Big Water

Exactly. Just add shot to mono when you're in tight. That lead will drop like a rock on the inside on turns. 7-20' FOW in spring and you don't need lead core.

I'll second the NBK patterns.

For kings; Greens, purples, blacks and I'm becoming a UV convert after the past few seasons. Steelies like the brighter orange and red spoons. I've also gained an appreciation of ladder back (fish bone) patterns. The problem is, I've seen fish preference change weekly, and even daily. Last year, in the spring, there was a MS Caddy Shack UV spoon that I couldn't keep fish off of. A month later and it was all but dead. Two years ago, I could have run a 42nd spoon on every rod and caught fish all day. One year ago, I couldn't get it to move. Stick with greens, purples and black combos for kings and orange/red for steelies. Finger Lakes Tackle makes some of the most durable spoons you can get, as far as paint quality goes. Always stop at the local tackle shop and ask what's been hot. They'll tell you the truth because they want you to come back. My 2 cents.

I've had better luck with non-jointed stick baits than jointed, but in general, natural colors for clear water and bright colors for muddy water. Try them all and let the fish tell you. Just get them away from the boat, either out to the side or 100+' behind.

And that's the problem Joe. If you don't have ultra-smooth drags or have inexperienced people on the rod, you're asking for lost fish on light leaders.

12 lb for the occasional King.

I'm going to resurrect this post from 2011. Has anyone had good experience catching alewives QUICKLY? I don't want to spend 1/2 hour running around finding bait balls only to pick a fish or two. Can you find bait, drop the rig and pull up a handful in short order? Might have to order one and find out for myself. Problem is that nobody carries these and the shipping is more than the rig.

Thanks. I'm launching next weekend so it looks like the temps should be pretty good for Browns by then as long as the winds cooperate.

Thanks for the report. What were the water temps?

Amen!

The temp on the bottom is going to stay 39-40 degrees all winter. Colder water actually floats on top, that's why lakes freeze from the top down. They can stay in the "warmer" water and ride out the winter.

The only reason I go with shrink wrap Les, is to avoid pricking myself with the ends. Likewise, I always leave the swivel exposed to inspect for any fraying on the bend.

120lb is more than enough. Haywire twist with shrink wrap. I'll never go back to Albright knots after losing multiple leaders and entire coppers. I know this is contentious, but I've learned my lesson. Leave the Albrights for lead core.

I didn't, the place that sold me the boat mounted it. It's about 2/3 of the way forward on the boat and slightly to the port under a floor storage area. I'd call Garmin and set up a call for when you're on the water.