Sk8man

My son and I differ on our methods and I thought it might be something worthy of discussion on here. I fillet all my fish (no skin) "old school method" with a standard salt water type fillet knife (a couple sizes) and then I divide the fillets up into usable amounts and put them in zip lock bags and fill them with water completely immersing the fish so that no visible air pockets are there (to prevent freezer burn) and immediately freeze them. I have eaten the fillets up to three years later after doing so and they are excellent. My son uses an electric knife to fillet his fish and then uses a vacuum packaging machine to preserve his for the freezer. He has a bunch of kids so his never last long so I don't know the differences there The downside to my method is that the bags take up a lot of room in the freezer compartment. Anyone know the "shelf life" of the vacuum method? What do you folks do?

Rather than screwing around with all sorts of "half solutions" I'd spring for the kicker if you can do it. Not only the easiest and most efficient solution but you will save your big motors life, run much more cheaply, and have much better control over your speed which is your initial consideration. A good kicker pays for itself over the long haul and provides you with some "insurance" in case your main motor develops unexpected problems while you're out there. A different prop might be an "additional" consideration in terms of being able to troll into the wind if your kicker can't quite do it when the waves are big.

Welcome... and best of luck to you fishing Lake Ontario....you've picked a great time to start out on Lake O....

If those pics don't get ya thinking about being out on the pond ...nothing will! Good going.

They are for real and they are a real pain when they occur. If you'd like to know more check this out: http://www.sciencenews.org/pages/sn_arc99/11_13_99/fob1.htm or here: http://newyorkinvasivespecies.info/animals/FishhookWaterflea.aspx or here: http://www.great-lakes.net/envt/flora-fauna/invasive/spinyflea.html

I use a long shaft padlock through the eye holes in the clamps (holesaligned first) but.....I remember a long time ago at the Seneca Lake State Park they had boats docked there for the season and someone used a saw of some kind to take a trolling motor (maybe doing so from a boat?) by cutting a section out of the transom and taking the motor so I guess maybe the locking device no matter how strong isn't always the total answer anyway but prevents the rapid "casual" type of stealing> For me it is mainly a preventative of the clamps unraveling while speeding down the lake and the motor being deep sixed.

If by inner hull you mean the deck I would think that might not be a great idea unless you like wearing your life jacket all the time and testing it out occasionally.

Good going Guppy! Yeah it sure is fun taking them on something you either made or adapted. I used to make my own flutter spoons and one year my dad placed second in the Seniors division with one of them in the Lake Trout Derby on Seneca and was actually leading the derby with it for the first day....it was pretty cool! It was also his last derby before he died so it was very special.

Happy Easter to everyone....may this be your best year ever fishing and otherwise...

If you are after the browns Kuba it is mostly quite shallow fishing this time of year (mostly within 6- 20 ft of water along the shorelines) but you have to be real careful of the boulders and underwater obstructions (old dock pilings etc.) at least over here on the south shoreline not sure about the north shore. With the floating type of stickbaits such as rapalas I usually use a single large split shot about 2 ft ahead of the lure so that it runs a little deeper (especially in the waves) and also to keep it "clean" from grass and debris usually found in the shallows this time of year....the grass hangs up on the split shot not your lure. Jointed stickbaits are more tolerant of faster speeds. Most of the time you will be more successful with your lines way back behind the boat or off to the sides (as far as you can) well away from prop wash, motor noise. or turbulence. Browns can be skiddish. In the Spring you can get away with running lighter lines (I use 10 or 12 lb test or at least use that for your leader) BEFORE FLEA SEASON because they are known to be ""line shy". Good luck!

Good going fellas! Those damned "rockfish" always seem to jump out and grab your stuff don't they ? I guess signs should be posted....."BEWARE the shallows can be hazardous to your tackle"

There was about half a lot full of trailers at the north end launch today....not sure about the docks but the handicapped dock is there either way. The channel is "doable" because some were good sized trailers. Onanda was open today with a few folks perch fishing. Haven't been near Woodville for a bit so not sure but doubt thatthe new launch is ready yet.

fbg1619 you have a PM

Welcome schizm ! Good luck with the fishing this season and stay safe on that ice if you get out there.

Yes...can you imagine some kid on the pier at Sodus Point with a Zebco hooking onto a king?

In the late 70's I was salmon fishing at Sodus and was riding with two guys who had fished for trout but not salmon before. The one guy had a screamer on his rod as soon as we got out there and his reaction when the fish was taking line like there was no tomorrow...was to impulsively try to THUMB THE REEL to slow it down Needless to say it was the last time he ever did that....His thumb was SMOKING (I kid you not) and he had a bandage on it for weeks....

Once you go Black you'll never go back....release or color of ball