keukakatch&release

kuekakatch&release......Beautiful carp, man.......NNniiiiiiccce!! I love the way those guys get so big and do seem to work well with other, sometimes more "desirable" species. Most places I have fished in NYS often have some stunningly large carp. And they don't seem to be any hindrance at all to other fish in the neighborhood. From the excellent waters of the Cohocton, Oatka, and Wiscoy, to all of the fingers and just about anywhere. Most people do not indulge in pursuing them in favor of the sexier trout, bass, walleye and Esoscidae, and many still like to call them a "trash" or "garbage" fish, Close observation over time has shown, at least to me, no big negative impact on the fishing for the more respected species. True Rodney Dangerfields in many folk's eyes. And some people take this a step further by showing outward disrespect for them (and other folks,too) by tossing them around after killing them. Like they MUST bash them because they are doing some good. Yeah, maybe for the flies.... . Many fish species are "invasive", including rainbows, browns and kings. By the hand of the most invasive, you and me...And I definitely don't want to see silver or bighead carp, which feed in a totally different way (phytoplankton; like grown up baby fish), unlike common or grass carp. Again kuekakatch&release.....Swwweeeet fish !

Thanks man! I love to catch em, so I treat em as well as I would a trout or bass. Quick pic, usually while I'm in the water, and back they go... Gotta respect the fight they put up!

Keuka lakers are super tasty, advisory or not. One of the places that keeping as many as you legally can actually HELPS the ecosystem. There are still some big ones. My buddy hooked a slob we never saw. Lost it and reeled in a 12 inch or so half digested baby laker. Hook musta missed the big guy and lodged in the little guy stuck in his gullet.

I believe the regs state that you can't have more than two days limit in your possession at any one time. I can check and post the link.

As for the "harvest all you're legally allowed" comments, I just don't know. I really don't think we are on the brink of a biomass crash. Keep all the kings and cohos ya want, but consider letting some of those trout go. They WILL continue to grow, and us trib guys enjoy big steel and browns. I'd rather have QUALITY fish than a bunch of cookie cutter three year olds.

I've caught em on saw bellies down 80 over 120. Also caught plenty of smallies that way too in the late summer. Just like people, not all fish follow the rules...

That could very well be. What would they be shocking for at night, just out of curiosity? I know the saw bellies come in at night, so maybe them?

Thanks for all the replies. These guys are cruising in the shallows at dock length from the shore using a loud generator to power super bright lights. The more I think about it, the more I wonder if they are truly targeting carp, as I haven't seen em land one yet. The bass fry have hatched around my dock finally, so the hens are gone, but there are still protective males around. Ya never know. I may have to do so late night saw belly catching and see if I can figure out what's what. I've seen the boats in the cove by the Viking, but never close enough to get a good look at what's actually going on. Neighbor said he thought they were spearing carp, which would be illegal if I read the rules correctly.

Thanks! Not my biggest, but a lot if fun!

Fixed

Got my "birthday carp" yesterday.

Not as many around this year though. I hear there are at least a few bow hunters targeting them in the shallows at night with big spotlights from boats. Any idea if its legal to bow fish at night?

While I think carp are great sport fish and a ton of fun to catch, I also understand that bow fishing for them is legal. I don't understand killing something you're aren't going to use, but to each their own, I guess. My real question is: is it legal to target them at night, with spotlights, in close proximity to cottages? If not, I'll probably make a call next time I see it.

These are the two I've rigged up so far. Just used 30lb power pro to tie em. Any opinions?

Nice! I should be out inthe PY branch tonight! Gonna drop some saw bellies and jig as well. I've got no electronics, so I'll be fishing "blind" as usual, but I can usually find the fish...

I've been jigging a little with swim baits. I've done pretty well, but have experienced the ever frustrating and dreaded short strike. It's cost me a couple tails on some of my favorite plastics. Do any of you run a small treble stinger hook tied off to the shank and run through the bait to the other side? I've been experimenting with different ways to rig them. Curious as to whether anyone else is doing this and if you thinks its a good idea.

I love jigging for lakers. All the links will tell you all you need to know. You DO NOT need fancy electronics to find the fish if you know the lake you're fishing fairly well. The fish will be where you usually catch em. Work the water and vary your retrieve. I find it best to try to stay vertical. I like using two rods too. You can let one fall while brining the other up.

I have a raven sst2, a credit, an islander, and a Milner. Not a collection yet, but its a start.

I decided to spend the week off at the lake this year, but the we haven't put the boat or dock in yet, so I am shore bound! If anyone has any tips on where i can fish for some lakers from shore, or wants a rider for their boat some day this week, lemme know, as I'll will just be chillen....

Tuna's Reel Troubles (in Michigan) did a fantastic job fixing my calcuttas. I had two, and i beat the snot out of em salmon fishing for about 4 years. Turn around was a little slow, but only because I messed up the pay-pal payment. Got em back in FINE working order. If you want, drop me a PM and I'll send ya their number. i also have a buddy here in Rochester that does some repairs. he's a good fisherman, and a great guy, but I have never had him work on my gear, so i can't personally vouch for his skills....

Thats a HOG! Whaell done, man!

Nope, no stocking on Catharine. Its a wild fish stream, and has been for many years....

Don't take this the wrong way, but the price seems high, man. Its only 250 US new from Fishusa....

Fish cakes are awesome! Follow the directions on a can of old bay. Sub in 1lb of laker meat, boiled in water and old bay, for the crak. If you like crab cakes, you'll love laker cakes!

Remember just to look. Walleye is actually closed until May.....

I'm intrigued. What are the dayes and responsibilities.....