36# thrust and a small boat is workable, however the smaller the boat the higher the risk of capsize, but I assume you know what you are doing. With cold water temps, you definately don't want to be out there in a canoe or even a small "unstable" tin boat. But assuming the boat is a good stable one, you should do fine and yes you don't need to go far for fish. The warm weather will spread them out more, but you can generally find enough right in the harbor. The other reliable spot is at the large bridge footings a few miles downstream.
The most important thing on any boat for this fishery, is a good depth finder. I don't even fish until I spot a good concentration of stripers under the boat. I could blind fish now, since I know where they are likely to be, but a depth finder is a must. Recommend you take it off digital, kill fish ID and set the sensitivity up to get better detail. I've got mine set, so I can actually watch my 4 inch split tail jigged below the boat
.
There were only 2 other boats out Tuesday, but Saturday will be more crowded. I plan on getting an early start, so I can get launched early. I will be shooting for a 7:30 am arrival, which means I've got to be on the road at 6
. If I could get my butt out of bed earlier, I'd go even earlier.
I still might have room in my boat, my NY guy is still waiting for word on a filming Saturday, so I might have room in my boat. I will post later today if I find out. Schoolie what's up dude, you bringing your boat or not? We might still get a few people to tag along, but need to know. John I don't think we want to put anyone else in your 12 footer
, might be a little dangerous.
Remember to be official "legal" you need a freshwater CT license. The fish connection is bringing in some extras, so they should have enough 3 day ($8) licenses. Post if your interested in a spot in my boat or Schoolies, or if you have a boat and want in. Time is running out to get much of anything organized. Jenn give me a call in the office if you want to kick spots, tackle, etc around.