I've always found that if they're jumping, they're not hitting. Maybe try farther up river between Turning point and Driving Park.
Myself, I would look offshore for silver, if you can.
I'm not affiliated with this boat at all. Saw it this morning on FBM and thought it to be a great first salmon boat for a father and son to start with. Looks real clean and the bigger aluminum boats are hard to find. Sorry to the admins, if I violated any rules posting it.
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I'm a top water guy and have good luck on weed edges with Frogs, Whopper Ploppers, Zara Spooks, and don't forget tried and true Bassorino's. I was up in August and I have to replace the trebles on an old Red and White the Pike tore it up so bad.
Kevin is spot on! I will only add that because of where you are, and if you're interested in some topwater fun, cast the weed edges in the Lake of The Isles with frogs,ploppers, and the older bassarino's, jitterbugs, etc. for LM and Pike.
So I will be the first to tell you that Yes, you can use your NY State Park Pass. There is a place on the kiosk to scan your card. as far as a crap show using the launch, it can be. The Jet skiers are a PITA and generally don't care and don't follow the in and out rules. But then, most don't! If you're in early before 7 and out by noon, it's a pretty easy time. Afternoon and evenings, plain and simply...Suck!
Cable vibration hum was always a pretty good indicator for us back in the day. That, and bubbles coming off what appears to be the top 12" of cable. FWIW my GPS speed is usually just under a full mph higher than my ball speed.
Doubt it was a Sturgeon. I've done that twice and both times they were very lazy. Probably knowing they could do anything they want at any time. Probably a fouled King, but a Musky is a possibility or a big cat.
When you are getting to that size range 28' and above, the stability of a straight inboard and ease of maintenance wins out.
I/O"s aren't even in the conversation.