Arthur and I mixed in a short fishing trip with some boat shuffling. We wanted to move our East Croton boat down about 2 miles into Mid Croton. Arthur called DEP to make sure there was an open spot and we were off.
It was cold and windy but we persevered by rowing all over the sections in between our old and new boat launches. It was tough, the drift sock helped but only a little as the winds varied as we went between coves, bridges, and tree lines. It definitely helped that Arthur had installed an extra set of oarlocks on our boat letting us share the rowing/maneuvering.
With the water temperature around 48 degrees we tried all the steep shorelines thinking the fish would be deeper, looking for approx. 52 degree water. We also tried the outside weed edges and had our only luck there. Right after I missed a hookset on what I can dream was a nice fish, Arthur hooked a nice 4 pound largemouth bass on a jig in about 12 feet of water at that weed edge.
On Saturday I got my first chance to go out on Kensico with my new buddy, Derek. He was great company and gave me a break by doing all the rowing. We lucked out and the weather was cold but not too windy. The guides on our rods iced up but we paid attention and kept them clear. Like Croton the day before, the water temperature was no higher than 48 degrees.
We tried a few spots that had been productive for both of us in the past but couldn't get a nibble. Our depthfinder/fishfinder didn't show much activity in the deep spots we expected to find the fish. We both threw the kitchen sink at the water, spinnerbaits, jigs, crankbaits, creature baits, jerkbaits, tubes, and even a wacky rigged senko. We stopped by my favorite hump on the way back in and I got lucky hooking a small largemouth bass on a tube. At least we didn't get skunked for our last trip of the season.
Now it's time to take all my gear and organize, clean, and store for the winter. I admire the guys who continue but I just don't like the cold. Best of luck sitting on the freezing cold ice at Amawalk.
Vinny
