Not sure where you are starting from, but all the way from Oswego to Buffalo and all points between have excellent dockage and launch sites. Such as Irondequit bay in Rochester, or Summerville ramps. In Buffalo area there is Wilson, Olcott and Lewiston. All of these places offer excellent access, good food, and beautiful surroundings. Good luck and welcome to the area. Great fishing to be had here.

Welcome back... been there a couple of times. Listen to the docs, heal up, wish you the best.

Fishing is not just the "buzz". It is a way of thinking, a way of living, a way of caring. The idea that you can spend "a family vacation" with your son and enjoy something together is really a blessing. Fishermen, I have learned over the years, are a very special breed. Dedicated to their sport, craft, or even just their effort, in order to enjoy just a few hours of peace, quiet, excitement and adventure. Most I have met anywhere in the country (and out as well) Have that very special center.. Wish you and your boy a wonderful adventure, everyday, together.

Fishing is not just the "buzz". It is a way of thinking, a way of living, a way of caring. The idea that you can spend "a family vacation" with your son and enjoy something together is really a blessing. Fishermen, I have learned over the years, are a very special breed. Dedicated to their sport, craft, or even just their effort, in order to enjoy just a few hours of peace, quiet, excitement and adventure. Most I have met anywhere in the country (and out as well) Have that very special core.

Thanks for your reply...same back, stay safe

Too this day... he swears he was "unaware".....I still ponder that same question. I guess it will remain one of those mysteries. Thanks for writing Steve.
M

Some years ago a college buddy invited me on a fly-fishing adventure in the Michigan north woods. His family owned a very nice hunting/fishing cabin and it would make a great base for us to hike to a "very special spot."
We hiked for a very long time through beautiful woods, carrying our camping and fishing gear on our backs. We arrived mid afternoon. we set up camp, got a small fire going and got ready to catch some fish. When I stepped into the water I could feel trout bouncing off my waders. I knew this was going to be a great day. Sure enough, one after the other we were both catching (and releasing) beautiful fish. As the sun began to set we decided to make dinner and than catch up visiting around the fire. This was, indeed, a great "secret" spot and I commended him on finding it. Around eight pm I could hear an engine and before too long see head lamps coming through the woods. It occurred to me this might not be a great sign. Before too long two DNR officers got out of their Jeep, approached and asked us for ID, licenses, etc. They asked us what we were doing there? I said we were fly fishing. He asked how we did? I answered it had been a great day. We had caught and released many beautiful fish. He asked what we had for dinner? I said we had brought steaks etc. and explained we were old friends from school on an excursion. As one officer asked the questions the other wandered around our camp, inspected all of our gear. Finding nothing suspicious he finally asked us to sit on the ground and listen carefully to what he was about to say. He continued in a very quiet, but deliberate way.
He said; "Either you guys are lying, or you are both stupid, which is it?". Ouch, harsh, I thought. " You guys are fishing the State of Michigan's hatchery system"...double ouch, I thought. Mayhem crossed my mind as I glared at my "pal". Through all of my hunting and fishing travels I had never crossed the authorities in a dangerous way. This night was going to be an exception. Saving time, space, and embarrassment ,both of these officers were remarkably gentle when I explained the situation. Listening very patiently. When I finished he said "Kill the fire and get out of here right now before I ruin both of your nights". He was most emphatic. They sat in their Jeep while we doused the fire, broke down the camp and began the hike back to my buddy's cabin by flashlight, surrounded by pitch dark. It was an adventure I have never forgotten. We still remember it fondly. Just thought I would share....Beautiful fish...

Glad to hear you are still out there. I am a blind cancer patient so I am very familiar with the difficulties you mentioned.
First let me mention some telescopic hiking sticks. They are inexpensive and easy to use. Might help with your balance issues. They also work well as feelers for hiking. When you get to were you want to be just collapse them and stow them in your day pack.
The water level is really a critical issue. The fish will find their "hold" in the water level. It changes the temps as well. If this is your place of choice to fish find out about an structures, any "inflows".
Wish you lots of luck and keep at it.

I am glad you enjoy realy enjoy this art. I am blind, but hunted and fished all over north and south America back in the day. Since I am a cancer patient I really enjoy hearing all of the adventures you folks have. so thanks for your reply.
Marsh

great area... terrific fishing.
Marsh

You have a lot of questions here, but I want to address a couple of things. If you are fishing off a boat you can make your own depth sounder with some line nail polish and a weight. Use a piece of line or string and make it every 10 feet with a different color nail polish put a heavy weight on the end. Obviously you will solve a couple of issues. depth, and type of bottom.
You need to develop the sense of touch and vibration through your rod. If your reel is a 1:6 for instance once you reach the bottom one full revolution of the reel will raise your terminal tackle 6 ft. You can adjust from there higher, lower etc.
Good luck
Marsh

Lary: Please relax.....fall is a great time for your area. You need to start out asking around the shops, talk to some other fishermen around the area. You may find a hot spot near the river and lake joining. Find out if there are other areas where the two meet. Do a little home work and you will find the key to open that door.
You sound very frustrated. Be calm and approach this like the challenge it is. That is why they call it "fishing" and not "catching". Pike are finicky eaters. Once they eat they rest until the next hunting foray.
Make sure you pay attention tot he weather, water temp, fishing pressure and time of day. Bank fishing can have great results if you take your time and think it through.
I must say, your frustration came through clearly in this post.
Good luck and please have fun.
Marsh

Scary is absolutely right. Lot's of folks start out with the best intentions and (best gear) and find out weeks or months later that this activity is really not for them. I have been tying for many years. So just make sure it is for you, you need a good sense of self deprecating humor. Sometimes you feel like you need two more hands. But let me also say... it is very satisfying to catch a fish on your own creation. Lastly,,,, the activity is supposed to be fun and productive.....not frustrating.
Good luck,
Marsh

You don't need lots of expensive equipment. Start out by going to tackle shops and find out what is in those two lakes. You can look up topo maps of the lakes on line and get a feel for the deep pockets, or shallows, warm spots or cooler spots, ask what the preferred bait is, live, crawlers, hard body or soft. and when the lakes "turn on". There are lots of things you can do before you even wet a line.
Do not let anyone talk you into all sorts of bizarre gear. You need a decent rod, a reel with an adjustable drag and a few baits to get started. As you learn the waters you will learn what the fish want. If you are in pike or musky waters the emphasis in your tackle box will change significantly if that is your goal.
Meantime the best thing you can do is learn, ask questions and mostly enjoy your time on the water.
It is supposed to be fun.
Good luck,
Marsh

Welcome: I am 69, blind and a cancer patient, but I love to hear about anything to do with fishing.
I still try to build rods, build tackle etc, but it is a very slow go if you get my drift. I joined because I love to here the folks on these pages talk about their adventures. Back in the day I hunted and fished all over north and south america. Welcome and I hope you find a great partner to enjoy this passion.
Marsh