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Burnie Haney

Steelshad is a great fall transition bait (and beyond) for multiple species

Featured, Features, Fishing, Gear & Gadgets, Home Page News, National Fishing, New York /

Over the past four years, I have been fishing with the Steelshad in New York waters with remarkable success. This lure is versatile, and works well with various fishing methods to entice strikes from a wide range of fish species. The Steelshad comes in 1⁄4, 3⁄8, 1⁄2, and 3⁄4-ounce sizes with several color options.
As our water temperatures cool from the mid-sixties into the fifties, this bait excels at covering mid-depth flats of 12-foot or shallower while looking for active feeders.

Steelshad is a great fall transition bait (and beyond) for multiple species Read More »

Commentary: It’s time to make catch-and-release bass fishing statewide in New York

Leave a Comment / Discussions, Featured, Fishing, National Fishing, New York, Opinion /

I recently came across an old YouTube video posted July 12, 2009, that records my interview of Dean Meckes, of Clayton, describing how he won the New York State Bass Federation tournament out of Ogdensburg by bed fishing for smallmouth bass with a drop-shot rig.
That’s right, 16 years ago anglers were bed fishing for smallmouth bass well after the June 15 annual season opener. Resolute bass anglers have been begging for implementation of the statewide catch-and-release bass season in Jefferson and St. Lawrence counties (as well as Franklin and Hamilton counties) in northern New York since the program began. Yet, it is still denied.

Commentary: It’s time to make catch-and-release bass fishing statewide in New York Read More »

Here’s how to work the often overlooked but highly effective free rig

Featured, Featured, Features, Fishing, Fishing, Fishing, Fishing, Fishing, Fishing, Fishing, Fishing, Fishing, Gear & Gadgets, Home Page News, Illinois, Iowa, Michigan, Minnesota, National Fishing, New York, North Dakota, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Wisconsin /

As we prepare to kick off our 2025 bass fishing season in New York, thoughts go to tackle, baits, and locations we’ll likely target for our first bass fishing adventure.
I’m certain most dedicated bass anglers are familiar with top-waters, crankbaits, spinnerbaits, jerkbaits, plastic worms and creature baits. There are countless ways and locations to present these lures, but there’s also a presentation with plastics that receives little fanfare that ought to find its way into your bass fishing arsenal.

Here’s how to work the often overlooked but highly effective free rig Read More »

Tips to get your boat ready for New York’s open water season

Featured, Features, Fishing, Nature Page & Night Sky, New York /

Open water signals the start of New York State’s annual boating season. To make sure you’re ready when the open water arrives, here are a few suggestions and sources to get you dressed for success to safely enjoy all of New York’s fantastic waterways.
Regardless of where or how your boat was stored, there’s a few things you’ll want to check before your initial annual launch.

Tips to get your boat ready for New York’s open water season Read More »

Ice-out baits that catch multiple fish species

Featured, Features, Fishing, Gear & Gadgets, Home Page News, National Fishing, New York /

What the heck are dual purpose baits? In my universe that translates to multi-species baits. Lures you cast that will reasonably catch more than one species of fish. For a dedicated angler, that’s exactly what we look for.
There’s nothing wrong with being a species-select angler dedicated to bass, trout, salmon or walleye. However, I’ve found the multi-species anglers are a bit more receptive to the idea of dual-purpose baits and they’ll usually catch some nice fish over the course of their day. Here are a few examples of dual-purpose baits and when I prefer to fish them to kick off the season.

Ice-out baits that catch multiple fish species Read More »

Lake Ontario’s Eastern Basin offers a premier smallmouth fishery; here’s how to catch them

Featured, Features, Fishing, Home Page News, National Fishing, New York /

National bass tournament trails laud Lake Ontario and the St. Lawrence River as the premiere smallmouth destination in the country, and for good reason. These professionals come to northern New York and with a mere two-to-three days of practice proceeding a tournament and they manage to find bass and bring in five-fish daily limits that average 25 pounds.
The good news is that you don’t have to be a professional angler to enjoy these fish. Simply consider location, seasonal movement patterns and presentation.

Lake Ontario’s Eastern Basin offers a premier smallmouth fishery; here’s how to catch them Read More »

Commentary: It’s time to re-think New York bass fishing regulations in the 1000 Islands

Featured, Fishing, National Fishing, New York, Opinion /

In March, the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation met with anglers in the 1000 Islands region regarding the future management of black bass in New York. New York Outdoor News provided coverage and I feel there’s a couple of things that warrant further review.
Many in attendance came hopeful to hear if Region 6 would consider regulation changes implementing a catch-and-release bass season for the eastern basin of Lake Ontario and the St. Lawrence River. Instead, they heard our DEC Bureau Of Fisheries Chief Steve Hurst indicate that the regulation change process will take some time.

Commentary: It’s time to re-think New York bass fishing regulations in the 1000 Islands Read More »

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