J.D.

http://www.cabelas.com/product/Fishing/Tackle-Storage/Tackle-Binders-Utility-Boxes|/pc/104793480/c/104777280/sc/104620680/Planoreg-Spoon-Storage-Box/704777.uts?destination=%2Fcatalog%2Fbrowse%2Ftackle-binders-utility-boxes%2F_%2FN-1100380%2FNs-CATEGORY_SEQ_104620680

This, plus an Airmar P66 transducer..... well within your price range http://www.hodgesmarine.com/FURUNO-LS6100-FISHFINDER-p/furls6100.htm

+ 1 for Manitou Beach access. The platform extends over the water a bit, and water depth in that area in 10 - 12 ft. deep. .. nice view of the bay and lake . Also a platform on North Greece road where it crosses Buttonwood creek. Many areas around the Erie Canal are also accessable.

I have one on my 17ft. Starcraft. Overtons has a number of sizes and materials available. I got mine from them.

I have a 90 hp. 2 stroke and changed from 19 pitch to 17 pitch to slow down for cold water spring fishing. Slowest speed with 19 pitch was 2.6 MPH, 17 pitch slowed to 1.8 MPH. I switched back to 19 pitch, as top speed was a problem for me traveling longer distances on Lake Ontario. I would suggest 2 trolling bags, giving you options depending on current and wind direction. Many boats on the Great lakes use this set up. Good Luck Jim S.

I think the year of the boat doesen't matter as much as condition. My '96 is stored inside year round since new. I've had a few guys at the launch ask if it's been re-painted or re-powered....... they are shocked when I tell them it;s all original. It may well be a jewel waiting to be polished... A test ride is a must. Outboards can idle fine in the driveway, but have problems under load. Good luck!

Sea Foam...

I learned how to fish the big lake on my friend's 1994 Super Fisherman.... Boat was around $15,000 new with a 115 hp. 2- stroke ELPTO. I purchased a 1996 17 ft. Super Fisherman new, with a 90 hp. Merc, and still have it.

Fish Doctor Charters out of Oswego is one of the best brown trout fishermen on the lake. He has some great videos and articles on brown trout fishing on his website and blog.

On a 3 hook bait, I remove the front hook, and replace the back hook with one size larger. On a 2 hook bait, I replace the rear hook with one size larger. All replacements are Owner #ST-41 hooks. I'm sure you will get a dozen different opinions on this one.....

Got my Furuno from Hodges Marine a few years back... good customer service. They will buy your old used electronics if you don't want to sell them online yourself. Reasonable shipping rates and no sales tax !!

I took a ride out to Sandy in Hamlin this afternoon hoping I could chuck a spoon, but the creek is still solid ice.

.......X 2

For me it's about repeatibility, not the actual down speed. Down speed is no more than a reference point . If my rods are flying with my probe showing 2.3, I keep running at 2.3. I don't care what the acutal down speed is, or what my SOG is. When you change direction in the Lake O. currents, Adjust your throttle to get back to the 2.3 downspeed reguardless of SOG. I don't care if my probe speed is "calabrated" or not.... just repeat the number that's catching fish. Just my $.02

What makes the Teflon stick to the pan? Why does a cowboy wear 2 spurrs....... if one side of the horse goes, doesn't the other? A pair of panties.... but only one bra....

Had both.... run Scottys now.

Bay Bridge Sport Shop has 2 nice fisherman's apartments for rent by the day or week. Docking, fuel, tackle, etc. all right there. About a 10 minute drive North to Sodus Point for food and night life. http://baybridgesportshop.com/