Spin casting is popular with anglers round the world and of all ages as this type of fishing is easy, affordable and a great way to get hooked on the sport of fishing. There are two types of spin cast fishing reels; open-face and closed-face spinning reels. Each uses their own particular techniques but in general you want to:
- Cast your line then reel in by rotating the handle in a clockwise direction.
- Use the drag knob to increase the drag on the line making it harder for the fish to unreel the line
- Test locations and speeds when reeling in your lure.
- Gently jerk your rod to make the lure appear to be a fish in distress
Fishing Tackle
One medium weight-spinning rod each with ten to fifteen pound lines on it us all you should need for tackle on your fishing trip. For Coghlan, Claire, Drury, and Teehnah Lakes, bring an ultra-light spinning rig for the Arctic Grayling. Your tackle box should have needle-nose pliers, fish knife, Band-Aids, 6″-9″ steel leaders, snap swivels, fish handling gloves and a selection of sinkers and lures.
It is not necessary to buy your tackle before leaving home. We will be taking you to a store in Whitehorse and point out some of our favorite and best action lures. But bring your spin casting lures however if you have them handy and remember that all fishing is with barbless hooks (barbs squashed down with pliers). Frozen Herring work awesome for Trout either on a float or set up on a rig for trolling.
Spin Cast Fishing for Lake Trout
Spin cast fishing for Lake Trout with us can be one of the most rewarding experiences you could have.
Early spring means the ice has just come off the lakes and the trout are in shallower waters. At many of our lakes the trout can be spotted and sight casted for. Later when the trout go deeper, anglers need to troll for them. A common mistake is trolling too fast. Set your speed so the lure gets just enough action. Remember, fish follow the law of Nature, “Most amount of gain for the least amount of effort.” Don’t make them work too hard for their meal and you will get more Trout.
I have found that thinner line works better for trolling because it creates less resistance in the water allowing you to get your lure down to the desired depth. I like triple braided nylon. Trout are very temperature sensitive and almost always remain in a specific thermocline so you usually want to keep your lure at the right depth. It is also important to remember that trout see upwards better than downwards so too high is better than too low.
Most of my clients tell me that they have the best luck trolling for trout on overcast days.
Sight Fishing for Northern Pike
Sight fishing for Northern Pike on a hot sunny day is awesome! Unlike the Trout, Pike seem to be more active during higher temperatures.
Once I have spotted pike, I like to start out with a surface lure as this type of fishing is the most dynamic and exciting option. If you are using a Rapala, remember to remove any of the forward treble hooks and bend down the barbs on the last hook. A lure with more than one set of hooks will kill a larger pike.
If you don’t see pike in the shallower areas, try casting along drop offs. You can bring pike close to the boat and watch for the big ones and cast to them. The best part about seeing fish is that you can change lures and techniques and watch the fish react. This is a great way to fine tune and improve fishing abilities! Once you hook a fish don’t be surprised if the fish on your line attracts more fish. Pike have a line along their body that can sense a fish in distress. I have had pike attack whitefish while I was fighting them at Coghlan!! Pretty cool to see.
Trolling also works for pike in the same fashion as trolling for Trout. Pike are usually in shallower water but I have some clients who insist the bigger fish are deeper.
Fishing for Arctic Grayling
Arctic Grayling are one of the most environmentally sensitive fish in the world. If you are catching Grayling it means that you are fishing in a clean and pristine environment.
I gained all of my Grayling experience at Teenah and Coghlan Lakes.
Coghlan Grayling fishing can be done right off the dock at camp or anywhere you see them. Best tactic is to have a rod set up so when you see them you can be ready to cast. When they are biting Grayling are very aggressive and will swim hard for your lure as soon as it hits the water. Days when the Grayling are not hungry require that you change up your lure and observe how the Grayling react.
Fishing for Grayling at Teenah is a different story. Many of the small creeks and streams offer great opportunities for these fish. If you are a spin cast angler I recommend you bring a small float and some flies so you can use the flies as a lure in the shallower streams. Bring lots because they will get destroyed on good fishing days.
When I ask clients about the Grayling fishing at Teenah the common term used is “sick”. The waters around Teehnah Lake are full of these fish.
Find us on