Question about northerns

[live_2_fish]

What it the best way to catch big northerns. I have been fishing on a local lake and all I have been catching is 1-2 pounders. I at least want something above 5. Just to break the streak. It's ticking me off. I know there are big ones in that lake but I can't seem to get them. I had one break my 30 pound braided line on my tip-up this winter. My hook was tied directly to the line. I was freaking out. But you can't catch them all. Although one would be nice.

[mskyfshntchr]

Well, now that we are into summer it is tougher to catch the bigger northerns because the majority(if not all) of them are hanging out in cooler(deeper) water. Not sure of the make up of your lake but you will want to fish them deeper (20+ feet). Trolling shads, deep running spinnerbaits or even musky baits will work.

When the water temps are below 55-60 you can get them shallow. In the spring a spinner bait (1/4, 3/8 & 1/2 oz. work) over new weed growth is deadly. My best luck is with a single colorado blade and a whitish-silverish skirt. I will buy the northland ones with the white skirts and then replace those skirts with the silver skirts. I add double the skirting to provide a little more bulk. Works for me.

In the fall they come back in shallow as well. Jerkbaits, spinners, daredevels will work. SO will big live bait.

In the winter, use a leader or quick strike rig. Northerns are usually not finicky and you eliminate the risk of bite off with them.

Good luck!

[live_2_fish]

Thanks for the info. I will have to give it a try.