Help with downriging out of the Notty

[sparky555]

So after years of sitting in my garage my boat has been freed. Spent a lot of money on the motor getting it ready. It's a 16ft smokercraft deep V with a 50 jonhson. All decked out ready to go including my two manual walker old school down riggers. My question is last time I rigged was over 20 years ago. I now have a place in Elmaval and would be coming out of the Notty. I see boats going out and heading towards Christian island. Can anyone give me some advice on where I can try and knock the rust off my cannon balls lol. Last time I went out from Collingwood and got caught in huge waves and made a promise to myself never to do that again. Now my old ars is saying give it another go

Thanks

[Wasagabeach]

There’s a webcam in Wasaga beach that you can see how the bay is before you make the drive. If you see white caps it’s a no go! I used to follow the slick that comes out of the Notty. Sometimes it goes straight out and sometimes it’s all over depending on the wind. Never a bad idea to slow down around the 50’ depth and start looking on your way to deeper water.

[MarkDv]

I haven't fished/gone there for a long ime already but as far I understand and know there should be exceptional lake trout fishing around the islands. I have no idea about salmon.
Anyway, it’s good to wash your old gear. If you get nothing you will bring home the stuff nice and clean. If you get fish then it will get a nasty fishy smell but the fish will be a reward. Nothing to lose, really.
Good luck.

[sdcaller]

I stopped going out of Wasaga as it tends to be a zoo around there this time of year.

I started going out of Collingwood until they imposed the $50.00 a day non-resident parking fee.

Now I go to Meaford--launch & park $12.00

You and I have basically the same boat. Mine is a 1999 16ft Legend which was made by Smokercraft. My motor is 40hp.

I'm a cautious 83 year old fisherman and I don't go out if the winds are over 15 kph. Just not comfortable fishing. I also no longer make solo trips, I always have a buddy with me.

Even on calm days, I wouldn't go over to the islands. IMO, too far of a run if the winds get up and also, I do not have a kicker motor.

Going out of Meaford, it is just a matter of watching the sonar to find the fish. The past 2 weeks they have been out from the tank range in 130fow.

PM me if you have specific questions.

SDC

[sparky555]

Thank you for the information. I will send pm for specific information