Sk8man

How did you make out selling the boat? It was a great rig for someone.

Thanks Kev. I sure remember Spence.....incredible fisherman here on Seneca and in Alaska. The great thing about the way this thread turned out is that so many great knowledgeable people contributed to it with "specifics" and solid questions. It is a learning experience for everyone and a "win win": for all and especially to newcomers to the site or to fishing. Thanks to all who contributed. Les

Good points. There were times when I shouldn't have been out there too Great job on the boat renovation . Best of luck out there this season.

One of the best investments I've ever made was in having a dodger made for the bow of my previous 13 ft. Whaler. It kept the huge Lake O waves totally out of my boat even in rough conditions that I couldn't have gone out in otherwise. It could be flipped up or down depending on conditions and my kids used to play with army men and read etc in it while fishing with me. Here is an old pic of it from the 80's with my son and his campground friend. The canvas was done by John Mann in 1979 and I still had it 22 years later when I sold the boat. Might be something to consider adding to yours as well to keep you dry from waves and possibly break up the wind and push it up over the cabin area....just a thought P.S. I even had one made for my current boat

Good one Sonam...thanks I have it too and had forgotten to mention that one. Another is the Sporttsman's Connection Western New York Fishing Map Guide (www.sportsman'sconnection.com/) (also in places lke Dick's and Walmart etc.).

Sean's comments are "priceless" and there is no substitute for direct "hands on" experience (in other facets of life as well as fishing). I sure wasn't meaning to suggest that books and videos etc. are "replacements" or even close to being as important as actual experience.....just additional ways to achieve some understanding some of the aspects of this specific fishery for those folks new to it or that don't live around here. Bob - I knew it was your copy because it had all the question marks in pen after every "big word" P.S. Finger Lakes veterans Sean and Ray have given some important kernals of wisdom here which you probably won't find in any video orbook Thanks guys.

I've had a few inquiries (especially from new people) about what information might be available specifically regarding fishing in the Finger Lakes - especially for trout. In this day of You tube videos and various "how to" Web based sources a couple of older but important books have received little attention of late but for the person just starting out trout fishing in the Fingers they are very important in developing a basic understanding of some of the "mainstay" fishing techniques that have spawned the more recent equipment and tactics being used in this specific fishery. One of the books was considered my "fishing bible" in earlier years and I probably learned as much from it as any book I've ever encountered and much of it (techniques) is still relevant despite being published in 1962. The other edited book is a compilation of articles by other authors having specific knowledge of individual lakes written by my close friend and fishing buddy (now departed) talented outdoor writer C. Scott Sampson. Some other Finger Lakes fishermen may know of other useful resources for this particular fishery and if so hopefully will include them in this posting so it can serve as a resource for new folks trying to get a handle on things. Although many of the more recent developments (e.g. techniques and equipment) are covered on LOU in other places reading these books before hand can give someone a real jump on understanding the "in's and out's" that lead to their development. Here are the books: Fishing For New York State's Fabulous Finger Lakes Trout by Earl Holdren (and exquisite FL fisherman by the way) Outdoor Sports publishing (1962) - I'm pretty sure it is out of print but libraries may have it or possibly on inter-library loan. Good Fishing in the Finger Lakes Region and Western New York by C Scott Sampson (Editor) (2003) Sanders Fishing Guides Incorporated

Nice report Nick and I'm really glad the motor renovation thing turned out so well. It has to be great getting out there after that long winter and being out of action. Best of luck this season but I'll leave it short of saying it at derby time after last year's result Hopefully this year I'll be luckier with my motor (after both tuned up ) Les

They are almost non-existent on many of the Finger Lakes. I think the 50 degree temp might be a bit high as they were often found mixed in with the rainbows and suckers in some of the streams I used to go to and the temps were 40-45 degrees.

I've always had pretty good luck freezing the cheeks in water in zip locks (squeeze out any air so totally immersed to avoid surface freezer burn). I've had them three years afterward and they were delicious.