Fishing Report - 11/2

[Scott McKee]

Fished solo from 2:00 to 10:00 PM Friday.

There was some interesting weather.  Lots of rain, some hail, mist and a steady north wind with low air temperatures would normally make a for a miserable day on the water.  Let me tell you about float suits.  Wearing only sweatpants, a cotton T-shirt, a NMA beanie and boots, I was warm and cozy all day in my Stearn's float suit.  I honestly don't know how I ever fished in the cold without it.  The suit is far less bulky and cumbersome than heavy layering beneath my uninsulated Guide Wear.  I had to take the top off a few times just to cool down.  Warm and complying with the NYS regulation for PFD's?  Not too bad a deal.  If you'd like a Stearn's Expedition Float Suit, let me know.  We get a deal on them from a buddy of mine.  Check out the Stearn's site.  They are warm, nearly waterproof and they just might save your @ss someday.

The wind wasn't too bad when I started so I thought casting would be in order.  I landed a weird looking 33" tiger in UN3.  This guy had a huge head and a really skinny body.  I saw its head first and was thinking it was maybe 40", until I saw it's stunted body.  I thought, where is the rest of him?  Weird looking fellow.  He hit a Storm Giant Flatstick in sucker worked slow and steady.

I had a swing-and-a-miss casting the same lure from a fish that looked to be in the upper 30's.  It wanted to hammer the lure and struck on the "L", but it seemed it couldn't locate the lure.

That was all the action I had.  I spent most of the night trolling with a little jigging and casting thrown in when my hands could take the cold.

The water was 51-degrees shallow and a little warmer deeper.  The visibility was maybe two feet on the east side with maybe five down the Chip.

The Sheriffs boat was out looking for PFD's I would assume.  I had the monkey suit on, and they cruised right past me.  Don't forget you must wear a PFD until May 1st.  This is a state law and the Coast Guard won't enforce the regulation, but the Sheriffs will.  The water's cold.  it won't hurt to wear a PFD or if your lucky (smart) enough to own one, a float suit.

Off tomorrow and then out for the Wittek.  Good luck everyone.