Hello,
I will try to fish Lake Michigan this season for the very first time.
What would be best universal spinning rod.
Based on my reading I will be using mepps and crankbaits.
A rod that could be used for spinning and bobber fishing would be ideal.
Also, I would appreciate line, lure advice ...anything helps.
Thank you in advance!
Id stick with 9ft or longer. As said before long rods and good drags do the work for you. No need for any kind of heavy action rod. I prefer two setups normally. Cabela's series 9ft Medium for cranks / spinner. 10'6" Okuma sst float rod in medium power for a bobber rod. Both rods are a great price and cover everything from steel head to kings. 15lb power pro (4lb mono diameter) with a flouro leader gives you great capacity on reels. Pflueger President reels are solid for the price, also like the Okuma Avenger baitfeeder series for live bait rigs off breakwalls.
Don't be afraid to set out bait or spawn on float rigs or slip sinker rigs. You can do both and still cast your croc a mile with the good ideas from earlier posters. Mark Wisniewski writes a 'Lake Michigan Shore Fishing" article in Midwest Outdoors. April edition has a good one about stealth because of the clear water we now fish. Don't forget a long net or extension if needed.
I prefer 8.5-9 ft medium to med heavy action. Heavier action means lost fish because there fish go nuts and you tear hooks out or break your line. Too light and you don’t have the power to cast heavy baits and get good hook sets. You want to control fish, not muscle them and the bend in the rod is where that happens. Longer rods work for bobbers and live bait but it’s a little much for casting and you lose power. I use 12-14lb nanofil, unless air temp is below freezing. Don’t skimp on the reel, I’ve been happy with Diawa excelers, you need a big drag system and large spool capacity.
