Laker rod

[JSK76]

Heading up to Whitefish bay next week to fish Lakers and need to pick up a rod. I've never fished for lakers before and could use some advice on a rod. I want to stay around $40.00 or less and needs to be for a spinning reel. I have no idea on how long it should be, I can fit a 36" rod in my case but see most laker rods start at 36" and go up. I could always find a safe spot for it some place.

The place I'm going shopping has Icepro 36" Med heavy and 42"heavy, Mr Walleye Trout 36" Med heavy, 42" heavy and 45" heavy, Mr Walleye Norseman 38" med heavy, 42' heavy and Jason Mitchell Mackinaw 38' med-heavy. So out of these choices does any one stick out as being better then the next or should I just go see what feels right?

[Eric_Kruger]

those mackinaws are built to take some abuse...Ive never actually handled any of the rest tho

[knoppers]

I would stay away from the heavy rods, I have seen them break in half with a strong hit, which happens many times for lakers. medium is what I use, you need a good rod with some backbone, but it needs to be good enough for the lighter hitters.

[Mike Stark]

I have both the Icepro 36MH and the Icepro 45H. I really like both rods. If you are going to be fishing out of a house the 45in will most likely be too long. The 36in maybe too long depending on the shelter. The 45H is my go to outside rod. It has a softer tip for fishing lighter lures and feeling lighter bites.

[Surface Tension]

I've been using the JM Mackinaw spiral wrap for the past few years and have to say I like it for a few reasons.

Light weight but good back bone. Fishes light lures or heavier weight lake trout lures without

bending over on the lift.

That right there adds sensitivity and that is the name of the game.

You might think lake trout slam a lure and they do but they will hit it light, couple that with fishing over deep water the light rod with sensitivity will make your break your outing.

The backbone the drive hooks home when hooksets are often in out of postition.

Meaning the cat and mouse games with lakers and sonar making lakers to chase can leave your rod position in not the best position for crisp hard hook sets. The backbone of the Mac will won't leave you lacking on those deep water hookups.

[Northlander]

I have a few of the Mr Walleye rods and I really like the 36" medium for spinning. Its a great laker rod and also can be used for walleyes. The Mackinaw is not a spinning rod so thats not in the picture for you from what you said wanting a spinning rod.

I have a Thorne Brothers Profesional Laker rod in spinning and its bulletproof. A bit more money but well worth it.

[JSK76]

They make the Mackinaw in both spinning and bait caster they had them on the shelf right next to each other. I went home with the Mackinaw spinning in a 38" med-heavy for only $23.00 on sale!