Honeoye,Conesus, Canandaigua Lakes
Spring is here and with the ice gone, everyone wants to get on the water and do some fishing. No problem, provided that you have taken the time to go through your equipment and make sure that it is in top condition. Load test batteries, check lower unit oil, check your bilge pumps, and go easy the first couple of times you venture out.
The very first thing to do before taking your first trip of the season is to make sure all the safety equipment is in the boat and in excellent condition. These are the last things you should neglect, as it may make a difference should something bad happen while you are on the water. Check your fire extinguisher, life vests, day signal flag, flares for expiration date, anchor and rope, and make sure your navigation lights work.
Most of all, wear your life vest, especially during this cold water period. Falling into the water this time of year with heavy clothing makes it next to impossible to swim back to the boat and climb aboard. Drive at a reasonable speed and maintain a proper lookout, as these are the two main causes of boating accidents. If you haven’t taken a safe boating course, it is a good time to do so, as most boat operators have no formal training.
The water is very cold so fish slow, and then slow down even more. Northwest sections of the lake will warm first as do the bays and protected areas. A temperature increase of three to four degrees will increase fish activity. If you do not have a surface temperature gauge, either install one on your boat or get a swimming pool thermometer that you can hang over the side of the boat on a string to check the water temperature.
Be safe and good fishing.
Frank