Clean Rigging for Spooky Surface Fish

 Spring in Milwaukee Wisconsin provides world class action on Lake and Brown trout, with the other species available but not as active. Most of my charter trips limit out in spring. Browns and Lakers, this time of year, will come on similar presentation with a preference to different lures.  I set up 90% of my lines on planer boards working the top fifteen feet of water.  The remaining 10% of my lines are on diving planers or downriggers for deeper fish.  The lake will be very cold, well below the preferred temperature of your target fish.  I fish the surface down to fifteen feet with planer Boards.  My first choice is Church Walleye Boards.  I find it easier to run a small board on each line rather than a large board with releases on the towline.  I do feel it is important to run all the same type to get a presentation that is easy and productive.  On all my rods in spring, I run a 20 pound test monofilament or fluorocarbon.  Starting out this way I will have the rods loaded with the correct line for most presentations through out the season.  In spring fishing the clear surface water leaves you with a visibility factor to consider, and smaller crank baits do not run well on heavier test lines. I will explain rod set up in the next article

    The new Badger Tackle Vulcan glow in the dark lures sold  at http://www.badgertackle.com are an excellent option for first light or stained water board fishing. They are offering a buy 4 get 1 free at this time. 

    Jim charters out of Milwaukee, WI. with Blue Max Charters He can be reached at 414-828-1094 or visit his web site at http://www.bluemaxcharters.com  Copyright© 2009, James J. Hirt, All Rights Reserved. Good luck Captain Jim