Direction can be as important as anything else and has a major impact on how the fish view your presentations. I would be amiss in my duty if I didn't inform you that is a fishery designed for larger boats with radar, GPS and twin engines for safety. The ability to navigate to the fishing grounds and back to the harbor is of paramount importance. Dead reckoning navigation will get you back home when the electronic gadgetry is broke. In other words use seat of your pants navigation in case the GPS or Loran breaks or goes down.
Fog can be the reel villain when tackling the long distances sometimes required.
Also, out of Manistee there's the freighters that will be traveling north and south to contend with. Radar is a must here, it you want to feel semi-safe. Fluorescent orange and reds are usually the best colors. Keep an eye out for fish cruising the surface. Check both sides of the temp break to see which one produces best.