 
Inside staff:  not reported.

Note: Additional nets are known to exist north of the Ludington Net Alert Border, defined by Latitude 44°10.00 North. Caution is required when fishing/traveling beyond the Ludington Net Alert boundary.

Reminder:   Additional nets may be placed or currently listed nets may be moved without warning, and several days or weeks  may elapse before the net alert can be updated.

Information about Trap Nets and their markings:
Notes: The first staff coordinates usually most closely relate to the location of the pot. If a single depth is given it usually indicates the depth at the pot staff buoy location at the deeper end of the net. If two depths are given, the shallower depth will be at the inside anchor staff (two flags) The nets stand from 20’ to 30+’ high from the bottom upward.
These coordinates place the nets in the area from just north of Pentwater to several miles north of Big Sauble Point.
Floats or staffs may also mark the positions of the wings and or anchors. The float lines may be especially difficult to see in periods of poor visibility or rough water, and the possibility exists that excess float line may be floating loosely near the floats. Depending on the depth of water and other factors, the total length of the net and the lines to its anchors may be as much as 1,500 feet in the direction generally  perpendicular to the shore. They may extent up to 200  feet in the direction parallel to the shore. Wind, waves, fog or darkness may make it difficult to observe the markings. Boaters and fishermen are urged to exercise extreme caution near the nets. Boaters traversing the vicinity would be well advised to travel either well inside or well outside the netted area. The nets are constructed of very heavy netting and may reach from the bottom to near the surface in some cases. If your gear becomes entangled in the net, you are urged to cut it off and contact the fishers to recover it. Should your boat become entangled in the net, please call or radio the Coast Guard immediately.
For additional information regarding trap nets pick up a copy of the brochure "Don't Get Trapped" at the Ludington Chamber Office, or visit the web site: Michigan Sea Grant/net or call: 616/846-8250.

Click here for a one page printable pdf summary of the the current net locations: printable Net Alert pdf

Please visit the Ludington Area Charterboat Association website for updates and additional information.
http://www. ludingtoncharterboats.org