Best Rods for Shore Fishing Lake Michigan & Wisconsin Lakes

Question
I wonder if you could recommend a specific rod to me for shore fishing Lake Michigan and local Wisconsin lakes..You talk about an xf action 7 1/2 footer.  I would like to go after browns, walleye, and salmon with how you suggest to use swim baits..i found that article really exciting.  Is there a St Croix rod or s specific brand and model that you would recommend?  The biggest reel that i have is a Shimano F-1 3000..i could go up to a 4000 which is what you recommended i believe.  I like to use a spinning reel set up. I have a small drive-way and a home that i can afford to pay off so i do not have room for a boat. I am Veteran and would like to learn your techniques and then teach other vets as a part of their readjustment process.

Dan

Answer
Hi Dan,

If you were going after one rod I would say a 7 footer with a fast action that will handle 3/8 to 1 ounce lures.  For Lake Michigan specifically, I would go much longer like an 8 1/2 to 9 1/2 footer, but that is too long for inland fishing.  The longer rod aid in casting long distances and fighting the bigger fish on light line.  I like St. Croix, but they are pricey.  I'd look around at end of year deals right now.  There are a lot of rods out there with those specs and will work fine.  Even the private label Cabelas and Gander Mountain rods are pretty good.

A 3000 size reel should be OK.  For Lake Michigan, you will want a reel that will hold at least 150 yards of 8# test.  Less than that, there is a chance of getting spooled by a salmon.  The trout don't make those long runs, but the Chinooks will.

Swim baits are good, but have a varied arsenal along.  Spoons, crankbaits, jigs, shallow minnow baits, etc.  Some must-haves for Lake Michigan are 2/5th ounce Cleos, Shallow 4.5" Thundersticks, Berkley Flicker Shads, and some Rapala DT-14 crankbaits.  I rely heavily on jigs at the lakefront.  White marabou or bucktail, pearl tubes, or white Berkley Gulp!  Usually 1/4 to 3/8th ounce is good.

If you have any questions, please drop another note.

Good luck,

Marc