Reel Doc

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......

PM sent

Be great to see difference of levels in sport fish before leaving the hatchery and 1,2,3 years in the lake. Then reevaluate every 4-5 years and see if progress is being made

That's a study I would love to see full results of. The question is, did they test a group that eats store bought fish only and compare levels. When you go to a store and see fish/shellfish with origins of SouthEast Asia countries where there is minimal if any control of water contamination it is concerning.

Had a perch/bass fisherman join me today for his first taste of trolling. I was thrilled to see an ice free launch this morning. Unfortunately, going under the bridge the boat was met with an ice chunk field which was a little nerve wracking but no harm done. With the wind and waves causing a rough ride and an icy deck we decided early on that this would be a short trip so just set 3 lines. Was thrilled when the line down the chute with a stickbait started screaming, so Roderick had a nice battle with a solid fish. I promised him another trip in nicer weather so he can get a longer and more comfortable experience.

None for me yesterday but hopefully they will join the party soon!!

If that was you coming out of Meyers early on then sorry I didn't notice you wave. The 1 stickbait bite of the day had me trying to avoid line tangles and not get grounded in the shallows!! A great morning to be out there! I'm sure we'll cross paths again

There is no better way to spend a Winter day than a fishing trip with Andy. I'm disappointed I was not invited as I love Hogan's Heroes!!

Finished up fishing for 2022 on my birthday, the 30th, which was a first as work and weather typically don't cooperate for weekday fishing in late December. Launched at Dean's and surprised to nearly get stuck churning mud on the way out. Had checked lake levels ahead and had launched at Dean's in a foot or more lower water level so must be significant sediment buildup in the Cove. South wind made it snotty so buzzed down to Thirsty Owl and trolled North in 70-140 FOW. Steady pick of Lakers, the largest at 22" and a large group from 16 to 20". Flies on the Dipsey preferred over rigger spoons by at least a 3 to 1 margin. Fast forward to this morning and launching at Taughannock. Beautiful calm overcast conditions so pulled out the big board and loaded it up for shallow trolling. Meandered South on the East side since the boat that launched just before went down the West side. Lake trout dominated the catch but a couple Browns spiced things up a bit. All but 1 took spoons, nothing on a fly and 1 on a Bay Rat. There is a nice mud line at the South end and today the 3 color core with a copper spoon stole the show while cruising through there. Great to have decent conditions for fishing this time of year!!