Isle Royale Forums

How about a little help for someone who wants to catch some fish.

What kind of tackle and lures would I need and what kind of fish can I expect to catch at:
McCargo, Chickenbone, Lake Richie, Moskey Basin, Chippewa Harbor? Mostly fishing from the shore or a pier. Any suggestions ye fishermen?

Mornin Wally,
You could bring a 2 pc 6' medium spinning rod with a 2000 series spinning reel spooled with 8# test line. Some people like telescoping rods, don't have any experience with them. I like Trilene XT. A few 9" 20# test leaders and a small selection of lures including Mepps #4 w/ squirrel tail hair w/ black and/or silver blades, Daredevils (red and Whitestripped or my favorite Five of Diamonds, some like the weedless feature of a Johnson Silver minnow, and a few Rapallas, I like minnow color, perch. If you really want to some fun, bring a long a Zara Spook or the like for topwater action. Remember to pinch the barbs on the hooks to facilitate release of pike. I cut one hook off treble hooks this year which made it easier to unhook fish.
Don't forget long foreceps to remove swallowed hooks and jaw spreaders help also.

Thanks John.

Like John said, good variety of Mepps, and a couple spoons. Leaders are a must.

Only difference I have with John is I prefer 6 pound line and telescoping rods. I like the rods because they take up so little space. I roll them up in my sleeping pads. If you can wade out past the weed lines, you should be in for a great time.

Thanks Kevin

Backpacking gear I know, fishing gear I don't, except that I can't use an open face reel. Is something like this overkill?

http://www.cabelas.com/cabelas/en/templ ... hasJS=true

or one of these?

http://www.cabelas.com/cabelas/en/templ ... hasJS=true

I don't want to spend big bucks because I don't fish that often but would like to fish when we go in August.

I was wondering what is the best way to pack your fishing pole, by using ties?

We hand carried them onto the VII. Once on the island, we took the poles apart and put them inside of the air mattress. Didn't have any problems.

So, I never fished Northern Pike before. Only large mouth at my P's cottage. With that said, I need some help!

I want to fish when I go in mid June. Do I need a lead? What pound test line? What about a glove to handle them?

I am okay on lures, rod, and a reel.

Thanks in advance for all replies!

You will need steel leaders. Line test is not a big deal if you have a net, most pike are on the small side - I would say 6 pound would be fine. If you are going to need to hoist them up on shore you might want to go with a heavier line. Pike are not easily spooked by larger diameter line.

NO LIP LANDING!!!!

Have fun.

Bob