Rascal Trophy Fishing

Here's another thing to consider. If you are targeting the Lake Trout on bottom, why not run the 4-6 riggers at 80'-90' down/bottom, peanuts, & max. out on them, hopefully, then remove the 2-3 riggers for the outside/deep fish you want to target later after the first bite inside has concluded? This way, you have done the best you can to maximize on the bite inside, and now, outside after moving out to deeper water. The fishing Science will continue.

I'm looking optimistically for a much better year next season, and if not, ok, we'll just have to make the best of things, as nature deals it to us.

Your choice of how many riggers to run at any given time of year should depend on what predominant depths the fish are being caught at, and what species of fish you are targeting. Obviously, if you were targeting steelies, out deep, 35' and shallower, you don't need as many deep rigger presentations to offer. Conversely, if you are targeting big kings 80'-135' down, then you want the 4 riggers. Otherwise, like Mike said, you can run those 500' braids/coppers and see how many crewman want to reel it in, lol. I know several boats that keep the extra riggers stored below, ready to put into action if the need arises, esp. if they have the mounts in the boat gunnels already.

Try a paint remover/pressure washer to get that old stuff off first. Then I'd call a marine supply store for advice on your particular needs. If you trailer a lot, and seldom keep boat at a dock, perhaps you don't need any. Otherwise, guys like West Marine can give free advice. There are a lot of choices and price ranges to choose from. Some mfrs. suggest launching the boat withing a day or two of painting, so this may be a better spring project for now, except to remove the old paint of course. Good luck.

Sounds like Frank has the method down to the tee!

Is Smith Bros. still there? Nice report Reid! 12 is the best dozen of fish to catch! Hardy har!

Nice, real nice for now!

Now where would you rather be? Hunting at 65 degrees, or just catchin the fish? Nice job and pics. Jim.

Nice video Kyle, like that music too, lol.

That's been my impression here all along of Frank, a special man, that loves people, and is always willing to help in any situation.

Way too warm, just keep fishing.

This is a better study than most agencies might be doing right now. And we can all only hope and pray, that the results come back negative on any asian carp DNA up here now, or anytime into the future.

The IJC needs to focus their attention on the great lakes 100+ year low-low levels of water depths, and what are they focused on, bs imho. We need this IJC shaken up, and members there too long, replaced, so the work that needs the most focus, can get done, and repaired! Water levels are still way way too low, dredging doesn't solve nor cure this now.

I like it when a late year plan comes together for fisherman. Nice finish guys, thanks.

This has become quite an impressive thread, at least as far as theory, stats., perceived facts, and speculation go. I was advised by experts a few years back that our Tule ocean salmon were living into the 6-7 year old category out west.That was confirmed by a google of the subject. Have they changed their life span since becoming fresh water great lakes salmon? I dunno. But, there is more to what is factual, I suspect, than what we are always given as statistics and truth. I would also ask how many other strains of ocean salmon we have adopted here, and what their particular background is for life longevity. On the big fish we had many decades ago, remember two things, fisherman's technology and techniques have come a long way, along with the numbers of fisherman today vs. yesterday. Also, the number of salmon in the lake grew from hundreds of thousands, to many many millions today, with a similar, or perhaps drastically reduced, food base available.

What happened to the Browning guy at the beginning? Otherwise, 4 fish on the deck at the same time couldn't get better. Put them fish in the cooler/livewell. Don't want to slip on that deck now, lol.

Calendar, and just make that their life. So, I say, let the weather and the facts dictate the fishing season, not just a date! We are still taking big fish in the PM Lake in Ludville these days, but it's getting more scant. Another 26# fish Saturday nite.

Nice Aaron!

I take the fillets and shake them in a zip-lock bag, individually, lined up on a paper plate. Then use tongs to enter the pan in peanut/olive oil. Luv that pan fried taste, esp. with tater tots/green onions/seasoned salt/ parmesan-grated cheese/ ground peppercorns/parsley lastly to season. A couple of guys just started cooking with very hot blackening methods, boy, is that tasty.

Congrats again Aaron. Some guys flip that preverbial calen

Can we come over for dinner "next Fryday" Frank? LOL

Yum yum!

Great job Haylie, dad must be a good teacher.

Sounds like some sort of drag, or drag setting on the wheel. BJ has a legendary name for great customer service, can't imagine what went wrong. They usually are great 95%.

Fun fishing with friends: took 14 kings sized 20-33#, all silver too. Biggest Coho 16#.