Another reminder that Lake Ontario is alive and well and open for business
Behind-the-scenes fishing contest helps dispel some of the myths surrounding the big lake this high-water season.
New York – Bill Hilts Jr
Lessons learned on every fishing trip
One of the best things about being an outdoor writer is that you have an opportunity to fish with a wide variety of angling professionals, be it of the charter captain or guide variety or people who could be captains or guides but won’t or can’t for several reasons. Seeing how they approach any given situation is an educational lesson…
High water, yes, but Lake Ontario fishing has been fantastic
Fishery on display with annual celebrity gathering, fishing tournament.
Quest for gobbler still leaves lasting memories
The spring wild turkey season is the central focus of my elusive outdoor quest. Just when I think I can reach that attainable goal of tagging a big bird, it slips through my fingers at the last minute due to some unforeseen circumstance or situation we couldn’t have planned for. I should preface this all by saying that May is…
Bad-case scenarios unfolding for western New York stocking, ice boom, fishing
A serious complication is the fact that local charter captains are cancelling trips left and right. Spring is a prime time for salmon, trout, bass and walleye between the Great Lakes of Erie and Ontario. Huge ice fields pose a serious problem for boaters in the river and in the eastern basin of Lake Erie.
Questioning the new waterfowl regulations
We are at a crossroads with many of our treasured hunting and fishing activities. One that this blogger is concerned about is the future of waterfowl and waterfowl hunting.
Trapping remains a part of the outdoors landscape – for now
That could all change if some New York City politicians have their way.
Late ice can offer rewards, but use caution
As winter slowly starts to fade away, so does some of the winter fishing opportunities – like ice fishing. Don’t abandon your winter gear just yet, though. Some of the best hard-water fishing is yet to come. Just make sure to take the necessary precautions. Dave Lefebre, of Erie, Pa., is a professional bass fisherman. This year he is part…
In the wake of new regs proposals, is it time to restrict captain and mate limits on charters?
With a push to make things more restrictive as far as creel limits in Lake Ontario, should we also be looking at a law or regulation that does not allow captains and/or mates to keep their limits, too? Currently, it’s a gray area. If they have a fishing license, they are entitled to their own limit of fish.
Late waterfowl hunt a pleasure in 2018, but changes coming in 2019
It’s possible you could spend a couple of hours setting up for a morning hunt, only to have it over within five minutes – depending on the day, of course. We need to look at the big picture and not get discouraged. Don’t hang up those waterfowl calls just yet.
Red tide aside, Florida’s Gulf Coast always worth a visit
Algae doesn’t sour the usual adventures here, be it fishing, birdwatching, shelling or just general outdoor recreation.
The book on fishing and the outdoors for grief relief
Grief is something very real. We all deal with it differently. When I lost my mom earlier this year, I turned to some quiet time in the outdoors – walking, reading a book, remembering many of the good times, stopping at her gravesite. It was a great way to reflect and accept the loss of someone close. It was also…
A time to be thankful this deer season
Make the effort to share these special times and start your own traditions with family and friends.
The right place, and the right time – it happens sometimes in fishing
Take someone fishing – you never know what’s going to happen.
Making sense of the crossbow confusion
Let’s all work together to make this happen, allowing for the use of crossbows and make the regulations and requirements more accepting for today’s standards. It’s time.
Wayne County a hidden gem with Sodus Bay, Maxwell Creek and more
It’s not the first time I’ve had to explain myself when I was headed for Wayne County. “Where you headed this weekend?” asks a friend. “Wayne County,” is my quick retort. When I get that quizzical look, reflecting on the fact that they don’t have a clue where that is, I respond with “between Rochester and Oswego, where Sodus Bay…
Reelin’ for a Cure event catching on – and catching fish – in western New York
The basic concept is a simple one – get the ladies out on Lake Ontario fishing for salmon and trout through a friendly team event and raise funds to combat the effects of cancer.
VIP fishing day a learning experience on many levels
“Have the fish cleared the screen yet?” asked Capt. Joel Ruggiero of Bait Master Charters. “We have now!” shouted an enthusiastic Jeff Rasmus of Dunkirk, first mate on the boat for this special VIP/Media fishing day out of Dunkirk on Lake Erie. Ruggiero walked over to the port side downrigger, pulled the rod out of the holder and popped the…
FLW officials impressed with Buffalo facilities – and the fishing
That will likely set the stage for a return trip somewhere down the road. Before that, though, they may need further discussion on how to handle Lake Erie, a body of water that presents an entirely different set of challenges from other bodies of water they fish.
On the Great Lakes, it’s tournament time, and the fishing has been fantastic
Get out there and take advantage of our Great Lakes fishing – these are going to be the “good old days.”
Will Elliott was a mentor to many, and the consummate outdoorsman
Will Elliott was inducted into the New York State Outdoorsman Hall of Fame in 2011 and the Southtowns Walleye Association honored him with a Conservationist of the Year Award in 2016.When New York Outdoor News Editor Steve Piatt called me on Sunday, July 1, my first thought was that I was late for a blog. “I have bad news. We…
Waterhouse’s Orleans efforts earn a well-deserved retirement
Mike Waterhouse of Albion, a former Lake Ontario charter captain and the sportfishing promotion person for Orleans County Tourism for many years, has finally come to his senses and retired. It’s been a long time coming for the 70-something workhorse who has long been an ambassador for the Lake Ontario sportfishery. It’s good that he can do this while he…
International fishing flavor in western New York
“I love it when a plan comes together!” It seemed like George Peppard Jr. would say that every week when “The A-Team” aired on NBC during the 1980s. And it was always some roundabout way that led to achieving whatever goal or objective needed to be obtained. May 10-13, the Confederation Internationale de la Pesche Sportive (CIPS) held its 39th annual…
Good times, bad times on the water
The Led Zeppelin song, “Good Times, Bad Times,” was echoing in my head following a convoluted morning of mishaps and bungles. Sometimes you just have one of those days. Other days you can do no wrong. Sometimes you get the bear and sometimes the bear gets you – metaphorically speaking, of course. We were participating in the 23rd annual Greater Niagara…
McManus left us laughing
Pat McManus was a humor writer who focused on fictional characters in pursuit of his own personal outdoor pastimes of hunting and fishing.Patrick F. McManus was one of the funniest people I have ever come to meet. Whether you had the pleasure to gain his acquaintance or not, there are undoubtedly millions of people on this planet who probably share…
A bounce-back fishing year for Lake Ontario brown trout?
So far, so good this season, but learning to adapt to conditions can make or break your fishing trip.
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