New to bigger water...

[Lwapo]

Ok, so this upcoming year will be my first year on the bigger waters (Michigan/Erie mostly). This winter I"m working on getting my new boat outfitted and ready to rock. I've been VERY VERY VERY fortunate to have some very nice gear given to me (Walker Downriggers, Merc Outboard, Downrigger and planer board rods with line counter reels and more) by some friends and familly.

So as I rig my boat this winter, I was wondering...

How soon after Ice-Out do people start going after the trout, salmon and Walleye on the bigger lakes? Is it ASAP?

Any advice or things to watch out for as I rig my boat up? I intend on having 4 rod holders off of the back, and then a set on each side fo the boat for planer boards. I am fairly sure that I'm going to go with Tite-Lok rod holders because they are reasonable in price, easily availabile and everyone seems to agree that they are "Good Enough".

Any other info for a first timer would be great. I know its early, but with the boat in the garage for the winter, I'd rather be working and getting it set up now and not when I could be out using it~!

Thanks guys!

[DonP]

How soon after Ice-Out do people start going after the trout, salmon and Walleye on the bigger lakes? Is it ASAP?
You mean you're suppose to wait until ice out? :D :D :D

I have been out on the water at the south end of lake michigan when there was a few chunks of ice floating around in the lake. Use common sense... and watch the wind direction. I have seen guys go out on the lake when there was a good amount of ice yet still on the lake. The channel was open and the ice was maybe 1/2 to a mile offshore. Then a west wind kicked in and blew the ice back into shore and closed the channel up tight!! :yikes:

Early in the season hit those warm water discharges if possible for some early brownie and coho action.

This was on March 11th last year!! :D

http://www.michigan-sportsman.com/photopost/data/531/BenDonBruceCoho2sm.JPG

[Priority1]

Don't forget the Dipsys. They have been HOT, and adding more fish to my cooler than the riggers.:) I prefer the Big Jon or Berts Rod Holders. I picked up four factory blems for $40 each. Check out their site, and contact John Williams.
http://www.bigjon.com/pics/pics.asp

[fish-on]

was'nt for this pesky ice i'd be out there now.:D:D:D

[Lwapo]

I've heard that the fish are closer in (right after ice-out) and can be caught much closer to shore than other times of the year.

Any truth to this?

[cedarlkDJ]

I've heard that the fish are closer in (right after ice-out) and can be caught much closer to shore than other times of the year.

Any truth to this?

The shallow water along the shore line is the first to warm up, along with the river mouths......attracting the bait fish (smelt run) thus attracting the larger predators

[Jason Adam]

I have chased ice out of the harbor, and ran into ice and snow offshore... Fish are there if you can get to them...