justtracytrolling

Nice job Kevin!!!

That makes sense. Many people dont realize it is only legal to cull black bass in NY. Which is why we dont have walleye tour stops in NY. Its a shame because I think it would be a hit in NY.

John, I dont ice fish I chase coyotes with hounds! Been meaning to invite you, but between the lack of snow and getting the flu I havent been able to go. Definitely going next weekend if you are interested.

The last night of the year your dad, wayne, matt, and I had the worst fishing and the worst weather of the year, and we all had a ball!!!!!!!!! Its all about the company you keep and the laughs you have. You know you guys are always welcome. How's he feeling and when does he head for Alaska? Was hoping to get him out before he goes. Been hitting the hard water at all? Whole family has had the flu here...almost back to normal now.

Devin, Must take quite a bit of strategy deciding what to keep when you cant cull fish.

First Id like to thank a few regulars on my boat who help out with fuel, boat maintenance, and most of all their friendship, Matt, Wayne, Tim, Paul, Jimbo, Scotty, Kevin, and most of all Tracy, for without her none of this ever would have been possible. Id also like to thank Shane and Curtis from the campground for their help with a few boat issues, and our families for helping build our deck. Id also like to thank the 48 guests I had on the boat. I learned as much as all of you. This year was like starting all over for me. Due to low water temps and many other factors most of the patterns/spots I had great success with in the past didnt really produce for me with any consistency. That being said we finished the season with 223 walleyes caught of which 30 or so were released. To clarify the DEC classifies the fishery as put/grow/take and I am trying to harvest the most mature of the fish we catch. As soon as my angler diary is returned Ill share the crunched data from the DEC. Over half of those fish were caught casting sticks at night. Daytime trolling didnt really produce with any consistency other than very early in summer when the water temps were highest. Night trolling produced the highest catch rates by far with the best night being 15 eyes. The average fish was about 5 pounds. The smallest eye was 7 inches, and the largest was 9 pounds, though I do know of 1 12+ pounder caught. May/June produced consistently every night, but after that it was tough with many hit or miss trips. The fall bite didnt last long as lake levels were lowered for dam repair, but it definitely produced the biggest average weight, close to 7 pounds. The LOU walleye event had a pretty good turnout and as it was my first time hosting any fishing event Im calling it a success despite the very poor fishing. I find it interesting that the only weekend that we fished hard and didnt boat a single walleye was the LOU weekend!! Miss em stole the show kicking all our butts badly, and pete rajner came second with the only other walleye. I think we all made a few friends and enjoyed the fish fry after. I have decided that as long as there is some interest in this I will continue to host this event. Id also recommend the Muskies Inc tiger musky tourney held the second weekend in may. This is a great event on Otisco for anyone interested. The highlight of every season, for me, is the time on the water with my son. As most of you know taking kids fishing is very important to me. Kids are the future of fishing. On this site we discuss, debate, and even argue about issues pertaining to conservation and fishery management. We have all seen the garbage along our waters and seen what happens when people dont follow the fish and game laws. The best way to combat this is not to complain, argue, and point fingers. The best way is to educate the next generation. The only way to do this is to expose kids to ethical fishing. Children taught to respect the outdoors will be the the future stewards to outdoor pursuits.

Good work Devin as always! Great fish and great pics!

I find it hard to believe that every fish that "swims away" survives even in the best conditions, and handled with the utmost care. If your goal is not to harm the fish you have to avoid certain times, such as when water temps get over 80 degrees or when air temps are low as Captain Larry stated. If you look at the quality of muskies, and tiger muskies in NY waters its very easy to see how well the conservation practices work. On the other hand for some reason pike dont get the same care in NY. I know on Otisco most guys targeting tigers in the winter keep them, but the boat guys in the summer rarely keep em. All you have to do is go in the bait shop and look at the pics...the ice fisherman catch and keep more big fish by far. The only explanation for this is all the ice fishing derbies. It wouldnt bother me if the fish didnt end up in dumpster behind the bar. Eat em, mount them either is fine by me....killing and wasting them though isnt right....especially for prize money. Tournaments have their place for sure as they promote fishing and the outdoors, but conservation needs to factor.

I have about a dozen different baitcasters around the house, but none of them hold enough line to throw that eel you left me! Short of surf rods that is....on Otisco we usually throw lighter stuff on lighter gear. Even with an easy lob I cast all or nearly all the line off....bass reels.

Congrats Rollie!!

Thanks for the replies. Looks like stradics and curados this year. Someday ill have a tranx and a stella....

After a little time in the river aren't all jigs unpainted Rollie? Lol...if you don't lose em first that is! Sent from my XT1080 using Lake Ontario United mobile app

I'm looking to pick up a couple new reels and wondered if anyone has tried the shimano curado 300? I'm very partial to shimano and wanted the Tranx, but its just not in my price range and the curado is. The other option is a round reel but I was looking for faster retrieve reel. I also wanted 1 right and 1 left so fatigue isn't such an issue. I'd appreciate any feedback on any shimano casting reels you've tried on muskies or tigers. Sent from my XT1080 using Lake Ontario United mobile app

Sent from my XT1080 using Lake Ontario United mobile app

Nice bunch of fish Rollie!! I havent been out much, but we had a few nice ones on sticks.

Thanks for sharing, reminds me so much of my grandma...they just don't make em like that anymore....so strong and yet equally loving! Sent from my XT1080 using Lake Ontario United mobile app