RC36

June 21, trolling NW, off the shore near Henderson Shores, picked up and released 3 small juvenile salmon (16, 21, 25"). Straight north of Oswego/Mexico. Was following drop off along the Wall and the Trench. Saw several other well equipped boats doing the same. Hoping to hear soon, about others getting success with much larger, migrating mature salmon.

We come out of Kingston, Ontario and frequently troll both sides of Duck Islands, the Wall, etc. Big Lakers have been steady every trip in 110-120 fow, except one skunked day. Salmon will start their closest pass by the Ducks soon. We have bigger boats, and as others have mentioned, be careful. In addition to lots of usual safety gear, +cell and VHF, consider adding the following, especially if you frequently fish solo as I do. On my inflatable life jacket: remote Bluetooth kill switch, autopilot remote, ACR ResQlink emergency satellite beacon. If I fall overboard, my wife will find the body, and know she can start dating right away. LOL ! Heading out at sun up !

I am out of the Kingston side of Lake Ontario, but frequently troll the American and Canadian sides of Duck Islands. My unscientific hypothesis, is by using large spoons (only size I use out there), you get bigger but fewer fish. This past Sunday, 4 big lakers, 34-37 inches, trolling solo, with only 2 lines out, but rarely catch small or medium salmon or trout (@2.3mph) Same for Walleyes, larger crankbaits. Good luck.

Sorry, for delay in adding a response. Agree with previous comment. I live in Kingston, typical trolling schedule: (out 1 -3 days per week) Lake Trout around west end of Kingston thru Jan- April, then in May they move to deeper waters, 80+ ft. Got a few on north side of Duck Island (shipping channel) on Sunday, May 14th. Some success around Big Bar Shoal on Saturday. Salmon don't ever come close to Kingston, but we still go far to get them starting in early July, peaking early August, then they are gone. Anywhere, from 5 to 20 kms of west side of Duck Island, usually over 100++ ft depth, but they are down 60ft, depending on thermocline. (have boated west to Wellington, but that is big trip. Trailering would be better. Scotch Bonnet Shoal.) Bigger boat is recommended out past the Ducks, or very calm day. Lots of Walleye around Melville Shoal in the summer, but they disappear around Labour Day, as they head into Bay of Quinte. I also have NY State fishing license, so visiting "The Wall" (South of Ducks) and Charity Shoal is cool. Careful around Charity, very good chartplotter and paying attention is important. Lots of several species around Charity. Pigeon Island is also fun, bit "hit and miss", but love the area. Good luck !