Sk8man

I bought the upgrade drags for my new SG3b's but found the drag that came on them works great so I'm just holding on to the drag disks for the future....I figure that it might be worth it on older reels but why mess with it if things are going fine...

Winter fishing in general suggests slower speeds for silvers as well as other fish. The fish's metabolism slows down in the extremely cold water. Over the years 1.9-2.3 has been the ticket for me in the winter (even in snow storms in mid Feb. ). In the summer and Fall these same (rainbows and landlocks) fish will hit at 2.5-3.2

Gambler is right....and also put small amount (50ft or so) of 30 lb. test Big Game mono on the spool first (not braid) to protect the spool from potential damage from the wire as it tightens over time (this is from the reel repair guy at TunaTom's). I used a #8 Spro swivel and it will go through the line guide/level wind mechanism (should it ever be necessary).

Yes it is Ed. The "pipes" out front were mentioned just for reference purposes...not warm water discharge.

All 7 strand trolling wire is potentially subject to kinking...mainly related to "slack" of any type. Some of the most popular brands for fishing/trolling (not beading or jewelery creation as much of it is for) are: Bloodrun 7 strand, Malin7, Mason 7 strand, AWF Surfstrand and Accustrand. Each brand seems to have it's "supporters" and most runs about $40-50 or so for 1,000 ft of 30lb test (most commonly run). There are any number of ways to fasten it at critical points including knotting, crimping, transitioning and use of high quality swivels (e.g. Spro #8's and10's). Each method has it's merits and drawbacks....and when all is said and done it seems to relate to personal preference and personal experience primarily. You are going to lose some equipment eventually while fishing no matter what.... period....and it may relate to the wire itself but usually it is more a matter of how it is rigged, stressed or allowed to gain slack and curl then kink....just have to be careful with it and constantly check it out for potential weak spots.

During the winter months the landlocks and brown fishing has historically been most productive at the extreme south end although the area near Sampson can be good as well. Out in front of Dresden near the "pipes" and around the creek mouth can have some decent brown fishing as well as some nice rainbows when the water flow in the Keuka Outlet is right. On the other hand you can limit out on really big lakers and once in awhile big browns as well at the north end by either trolling with flashers and flies or cowbells and peanuts down near bottom or jigging if the wind is down. Around early March huge lakers (and Pike) come into the shallow water at the north end and you can catch them on toplines with "wobbly" lures like KOWobblers, Daredeveles as well as jointed J-9 and 11 Rapalas trolled way back behind the boat (e.g. 200-300 ft) on light line (8-12 lb test) with a couple of large split shot about3 ft from the lure. The rainbows are usually quite scarce during the winter months although once in awhile they can be found in shallow near stream mouths (Wilson, Kashong, Keuka) and the drop-off area near Roy's

Some of the best fishing has been off Long Pier in "G town" No boat necessary....sorry fellas I know I wasn't supposed to say anything

I hope not....I just had the plastic put on the boat (although I'd be happy to "fast forward " to that point right now

The laws in NYC are quite different from those in most places in the rest of the state (i.e.restrictive). Also a civil lawsuit can be as bad or worse than criminal charges in terms of their effects on your life....."bear spray" is still pepper spray no matter how you slice it....if your wife was going to Rochester NY I'd be saying something very different.

I have 3 of the Okuma 45's and they seem to hold up fine with 50 lb Spectra. They seem to be a little sturdier (esp stiffer drag) than the 30 series but my dozen or so Daiwa 47 H's are still the longest lasting reels without problems I've had.....28 years without servicing and no problems

In general NYC is probably safer than most cities in that there is a very heightened police presence, video monitoring, and heightened sense of awareness these days. They are very strict about weapons violations including mace or pepper spray. As in any unfamiliar environment (out of your usual element) it pays to be cautious and aware of your surroundings at all times but I'd let it go at that.

"ignored" ?

Good point! but even more critical before KIDS

Sweet! Nice going and cool report!

Really neat! Going to be tough improving on that first one into the future though Nothing like that first buck to get the old heart thumping

Champ is right on the money with his advice! It's kinda like the fishing in high winds on Lake O. I used to do it but after a bunch of times getting beat up I finally responded to "common sense" figured it's just not worth the effort or risk and revised my thinking to "There's always another day"