My fishing trip started June 1st and it's been tough!

[mtheis]

I came up when it was hot (mid 80's) and unfortunately it has stayed that way the whole trip.  I knew I was doomed when Pike Bay was over 82 degrees, and Big Bay was well in the mid 70's.  Skies have been blue, and with little wind to break up the water.  I got up around 5 am, and stayed on the lake until 10 or so.  I didn't want to get sick, this is supposed to be fun afterall, and I came back on after 4 pm.  I trolled trying to find them.  I was successful, but only got enough to get some fish fry's for the family.  The bigger ones came from lead core, with an occasional one coming in from trolling shallow.  DNR stopped by while on the lake, and he said the mayfly hatch might be starting.  Good luck everybody!

[Raven77]

I love pulling lead core but usually don't pull it out until later in the season.  Can you share depth and speed numbers that were working with lead?  Thanks.

[mtheis]

My go to lures with lead core have been #5 Shad Raps and #7 Jointed Rapalas.  With Shad Raps I usually start about 2 mph with 85 ft of lead out in 20 ft of water. I usually use a 20 ft mono leader.  With Jointed Rapalas I let out 100ft of lead traveling 2 mph.  I am moving between 20 and 25 ft of water.

[Raven77]

Thanks.  Very similar to my tactics.  I usually haven't started using lead core until August and then we are fishing in 30 FOW.  I will give it a try in 20-25'.