Rascal Trophy Fishing

There are certain rigger wires that range from 8-20 lb. balls. So, get the best wire strength that fits you're particular application, and go from there. It's not an all wire fits the application, it's what fit's the particular target. Just imho comment. The "rocket science" factor always applies, for sure!

Methinks most of you guys think one speed is always good. It's not. The fact that you "target certain species" of fish from a certain depth and current/direction, is the important, and relative factor to consider. I know, it's not "rocket science", right? That's Exactly the point/ factor I offer up for consideration I would hope. Consider ALL the factors that represent your fishing that particular day, and adjust accordingly so you CATCH, not just wash the lures offered up.

JDH, there are a lot of variables/conditions to consider regarding speed in general. Like fish being targeted, temp. of water, current, type of day, depth of water, speed at surface/ball, uptroll/downtroll, etc.. Not an exact science, stick with higher speeds when slower ones don't catch. The best overall foundation for all-condition speed on the surface has been 2.2-2.4mph fyi over the past years. Start with that, then work speed accordingly. Watch rigger wires and divers to not pull them out of releases.

Check with Steve at Sea Joy charters, he's my best go-to capt. in Frankfort. Good luck.

Fantastic info. and patronage for a great company.

This precious vehicle is still for sale and is really for serious for sale now, let's negotiate!

When there is a lot of baitfish everywhere, it doesn't help, fish are gorged out. A lot of guys are finding meat rigs working better when it's too slow too. Good luck on a change coming soon.

Thanks for rejoining Rich.

You picked the right site Laura, great info. and techniques are shared all the time, welcome.

Big MO! Is that a Yeck spoon? Wonder what the official wt. was too.

Boat is still for sale and would entertain any reasonable offers. The Loadmaster trailer has less than 50 miles on it, and costs $22K to replace. The spare rebuilt engine is also worth $4K. I've reduced price to $25K for quick sale. Many electronics and safety features go with it too. A very sturdy and big platform for fishing. No disappointments. Thanks.

Welcome to GLF Pat, have fun and ask away, lots of help over here.

Good decision Tom, you'll enjoy it over here, welcome.

Welcome to GLF forum Brian, enjoy.

I think some of the best smoked fish is Lakers. Why? Because the natural oils in the meat and skin, keep the meat more moist and succulent to the taste bud. Just my opinion. Many would also agree with chubs and whitefish in this regard, very tasty, and good for us.

Way to get that night bite going Jason.

Welcome to the GLF Jake. See, these guys are very helpful and have many tactics to catch them up. Also check with your local tackle shop and reports they have from local fishermen. Good luck and have fun.

I like to call it bouncing bottom for lakees. The rigger ball being the bouncer just barely hitting bottom. I like long leads too, 12-20' behind the ball. Our prime spot is in front of the PSP, pump storage project, 60-80 fow. After our usual limit of lakees, we go deep for steelies and kings to wrap up the trip.

That's very good news for Ludington. We've been waiting patiently for this news for almost a year now. I just hope no new nets from elsewhere arrive on the scene. Thanks Ed and Jason for the valuable links.

Great report Matt. Wish our water was that warm, only 44-45 mostly here, hard to find 49. But our fishing remains strong anyhow. One guy got 17 for 23 the other day, straight out action in less than two hours. Threw some pups back too.

Some great points guys. I must digress though just on a few observations, with all due respect. I think if you are specifically targeting lake trout on the bottom, say 70'-120' fow on bottom, you slow to .8-1.2 mph, esp. with peanuts and cowbells as the lures. Some flies/squids too. However, if you are just fishing in the upper columns, say for kings, with meat/spoons/flies, say 40-75' on riggers, over deeper water of say 100-150', you may take some unintentional lakers not really being targeted. Those fish are just running in the mix with other species imho, where baitfish may be prevalent. It's not necessarily a school of lakers, just some scattered in here and there. At least that's been my experience on the whole. P.S. Mark, I've always known Racine to be a Laker heaven, lots of them, and big ones, so I suspect the locals there know a lot about how to fish them, esp. the ones on bottom just south of the pierhead. Check with the local guys, esp. the seasoned fisherman, ones that have fished them for many years, and you may uncover some interesting facts, good luck.

Good luck with that worthy endeavor Craig, and keep up the good work Captain.

Nice report TJ. What's the surface temp up there? It's hard to find 49 down in Ludington. And by now my log shows we have almost always had 55-52 down here by now.

Hope your problem isn't serious, cause you gotta catch em up asap with this good weather.

The St. Tropez is a 32' X 11.5' hull. I almost bought one when they first came out. Plenty of room and comfort, takes a sea too. Congrats on the new rig, I'm sure you'll enjoy the upgrade.