Rockin' Randy

Weather report said calm winds but we launched into an 8-10 mph breeze in the dark. While the waves were not particularly high, they were two footers coming from all directions. The phrase, 'confused seas' comes to mind. Wife wasn't happy driving and I was getting bounced around pretty good setting lines in our 21' Trophy. It wasconstant steering and throttle adjustments. After setting 5 lines we both had enough and turned the boat towards the harbor, figuring we'd just troll back in. The wire Slide Diver popped and I managed to fight and net a15# king while she handled the boat. It fell for a Kev's GF with a Diabolical Mad Cow. I had it out 120' on 1.5 setting, in 115' of water, straight out. Temptation to stay out now, but we didn't. We only live 10 miles from port, so we agreed to pick a better day. Breakfast at the Lighthouse Cafe sounded better. Lines were only in the water 45 minutes. Lol. Sent from my moto z4 using Great Lakes Fisherman Mobile App

FBD, omg, that is exactly what happened this morning. I went out knowing the salmon would be at 68' like a few days back. Yet I marked nothing at that range. Even the lake trout seemed scarce this morning, but I did manage one from the rigger set at 68' over 115' of water. Back at the fish cleaning station, the few guys who managed to get a salmon or two, picked them up at 40', and even 25'. I saw marks at 40 and moved some gear there, but apparently not soon enough. Thanks for the tip. Sent from my moto z4 using Great Lakes Fisherman Mobile App

Thanks Three Dogs, I do like the glow stuff too. Moonshines especially. I've not seen their trolling flies though. I'll be on the lookout for them. Sent from my moto z4 using Great Lakes Fisherman Mobile App

Just wondering what other anglers run at daybreak when targeting kings. I had gotten out of salmon fishing for about 12 years, but in the last three bought another boat and am getting back into it. So much has changed inthe last 15 years. Anyway, I usually go out in the dark and have my lines set by daybreak or before. For simplicity, I tend to run all or mostly glow spoons to start. Then switch to 50/50 spoons flashers as the sun starts to rise. I usually get fish, but don't do as well as other anglers. So just wondering how you all start your day? Would I have better odds running flashers to start? If so, meat rigs, flies, or spin n glow type lures? Sent from my moto z4 using Great Lakes Fisherman Mobile App

Yes, I think you did the best out of everyone I talked to. It was good meeting you. See you there again perhaps. :-) Sent from my moto z4 using Great Lakes Fisherman Mobile App

Fished from 5:30 am to 10:30 am. Only one hit and landed an 18# king. Trolled from straight out, then north to the point in 90' to 130'. Marked moderate amount of fish. Three on board and running seven lines. Three riggers and four divers. King came off inside Slide Diver, steel line, 68' down in 115'. Moonshine orange color spoon. Went from mostly spoons early to mostly paddles, trying meat rigs, spin-n-glos, and flies. Tried trolling the shelf (90-120 dropoff) for trout on the way back with no success. Marked more fish in this area but couldn't trigger a strike. The water was flat. Back at the fish cleaning station we learned there were few kings taken, and not many lake trout. This was the third day in row with similar results and calm weather. Whew! Taking tomorrow off. Maybe I'll try again Wednesday. Sent from my moto z4 using Great Lakes Fisherman Mobile App

Thank you. That's what I ended up doing.

Just wondering, when you run the snap on type weights with weighted line, do you put it on leader end near lure, or rod end on backer? I've just started running lead line and have played with snap weights a couple times. Sent from my moto z4 using Great Lakes Fisherman Mobile App

I'm looking at replacing two mismatched dipsy rods. Right now I have one 10' and one 8' Browning probably 20 years old. Is the rule of thumb for dipsys the same as downrigger rods - you can go cheap on rods and spend more on reels? Or is there merit to spending more on a dipsy rod? I've been out of this type of fishing for a bit. Got back into it last year. This year I went to braid, not sure the Browning Silflax even has the proper guides. Was looking at Okuma classic glt dipsy rods in either 10' or 10-1/2' because of price ($38). Not sure if Ugly Stik makes one or how their action is for this application.