Sk8man

I agree with fisherdude. The team approach is fine for the more hardcore events like the ones on Lake O but the Trout derby on Seneca has always been a family event where even young children can participate (each of mine did from an early age). The team format is more "rigorous" competitive environment than the current derby format and I think may spoil the family atmosphere of the the Seneca derby. No need to complicate things in that regard with increased rule structure etc. there are already enough of those highly competitive situations going on and I think it could turn off a lot of folks who aren't into that type of format. As it is things are relatively informal but "controlled" (e.g. polygraph testing") but more relaxed rule-wise. I fished the ESLO derbies and the Lake O stuff for years and it is a lot of fun and highly competitive but it isn't for everyone....The Seneca derby seems "special" in that regard and it would probably be wise from a survival standpoint to keep it that way with some of the "enhancements" currently being suggested, better prize structuring, and increased emphasis on advertising, and accessible updating of information. Just my two cents from fishing both types of derbies for the last 45 years or so .

I just changed from a Johnson 9.9 long shaft 2 stroke to a brand new 4 stroke electric start 9.8 Tohatsu long shaft and there wasn't much difference in the weight at all but I stayed away from the electric trim option etc. for that very reason because t would have pushed the limit on my bracket. Mine is on a bracket too and not directly on the transom. I think the difference in motors was about 5 lbs. One of the things I would be checking out is the transom itself...is it possibly waterlogged and this amount of added weight is perhaps pushing it over the edge weight-wise? You didn't give any info regarding the exact kicker or what you have for the big motor so it is hard to say what the total weight is. I know the only difference in my 2 stroke 9.9 kicker and the 15 horse was in carburation. They were exactly the same motor and weight. Not sure about the 4 stroke versions. Also if you have a few batteries and the kicker located on the same side of the boat (and possibly other weight) and you are on that side as well in a boat that size (and depending on hull shape) it could be a weight distribution adjustment that is needed. I'd be experimenting with putting additional weight in the opposite side of the bow to see what happens too.

Yeah Mike I think the technology has improved a bit since the 70's and early 80's when the CB's were the main game and they had Derby Control at the Chamber with a lady operating the microphone who didn't know jack about fishing and a few people would be repeatedly asking what the leading fish was and others cutting her off by clicking the mike buttons and making noises etc. There is some real potential now for having meaningful input that could really improve things

In reference to my complaint about the Chamber being closed last year? You didn't miss much not going to Lake O today. Bob and I went all morning without a hit and then in the afternoon we ended up with 4 lakers and 2 small kings Bob lost another small king or steelie near the boat and that was about it.

flasher fly combination

You know we may bust each other on both the north and south of Seneca Lake but when the chips are down regarding something important the brotherhood of fishermen comes through united Maybe this is an opportunity to improve something we ll care about greatly.

Despite having spent more than I should trying to win that boat for my son maybe they should consider scraping that idea due to the costliness and instead have a raffle for cash supported by just the ticket sales itself which could help offset personal derby expenses for the raffle winner or winners Cash prizes always seem to go over big with folks as many already have boats and that other arrangement of the $3500 or the boat seems like a "hussle" to me and overly expensive as a propostion.

I think the main consideration relating to the issue of batteries (for me at least) is safety and especially on Lake O. It is an unforgiving environment and lake and if unfavorable circumstances come together like being out in the middle of the lake and having your battery crap out with a storm brewing and the waves building it becomes real clear what the advantages are having "options". Having been through this situation in a small boat in the past the concept of safety options is uppermost in my mind. Luckily my kicker came through for me with the pull start but with my current boat I have made sure I have a number of "options". I have even changed my setup since my previous post. I have a starting battery and a heavy duty combination deep cycle/starting battery. I have just my primary depth finder (which is a low draw) wired directly to the starting battery along with the lights and bilge pump which come through the main panel. The downriggers and kicker etc. are connected to the deep cycle combo battery and the kicker is a 4 stroke with a 6 amp alternator with pull start as well hooked to the combo battery. I also carry a portable D cell battery powered bilge pump with a section of garden hose to reach outside the boat. Even though my boat is advertised as "unsinkable" I don't depend on it with my life