Small Boat Set-up

[demi44]

I have a 1991 15' Landau aluminum skiff with a 8 hp Tohatsu currently stored in the Catskills. I've fished it for almost 20 years now and it's still a good sound boat used mostly on small lakes and inshore and the hull has brought up some fair fish for her size. I've fished Oneida for Walleye with light spin with good results, but never Ontario with it. Only good times with my family on The Bandito with Tony Buffa. I'd like to bring it up to Syracuse soon and learn how to troll with it and would apprecaite advise on how to set her up for Ontario? At 64, over the past few years I have sadly inherited a fair amount of gear, 3 or 4 tackle boxes, a small Canon downrigger set-up and 2 Daiwa Trolling/Counter reels and rods. No electrical except a small portable Fish Finder. All have been in warm storage, are in good condition, all from 80's on up. I would also appreciate any advise on the real limitations of fishing a boat that size out of Oswego. I dont want to go too far offshore and enjoy fishing the skinny water with my grand-kids. I realize the majority of summer fish are normally in deeper water offshore, but understand that once they begin migrating eastward, towards the rivers, they obviously move into shallower depths. That is the the kind of fishing I'd like to try and the set-up I need to understand how to put together.

Thanks and any input is greatly appreciated.

[rolmops]

Although it is possible,it may not be wise to take a 15 footer out on lake Ontario.

You may want to consider going for lake trout and Landlocked (Atlantic) salmon in Seneca or Cayuga lake.I do a lot of lake, brown and rainbow trout fishing in Keuka and Owasco lake and although admittedly it is not as exiting as Lake Ontario it also is not as dangerous.

[demi44]

Although it is possible,it may not be wise to take a 15 footer out on lake Ontario.

You may want to consider going for lake trout and Landlocked (Atlantic) salmon in Seneca or Cayuga lake.I do a lot of lake, brown and rainbow trout fishing in Keuka and Owasco lake and although admittedly it is not as exiting as Lake Ontario it also is not as dangerous.

rolmops, thanks for the caution on the big water. I just was curious if the fall salmon run brought them in closer to tributaries, Salmon River, etc. and accesible with a smaller boat? I stayed at Selkirk Shores once, didn't bring my gear, and saw folks fishing from small boats, canoes and rafts and casting from shore as well? Outside was a continuous circle of private and charter boats less than 50 yards from the breakwater/jetty. Didn't seem too dangerous and we watchewd them catch fish for thre days? I guess I'll drive up to Oswego and see what's up.

[adirondackice]

Run J-plugs near the mouth of the Salmon River in September. You will not need downriggers. Worked for me on my 14 foot bayliner. Check out the NOAA wave and weather reports to make sure it will be calm enough (do a search for that info. or I will post later when I have time)

Also have all the safety gear and marine radio, and common sense, and you will have blast.........

[demi44]

Run J-plugs near the mouth of the Salmon River in September. You will not need downriggers. Worked for me on my 14 foot bayliner. Check out the NOAA wave and weather reports to make sure it will be calm enough (do a search for that info. or I will post later when I have time)

Also have all the safety gear and marine radio, and common sense, and you will have blast.........

adirondackice, thanks for the reply, that's the kind of fishing I was thinking about trying. I have all the CG safety equipment, fire extinguisher, portable marine radio/GPS, etc. necessary. And I always check the marine forecast before going out. I imagine the color and size of the jplugs, or the currently hot lure-du-jour, is a choice the fish make and requires trial & error tactics? Any suggestions on type of line & weight, leader length? I have 2 rod holders on the transom which is what I use for wallleye drifting when I'm alone.

[W.W.IV.]

Demmi, sounds like you have all you need to fish fall salmon.If you don't have a bilge pump in your boat get one .A hard rain or a wave over the side can add a lot of water in the boat in a hurry. A few good waves and water shifting around can tip a small boat over. Enjoy the fishing and be safe. Hey, try the spring fishing also. That can be a ball.