Reel Doc

Agreed Cayuga fish look and act healthy. Have only noticed one old lamprey mark on a fish caught this Winter. Only challenge this Winter has been finding Browns and Landlocked Salmon of any size or any quantity. Lake trout numbers seem strong and in the past year the number of smaller fish with no fin clips, (16-20 inches) that have made it into the boat has risen from very rare to one of every 8-10 fish that size. Perhaps some naturally hatched fish are surviving, or someone at the hatchery forgot to clip a couple batches.....

Great start to the morning as moved out under the bridge at Taughannock. Lake level is up almost a foot since last week so the typical March draw up is underway. Started in skinny water similar to last week, but after 90 minutes of trolling had just one hit from an undersized Brown that grabbed a spoon off the rigger. An hour later and nothing else happening. Fishing with my first mate Frankie today. It's our custom to share fresh berries, (Blackberries, blueberries, strawberries) with every fish caught, so after getting only one strawberry over half the morning, she was giving me dirty looks. Time to switch to plan B. Pulled in the Big board, headed for the middle of the lake, dropped the Balls to 100 plus and sent out a Dipsey with a fly. Thank goodness for plan B, as a bunch of lake trout were happy to provide some entertainment and Frankie had plenty of berries so I'm not in her doghouse!!

That's a great view from the office!

Yup

BTW, While cleaning one of the lake trout, found an 8 inch perch in it's stomach. The laker barely measured 21 inches. I thought that was quite a meal for a fish that size

After surviving his first trolling trip in January, (see Cayuga 1/15), Roderick joined me for a second go at it. Turned out to be a very pleasant morning on the water starting with no lines no waiting at the dock. As mentioned in the Long Pt thread, lake is similar level to previous years so no problem getting out, just trim up the motor. Tried the South end first and marked fish but only 1 Laker to show for our efforts. Meandered North on the East side and picked away with a number of 3-5 lb class lake trout along with 2 Browns and a landlocked that were under 20 inches. Stickbaits on Flatlines, 1 and 2 colors took fish and rigger with a copper backed Stinger brought 4 to the net Finished the trip by crossing to the West side and dropping the riggers down past 100 in the middle of the lake. The 26 inch Laker in the photo, (have to work on fish photo positioning!) was biggest of the day and gave Roderick a stout and different style fight compared to those caught in the skinny water. Might just make a troller out of him yet!! Surface water temps were consistently 40-41 all morning. Can't think of a better way to spend a weekend morning!!

Handline in 600 feet of copper? That's a chore on a reel!! God bless you.

Why single strand copper vs the woven? Would think the later would be easier on the hands and less likely to snap. Thanks for that video, but also agree that initial hit and classic laker head shake would give your hands and arms some tingles......I'm thinking I for one need to stick to a rod and reel.

Now that would be the video all of us would love to see!!

Les, do you have a U-Tube video to show us how this is done? Looks like there's no handle to reel in the line. Need strong hands and fingers for sure. A freshwater version of Old man and the Sea!!

Have a 1 color and a 2 color core on Penn Rival 20LW reels carrying long 10lb Flouro leaders and braid backing. The 1 Color is on an 8 foot Great Lakes rod and the 2 color has an 8&1/2 foot Eliminator rod, both rated medium 12-20lb line. Great setups off boards, especially if the weather dictates a little more depth than a flat line can deliver. $90 for the pair located in Seneca Falls

This article popped up on my phone today. Quite a fish to bring in through the Ice......

Pair of downriggers in excellent shape for $175. Located in Seneca Falls

Sub-troll Sold. Will repost downrigger with second identical unit soon.

I got these here on LOU a few years back when first started fishing skinny water in Winter/early Spring. Penn reels, 3 paired with Diawa Heartland 8'6" rods and the 4th on an 8'6" Great Lakes. All have 8 lb test Flouro leaders and Mono backing. Drags all sound. These are Rugged but Ugly combos. That said, in the time I've used them, they have caught fish with no complaints. $70 takes them all.

Set of Off Shore inline boards with the Lockjaw upgrade included. Located in Seneca Falls. $60

Complete Sub-troll installed on a Cannon Downrigger. $275, located in Seneca Falls

Beautiful pics to keep us warm this chilly day. Thanks for sharing!!

In related news....... I love how they pay themselves on the back for being the company to achieve this, even though it took 5 years to accomplish......

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