[fingerlakesfisherman]

I have found that early spring offers good shore fishing in lakes that have been covered by ice during the winter months. My technique that i use in owasco lake,NY in early spring (as in late april) is i locate sudden drop-offs close to shore and within casting distance. I then like to tie on a size 10 circle hook with a massive slip bobber. For bait i use a mooneye or medium sized shiner that i cut the back fin so that it swims slower and is easier bait for the lathargic lakers to swallow. Cast this rig out as far as you can over the drop-off and sit back and wait for the action. One good advantage though is to spool on some 8 lb florocarbon line so they cant see the line drifting behind the bait. Another good patern for lures is a 2-3 inch sweedish pimple. The best color i have found is a dark purple or pearl color. Cast the sucker out and let it fall for a bit. Then retrive the pimple as if it were a tube bait but not on the bottom! You will have your strike on the fall and hold your rod tight!