Yankee Troller

I would say for Salmon fishing 27lb is the most common size. We use FishUSA Stealthcore and have had great luck with its durability. Walleye guys seem to prefer the 18lb.

The problem is we've been spoiled for many years with warmer Winters that progressed the season. We also had an enormous wild crop the last few years that aged out at 3 last season. I grew up fishing the bar in May. I remember years having to go over the boarder to get Salmon the first week'ish of May. We had East winds last weekend, which will blew the water West. We had East winds the weekend before, and we had East winds this week. Our friends on the other side of the boarder are having a field day with the Salmon the last few days. East winds blow water West, but bubbles can also break off and go North. If you can find one of those bubbles the top 40' can be dumb over deep water.

Everyone had a lot more hits last season

If I knew I'd limit out more in the afternoon and get back in time for a decent dinner!

I'm not 100% sure. On my Optimum's I can go in and change the algorithm for the counter by telling the downrigger what line type/size and amount I have on the spool. On Mag 5/10's I'd reccomend sticking with what was originally on there unless you want to experiment and tinker. Just note that braid on a Mag 5/10 will not allow the short stop at the surface to work.

It comes down to the correct transducer for the style of fishing you're doing. Bundled fish finder/transducers aren't always the best option. I sell marine electronics for my day job. Call into Krenzer Marine and I can at least point you in the right direction after a few questions.

I run a double charter every Saturday from May through September and I can tell you afternoons are much slower. It still beats sitting at the dock BS'n.