Thinking about going after northerns...

[Alan]

Well, now that I have a new boat and motor, and have fished from shore for crappies and sunnies and the occasional bass. But now with a boat, I am feeling the urge to get some bigger fish in my grip. So I want to fish for Northerns. But I am not real sure of the set up one needs to fish for these big and aggressive fish.

As for a reel: spinning or casting? Rod: Medium or heavy? Bait? Lures? I have heard of the spoons are good....leader or not? What lb line?

I have never fished for more than pan fish, so any help or advice would be a great help..

[DancesWithWaves]

I usually troll rapala husky jerks with my medium heavy ugly stick and spinning reel. There is no need for a leader when you use 30 lb spiderwire.

[Fazzy]

There are many ways to tangle with the northern pike. Cast spoons in shallow bays, troll rapalas (I prefer the floating), cast large spinnerbaits, hang a med. to large sucker under a bobber. The main thing is to fish in or just off of weedy structure. I would always use a leader and have your drag set correctly. And also - it helps to have jaw spreaders and a good set of pliers handy...good luck

[ole matty]

watch out for those slimers*small northern* they tend to be wild in the boat with hook in the mouth so i wld held the northern in the water awhile take the hook off..learned that way after took slimer in boat n its does headshake and got the hook in my finger..

[TMF89]

Jaw-Spreaders are a MUST. It's just inhumane not to have them.

[solbes]

Trolling! Summer time it's amazing how fast you can go and still get strikes. Deep Down Husky Jerk's, Shad Raps, Wally Divers, etc. Find that weedline and hold on. If you aren't getting anything from long lining, try shortening to only 2 boat lengths in the prop wash.

Pike will not care if you have a leader or not, but you will not lose that big girl if you snap one on. I will sometimes fish for both pike and walleye and will remove the leader. I occasionally lose a big fish on 10 lb Fireline when they roll, but it's pretty rare. If only hunting for pike then by all means add one. Medium or M/H power rod is probably good.

Cast white spinner baits near lilly pads and into cabbage. Johnson silver minnows into thick stuff. You can troll for suspended monsters (if in deep clear lake). Lots of possibilities.