Laker Combo

[Reynolds]

I have yet to fish lakers and I would like to give it a try this year. I am in the dark as far as what to go with as far as a setup. Any suggestions on a specific rod (Thorne Bros???) and a specific reel? What pound test would you suggest using? Are there any baits that have worked well for you guys in the past? I've spoken with a couple of guys and they suggested using tube presentations.

[mdhmdh]

I have used as stiff of a rod as I could find, with a baitcaster and 8-10# fireline. One guy we go with uses a hand spool with steel line used for superior summer fishing, he manages to get lips quite often even at 50 feet deep. Had the best luck last winter with white saltwater tubes with a chunk of cisco/sucker for some stink.

[harvey lee]

I would try to find a longer rod, lets say up to 40" long in a med/heavy action with good backbone.

The two rods I have are set up like this.

1- Thorne bros professional 36" spinning rod with a Shimano spinning reel. Line on this rod is 12# mono.

2- Scotty's custom ros Spiral wrapped bait caster rod with an Abu Garcia reel. Again the line on this rod is 10# braided line.

Many different spoons can be used and here is a list of some of the tackle I take along.

Sweedish pimples, sonars, airplane jigs, tubes and jigging raps. I also have a few others but the list will get rather long. I also tip my hooks with cut cisco.

[Powerstroke]

Definately check out the Duluth,Ely BWCA forum. Last year they pretty much spelled it out for everyone about what is basic laker gear. In general, heavy walleye gear will do. If you're looking to commit to a setup, then they have rod and reel recommendations ans well as line and lure ideas.

I use a Thorne 42" Hvy rod with my 4000 series shimano reel for open water. I throw on 10lb mono and use about 10ft of Flouro for a leader, with a swivel to keep twist out of the line since you're usually fishing quite deep. I used jigging spoons, jigging raps and some tubes.

[Northlander]

Inland Lakers and Great lake (Superior) Laker fishing is 2 different ball games. Inland you can get away with heavy walleye gear. If you fish Lake Superior you will want a longer 36-42" rod and baitcaster reel. Spinning will work but most use a baitcaster. On Lake Superior we use a lot of heavy lures, up to 4 or 5oz and you need heavy line. 20-30# power pro with a good mono/flouro leader in the 20# range will do.

Like said above check us out on the Duluth/Bwca or Ashland forums and you will get some great advice from some good laker sticks. Pay close attention to Jim Hudson's posts in the WI. Ashland/Bayfield forums. He lives and breaths Lake Superior lakers down there and knows his stuff.