justtracytrolling

I've hated every muzzleloader bullet I've ever tried until I tried the parker productions 275 grain match grade hunters.  This year I tried a new loading in my other smokeless, the hornady xtp 300 grain and my results were awesome.  I shot an 8 point and 3 doe between 150-300 yards and every one was in the ribs not the shoulder and every one sprayed a phenomenal blood trail.  Bullets designed for longer ranges will open up at lower speeds and so will pistol bullets.  40+ inches of snow is no joke to get around in and miserable to drag deer thru!  Snow was so deep when  I came to the end of each blood trail I had to scuff my feet to find the deer...they disappeared under the powder.  I can't say enough good things about my savage smokeless muzzleloaders with the XTPs. My second savage came with this loading and it blows away the one I was using.

32 minutes ago, whaler1 said:

I love shooting them! Reason enough for me.


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Me too!  Just don't think you are going to easily make any difference in your predator/prey numbers hunting them

In some areas of the north country, coyotes definitely impact  deer numbers, but those areas don't have the grasses deer and mice really need and coyotes adapt and do whatever it takes to survive.  The first real successful  hunting of coyotes in ny was perfected in the mid 40s in Lewis County using hounds crossbred between running walkers and beagles in order to collect a bounty.   The original  houndsman began developing the breed by catching a bred female coyote and raising its pups for the purpose of training pups and figuring out a mix breed to use.  He is still alive today and his knowledge of the coyote is not comparable and I was fascinated with his stories when I first met him in 92 and to this day find him a most remarkable individual.  He also went on to be an absolute authority on running bobcats with hounds.  His breeding and exact mix is still hard to top today in a coyote hunting hound.  There are very few houndsman who have been mentored by him directly and have been involved in breeding dogs with him directly also...the man who taught me the basis of all my hunting skills is one of them.  

Exactly!  Their resiliency, toughness and reproduction  is remarkable

Honestly, coyotes don't decimate fawns as much as many think.  The areas where fawn predation is on the high side are areas where there isnt enough tall grass, goldenrod, etc for does to leave their fawns.  Coyotes  hunt fawns by sight and can't smell them during  the period when fawns are vulnerable.  Also, the new coyotes move in almost immediately if the area has good coyote habitat.  Even in deep snow coyotes don't kill healthy deer.  Gut shoot a deer with a bow on my lease or the golf course i hunt a little and before you can nock another arrow there is a coyote on the deer.  Coyotes survive by hunting mice and by being the most adaptable opportunistic predators.  Bobcats on  the other hand are much better at killing healthy deer and rabbits and  basically never miss given an opportunity, but really need perfect habitat to live in long term.  My deer lease and surrounding area is infested with deer, rabbits, and coyotes.  Nearly every doe has 2 fawns and the only years I see a dip in rabbits and hear them killed we consistently see bocats, and catch them in traps.  Watch deer behavior at night with night vision and they hardly pay any attention to coyotes in the same field.

Predator  hunting is a great winter activity, but it doesn't help much with coyote population control or to help your hunting much.  There have been several studies on controlling coyote populations where sheep ranches have serious problems and the more you stress the population the larger the litters.  Not too mention if you have a problem with them its because they do well in your exact area.  Therefore others move in to take advantage of the the ideal conditions as soon as room is a available.  I've hunted them for 30 years  and the places we have killed the most still have the most.  Basically you can kill 25-35 a year in one block every year and never run out when at any one time there are less than 8-10.  It's impossible to reduce the population if habitat is ideal.  I doubt there are many hunting parties that have killed and trapped close to 2000 or more of them, but the group i hunt with has and we have more than ever.  Incidentally, the specific areas we first saw coyotes in the 80's when we would go weeks without cutting a track because there were so few coyotes in the southern tier are still the best areas now.  When NY had a bounty on coyotes, and fur prices were high the coyotes still couldn't be eradicated.  Fox populations, on the other hand, are very easy to keep at a low number within a certain area.  

Still plenty of us out at night fishing!  We used tent poles that had a pointed end in the holes where oarlocks went.  The poles were bent and the lanterns were white gas with heat shields, we used them to smelt in waders as well.  Never gave the fire hazard a thought, but the bugs were awful!  We were fishing eyes under the bait we pulled up.  The speed net is the exact net we used to smelt I think.  The guy who took me back then had the gear.  I'll have to ask him about where he got them.  He is battling cancer now and for the first time in his life he couldn't get out and hunt.  I managed to get him a deer and process it the way he does it and drop it off.  Thanks for the posts....brings back some great memories of a better time...imo at least!

While I was typing he messaged me and my fish are done!  What a coincidence!

Awesome fish!  Im having lyke2fish here on the forum do a couple for myself and customers right now and they will be done soon.  PM him perhaps he will send you some pics.  I've known Kevin for years and he is a walleye guy thru and thru.  This is the first taxidermy work he has done for me, but I've seen his trophy room and thought his work was plenty good.  For me I wanted my fish done by a fellow walleye guy and someone I know and respect.  I can't really put it into words why, but I think having one of our own do my walleye work is important.  

Very happy to see Andrew and his son on the cover.  While I meet lots of great folks guiding I can't think of another customer/friend/angler/lure maker/guide/family man who has taken their fishing, passion, and conservation efforts further in a short time.  Muskies Inc couldn't have done any better!  Andrew and his wife are class acts and set the example for others to follow!  

2 batteries isn't quite enough for me, but I make it work.  I have 2 gen 3 12s and I can't run a third 12, which I have, without going to a bigger motor, bigger batteries, a third battery, or a lithium ion battery.  I don't leave the dock without a charged jump box and that piece of mind makes it stress free to use everything.  I am planning on going to lithium ion batteries this season so I don't have to be on the dock charging all 5 batteries near as many hours and I can finally have all of my electronics on the boat and maybe even add a few more things.

Absolutely love the paint on that walleye!  Wow!!!  There's something about the shape of the head that is a hair off to my eye, but considering it's carved by hand I presume, it's simply magnificent artwork.  For all I know the head is a perfect representation of the actual fish, but not exactly like most of the eyes I get.  I'm definitely needing at least a fish or two from him.  I'll bet he could do an awesome tiger if his walleye is that amazing.  

Troll plates are fine as long as you remember to flip em up immediately after lines are out of the water.  Ive heard lots of horror stories and all are result of leaving them down when not trolling.  I do 1.6 to 1.9 when at an idle in flat conditions depending on how long it's been since a bottom wash and number of people.  In nearly all applications the trolling motor is used for speed adjustments and steering.  Cruise control is wonderful for a feeding troll pattern and for reaction bite trolling I like the fluctuations.

I saw the pics of Sully looking for a couple scenic pics to post and figured it was time to let a few of his friends know.... obviously way off topic and I apologize for hijacking your thread Prof T, but we walleye guys all follow the same people regardless of topic.  Sully was all about being on the boat and sure put his time in....he definitely only got excited over walleye as he never got to eat any fish other than the walleye trimmings....thanks Kevin

Any of you that have fished with me probably remember my dog Sully.  Sadly after 15 wonderful years of friendship and loyalty I had to have Dad come put him down here at home.  He was loved by us till the end and we were able to be home with him the last few days.  The campground and our family won't be the same without him.   

I pull my boat twice a season for full servicing but every 100 hours is not gonna happen for me....I put over a thousand on mine last season!  I evacuate the tank, do the fuel filter, plugs, oil, lower unit, and quick bottom wash as well as a good looking over.  Fuel lines are definitely changed occasionally and anything my mechanic sees as a potential issue is fixed proactively.  last year we did the impeller and seals as they showed signs of real wear and I prefer prevention to cure.

Bags are a great idea for more control as well if necessary.  I'm certainly not saying they aren't helpful, I just don't use them.

There are tons of pontoons trolling on Otisco and I'm not sure I know if one that needs bags.  I would definitely be looking for a trolling motor and with that you should be able to get your speed right and have boat control while running lines.  If you are any bit serious get a 36v unit.  24v is marginal on that size boat and what I started with.  I was one of the first to setup a pontoon for trolling and for small water there's nothing better.  Also I would put the batteries right under the tm as you will want weight up front.  If you don't have enough weight the wind will push you all over compared to a boat weighted properly for trolling. I made a battery box, mounted it on the deck, and mounted the tm on the box.  the box also has the on board charger inside and a shutoff switch.  I use my talon as a drift sock if it's really windy and fighting fish often.  I'm planning on adding a couple tractor suitcase weights under the front deck this year as well because on the windiest days I fish I'd like more control.  Also adding a bigger keel to your tm helps.

I would suggest covering new water to anyone struggling.  Just about every spot you can access the rivers around me where you can move up and downstream some will produce fish.  Most of these spots are not a big secret, but the actual techniques successful walleye guys are using there typically are not shared.  I've put a ton of info on this forum about night casting and it all applies to the river as well.  Ralph Barton, he is a member on here, has tons of you tube videos that will help.  Search his name on you tube and I think you probably will pick up some ideas.  He fishes very different from me, but is pretty much a river expert on walleye and catfish and has consistently caught tons of walleye every year for probably 30 years.  Maybe he will chime in?  The fall bite has definitely started and both numbers and size are showing up.   Recent rain and higher, colder water has really gotten them moving.  Right before this current weather combined with the current moon phase I guarantee had some big girls chewing.  Doesn't matter weather you use plastics, or bait on jigs...with or without a float, sticks, or ripping raps.  What matters is doing it correctly at the right location and right time.  No one technique is universally better.

I don't fish the river like I used to but during the fall/winter some of my spots are just gone, but several are better than ever.  Last season was excellent for me I averaged double digits in 10 trips let's say.  I think the 2 floods are what ruined a few spots for me as the current and depth are definitely different now.  Only thing I would say is fishing changes over time as fish change and rivers change.  Therefore, we often have to adjust to be effective over the long haul.  There's no doubt I can help you get on fish, but I'm a night guy only on the river.  I just refuse to shore fish with people outside my circle as I see so many things I don't want to see, and I don't want to have to either say something or make a call as I can't just do nothing.   Not to mention the river is a much cleaner place at night when you can't see!

On 11/11/2020 at 8:22 PM, old man said:

Was surprised it was free. At Conesus they have an atm kinda thing you pay at. But they weren’t charging this year,at least not the half dozen times I went there. As for garbage,it seems like every shore fishing site is a mini landfill. I’m 68 and I say it’s always been like that,sadly. Tired of picking up after slobs but I still do.


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So true, but have you ever seen garbage around the campground launch?  No because it's maintained by good people who do care.  If a business is cluttered and rundown we shouldn't reward them for being slobs and a state launch should be maintained as well.  Thanks again NY for spending but not actually having a viable plan then leaving the locals the mess we appreciate it so much!

I used the launch to test my jet ski after it was fixed before I had it wrapped for storage 4 days after I hauled out what was there and there was another bunch of garbage piled where you are supposed to put weeds when you take your boat out.  How hard is it to take home every single thing you bring, and seriously dig a little hole with your heel and bury your crap and burn your paper in the hole or bury it too!  If you think it's ok not too please pm me your address!

The Denali Myriad walleye trolling rods are the best walleye trolling rod out there.  Paired with the new tekota A and that's as good as you can do.  I will say the Saltist is excellent as well, but they are bigger, heavier, and not low profile.  I have the Lexa LC and it's just not even comparable.  When I switched to a graphite trolling rod specifically designed to troll walleye I was absolutely amazed how many more fish I landed, and so many customers wanted them that I now sell them also.  If anyone wants to try before buying I have demo rods or just take a trip with me and you will definitely be impressed with both the rods and the reels.  I prefer the leadcore 8'6" but all of em are forgiving, durable IM 8 graphite rods.  The braid/mono rods are semi micro eyes and lots of them so they aren't fun to thread on the water in low light and wind.   It's almost impossible to lose a fish with them and with a properly set Tekota A drag you certainly aren't breaking off anything.  Another thing that helps land big eyes is fighting fish with the rod tip down or at least horizontal.  If you are fighting big fish perfectly you shouldn't even see a big walleye till it's well within net range.I'm not saying there isnt a 100 guys doing well on big fish with much cheaper stuff, but I almost guarantee they aren't consistently landing fish over 5-6 pounds on small lures and small hooks.  Try to land 10 pounders on number 5 flicker minnows down 30-40 feet and you will immediately see how difficult it is without an extremely forgiving rod and drag especially solo or with inexperienced guests.   Sometimes I only get a bite or two and usually the customer is not a "walleye guy" so for me every single bite is of utmost importance and I wouldn't consider using anything else....and I paid retail for my reels!   I had a stretch this summer where I landed 57 walleye in a row with customers.  None of which were little 3-4 pounders, none were on a decent sized hooks, and I guarantee 50 of em at least didn't have the hook in past the barb.  Nearly every fish comes unhooked the second they hit the net.  Between the walleye, tigers, catfish, and smallmouth Otisco will test your walleye gear and mine flat out performs by any standard.  These rods will make excellent finger lakes trout rods as well and they would be great for spring browns on Ontario.  

There isn't over 2 feet getting thru the causeway.... especially with a lot of south wind.   I used the launch Saturday and it is done well.  I was disappointed to see there was no bathroom anymore and no garbage cans anymore...and quite a pile of garbage.  That's the problem with a free launch.  No money to run it right the entire time it's open.  I made several trips out on the causeway late in the year to cast when nobody was fishing because it was such a pain getting in and out with certain winds alone in the dark.  It bothers me deeply to see all the garbage out there and I hope this doesn't end up the same, but I know it will.  It literally breaks my heart to see how little respect so many have for such a beautiful place.  There are so few lakes that aren't completely developed, polluted, bothered by blue green algae, loaded with mercury, have fertillzer runoff, etc and nobody gives a damn.  Otisco lake is the only legitimate walleye fishery in the state that I'm aware of where there has never been heavy metals, pollution, and blue green algae blooms.  And yes even Skaneatles has all 3 of those things!  Maybe having healthy water isn't important to many of you, but it's everything to me.  Maybe its not cool to be a conservative and love the environment enough to want to protect it at nearly any cost, but that's me.   If it were up to me id close down the shore fishing access till it was cleaned up.  I would shut down the other activities that aren't allowed there anyway.   Lastly, I would never have the launch free.  It simply isn't possible to keep that much area clean and maintained, as well as garbage service, and porta john service without a proper budget.  Exactly who comes up with the money?  What happens when there isn't any money?  I tell you exactly what will end up happening.  That launch will look just like the causeway in 5 years.  Sorry for hijacking and the rant, but somehow we as sportsmen have to stop leaving our garbage everywhere.  None of us are doing a good enough job setting the example and policing our own.  I take a garbage bag everywhere I go and try to do my best to fill it.  It was way to easy on Saturday to fill it at everybody's favorite free launch, and the causeway is way worse.  I know there are a ton people using Otisco that are part of the problem and read my posts... grow up and try being a responsible american!  If you truly aren't part of the problem then start being part of the solution!  EVERYONE is capable of being better.   Don't think for a second I don't push myself to do better and what's right for the fishery and valley I love.  My dream would be that people would understand its not all about catching fish and certainly not anything about hero shots!

Ever try running your down imaging under your side imaging on your screen layout?  You have less history for the side imaging but lots more detail with added width.  I'm going to 15" helix gen4 just for that reason alone.  I'll still run 12s for mapping at the console and imaging at the back of the boat. I don't use 2d sonar at all for anything.