05/18/2019 12:04AM
Hi friends,
Planning a solo trip to Bower Trout/Marshall/Swan Lake on Memorial weekend 2019. I am comfortable jigging with plastics to catch (and fillet kind of) panfish, but am hoping to take the next step on this trip. Have a ton of questions:
I want to be able to catch and eat my supper, although of course I will plan/pack alternatives. Should I focus on panfish for this trip since that is what I know? Or should I try for walleye or smallmouth? How do I fillet either of those guys? Are there things I need to look out for taking them off the hook, such as the teeth, that might get me? Tricks to take those kinds of fish off the hook? Tools I may need? What bait and tackle this time of year? Suggestions for kinds of fishing pole? I just have a $20 rod/reel from Fleet Farm that has served me well on panfish, good enough?
And once I have the fish (hopefully) caught and hopefully filleted, what is the best way to cook/prepare them? I have the newer MSR pocket rocket and will have fuel. Should I use Shorelunch or something else??
Is the fishing better on Bower Trout, Marshall, or Swan?
Thanks all!