Lakers Through the Ice..need responses

[Guest]

The baitcaster model from the Genz rod edition by Berkely is a good choice. Equip it with a baitcaster and fill it up with 12 pound test. Longer open face rods are good too. Stick with something 36 inches or longer. You are going to need the added leverage and backbone that a longer rod provides. Bring a wide assortment of swimming jigs. Flyers, air plane jigs, wobler's, etc. Bring some jiggin spoons and raps too. You are going to have to use pieces of minnows because I don't think you can bring live bait. Use the back end when fishing a swimmin jig and the head when fishing a spoon or rap. Bring some plastics too, like tub jigs and such. Find the any humps or deep underwater points extending from the islands and fish inbetween those. Middle shelfs of deep drop-offs are a good spot too.

Here are a few spots on Whitefish that have produced in the past:

1) South side of Russel Island there are a group of islands. Fish the east and north sides in about 50 feet of water.

2) South of Return Point there is a 34 foot hump that will hold lakers early in the season.

3) The narrows of Whitefish Bay. Fish the humps and points in about 50-60 feet.

4) Just south of Paddle Point there is a shelf in about 55 feet of water (edge). Punch holes in about 25 yard incriments and fish each one until you find the rock piles.

5) Southeast of Highrock Island fish in about 35-40 feet for WALLEYES.

Number five is a walleye spot but I thought I'd add it incase you wanted to try something different. You might have to go even deeper for the lakers in some cases. Not uncommon to catch lakers in 100 feet of water. Ask some of the baitshops up there about locations as well. Try to bring all the equipment you are going to need because the prices up there are kinda pushing it. Keep us posted how you do.

Good Fishin, Matt.

[This message has been edited by MJ5 (edited 12-05-2002).]

[IceEyes]

For icing lakers call Thorne Bros. in Fridley, MN. They build very good quality ice rods. I would look at a 32 to 42 inch rod. I would go with a spinning reel though. Your talking fishing Nestor Falls it can be -25 to -40 degrees. I would rather backreel a spinning reel than thumb a bail on a baitcaster....plus you will be wearing gloves. Just my opinion though. I have 4 thorne bros. ice rods....I haven't seen anything that compares....they will custom design it for you! You can't get major manufacturer's to do that.

Good Luck with Lakers....that is an amazing trip. One that everyone should do at least once.

[Guest]

Cap , You'll dig Muskie Bay ! Been there twice and am going again this winter.

IceEyes is right. Thorne Bros will set you up with a good stick. I too prefer a spinning outfit for the same reasons. Caught a 30" Laker last year on #6 Trilene and a Sweatheart Plus rod no problem. Lots of backreeling and did'nt horse em to the hole.

[Captain B.R.K]

Great news guys! WallEYES, I sent you a response back on the thankfulness of your information.
As for you all, I appreciate all the information. I will call Thorne Bros and see if they can custom build a rod for me and see what it would run. -B

[Captain B.R.K]

IceEYES or WallEYES,

As for the thorne bros. rods, what is the difference between a glass rod and a graphite rod. I was looking at their 36" and 42" rods and those where the choices.
Any info on this?

[WallEYES]

CAPTAIN
The pro glass rods are a little siffer and a little less sensitive, but a good rod. The graphite or solid carbon Graphite is more sensitve and and scratch up the finsh and get beat up if abused, a good rod. Get a hold of Pat Smith at Thorne and he can get you going on what rod to use for certain cases. Some rods work for cetain individuals, while the the same won't work for others, depends on conditions, if being fished out of shelters or outside ect... I know GEEMAN had his customised the way he wanted and they are sweet and a lot of us that know him have seen some of the nice trout he has caught. Just follow what I sent you and you will be just fine.