What power and action for fish from the Lesser Slave Lake?

[jimB]

I'm planning to get into the sport of fishing, I've never been fishing before. I'll be fishing from the Lesser Slave Lake, it has Lake Whitefish, Northern Pike, Walleye, Burbot, and Yellow Perch. Would a medium or a medium heavy rod be better suited for the fish I'm targeting?

[SamSteele]

Medium will be fine for pretty well everything you list, except maybe the largest pike.

[jimB]

Originally Posted by SamSteele

Medium will be fine for pretty well everything you list, except maybe the largest pike.

do you think it'd be better for me to just opt for a medium heavy rod? are there any downsides with going with a medium heavy vs just a medium? the cost of the rod I want to get is priced the same for medium and medium heavy.

[SamSteele]

Originally Posted by jimB

do you think it'd be better for me to just opt for a medium heavy rod? are there any downsides with going with a medium heavy vs just a medium? the cost of the rod I want to get is priced the same for medium and medium heavy.

Are you talking ice fishing or open water? If Ice fishing, you probably aren’t missing anything. If open water you would lose some sensitivity and feel going with a heavier rod.

[riderprider]

Go with medium. Medium heavy is too stiff and will cost you sensitivity.

[old dog]

Medium for sure. I only use a medium heavy if Iam running a bottom bouncer.

[Smoky buck]

Personally I would want 2 different set ups for open water targeting that range of species

A lighter light to medium action for smaller presentation and finesse for perch, whitefish and walleye

Then a medium heavy action for tossing heavier gear targeting pike or trolling bouncers for walleye

[jimB]

thanks everyone. I've decided to go with the medium rod. I appreciate the advice.