Finger Lakes Salmon Casting

[idn713]

Hey guys, long time no post.

 

I was looking to see if anyone had any advice on casting from a boat for Cayuga and Seneca Salmon. I want to get into these land locks. but I don’t really know where to start from a lure stand point or location wise. Kinda figured I would work down the lakeshore throwing buck tails and flukes. Specifically looking to cast and not troll. 

 

Any advice? Feel free to PM if you would rather go that route.

[Lucky13]

Casting size suttons or cleos, fast retrieve should work until the water starts warming up.  But you can cover a lot more water at a faster speed trolling.

[threethinlayers]

21 minutes ago, Lucky13 said:

Casting size suttons or cleos, fast retrieve should work until the water starts warming up.  But you can cover a lot more water at a faster speed trolling.

What depth are you trolling at this time of year?  Thanks.

[cronoticed]

I fish this way exclusively during winter and early spring.  I use my trolling motor and foot control to work the shore line, while we are not going as fast as one would trolling we do cover a lot of water.  We rarely stop unless we see a lot of activity in one spot, otherwise we're constantly moving and casting. Lately stickbaits in the 3-4" size have produced nice fish.  The advantage I notice as opposed to trolling is the ability to get the lure in VERY shallow, many times I'm casting just inches from the shoreline, I'm always amazed at the fish I see starting to chase the lure in just a few feet of water.  I've trolled quite a bit with planer boards and its tough to get in that close.  Not saying it's necessarily more productive than trolling but it's a lot of fun.

 

GOOD luck

[Lucky13]

2 hours ago, threethinlayers said:

What depth are you trolling at this time of year?  Thanks.

I flat line, and generally run a line only 15-20 feet back right in the propwash for LL salmon.  I have trolled like this in the 'dacks, but it should work in the FL.

 

Cronoticed has some valid points about very shallow and close to shore.  I also like strickbaits like rapalas for trolling, but spoons like mooselicks and speedy shiners hold up to fast speeds.

Edited April 5, 2018 by Lucky13

[idn713]

What stickbaits do you like? Husky jerks and x raps?

[cmc5028]

I'd try some F9 and  F11 Raps, or Bay Rats, S3 and/or Short Shallows

[idn713]

Sounds like more of a trolling lineup 

[cronoticed]

I like the newer shadow rap shads, they’re heavy enough to cast far but not huge in size.  I’ve had good luck with the 4” size husky jerks as well.  

[cmc5028]

2 hours ago, idn713 said:

Sounds like more of a trolling lineup 

They are stickbaits. Of course they can be trolled or casted.

[idn713]

Thanks!

[Sk8man]

idn713 you have a PM