chinook35

I used sardines from the fish market . First I filleted them and then made the cut bait strips from the fillets . I then brined them in kosher salt over night in the fridge . It caught fish with them , but they tend to be soft and not very durable I tried frozen smelt , but its hard to find them big enough to make the strips . I have found a source for herring and plan to try my hand ay brining these .

check the south shore fishing reports . I tried to post all the info about homemade cut bait on this thread , buy it ended up over there . These post are from 2008 when Rhys Davis got out of the cut bait business in the US

Here is the original post with all the information Let me know if you have any luck with your homemade bait .

I have experimented with grocery store fish . Sardines and smelt mostly . If you use fish from the store you must brine them before using for bait. i have a a letter from the DEC law enforcement unit stating that store bought fish can be used if you certify that they have been brined .. If you look back on my very early posts . all the information is available there . I had limited success with the experiment . The sardines are very soft and don't last .Store bought herring strips are still number 1 in my experience . It's too early for bait . You don't need it for the fish that are available now . It would be a waste of money to use bait to target oil cans {lake trout } Start using bait in late July and beyond .

http://www.syracuse.com/outdoors/index.ssf/2016/04/how_has_the_invasion_of_round_gobies_affected_upstate_ny_fishing_1.html#incart_river_home Here is an article concerning the round goby .They have reached Onieda Lake , so there is no stopping their spread . I don't buy his opinion on the effect they are having on sport fishing . The perch fishing on Lake O has been almost nonexistent for the last two years .

I give them a big "YUCK"

Go to any place that services co2 fire extinguishers . The make it on demand . You will probably have to order it in advance

This one still works www.weather.gov//buf/ I have found that the best way to see conditions on the lake is to be there . Many mornings ,when NOAA predicts 1-3 ft. waves ,I get to the lake and find solid 3-5 's . Time for breakfast and hope it calms down .

There are several seals in a Mercruiser sterndrive that could be at fault . Do a pressure test to find the faulty seal . An old bicycle pump can be modified to do the test . A shop manual is a must ,as some of the seals require special tools to replace . A prop seal is also a frequent cause of water in gear oil .

If you get a kink its history The braid seems to be easier to care for. I've used wire for many years. Time to try something different.

Switched from wire to braid last year and am happy so far . Wire is a pain and the braid is much more user friendly .

I just ordered A Lowrance Hook 7X sonar . Any one have any input positive or negative on this unit ? I am upgrading ( I hope) from a Lowrance X136 DF which I love and plan on keeping for backup . Thanks in advance .

been trolling for over ten years with an Alpha I Gen II with no issues. 15 1/2 X19 pitch prop.I use bags occasionally but usually can regulate speed with the throttle . I can bring rpm's down to 750 with no problems . I use Delo 40 weight oil in the summer and oil pressure is fine at all speeds . I would not even consider a trolling plate . Too many horror stories .

Not unless it can flow Upstream lol