Good night out 8/14

[ruger1nut]

Finally made it to the lake this year and had a pretty good night out. I went for a ride earlier in the day and was marking more fish on the NE side of the lake but bigger ones on the SW.

I decide this year to try pulling some copper like I do at home for salmon, trout and steelhead. The copper was not out 10 min and we had a nice almost 30"er in the boat. Hooked up again about 15 min later with a real nice fish that was taking line hard. Lost him and the rig when the leader broke.

Missed one more later on and put two more nice fish in the boat. Will try again tonight and then hope for some late action on cats.

R1N

[Pesca Bene]

Rugger1nut where is home? Were you pulling a flasher and fly or something else on the copper? I'm heading down to SML and still debating on bring my trolling gear.

[ruger1nut]

I was using an umbrella rig. I hope to try flashers/dodgers but need to hook up the trolling motor to get down slow enough.

Home is Finger Lakes NY up on top of the hill between Honeoye and Canadice Lakes.

I will be trying some flys also but not this trip as I have none with me.

Also hope to do some jigging.

R1N

[mwardncsu]

OK, I'll bite.... for us southern, live-bait fishing guys , what is "copper"?

[Gator]

I am with mward. What is "copper"? Sounds like I may be in the market for "copper". Possibly akin to lead core?

[Pesca Bene]

Hi Gator, yes its similar to lead core. It gets deeper faster. 45# Copper will achiev 7-9ft of depth per 30ft of line. Its common in the great lakes where the salmon can be over 100 ft down.

[Pesca Bene]

R1N - I get in on Saturday from NJ and will be there for the week. I can bring a few flies and flashers if you want to get out and try them I'll have my trolling motor. I've only been to SML once before. I'm hearing live bait and jigs is the way to go this time of year. I plan to leave the downriggers home because I'm told not to troll past 25ft to avoid snagging the timbers. I think I'll bring some copper, never used an umbrella rig. Seen them but havn't used them.

[mwardncsu]

Here's a tip on using umbrella rigs. When you get out on the water, before putting the rig out, reach in your wallet and toss one or two $20 bills over the side of the boat - if you're luck the Lake will then take that as its offering instead of your U-rig....

First time I pulled on I had the thing in the water no more than 5 minutes before it was buried in a tree not to return..... sure felt like tossing a $20 overboard.

Seriously, maybe don't toss a $20, but go spend $15 or whatever on a U-rig retriever and have it ready - that will pay for itself time and time again.

Oh, and the trees come up to within 20' at full pond (don't forget the trees grow in height when the lake level drops ) - and there is that occasional one that they forgot to cut..... keep an eye on the depth finder....

[Gator]

Without a doubt invest in a retriever. It will be money well spent and you will no doubt get a chance to use it.

[ruger1nut]

Guys I will send you some more information later but copper is a type of line. It is generally spooled onto line counting, conventional reels. It is braided and very pliable it is generally available in 32 pound, 45 pound and in a new 60 pound weight.

With some variables the heavier line sinks faster. The 60lb can be trolled at depths well in excess of 100 feet.

Most feel it has an advantage over lead core in terms of both action and depth per feet. Copper tends to "float" more with the waves so it imparts action to the lure which is especially important when using Sutton type flutter spoons.

It also works well with any spoon or rig for same reason but really shines for flutter types. It also is a clear winner in terms of depth per line out vs lead core

R1N

[ruger1nut]

Pesca Bene Thanx for the kind offer but I Have to leave Saturday or I would love to.

mwardncsu you are oh so right... see new post from last night. the trees as collecting jewelry for Christmas early this year...

R1N

[Gator]

ruger1nut, no retriever?

[ruger1nut]

Gator I had one but I snapped the line (leader) so no chance for recovery. I think with the Copper I am running deeper than I think. I will test next week with a Fishhawk and find out to know for sure.

I am also going to go direct to the copper and lose the leader or up it to 60lb. I lost a fish on 25lb and hang up on 30lb. Not sure the water here is clear enough to need a leader. Back home the water can be gin clear so we really need it.

R1N

[Gator]

Ruger1nut, I do not use a leader on a U-Rig. May not be the correct method ,but I catch fish that way. "Gin Clear" sounds like my dear old father talking. He uses that term frequently in Florida. He is a retired commercial long liner and despised gin clear water.

[ruger1nut]

Gator all my dads lead core is set up like that. Last night I went direct to the copper. Still may try a leader down the road but 60lb will be the next trial.

I do agree it may be overkill. we have caught fish for years with none. Just trying to target larger fish.

R1N