Honeoye, Conesus, Canandaigua Lakes
Tom on Canandaigua
It is September 29th and the season is slowly coming to an end. Mixed weather has been a blessing or a curse, and at times make the bass a challenge to locate. Water temperatures drop and then we have several unseasonably warm days, pushing temperatures back up. Confusing conditions for both bass and angler.
A couple of days on Conesus produced a few bass and a few pike. Good days, but not up to my expectations. The weather was almost too nice for mid September.
Honeoye Lake has been under an algae bloom, but the bass fishing has been quite good. I found that by locating the clearest water, bass could find my offering much better. I also shake the bait, but do not move it horizontally. The vibrations from shaking bait helps a bass locate and strike your presentation. I use 8-10 pound test on spinning rods and 12 pound on bait casting rods. Texas rigged weights are 3/16 ounce, and I match hook size to the bait.
A trip to Canandaigua went very well with several nice bass being caught. The dependable wacky rig worked best. Patience was important. Very clear water and late September mean these bass have seen just about a tackle store full of baits. Since ice out, anglers have been trying to trick them into biting, so a small change in presentation or color can make a huge difference.
Baby brush hogs and trick worms worked at all three of the lakes. Zoom makes very good and affordable products. I use other products, but during the year spend several hundred dollars on these Zoom baits because they work.
Time is slipping by and soon we will pull the Ranger and docks. Winterize everything and make the long drive to Florida. If you are coming to the Sunshine state, consider a guide bass fishing trip with us in central Florida.
Good Fall fishing,
Wear your life vest and maintain a proper lookout.