New business offers guide to, from north woods in Michigan

Monday, October 18, 2010
Northwoods Trophy Outfitters owner Mike Hanlon cut the ribbon recently on his new business. Hanlon gives groups guided fishing tours to and from Wellston, Mich. Gathered at DePauw Nature Park for the event are, kneeling, Baylee and Andrew Hanlon; standing, Beau Battin, Amber Bowers, Wilson Hecko, Jinsie Bingham, T.J. Mark, Mike Hanlon, Sue Murray, Brett Hurley, Bonnie Hanlon, Keith Hanlon and Tammy Amor. Banner Graphic/JARED JERNAGAN

GREENCASTLE -- For 21 years, Mike Hanlon has been traveling to Wellston, Mich., to fish the Manistee River, the Pierre Marquette and Pine River. He's loved it so much, he has taken people with him a number of times over the years.

In the last year, he's taken his love of fishing, the place and of sharing them both with people, and turned it into a business. This was the genesis of Northwoods Trophy Fish Outfitters.

What separates Hanlon from guides based in Michigan is the full-service nature of his business.

"Most of the guides that I know of that are up there wait on the people. I'm your personal guide from the time we leave central Indiana until the time we get back," Hanlon said.

A group of people wanting to take the trip north would normally have to be in at least automobiles, crowded together, with luggage and equipment piled wherever there's spare room.

Hanlon drives his clients up to Michigan in an RV where they can ride comfortably while someone else worries about the driving.

"As far as I know, I'm the only one who provides comfortable transportation up there in a mobile home," Hanlon said.

Hanlon, who is also a Greencastle Police officer, provides the service primarily on the weekends as two- or three-night trips. Trips can be for from three to eight people. Lodging includes one or two cabins or a house. Northwoods can be contacted at 653-7280 or mhanlon161@yahoo.com for rates.

Trips include transportation to and from Wellston, lodging, transportation to and from the rivers, meals at the cabin, a guide and equipment, poles and reels if needed.

Hanlon is confident that once people have experienced the thrill of fishing these rivers, they will be hooked.

T.J. Mark, Mike Hanlon, Keith Hanlon, Andrew Hanlon, Bailee Hanlon

"It's just something that keeps you coming back year after year," Hanlon said. "I just want to give a few other people from central Indiana that same experience."

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  • Best of luck Mike, in this endeavor!

    -- Posted by exhoosier2 on Mon, Oct 18, 2010, at 7:26 AM
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