Balog uses tubes or grubs on 1/2- to 3/4-ounce jigs most of the summer, but he switches to 1/2-ounce jigging spoons and bladebaits in fall.

Safety First
The top priority when fishing shipwrecks is not becoming a shipwreck yourself. "Above and beyond the equipment mandated by law, big-water bass boaters need additional safety equipment, regardless of weather" Balog says. "I carry a spare bilge pump with 6 feet of hose and 4 feet of wire attached with large alligator clips on the end. I always have a marine radio and a cell phone. Should the boat be swamped, it pays to have spare heavy wool clothing, which keeps you warm -- wet or dry.

"Items in the front of the boat take the worst punishment when running big waves. The trolling motor on the bow needs to be super secure. I use six large stainless bolts, instead of the usual 4. The bolts should have large fender washers and lock nuts beneath the deck. I also place three tie-down straps and a 'bounce buster' on my motor.

"Everything has to be waterproof -- all tackle boxes, storage boxes, and boat bags. I like Plano's waterproof Stowaway boxes. And, for keeping bass alive in tournaments (hopefully you're releasing them otherwise), it's essential to install an Oxygen Injection System. Good electronics are a must, too. My Bottom Line 5300 GPS is invaluable, not just for finding wrecks, but for getting home safely."

A good sonar is essential for visualizing the layout of a wreck.

Carry two jumbo driftsocks to slow the drift of the boat over key spots on wrecks. Don't run too hard getting there, use a long-handled net to land fish, and get a good anchor with plenty of rope. If the main engine goes down, you need to hold bottom and tie off to the front to keep the bow into the wind until help arrives.

The last thing you need is to have Gordon Lightfoot writing ballads about your fishing trips. The adventurous side of shipwreck fishing doesn't have to be dangerous. Stay on shore when small-craft warnings are issued, and keep one ear trained on the marine-band radio when you're out on a major wreck, looking for freshwater groupers in gin-clear water. If you try it, you'll probably be the first one in port to do it.

(For more information on finding Great Lakes shipwrecks, see the article "Above & Beyond -- Davy Jones's Smallmouths" in the August-September 2003 issue of In-Fisherman magazine.) Click here to purchase that issue.