Sk8man

Thanks Chris

For Region 7 here is a way to contact them to sign up for diary cooperator: http://www.dec.ny.gov/outdoor/27875.html

For Keuka fishermen here is an excerpt from the summary letter that may suggest the importance of the data collection: "Recent changes in the lake as a result of introduction of aquatic invasive species, decreases in forage abundance, and increases in lake trout abundance may be negatively impacting brown trout and Atlantic salmon. As I have indicated in the recent past, if catch of both species remains low, elimination of one or both of the stocking programs need to be considered as these fish may be more cost effectively used in other water bodies in New York" (Brad E. Hammers, Senior Aquadic Biologist)

Thank you Panfisher!

Cool pics! I'll bet you couldn't wait to get back for this great weather either Mike

Pikefreak you've definitely got it down cold as far as the learning goes and I guess a couple hundred folks that fished the Conesus thing would agree I'm up for the fishing pretty much anytime conditions permit. I'll send you my cell number in a PM. Les

Using tip ups for larger fish like pike and trout first look in the hole to see if the reel is moving and line going out if so let it go until it stops...wait a few seconds and carefully and gradually lift the line until you feel resistance then pull and hand line in carefully. A common mistake that is made is to pull on the fish while he is still running and often the fish has the bait either partially in his mouth or possible even cross ways and the hook may not be engaged so when you pull it does not actually hook him and pulls free. Most trout and pike will stop briefly after running the first time and turn the bait around in their mouth and swallow it and then continue on....that is when you pull on them so that the hook has a better chance of being lodged in their throat or mouth. The same applies to still fishing for them with alewives or smelt or shiners.

No need to apologize...I sure didn't take any offense it is a common thing because most of the rest of the state follows the statewide regs. As a side note we don't usually keep largemouth bass when the water warms up as the flesh seems "mushy" to us but when caught through the ice they are good. I'm sure glad we can fish them because there are a lot of them out there and big ones at that. and they are fun through the ice. Les

You are welcome Steve and thanks for picking up where I "left off" too. I had intended to mention about other species too despite my focus being on trout and salmon because I know my friend Justin (justracytrolling) is also very concerned and involved in this effort specific to walleyes so whatever we can do as a group for any of the species were data is being requested by DEC and we fish for them it would behoove us to do our part in helping out.

Rich s I think we sort of hijacked this post so I'll send you a PM

Rich s - The reason the Elite 7 HDI units are no longer in production is because Lowrance (and others) have gone to CHIRP technology which basically offers better target separation and better (more definition) ability to distinguish between individual fish and clumps of bait and the bottom structure etc. If you order from places like Cabela's the standard transducer for the unit is the 83/200 khz and 455/800 khz (combined transducer) which does give you down imaging and the unit also gives the ability to run that screen or a combined screen of DI data and the regular sonar image. The decision is basically one of economics and whether you feel that the additional enhancement of the pixels on screen is worth the extra money. The potential obsolescence issue is really a non issue since the technology is always ahead of the marketplace so all of it is basically obsolete when it hits the marketplace. The Elite 7 HDI suits my needs and for the money it is a good unit. I have also had a lot of experience separating out bait from fish from bottom on the screen too so having CHIRP isn't an absolute "necessity" at this point for me either. I do think having a decent sized screen (e.g. 7 vs. 5 inch) is important though whatever you do or can afford because it is much easier to see from the back of the boat etc. The screen on this unit is very bright (Solar Max screen) with different levels of brightness so that helps too.

rlconverse - you may want to consult the DEC syllabus with respect to Finger Lakes regulations. They ARE in season on these lakes.

I recently was in touch with the Region 8 DEC folks and they were lamenting the fact that Angler Diary Cooperator (trout and salmon) participation has dropped off markedly in most of the Finger Lakes. The data they collect from the diaries is used to formulate their stocking strategies as well as to check on the health of the fishery in each of the lakes. As such the data is also vital to us sport fishermen. Some folks complain about the DEC efforts and perhaps their strategies and practices but I also have to wonder if they are or even have been involved in the data collection efforts or provided specific feedback about their concerns or experiences. I would also add that Emperor Cuomo has not helped matters any either with his bugetary and staffing cuts and most of the politicians as well. The DEC folks need all the help they can get. There is an ever present need to be actively involved in trying to make our sport the best it can be and especially to be good stewards for the next generation of fishermen. Please consider becoming a diary cooperator and adding your valuable data and input into this process. I suspect that the folks in Region 7 have a similar situation. It is really a very simple process to record the data in the booklet they provide. When the season is finished they send each cooperator a summary of the data and it also allows you to determine how your efforts are stacking up with fellow fishermen and it provides a rich account of your fishing habits from year to year and where you caught fish throughout the season. Obviously it is very important to provide honest accurate data. Here is a pic of an example of the data: Here is the contact info for Region 8 (lakes from Seneca to the west): New York State Department Of Environmental Conservation Division of Fish, Wildlife, and marine Resources Bureau of Fisheries 6274 Avon-Lima Road Avon, New York 14414-9516 Phone: 585-226-2466 Fax:(585) 226-6323 Website: www.dec.ny.gov

The only weights I've ever used releases directly on were the old Riveria's in the 70's which had built in releases. I've primarily used Black's since that time but tried others on the downrigger cable as well. Just as an imaginary scenario just think about having your line twist around the release and then have the weight hang up on bottom as you forgot to loosen your drag on the reel properly and you rod ejects from the rod holder going south

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