lake trout rod

[styx]

anyone have a suggestion on a lake trout rod. I plan on a trip later this winter and need to get ready.

[chunkytrout]

Depending on how you fish...I'm not much on the storeboughts. I have a 36" medium fast and a 34" medium slow. Both are baitcaster style and were built by Osprey in Ely. Midwest, who sponsors this site makes some great affordable custom rigs that you should check out. I also use the old HT Polar Heavies for the dead stick approach. There are a number of medium action walleye rods that would also fit the bill.

[styx]

This will be my first time fishing lakers. We are going to Crow lake in the Nestor Falls area. Sounds like jigging with tube jigs. I have several walleye rods but was wondering if they can handle those lakers. It sounds like there is a chance we may get into fairly large ones up there.

[chunkytrout]

Yep, they may be a little on the light side. If you're trying this for the first time and don't want to blow alot of $'s, pick up one of the HT Polar heavies (blue/orange). They make some a little more forgiving than the 24" billyclub you usually see in stores. When you get hooked (and you will) you'll want to shop for the right rod and you'll have a better idea what suits you. Good Luck on Crow!

[g man46]

Styx,

When are you heading up? I like to use the HT 34" Heavy. We went to Manitou for the first time laker fishing last year and the heavier rods seemed to lose less fish due to the more solid hook set? I will be up there in early January.

[Eastwind]

Styx,

G-Man is right. Friends of mine and I fished Crow for Lakers two years ago for the first time. Walleye rods with 6# or 8# mono was okay to fight the fish but hook setting was a problem due to line stretch and rod flex. Last year we went with the $5.00 broom stick Cabela's rods and the hook setting was better. One other FYI. The guides at Crow suggest that you steer away from the Super lines 9 Spider Wire etc.) as those lines hurt the action of your lure when you jig.

[Captain B.R.K]

styx- I was in the same predicument you are in 2 years ago. My first trip to Crow and I didn't have a lake trout rod.

What I found on the market is that there really aren't any rods built by any company that suffice as a "good" laker rod. I looked at the HT and Genz rods (baitcaster style) and wasn't happy with either of them. Their actions were just to stiff for me. Both felt like a 2x4 in my hand!

I went on-line to Thorne Bros. HSOforum and checked out their professional 36" ice rod! I bought that and to this day, am happy I bought it. ACTUALLY after our trip, 3 of the four guys in my group bought one for last years trip to laker country!

Excellent rod for jigging tubes to those DUDES!

What's nice is that it is verstile for fishing walleyes too!

Yeah it was a bit expensive, but hey, the action on it is superb and can be used for other species as well.

Quit wasting time and check out Thorne Bros., you won't be disappointed!

[g man46]

What did they suggest for line? I was planning on getting fireline. I guess I'm glad I am a procrastinator.

[Captain B.R.K]

I fished fireline now for the last 2 years for lake trout. I do put a 3-4ft piece of flurocarbon on as a tippet.

Fireline first, than a 3-4ft piece of flurocarbon and then my jig.

Normally I'm fishing in no more than 60-70 ft of water and fireline is perfect- great sensitivity in the greater depths.

[styx]

thanks guys. Looks like i'll head to Thorne Brothers to check things out. We are heading up mid february. It's a trip I've thought about for a few years now. I can't wait.

[Northlander]

Give Bill at Midwest Rod and Reel a call and he can hook you up with a rod every bit as good as any made at a great price. I love all 3 rods he has made me and the service is fantastic. Great rods and fast turnaround without sacraficing any quality.

www.midwestrodandreel.com

On Crow I used a 40" Med/heavy and it was more than enough rod. I think anything in the 32-42" range in a medium or medium heavy will work. The super lines wont hurt action if you use a mono shocker/leader. Bring white power tubes and Bubble up tablets to stuff in them. Worked great up there as do jigging raps and the bigger JR,s Flasher spoons in glow/clear red. If you can find them get some Blue Fox Tinglers. Awesome spoon but not made any longer.