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If you are getting started and you are a sport fisherman and you will fish much more in nearshore areas for spring cohos, summer steelhead and fall spawners, I strongly suggest using big planer boards. Even if you buy everything, Planers, masts, tethers, releases, ti won't set you back much more than a fleet of in-line planers. You'll catch as many fish, have less tangles and HAVE MORE FUN.

That's what it's all about. Just my humble opinion based on decades of experience.

Thanks for all of the helpful comments so far. Does anybody have a favorite place to purchase some of this gear. I’ve been looking online and found some decent pricing at places like Tackle Haven in Benton Harbor and Clear H2O in Edwardsburg. Just wondering if there are any places like that closer to me in NW Indiana.

Tackle Haven is usually my go to physical store. If you make the drive up there you can check out Charlie's Fishin Hole in St. Joe. It's a nice shop, sometimes they have stuff that Tackle Haven doesn't.

Bass Pro in Portage and Cabela's in Hammond both have a decent selection of trolling gear in a pinch.

Slez's in Lake Station. Not only does Rich own a baitshop, but he charters as well. He caries everything you need (or will get it for you) for the most part, and will talk your ear off helping you out

Also as Afuel said, being an observer in the Coho Classic Tournament would be great experience. The downside is, having observers this year is highly in doubt due to Covid. We are working out alternative plans to ensure tournament integrity.

Jeff: Reach out to cops, medicals and others with the offer of a day (or more) on the lake. By tourney time these guys will all be vaccinated. Probably could work through FOP or other groups.

Thats really not a bad idea BN. Had not really considered that. The question is, could we come up with enough people, and then a reserve of people for those that dont show or have things come up last minute. Darn good idea though, have to look into it.

When is this tournament?

The Classic is May 1&2. Here is a link to the tournament schedule for the HCC: www.hoosiercohoclub.org/index.php/tournaments/2021-tourney-s

Dirty, not to change the topic but Glad to hear that there will be no observes at the Coho classics this year. Had a few issues' last tourney with getting the assigned observers. Also with having room for a extra guy that isn't on the fishing team. As far as tournament integrity , maybe just go with dnr rules and bring your best box to the scale.. Cheaters will always find a way to cheat with or without an observer. the DNR has good rules implied to [protect the fishery. With this being said the less special rules implied the less chance of anybody of having a advantage.

I agree John. Observers are unbelievably difficult, From find them and making sure you have enough, and then the fact nobody really wants them on your boat. Polygraph will likely be in order moving forward. However, we will see how this plays out. We have alot to work through while keeping things easy.