Sk8man

I've been thinking many of those same thoughts Gator. It wasn't just the matures either...it didn't seem like all that many silvers and juveniles were caught either so you have to wonder about several year classes possibly being affected or is there something even more pervasive going on out there...?

Good thanks. That 50 Merc is a real workhorse and is one of the better ones ever made and it trolls down real nice. Yeah there are a lot of superstitions in boating and fishing but most of them are just that superstitions. As Joe said and considering what you want to do I'd launch from Sampson because each of the species you mentioned are usually encountered somewhere nearby there and you can duck into the marina pretty easily if things get unpredictable ( thunder storms etc.). You can nearly always find lakers right out from the marina to your right as you are going out...just have to look around a bit to find the depth....they are usually very bottom oriented there and to be successful you'll have to run close to the bottom for them and I'd suggest going on an angle outward so you don't hang up on bottom staying near the bottom (cowbells with peanuts work great out there even off downrigger up tight to the ball). You'll also find the lakers just below the thermocline. Right about nowand well into October you may run into good sized browns in the same area doing the same things browns only running a cheater a few feet above the main lure. For rainbows I'd troll north around the first point (Pontious Point) with the riggers and then go in shallower with the lines run back longer say 50 ft. for rainbows and the occasional landlock. If you look closely you'll see a creek on the shoreline (Reeders) and it would pay to work that area real good varying your depth and speed. The bows like variations in speed and if you have any Sutton spoons in medium to small sizes (or others similar to them especially with real silver finish) Reds blues and green colors seem to work well but I'd keep the spoons on the small/medium sizes not magnums etc. There are many areas south and across the lake to the north and south but I'd give that a try first and see what happens. Hopefully I haven't offended ERabbit (Ed) by not telling you to go south toward Lodi P.S> You have to be careful running the dipseys close to bottom (without hanging up) as well out in front of Sampson especially if you don't run from shallow to deep but there are often some bigger browns of interest there. I know I've ignored the whole concept of temps but right now I have no idea what the picture is out there.

Good advice from Joe too. This is pretty much a transitional time for the lake but also the goofy weather lately has made things even more challenging than usual. If you'd feel more comfortable send me a PM (Personal Message) it just may not be a quick.

Sure... glad to help if I can. First thing is to get used to your boat itself and how it handles.. guess I should have also asked how big is the boat/motor and do you have a kicker? It is very relevant...to making suggestions. Reason I'm asking is Seneca is a pretty big body of water and if you have a small motor only it critical where you launch or start from (safely)

Congratulations on the boat.....it might help out to let folks know what type of fishing (trolling still fishing etc.) you are interested in and what particular species (trout perch bass , pike etc. and what type of equipment you'll be using for starters so we might be better able to help you out. Additionally where in the lake you intend to launch from to fish.

Nice healthy looking fish....good going Ed! Lawn work was calling me today....and tomorrow looks real "iffy" with "thunderstorms some severe" predicted. I'm anxious to get back out and try a couple of new "girly" lures Les

Cool! That's what it is all about.....those are the days that are burned into our memory banks...

That makes two of us Mike. Thanks for the posting old man.

:lol:

Matt is right....the clear hot glue is the way to go instead of shrink wrap....If you use the clear stuff right you can actually see through it and spot a potential fray but since it isn't really "movable" I've never had one. I've only used one wrap though.

Yes Ed it has come out of the west here with a lot of thunder and lightning headed your way I think.

Poor Pete probably had his gonads busted the whole time too