To reverse line without a football field, merely wind the line on an empty spool
by hand -- or on another reel with sufficient space -- wind it again on another
spool, then finally back on your original reel. All you really need are two empty
spools, or two empty toilet paper spools, or two full or empty beer bottles, etc.
You get the idea.
I bought a Conolon fly rod from Warshals Sporting Goods in Seattle WA
in the early 50's, one of the first fiberglass fly rods on the market. It gave
me great service until I used it to snag a large river salmon, yanking too
hard to sink the lure's hook in the fish's side. (I did a lot of dumb things
in those Jr High days.)
I think you will find that Bondi large plastic jigs will catch lake trout
about anywhere. Don't be fooled by the fact they look like a giant
fish-shaped rubber eraser -- they do the job. Some models can even be
trolled. If you can't find lake trout on your fish finder, start 2-3 feet from
the bottom and jig your way up with 12" to 24" jig motions with a slow drop.
I guess your choice of rod action and tackle strength depends on
what gives you the most jollies when you go fishing. I went through a
phase of liking ultralight, but then I realized what I enjoy most in catching
a fish is the strike; consequently, I now go for quantity, not quality. For
example, I gave up fly fishing for pike and now use regular tackle.
Once you get the hang of it, landing a good fish just takes more time and
isn't all that challenging.
I have used numerous different fish finders, starting with the original "Little Green Box"
by inventor Carl Lawrence. I presently have Lowrances, numerous models of Humminbirds,
and several Garmins. You can't beat Garmin for simplicity and dependability, in my opinion.
I started my boys fishing from the dock at age 3. One time I won't forget,
and I think it helped make Joe a lifetime fisherman, is when I took a lively 4 lb
largemouth off a stringer and I hooked it on to his line when he wasn't looking.
You can't go wrong bye adding a Berkley Crappie Nibble to any
lure used for crappie, in my experience.
I like old-time country music, like "Squaws Along the Yukon" by Hank Thompson.
A dropshot rig with 2 hooks at different depths allows you to cover more levels
and expose your bait to more fish, not to mention occasionally catching two at
a time.
Mexican guides on Mexican lakes are famous for their ability to dislodge snagged
lures. They frequently use the "string pluck" method mentioned by Chuck56.
sjpanko
Fishing is tough in your area this time of year, but great for jigging
for squid from piers, where you don't even need a boat. Check out
U Tube for where to go and how to do it. I drive clear across the mountains
to fish squid in the winter, and I live in great walleye country!
I have bait casting and spinning reels spooled with both 832
and Power Pro. 832 is a bit better, but Power Pro is plenty good
enough and more economical. I've settled on 6 lb Power Pro for
trout, panfish, and smallmouth. It would be great for your ultralight
fishing and plenty good for most applications, in my opinion.
Ha! Ha! AZmark. Good one!
We had quite a few big walleye here in the Columbia River back in
the day, and I've eaten them just short of 15 pounds. They tasted
fine. The meat was a little more coarse, but they weren't mushy,
fishy, or tasteless. (Nowadays, I don't keep anything larger than
20" unless they are badly hooked.)
I fished there for 2 weeks about 15 years ago. What I remember most
was the excessive heat -- but I'm from WA state, so . . .