Putting together a Great Lakes fishing Tackle Box (Advice)

M

MilesandMiles

New member
Hi Everyone,

My 16 Angler is more/less ready to hit the big lakes (whether I am is a different story) :) I have a couple of poles that I think are up for cohos and lakers, I just need to put together a basic tackle box for trolling and such.

Please remember: I'm a complete rookie that never really expects to catch anything, I've never been more than 500 feet out on Superior. (though I did manage catch a nice 3# Northern Pike last week on the Black River near the Porky Pine Mountains)

Will some great lakes fishermen here throw in advice on putting together a basic tackle box for trolling. I talked to some guys in Ontonagon last week while cleaning their catch (lake trout) couldn't get much info (guarding their methods on top of being stoic Yoopers) but I think they were using spoons.

Advice on line strength also appreciated.

Thanks,
Brenton
 
I'm not a fisherman so, I can't help you there. However, if you are going out on any of the great lakes, I recommend good safety equipment. Life jackets, extinguishers (more than 1), food and water, change of clothes, vhf, cell phone, navigation, weather forecast, and first aid. This may sound like a lot but, most of these items are small and take up very little space when properly stored. We take safety to the extreme on the Sea Beagle II. Not trying to scare you but, locally there have been 3 drownings that probably could have been avoided. We've been 10 miles out in Lake Michigan and had some real rough water and 2 miles out on Superior when it was like glass. Other than that, drop a hook and bobber over the side and watch the clouds roll by. 8)
 
There is no short answer to your question about tackle. There are many different ways to fish in the Great Lakes depending on species, weather, location. Lake trout often deeper, while salmon shallower. VHS guidelines may limit your use of live bait. Some anglers use lead core line, and heavy rods. Others use downriggers and grab the rod after the fish is on the line. Spoons, salmon flies behind herring dodgers, solid body baits, articulated baits, all work to one degree or another, some better on a given day. The "lure du jour" seems to change periodically, but bright colored spoons and silver and gold spoons are a mainstay. While not absolutely necessary, downriggers can improve the odds, especially later in the summer as water warms. You have to fish where the fish are. I would go to a local bait shop in the area you want to fish, and talk to the person behind the counter. I have found that you will get good advice, especially if you are ready to buy the tackle. While many fisherman are unwilling to discuss their use of lures, many will help.
 
Thanks for that, actually VERY helpful. Would you have any advice on the following: size of spoons and line? My brother has been telling me about a line thats woven like rope, to be very strong yet still easy casting and thinner than expected.

I went muskie fishing today and found a spoon snagged up in the cat tails. It's orange and approx. 2 inches long.

Thanks,
Brenton
 
For muskie and northern pike fishing, I really like Mepps number 5 bucktail spinners in brass. Also, the standard red and white daredevil are long time standards for both. Another favorite is a spinner jig combo with a chartreuse curly tail on it. As far as size goes, they will bite on anything, but bigger will select for bigger fish (fewer but bigger). I used to use 6-12" stainless wire leaders on 12-20lb mono filament or flurocarbon line. With a good pole and properly set drag, 12lb is plenty for most fish, unless it's a big one and you have to wrench it out of snags. Finally, rapala plugs in a pattern that is closest in color and size to the most common bait fish in the lake are pretty hard to beat.

The above 4 types of lures is probably sufficient for northern/muskie fishing.
 
Hi Brenton, if you google Fishful Thinking by Charlie Wray, you will be able to see articles and video full of info for salmon and particularly lake trout in the great lakes. We use a similar modified lake trout system in our local lake with great results. Feel free to ask if you have any questions but the above articles are pretty inclusive.
 
I like spoons for Lakers and Coho. As for line when trolling I personally use a 20lb mono with longer rods (cheap stuff from Wal-mart)I would avoid super braids for trolling as the more stretch to the line the more forgiving it is. Super braids tear the hooks out of the fish mouths. It just doesn't work well....I tried it. Super braids are great for casting and even jig fishing but are best left off trolling rods.

Planner boards I prefer church boards "walleye" boards. Don't get caught up in mast systems.....those clip on boards work so well and are much cheaper and stow away so much better.

I use bright stick baits in spring and fall that run 9ft deep. Superior Coho will hit fast trolling speeds 2.4-2.6mph.. Lakers are a little more lazy they hit at slower speeds 1.5 to 2 mph.
Large spoons for Lakers

Med. size for Coho.

Guys are doing well in the Bay here with Rapala's for Coho and browns.

Good Fishing!
http://www.marinegeneralcatalog.com/ind ... list&c=697

I like the water mellon spoons. They catch Lakers for me. Also large silver works well. Consider pearl spin and glows behind a dodger.
Chris
 
I caught a coho! I'm sure it was pure accident. 20 feet down on rigger with a spoon and braided line. I was trolling too fast (3.5mpg) I need a better fish finder. The coho tasted wonderful! :) I'm "hooked" as they say. There's nothing like just doing it to...get one asking the right questions about the best way to do it :)
 
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