Cayuga Lake out of Long Point 3/30
Met Dave and Ken at the launch around 8 am and we got underway. Water levels are still very low on Cayuga Lake. I used trolling motor power to leave the dock, though the outboard likely would have sufficed. There’s also a good 4′ drop from the dock to the waterline, so boaters need to be agile to board their boat, or just board while the boat’s on the trailer and dump off that way.
The bite started somewhat slow, though not badly. Dave seemed to get the knack early, then Ken took over mid-way through the day. We found decent numbers of fish around 130′, but later did better from 150′ to 180′(!) As the day progressed, the winds mellowed and skies clouded up a little. The fishing got better. Before long we had a steady pick around 120′. The guys kept a limit of solid lakers. A couple lampreys came up on the fish, but things weren’t bad. The usual white Shakers and 1+1/2oz jigheads did the trick.
As we wrapped up Dave hooked a fish that he felt might keep us on the water for another 3 hours! This beast pulled hard! Dave torqued the fish well and our tackle held up beautifully. I slid the net under the fish and we did a measure – 34 1/2″ long! Beautiful fish with a left pectoral clip – I remember those beasts from 5 years ago. I’m guessing it was a 13 or 14 year old fish. We let it go after a few quick photos. Great way to end a great trip and I’m certain that two new converts to the technique were created today. Surface temp is 43. Not quite seasonal but not outrageously warm.