Trout Rods

[Big T]

I'm an avid laker fisherman but live in western MN. I'm looking for a new trout rod but there's nothing around here. I'll be going through Duluth soon- there must be stores that cater to trout fisherman. Any suggestions?
We just got back from a trip to the Atikokan area last week. In case anyone is wondering, there was about 10" of snow and 6" of ice on the big lakes. The ice was about that thick on the small lakes but of poorer quality due to the snow dump Xmas day. Be careful.
Fishing was great. Gary Garoni from Chisolm caught a monster!

[Guest]

Big T,

You can stop at Marine General, they are on London Road. Take I35 north to Lake Ave. Get off, turn left to Superior St., turn right, and follow the signs to London road. They are on about 15 ave east and London. Don't even bother to go to Gander Mt. up on the hill, they don't have jack for ice trout rods. If that doesn't work, give the guys at Fishermans Corner a call, they may have what you need. But, you may want to call them first, it's a long ways up the hill and out Hwy 53 for nothing if they don't have it. They number at Fishermans Corner is, 218-729-5369. Marine General is, 218-724-8833.
Hope this helps.

Set the Hook!!

Lundman

[Guest]

BIG T

How did you do in Atikokan? My buddy and I go there every year in March. We usually fish Eva and Nym. Lots of nice lakers in both. As far as rods go, most anyplace in the area will most likely have good rods. One of my favorites is made by HT. It the Polar Lite series 34" heavy. HT may not be as glamorous as other manufactures, but I think they make very good ice rods. It's virgin run was a 13# laker on Nym last year. Great way to break in a new rod.

[Guest]

Big T

Typo, I meant where do you fish, not how, in Atikokan. But I guess how is a good question as well.

[Xplorer]

Big T,
Lundman hit it right on the head. The other place that has a moderate selection of HT rods is the Sportsmans baitshop in Cloquet. Its about 1 mile north off I-35 at the Hwy 33 exit (easy off, easy on). I have a 34" HT Blue, and last year picked up a 30" HT Intrigue. Its lighter, but a blast for trout.
Gave it a good workout on lower Manitou lake last year and landed 17 fish in 1 1/2 days.
Stormy, I have fished Eva several times also. Always have had good luck there, 12.5# that looked like a huge brookie is my biggest. That lake has some of the fattest lakers ive seen (lots of smelt). We have gone up in both Jan and March and done well both. We always stay a the White Otter Inn, but a freind has a uncle who lives on the lake. He fishes it in spring and does really well also.
Have never tried Nym but heard of it, how far is it from Eva. Is that the one that is just south of the highway closer to Atikokan? Ive always done best on white or yellow 1/2 oz bucktails/salted shiner in eva, and caught fish from 22' to 65'. Ilove the way those lakers fight in winter!!!
Xplorer

[Guest]

try this website for a great Laker stick www.thornebros.com The 36" Professional Plus in solid fiberglass is perfect. They are a little spendy but worth it. Plus you don't need to leave the house.

[Big T]

Thanks to all for the info. Stormy- a friend has a camp on Sandford Lake. We fish all the lakes in a 10 mile radius of there. We hit Thompson pretty hard too when it's a day trip.