NPike

Congrads on that giant "wow".

Can't say from photo only. A great fish likely around ~ 20 pounds ~ 40". Might consider a bump board, plenty of nice ones out there.

Been chasing them > 40 years, this is spot on. I've found the best window is usually mid June to mid - late July (as mentioned once weeds start up and waters in mid 60's). Then again in September. All depends on water temp as it approaches 80 degrees F things generally slow down for us. BTW we all desire the bigger ones.

Your a better man than I. Seen hundreds do this over the years nada.

Pike and Musky do this all the time, very common behavior. Why well, heard theories but?, but I'll tell you the fish that's displaying this behavior won't bite..

Just enjoy it out there during lower traffic times preferably. What I catch I catch, what I don't I don't. Every year's different.

Your right if I'm trolling w/o the sole intention of catching walleye I'll skip the leaders. I use an ultra short steel wire that ties to both line and bait when trying for both. Can't remember where I got them, they're a pain to tie but avoid bite-off's. Some guys prefer to just take there chances and my buddy got the biggest musky I've ever seen in the lip on 8 lp test, so you never know?

If just walleye only 12 pound, however if pike - musky are around 20 minimum. Suffix 832 is great stuff, at least for me.

You can contact DEC region 8 for possible creel census info? Or help the DEC buy participating in this years upcoming creel census?

Looking for a med - light rod. Prefer a 6' (or shorter) medium-lite fast action rod for perch and stream trout, (occasional walleye as well). So I'll be casting and jigging with it. Will need a spinning reel to finish the combo. Not looking to spend a fortune but want to buy a desent medium-light fast action rod w a lighter spinning reel, willing to go to ~ > $120+ if needed for the compo. Thks ahead of time, P.S. lost my old one haven't used it some years.

depend pure bred DDD's, Hybrids saltwater Rapala

A bit surprised that they didn't get any of 30" or over. When I used to fish Hemlock you would get a few bigger ones.

FYI, technically they can take them out any time after Columbus day (as per the NYS parks dept "who runs the show"). It's concerning that with the money they make that the state can't be a bit more considerate to sportsman and perhaps leave them in until Nov.

But the boat up this wk. However I'm highly surprised that it's turning over. Both Conesus and Chautauqua turned over some time back.