EdB

I like a 9ft medium to medium light rod, you want some backbone with a sensitive tip. I prefer spinning reesl and this would be your most economical set up. Center pin reels are becoming more popular for float fishing(they are best for that) and you need a longer rod but they cost a lot more and not as versatile, for example, you can't cast with them and drift fish. You can float fish and drift fish with a spinning reel. Best time of the year is March and April in Michigan, I don't fish Ohio or PA, runs might be a bit sooner there. You can reduce your learning curve a lot by hiring a guide. A local guide can put you on the best water. There are good spots and bad spots on any river system and guide can help here and they can help you with timing the run too.

Welcome Matt, lot's of guys willing to help here. I fish Lk Mich from St Joe in March, April, May and Ludington from July to end of Sept but we spend late May/June on Erie from Bolles Harbor and do some early season jigging there in April too. With the huge year class of walleyes it is going to be great this year. Glad to share any info we have at both Lk Mich and Erie if you are fishing the ports we are at.

Capt Chucks in Ludington has it in summer, not sure about winter.

Welcome aboard!

I have a printed manual, where are you located?

Some of the best coho fishing is in April and May on the south end of the lake but the fish are small, 1-3 lbs. That is fairly reliable fishery. The best king fishing last year was in May due to conditions that had fish concentrated in the SW side of Michigan. That is not a sure thing, King fishing was tougher there in prior years and sometime Wisconsin gets the concentration in spring. It is really wind and water dependent. A more predictable fishery is from the 3rd week of July to mid August off north central MI and WI. Salmon populations are down in recent years from lower stocking and inconsistent natural reproduction. It seems the best fishing in recent years is dependent on water conditions concentrating bait and fish. If you could pick your port as close to your dates based on recent conditions, that will result in the best success but that can be tough when booking travel and charters in advance. If you can fish weekdays, you can book a charter on short notice. Scroll back in time on the Lk Michigan salmon reports forum and you can get a feel for the action last year.

Welcome aboard, lot's of good info and many people willing to help on questions. Activity here goes up after the ice melts in the Great Lakes in spring.

Welcome to GLF!

https://www.thenorthwestern.com/story/sports/outdoors/fishing/2019/02/17/pickup-truck-sinks-into-lake-winnebago/2898985002/

https://nbc25news.com/news/local/must-watch-man-lucky-to-be-alive-rescued-seconds-before-truck-sinks-in-lake-huron

Mark your calendars! GLSI is holding a general membership and information meeting on March 2nd, 2019 from 2PM to 5PM at Jay's Sporting Goods in Clare. Join us to see what we've been up to, what we plan to do, get your questions answered on the status of many key issues related to the Salmon Fishing Industry. We will be electing officers, hoping to add members to the board of directors, and seeking input for direction and concerns for our mission. Come prepared to renew your membership or join us as we work to save the silver fishery for our Great Lakes.

Brinkman's in Grass Lake between Jackson and Chelsea does - (517) 522-8990

Sometime steering and throttle cables will tighten up over winter if old and you might need to replace the cable.

Welcome Gary, I fish by you in the winter, early spring.

Yes, a friend has them and really likes them.

http://southhavensteelheaders.com/community-service/swap-meet/This took place last year so you might want to watch their website to see if they have a 2019 swap meet. Usually swap meet planning doesn't get underway until later winter after the holidays.

Sure has been a strange fall, weather has been some of the worst in years for cold and rain. Hopefully we get some mild spells this winter for some steelheading.

Welcome back, not many still trolling now but it will pick back up in the spring.

Welcome to GLF!

http://www.cbs58.com/news/body-of-missing-racine-fisherman-found-in-michigan

Nice catch!