TAUMI

Really no preference. I work both areas. You’ll find them in both areas. The edges of the shipping channels tend to get busy though with other boats.

As others have said, much more difficult in the dog days of summer when the water temp is north of 75F. I target 15’ or greater depths and watch the water temp looking for weeds or rocks. Or you can fish the edges of the shipping channels (very popular spot). Good luck.

Yup floro works great as a leader. I use all 10 lb braid to 8 lb floro leaders here in the Great Lakes where water clarity is high. I use an Alberto knot to attach. Can’t get the dam FG knot perfected yet.

I have a few Edge rods….GL started this company. My Black Widow Drop Shot rod is amazing. It’s the lightest, most sensitive finesse rod I’ve experienced. I was using my St Croix ML Victory today with a ned rig and there is no comparison. The Edge BW DSR is so much better.

Agree with this. I use Hi VIS Green Seaguar Smackdown braid to a floro leader and it does help my aging eyes more.

I use 10lb braid to 8lb flouro leader on my finesse spinning setups and 12lb flouro on all my baitcasters.

My biggest was 6.1 lb and 21.5”. Caught her in early July around 8 pm using a Z-man green pumpkin TRD. Caught her at the mouth of Lake Michigan. She didn’t fight too hard until she got near the boat. Then it was on, she dove a couple of times before we netted her.

July ‘21. 6.1lb, 21.5” smallie.

I’ve only fished mullet once in August 2020 and we struggled. There are a couple sunken islands on mullet more to the north part of the lake. We worked them and their drop offs but didn’t catch many. We did better in the Cheboygan River. I’m sure you’ll do better though in May. Good luck.

I’m in Lake Orion and haven’t caught anything significant for LMB. Maybe 4 lbs. For smallmouth, finally broke the 6 lb barrier. She was 6.1 lb and 21 1/2”. Caught in a small lake in NW Michigan in July 2021.

What’s the best cranking baitcaster for 1/4 to 3/4 oz crank baits under $200? Also, what gear ratio do you recommend? Thanks.