Charter Fishing Chicago Illinois and Hammond Indiana with Captain Ralph Steiger Fishing Guide Service for salmon, trout, smallmouth bass and perch in Illinois and Indiana waters of Lake Michigan..

Rod, Reels and Line Used

I am always being asked about the type of equimpent I use for differnent types of Lake Michigan fishing. Below is a list of what I use and highly recommend.

Smallmouth Bass

RODS - For jig fishing (1/8oz. thru 3/8oz.) Shimano Zodias Spinning 7'0 Med Power, Extra Fast Action, Model Number ZDS-70M. This rod has a very soft tip for feeling very sensitive bites but still has a great back bone. The most sensitive and durable rod I have ever fished.

RODS - For heavier jigs. Shimano Zodias Spinning 7'0 Med/Heavy Power, Xtra Fast Action, Model Number ZDS70-MH. Good rod for lots of applications.

REELS - Shimano Sustain 2500 or 3000 Series and Stradic FK 2500 or 3000 Series. Very solid reels day in and day out. I use these reels everyday and am very happy with both models.

PERCH

RODS - Shimano Zodias Spinning 7'0 Med/Light Power, Fast Action, Model Number ZDS-70ML. This rod works great for bottom fishing but also works great for throwing Mik-Lurch Spinners over weedbeds.

REELS -Shimano Sustain 2500 or 3000 Series and Stradic FK 2500 or 3000 Series. Very solid reels day in and day out. I use these reels everyday and am very happy with both models.

SALMON AND TROUT CASTING (SPRING)

RODS - Shimano Zodias Spinning 7'0 Med Power, Fast Action, Model Number ZDS-70M. This rod works great for throwing jigs as well as small crankbaits in the discharges. It also has plenty of backbone for big browns.

REELS -Shimano Sustain 2500 or 3000 Series and Stradic FK 2500 or 3000 Series. Very solid reels day in and day out. I use these reels everyday and am very happy with both models.

SALMON AND TROUT CASTING (FALL)

RODS - Shimano Clarus 8'6 Med Power, Fast Action. Model Number CSS86M2A. The extra lenght helps with casting distance and also helps you fight a big King Salmon.

REELS - Shimano Sustain 4000 or Shimano Stradic FK 4000 Series. Both hold lots of line and have soild gears for fighting big fish.

LAKE TROUT JIGGING/CASTING

RODS- For jigs/blade baits/rattle baits. Shimano Zodias 7'0 ft Med/Heavy Power or Shimano Crucial 7'0 ft Med/Heavy Power. Both are very good choices. Very light weight but have plenty of power for these big fish.

REELS -Shimano Sustain 2500 or 3000 Series and Stradic FK 2500 or 3000 Series. Very solid reels day in and day out. I use these reels everyday and am very happy with both models.

SALMON AND TROUT CASTING (TROLLING)

Downrigger Rods - Shimano Talora 7'0 Med Power Model Number TLAF70M. Great rod for deep or shallow water. Great on big fish and fun too.

Mono Dipsy Diver Rods - Shimano Talora 10'6 Med Power Model Number TLA106M2. A awsome rod to make your trolling spread larger. The extra length helps on eliminate tangles.

Planer Board Rods - Shimano Talora 8'6 Med Power Model Number TLA86M2.

Leadcore and Copper Rods - Shimano Talora 8'0 Med Power Leadcore Rods. Model Number TLA80MC2. These rods are made for copper and leadcore. The special guides allow the knots to slide through easily. The guides also have no ceramic inserts in them which will make the rods last much longer using these special lines.

Wire Dipsy Rods - Shimano Talora 9'0 Wire Rods. Model Number TLA90MRG2. The best wire rod ever made. The swivel tip allows for a smooth drag on big fish. A must have for a avid Salmon fisherman.

REELS

Dipsys(wire, braid, or mono), planer boards, and downriggers. I use Shimano Tekota 600LC. These reels have a great drag and are just the right size. They hold plenty of line and are the best choice on the market.

Leadcore and Copper - I use Shimano Tekota 800 series reels. They have a large spool that holds lots of backing and lead/copper. The drag system is also excellent.

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