COVID19
Hunting and Fishing Seasons Still On With COVID19?
COVID19 , Corona Virus, China Virus, whatever label you prefer, it has or will have an impact on your turkey hunting and fishing seasons. For those of you with early seasons down south, you have enjoyed a geographic advantage that the rest of the country will see less of or maybe not at all. You have my envy for time afield.
Before I comment further it is prudent to say that health concerns, the well being of family, friends, neighbors, fellow humans rise well above our beloved pursuits of fin and feather. It may be painful to put our favorite seasons on the back burner, however the reasons for measures taken are stark and very clear although we may or may not agree on the severity or extent of some measures. We defer to our healthcare experts and those in charge of protecting the public. Fisherman, turkey hunters may know a lot of stuff, know it all according to some opinions, but let us leave this to the healthcare professionals as the go-to experts…
I will defer as to what is open or legal to engage in to each of your respective states as it changes daily if not hourly. Some states are temporarily closing public lands, gun stores,sporting good stores and waterways. Fishing in the state of Washington closed just recently. Please check with your local and state governments and respective DNR’s, DEC’s. etc Some states are recommending fishing, hiking, using open spaces as a means to decompress, work off stress, engage in healthy exercise without being in proximity of others.
For us in the northern states trout seasons open tomorrow in many places, turkey hunting opens mid April or May 1st for much of the North East. Maybe…
Turkey hunting and fishing can be enjoyed as a singular pursuit and with minimal interactions with others, easily beyond the six foot social distancing rule currently in place. Trips to the diners, restaurants after a great morning hunt, or day on the water are not allowed currently here in NY. The comforts that we might enjoy during epic fishing and hunting trips now have to be planned and in some cases discarded as non-essential services, businesses are either not open, or pickup and delivery only. Gatherings at hunting and fishing camps are now either temporarily banned or strongly discouraged. Again, you have to check with your respective state. Guiding and charter businesses are taking an especially hard hit in this shutdown.
Those that have planned trips, self guided, outfitters, fishing charters, any of you that have plans to travel may have to reschedule or absorb the costs of canceled hunts, and fishing charters well into early summer. We know it will open back up, but when is the billion dollar question.
For me, the trip to Maryland in late April looks to be a non starter. I am pledged to help the land owner take care of a nemesis gobbler on a great property that needs to be dealt with and it is a personal matter, a vendetta if you will. First fish camp for me in May is postponed, possibly canceled til next May. Just got word that the NYSOWA Spring safari for NY writers is canceled and to be combined in the fall. A trip to Maine later in May is sketchy as well. It is all very understandable, yet terribly disappointing. Like most of you, Spring seasons are a time of rejuvenation, recharging the batteries, a time we more than look forward to.
Should there be a travel ban which keeps coming up as a solution for mitigating the spread of the virus, it would put a big damper on racing from one hot spot to another to find a hot gobbler or from one body of water to another in the quest to find where the fish are biting . It would stop out of state travel all together from NY. Should the news turn from bad to something worse on this pandemic, you can see it happening.
As sportsmen we are driven each season sometimes with reckless abandon. As we are morally and legally obligated to follow the emergency measures in place and that has to be checked daily. We should be mindful of the spirit of the laws/orders put in place. The health and well being of our families, ourselves. any and all those we share this planet with can be greatly affected by our failure to do our part to reduce the spread, and the unfortunate impacts of the foe we currently face.
Stay safe, care for your families, and we’ll see you on the other side of this.
-MJ
© 2020 Mike Joyner- Joyner Outdoor Media
The Ultimate Spring Hat Trick Destination-Chautauqua County
A bold claim for a resource-laden state such as New York. To be clear, New York boasts many vibrant outdoor adventure meccas, but you’ll want to plan your next turkey hunting and spring fishing getaway to the outdoor paradise in Chautauqua County. Hunting and fishing interests are easy to satisfy and that’s the honest goal for every sportsman.
My recent hat-trick getaway to Chautauqua was memorable and was just what the doctor ordered to decompress and rejuvenate my busy business life. The excursion found me spring turkey hunting in the mornings with Jake Ensign, followed by an afternoon of fishing with Captain Frank Shoenacker of Infinity Charters. In the evenings, after the outings, I could choose from a smorgasbord of places to visit and explore. My base of operations would be at the Comfort Inn Hotel in Jamestown – it was close to Chautauqua Lake and the turkey woods. Perfect for the extra minutes of sleep needed when chasing gobblers. .
I met up with Jake Ensign, a supreme hunting friend that lives nearby.
Jake provided an eye-opening personal tour of his game room, as he is one of only a few dozen archery hunters to successfully hunt all of the North American Big Game Species. It was evident to me, Jake had spent many years of dedicated preparation to be so successful. Jake goes the extra mile, the extra 10 miles, in making each hunt an exercise in due diligence. It is impressive even to a veteran turkey hunter like myself.
My introduction to the Chautauqua County turkey woods came early the next morning and did not disappoint. We started out just above a vineyard on a ridge top with plenty of roost trees. Plenty of sign was present. Feathers, tracks, scat and dusting bowls were scattered about during our walk in and out. With the exception of two clucks further up the ridge behind us, we were greeted with a whisper quiet, yet beautiful morning. You could hear every sound and if a turkey gobbled, we could easily locate the bird and make an approach.
As the sunrise greeted us, a chorus of trains blasted their air horns providing shock gobble inspiration from nearby highway crossings far below us. The gobblers, however, opted to be of the strong and silent types. We gave it some time to let the place reveal itself and after several setups, we backed out to not disturb the location. Running and gunning was not the game plan that so many engage in when the action is at a lull. Jake had mentioned they have had many successful hunts in that spot. Assessing the area with such ample sign, I would agree. Of course, when you have plenty of Intel on an area, courtesy of Jake, you conduct each hunt more patiently.
After checking a number of properties in the southern region of the county we came upon a parcel not far from Route 86 and got an eager gobble in response to our pleas. With a flat ridge top that lay between us, we settled in to see if we could persuade him across. The wind had come up and it was a solid “maybe” as to whether or not the bird answered us after that. Thirty minutes later a report of something lesser than a 12ga shotgun rang out ahead of us, but much lower on the ridge on another property. We decided to back out. Consistent with other properties we checked, we would come across plenty of turkey sign including sets of gobbler tracks. We were in the middle of great turkey country.
The first morning concluded with sightings of a few hens out bugging in the fields, as we searched for more gobblers to keep track of for the next hunt tomorrow.
Having hunted gobblers in nearly half of New York’s 62 counties, I would point out that the turkey woods of Chautauqua County are among the nicest woods I’ve ever set foot in. A quick review of the past 10 years of harvest data reveals Chautauqua as #1 in New York for turkey hunting harvest. In any given season, Chautauqua is always in the top echelon. With over 20,000 acres of public forests and a mix of land types and food sources, it would be a sound recommendation to add Chautauqua County to your annual spring and fall gobbler chasing vacations.
Before heading out for an afternoon of fishing with Captain Frank Shoenacker on Chautauqua Lake, Jake suggested that we have the best sandwich to be had anywhere (i.e. North America) for lunch. I naturally agreed. My sampling verified his suggestion. A trip to the Ashville General Store is must do stop during your time in the area. The “Jester” spicy turkey sub served hot is a turkey hunter-approved menu item –https://ashvillegeneral.com
After that great lunch, I met up with Frank at the Bemus Point boat launch. The launch was easy to find and not far from the exit off Route 86 for Bemus Point. With eight boat launch sites available on Chautauqua Lake, there is ample access for all boaters – https://www.dec.ny.gov... The Lund Tournament Pro-V was perfect on this beautiful, sunny afternoon. The Lund had a heavier hull and was stable, even in the slight chop we had.
On this outing, Frank and I would both fish and that set the table for a relaxing time on the water. We fished simple, drifting live worms along weed beds and enjoyed lots of fun conversation. As Frank spends more time guiding than fishing, I invited him to fish too and our trip became perfect fun. We were using a killer rig, a homemade double-hook worm harness with a butterfly spinner made by Frank. It’s sort of a secret rig.
We were one of just a handful of boats on the water as you might expect at mid-week of the early season. We caught walleye, perch and a surprisingly large bullhead. A perfect afternoon.
In his larger boat, Frank also guides on Lake Erie: Infinity Charters – https://www.infinitycharters.com/. It is a fantastic way to plan an essential part of your Chautauqua Hat Trick.
Having fished Lake Erie in the past, it is also on my ‘A’ list to frequently visit. I plan to return with my bride of nearly nineteen years to modify the hat trick concept, this time, to be a fishing and lazy-tourist combo. Lee, my wife, loves to fish, and I have promised her to revisit the region.
For the evening, I visited the Southern Tier Brewing Company for a craft beer tasting and a pulled pork sandwich. Accompanied by their “Nitro Stout,” a great beer product, they earned my attention for another “must-do” stop while in the region. Their friendly staff and personal service were 5-star.
I caught up with Jake after dinner to plan the morning hunt and received good news. As Jake scouts at sunset periods, he has endless energy, he found two different turkeys roosted. This is the best kind of news to get when chasing gobblers. Again, another short night, but I would wake up 10 minutes before the alarm clock sounded. Excited? A little bit.
This last morning of my hunt, I would come to appreciate the dedicated strategies that Jakes executes. Our walk to the first roosted bird was in total silence, not a twig nor a dried leaf to reveal our progress. Jake routinely rakes and grooms his paths for stealthy approaches to known roosting areas. It is this extra effort that ups the odds for a successful hunt.
As daylight approached, a hen began to yelp on the limb, not sixty yards from where I sat. Jake mimicked her and I would also respond with muted tree yelps. No gobbling nearby, but one volley of gobbles came from the second location that Jake had marked the night before. It was a little over 250 yards from us. Once the hen flew down, she walked right past Jakes’ location as he sat motionless. She fed away. Once she left, we moved up about 100 yards toward a low swampy area where we had heard the gobbling
We got a quick response from four different gobblers once we sat down and began calling from our new position. They had closed the distance, spotting them moving to my left around the swamp at 80 yards. They were circling and closing fast. As seconds seemed far too long, the most aggressive and vocal of the birds marched in and would stop within range to survey for the hen. The brilliant red, white and blue heads of the gang of four was impressive. The boom that followed sent the other three back as quickly as they came. Maybe a little faster, as I think of it.
The turkey woods were picturesque with a lush green canopy newly emerged. It was a great hunt in a beautiful set of hardwoods. It also reaffirmed the wisdom in scouting, roosting, letting the hunt play out, and having patience which is a hallmark of Jakes’ approach and one I also favor.
We concluded the hunt with a hearty breakfast which always tastes a little better after a successful hunt! We’ll catch up again in the near future as we hunt common areas not far from my home and I’ll be sure to return!
There are so many places to visit here. Great eateries, wineries, breweries, entertainment venues – something for everyone.
I have planned a returned visit for next year, stay tuned!
-MJ
© 2019 Mike Joyner- Joyner Outdoor Media
#chautauqua, #Collin Voss, #Frank Shoenacker, #Jake Ensign, #Jamestown, #North American Big Game, #Southern-Tier Brewing, #turkey, Mike Joyner
Big Fish and Big Smiles On Lake Erie
By: Mike Joyner
Smiles were easy to be found from a great day on Lake Erie at the 2018 Lake Erie Experience V.I.P. Fishing Day in Dunkirk! The tenth annual event brought together so many good folks from Chautauqua and Erie County Fishery Advisory Boards, Water Authorities, and their Tourism Bureaus, Elected officials and their staff, Eastern Lake Erie Charter Boat Association and the NYSDEC.
The event was planned around a morning of fishing for walleyes and lake trout. With such a great day on the water for all, in a greater purpose it is a recognition and celebration of the culmination of efforts and cooperation from so many partners to build and improve a world-class fishery on Lake Erie. A major focus on the improving the water resources by applying sound scientific practices. Many efforts in managing for the natural resource, the fisheries, identifying and reducing pollution from uncontrolled runoffs and inadvertent discharges. Occurrences affect the ecological balance of the entire lake which continues on through Niagara Falls and onto Lake Ontario.
It was a gathering of stakeholders and the very people that work tirelessly to improve the fisheries, the water quality of Lake Erie, smaller lakes and streams that flow into it, and those who do a phenomenal job in promoting tourism of a vibrant and viable fishery, world-class wineries, distillers, craft beer artisans, fantastic restaurants and eateries, local attractions and a hospitality second to none that is fitting for the great natural resources of the Empire State.
As on my first day during the 2018 summer fish camp, I would be aboard the Dream Catcher with Captain Jim Steel and first mate Rich Fliss. Having an over the top phenomenal day with Jim and Rich the day prior I was more than eager to enjoy the second day on the lake with them. Jim and Rich run a methodical and precision approach to fishing the lake and it is impressive to see calm cool resolve in action. As the day before, it is also impressive in the sharing of information, the how and why of using what lures, what depths, what triggers consistent strikes even in the most gnarly weather conditions.
An impromptu class held on the water and made to look easy from many years of experience. My only regret is that my wife was not there to enjoy it as I did. Big hint guys, the ladies can out fish the best of us, and you’ll get to go far more often as a couple. A fantastic fishing charter in all respects and as professional and personable time on the water you’ll ever come across. https://dreamcatchersportfishing.com
We would head out into much calmer waters than the three to five-foot waves we had the day before. The downpours would come and go and did little to deter our efforts. The cabin was spacious and provided excellent cover when needed. I joined the staff from Environment and Planning and Erie County Parks and recreation for our morning excursion. As we took turns reeling in walleye and lake trout! I would learn that both organizations work well together with their respective staffs and they play well together while doing great work for their constituents, the public, and for the making of a great fishery. Their work and in cooperation of all the stakeholders makes for a much healthier Lake Erie, and surrounding waterways which we all enjoy.
As you notice in the pictures, those smiles were many and consistent throughout our trip that morning. Working for Daniel Rizzo, Erie County Commissioner of Parks, Recreation & Forestry. or Tom Hersey, Commissioner of Environment and Planning in Erie County, might be a good gig judging by those that work for them. Good time had by all, and while enjoying the results of their work. The cooperation among so many entities and stakeholders is a model to repeated in the great Empire State.
A quote that you can take to the bank- “Smiles were easy to be found from a great day on Lake Erie at the 2018 Lake Erie Experience V.I.P. Fishing Day in Dunkirk! The results of grand cooperation from so many dedicated sportsmen, Chautauqua and Erie County Fishery Advisory Boards and their Tourism Bureaus, Eastern Lake Erie Charter Boat Association, NYSDEC, and the tireless efforts of public staff and professionals have created a world-class fishery that is a must do on your bucket list. Best Walleye fishing to be had bar none ”
As my review of the event comes about on the heels of many other fellow outdoor writers musings, you’ll notice that we viewed the day from very similar prisms. In short, we having a shining gem along the shores of Lake Erie as a world-class fishery and a tourism destination. Something for everyone to enjoy. As we are fishing the fall months, it is in my view a strong recommendation and most encouraging advice to partake in the remaining days of a fantastic fishery and plan more than a few days on the big lake for 2019, and many seasons to come! Bring your spouse, bring your friends, as the area provides so much in recreational opportunities, dining, and a thriving attraction of wineries, distilleries, and craft beer brewers well worth the trip.
By the way, if you have some beat up old lures, be sure to take one eye out, and scratch off some paint here and there. Makes for a killer presentation of a buggered up bait fish…
-MJ
© 2018 Mike Joyner- Joyner Outdoor Media
#fishing #Dunkirk #NYSOWA #lakeerie
Hook, Line and Gobble Safari In Oswego County, New York
Sixteen outdoor writers from the New York Outdoor Writers Association trekked to Selkirk Shores State Park in Oswego County to attend the 2018 Spring Safari May 17th-20th. The area is well known for the annual salmon run each fall which brings tens of thousands of anglers to the area. If you are at all familiar with Oswego County, spent time there as we all did during the safari we would agree that the area offers so much more in outdoor pursuits, attractions, eateries and is a ‘must do’ destination for anyone who enjoys the great outdoors.
Our accommodations were modern cabins within the state park which served us well and doubled as a base of operations. Thursday night was a meet and greet hosted by the Oswego County Tourism Office where we all got to meet up and connect personally with all those we converse with on a frequent basis . After enjoying a great spread of appetizers, and getting to finally meet everyone, we do as we always do and draw up the battle plans for the first full day of fishing, turkey hunting, and hiking. Our get-togethers are always fun as being writers we all can tell some great stories as expected.
Friday morning we paired up to embark on an assault on Deer Creek game lands and see what gobblers we could get on to. There were guides to be on hand for Saturday’s hunt for some of the writers. We would be hunting on our own. NYSOWA members Ed Noonan and Steve Zahurak would pair up and go after birds they had heard gobble back at them while roosting Thursday night. Fellow member Dan Ladd and I would start out on the other side of the game lands about a mile north of Ed and Steve. We were greeted with a beautiful sunny morning with calm winds and with a well-animated conversation with two owls. Nothing gobbled or hen talked on the roost, even after fly down time and the crows raising a ruckus, no wild turkeys would reveal their presence to us. We were too far away to hear Ed or Steve call despite it being very calm. The foliage was fully out by then. We were confident we could hear either of them shoot, and fully expected they would as Ed is known to make quick work of it and if he had his way, so would Steve. The first hour passed and a shot never rang out although we expected otherwise. We would learn later that a pair of jakes did come in, and they passed them up as they were looking for adult gobblers.
Dan who is an ardent and accomplished Adirondack deer hunter is slowly being challenged at my bidding to become a solely devoted turkey hunter, at least to a measurable degree. Dan’s instincts apply well to the spring season and rather than march back to the truck and run off to the next spot, we took our time to walk more of it and survey the place on foot rather than relying on what we had looked at with google earth. It is a fantastic tool for previewing a new territory to hunt. We sat down in the woods off from the fields at a spot that screamed out to the both of us as being a perfect place set tree stands for the fall archery season. We sat down on a log and got to talking for a bit. We had made a few calls as we trolled to the spot we were at and it paid off as our conversation was abruptly cut off by a raucous gobble not more than a hundred and fifty to two hundred yards away.
With a quick scramble Dan sat up just a bit from where we sat facing where the gobbler was coming from, and I dropped back twenty-five yards in the hope of drawing him in. While the gobbler might hang up on my calling as they instinctively do, it would be well within range for Dan. A few soft calls indicated the bird would be headed to an open area in front of Dan and his gobble was loud and impressive. I thought Dan would have him in his lap until I saw a bright flash along the edge of the field to my right. The gobbler decided to sneak around and flank us. Once I saw the flash of the top of the gobbler’s head, I positioned my barrel as he went behind some brush while heading to the next opening. Once he cleared that he would have a full view of us, and making a move would be an alarm put and exit stage right. Didn’t go as planned but the report of my 12 gauge stopped him from a hasty exit. A dandy three-year gobbler and tipped the scales just shy of twenty-two pounds.
Once we got some nice pictures taken we headed out to two other state game lands towards Pulaski. At our third setup another gobbler came in by me, but a full sixty yards behind Dan. Never gobbled, but strutted and drummed. Well within my range but my turkey gun was packed snuggly in its case. The bird taken early that morning was the second tag for me which had both of my gobblers taken on state game lands this season, with the first tagged on the 13th. New York allows only one per day. The mission at hand was to get Dan onto a willing gobbler. Close but no cigar as the gobbler walked off without incident and the clock ran out.
We were then treated to a luncheon at Douglaston Salmon Run and a presentation on the history and current programs implemented there. The afternoon had multiple offerings of a guided mushroom foraging/edible plant outdoor class, canoeing, hiking to the scenic Salmon River Falls, fishing at Douglaston Salmon Run with a guide, and a tour of the DEC’s fish hatchery / Salmon River Fishing Museum in Altmar. Something for everyone in our group.
Our evening function was held at Tailwater Lodge in Altmar. A world-class facility and perfect accommodations for those visiting the region not only for the internationally known fisheries and fishing opportunities but also for weddings and corporate events. Along with a great meal that we enjoyed there, they also feature a tasting room with a wide selection of microbrewery offerings as well as New York wines which my wife and I both are great fans of. A great destination for anniversaries and other special family events as well.
Saturday’s morning excursion had me joining fellow outdoor writer David Barus and local reporter Matthew Reitz from the Palladium Times. We would head out and fish from the Harbor in Oswego with Capt. Chad Gehrig, Son of a Gun charter service. We would be fishing for Brown Trout on Lake Ontario. A fantastic morning of fishing! With the rains creeping in, the fishing only got more intense and we would limit out on Brown’s by 7:45 AM. At times we had three fish on at once! We were landing Brown’s in the three to five pound range. Excellent table fare as my wife will attest to.
Our experience is very much the same as other writers had on Friday. I do plan to enjoy more fishing with Chad this summer. It is a unanimous opinion amongst our group that all the guides we had over the course of the event were outstanding and made for a very memorable safari. I have each of them listed at the bottom and wouldn’t hesitate to book a trip with any of them.
Several gobblers were tagged on Saturday, and despite the inclement weather they all had turkeys in view making for a great morning the turkey woods. Saturday afternoon also had multiple offerings of canoeing, kayaking. fishing at Douglaston Salmon Run, and a tour of the DEC’s fish hatchery / Salmon River Fishing Museum in Altmar. Plenty of fun activities. The evening event was held back at our base of operations and included a great BBQ meal to top off a great two days of hunting and fishing. Sunday was open for those that wanted to turkey hunt or fish on their own. I headed out early for a long car trip to Maine for a three day turkey hunt.
The Safari was organized by Dave Figrura, our Safari Chairman, in conjunction with the Oswego County Tourism Office. With a lot of activities planned over the course of several days, it was made to look flawless and easy despite so many moving parts to keep track of. A big thank you goes out to Dave, and to Janet Clerkin, Tourism & Public Information Coordinator; Dave Turner, Director, and the rest of the staff at the Oswego County Tourism Office for a great effort in putting it all together.
A big round of thank you’s is in order for so many that went above and beyond to make for a great event and a memorable weekend in a destination spot that confirms my opinion of New York being one of the best states in the union for hunting, fishing and a wide range of outdoor recreation. I personally recommend visiting or booking an event or outing with all of these folks as they are top notch at what they do, and you’ll be glad you did. My wife and I will be returning in the near future for just that reason.
2018 NYSOWA Spring Safari Sponsors:
* Oswego County Federation of Sportsman Clubs, http://www.oswegocountysportsmen.com
* Oswego County Department of Community Development & Tourism, http://www.visitoswegocounty.com (315) 349-8322
* Douglaston Salmon Run, http://www.douglastonsalmonrun.com (315) 298-6672
* Liberty Vinyards & Winery, http://libertywinery.com/ (716) 672-4520
2018 NYSOWA Spring Safari Hosts:
*Selkirk Shores State Park, https://parks.ny.gov/parks/84/details.aspx (315) 298-5737
*Tailwater Lodge, https://tailwaterlodge.com (315) 298-3434
*Salmon River International Sportfishing Museum, http://www.pulaskifishingmuseum.org/
*NYS DEC Salmon River Fish Hatchery, http://www.dec.ny.gov/outdoor/21663.html (315) 298-5051
2018 NYSOWA Spring Safari Turkey Hunting Guides:
*Stanley Ouellette, Deer Creek Outfitters, http://www.deercreekny.com/fishing-and-hunting-guides/ (315) 298-3730
*Ryan Gilbert, Deer Creek Outfitters, http://www.deercreekny.com/fishing-and-hunting-guides/ (315) 298-3730
*Bill Wilbur, president, Salmon River chapter, National Wild Turkey Federation, http://www.nynwtf.org/salmon-river (315) 963-3368
2018 NYSOWA Spring Safari Fishing Charters:
*Capt. Dave Silver, Reel Silver Charters: http://www.reelsilvercharters.com/; reelsilver@twcny.rr.com; (315) 271-8773
*Capt. Troy Creasy, High Adventure Charters: https://www.highadventurefishing.com/ (315) 243-2389
*Capt. Zack Rayno, Cold Steel Sportfishing: http://coldsteelsportfishing.com/ (315) 243-2389
*Capt. Chad Gehrig, Son of a Gun charter: https://www.kgsportfishing.com/ (315) 343-8171
2018 NYSOWA Spring Safari Hiking, Foraging Guide:
*Roy Reehil, author, forager 315-675-3625; roy@reehil.com
-MJ
© 2018 Mike Joyner- Joyner Outdoor Media
#turkeyhunting #fishing #Oswego #NYSOWA #lakeontario
The 2017 Lake Erie Experience- A “Must Do” Destination- Dunkirk Harbor
It is now entirely possible to nudge a hard core turkey hunter to enjoy nearly as much, another sportsman’s activity such as fishing. It is a most somber admission after a quarter century of long beard mania madness. In all honesty fishing came first as a wee young lad, whitetails in my mid-twenties, and in 1993, gobbler chasing took over everything. Prior priorities were relegated to distant second and third rankings of outdoor passions.
I accepted the invite with eager anticipation to attend the 9th Annual VIP Fishing Day taking place out of Chadwick Bay Marina in Dunkirk Harbor. Timing with my workload fell into a rare alignment of the stars making it feasible to get away. It would turn out to be a great mid-week getaway to enjoy several days of great fishing, camaraderie, and an opportunity to meet with local leaders, and tourism professionals to exchange thoughts and ideas as well as the requisite tall tales of fishing adventures.
Dave Barus had set up ‘Chautauqua County Media Fish Camp 2017’ for us to take in and experience what the area has to offer. I cannot thank him enough for handling the logistics and details of the excursion. He has a bright future in herding cats as outdoor writers are an independent group of individuals. Sunset Bay Cottage would be base camp for the duration. Located in Sunset Bay it is a great place to meet up, enjoy the beach and dining establishments, all within short walking distances. Past NYSOWA President Wayne Brewer, Leon Archer, Steve Colley, Wade Robertson and Collin Voss would be fellow camp mates and made for a great fish camp. Steve and Wade hailing from Northern Pennsylvania would join us for the latter two days while Collin, our youngest member in camp would endure initiation rights and would enjoy the third day out on the lake. Ultimately Collin out fished us all and kept his shirt tail intact. The conversations and storytelling at camp are the very reasons we cherish our time there!
First morning out we would head to Dunkirk Harbor only to find rough conditions which had already forced a number of boats back to the marina. We met up with local bass pro’s Scott Gauld and Scott Callen and decided to head over to Cassadaga Lake for bass, both smallmouth, and largemouth on much calmer waters. We fished the upper lake and enjoyed a relaxed and fun time catching smallmouths along with a few muskies. A special thank you to their sponsors Denali Rods, Kamooki Lures, and Venom Lures for being perfect equipment choices for our time on the lake. After a morning of ‘impromptu testing’, I will be adding them to my A-list for ‘must have’ gear.
Later in the day we paid a visit to Merritt Estate Winery located in Forestville, New York. We met up with Bill Merritt the owner and enjoyed a fine tasting of current offerings. With my ties to the industry in the Cortland area, I hope to see their offerings there. The staff is to be commended for their prompt and friendly service. They present a relaxed and comfortable atmosphere to enjoy the fine wines they craft. Being a big fan of New York craft beers, distilled spirits and wines, the offerings at Merritt Estate Winery was worth the trip. My wife and I routinely stock our wine racks with New York wines and will add Merritt estate wines to our preferred vino to have on hand.
We would take a short walk over to Cabana Sam’s Sunset Bay Grill later that evening to sample the dining fare of the area. Blacken Grouper Reuben was my choice, and I would go out of my way to go back there again just for that. I’ll express empathy to my other camp mates that could not be there for the dinner outing as it was a meal not to miss.
There are many other wineries, craft beer companies, and distillers in the area. It is my only regret of the trip that I could not stay an extra day or two to enjoy tastings at each of them and further enjoy the many dining choices of the area. It is my thought that the Tourism Bureau has a lot of great offerings to work with and promote. I will return to the area for that very reason.
Our second full day in Dunkirk would have us out on the Great Lake Experience Event with conditions a bit more hospitable for fishing. Although I purchased nearly the full accordion worth of licenses each year to hunt and fish, it was appreciated that the day was deemed a free fishing day as to attract invited guests experiencing their first time on the lake. The event matched up boat captains with outdoor writers such as myself, many folks from the surrounding county tourism bureaus, NYSDEC, local politicians, county dignitaries, state legislators, and Congressmen. It was estimated that over sixty participants were paired up with twenty-two well-experienced boat captains who went above and beyond to show all of us a great morning out on Lake Erie.
After being assigned to come aboard 365 Sportfishing Charters, I headed out with Chautauqua County Executive- Vince Horrigan, fellow outdoor writer Paula Piatt, Chautauqua County Chamber of Commerce President/CEO- Todd Tranum, Congressmen Tom Reed Staffers- Jaqueline Phelps (Regional Director) & Alison Hunt(District Director), with Captain Mark Hitcome at the helm. We were after walleyes, as were the other charters. After navigating several miles out into the lake, we were in the thick of it at water depths of 70-100 feet. With a full complement of planar boards and down riggers rigged, we soon had one pole after another set hook, and there was plenty of action. Everyone caught a pile of walleyes along with a few silver bass. There were seven or eight just under the 15″ legal size, and we kept seventeen walleyes altogether. We came in an hour before the appointed time due to the lake kicking up five-foot waves. One of the walleyes I caught was one of several that came in just shy of four pounds.
Once docked and the fish taken care of we headed to the Northern Chautauqua Conservation Club. A luncheon get together was scheduled with invites for all the participants and special guests including NYSDEC Chief, Bureau of Fish and Wildlife Services- Steve Hurst, Chautauqua County Executive- Vince Horrigan, City of Dunkirk Mayor- Willie Rosas, NYS Assemblyman District 150- Andy Goodell, and US 23rd District Congressman Tom Reed along with other local dignitaries. Zen Olow, chairman of the Great Lakes Experience event and Club President MC’d the affair. Presentations covered issues concerning pollution in the Great Lakes that eventually flows into Lake Erie and on to Lake Ontario, upcoming/pending legislation initiatives, club awards, and comments from distinguished guests. The main course on the menu as you may have guessed was walleye cutlets which in my opinion is the tastiest culinary delight of any game fish caught in New York State. I would have to admit that begrudgingly. As a young boy, I totally believed that Northern Pike was the best fish to eat. My grandfather cubed them into one-inch pieces within minutes of being taken from the live well and placed directly into a fresh pot of fish chowder simmering on grandma’s stove. I can still remember his old F-100 coming down the driveway with giant Northern’s still jumping in the bed of the pickup. The delicious smell of fresh chowder simmering is one that stays with you all your days. Now that I leave you hungry… With over a hundred people attending, it was as much fine eating and education that you could possibly pack in between the four walls of the club.
Our second evening was spent in camp with home cooking courtesy of our host, fine wines, and the best of company. David’s grandson Collin, would join us that evening and was a welcomed addition to our camp. Collin is an impressive young man and a exemplary example of his upbringing. The fact that he out fished all of us is something we’ll have to let go of and come to grips with eventually… all kidding aside it is a pleasure to have him in camp.
Our last morning on the lake would pair myself, Leon and local area outdoor writer Gene Pauszek with Sassafras Fishing Charters. Captain Lance Ehrhardt along with Zen Olow would be in charge of another great day out on Lake Erie. the lake would be a bit calmer than the day prior. Once all the rigging was complete we would not wait long for the hooks to set and the reeling to start. Although a little slower pace than the day before we would limit out on walleye. With calmer waters, we relaxed, told tall stories, cheesy jokes and caught plenty of walleyes! A bit of back story as few days prior to the V.I.P. event, I would learn that Eastern Lake Erie Charter Association members Lance and Zen, along with Joe Jemiolo (passed away in 2014) were the main forces behind the creation of the annual V.I.P. fishing event. All the walleyes cooked up for the grand luncheon were made possible by Eastern Lake Erie Charter Association Members in concert with Sunset Bay Shoot Out, Razor’s Big Dawg tournaments. We were in the company of great people, great volunteers.
It is a focused opportunity to couple what we so love and are endeared to as sportsmen to convey, to educate those that promote tourism opportunities, and ultimately makes decisions, crafting legislation that impacts our sport. It is also an opportunity for outdoor professionals & sportsmen to learn and gain insights as to how decisions are formulated. We as sportsmen can provide data or participate in the research needed to enhance our great pastime, and attract newcomers to a grand recreational experience.
Maintaining and improving the natural resources, a world class fishery was the topic at hand. I’ll speak for all that attended in that we enjoyed a grand experience of a vibrant and healthy fishery. It is a fine example of what can be achieved in the Empire State. As if you need further prodding, the word among the group was that the current state of the fishery on Lake Erie promises to be great fishing for years to come given the abundant and diverse age classes of walleye and of other fish species.
As I titled this scattered collection of impressions and honest opinion it holds so true that it is a “Must do in Chautauqua County from Dunkirk Harbor” destination. It is a gem of our great state and one that I will return to with my wife to enjoy the great fishing, as well as the other offerings that the area excels at. As an outside observer, it is impressive the number of groups, people from very different interests working together to build up a healthy ecosystem, a vibrant fishery, and a destination well worth the trip. All of us who cherish the state’s natural resources, the quality of its fisheries extend a very large thank you to all that have made it so successful.
-MJ
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