NPike

excuse my absence. Didn't fish much for 3 years until this year (Service related disabilities from paratrooping w 82nd). anyways on to my fishing concern help appreciated with a bit of detail if possible. after nearly 50 years of fishing for pike and musky I just started this year to try my luck at figure 8's. I caught quite a few some were follows , some came up form the other way under the boat to hit the bait. The trouble is I've lost all the bigger fish that hit while figure 8'ing. I was told that when a good one hits while top side or figure 8'ing that don't immediately pull back and set the hook but to let the fish fight the rod even putting the rod end into the water a bit to try and force the fish to run or dive down then set the hook. The reason is that when y pull back to set the hook when the fish is only inches under the water doesn't provide good hook sets since the angle is bad for good hook set. so let em fight the pole until they make a move out or down. So far I lost 2 mid forties doing figure 8's, thy came up shook their heads and were gone. Your input and thoughts are much appreciated.

I'm in the process of buying a Minn Kota Bow Mount Terrova w I-pilot and spot-lock for my Lund Fury. To old to keep using my 28 lp navy anchor. Many here know how quick the finger lakes can drop-off. Typically a bit of shallow weeds or a point then very steep drop-off. That's where I intend to fish so location is critical when trying to hold the drop-off. Move a little to much and your in either thick shallow weeds or (40 to 70+)' of water. Bottom line guys any use Minn Kota spot-lock? If so how close does it hold your boat to the "spot"?, even with a moderate wind say up to (12 -15)/mph. Assuming I'm not working against the wind. Thks in advance and tight lines.

Tough fishing current snags, etc. Also the river fishermen tend to keep things to themselves. However all said and done lots of walleye in the river some very big ones to.

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.