Port Sheldon 5/22

[Nailer]

We cleared the pear heads at 6:30 and headed to 90 fow.
First fish ripped the slider off my Starboard rigger (SS Smurf), before I could get it reset #2 hit the port rigger on a SS Green Sexy Shad down 65 on the rigger out at 110 fow down 65'.
hit a slow spell, then took a double on same two spoons in 150 fow.
hit another slow spell before the full core/ Double Trouble went in 154 Fow, as we netted that fish the Starboard rigger started bucking again (same SS Smurf), as Jacob was playing that one out when the Port rigger went again, This time with a SS Yellow Tail down 55'. We took one last fish back in 90' on one of the riggers as we where pulling lines.
The divers (all 4 of them) did nothing this morning for us.
Ended the day 7 for 8. No real big fish, but all nice fish.
Ken.

[Priority1]

Way to Nail em Ken.:)

[ev3]

We heard you on the the radio, was hoping you were fishing from the Holland area as we did absolutely no good - zip. Not so much as a bump. Fished from 6:30 - 11am mostly in the 120 - 150 fow range but also tried in a bit closer too. If you don't mind me asking, how far behind the weights are you running your lures on your riggers?. I've used the rule of thumb that the deeper you go the shorter the distance behind the ball, maybe 60 fow = 10' back.

[Crowhunter]

Thank you for the report .Bud

[kozlov1]

I did the shakedown on the boat everything worked well except catching a fish. A skunk is still better then watching tv or doing yard work.


Ed

[Nailer]

We heard you on the the radio, was hoping you were fishing from the Holland area as we did absolutely no good - zip. Not so much as a bump. Fished from 6:30 - 11am mostly in the 120 - 150 fow range but also tried in a bit closer too. If you don't mind me asking, how far behind the weights are you running your lures on your riggers?. I've used the rule of thumb that the deeper you go the shorter the distance behind the ball, maybe 60 fow = 10' back.

We have been running our bait's 30-40' behind the ball lately. I generally don't run sliders, but yesterday with only two riggers going, we through them on. Sliders are only 6'.
Some guys us a rule of 100, so at 60' down they would go 40' back.
If your running 4 riggers, the two inside ones should be set the deepest, with shorter leads. Run the outside riggers 10' above and 10-20 back farther.
The theory here is, if a fish comes up and doesn't like the lower lure, she will rise up to the second offering.
Where just week end warriors, If you call us on the radio, we'll do what ever we can to help.


I did the shakedown on the boat everything worked well except catching a fish. A skunk is still better then watching tv or doing yard work.


Ed
Ed, What speed where you running?
We kept our ball speed around 2.0 +-
A skunk on the first trip of the year is not a good start ;)
But yea, way better than mowing the grass.

[limige]

imo, the shorter leads the better.
i stick to 7-15ft behind the ball normally.
exceptions would be fishing less than 30 fow in gin clear conditions or under 10fow or if its rough out i'll sometimes lenthen my leads. walleye too do better on long leads, lets them come to the surface on their own.


reasons for short leads
better action to the spoon
better hoookset
quicker reset times
no line counters needed (i use penn 320's on my riggers)
less line out=quicker retrieve


shallow water fishing and mid day tough bites would be the only times to lenthen leads in my boat.

[hoytshooter4]

Went 5 for 6 this morning, all kings with the largest being about a 12 to 15 pounder. put lines down in 80ft of water @ 6:30 and headed deeper with the first fish coming at 130' down on green tiger. all the rest of the fish came on a North/South troll between 135' and 145' but hit a wide range of lures and at different depths. Greens/blues seemed to work best.