bosco

Drove down to the Irondequoit Bay launch this morning. Still some ice surrounded by open water, the docks aren't in yet, and there were 2 boats out perchin and 2 more just launching. I guess its on.

OK folks....I'm breaking from my traditional fishing patterns and I'm going for panfish this spring. Particularly for a few days somewhere between Friday April 6th and Sunday April 15th as I have that time off from work and I specifically want to try something new in targeting Crappie. I've got a 16 footer (nice and trailerable) and am willing to take it within a couple hours of Rochester. Any suggestions on the best locations? I know Honeoye has a quick couple week flurry but you have to be on them when it turns on. I'm thinking for something different maybe the Seneca River/Cross Lake area. Any pointers or would be fishing buddies familiar with this area? I've also heard (but never seen) that there's a population in Irondequoit Bay as well. Can anyone confirm this? I dunno. It's supposed to go up to the 50's later this week and maybe those with experience can tell me when and where they turn on. After all...walleye doesn't open for a couple months.

Absolutely AMAZING shots!!

Grateful Dead....all the way.

C'mon cold. I'd sure like to get out on the ice soon. Maybe an Adirondack trip. Single digits up there.

Thanks for the report. I have just decided recently that Crappie were going to be the species that I primarily target for '07 (outside of Walleye of course). I've never exclusively targeted them before so I'm looking forward to the challenge. I know Honeoye has a decent population as does Chataqua but that's a bit too far for me. I've never fished the Seneca River. Any other hints on that body or any other Crappie waters from anyone would be much appreciated. Thanks. BTW-40 doesn't sound that bad to me.

I tried the shore casting thing at Honeoye last night. Nothing but a lunker large mouth. Fired up the pellet stove and zonked out till daybreak and then went out in the dingy rowboat and caught a few nice perch.

Looking....judges?.....trolling!! Yes, great pics indeed. As a walleye enthusiast it's a beautiful sight to see that such great size and numbers can be had in a number of spots, Quinte being the king of them, within a reasonable drive from the Roch. Been there a few times icefishing myself. SIZE!! Trouble is that you can only bring one days limit back across the border. If you stay at a B&B there's a few places that will actually prepare your catch for the next morning's breakfast so if you go for a few days you can sort of eat as you go.

Oops...I almost forgot. 30 foot of water was the depth he was working.

Good news. I talked to my brother this afternoon who's buddy is still fishing the bay around the markers and around had 50 nice ones day earlier this week. The launch I'm speaking of is right by the bay outlet. Take I-590 North straight up to the lake and it's right there on your right. Can't miss it.

I'm likely going to walk and cast the shore line of Honeoye Lake after dark tonight. Will report back if I end up going.

I just took a run down to the launch at I-Bay to check it out for you. There's 2 boats out right now. They're still-fishing about as far south as the 2nd set of navigation posts (I guess I'd call them) but they're closer to the western shore than they are the posts. More than halfways anyhow. A few weeks ago they were fishing off those markers (again, slightly to the west of them) boats by the dozens. I'm sure hunting season and the cold weather has kept some guys off the water but for the brave hearted I'm sure they're getting them. If you're serious about perch, I'd start looking into Seneca Lake. It takes some time to learn and the local experts can be tight lipped but if it's perch you want, that's where they run the biggest and are the most plentiful. Obviously though the bay is a lot closer and a lot less water to cover. Knock em dead and please report back.