As the weather begins to turn for the better, so does the fishing. Early spring brings ice-off and crappie fishing, jumping trout in local streams, catch-and-release bass fishing, and the distant sounds of mature gobblers waking up all in earshot throughout Chautauqua County woodlots.
Ice-off always signals the time to go crappie fishing. That looks to be a bit down the calendar road. We are about two weeks behind schedule in regard to when the ice is generally off the lake. Fishing is always good after ice-off, but it does come with many risks. Between floating debris and barely above-freezing water temperatures, ice-off fishing isn’t for faint of heart.
More years ago than I would care to remember, my childhood friends and I would stand on the shores of Chautauqua Lake at on the edges of the canals catching buckets full of crappie.
As a young man, I would spend hours on the shores of Chautauqua Lake and catch crappie after crappie. As months turn into years, our ideas of a good time, really didn’t involve a fishing rod and smelly worms. Spring meant cars and girls. The fishing rods would gather dust in the closet for a few years.
Like our childhood, many things have changed, but others have stayed the same. The same is true with the spring fishing on Chautauqua Lake. First, the days of taking buckets filled with crappie are gone; there are currently limits. Always make sure to know creel limits before heading to the water. Currently the creel limit for crappie is nine-inch minimum and 25 per day limit. Secondly, a drive up and down the lake’s shoreline will find few kids on bikes with fishing poles strapped across the handle bars.
Many folks believe that calico are native to Chautauqua Lake, but that is not actually true. Calico bass were introduced back in the late 20s and early 30s by the DEC. These first fish actually were pulled out of Sodus Bay on Lake Ontario.
The gift of crappie to Chautauqua Lake almost 100 years ago is one of the best the state has given local anglers.
While the sight of kids fishing from shore isn’t as abundant as years gone by, there is still one thing for sure. There are folks who every year want to be the first boat on the water.
One of things I have learned, and all but guarantee, if you want to get a kid hooked on fishing, take them when the crappie are biting. When you find a school of hungry crappie, there is nothing that will keep a child’s attention than waiting for their bobber to go down. Then watching them fight their catch will be a memory they will keep for a lifetime.
That is all well and good, but a shakedown cruise can be interesting if you haven’t taken the time to get your boat ready for the water.
Some folks work on their boats themselves and have the knowledge to do so, but for the record I am not one of them. With that said, it’s important to understand your limitations before you tackle a marine project. If you don’t feel comfortable with fixing your boat, there are several excellent marinas around the lake.
Here some tips you may want to consider when you take your boat in for repairs.
In today’s economy, a tight budget is expected. Just make this clear before the job begins. The shop may be able to suggest ways to complete the project in stages. Always ask how much similar repairs have cost in the past, and what kinds of problems are possible along the way.
Have the marina write it up or take your chances. Get a written estimate before work begins, and remember that it is based on an approximation of how much the job will cost. With boats, it’s not unusual to have unforeseen problems crop up later, so taking your frustrations out on your repairman won’t help. You can always ask the shop to obtain your authorization before proceeding with unforeseen repairs or when work goes beyond the estimated price. Ask the repairman for evidence of the repair, and ask to get back old or damaged parts. If you’re not comfortable with the first estimate, get a second opinion from another mechanic.
Once you approve the estimate, a work order should be drawn up. Ask for a target completion date and write this into the work order. This is a big one. Most marinas are busy and get even busier as the season goes on, so make sure your timeline is the same as the marina’s.
Keep everyone in the loop. Always be sure the actual mechanic working on your boat has a copy of your work order when the project begins.
Understand that when tackling large jobs, boat repair shops often require payments at various stages of completion. Be sure to verify that each stage has been completed before paying.
Working on boats can be an interesting road to travel. That is why I leave it to the professionals. In my many years on the water, I have never seen a tow truck.
I have learned the over the years to always keep a couple extra props on hand. The bottom structure of Chautauqua Lake will change from a soft bottom to a rock bottom in a blink of an eye. It doesn’t take much to tear up a plastic trolling motor prop. For the price of them, it is always good to carry a spare.
As far as main engine prop, the same goes. While not as easy to change out on the water, your main engine prop is vital to a successful trip, or your safe return to shore as it would be. Changing out a trolling motor prop can be as simple as pulling out the motor shaft and switching out the prop. Main motor props may a bit more difficult and should be done on dry land, but if one takes time to practice the switch, often times it can be done without getting wet.
A quick note, it seems I forgot to include my email address for the youth essay contest. Send essays to crobbins60@gmail.com. Sorry for the mixup.
For More Information On Chautauqua Lake Real Estate and Living Visit: www.chautauqualakehomes.com
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