An Inside Look at the Equipment That Makes Our Lake Michigan Salmon Trips Successful

Fishing on Lake Michigan, especially targeting the prized salmon species, is an exhilarating experience — but it’s not just about patience and luck. It’s about having the right gear that can handle the challenge of this Great Lake’s conditions, enhance your chances of landing trophy fish, and ensure a comfortable, efficient trip. On our charter fishing trips out of Saugatuck and South Haven, we rely on carefully selected rods, reels, electronics, sonar, GPS, lures, and trolling setups that work seamlessly together. Let me walk you through the gear we trust and why it’s the best choice for salmon fishing here on Lake Michigan.

The Backbone: Rods and Reels

When you’re battling a strong, feisty Lake Michigan salmon — whether Chinook, Coho, Steelhead, or Lake Trout — having the right rod and reel is essential. We use premium gear designed specifically for trolling and handling the heavy runs these fish are known for.

Rods: Sensitive, Strong, and Durable

For salmon trolling, we opt for medium-heavy rods with fast action. Brands like St. Croix Legend Tournament and G. Loomis NRX are our top picks. Here’s why:

• Sensitivity: Lake Michigan salmon bites can be subtle. These rods have sensitive blanks that help us detect light taps or changes in lure movement.

• Strength: Once the fish strikes, we need rods strong enough to handle heavy line loads and aggressive runs without breaking.

• Durability: Our rods are built to withstand repeated saltwater (yes, the Great Lakes have some salt content!) and fresh water exposure, along with the constant wear from trolling gear and line.

We typically use rods in the 7- to 8-foot range — long enough for proper leverage and smooth hook sets, but not so long that they become unwieldy in the boat.

Reels: Smooth Drag and High Line Capacity

Matching the rods, we use reels from Shimano Stella, Daiwa Saltiga, and Penn Slammer series. These reels stand out for:

• Smooth Drag Systems: Fighting a strong Chinook or King Salmon requires consistent and reliable drag pressure. The reels’ carbon drag washers allow us to apply the perfect pressure without jerking or line breaks.

• High Line Capacity: Our trolling often requires 200+ yards of line at 20-30 lb test, sometimes heavier. These reels hold enough line for deep trolling and long runs.

• Durability and Corrosion Resistance: Salt spray, waves, and constant water exposure demand corrosion-resistant materials and seals. Our reels excel in this environment.

We spool the reels with high-quality monofilament or fluorocarbon lines, usually 20-30 lb test depending on target species and water conditions.

The Eyes of the Boat: Electronics, Sonar, and GPS

Modern fishing success on Lake Michigan relies heavily on technology. The lake is deep and vast, and salmon can be anywhere from near the surface to 150 feet down or more. Knowing where to troll and when to adjust is critical, and that’s where our electronics come in.

Fishfinder and Sonar Systems

We use high-end sonar systems like the Simrad NSS evo3 and Garmin Panoptix LiveScope. These advanced fishfinders provide:

• Clear Underwater Imaging: The Panoptix LiveScope gives real-time, detailed images of fish and structure around the boat. This allows us to see salmon schools or individual fish in three dimensions.

• DownScan and SideScan Sonar: We combine downscan sonar (to view directly beneath the boat) and sidescan sonar (to scan wide areas to port and starboard) to locate fish and underwater features such as reefs and drop-offs.

• Depth and Temperature Readings: Salmon behavior often relates to water temperature and depth. These readings help us adjust our trolling depth and lure selection.

GPS and Chartplotters

Navigation on Lake Michigan can be tricky with constantly changing weather, currents, and no visible landmarks far offshore. Our GPS and chartplotters (again, Simrad and Garmin are favorites) help us:

• Mark Productive Hotspots: We log productive fishing spots and waypoints for quick return trips.

• Plan Trolling Routes: We map out routes based on wind direction, current, and fish locations.

• Maintain Course and Speed: Using autopilot functions, we keep consistent trolling speed and direction which is key for lure presentation.

The Secret Sauce: Lures and Baits

Salmon in Lake Michigan respond differently to lure colors, sizes, and actions depending on season, water clarity, and hatch cycles. We’ve fine-tuned our tackle to maximize strikes.

Favorite Lures We Use

• Dodgers and Flashers: These are the classic flash and vibration attractors. Brands like Kraft and Moonshine produce dodgers that mimic fleeing baitfish and provoke aggressive strikes.

• Hoopies and Flies: Behind dodgers, we troll flies or hooped spoons to imitate smelt or alewives, primary forage fish. We often use custom-tied flies with UV reflective threads.

• Spoons: Spoons like the Michigan Stinger and Kwikfish are staples. Their wobbling action and flash work well in clear and stained water.

• Inline Spin Spoons: For more erratic action, spin spoons like the Mueller can trigger reaction strikes.

• Crankbaits: Occasionally, we troll crankbaits like the Rapala Husky Jerk near structure.

Customization and High-End Options

• UV and Glow Patterns: We rely heavily on UV-reactive and glow-in-the-dark paint patterns, especially for low-light or deep water trolling.

• Weighted Flies and Spoons: We tweak weights to get the lures at the right depth based on fish location.

• Hand-Tied Flies and Custom Lures: Some of our best fish come on custom patterns tied by local experts or even made in-house.

Trolling Setup: The Complete System

Trolling for salmon on Lake Michigan requires more than just a rod and lure — it’s a carefully designed system for lure presentation and coverage of the water column.

Downriggers: Precision Depth Control

We use electric downriggers from Scotty and Big Jon. Here’s why:

• Consistent Depth Control: Salmon often hold at specific depths, sometimes 30 to 120 feet down. Downriggers let us place the lure exactly where the fish are.

• Smooth Release Clips: When a fish strikes, the lure is released quickly from the downrigger ball to let the angler fight the fish without heavy weight drag.

• Electric Models for Ease: Electric downriggers save us manual cranking and allow quick depth adjustments on the fly.

Planer Boards: Expanding the Spread

Planer boards are a huge advantage for trolling:

• Cover More Water: We troll multiple lines spread wide from the boat, which increases the chances of intercepting salmon.

• Reduced Line Twist and Snags: Boards keep lines away from the boat and each other.

• Adjustable Depths: We use planer boards with adjustable weights and depth controls to fine-tune presentation.

Rod Holders and Mounts

Strong, secure rod holders keep rods steady during long trolling runs and make it easier to manage multiple lines. We use custom mounts welded into the boat to hold rods at the ideal angle.

Why We Invest in High-End and Custom Gear

You might wonder: why go with premium rods, reels, electronics, and custom lures when there are cheaper options?

Reliability and Durability

Lake Michigan’s conditions can be rough: cold water, windy weather, and long days on the water mean gear gets tested hard. Our investment in high-end gear means fewer failures — no broken rods or reels in a critical moment, no electronics glitches, and lures that hold up strike after strike.

Increased Catch Rates

Precision electronics help us find fish quickly and adjust our trolling to changing conditions. The right rods and reels make hook sets more effective and fighting fish more manageable, reducing lost fish. Customized lure selections based on years of experience and research consistently provoke more strikes.

Customer Experience

Part of our commitment as your charter captain is providing an outstanding fishing experience. Using top-tier gear means less frustration, more action, and a smoother, more enjoyable trip. Plus, the confidence to handle trophy-sized salmon without stress.

Storage and Maintenance of Gear on the Boat

Having the best gear means nothing if it’s not maintained properly. On the boat:

• We rinse rods, reels, and electronics with fresh water after every trip.

• Lines are checked and replaced regularly to avoid wear-related breaks.

• Lures are cleaned and inspected for damage.

• Electronics are updated with the latest software and charts.

Fishing for salmon on Lake Michigan out of Saugatuck or South Haven is a thrilling adventure made even better by using the right tools. From sensitive rods and powerful reels, to cutting-edge sonar and GPS, to custom lures and trolling setups — every piece of gear plays a role in catching more fish and ensuring you have a great time.

When you book a trip with Captain Eric Schippa, you’re not just getting a ride on the lake — you’re getting access to some of the best fishing technology and techniques available. Whether you’re an experienced angler or a first-timer, this gear helps us put fish in the boat and create memories that last a lifetime.

Ready to experience the best salmon fishing on Lake Michigan? Give us a call and let’s get you on the water with the best gear and know-how in the business!