Went to Lake Michigan...

[jooleyen]

I went to Lake Michigan to try and catch some Steelhead. (Bass season opens tomorrow!) I hooked into two, both about 7 pounds, and lost them. I tried to get better hooks, I slightly swept my rod to the right, and I had the loosest drag on earth! I still lost them. I really think it's my rod. I think I had one hooked really well on my huge jerbkait, but the fish are sooooo athletic and fast that my spinning reel couldn't even keep up with it.

I can only seem to catch them on jerkbaits and crankbaits. The crankbait I always use is Firetiger. What other bait could I use with a big hook that would imitate whatever they are feeding on? There are tons of small (10-11 inch) salmon jumping around everywhere. I don't know if they're feeding on this? There are also lots of big Yellow Perch.

Any suggestions?

Thanks