MJL

In my experience, Bluffers usually doesn't pick up till later on in the fall but that's not to say you can't get them cruising by. Last year, a good friend of mine nailed one in mid-august along with several browns. I haven't kept up with stocking records or factored in global warming so I'm not sure what the runs are like anymore...I probably should get down there for a try considering I only live a few minutes away.

I use a Shimano Stradic 4000. I have a Shimano Symmetry 4000 on standby. Feels like a perfect match with my rod.

Sweet fish! Chrome as a set of pimped up rims.

Even if you don't get a bite, at least you're not at home doing chores for the missus. You can try various retrieves and lures (as you mentioned) - You could also stick it out longer as there are times where it will seem dead for 5-6hrs and then a huge school comes by at 3:30 in the morning... Sometimes continuous blanking is the name of the game till you hook into one.

If you can't find cleos in Kingston, there are a few tackle shops in between there and the GTA which have them (Gagnons, Tightlines, Angling Specialties, Lucky's, etc) - Wal-Mart usually has a few in stock. I remember the first time I took my dad salmon fishing years ago on the Ganny, we were using 6' med-action fibre glass rods (Mitchell and Ugly sticks) and casting 2/3oz Cleos. After the first fish broke me off and took my lure, my dad rushed over to the local CT in a hurry and returned with $30 worth of Cleos and a few other spoons. When he saw the power and size of those fish, he became HOOKED. I now use a 10' Shimano Convergence. It's rated for 8-17lb test. I think I picked it up for $90 or so a few years ago...It can launch cleos and lures a good distance. It has a slow action which has a nice cushioning effect when the fish decides to head-shake or roll but it's beefy enough to turn them. A rod which performs beyond its price tag IMO. Even if you don't go out for salmon much, it makes a great drift rod for steelhead in bigger waters and it's my #1 rod for carp when I'm stalking them in the margins.

I haven't fished bluffers for salmon in quite a number of years but I remember the larger "runs" of fish usually came later on in the season compared to other places on Lake O's north shore. It's always worth a try this time of year. There's the possibility of a staging salmon, brown, laker and perhaps the odd lost Atlantic cruising by. Anyone remember the heydays down at bluffers when the browns used to swim up the ramps during a rain storm?

Great report Gavin Love the scenery pics. Smallies of any size are great fun IMO. Can't wait for part II

Great job Cliff! Spending so many late nights fishing makes me wonder if you have a real job during the day. As far as lucky items go I have my - unwashed Simms gore-tex wading jacket (with slime from steelhead, carp and salmon on the storm flap from 3-4 seasons) - unwashed seal-skinz waterproof socks (washed 3yrs ago) - 4yr old lucky hat (Faded Nike hat...It used to be black now a light brown colour) I also have my pre-trip rituals but I would rather not divulge such information You're not alone when it comes to searching for that extra bit of help.

Not sure what the fuss is all about I got to Solopaddler's link from your link by clicking 1. Sporting licenses 2. Purchase a sporting license 3. Scroll down to "Online*" and click 4. Continue to purchase a license online

Happy B-day Cliff!!!

Congrats you two...That brownie is sweet! I actually stopped by there later last night with my dad on a scouting trip to see what the conditions were like. I was quite surprised to see how much the water level came down in the places I carp fished this summer. Should be back again soon. WTG

Congrats Cliff on your first salmon. No doubt took many hours of work. I have personally never found the need for shock leaders when pier fishing for salmon (with 3/4 cleos, 2oz buzzbombs, J-13) but if you're casting lures 150 yards into the distance, my carping friends rate tapered mono shock leaders very highly. http://www.bristolangling.com/ProductDetai...4f-ee7ede5067b5

Congrats on that! You've managed to catch a beauty mirror carp. Just as rare as a sober Irishman if you ask me. WTG

Great report FF Those pike sure do look lean and hungry. 50 bass is unreal! The sandbanks area is one place I've always wanted to try. WTG!

Great report 007 Congrats on the PB Too bad about losing the carp but there are still more opportunities to get a big one before the season winds down.

Like douG stated I tie on a snap swivel for chucking cleos for salmon and a wire leader for pike. For the carp, I often tie hair rigs out of PowerPro - It's supple and very strong. The downside of using PowerPro for hair rigs (or as a leader material to tie a hook on) is it's prone to severe tangling when casting heavier weights. You can use an anti-tangle system like rig-tubing above your weight or leadcore. Mono hair rigs generally don't tangle. I use both PowerPro and mono for my leaders and either way works.

It looks like a species of redhorse to me. Great write-up

Great report and pics. Congrats on hooking into some biggins...The possibility of snapping lines and breaking off just adds to the excitement. Welcome to the world of carp fishing.

Great pics...Looks like everyone had a blast out on the water.

Angling Specialties in Scarborough has leeches but only in small sizes with possibly a few dozen medium ones left. Jumbos were gone a month ago. Best to call ahead.

The times I was down in Buffalo, I stopped in at Dick's Sporting goods and Gander Mountain.

Great report Cliff...You need a set of bite-alarms so you can nap without having to hold the rod. Great pics!

Awesome catch. Love the colours on that fish. What a place to live!

There were a few people down in the whirlpool who passed by and took a few pics for me. The others I did survivorman style by setting it on a large rock or my bait bucket and using the timer.

That's one AMAZING report...Can't wait for part II That's definitely something I want to do before I die.