Big Water

Folks, I'm planning on getting a seasonal slip on the east end of the lake. First choice was Olcott but there are none available now. They are available at Wilson and Oak Orchard. Wilson is several hundred dollars more, but it seems like the fishing in that area may be a little more consistant than Oak Orchard (at least early in the season). I'm also concerned about the security at the slip. Any thoughts about there better area to fish and security at these slips? Thanks, Doug

So DISH network is offering free WFN (World Fishing Network) for the month of March. I've seen some real informative and exciting shows so far this month. But............I never expected this. How bored do you have to be to consider entering, or especially observing, this tournament? How bad could these folk's fisherie be to have competitive carp fishing????? http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zh2Rh1-N3vU

mudflat, I'm having the dual HDS 7 and HDS 8 installed by the dealer. The boat is a 26' Pacific Cruiser with Galley, Dinette, Head, Cuddy and heater. Twin 135hp motors with a 9.9 kicker and a Garmin TR1 Gold autopilot. I can't wait!!!

Mudflat, I have a Fishhawk X-4 so there shouldn't be a problem. After looking into it, Lowrance is running a special on a HDS8/HDS7 Gen2 combo with Structure Scan. Looks like a great system for my purposes. Only question is; should I put the HDS8 unit in the cabin or at the back steering station? I'll figure it out. Radar compatible too, so when I get one, I'm set. Thanks, Doug

Thanks mudflat. Having never used two units, I didn't even consider interfacing them. Something I should have mentioned is the boat has a Garmin TR Gold autopilot. I don't know if I lose any functionality if I don't select the Garmin unit. Anyone know?

I've got my new boat on order from Hewescraft in Washington and have a choice of Fishfinder/GPS units. The dealer strongly recommends the Garmin 720S touchscreen model, but I'm not familiar with Garmin products. I'm thinking Lowrance HDS7. Additionally, I'll be installing a second GPS later at the rear steering station. Any thoughts about the pros/cons of the Garmin? Could I install one Garmin and one Lowrance without a seperate transducer? If you were installing two units, one in the cockpit and one at the rear station, what would you do? Thanks, Doug

Thanks for the report Andy. It's good to see something happening up north. These PA lakers were definitely negative for us yesterday. Caught 4 in seven hours and the biggest was probably 20". Any day spent fishing is still a good day! Doug

QT, I am looking at the 26' Pacific Cruiser with two 115 hp main engines and a kicker. I've seen pictures with this setup but the dealer told me he didn't know if it was advisable. I could certainly get away with one larger main motor and a kicker but I'm also looking at the option of running this thing offshore for tuna and sailfish and I can't afford to limp back to dock. Thanks everyone for the detailed answers and confirming my thoughts. If I get this beast, I'll post picks. Being a few years from retirement, I'm getting things in order to have the boat I've wanted.

I recently posted about getting a bigger boat. Its most likely going to be a 26' aluminum Hewescraft. The dealer tells me that I should go with 2-115hp 4 stokes and an autopilot and forget about a kicker. His claim is that they troll sufficiently slow and there is no need for a kicker. My concern is threefold; 1) That even at idle, these motors will be too fast. 2) I will be logging many idling hours on a larger motor that will cost much more to replace. 3) I'll be consuming gas at a much higher rate. I understand that a well maintained motor can last a long time, but replacement of a 15 or 25hp kicker is much cheaper. Does anyone esle feel that the no-kicker option is better. I would be getting autopilot for the kicker if I go that route also. Doug

IB, that's interesting that you said that. I had the conversation this past year about mud being only in the top several feet. I was convinced that it would extend to the bottom, but was told by Polar Bear that it doesn't. I guess I owe him an apology.

Thanks for all of the replies guys!! I think a general statement can be made that aluminum boats are lighter when compared to a similarly sturdy fibreglass boat, and when I look at the features of the 26' Pacific cruiser with galley, cuddy and dinette, I think 4900 lbs is a pretty light boat comparatively. Is there some real disadvantage you see to an aluminum boat? It seems that the overall minimal maintenance, fuel consumption and available options for the price are big advantages. I've also heard, possibly mistakenly, that aluminum boats hold their resale value better. I realize I see very few of them on the O, but there aren't really a lot of manufacturers. Keep the comments coming because I'm learning and have some time to sort through this matter. Thanks, Doug

I'm doing some long term planning and would like to get a bigger boat within the next year or two. Basically, I'm looking for a boat with outboard engines in the 24-26' range. I'm also strongly considering an aluminum boat due to the lower trailoring weight, boat gasoline consumption and lower overall maintenance (I will be fishing many bodies of water including the great lakes, finger lakes, Chesapeake and ocean). I'm looking for a boat with a head, sleeping area and enclosed cockpit. To make a long story short, I'm leaning towards a Hewescraft Alaskan or Pacific Cruiser. Does anyone have experience with this manufacturer and can you give me the pros and cons of a bigger aluminum boat for large bodies of water. Thanks, Doug

I've got a few of these u-rigs ordered. They may need beefed up to handle a salmon. Provide your own rubber or spoons. I'll let you know what I think of them. Price is decent. http://123fishingrigs.com/

Thanks for the report Redeye! I've been waiting for another decent weekend to get up there and it sounds like things are picking up.

Thanks Dave and Andy. I learned to keep salt in the truck! Looking forward to some winter trolling. Andy, I'll keep the small ones off of my radar and let them grow!!

Does the launch at T Falls freeze up in winter? If so, where is the best place to launch on the southern end (18' boat)? I'm assuming Cayuga doesn't freeze the same as Seneca. Thanks, Doug

Had dozens of them visiting my house for years. Docile animals that co-habitate well with people. I've hand fed them, scratched them and petted them without an incident. I've heard all of the warnings, but I'd still trust them more than a lot of people.

Thanks Shade. I'm trying to get a feel for the impact of speed on the depth because I'm trolling over standing timber 30 to 50 feet down at 1 to 2.5 mph and 1/2 foot off per color on 6-10 colors can make the difference between getting snagged or not.

Anyone know the sink rate of 27lb lead core at 1, 1.5, 2,2.5,3 mph on a straight troll? Assume a lure with little drag (no flasher/dodger). Thanks, Doug

Happy Thanksgiving everyone!!! No fish were endangered today!

Anyone know where I can buy whole, frozen smelt or alewives by the pound? Looking for 5-6" fish and the grocery store only carries cleaned, headless smelt that are probably 7-8" long. Must be some bait store somewhere that handles these. Thanks, Doug

Thanks uglyokuma. I'll be there this weekend. Hope I do half as well. Good report!!

Thanks Andy!! Thats some good info to know. If I ever get my boat fixed, I'll be up that way this winter.

Those silvers must be in the middle of the spawn. We've typically done 3-4 LL to every LT. Thanks for the reports. Have fun and enjoy your week.

Anyone have experience using these for catching alewives in the FLs or the O? Seems like an easier option that netting if they're effective. Any particular brand, style or technique? Thanks, Doug