This is harder than I thought...
 

I know that the hot spots and setups are only found from time on the water, earning the knowledge. Rightfully so. I want to preface this by saying "that is not what I am looking for here" :) Just some basic pointers to get me heading in the right direction.

I am probably late to the party this year, it has taken me about three years to get things to fish and the boat piecemeal.
I am heading up to the lake with my father in law, 72 y/o Vietnam Vet who loves to fish and has not been able to for some time. I have my boat docked in Alton Bay. I started my quest to purchase two junk down riggers, Penn FAthom masters that I slowly rebuilt and got setup. (think they are working ok, have not tried them yet.) I have 12 pound round weights. I saved to get some poles and lead core. Nothing fancy here just entry level stuff.

I got three downrigger poles and two lead core poles. I got some flies and top gun lures. I plan to run the flies on lead and lures on riggers?

My Lowrance has down and side scan, I have no idea what the side scan shows but can mark some fish on downscan. I made a cruise up through the broads to center harbor and marked some bait with fish under them on bottom. Tried to jig but got nothing.

Just want to know if I am heading in the right direction or should I be focusing on using only one method to be more productive.

I work at the VA in Manchester and thinking if I can figure this out, I may open up a couple times per year to bring a Vet out fishing as part of the recreational rehab program. We will see. I need to learn to do this first.

I am not sure if I know the proper way to setup a trolling leader, I Youtube'd it and mostly they are all for big lake stuff like Ontario and Michigan.

Thanks for any pointers you want to share and if you see me out there give me a shout. Black 20 foot Starweld

50' of flourocarbon leader 6 lb or 8 lb if you like (I have been using 8)
Troll with 6-7 colors of lead core at 2-2.5 mph.
If after lakers go to 45 fow and deeper.
Hot flies have been something with red/orange
I have used a mini mooselooke with some success (red/silver or blue/silver)
Fish before sunrise until 9ish.

Good luck!

Thank you Hillcountry!
I got the reels and leadcore from AJ , he put the leader on . I have Pline floroclear 10 for downriggers. Hope that is ok.

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If you got set up by AJ, you’ll be all set! Go get em!

sent you a pm striper.

Got it. Will be on touch soon. Thank you Sir.

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Big Thank You.
 

It's very rare in today's society that you find good, standup folks willing to share knowledge and help others. I had the opportunity to join DT5150 on the water and not only does he have a great program, but he is also a super nice guy. I wanted to say thanks for your time and an overwhelming amount of information you and your uncle shared. It will not be forgotten and hopefully paid forward to others when I get my program up and running.

Thanks again and hope to see you on the water.

That’s great! Kudos to DT150 for taking you out! But...of what “program” do you speak? Do you mean his fishing procedures and equipment?

Kudos
 

Derek is a good guy and an excellent fishermen!

Way to go DT5150!!!

Dan

He also spoke very highly of you as well Dan. There seems to be a solid crew on the lake that respect the fishery and fellow anglers.

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you are most welcome tom. i'm glad you could come out and see things with your own eyes, and get to use them yourself. it's really the best way to learn i think. i know it can be somewhat overwhelming, but don't worry, we'll get you set up right and catching salmon! coming from a family of vets and being one myself, i really appreciate what you're doing and if i can be a part of it i am proud to do so.

thank you for the kind words guys.