I think maybe a main point is being missed here. The Asian Carp can wipe out the entire lower levels of the food chain that other species depend on for theeir existence.
Just as a point of reference a regular Daiwa 47H will hold 280 yds of 30 lb Sea Flee andd a fluoro leader and although it isn't as fast on the retrieve as the 57SGL3B it has a smaller profile and is very suitable for riggers
Some more food for thought is that gobies may be carrying botulism and as bottom feeders they accrue many toxins from the bottom and what they eat. This stuff may funnel right up the food chain.
I wouldn't totally write off Seneca. It was very difficult fishing in the mid to late 1970's too and it turned around. There is also something to be gained by fishing these lakes during challenging times because it forces you to learn a variety of things along with patience. Anyone can catch fish when times are good and there is an abundance of fish. From a learning standpoint fishing during lean times can teach you some critical lessons that you might not otherwise encounter. Just something to think about. By the way Cayuga has been thropugh this same slack time in the past when things were very lean too.
You might want to contact Brian on here about where you can get them I know folks have been real happy with his fast service
GAMBLER ....here on LOU https://www.gamblerrigs.com/
https://www.facebook.com/Gambler-Rigs-1782944771938044/
Tyee is correct. I have two of them as well as the SG47 models and although they could serve as downrigger reels the 57 is a little bulky and heay duty for that application. The smaller reels such asthe 47 nd 27 don't have the high gear ratio high speed retrieve.but most downrigger use doesn't require it. They still have enough line capacity for downrigger use and a decent drag. I use one of my 57's for wire and another for a 300 copper and they are real good for that type of thing as well as for leadcore as mentioned by Tyee. I believe Diawa has discontinued that 57model so maybe if you still wish to have it there might be sale prices some place.
Pretty much have to wait until the day before to know more accurately as we are expected to get quite a bit of rain in the next few days and with relatively high water level it could change significantly as a result. The 5 day weather forecast has rain through Sunday and some possible snow then. Sometimes this projecton changes greatly so hopefully things will get better. The wind direction and velocity will also be even more important with high water conditions (pushing debris etc.).
I can add something Get some of Brian's Gambler rigs if you really want to catch lakers and run them as mentioned as above....surefire way to get the big ones...
Way cool Mike! Congrats to both of you.Nothing like that whole father/son experience. Man....where does the time go....Last time I saw him he was just up to your knee
Ben custom canvas is generally going to be expensive especially if you go with the longer lasting acrylic stuff. Mine was $1,000 formy 18.5 ft.boat. You can usually get a better deal by NOT going to a marina though as they get their cut which is substantial.On the good side you get a cover that fits well and keeps the water out and is wind resistant etc. If you keep your equipment in the boat and keep it outside it is essential. The UV rays from the sun wreaks havoc on many of the cheaper materials and especially the thread for the seams. Ask to have it double sewn if you go that route.
Kev that is great to hear. I know that the fierce competitor he is the derby means a lot but the critical thing is that he gets better and gets to fish many more of them. I'm happy for ya bud I know how close you guys are.
I have fished both lakes for my whole life. Where do you live? I would be willing to get together over a coffee or beer with you in person if it is "doable". It would be much more easy and effective than writing a "bible"on here. I won the derby on Canandaigua last year with a 35 year derby record brown and have placed in the money about a dozen times in the derby on Seneca so I may be able to help you out. Les