Al Lindner and Capt. Ben Wolfe break down the tools of the trade for vertical jigging coho salmon in the Great Lakes. | Lindner's Angling Edge

Bait Man here — salmon are stacking up in Michigan harbors, and vertical jigging is the hottest way to catch them right now. The setup is simple: a 7–8 foot medium-heavy rod, a 3000–4000 reel, 20–30 lb braid, and a 12–16 lb fluorocarbon leader. The best jigs this season are Buzz Bombs, EJ Vertical Jigging Spoons, Aerojig Marabou Jigs, P-Line Laser Minnows (1–2 oz), Laker Takers, Swedish Pimple #9, Luna Baits, and the AW Salmon Slammer. Work them vertical with a sharp lift and controlled drop — m