Kevin J Legg

Most ice fishermen on the St Lawrence carry a gaff while ice fishing. They are very usefully in landing large pike or walleyes but obviously must be used carefully if the fish is going to be released. It can be tough to lead a big fish through an 8” hole!

I have a 18 foot Lund Alaskan with a 60 hp Mercury. I have a 9.9 kicker on it for back up but never use it as the 60 hp worked just fine. I  ran it for 17 years and over 3000 hours!  I actually just repowered with a 90 hp Yamaha and plan on trolling with it as well. Perhaps if you plan on going 1-1.2 mph you will need a trolling sock but I can troll 1.5- 2.8 all day long.

My 60 hp Mercury would troll down to 1.5 with no issue so you should be fine. Could always toss a bag if needed.

Great to see browns are snapping. I just got some stripers fishing Lake Murray SC. 
Going on a hog hunt next week and return home on March 5th. 
I’ll be chasing perch, browns, and late season walleyes when I return. Anxious to try my new Yamaha 90 hp.

My 90 hp Yamaha is now on my Lund and I’ll pick it up when I return home. We’re headed to South Carolina for some fishing and a hog hunt but will be back home in two weeks. 
I’m excited to get my boat in the water and chase some late season walleyes and early perch, and browns. Looks like launches should remain open till we return.

I believe Grasse Point is open on the River and possibly others.

Wondering if any launches are open. Particularly Mexico Point. This weather has me itching for browns.

Guess I made a good choice. Thanks for sharing that information!

1 hour ago, Yankee Troller said:

I sell both brands mentioned. We sell them on package deals (with boats), and loose. I've been in this business since the Summer of 2018 and I don't think I can fill up a hand with fingers on the warranty claims against these engines combined. To be honest the warranty claims I can remember were from I/O boat engines. 

 

Clayton Marine sells a lot of Yamaha's. I believe you're in good hands. If anyone else is in the market for a re-power we have financing options if needed.

They worked fine but simple wore out over 17 years.

Having my Lund Alaskan repowered and seats need to be replaced. I’m a pretty big guy but don’t want to spend a fortune as some are quite expensive.

Made my decision and I’m going with a 90 hp Yamaha with troll control and hydrolic steering from Clayton Marina. I’ll be ready to roll as soon as I can get to an open launch. Which may be right now!

  First up walleye, perch, and brown trout.

On 2/3/2024 at 11:42 AM, rolmops said:

Before you go up from 60 to 90, you should check the capacity that the boat specs will allow you to put on your boat. Too much weight or too much power may become very problematic in case you go beyond the coastguard ratings/specs for your your boat and will almost automatically void your insurance coverage in case of an accident on the water.

 

59 minutes ago, Shakemsam said:

Either will treat you well. The only issue I see is finding one. A buddy at work was on a waiting list for a 70 Yam for over a year.

They have a 70 and a 90. Can have it done by brown trout season!

  I’m investigating changing out my 17 year old 60 hp Mercury with 3,000 hours with a new 90 hp.  The Mercury has certainly served me well and still runs fine but it’s time.
  Right now I’m looking at Yamaha and Mercury. Going to also have troll control install so I can troll more slowly.

  Most of my river rat friends are recommending the Yamaha. Prices are similar and both offering a 5 year warranty. Both places also have good service.

  I’m also getting a quote on a Suzuki but am not sure on warranty and service there.

  I’m also considering hydraulic steering. Any thoughts as it’s a couple thousand extra.

Someone had to be the first!

One guy went over  the barricade and has shanty on Eel Bay.
17 vehicles in parking lot and a dozen shanties on LOTI and 4 vehicles parked with 3 shanties on Goose Bay.
Looks like some fishable ice for Alex Bay derby tomorrow but be careful!One guy went over  the barricade and has shanty on Eel Bay.
17 vehicles in parking lot and a dozen shanties on LOTI and 4 vehicles parked with 3 shanties on Goose Bay.
Looks like some fishable ice for Alex Bay derby tomorrow but be careful!

6 hours ago, Sk8man said:

Years ago fishing near Maxwell creek in my 13 ft Whaler during late July I was trolling along running a dodger and fly and a dodger and squid in about 30 ft of water. I had a real good hit on the squid combo and grabbed the rod and started reeling it in. Right from the start it felt odd as the rod was bouncing around all over the place while reeling. When I got it near the boat I realized it was an eel about 3 1/2 ft long. I didn't want to lose my set-up so I carefully brought it to the side of the boat and was going to use needle nose pliers to release it when it slithered over the few inches of gunwale into the boat. It was wriggling around like there was no tomorrow and finally after pinning it to the floor I was lucky enough to be able to release it. Unfortunately for me though it had slimed all over the floor and bench seat and it was nearly impossible to clean and was present for many weeks afterward so I guess it got the best of me after all.

Years ago I also caught an eel off a down rigger down 80 feet on a dodger squid. I was fishing out of Henderson in the trench.

i was very surprised to see it come twisting in.
We use to frequently catch them fishing bullheads or bass in the SLR but haven’t caught any in years.

Need a good turnout. Perhaps we can get smallmouth season delayed till July and help eliminate the harvest or harassment of bass on their beds.

Unfortunately the state is run by the metropolitan liberal areas of the state.

Wr have little input.

1 hour ago, Shakemsam said:

Could have been an otter

 It was well over 40 years ago. And badger's do exist in NY, although rarely are they seen.

I stand corrected. Never knew they existed in NY.

No badgers around here. Perhaps an otter or martin.

While trolling in Chaumount Bay I observed something in the water a ways off. Turned out to be 4 deer, a buck and three doe,

swimming from Point Salubrious to Cherry Island.

i also once caught an eel on a dodger fly  off a downrigger in the trench.

3 hours ago, greenhornet73 said:

Yum, still getting them in deep water around 45’?

Actually deeper now. Around 55-65 feet.

Another beautiful river day.

Had a good perch bite for 4 hours today.