This fish story no leap of truth

Over the years there have been stories from the northwoods about big muskie and pike jumping into boats and ripping tackle to shreds.

In Costa Rica, I've seen monster tarpon jump into boats and wreck everything in sight.

The latest man-fish encounter comes from the Suwannee River in Florida, where a 6-foot sturgeon jumped into a 14-foot jon boat. Neither the operator of the boat nor his girlfriend were seriously injured.

Florida Fish and Game officials said the river is loaded with big sturgeon and 6-footers are not rare.

On the lookout: My wish concerns year-round, heavy-duty enforcement, but there's always the excuse the IDNR doesn't have enough funds to execute stringent DUI patrols, especially on the Fox Chain.

In the meantime, CPOs will be present on lakes and rivers throughout Illinois looking for impaired operators, erratic operation and ensuring that proper safety equipment is present - especially life jackets.

They will also be looking for impaired drivers on surrounding roadways. This action centers on the long Labor Day holiday weekend.

Fishing update: If the weather holds, this could be a banner fishing weekend in our area.

Lake Michigan: The Chinook bite has started in earnest, especially in Chicago at Fullerton and Montrose. Waukegan anglers are taking kings as well. Perch action is slow.

Fox Chain: Expect a decent muskie bite on the northern lakes. Look in the outside and inside weed edges. Check the Grass Lake Road bridge for walleyes and crappie. Channel Lake white bass and crappie offering a strong bite.

Bangs Lake: Largemouth bass decent during midafternoon periods. Panfish action good on the far east shoreline.

Mike Jackson radio program is heard Sunday mornings from 6-7 a.m. on WSBC 1240-AM.