mr 580

Finding and getting eyes hasn’t been an issue all season. If the weather cooperates and you can get out plenty of fish around. Seems like the later you go the fewer days that it is fishable. With a flexible schedule fine, but planning a week or two in advance you’re likely to be disappointed. Also some the launch’s pull their docks around the 1st of October making access a bit tougher for bigger boats. Most of the walleye guys have their freezers full so tend to see more guys chasing perch this time of year.

Second what “chasen” is saying. If you bring eye up to stop when boat is on ramp the rear of the boat will drop as you pull up ramp and get to level ground which creates that gap in the strap. You have to tighten strap on ramp once boat is on rear bunks or in the lot when you tie down. Steeper ramps make this issue worse. Helps if you don’t drop trailer in as far also. Not a bad idea to check your winch and tie downs after a few miles as boat will move/settle on trailer when brakes are applied.

Believe you have two problems with your setup both of which are safety issues. 1. With a capacity of 3400lbs you are likely overloaded when everything in the boat is added up-boat, motors, fuel, tackle, life jackets, coolers, rod holders, down riggers and electronics. The GAWR of 4474 is trailer load capacity plus the trailer weight so if you weigh trailer you should not go over that. With 4 load range C tires your tires should more than cover the GAWR. 2. Not enough tongue weight which can cause sway which can cause you to loose control. Not an uncommon issue with a trolling boat as many add on’s go on the rear of the boat like kickers and downriggers which move load balance to rear lessening tongue weight. There is some adjustment on boat trailers to correct tongue weight. With problem 1 overload you either remove weight or replace trailer. Seems like somebody put this boat on an under sized trailer at some point so replacing trailer the likely fix. Looks like you travel on Thruway and expressways so you really need a properly sized trailer. Maybe you can find a reasonably priced trailer this fall.

Tongue weight is not enough-should be 10 to 15 percent of total weight of trailer and load. Load center needs to move forward by moving post forward, shifting axle back or taking weight off rear of boat. Definite safety issue. Best bet would be to weigh trailer to determine what you need for tongue weight and make sure trailer is not overloaded. Hitch height looks Ok but likely will change when load center comes forward. Tongue should be level or tilted up slightly.

Lake Trout have been suspending in with the walleyes and coming out of warm water on small spoons and plugs the last few weeks in Dunkirk. I don't normally target the lakers but got a client one down 75 over 100 on a small Moonshine spoon on Thursday. Took about 3 minutes to grab one from the time I set the rigger. Don't think you will have any trouble catching all you want. From what I've seen I'd keep some lures up higher at or slightly above thermocline. The few I've kept had smelt in them. I have been surprised to see lakers actively feeding up in 70 degree water. Several pics as proof. PS the lamprey didn't go back in one piece..

Plenty of full boxes coming inside of 100 fow. Last couple trips 80 fow has been good for me. Big numbers of eater size fish with pretty much everything working. One of the advantages of Dunkirk is that deeper water isn’t a long run and many days decent bite right out front of harbor.

When you are looking to fish the Great Lakes you are going to have days you can’t get out. If you can’t get on Lake Erie from Dunkirk, there are two nearby options for inland lakes that do have protected water. Cassadaga Lake is just up Rt 60 and Chautauqua Lake which has decent walleye fishing is nearby. Both are good plan B’s so a trip is not wasted. The walleye fishing on Lake Erie has been awesome this year so it is worth trying to get here and fish it.

Lake Erie United has a free Navionics Hot Spot Map for site users with Dunkirk on it. Site also has links to Eastern Lake Erie Charterboat Association if new visitors to the area wanted to charter before trying it on their own. Wind and rough water can limit fishing on Lake Erie in similar fashion to Lake Ontario. A southwest wind at Dunkirk is generally not favorable as it runs the length of the lake. Lots of people make trips out of Dunkirk to enjoy the great walleye fishing-just have to pick your days.

Flasher Flies and meat rigs aren’t a stealthy presentation so a heavier leader 30 to 40lb is fine. To me mono with some stretch might even be better than fluro leader. I’ve found with inexperienced anglers that adding a clear snubber helped eliminate break offs too.

Check for Cannon’s rating- think that model was rated at 8lb max. Those have a pretty small diameter boom.

Gill’s suggestion to go take a ride with someone with experience is excellent. Likely would save you money and get you headed in the right direction sooner. If you don’t have buddies doing this type of fishing, make a post in the “open seat/trade a trip “ section. Nothing like on the water experience to show you what you need.

Have run Trollmaster 2 for 10 years- definitely worth the money. Only downside is lack of being waterproof- I used some rtv and electrical tape to seal mine which has helped. I would also look at itroll for waterproof feature.

JBK, suggest that it might help your search if your description was a bit more detailed. Your initial description of connecting to the windshield with a plastic window in front is normally referred to as a “stand up top”. A Bimini is normally open at the front and rear without connecting to the windshield or offering an enclosure. Why this is important is that the structure supporting the canvas is different for a Bimini vs a top. A Bimini is more universal by design and tops are more boat specific which can be more costly.

I have two Big Jon Jettison Releases. Send me a PM if you are interested in them. I haven’t used them in years- back when we ran mono divers we used the Jettisons to rig up a slide system for the dipsey. They worked with mixed results and got tossed in with a bunch of other releases I’ve played with.

Angler Boy, I would suggest that you change your search approach from brands to looking at boat styles that are within your 3500lb tow limit and under $20,000. Once you determine what might fall into that group, then you can look at specific brands. This approach likely will point you in the direction of what Mr. Powell is suggesting. I don’t believe you will see many walk around glass boats under 3500 lbs tow weight in a 22 ft plus size. I’ve owned several and they were all in the 5,000 to 6,000 lb towing class size.