The gear that helped me land my Laker of a lifetime

After the overwhelming support and great comments on the monster Laker that I was so lucky to battle and land on Lake Simcoe this past week, I want to give everyone the breakdown and details on what equipment I used when the monster Laker hit. Fish Finder / Flasher: I was using the Humminbird Ice 55. This unit is so slick and by far the best flasher I have had the chance to use. With its dual beam transducer, it allows you too look at a 20 degree and also an 8 degree angle setting. I will use the 20 degree when first setting up on a spot to see if I am marking any fish in the general area. Once I have, then I will set the 8 degree or narrow beam setting which gives you a pin point real time reading of what is right below you. Line used: The line I used was Berkley Nanofil 8 lb test. What else can I say, other than this line is amazing for ice fishing. I have used it all season long and it has held up even when its rubbing the edge of the ice. I have been using a double albright knot to connect to my 4 lb Berkely 100% Trilene fluorocarbon and this knot is strong as strong can be when connecting two lines together. To see how this knot is tied, check out the Berkely website that gives you step by step instruction how to tie it. Bait used: The bait for finicky Lakers this year has been a 3 Berkely power bait tube white in color. This thin profile tube has been amazing for me this year as it is durable. I will hold up and last against those monsters from the depths. Reel Used: Shimano Stradic 2500, excellent drag system when fighting the fish under the ice is a must. Also the 2500 series reel has a large enough line capacity spool to fight those fish in the 100 FOW range. Hook used: Was a Perfect jig, tube hook 3/8 oz. Throughout the winter I have had fish bend other hooks out and when I was at the spring fishing and boat show I saw a few of these hook at the booth so I grabbed a pack of them. And all I can say is thank you The Perfect Jig as this hook maintained its strength and shape perfectly in the fishes mouth. Rod used: 32" Medium action rod. Many people asked me why I use a little bit lighter rod for Lakers and they think it because of the 4 lb test line I am using, but it isn't. This long rod is soft so when the fish hits in those depths the rod has a chance to load up without pulling the hook out of the fish's mouth. This give you a much better hook up percentage. If you have any question, feel free to contact me. I will be sure to get back to you with and answer! tight lines till next time. Matt