New to the Big Lake scene

[SHANK]

Hey guys.

I'm interested in heading to the big lake for kings and steelhead. All I have is a 14ft v-bottom with a 25hp motor, a fish locator and two manual Cannon down riggers with 5lb weights. What lures, fishing line and additional starter equipment do I need? I have a couple of dipseys but haven't played with them yet. I'll most likely be putting in in St. Joe.

Looking forward to your responses. Thanks in advance :) .

Bob

[adjusted3]

Bob,

Pick and choose your days and you will be just fine. Do a search on this board and you will get all kinds of ideas. For just a run and gun approach, a few standard spoons in the orange/chrome, greens and blues plus a couple of flashers and flies in the blues/greens and a few quality swivels and you are in business. Stick with 20lb test line for a multitude of reasons and you are good to go.

Now, if you are truley interested in seeing every availible type of equipment in action, I would suggest that you post up that you are looking for a ride, take a charter or I know there are several that are always looking for crew. you will learn more in 4-6 hours with someone else then trying to figure it out on your own. Call me or shoot me a pm as I am alway looking for someone to go with. I am in your back yard.....Coloma

Mark

[SHANK]

Good advice Mark. Thanks. I'll give you a bump sometime when my schedule opens up a bit.

Is there a link where you guys buy your tackle? I hear all these names and terms but have no idea what you're talking about....

Take care and thanks again!

Bob

[SHANK]

LOL...just saw the link at the bottom of your post Mark...:gaga:

[NP3]

LOL...just saw the link at the bottom of your post Mark...:gaga:

Don't waste your time any place other than fish dog. They're good guys, support the board, have good gear, good prices and are always willing to help.

[limige]

i'd start by buying some 8-10# balls for the riggers.
then buy some spoons,
northern king
raider
dreamweaver
silver streak
are some of the top brands
watermelons, blue dolphin, lemon ice, double orange crush, monkey puke, michael jackson, kervorkian are some good ones to start with.

maybe buy a few dodgers, flies or meat rig's. if you wanna add something else to the spread.

[Hi-Tech Redneck]

I have pretty much the same rig - 14ft with 20hp, two manual downriggers (10# weights), fishfinder and have usually done well (...and when I'm by myself and feeling more adventuresome, I let out a third rod with a dipsey diver). Helps a lot if you have someone with you to set rods and stuff. I just troll spoons, spin doctors and flies and j-plugs. Biggest piece of advice is watch the weather. Second piece of advice is watch the weather. Third piece of advice is.......you get the idea.

If it's too bad to go out fishing the big lake with my boat, I can always find something else to fish for inland - no fish is worth your life. And come late summer, early fall - harbor patrol is a real good option where smaller boats can really get in on the salmon action.

[SHANK]

All good advice. Thanks alot guys. :)

[Sixshooter]

If you are on a budget the 5#'ers will work fine. I used to run four riggers with 6# tru tracs for several years. The big disadvantage with runnin the lighter weights is when the fish dive deep. If you are fishing the top 50 you won't have much problem. And if you want to fish deeper you just let out more cable. You will get a lot of blow back from those smaller weights.

But as Mark (adjusted) said. A few spoons and you are in buisness.

Also just for safety reasons make sure you have a good compass. Even if you have a GPS make sure you have a compass....

And take a look at the requirements for safety equipment from the coast gaurd. It is different than an inland lake. Need Flares ect.

Good Luck....

[1HI4X]

Here's a few links that are VERY informative:
http://www.sportfishingbc.com/tackle_techniques/salmon.htm
http://www.protroll.com/salmon.html
http://www.lakemichiganangler.com/tips/tips.htm

[GrtWhtHntr]

I would recommend getting a hold of Far Beyond Driven on this site. He is knowledgeable and also fishes out of a 14 footer. If you could hook up for a day with him, I'm sure you'd learn a ton.

[Far Beyond Driven]

Greetings:

I fish a 14' with a 15 horse. I had it easy as I have a decked out 215 Four Winns so I started with the big boat and then rigged the little boat from that one when the 215 puked the I/O two years ago.

Good advice above, but I would not be anywhere on Lake Michigan without a VHF radio. A cell phone is nice to get a hold of someone, but with a VHF you can get ahold of everyone with the push of a button.

Drop me a PM when you get a chance. Don't mind towing the 14' down to St. Joe.

FBD, Holland, MI