Cujo

the place was filled with an invasive species, Eurasian watermilfoil. They did not use Sonar, they used Renovate which is very effective at controlling this plant while not effecting most natives. The lake would be much better if native plants where able to become established and out compete invasive plants for are not good the ecosystem of the lake. The fishing will improve. It's matter of changing the game plan to finding the bigger fish. They are there, you just have to look for them.

I am from Cooperstown. Fish for bass (L & S) and love to trout fish! I think I may need to take up ice fishing. These winters are brutal!

It is all a matter of preference. Get what you like. They are both excellent companies. Like LakeannaBasser said "do not get the wireless models". They are slow at responding, have an annoying beeping noise and just are not as smooth as the ones with the cables. Basically, go to a store and play around and get the one you like.

ah I got it! Thanks for the suggestions.

I have a 2007 Quantum Catalyst PTi and I recently took it apart to service. I am able to put the housing (cover) back on, but it seems to reel rough as if the gears were grinding or smashed together too tightly >. Any one know a trick or the proper way to put this back together? Thanks

Beamer, I'm with Allied Biological, Inc. I am located just south of Cooperstown.

kybasser, I graduated from Tennessee Tech. University with a BS in Fisheries Science. I also attended Penn State for several years. Next fall I will be going for my Masters in Lake Management. I'm currently working for a company out of NJ. I moved to NJ for 8 months after I graduated then moved to upstate NY to run a branch office. I currently work out of my house. I do spend a lot of time traveling around the state. We focus on lake and pond management. I am the boss of the NY office as well as the head of our fisheries department. I definitely love my job. Spend all summer on lakes and ponds, then in the fall we work in wetlands (which is very interesting work), then in the winter I'm writing year end reports and filing permits with NYSDEC. Its not a bad gig. I was very fortunate to get the opportunity that I had. One thing in this field is that Private companies tend to pay more and you have to be willing to relocate. Most likely finding a job in your hometown is not going to be practical. You must be willing to move and get that much needed experience. If this is what you like go for it. You will need higher education, preferably a masters. I live very comfortable right now and don't live off of can food (Oh, and did I mention I like my job!) I wish you the best! There are good jobs out there, you just have to be willing to go get them. If you ever have any questions feel free to send my way. I will try to help the best I can. I've been in your shoes before and it can be a bit over whelming at times. Good Luck again!

Bill Dance He gives great tips and doesn't try to sell you something every second of the show. You can just enjoy fishing. What would a fishing show be without fish.

Having ideal sized bass to catch makes a lake or water body HEALTHY?? I have caught bass in water bodies that had sewage seeping into them. Not sure I would classify that as a healthy lake? Would you? There are lots of factors and variables that must be in harmony to be considered a a "healthy lake". Everything from fish populations, plants, algae, water clarity, water chemistry and so on. I think you need to look at the big picture and not just the bass. Just my 2 cents.

Stock lots of Golden Shiners and establish a slot limit to remove some of the smaller fish. You can add feeders as well. Just don't over feed with them.

Fathead minnows and Bluegill would be a good place to start. I don't have my fisheries book with me right now so I can't give you numbers. All I can say is that you will need a significant amount. A good time to stock would be in the spring or early summer before water temps. get to high. Plus this will allow them to hopefully start spawning. A feeder may help alleviate some pressure from the bait fish. Although, bass don't take pellets easily and it may take awhile to train them. It might be a good idea to start with the feeder now and then stock in the spring or summer. This would allow the bass to become accustomed to the feeder and not totally depend on the bait fish. I would think the crayfish would eventually come back. By the way where are you located? I'm just out of Cooperstown.

Check out the Pond Boss forums. Those guys will answer your question in a professional manor. They are full of great information!

If it is just "duckweed" then it really shouldn't be a problem. Duckweed just floats on the surface. A subsurface bait would be fine. Even a topwater bait would do the trick. It gives them cover so they like to hang out below the dense patches of duckweed. Throw flukes or weightless plastic worms. Have fun.

Cooperstown area.

I have tons of pictures and info. send me a pm with your email and I can send you some.