Sk8man

Welcome to LOU Mike. Good luck with the startup business

I haven't heard much or anything for that matter about the possibility that the Zebras and Quaggas may be inhibiting the effectiveness of spawning in various species by covering the traditional spawning beds but I can't help but wonder if this is a huge but perhaps largely unrecognized problem in the Great lakes and the Finger Lakes as well (i.e. the reduction in numbers of fish present in many areas.

It might even be worth while to try trolling with a worm harness. I have caught both rainbows and browns on them in addition to walleyes in other lakes. They are usually considered a Spring and Summer tactics but you never know in a multi-species body of water what you might find.

dawg - I wasn't in any way being critical of your post just adding to it and I guess I am pretty heavily influenced by my own experience I for one sure as hell don't want to repeat it Each of these products probably has its strengths and weaknesses depending on the individual situation and it is good to have all these selections to choose from too and I wasn't previously aware of the one you mentioned so thanks. Les The point about Spring trolling is a good one too. I have a separate Arctic Armor jacket (only) for that and mainly for warmth and breaking the wind because I wear a PFD over it so multiple floatation and the outer PFD is Coast Guard approved. I'm on my 12th season with my Arctic Armor jacket and bibs andstill going strong.

The Dominus jackets are Coast Guard Approved as a Type III device but the bib pants aren't although they are advertised as able to float. The major reason I suggested a one piece suit over a 2 piece (which is what I currently have) no matter which option you get is that after going in the water I now know that cold water can and does get inside the 2 piece suits and believe me hypothermia can rapidly set in if you end up spending even a few minutes in the frigid water. As with many things there is a trade off here in terms of heat regulation and comfort and safety factors. If you don't end up going in the water the comfort factors may be very important to you but if you should happen to go in safety will immediately rise to your number one concern along with staying warm. Learning to properly layer your clothing is crucial to ice fishing because on the way out on the ice and dragging a sled and other equipment you will sweat if "over dressed" at that arrival point out there and you will start to be chilled due to the sweat evaporation so the trick is to perhaps carry some layers with you to add when you get to your spot if needed and/or dress with "wicking" undergarments especially. Yes this may be "clumsy" when wearing a one piece suit but safety should always be your main concern. Another factor here is whether you will be in a shelter with a heater as this also dictates to some degree how you dress. The most dangerous times will be while walking out to a spot, walking around while out there, drilling holes, and when returning to shore and this is when you want to be dressed safely above all else.

Thanks ...the Bills win helped it out

Watkins Glen area at the south end of Seneca Lake (southwestern NY)

Troutman87 here on LOU may be able to help you out. He makes great torpedo type weights. 607 535 2390. Troutman 87 aka Harvey

On the plus side of things is that those 21 inchers probably represent a strong year class and in a couple years they will be very nice keepers

A couple things. A suit may offer and advantage in case you go in and that is that the icy water may not travel up inside as easily and it is easier to "seal off". When I went in that cold water did get under my jacket with the two piece. I would also suggest going a size larger than usual if you plan to wear stuff underneath.

Eels on a slip rig or sand worms will get them when the artificials don't. My best luck has always been with the live bait for big ones. Fish around riptides or swirls around eddys if you can find them.