As the sun dipped below the horizon on Lake Ontario in 2023, Andy Bliss, in partnership with Tom Burke of Cold Steel Sportfishing, embarked on a fishing season that would go down in the books as one of the most successful and memorable in recent times. Armed with experience and a passion for the sport, Andy navigated the waters with finesse, encountering challenges and celebrating triumphs that showcased the thrill of the chase.
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Fishing Season Overview:-The fishing season kicked off with a bang, witnessing King salmon making their presence felt from the very first trip of the year, persisting until the boat was pulled in October. Among the numerous highs, two moments stood out prominently—the victorious conquest of the
Oswego Pro-Am and the triumphant performance at the
Tri County Salmon Event. Both victories were credited to the strategic use of
Big Bite herring strips and
Rhys Davis large teasers, showcasing Andy's mastery in understanding the dynamics of the water.
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Areas of Focus:-In the pursuit of angling excellence, Andy concentrated on the bountiful waters of Lake Ontario, where the salmon seemed to dance beneath the surface. The abundance of fish in the region meant minimal travel for Andy and his team. However, Andy embarked on several road trips, exploring the Finger Lakes and engaging in thrilling battles with lake trout, jigging
Minnows and spoons. These expeditions added an extra layer of excitement to an already stellar season.
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Species of Focus:-Andy's season commenced with a focus on brown trout and lake trout, utilizing standard
Stingers to lure these elusive species. However, when conditions became challenging, Andy turned to the trusty
scorpion, which played a pivotal role in salvaging many trips. As the season progressed, the spotlight shifted to the mighty salmon. Andy employed
stingray-sized Stinger spoons and introduced cut bait and
Big Bite herring strips, strategically running them behind
sidekicks and 8-inch Stinger flashers. The sidekick emerged as a star player in Andy's arsenal, with its larger profile and reduced drag proving to be irresistible to the fish.
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Top-Performing Gibbs Products:-Two standout products from Gibbs played a crucial role in the success of Cold Steel Sportfishing's 2023 season—the
Big Bite herring strip and the
Stinger sidekick. The Big Bite herring strip offered the advantage of extended use without constant bait changes, thanks to its durability and the ability to adjust hooks easily. The Stinger sidekick, with its larger profile and reduced drag, emerged as a go-to option on long lines, proving its worth by attracting fish with unparalleled success.
-As the curtain fell on Andy Bliss's 2023 fishing season, the memories created on Lake Ontario and the Finger Lakes lingered as a testament to skill, determination, and the right choice of equipment. Cold Steel Sportfishing, showcased not just the thrill of the chase but also the strategic brilliance and adaptability required to conquer the ever-changing waters. The victories, challenges, and the stellar performance of Gibbs products ensured that this fishing season would be etched in the annals of angling history.
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