MARTINO: Dream come true for Baker

April 11, 2008 05:54 pm

— In years past you could usually find Jim Baker swinging a hammer, a well-worn nail pouch hanging from his hip. He is a local home builder by trade. For most of his adult life he worked in his family’s business, Al Baker and Sons Construction. But building some of Kokomo’s finest dwellings wasn’t the only place he worked toward perfection.
When he wasn’t working, you could usually find him plying the waters of many of Indiana’s lakes and streams. Baker has enjoyed spending time on the water since the age of 9. He purchased his first boat at age 14. Since, there are few places he hasn’t cast a lure. In local circles, he is affectionately referred to as “Captain Jimmy.”
Fishing guides are common, especially around our nation’s largest lakes and rivers. But if you were looking to utilize the experience of a knowledgeable guide in central Indiana, well, you were out of luck. That was until now.
With the downturn in the construction of new homes, Baker decided it was the perfect time to embark on a life long dream. Through careful consideration he has begun a second career, “Captain Jimmy’s Guide Service.” What sets him apart is his unique style of fishing.
Trolling is a method usually reserved for salt water and big lake fishing. Close to home it is primarily used to catch salmon that roam the vast expanses of the Great Lakes. In 1988 while on a trip to Alabama’s Weiss Lake, Baker had the opportunity to meet Leonard and Stanley Smith, former National Crappiethon Champions. It was on that trip he was exposed to the art of long-line controlled depth trolling.
This method of fishing employs the correct combination of line size, speed, line length and weight to achieve proper depth. It has quickly become one of the best methods to catch suspended fish. Besides being highly effective, it is a great way to cover large amounts of water and a quick way to locate suspended, feeding fish.
Baker has made many adaptations to the technique and has found it as a great way to catch crappies, bluegills, redears and walleyes on smaller central Indiana waters.
“It is very effective even around here,” Baker explained.
But don’t think for a minute Baker is into the numbers game. He is a huge proponent of conservation.
“Even though there is no limit on bluegills, I want clients to take just enough for a good meal,” he said in his familiar deep, raspy voice. “Besides, fish stay fresher while swimming in the lakes,” he added with a laugh.
Hiring a reputable guide has several advantages. First off, you are sharing the boat with someone who has considerable knowledge about the waters you’re fishing and the species you seek. They also provide the necessary equipment. It is also much cheaper than owning and maintaining your own boat.
Unlike other guides who keep secrets to themselves, Baker has a different perspective.
“My goal is for everyone to have fun,” he emphasized. “I want to share the knowledge I have learned over the years and help people enjoy a lifetime of successful fishing.”
This was no more evident than several years back when I personally witnessed Baker helping people he barely knew how to properly equip their boat for long-line trolling.
Currently, Baker is offering trips to the Kokomo Reservoir as well as Silver, Pike, Nyona, Carr and Winona lakes. For additional information, or to book a trip, he can be reached by calling (765) 434-8243.
Crappie tournament
Kokomo Marine will host its first crappie tournament April 20 on Mississinewa Reservoir. Registration will take place at the Miami Ramp beginning at 5:30 a.m. The contest will begin at 7 and conclude with the 3:30 p.m. weigh-in.
The tournament will use a two-person team format with a 10 crappie tournament imposed limit. The entry fee has been set at $50 per boat with an optional $10 for biggest crappie. Contestants can use live and artificial bait.
Additional tournament information may be obtained by calling (765) 419-9074.
Kokomo Seniors
An organizational meeting for the Kokomo Seniors bass fishing club will be conducted April 17 at the Kokomo Elks Lodge, 416 S. Union, beginning at 7 p.m. This competitive bass fishing circuit is open to all anglers age 50 and above. Some of the items up for discussion include tournament sites and dates.
Delphi-Delco Tournament
The weekly Tuesday evening Delphi-Delco team bass fishing tournaments will officially begin May 6. These contests are open to all past and present Delphi-Delco employees. The events will take place on Mississinewa Reservoir beginning at 3 p.m. Contestants may register at the Red Bridge boat ramp prior to the tourney’s start time.
John Martino is the Tribune’s outdoors columnist. He may be reached through the sports department.

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