Chautaqua strategy - advice sought

Posted 10/9/2002 11:20 AM (#7609)
Subject: Chautaqua strategy - advice sought


A friend and I will be heading to Chautauqua on Saturday for our first muskie outing. I have been reading this board, and amassing some tackle. We plan to fish the Northern basin launching at Prendergrast point. I have been reading about turnover, but don't know exactly of its implications, nor do I know whether this lake has. We plan to alternate trolling and casting. I think we will aim to troll in 10-25' of water, and cast outside weed edges in 8-15' of water. I understand that big inline bucktails might not be the goto bait because they require speed and fish are slowing down. Is this correct? On the same note it looks like trolling should be done at slower speeds than under summer conditions. Are there key depths we would want to target, in terms of presentation, or is staggering a good idea?

I appreciate any advice on this. Also, could someone point us to the nearest bait shop from that launch point in case we have any needs. I appreciate any help.

Mark