Having grown up in the midwest, I have a natural connection with spiny ray fish'n and eatin. After spending fifteen years in the northwest, I have made the connection with the cold water species. If your looking for the challenge of spiny ray fishing you just have to match the equipment to the fish like has mentioned in the previous posts. Catching a bucket full of bluegill or perch is just as exiting as catching 2 springers. Drinkin beer and filleting a bucket full of perch is a party back in Michigan. Then deep frying those boneless and skinless fillets and serve them with more beer and potatoes is a tasty treat, IMO.