TOPIC:

Thanks for the replies on reel recommendations. I think the Okuma convector is my choice. Now, I want to set up a copper rig. My questions:
use 45#?
How many feet of copper for southern lake michigan? Can it fit on the 30 series convector?
I don't need roller guides, correct?
For 100'-130' summer lake trout, are you using additional weight on a 3 way to get it down to the bottom?
Any other suggestions?

45 convectors for long lines and 30 convectors for everything else.

I run 45 pound copper others run 30 pound copper.

I try to keep 300 yards of backing some use less.
You must figure how many rigs you’re planning on running I have many from 100 to 350ft.

45 series reels usually can hold up to 200 feet of Copper 55s are good up to 300 feet.
Rods okuma makes some for under $40 I do believe you can use regular rods but knots will knock the ceramic rings out overtime. Copper rods have bigger eyes and steel Which let the bigger knots go through. Mike

I went with 30# copper when I did mine. The dive curves are pretty close between 30# and 45#. There's a good chart on this site under the resources menu.
www.thesouthend.org/index.php/resources/dive-charts/leadcore

Blood Run also has dive charts that pretty much mirror that chart for copper:
45#: bloodruntackle.com/45lb-copper-trolling-...pth-chart-dive-curve
32#: bloodruntackle.com/32lb-copper-trolling-...th-chart-dive-curve/

I used 300 yards of 40# Power Pro in Hi Viz Yellow as backing on all of my coppers. I was able to get up to 175' on to 30 series Convectors, and up to 300' on 45 series Convectors. Above 300' of 30#, you will have to move up to a 55 series.

how are you getting it down 100'+? Do you need to add weight on a 3 way? Copper won't go down that far on it's own unless you put out a huge amount of copper. I'm thinking it would take 3 oz lead weight?

I would say to hit lakers on the bottom that deep, you are using riggers and dipsies. All the coppers at that point are hunting suspended fish, likely target are kings, coho, and steelhead......but sometimes lakers are suspended too. Last thing I would want to do is catch a big lake trout on a 600 copper. I can feel the pain just thinking about it

If you wanting To fish for Lakers in the summer all you need is your down Riggers and Dipsys.

Bounce your riggers off the bottom and same with your dipsys using dodger and flies or spin and glos. Use your long lines for other species but if lakers are there you’ll catch them as well. Mike

Definitely riggers or divers for anything in that range... Nobody wants to reel in a 600' copper let alone a 300' most times.