Billy V

It started out a little slow for us but ended up being a great day. We had a 3" Perch attack one of our KA-BOOM Goby baits and swallow the entire back hook right after we got set up. How that entire hook fit in his mouth is beyond me! Then we went for a long boat ride working the inside water East of the chute and didn't hit our first real fish until 8:30am or so. We boated a beautiful brown that took our Northern King Glow Frog off a rigger down 7' in 15 FOW. We worked that inside (10-20FOW) water for a bit more with nothing else to show for our efforts before finally deciding to head out deeper. We switched our program over to a steelhead & king program and once we hit 100FOW the fireworks started. We spent the next few hours doubled and tripled up on Kings and Chrome in 100-120FOW. It was crazy-fun in the back of the boat! Our best set up was a 6 color core fished off of the boards pulling a Northern King NBK. That got bit 4 or 5 times today. We also took multiple fish on an NK Orange Crush off the 20' rigger, a KA-BOOM Flo. red/Black Squiggles off the boards, a DW NBK on a 4 color core off the boards, a DW Steelie Cane off the 40' rigger, and a DW Orange Slurpee fished off of the 30' rigger. We released all of the steelhead that we caught today. The big fish of the trip was a nice King that took an NBK off the 6 color core. Here's a quick video: Best speed for us today was 2.4mph on our Depth Raider. No derby fish for us today, but what a blast! Tomorrow should be even better with the NW wind that was lightly blowing all afternoon.

See what I get for trying to help? The company is standing behind the product and fixing the issue for free, even though it's a new group of owners and the problem pre-dated their ownership! I think they're being very stand-up about this. I have to assume that the reason that they don't just send you the cables is because once you open up the case yourself you've voided the warranty, plus they want to make sure the cables are installed properly. I personally can't see it costing $60 to mail them back. There are service centers all over the place, and I'm sure we can all find one that's fairly close to where we live.

Sorry it took me so long to post this..I've been out of town on business and am just getting caught up. I saw Erbyjoe's post and contacted Dan Bennett, Product Manager for Johnson Outdoors, Inc. - Marine Electronics Group. I asked him about the problem and if Cannon was going to warranty them. Here's Dan's reply: Bill, Thanks for your patience on hearing back from me on this issue. The power cords being referred to were replaced by new power cords after Johnson Outdoors, Inc. acquired Cannon back in 2005. The power cords on all of our electric downriggers over the last couple of years have been completely redesigned and are much more robust than the previous power cords. They are made out of UV resistant material and the connector has an IP68 waterproof rating, which is the highest waterproof rating you can get on this type of power connection. In regards to your question, Cannon does cover these cords under warranty and will replace them at no charge with the new cords that I noted above. In order to be covered under warranty, the downriggers would need to go to an Authorized Cannon Service Center or sent to Cannon’s service department for replacement. To find the closest Authorized Service Center you can go to www.cannondownriggers.com/service/asc.asp and click on “Find an Authorized Service Centerâ€

Sometimes those are the best kind of fishin' trips! I know I enjoy those kinds of trips with my Dad and my kids.

Ugh, Clarke! I know that they say a bad day fishing beats a good day at work...but did you really need to put it to that much of a test?!?!? So which is better...crappy day (not) fishing or good day at work?!?!? :)

I didn't write them, just posting them for all to see. Don't shoot the messenger. Now is the time to register for the events. If you want changes to the rules I'd suggest contacting someone on the committee and volunteering to help with the rules for next year.

Sorry, I forgot to get to this today. Here they are, direct from David Turner: OFFICIAL RULES 1. Meeting: There will be a MANDATORY meeting for Captains and Observers ONLY conducted the evening before each event. 2. Competition Parameters: The tournament’s intent is to fish two days. Hours of competition will be 6:00 AM to 2 PM each day unless altered by the tournament committee for inclement weather.  In the event of foul weather two hours of fishing will constitute a full day. One two hour day will constitute completion of the tournament in the event of foul weather.  Teams should be prepared to adjust their schedules to allow for fishing up to 8PM on the first day; 4 PM on the second day if weather conditions are a factor.  If the first day is completed any time fished on the second day (even if less than two hours) will count toward the day.  NOTE: There will be no refunds. In the event that the entire tournament is cancelled due to weather or other unforeseen circumstances all entry fees will be put in escrow and applied to the following year. 3. Tournament Limits:  Teams must enter and exit from assigned ports ONLY.  Tournament fishing is limited to US waters ONLY.  Fishing in tributaries is prohibited. For the purpose of the tournament the Niagara River will be considered a tributary.  It is the responsibility of the team to remain within the tournament boundaries. Straying outside of the tournament boundaries at any time for any reason is prohibited. 4. Team Structure: Teams are not limited to a maximum number of anglers in either the Pro or Am Divisions. However, in the Pro Division the allowable number of rods will be based on 4 anglers (8 rods). In other words, you can have more than four anglers on a team but may only run 8 rods. If you fish less than four anglers you may only run the number of rods allowed by law (2 per angler). In the Am Division the allowable number of rods will be based on three anglers (6 rods). However, Am teams will be permitted to compete with only two anglers, if desired. The Committee suggests that those teams wishing to compete with only 2 anglers purchase a valid NY fishing license for the Observer on their boat so that they may run a full complement of 6 rods. NOTE: It is NOT mandatory that all Am teams purchase fishing licenses for their observers. Only those teams with two anglers on board and wishing to run 6 rods need to purchase a license for the observer. 5. Observers: Every competing team is required to provide an observer 18 years of age or older. Observers are required to attend the Meeting the evening before the event. Observers will be exchanged between teams on a random basis.  Observers may not operate boats or assist the team in any way.  Observers must log in each fish caught on the Score Sheet provided. Items to be recorded are species, time of catch, estimated weight and the exact GPS location of the catch. Team leaders should make certain the observer fills in all the required fields correctly. A sample will be provided with each score sheet to ensure accuracy.  Observer score sheets must be signed by the team leader and the observer immediately upon completion of the fishing day. Signatures must appear on the next available entry space (i.e. if the last fish recorded was #12 the signatures must appear on line #13).  All observers MUST remain at the Weigh in site until released by the Tournament Director. 6. Boat Size and Identification: Boat size will be limited to a minimum length of 18 feet. Each team will be issued a pennant to be affixed to the boat’s antenna. 7. Radio Use and Restriction: All participating boats must be equipped with an operational VHF radio and GPS unit.  The GPS unit is critical to the proper scoring of the catch and must remain functional at all times.  Open communication will be in effect throughout the tournament. NOTE: This rule is designed for captain to captain communication ONLY. The tournament committees strongly suggest that any communication between captains and their observers be mutually agreed upon at the Captain’s meeting. Not everyone will want to communicate and the committees ask that everyone respect each others’ wishes with regard to this issue.  Tournament control will monitor Channel 16 and all boats will be directed to Channel 9 for announcements. It is the responsibility of the teams to maintain contact with tournament control in the event of foul weather. 8. Start and End Times: Observers must be on their assigned boats no later than 5 AM. Teams who fail to have their observers at the assigned boat by 5 AM will be required to forfeit a team member to fill in as observer no later than 5:15 AM.  Amateur teams will be allowed to leave the starting point at 5:20 AM ONLY after turning in their signed disclaimer forms to the tournament committee at the designated point announced at the Captain’s meeting.  Pro teams will be allowed to leave the starting point at 5:30 after their signed disclaimer forms are turned in.  NOTE: “Starting pointsâ€

Glad to hear it's working out for you Wolfhound!

It all depends on the age of the Mag 10 that you bought. The older models didn't come with an auto-stop function.

$20 takes both of the Flashers and the Flash, Rattle, Dives. Buyer pays shipping or picks up in Ithaca. [email protected] or (607)592-9012.

All 6 for $30. Like new condition. Buyer pays shipping or picks up in Ithaca. [email protected] or 607-592-9012

All 6 for $30. Like new condition. Buyer pays shipping or picks up in Ithaca. 13" 11.5" [email protected] or 607-592-9012

Way to go Rick! Nice King. Got any pics??

I have a copy of them saved on my laptop at work. I'll try to post them tomorrow.

It's not just Fair Haven that's having a tough start to the season...most of the East end is...mostly due to the wind & weather not cooperating like it typically does. There have been a few hot spots here and there, but it definitely hasn't been as consistent as we all would hope. If we can just get a NW wind for a few days, it should all come together fairly quickly. Last week when we had the NW wind for a few days, they guys who got out did very well. We're in slip #11 at Anchor, so maybe we'll see you there!

Tough go out of Fair Haven today. No color, no temp (AGAIN), and a lot fewer fish than we would've liked. We worked hard for what we got today. We hit the inside waters first thing and took a few fish there on the Goby KA-BOOM and a DW Area 51, then ventured out as deep as 220FOW and took a few more fish out there on a DW Steelie Kane spoon on a 2 color core. What's up with Mother Nature and her crazy winds this spring? Here's a quick video: Here's a few pics:

There were several browns caught today out of Fair Haven that were in the 14-15 lb class...none of the guys had derby tickets! :roll: :roll: :roll:

Hey John, I don't see a PM in my box...

Here it is directly from the 2008 Rules: "16. Pro Division Definition: Any Captain or team member, excluding the observer, who is/was (or has been within the past 5 years) a licensed charter boat captain, fishing guide, or commercial fisherman, is required to enter the Pro Division. All others may enter the Amateur Division. Amateurs may enter the Pro Division if openings are available." I'd guess that a copy of his old license would suffice.

I just had the same issue with my boat John. The light was on on the dash, there was water in the bilge and the float was up, but nothing from the pump. I replaced just the pump and we're all set. Other than it being down below deck and requiring me to bend in directions I didn't know I could bend it was a pretty straightforward installation.

Count me among the guys who found United Marine to have the best rates...you're welcome Jax!

Gene, I saw this over on GLA a year or so ago and set it up and it works great. If you have Cannons and want the auto-stop to work, you'll need to take about 18-24" of the coating off the cable. Wind the bare cable around the spool tightly and MAKE SURE it contacts the set screw on the center of the spool. Spool the rest up and attach one of the new Walker Klinchers with the black's style release, or the old style Klinchers which is what's in the pic. I have mine set up with the black's style release. You'll need to drill out the rivet that holds the snap in place and replace it with a stainless bolt and two nuts. Then strip an inch or so off the end of the cable and attach it to a crimp-on style connector. Be sure to strip off the plastic coating and leave it bare metal. Put that in between the two nuts and tighten them. That'll complete the electrical loop for the auto-stop and you'll be able to take the probe on and off. Also, be sure to throw the snap swivel that comes with the Klincher in the garbage. It's too soft and will repeatedly open up on you (at least ours and a couple of our friends did). We replaced ours with a Cannon snap and it's been fine. This set-up is the best that we've found and it really works slick.

Turns out I was wrong on those spoons from DW. They're not available where I thought they might be. They're a prototype pattern, but Shane tells me that Pete Alex has 80 of them for sale on his site: http://dreamsteelie.com/zcart/index.php ... 22d80fbdca

I got those spoons directly from Dreamweaver, but you should be able to get them from www.gloutdoorstore.com. If they don't have them on the site just yet, it's only because they're brand new...just give 'em a call and they'll get them from DW for you. And I think Fat Nancy's might have some locally. The King only weighed 11 lbs, but it fought like a much bigger fish...fun stuff!

Is it really only April 26th? 'Cuz it sure felt like June out there to me today. Lots of clear water and no significant temp breaks again today. Our best stick bait was the KA-BOOM Goby in gray, but the new Dreamweaver VQ Goby spoon was the star of the day for us. We did a brown right off the bat in 12 FOW (the brown was all scarred up with lamprey marks) just East of the chute on the KA-BOOM and then we trolled our way down the shoreline for quite a ways before deciding to head out to deeper water. We put some of our spread down 15-25 feet when we got out to 75 FOW and within minutes we were hooked up. We stayed out there for most of the rest of the morning and continued to pick away at them. Every fish we took out there came on that VQ Goby with the exception of a nice steelie that came on that R&R spoon that worked for us last weekend. Riggers down 15, 20, and 25 all took fish, as did our 2-color core and our flatlines off the boards. Best part of the day was a double on a brown and another King!