I can't disclose my secret spots in the ludington area on the rivers, but I always catch my limit LEGALLY.
I found that using the spider wire and other strong lines SUCK! Since I fish the rivers there are a LOT of snag, branches, trees, tree roots etc.. also salmon are much stronger than you think and smarter. once hooked they will go up river as far as they can and then swim down river as fast as they can with the current which usually snaps the expensive fishing line and sounds like asomeone shot a /22. I use Eagel Claw $1.99 spool line, it stretches a lot before it snaps, unlike the expensive stuff.
Also, i found using ... aww crap the name escapes me, but it's green line and used for big game fish, whatever it is works very well also.
I have 2 rods, 1 a channel catfish rod, and the other a nice berkley. I use the $10.00 quickshot reels. No need to spend hundreds on reels and rods, you'll know when you have a salmon on the line and you just need to tire them out.
Also, I make own own spoons. I had a custom 1oz (max weight) spoon mold made where I can attach the spoon inset and hook for the treble hook. (unless I'm fishing at the other secret spot then I use a hook, 1oz weight and spawn bag.)
I go up EVERY fall for the last 15'ish years. The second year I went there were so many fish, you could walk across the water. I'd cast and by time I'd reel in my lure, 2 salmon ran into my legs standing in the river. I kid you not!
