i am making my annual trip to NY in june to visit my folks.  i plan to fish a day or two on Cayuga Lake(finger lakes) for smallies.  i fished here a bunch when i was in high school, we did ok, caught a ton of bass, perch, blue gills, and rock bass.  can anyone give me any advice on what might be good baits this time of year to catch some smallies?  i remember using alot or original rapalas and inline spinners, but we didnt catch alot of big fish.  i remember the lake being very very clear and quite deep with a rocky bottom.  any help is much appreciated, i dont usually go back to NY in the summer time, so i want to make this a good trip.

thanks

Cliff

Hey Red!

Soft plastics are the ticket everywhere: GYCB Single Tail Grub (clear w/ silver flakes), Fat Ika, Hula Grub and tubes. I think jerkbaits and topwater are other options in the right situations. If you target deep structure, 3/4 oz Ledgebuster Single Willow Blade is another lure I would recommend.

8-)

 

thanks RW, i am hoping for one day outing and one night outing, but it really all depends on my old friend and his schedule.  i plan to fly my rod and reel with me but will buy the baits in NY

thanks

Cliff

flying out in a few more hours...i am going to be able to fish on friday the 20th.  probably will be morning until whenever.  cayuga lake (finger lakes) in upstate NY...got my rods and reels ready....the weather has been HOT and humid there but t-storms and a cool down are predicted for the middle of the week.  

any last suggestions for me to land some fat smallies?

thanks, wish me luck!

Cliff