justtracytrolling

Usually I don't start fast trolling until summer after the lake flips. I relate speed to water temp...as the water temps rise so do my trolling speeds. The hardest part is you really have to be able to precisely control your depth. The closer you can get the bait to the fish the better your chance of hooking up. Its best suited running 6-9 rods. The hits can be crazy, but you need fairly heavy tackle and rugged rod holders to do this at Otisco because the Tigers love speed also. Combine this technique at daybreak and if you manage to get all the rods out without a release don't bother sitting down it wont be long! This works very well on otisco and even better at Oneida. Should be noted that you have to slow down as soon as the fish is pumping or you will pull a lot of hooks. You also need baits that troll fast without washing out. The thing that can really hamper you is floating weeds. At fast speeds you cover so much water you pick up a lot more weeds. I use clip weights just under the surface of the water to collect weeds and or down rods and riggers to overcome this, but if you hit much grass with the otters you have to start over. Ask Tim about that...we try to run all the lines in and back out like a NASCAR pit crew! In tough times we do one side then the other over and over till we get tired and then drop back on the rods. Im not saying its easy but its cant miss for me I was 100% success for 6 straight weeks and had only 2 zeros from july to September and had weeds and lost fish on both occaisions I think. justin

I had decent luck with harnesses last year also and went away from them early this year. Even last year tho using harnesses was never a guarantee and often took me time to find fish. Ive always wanted to guide, and because of that i had to find a way to catch them that worked everyday and in 2 hours or less. I figured if you can put a big walleye in the first hour or so that will keep most peoples attention. The reaction bite is a guarantee if used when the light is changing (morning or evening). The walleyes natural predatory instincts take over Sent from my N9500 using Lake Ontario United mobile app

Well it was slow out there tonight unless you want largemouth bass. We got 2 little eyes 20 n 22 and threw back a bass that belongs on somebodys wall along with a couple solid 4-5 pounders. Had a few misses and lost 1 decent eye. Ronald, Didnt know you were a seasonal camper at Otisco. Did we meet im horrible with names? Id be more than happy to take you out trolling, and show you how i do it. Ill warn you though you'll be busy... my boat doesnt do relaxation...we fish! I post alot obviously, and really enjoy it. I'm also a bit more into it than most, but I cant stress enough to post every trip out. Even if you get skunked we know what didnt work and it opens TWO WAY sharing of info. If i know someone is really trying and cant catch ill help more. Its hard to "give out" every detail that goes into catching walleye...fish should be earned as it makes them taste better! There are plenty of people that are members of this forum that ask questions and want help but never post about their trips. I can only assume everybody on here fishes some yet no posts. I wanna learn too, even if its what not to try. I find if you want something you better be willing to give it too. If you see Tracy n I at the campground stop by n shoot the breeze. Anyone who's ever met me knows ill talk hunting and fishing, especially around a campfire with a beer. Justin Sent from my N9500 using Lake Ontario United mobile app

Its a very complicated balance and I hear and sometimes say negative things about the DEC, but what they have accomplished at Otisco is truly a remarkable success. Lets not forget the huge tiger muskies, or the 25 pound 5 fish bags of bass that won a few tournaments. Maybe they just got lucky, but I think its quality management and my hats off to the individuals responsible. I will say its not an easy place to catch a fish, but when you learn to they are big. Justin Sent from my N9500 using Lake Ontario United mobile app

Yeah i have a chart somewhere i printed out and that sounds right. I know the ones im targeting are 9+ years old and next year should give up some 10 pounders....last year the biggest common size was 26 or so this year there is even more at 25-26 and some 27-28. I have put enough time in and keep track of what i get and im saying that the lake is outstanding. Justin Sent from my N9500 using Lake Ontario United mobile app

I believe and don't quote me but Ian said the fingerlings are doing very well and growing fast...The cloudy, murky pond side does offer excellent cover for walleye fingerlings Justin

I believed the biologist you talked to in passing after you told me, but all the research I had done had said the opposite. I think Ian is sharp and I liked what I heard. Im not a hear say guy either. I want facts, pictures, and proof...now we know! justin

Exactly...fishermen working together with DEC. If I came off defensive it was only because my intentions are good, I follow the rules, work hard at my fishing, try to help others, and thought I was doing the right thing. justin

Thanks Brent!!! Tim and I were paraphrasing and I was gonna get an email out but you saved me the effort. I am pleased that we as sportsman took the time to find out if we needed to worry about releasing "breeders" or if its put and take. Opinions vary of course but I did a lot of research and was quite sure that keeping my legal limits wouldn't hurt future generations...now im certain that if we let the fish mature before we harvest we cant go wrong as long as the lake is stocked. Im putting the fish under 23 or so back. justin

Great pics and great report. Congrats on the personal best that's a heck of a fish, and on a figure 8 too....must have been surreal!! justin