Ahab

if you think I was confused before now I am really confused. Last that I knew only two of the finger lakes were part of the barge canal system. None of the Mariners that I know would require assistance from the Coast Guard on these lakes but what about the average mom and pop boater ? In my opinion to suggest to them that a rescuer is going to magically appear out of the air above them and pluck them from the cold water is a reckless and dangerous disservice to them. My concern is for peoples safety. I was not trying to tarnish any ones sense of self importance. If I wanted to do that I would tell some of the old salty coast guard auxiliary jokes. To set the record straight The auxiliary is made up of amateur civilians that are allowed to wear a uniform. ( they are NOT the United States Coast Guard ). Any boat with coast guard auxiliary patrol signs will belong to the auxiliary. Vessels with U S Coast Guard patrol signs, unlikely to be seen on the finger lakes, will belong to the U S Coast Guard. Bottom line and my last comment on this subject, Despite what some pencil pusher will tell you, at any given point in time you are on your own out there and should not expect any of the fair weather rescuers to come to your assistance. Be safe have fun have a great week and the punch line to the joke is ( the coast guard auxiliary )

It is highly unlikely that any of us will ever encounter US Coast Guard personnel on any of the finger lakes waters. There is a station in Oswego and one in Rochester but the finger lakes are not in their area of responsibility. The volunteers at the coast guard auxiliary in Ithaca I commend for their efforts to promote boating safety but the coast guard Auxiliary is NOT the U S Coast Guard. In the cold weather months you should not expect anyone to get out of bed and put a boat in the water to rescue you on Cayuga lake . You are on your own

Sounds good on paper

What are you supposed to do with a flair on a boat ? Catch the boat or yourself on fire to get attention ? Has anyone ever lit a flair on there boat ?

BBass boats are not made to be pushed slowly that is why they bow mount the trolling motors. If you want to pull spoons etc by yourself you may want to look for a used 14’ deep V aluminum fishing boat that is designed for that type of fishing. Yes a 45lb electric will push your boat fine but it will not fix your problem.

Congratulations fishstix . This was as always a nice derby to fish. Looks like your onto something that may payoff next week, good luck.

Today

The cold water of Cayuga is be a dangerous place if you or the boat aren't up for it.

I strongly agree with sk8man.

There is always a good number of people in Barney and Bear's derby. Its a good time, and a good chance to warm up and shake down the boat for the national lake trout derby, but you have to enter if you want to try for my money. (that may make it a very short drive or a very very long one).

Now that's a beauty .

gota love it when a plan comes together. right depth, right fish, right fly. good job. what color spinny and fly ?

That's probably just the raw sewage overflow from the sewer plant burning.

Lodi is going to be the hot spot this year. nice fish.

If you stand on the concrete right now at the front of Taughannonk you will get your feet wet. At this point the level is determined ( by monkeys ) and by how much water can go through Baldwinsville.