Big Water

I'm buying a 24v trolling motor for my boat, but store the boat where it will not have 120v service to charge the batteries. My question is whether the solar battery chargers are sufficient to charge these batteries in the course of a week in fall/winter. Also, do they make a 24v solar charger or will I need to buy 2-12v chargers and seperate the batteries during charging? My last option would be pulling out both batteries weekly, but I'd like to avoid this. Anyoneone have experience with these for this purpose? Thanks, Doug

Thanks everyone. It seems like 24v high thrust is the only way to go for the Niagara. With that established, can you recommend any particular Brand/Model. I don't need bells and whistles, just a reliable, adequately powered unit. I see the Minn Kota are much more expensive than the MotorGuide. Is there a substantial advantage to Minn Kota, or are you paying for the name?

I'm going to install a bow mount trolling motor on my 18.5' Lowe Boat with the sole purpose of using it while fishing the Niagara. I might also use it on other rare occasions, but not likely. My question is: How much thrust do I need for this application? I'm trying to keep the motor the smallest, most cost effective while still performing adequately. A 12v system would be preffered. I would assume this depends on what part of the river I'm in, so I don't see ever going much beyond the power plants. Any recommendations? Thanks, Doug

I bought the 26' Pacific Cruiser

ERABBIT, Make sure you check out some of the smaller Hewescraft boats in the 20-22' range. A heck of a lot of boat for the money. They would make great Finger Lakes boats for the cold and wet days. http://tomnjerrys.net/wordpress/category/hewescraft-boats/

Last week we took 1 brown in 40-80' out of Wilson. Better to head out to 250-400 for steelies I think.

Terry, Asking what line you use is like asking what lure you use for salmon fishing. It depends on the application. Calling someone an idiot because he points out the vagueness of your question won't buy you many friends around here. Please be respectful.

Dave, My boat is at Wilson Boat Yard. It's the "west coast" Hewescraft aluminum boat. If I can swing it, I'll be up Friday by noon, otherwise Saturday. Hope the wave forecast holds because I'd really like to hit the bar but not in 4-5' waves. Good Luck this Weekend! Doug

I'm coming up to pull my boat next weekend out of Wislon. I imagine the mature salmon fishing is all but done. I'm bringing my friend and his grandson, so I need some info on how to put him onto some fish. Should I head to the bar and try for browns/lakers or head out deeper for some steelies. I've never fished this late into the year and don't know what the odds are. Any info is greatly appreciated! Thanks, Doug

Tonight West winds 15 to 25 knots becoming northwest. Rain through early evening. A chance of showers after midnight. A chance of waterspouts after midnight. Waves 1 to 3 feet building to 3 to 6 feet. Sunday Northwest winds 15 to 20 knots. A chance of waterspouts in the morning. A chance of showers in the morning. Waves 3 to 6 feet subsiding to 2 to 4 feet. Sunday Night Northwest winds 15 to 20 knots becoming north 10 to 15 knots. Waves 2 to 4 feet. Monday North winds 5 to 15 knots becoming northwest. Waves 1 to 3 feet. Monday Night Northwest winds 5 to 10 knots becoming north. Waves 1 to 2 feet. Tuesday Northeast winds 5 to 10 knots becoming light and variable. Waves 1 foot or less. Wednesday Light and variable winds. Waves 1 foot or less. Thursday North winds less than 10 knots. Waves 1 foot or less.

Sorry about your situation. I looked up the address and see that your only a stones throw from one of my old fishing holes, Loyalhanna Dam. I've fished there hundreds of times when I was young and living in Jeannette. I get down that way a lot and might stop by on the 28th. Good Luck with everything!

I've lost too many copper lines from what appears to be the copper cutting into mono at the knot with an albright. I'll stick with swivels for copper.

I can never seem to get the mono into the sheath for a Willis knot. I use abright on LC to Mono. Inline swivels for Copper to Mono/Braid.

I'm Sold!

A regular rod will do. Leadcore is not abrasive.