Isle Royale Forums

Hi - I'm trying to decide on a rod/reel for my upcoming trip. I will be fishing for northern pike and maybe walleye. Does anyone have a recommendation? Two have caught my eye:

Shakespeare Excursion Deluxe Travel Spinning Kit
http://www.cabelas.com/cabelas/en/templ ... =cat601233

St. Croix Triumph Travel Spinning Rod (the medium power? - I' don't know which reel I would use with it)
http://www.cabelas.com/cabelas/en/templ ... tid=110793

Thanks,
Eric

Of the two that caught your eye, I’d go with the St Croix and then get a good light weight reel that meets your needs. I’ve always been partial to open face spinning reels, but it a personal choice. I don’t thing the reel that comes with the Shakespeare would be as good as something else you can get separately.

But it all depends on your price sensitivity and how much you’ll be using the gear. If you are a very casual fisherman the cheaper deal might suit you fine, but don't expect it to hold up to years of fishing.

I bought an Eagle Claw break down rod 30 years ago and it’s still under warranty, yet never had to collect other than the one time I lost the end eyelet and they replaced it for free. It’s a little more money but it’s a good rod. No pack rod will have the action that a one or two piece rod can offer.

This one seems to be on sale at almost 1/2 price.

http://www.cabelas.com/cabelas/en/templ ... 455122640a

Mine came with a soft case so I made a more rugged case using some PVC pipe and made one end with a screw on cap. Then again, the extra weight of a hard case for proper protection might not be warranted if the rod is cheaper.

Make sure you take along some steel leaders if you want to land that Northern.

~Ed

Ed- thanks for suggestion. I will definitely check it out. I'm planning on stopping by Cabela's on my way to IR.

Eric

Both look like fine rods! I bring two rods & reels to IR just in case something breaks. My buddy had his reel handle fall into the water this year:( Ed mentioned the PVC protector...I always bring a protective case too, however, my rods are usually two piece. I just got back a week ago from a two week trip. Let me know if you have anymore backpacking/fishing questions because I canoe & fish like a maniac when I go.

Aw man, show a little love for the Ronco Pocket Fisherman...

https://www.ronco.com/PocketFisherman/Default.aspx

I had one as a kid. I don't remember catching anything with it, though.

Robin,
Thanks for the tips. The forum has taken a lot of the unknown out of our trip, which we greatly appreciate.

I'm still on the fence between a $40 travel rod/reel combo (Shakespeare etc) or coughing up more money for something like the St. Croix or Eagle with a decent reel. I think they offer spinning and bait casting versions of the St. Croix and Eagle. I don't mind spending the extra cash if it would be a good idea, but I also don't think I'll use it more than a few times a year. What are your thoughts (we'll be fishing for pike and maybe walleye? Also, what kind of fishing line do you suggest?

We will be on the island for 4 nights, with the 4th night in Rock Harbor. It looks like the best options for shore fishing for a trip of this length would be Chickenbone or Richie. Which would you recommend?

Thanks again,
Eric

Get the Shakespear! The last three years I've brought an Ugly Stick and a Wicked Stick (super stiff rod and only 30 bucks). I've never fished Chickenbone, however, I've heard lots of good things about it. Some guy was braggin' about a bunch of walleye's that he caught (one was a 25 incher). I think a canoe would be the best way to catch those guys, however, pike shouldn't be a problem whatsoever. If you are shore fishing you're going to want to cast far to hit as many places as you can (better odds). The whole island is full of pike. Chickenbone has lots of pike from what I've read and heard from other hikers. Buy some Fireline or something braided because the line is smaller in diameter and is heavier test so it will fit on the Shakespear reel. Lake Ritchie is kinda of a lot of work for a 5 day trip. I did it once, but it was a killer making it back in time for the Ranger III. Bring heavier lures if possible so you can sling'em. I did a little shore fishing 10 days ago because the lakes were choppy because of the wind (didn't feel comfortable taking the canoe out), but I caught 6 pike in about a half an hour (overcast and rainy day). At Ritchie and Intermediate I actually waded out into the water in my shorts and sandals (not my hiking shoes) and caught some fat pike. You can catch fish all day, but it picks up obviously in the morning and at night. Bring a couple extra spoons because they are cheap (gold or silver). I lost three of my besk pike baits on rocks and weeds the first day. I got a little nervous, but I had some spoons and they worked great. Regular old spinnerbaits work good to. Be sure to have a red colored one. The bugs were pretty bad...bring some good bug juice.

Thanks again! This is extremely helpful. I'll go with a Shakespeare. Do you suggest a 6 piece or 2 piece rod? Here are a few that look good to me:

6 piece 6' 6" Shakespeare with spinning real
http://www.cabelas.com/cabelas/en/templ ... =cat601233

6 piece 6' 6" Cabela's Tempest/Pro Guide with spinning reel
http://www.cabelas.com/cabelas/en/templ ... =cat601233

2 piece 6' Shakespeare Ugly Stik Deluxe with spinning reel
http://www.cabelas.com/cabelas/en/templ ... hasJS=true

2 piece 6' Shakespeare Ugly Stik Spinning Combo
http://www.cabelas.com/cabelas/en/templ ... =cat601233

Personal pref on 2 piece or 6 piece. I checked out both before I did my first big hiking/fishing backpacking trip. I felt a little more confident in the 2 piece, but any stick will catch fish.