DJ 17

Anyone know if Bob is back yet? I sent him an email awhile ago and was just waiting to hear back. Wondering if maybe the email didn't go through?

If you just want it for spring browns go with the big boards, for the reasons mentioned above. Obviously the boards wont take up any space on your boat because they will be out in the water. You fight the fish not the board, and they show up better in traffic. Being you haven't run copper or core I think that if you do decide to try it, you might be better of running it off an inline. Its easier to manage when you are first starting out with that type of presentation, especially when resetting lines. I run the TX 44's and they pull great. I ran 450 coppers on them last year with no issues at all. Being that you are a walleye guy I'm sure know already that the bigger inline boards sometimes make it harder to read you board if there is a small fish on it, like those little shaker perch or white bass you pick up on Erie running harnesses. Just my .02 cents.

Fins, Thanks for the advice. I have both of them and understand where you are going with it, I also think the books have much more info than the DVD. I just like throwing out a question every once in awhile to see what others might think. Hopefully someone throws out a fresh perspective I hadn't thought of yet. If I get one new piece of info that helps put fish in the boat its worth it. Like Tom mentioned above I also like to run a spoon farther back than a flasher, that way if the fish is attracted by the flasher but doesn't hit it I have one more chance with the spoon coming behind it.

I don't know what your rig looks like but, If you don't like having the mast then, go with in-lines. I have a 175 Alumacraft and use both. The big boards during the spring for browns and then the in-lines later in the year for coppers, etc... I like having the in-lines because they are easier to reset with coppers and cores IMO. If you are going to use the big boards to pull long coppers make sure you get a set that pulls hard and can handle the weight, like otter boats ( can add second keel if you like).

It's freakin' cold and I miss my boat So here's the question. Other than past experience with a given combo, when and why/how do you decide to run a matching fly with a flasher vs a non-matching fly? When making the decision, what helps decide to keep the flasher and change the fly rather than swap the whole thing? Or stay with the same fly and change the lead length? Lots of questions I know, but this below zero baloney in March is driving me crazy Tight Lines DJ

Good Luck! Prices are crazy. Do they sell lure insurance? :swear:

Sounds like a familiar conversation we have had Dan.

You may get more responses if you move this to the Open Lake discussion section. That way all the Lake O guys that don't fish the fingers might see it and chime in as well. Just a thought. I too would love to go north and fish.

pics? What are the dimensions?

Weatherby Athena with screw in tubes is a solid choice as well. I grew up shooting one for mainly trap, but shot some clays with it as well. Shot it for 8-9 years and loved it. I don't know if it really makes a difference as far as company's go, as long as you pick a reputable one. If it fits you well and you're confident with it you will be deadly!

Nice Days of Thunder Reference

I am thinking about setting up one or two slide diver rods. I fish on both Ontario and the finger lakes so i would like something that isn't over kill for the FLX but adequate for Ontario. What are you guys currently running for rod/reel/line set ups? Or suggestions of what you would get for this purpose?

Tim, When approximately do the alewives spawn on lake Ontario? Is there a time frame difference based on west vs east or does the whole lake spawn at basically the same time? Only reason I ask that is due to the fact that I was under the impression that in general the water temp rises faster in the western part of the lake. DJ

IMO If they were my first leadcore set ups I would probably go 7 & 3. That way you can cover more of the water column and see where it fits your style of fishing the best. Obviously early in the season you are going to want the shallower stuff if you are chasing the fish that are up in the water column. As far as leader length goes, play with what works for you, but I would probably start with around 25 feet of 10-12 lb test. Spool up with 30-40# braid for backing with a section of mono between the core and braid to hook to a planer board.