Reel Doc

I'm setting him up with a Pflueger Supreme SUPSP30X Spinning reel and a Diawa Spinmatic D travel rod so easy to take on the plane. Can certainly load it with braid. How long a flouro leader? Attach with a little spro swivel or will it restrict casting, or should the leader length exceed casting range? FYI, a newly met coworker at the horse track gave me some Crappie fillets recently as incentive to get me out for Fingerlakes Panfishing in the Spring. I must say the fillets are tiny compared to salmon and trout but really taste good. I haven't had an ultralight setup since college days so I'm going to need a setup in time for Spring.

My son started college in Daytona Beach Florida this Fall. Some friends have been taking him panfishing, primarily for Crappie. I'm getting him a spinning reel/rod for Christmas and wondering what line should go on it. The pictures he has sent through shows lake waters there are crystal clear so I'm thinking Fluorocarbon in 4 or 6 lb test. Does it make sense to go that route or will mono be good enough? I guess they've used some minnows but mostly throwing jigs either from shore or in kayaks. It sounds like fun though I get a little nervous when he sends pics fishing from a kayak with Gators nearby.

FishingFool34, Thanks for the very informative reply. I see the ControlKing has different models for the different brands/ages of motors while the Trollmaster does not. Any reason to think one might perform better than the other on certain kickers?

I'm looking to improve control of trolling speed with the 9.9 hp kicker on my 24 foot Wellcraft. Really interested in feedback from all of you that have a throttle controller on what you are using and any likes and dislikes. Thanks, Greg

Typo,. Food safety is very good.

Ultimately we don't know what levels of heavy metals an individual fish has, regardless of where it's caught in the lake. The DEC does provide guidelines on amounts to consume and it stands to reason those guidelines are very conservative. I'm more willing to consume a trout caught in Cayuga vs a store bought fish from who knows where. It's also a bonus knowing time from water to table and being able to trim all fat away. Farmed raised fish are not the same as wild caught in terms of potential residues in the meat but not knowing where raised makes me nervous. And certainly any fish/shellfish from Asian or South American countries are buyer beware as there is no reliable oversight by any food agency. We can complain about many things wrong with government in this country, but overall good safety is very good.

I like the landlocks fried, grilled, or smoked. Skin the fillets. Coat with House of Autry's fish mix with Old Bay Seasoning added in for a touch of spice. Cook in olive oil and enjoy. That was dinner Sunday using the morning's catch!!

Looks to be shallow the first mile or so. I'm guessing high lines work there Spring and Fall but not so much once water temps go up. Appreciate the info. One of these days I'll make the trip down there.

If the spawn is finished, wouldn't they be actively feeding now? That was a head scratcher for me yesterday as knew some areas were loaded with lake trout and the flies and spoons were practically in their mouths but they weren't biting.

I hate when that happens, especially when the weather cooperates

Do they congregate near the inlet or run all the way up to Meyers? Until the lake levels drop in January I'm not able to launch at Taughannock. Wondering if it's worth the drive to Treman rather than launch at Dean's and boat all the way South

After nearly a month off the water I finally had some free time this morning. Left Dean's and went South by the power plant to hit some spots that were active last October. Marked plenty of fish down 100-120 over 130-150 but after an hour and a half only one catch, a miniature lake trout that took a spoon but never even triggered the release. Decided to poke around on the West side from Kidders up to Sheldrake. Found groups of active landlocks down 40-60, but the largest of the bunch barely made 20". Still fun to catch as could hardly keep 2 rigger lines in the water for a while as they were aggressive. 3 different doubles on one line as the sliding cheaters working better than they have all Summer. Made for an entertaining morning and after putting a couple on ice they made a nice dinner too.