good day to everyone!

im new to salmon fishing and im interested in gettting some tips from you guys who are pros in this type of fishing. the place we're going to is some place in alpena, michigan. I know the set-up and rigs are different from bass, perch, walleye, etc. so here are my questions:

1. how heavy should my line be as im using a ordinary spinning reel and not the fly fishing reel?

2. what kind of baits or rigs should i use?

3. is there a special technique in reeling in salmon once you catch them?

any help is greatly appreciated as I am looking forward to catching my first salmon this year.

Thanks and keep fishing!

Well, I've seen and heard and read about Great Lakes Salmon fishing, but I have no first hand knowledge of their habits. I suspect, though that a salmon is still a salmon, despite it's geography. I use 14-20# line and typically fish bait instead of hardware for salmon. Salmon eggs in the river, and baitfish at the estuaries. From the bank on a slow river or estuary, it is p[robably best to fish your bait under a float. You can make bait balls out of your baitfish. As far as the fight goes, a big, fresh fish will pretty well have it's way with you, and you need to just let it do its thing with a good smooth drag set to keep him working hard. If you try to stop a big, fresh fish, you'll break it off. So then why not use heavier line? Some folks do, but most think you need every edge you can just to get them to bite, and having a lighter, less visible, easier to cast line can make a difference. One the fish is tired, you can then work him in to the bank. A landing net is nice, but you can direct them up onto the beach and grab them by the tail.

Good luck,

E-mann posted some good advice. If you are serious about Salmon fishing, I would also consider investing in a bait casting reel.

I tend to run a 20 pound main line. If I am running any kind of weight off a drop swivel, I tend run 15 pound line from the swivel to the weight. If my weight gets snagged up on the bottom of the river, it will break first and I wont lose my entire rig.

Thanks for your ideas and valuable info. I will defenitely use this tips. Someone also told me that you don't need a heavier line and just use the drag to get the fish tired. I have two poles that has a 25lb line and one 14lbs line. I have also bought some salmon eggs and trying my best not to break them will sacking it! Hope I'll catch some.

Thanks again and you help is much appreciated!