Crystal or Higgins Shaker Lakers

[Deadly Tedly]

I would like to try Higgins or Crystal Lake for some Laker action this year. Haven't a clue where to get started with so much water to cover.

Looking for tips on location and rigging for either lake. Just picked up a Vexilar unit so that should help take some of the guess work out of it.

Would also be interested in any other shaker holding waters if you care to pass the location along.

Thanks,
Ted

[toto]

Hey Deadly, Crystal Lake is a wonderful lake for lakers. The best places are at the Western end of the lake, off the dropoffs. Try off Lobb Rd., or off Crystal Lake drive near M-22, it won't be hard to miss with all the shanties. You may want to bring along a speed reel, or something to catch smelt with. There are a ton of them in there. I have done well enough on smelt using a small hook and wax worms, or mousies, or even small perch minnows. No ice as of this time, still pretty open, but Crystal seems to ice up almost over nite.

[Deadly Tedly]

Thanks for the info toto,

Care to give any advice on rigging for the Lakers?

The "speed reel" that you are refering to...is that the bike wheel thing-a-mo-job? I have seen old timers run long lines on a bike wheel with several small hooks tied in line. I always assumed it was for smelt but was never really sure.

Thanks again toto...I am planning on hitting some small inland lakes down here this weekend. I'll post my results

[mike woj]

My dad had a permanent shanty on Crystal in the 1940's and 1950's. Speed reels are a bank of four reels constructed on the principle of the reverse pulley. four U shaped heavy wire pieces are attached at right angles to a 2 or 3 inch dowel approximately 8 inches long. When the line is dropped into the hole with about 1 oz. of weight on it the chalk line on the end of the spindle is wound up. You find bottom or the depth you want and then set a broken rubber band into the main line as a bobber. It is extremely sensitive and works much better than the bicycle wheel arrangement. I still have one bank of the reels in my garage that were made some sixty years ago. If you would like a better plan or description please e-mail me at VlajWoj51@hotmail.com

[toto]

Yeah the bicycle thingee is the speed reel, I have never used one so I don't know how they work. I have caught smelt with real tiny minnows and a small, size 14 or 16 hook. Of course I don't need to catch 100 smelt to be happy, 15 or 20 is enough for me and my wife.

[toto]

BTW tedly, they use a spoon called a sandkicker for the lakers. Or you could use the old standby swedish pimple. A little minnow or smelt meat helps I quess.

[DANN09]

Hey Mike. I tried to e-mail You to get a picture or a better discription of that speed-reel You mentioned above. I have a place in Frankfort and fish Crystal summer and winter. I have heard guys talk about them but have yet to see one. My e-mail is MYMUNNEE@netscape.net. Thanks.

[mike woj]

Concerning the speed reel set up in my previous entry, give me a few days and I will see if I can get you a much better description. If not, I will get a couple of photos together and will send them by means of snail mail.I teach school so this next week is really busy for me. Be patient and I will get the info as soon as I can. Nice to see the interest! Pa would of been pleased.

[Deadly Tedly]

Toto/Mike Woj/And Everyone Else...

Thanks for all the help with the topic. Can't wait to give it a try. Mike, I will e-mail my snail mail address...if you get a chance send me some pics. I would love to see "Pa's" Rig. Gotto love the old timers...they always seemed to get it right! In return I'll send you some pics of my creel after using the set-up!!

[Deadly Tedly]

Just picked up the January issue of Michigan Sportsman...They have dedicated one feature to Crystal and Higgins lake Lake Trout tips! The article is informative and well written if anybody is curious on where to go for Higgins & Crystal lake. Toto looks like you were right on with your recommendations.
-DT