All ready to head out and get some fishing time here in NY

[Baron49]

After an interesting year in Florida I am looking forward to getting out on NY waters and see how things are doing on the area lakes and rivers.

With the help of my granddaughter Rachael and her boy friend we were able to get the boat and trailer all washed and waxed.  The boat spent quite a bit of time at the dealership getting repaired.  The exhaust tube sheared off three of the 4 bolts holding it on, they found a water filter under the powerhead completely plugged, and had to replace the hydraulic steering.  Big bucks to repair, but well worth it.

No "Catch and Release" bass season in the three local counties I live in and near so will have to take a trip either north or south to do some fishing.  Weatherman of course is saying cold temps coming back and dropping into the 50's, with rain, high winds, and thunderstorms for the coming holiday weekend.  Might be next week before getting some fishing time in, but at least the boat is rigged and ready to go.

Watch for reports on the various areas I plan on fishing this year.  Tight lines everyone and looking forward to seeing more NY bass fisherman posting information and pictures of their catches on local lakes across the state.  Post some really good pics and I will have to make a trip down and fish your waters with you. 

Baron 

[Mike Cork]

Wow, that' some extensive work. She should be like brand new now thought

I'll be watching for those reports! You always whack some good ones up in that part of the country

[Baron49]

Even Mercury could not explain how the bolts on the exhaust tube got sheared off.  As far as the rest it guess it is normal wear and tear.  This boat has made 8 trips to Florida and has spent a LOT of hours on waters from New York to Florida.  Thought about trading it, but I like this boat and it's still in great shape.  Looking forward to a good year on the water up here in NY if the weather allows.

[Mike Cork]

June is just around the corner, the weather is bound to straighten out 

[cptbob]

Baron,

I am new to the 1000 Islands area and ready to catch some bass. Any suggestions on areas or techniques to get me going? I have been scouting out the Eel Bay and Grindstone area .... can't wait!   

[Baron49]

June is just around the corner, the weather is bound to straighten out 

Mike,

Today the temps are in the high 30's and they are getting snow on the Tug Hill Plateau which is 30 minutes from where I live. 

Weatherman says will be in the 80's by the end of the week.  Got to love the weather here in Northern NY.

Baron

[Baron49]

Baron,

I am new to the 1000 Islands area and ready to catch some bass. Any suggestions on areas or techniques to get me going? I have been scouting out the Eel Bay and Grindstone area .... can't wait!   

You better wait until the 15th of June before fishing for bass in New York waters and then another week after that if you are fishing Canadian waters.  You will need both a NY State and Canadian fishing license when fishing the River if you want to fish all the waters of the 1000 Islands.  There is no "Catch and Release" season on the River.  Bass season in NY always starts on the 3rd Saturday in June and this year the 1st happens to be a Saturday so opening day will be on the 15th.  The Canadian opener is usually a week after the New York opener.

The areas you are talking about are as good as most on the River.  What I would suggest is to get  NOAA maps of the area.  These are the most accurate maps for navigation around the rocks, islands and shoals. With all the water fluctuations you must know where you are or you will spend a lot of money on boat and motor repairs and could endanger you and any one riding with you if you are not familiar with running on the River.  Then get a fishing Hot Spots map.  These will show all the areas to fish during the different times of the year and baits that have been the most popular over the years. The 1000 Island Bait Shop just south of the 1000 Island bridge should have these maps.  West Marine in Watertown does have the NOAA maps and Gander Mountain has the Fishing Hot spot maps.

As for myself I start out in front of the spawning bays, most of the bass will be in Post Spawn.  Using a jerkbait or a jig and pig usually works well for me.  The River usually is much colder than the local small inland lakes and you need to pay attention to that and adjust your fishing to  the colder temps by slowing down.  If you can find fish in the back bays where the water is warmer spinnerbaits and shallow running crankbaits will work well.  When all else fails a wacky rigged senko style soft bait and a lot of patience will catch both smallmouths and largemouths.  If you are targeting smallmouths jigheads with curly tails or dropshotting will work over the deeper shoals on the main river.

Remember to be safe the river is a lot of fun, but can be extremely dangerous to new boaters.

Baron