TyeeTanic

We normally put a variety of colors out at the beginning of each day, and see what works. No doubt there are many days when a certain color takes preference for the fish. In general we see the colors I indicate above working as a big picture guide through the fishing season, but that isn't a steadfast rule, which is why we put a variety out.

There's no doubt certain colors work better in early, mid and late season. I don't know why, but gold, silver, blue, chartreuse are great colors early on. Then green in mid season. Then red/orange/purple in late season. It almost follows the salmon colors, nice silver in May, then green backs in June/July, turning dark in August.

Most you'll get out of an Okuma 30 is 7 colors with around 120 to 150 yards of braid. By the time you let it out, put a board on, let it out some more, you'll get nervous. I suggest an Okuma 45. I agree with what others are saying to use braid backing ... mono would take up WAY too much reel capacity.

Nice. Best fighting fish in Lake Ontario if you ask me (I don't fish for Sturgeon).

I always hold the netting in my hand on the shafts and only let go once the basket is below the fish and at least half the fish crosses the rim of the net. Alternatively there are net clipping mechanisms that release under the wight of the fish once it is in the net.

Chrome frog and Atommik stud fly is doing a lot of damage.

Can you take the gunnels out and epoxy them thick? That's what I did. You can use a cannon track to put a rigger mounting post on, that will fit the gunnels.

Advantages of using auto, when you are reeling in a fish, you can bring your weight up. Your arm won't be broken at the end of the day. You can use a 15 to 16 lb weight and change out lures freaquently without anything breaking like your arm. I wouldn't use manual, but that's my choice. You can get electric ones at a good price if you look for second hand ones.

Good suggestions. I'd add the atommik pro am uv glow fly and chrome frog spin doctor.

Rather look at this, temperature transects: https://www.glerl.noaa.gov//res/glcfs/glcfs.php?lake=o&ext=vwt&type=N&hr=00 You want to find a body of water that is warm on top, and has a zone which is 44 to 48F. That will tell you the depth the fish are likely to be sitting in. Look for structure on your fish finder map ... where does the bottom drop quickly, where are there "peninsulas", where is there a mound? If that structure corresponds with the depth you are looking for in terms of temp (44- 48F), start there. Obvserve the following: - what do the reports online say? - are you marking fish? - do you see bait? - do you see lots of birds somewhere in the distance? - what color is the water (green is good)? - are there any other boats catching fish in the area? Have fun, stick to the lures/flies you know work, and keep trying.