saugeendrifter

If you guys can't get your Jplugs to work its likely because the water is too clear and the plugs are TOO MUCH for the fish; to rectify this issue try a Lyman (referring to the old wood ones). Fish it the same way at the same speeds (up to 2.5). A JPlug and Lyman have the same curvature in the nose however the Lyman tie point is higher than the JPlug bearing swivel hole and therefore have more action. In clear water they out fish JPlugs. In murky turbid water the JPlugs shine cause the rattles and finishes reflect light. Lyman (the old ones) are made of wood therefore have different buoyant properties and move differently underwater. Same colours produce as the JPlugs, bloody nose (first inch of nose is all red and rest is white), army truck (dark green back with yellowish belly), anything ladder-back, watermelon (pink sides green back), firedot (ch green sides with coho orange dots), clown (all white with pink dots), ghost (all white). I have even had luck with some of the original producer plugs which I hope I never loose. I guess what I am saying is don't get stuck on one lure or color. I have gone out in a group of boats and all of us try different things. Example. One boat is using blue silver plugs, Im greens, 3rd boat running blacks and purples. No one can get bit, One boat decides to put on a white plug and gets bit immediately and lets us know, we all then load up white and have a bonanza. It can end as soon as it starts but each day is another fact finding day. If you get redundant or lazy you limit your catch ability.

IMO, I have tried Seaguar, great line too expensive I have tried Berkley big game; this stuff is ROPE! 20# big game is as thick as 40# fluorocarbon, and yes line diameter does matter when running spoons. (try this on your own, put that same spoon on two rods, one big game the other a thinner diameter line. Hold the two out and watch the difference, the spoon can only do what its physical limits are, a smaller diameter line cuts the water easier and allows for more water to hit the spoon causing more action; more action means more fish!) I personally prefer 20# Berkley Vanish Fluorocarbon in the blue box, the Berkley gold I do not like Seaguar Fluoro is $26.99 for 200 yds, Berkley Vanish is $15.49 for 250yds; HOWEVER having said that big game is half the price or less than those previously listed I fish Lake Huron, we face a very clear clean lake with great depth visibility so stealth is key so fluoro is a must I have fished Lake O and had 15fish days of 20#ers and no issues with 20#. Again snubbers are a must, big game is mono and does stretch, fluorocarbon does stretch a slight bit but very little

If I were fishing out of a Kayak and targeting kings I would use a plug style lure, if you are trolling in an area considered to be part of the lake you can use 2 rods in some lakes. Check your regs. For example in Huron you can use 2, in Georgian bay 1.... Plug types are cut plugs like Lyman lures, captains plugs but I would only run one at a time and they would be my first choice. Jplugs will work but work better at higher speeds. Some like to troll big jointed body baits like J13 rapalas and long a bombers. I have hit staggers off spoons like Cleo's trolling in the river, spinners will work at times. If I were fishing Kayak I wouldn't be drift fishing with it I would be trolling with it.

If your aren't using snubbers invest in them. I have never had a fish break me off. When you are fighting the fish just let them run, don't jerk back on the rod, it is hard for us anglers who spin fish not to want to set the hook, the wire doesn't give so the line will, I have had rookies on my boat attempt to set the hook on a fish after the dipsey went off and rip the hook out of the fish. you are hunting staggers now, they are mean and big, expect to loose fish and gear unless you up your line as previously recommended. Set your wire so it will still click out even when you only take the slightest turn