J Francho

Sorry about your grandfather. My condolences. Glad to have you back!

https://makeit-loveit.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/05/sewing-tip-stubborn-straight-pins-2.jpg

More like those two lakes are so awesome. You'd really be missing out on the best the Finger Lakes has to offer skipping either.

I prefer Shimano's 2500 size. Same as the 3000, just shallower.

Sounds like fun! Post up some pics.

Gettin' on the bent rod pattern!

The AVX1880 and Pro V Bass are out of the OP's price range, as stated. Out of those three, I'd prefer the Lund Renegade. There's plenty of members that have one, so you might want to do a search, to see their experiences. On lakes that size, you should be fine. Heck, I've fished Erie out of my 18' Xpress. Even won this one My partner for the day:

Just a rat.

I don't think surf is what this boat is for. This is BassResource, after all ;). Ponds, creeks, small lakes...this is a nice little craft that gives you pedal drive in a reasonably priced package.

The only time I throw a power shot is when I'm fishing pads, and want to suspend a big worm or other plastic in place in the water column. More often, some sore of punch rig, jig, or even a heavy Jika rig is a better choice. The sinker on the bottom of the DS rig can be problematic in weeds.

Lucky!

The 1000 Islands is a big place, but the fishing can be great. Both have good fish. I can figure out Black Lake myself, but I'd want someone that knows the 1000 Islands well enough to help. You might try a twofer and fish both. That's what I'd do, since both are clear on the other side of the state. Not what I'd call a day trip for me.

I heard a few reports of good fishing on Black Lake. I've had terrible luck there at the few tournaments I fished, years ago. I somewhat attribute that to my boaters, as I did not get to fish where I'd prefer.

Here is probably the best source for info: https://www.dec.ny.gov/chemical/83310.html And here is the map: https://nysdec.maps.arcgis.com/apps/webappviewer/index.html?id=ae91142c812a4ab997ba739ed9723e6e There are three sites noted in the bay I frequently fish in, but it hasn't really affected anything like the high water has.

All the talk lately is of Hobie's top of the line Pro Angler, but did you know there are more affordable options from Hobie? I fish out of a Compass, but the Hobie Mirage Passport is even more reasonable, and packs many features that you expect from Hobie. The recessed hull is pretty cool for beaching without removing the Mirage Drive. They also included their bullet proof twist and seal hatch. Anyone of our members get some seat time in one? Looks like a sweet small water boat.

Labor Day is two weeks away.

Years ago, I was fishing a frog in a pond that had some big bass in it. I was seeing blow ups that were missing by a foot or more. I couldn't understand it until I saw what was really happening. My frog was attracting the attention of a ton of sunnies. They were following the frog, some even nipped at the skirts. Then I saw it. A huge bass came flying out from a weed pocket, and ate a distracted sunny. I started following up with a Mattlures Hardgill, and destroy them on that pond to this day.

22 years ago, almost to the day. My dad:

Fourscore and nine years ago, someone wondered about rough water. Here's a pic from 22 years ago of me with a Lake Ontario smallmouth. We fished out of a 15' tiller deep-v. That day we were dealing with lazy, 2-3' rollers. If it was white caps, it would be a picture from the bay. Rollers are one thing, chop is another.

That's pretty wild.

This is a fun trick to play on a non boater - switch the console graph to demo mode.

My exciting purchase this year is a furnace.

This would be my dream boat as well. Doing so means many $$$ on the boat and upgrading to a 3/4 ton pickup.

I have a White bird. It isn't as sensitive as other rods in this price range, but the solid tip may be a plus for a shore fisherman. I wouldn't call it Ugly Stik tough, but I was pretty mean to it, and it didn't break. So, if durability against poor treatment is a must, then it's an option. Otherwise, meh.

I fish so much slop, there must be times a bass bit when there was junk on my bait.