The best bait shop in the area if Slez in Lake Station. This is located just south of interstate 94 off of highway 51. Richie is very fair and his shop is loaded with bait and more. As far as launching out of Portage, you are looking for the Portage Marina. I think it is $10 to launch and the launch is very good. Parking is a short walk and good exercise up the hill from the boat launch. You motor from the ramp to the Burns Ditch and head north to the lake. It is a short ride down the ditch to Lake Michigan. Once you are on the lake, you head out 6 miles northwest from the mouth of the ditch and typically, there will be a flotilla of boats in the area. Do not be afraid to slowly cruise around with your electronics until you find a herd of perch. The common techniques will work. Enjoy...
