BP Swing

I agree 100%. Stick the Canadian License! The kid at the ST Lawrence 2 weeks ago almost lost his boat and $1,000 fine even though he had the license. The US state dept even confirmed the ruling was proper, only problem was they never enforced it for the last 30 years and now all of a sudden we are suppose to call in in order to fish on border waters? If enough sportsman dont buy the license, they'll get the message.

I was wondering if the ball color makes a difference? I have seen orange balls, chartruese, and black with sparkle tape. I never hear this mentioned. Does anyone know if the ball color makes a difference? Im not sure anyone would change ball colors on a certain day. I'm thinking the stealth approach is best (black) but what do I know? Ive got an old ball to paint and I was thinking plain black with no sparkle tape or nothing. Anyone? Also does anyone have a clue as to where I could buy a spring belt for an old invader electric rigger for the line counter to wheel? I think invader went down the tubes and parts are non existent. Basically it is like a small fan belt but its a small spring instead of a rubber belt. I havent a clue where I could find this or where to look.

point well taken for the flashers. Now what about a good allaround # test for spoons off riggers? Mono 20-25?

They have a website but there is no response to messages, etc. and parts are next to impossible to find online. Anyone know if they are still around? Heres the scoop. I bought an electric rigger cheap at a garage sale but it needs a few parts. I may have to improvise. Anyone know where I can get a metal plate made for mounting? (that will fit inside my Canon swivel mount) Also Ive included a pic so you can tell me if the rod holders are bent or are suppose to be that way. I cant tell. When you fish solo like I do, an electric downrigger would be the nuts if I could only get the line counter spring belt and mounting plate. Thanks in advance. BP

why so heavy for flasher/flys? 50 lb.???

12-15" behind the cowbells is what a spin doctor and fly? How bout a spoon behind? I know nothing about cowbells but I have some that are quite large and some that are medium size. How big were the ones you were using?

30# flourocarbon? Where in the world do you get that? How bout for spoons off a dipsy? 20?

Are the brightly colored dipseys suppose to act as an attractor? I hear clear is good but there doesnt seem to be any rhyme or reason to dipsey colors. Anyone got that part figured out as far as a general rule of thumb for colors? (dark color on a dark day, etc. ? Thanks

Doesnt the snubber make it look more unnatural than it already does? What purpose does it serve? Thanks

Freeman, Nice job! What size/color cowbells? I never tried them but would like to. How far back is the lure from the cowbells usually?

Is it true that you multiply the depth x 3 to determine how much line to let out to hit bottom on the #2 setting with wire? What are good general colors to try for dipseys bright or dull? Is it better with the ring or not? Is a length of the rod leader with flourocarbon 20# ok? Thanks in advance from a longtime bass fisherman but only a part time trout guy (when its calm enough for a 16 foot boat).

OK thanks for the advice. Point well taken. The mono is history.

I dont use snubbers. The only thing with wire is you have to change to the twilly tip right?

Gambler, What # braid is good for dipseys? Ive got 65# PP on a Musky Rod I could use maybe. Is 20# FF a good general all season line for riggers? Thanks again. BP

I think I have or am learning the hard way that mono sucks on a dipsey rod as its pretty tough to trip the dipsey with 180 feet out. What do the pros or others use for dipsy rods? braid? I have another dipsy rod with wire and it trips like a dream but its easier to lose fish as it doesnt give. So I gotta replace the mono with something. Any recommendations? Does anyone use mono on dipseys anymore? Also what is a good pound test mono to use for riggers this time of year? Thanks in advance BP

Can anyone tell me if its too late for Niagara Bar lakers near the green can ish? I usually love to go there and drift 3 way rigs and jig but this year between the weather and my schedule, I couldnt do it. Is there anything left there? Thanks in advance. BP

Curt, Nitro is 100% correct, you can not target Muskies out of season, even catch and release. They need all the help they can get right now there as they have not recovered from the big VHS kill from a few yrs back.

Steve are the long shank hooks you mention similar to an aberdeen? You dont like gold? You tieing the hook right to the line or using a small dropper ? Jimski are you fishing your weight rig like a jig or letting it bury in the mud? Thanks guys for the info. BP

Jimski, Those jig rigs look nice for great lakes Perch (I call them dumb perch compared to Senecas) but Im not sure the Seneca Jacks will go for that. Whats up with the crimps on those? Why didnt they just tie em? Cool idea though, I will try em if I see em. Thanks

When do they start charging for the launch?

Im wondering what the best hook is for a drop shot rig for Perch fishing with minnows. Ive been using a #4 gold salmon egg hook but Im thinking of switching to an aberdeen style hook (gold) I know the gold is the bomb on I Bay but now Im starting to rethink the gold for seneca with the clear water. Have had mixed results there with the gold. What do you guys think?

Anyone know how the Perchmasters derby went and how the fishing was last Sat. on Seneca? Also can anyone tell me how deep they've been lately? With the price of gas now, I cant get there as often as before and I gotta try to up my odds. (oh I know....Seneca is a big secret and no one is supposed to give out any info....blah blah blah). Thanks in advance. BP

Nitro, Nice report on the tracking study. Thanks good info for 10 yrs ago. I wonder how accurate any of it is now? I found it interesting that the St Lawrence strain has its own genetic strain which is different than other great lakes strains. That doesnt surprise me as a Musky from the Larry is the finest looking specimen out there with the cool coloring and extra spots almost tiger like. There is almost no comparison of a fish caught from the Larry vs. one from Wisconsin or somewhere where they are just green or mottled. Im hoping if the DEC is as worried as they say they are that they make it mandatory C & R. Even though most guys release now, there are guides that keep fish for their clients to mount and oddly enough as the study said they are responsible for keeping the most fish (for their clients). Im hoping maybe some of that has changed in 10 yrs. Im sure weekend fishermen keep some too. Hope they can get a handle before its too late.

They did a tracking study on the St lawrence a few years back but not lately. I think a graduate student is doing it this yr on the upper Niagara R. No mention of Chautauqua.

Does Chautauqua show any natural spawning success for muskies or is it totally dependant on stocking?