Hello everyone,
I am new to the site and new to trolling on Lake Ontario. I have been an avid boater on Ontario for about the past 7 years and recently upgraded my boat. I purchased a vessel that would not be considered a fishing vessel by most. It is a 28' Chaparral cuddy cabin, but I figured hey, I've got a boat why not do some trolling. I have trolled in smaller inland lakes for many years but again, new to Lake Ontario.
I am looking for any help at all. I have a setup in mind that I already started putting together. I purchased two flush mount rod holders and two cannon downriggers. I am going to get the gimbal mounts so that I don't have to keep the riggers on the boat all the time. I have two of the Cabela's 8'6" medium action rod/reel combo's with line counters on them that I want to setup on the riggers for Browns and any species of Salmon I can hook. I am not looking to make a big hobby out of this but want to be able to make all the use of my boat that I can. At some point I will probably add the additional rod holders to each down rigger and maybe a couple simple clamp on rod holders at the transom setup with some dipsy's or lead core.
My big questions are these. Any thoughts or comments on the setup I am looking to do. What kind of bait, lures, line, etc. should I be looking to carry? What about trolling depths, speeds, etc? What about general hot spots? (I plan on keeping the boat either in Hamlin, Braddock's Bay or somewhere on the Genesee River) What about times of the year? I would like to do some fishing around Chaumont Bay in the beginning of August and otherwise general summer fishing (June/July) anywhere from Point Breeze to Sodus.
I know I'm probably the annoying new guy but any beginning pointers would be more than appreciated. Thanks in advance!