Sluggo / NY

I've tentatively got four of us and two boats coming. Not sure yet about staying over as it's not a long drive, but I'm going to try to talk the others into making a weekend of it. I realize we've got to book soon to get a cabin, but two of my guys are out of town right now. Looking forward to this... Good Fishing, Sluggo (Chris)

Justin.. I know you're a stickbait guy, but did you ever try harnesses on Otisco? We run a bit of everything on Erie for suspended eyes, but seem to do best on worm rigs behind dipsies.. just wondering. Good Fishing, Sluggo (Chris)

Since we're planning on hitting Otisco anyways.. we'd definitely be interested in a get-together! My preference is summertime trolling.. but I'll fish and party almost anytime and anywhere. Justin.. as I mentioned before.. I'll be trying to pry info out of you! Good Fishing, Sluggo (Chris)

Been checking the board often.. but with my river locked solid I kind of go into hibernation this time of year. We took a ride up to Bass Pro in Auburn yesterday and went by Otisco on the way back so I'm starting to come back to life. Managed to drop several hundred on just a small bag of stuff.. forgot to tell my wife. Time to start getting the trolling gear ready and some worm harnesses tied up! Hopefully we're on the downhill slide of this winter stuff! Good Fishing, Sluggo (Chris)

I don't use them for Lake O salmon, but I've got a bunch of "bait-runner" spinning reels that I use on the downriggers for finger lakes trout or Lake Erie walleye. They have a dual drag and each is adjustable so you can drop your rig on a light drag without line twist.. then flip the switch to the primary drag. Works great for lightweight stuff. Good Fishing, Sluggo (Chris)

Nice going Justin. I finally got back out last Thursday after a couple week layoff. River was in excellent shape, but the fishing was a bit slow. I did get five nice fish, but it took me most of the day to do it. Dropped a hog after a few stalls and headshakes. Don't know if or when the next trip down will be, but the little boat's still ready! Good luck with that buck. Good Fishing, Sluggo (Chris) 

 

Use a cooler with ice, that is best if you are eating your fish.

 Jimski.. I pretty much agree with you and that's what we do during warm weather out on Erie. But this time of year, with cold water and a short drive home.. the fish are still frisky when they hit the cutting board. Although.. you're less apt to lose them out of a cooler! Good Fishing, Sluggo (Chris)

All you have to do is jig up the stringer that broke off the side of my boat down by Murphy's Island on the Susky yesterday. I knew it was tired and I should have replaced it..only have probably six or so new ones in the garage. Good Fishing, Sluggo (Chris)

Yep.. It's a fishy virus and harmless to humans. Ran it past a fisheries biologist a few years ago and got pretty much the same answer as the atricle above. Good Fishing, Sluggo (Chris)

Hey Bob.. Congrats on the nice fish and Kudos on the release! I don't bash people for keeping them, but I also feel "our" river is a more fragile fishery than most and can use all the help we can give it. I've kept my share of big females over the years.. usually after a frustrating day on the water till some unlucky lady hits just before quitting time. Maybe we're getting older and wiser? (I know I'm at least half right). Good Fishing, Sluggo (Chris)

I hit it yesterday and today for about four hours each day. Yesterday was just too nice out.. bright sunshine and no wind at all. Ended up with just a couple keepers. Today was not so nice out.. warm enough, but overcast/rain.. and windy. But.. the fishing was better. I had four nice fish within the first half-hour, then spent a few hours getting my fifth. Just throwing jigs with twisters. It'll just keep getting better from here on. Good Fishing, Sluggo (Chris)   

Spent another half-day playing around on the river. She actually came up a bit from Friday's rain and has just a little color. Unfortunately.. I don't think much of the herd has arrived yet. After hitting all my secret spots..(that everyone knows).. I ended up with one keeper and another released female. Still better than working though! Decided to do some chores today because of the wind forecast.. but I'll be down there next weekend or before. Good Fishing, Sluggo (Chris)  

Inspired by chris im down at hhome depot and they are biting...2 17's and a15 so far on f13's

 

Justin.. nice job! I don't know why I don't hit there once in a while. I live just up the road a bit and probably frequent Home Depot at least a couple times a week. Do you need waders down there or is it easy access from shore? Good Fishing, Sluggo (Chris)

Finally got the little boat down to the river today. Spent about six hours drifting (blowing) around Murphy's . The wind was a pain, leaves were a pain and it seemed a bit colder than I expected. All in all it was a great day down there. As for the fishing.. pretty slow. I did get one good female walleye that I dropped back in, kept a 19"er and got a short. Also got the usual musky, bass, carp and perch. We definitely need some more water in there, but I think they're on the move. Guy down there told me they're doing well on the Chennango, but I'll just wait them out. May try again this weekend. Good Fishing, Sluggo (Chris)

Justin / Greg.. Thanks for the info on the baitshop. Guess I'll dig out the monster cooler/bubbler setup and see if I can store some. Oh.. that's right.. I can't because of the new bait laws. I Love NY! Good Fishing, Sluggo (Chris)

The big boat's put away.. the little boat's rigged and ready.. had the day off today.. freakin' wind! I've got to work this weekend but should have a few days off next week.. maybe...  Good Fishing, Sluggo (Chris)

ps.. anyone know where to get minnows around here? I do OK without them, but when the bite gets tough they sometimes seem to help.

Kevin.. I thought Mike already caught all the walleye there! Actually.. I know he releases them. Good Fishing, Sluggo (Chris)

I just finished de-rigging and covering the big boat.. she'll go into storage this coming week and my little river boat gets a spot in the garage. Hopefully I'll start hitting the river next week and have some reports to post in the near future. It's been way too long since I've wet a line! Good Fishing, Sluggo (Chris)

Justin.. Great job and pics as usual! I think someone mentioned that the big ones don't taste as good? I think they're fine, maybe just a slight "fish taste".. but they are fish. If you want to try it.. I've got a secret marinade that I also use on baby bald eagles that works great on them. I'll send you the recipe. Good Fishing, Sluggo (Chris)   

 

Seriously though.. we take the really thick fillets.. poach them.. flake them apart and use them in crab cakes instead of crab. They're delicious!

Nice job Greg! You and Justin are breaking my heart with these pictures. Still hoping to sneak up to Otisco when Justin isn't looking.. then the big boat gets put away and the little one gets ready! Good Fishing, Sluggo (Chris)

Had a problem steering on the last trip out.. took two hands to turn the wheel. The autopilot (x5r) worked fine, but steering by hand was a bear. Unit's about 1-1/2 years old. Got ahold of Raymarine and they sent a new wheel contol unit in a few days. I don't usually have that kind of luck.. nice for a change! Good Fishing, Sluggo (Chris)

Yeah, but Chris, do you catch many fish that way?

 

Duane

Duane.. Once in a while I catch one backtrolling.. but.. it's much less bumpy so I don't knock the fizz out of my beer! Good Fishing, Sluggo (Chris)

 How u been Chris getting ready for our river soon.

 

Been well Greg.. Yourself? My little boat won't come out for at least another month. I've never done that well on the river before mid-November. Well play around on the big water for a while yet! Good Fishing, Sluggo (Chris)

 

I often backtroll on the river in my little boat (14'), especially on windy days. I find that boat control is much easier with the bow downwind by trolling into it. Now I just need to pick up some splash guards so I stay a bit drier! Good Fishing, Sluggo (Chris)

Nice fish Justin.. I'm jealous! How late in the season do you hit Otisco? Good Fishing, Sluggo (Chris)