times two

Ray... I actually meant to put this under the south shore report...but muffed that... little bit early yet here on Erie. so that gives me time to play at LO and up in Canada later this month. Hoping to get back to Wilson next week....tough work week this week..... CBish....yeah, no screamers yesterday....had one other nice one on that we lost but we didn't think it was much bigger then the ones in the photo...I'm thinking just a few more days till they start up...what do you think? John

Took a ride up to Wilson on Saturday to derby fish with a couple of friends of mine. Had a great day on a beautiful lake (except for those darn litle black flies) Had a mixed bag of coho's and kings, with one steelhead to boot. 4 kings went around 15 lbs. 30-40-55 riggers were good, DW (regular) 42 second spoons, and the DW double crush were good for us; also the coho killer flasher (in red) with small blue flies of the 5 color on inline boards was good. We fished 6-7 miles west of Wilson, outside waters (just outside of the pack) 140-220 fow. We were kicking right along 3.2-3.7 over ground.

Thanks A-tom-mik.... Guess that might be the way to go......

I know this is a bit off topic, but with all the doom and gloom out there I thought I'd share some good news about a friend of mine..... His name is Sean Patrick McGraw, born and raised in my neck of the woods, and a friend of mine that occasionally gets on the boat or trips up north with me. He's been earning a living the hard way, traveling a ton, and singing his songs.... Anyway, he told me today that he has cut a video for a song called "Dollar Aint Worth a Dime", basically about a guy struggling in today's world, that is scheduled to be released on CMT on May 15th. Very cool!! He also has song he co-wrote with 2 other canadian singers (Deric Ruttan and Aaron Prichett) entitled "Hell Bent for Buffalo", that at last report was #16 on the Canadian singles chart. So if you happen to catch the video, you'll know Sean in a WNYer! John

For flying, the passport rules are already in force. For June 1, for road travel you either need a passport or the enhance license. This is an American rule, coming back in, not for going over.... John

flywasher....thanks for the offer, but it won't work. I have 1/2" pieces, but want to see if I can do it without doubling.... Thanks anyway. John

I'm sorry, units have been sold. John

Looking to make a minor modification on my seaswirl, so consequently looking for a piece of scrap starboard..... 1" thick, 2.5-3" wide, and about 15" long.... Anybody have some scrap or know of a source? John

Listing this for my brother in law.... 1989 cobia 265 oddyssey new canvas/mooring cover/back and side curtains in 2006 enclosed head, 350 5.7 mercruiser 260hp i/o,thunderbolt ignition 153gal gas/30gal fresh water shorepower onboard battery charger and two batteries recovered cuddy cushions 2007 alchol stove,sink fore and aft bilges trim tabs, rebuilt lower unit 2005(alpha) dual axle trailer All in good running condition and ready for spring fishing! Asking $7,000 or b/o Contact Dan Korzenski at 716-673-5542 (cell) or [email protected]

Pizzaboy.... I can give you all kinds of information on fishing from French River Lodge.... I first went there in 1980 with my dad and his bunch, and have been back a lot since..including every memorial day weekend since 1995.. At the time of year we are there, generally, the black flies aren't too bad, but you do get some colder days. Also, depending on the year, there may not yet be a lot of weed growth. We go mostly to catch northerns, and to hang out. My group of 6 is coming from 4 different states this year...so its a great chance to have a few libations and catch up. We go for the northerns for the fight, and also since we get plenty of 'eyes all summer here on Erie. They institued a slot a few years back on walleye, bass and pike, and it seems when we do get the nice walleye...its in the slot. Lots of under 22" pike, but you do get a few nice ones (we had 2 over 30" last year) and it seems like we do get a muskie here and there. My brother got an 18lb in 2007. Last year in 3.5 days, we boated 274 pike, and released all but about a dozen....and we were far from sun-up to sun down fishing..... 95% casting...spoons....10lb-12lb test. A couple of our guys have even tried flies... Crombie Bay is good, as mentioned, but really any little bay seems to yield at least a few fish.... For muskie information, check out the website for bears den lodge..... I can tell you the French River is my favorite place to go...cabins aren't fancy, but do the job nice. Joe and Anne have scaled back somewhat...one cabin came down last year due to govt. hassle...and another is coming down this year.... Nice rental boats...but they only have a limited amount as well of those.... www.frenchriverlodge.com If you call....tell Anne I gave you some info.... Feel free to fire away with other questions.... John

Irish Bouy: Jets are a great product for catching 'eyes on Lake Erie, especially in June and July when the fish are still fairly high in the water column, or if you are fishing closer to shore. We favor harness, small spoons and small sticks behind those. John

I've been fishing since the mid-70's when my dad took me as a kid, and started the big lake stuff in 1986. We lived right on Lake Erie, and my brother and I used to "launch" a 12 foot boat with a 15hp motor, flasher and 2 riggers....only on calm days ...right off the beach. I still remember my mother telling us "if you really are going to fish this much, get a better boat" and we did, and with my father's help we redid an 18' center console starcraft....115hp inline merc....that boat flew....anyway.. In 2004, I decided to take the test and start chartering, and I've really enjoyed it... but I have the "luxury" of not having to do this full time. I can honestly say that we have had some absolutely great groups on board, and like many of the other captains can attest to....the groups you think would come back because we hammered the fish don't come back, and the guys that didn't get as many...but laughed all day...book year in and year out! Last year the boat bug bit again, and after much consideration ended up with my Seaswirl..not as big as some, but big enough for now......still hurts making payments in January, though.... And there is pressure..... I am way more nervous before a charter than before a day out with the boys....my dock mate "Alibi" will attest to that........ and as several alluded to....its not a just go to the boat and leave the dock to fish situation. We are often there well before the clients, and also well after the clients, because you need to clean the boat, put away the tackle, fix anything that broke or kinked, etc. And oil to change, plugs to change..... In the winter, there are shows to attend, letters to write, reps to talk to...not crabbing about that...I enjoy that too....but just to show what else is involved.... I know there are many types of captain's out there, and each runs their boat and busines the way they believe they have to, which they should. But in my mind, its about making sure the people on board are safe, and have as good a time as possible...not necessarily that they have to limit out (although that is always good too!). Man, now I want to go fishing ! John

Name: John Forbes Boat name: "Times Two" Boat make-23' Seaswirl Striper Home Port: Dunkirk Home away from Home Ports: Wilson or the Oak Years on LE: about 34 (wow) Year on LO: 23 Residence while at the Oak: Four C's (Does the BNI count?)

I too fall into the had a soft top, now kind of a hard top. Used to have a center console with no top, graduated to an open bow with the high soft top, to an walk around with a high soft top and now to my 'swirl with the raised hardtop. Out off all of them, I like what I have now the best. I have an electronics' box..cool...and extra holders. I don't have to worry about leaks or the canvas top getting old. I think it actually is warmer too on cold days. I have not had the type of full hardtop that some of the reply's have...but if I had to 'swirls side by side...my choice would be the hardtop. John

Does anyone know if there is any place that the family has requested memorial donations be sent? Thanks. John

The Chautauqua Suites Hotel in Mayville NY (Chautauqua Lake area) is holding its second annual Steelhead show on March 21 and 22nd. For more information you can go to discoverchautauqua.com The show last year was well attended...I was told over 1500 for 2 days, and is probably a bigger venue than the LOTSA show. In any event, I am both a vendor and doing a seminar, and in today's mail they sent me about 35 free tickets. At the door price is $5.00. So, I'm sending them up on this Thursday to the Hamburg Expo for anyone that may want some free tickets. First come, first serve. They will be at the Mojo Sportfishing booth....say hello to Capt. Dana and Capt. Steve.

My condolensces to Shirley and the Riefer family over the passing of Joe. Both Joe and Shirley have been very good to all the guys from Dunkirk for many years, and like many I was a daily reader of "at the oak". I'll second Duane....please post if there is any kind of fund, memorial, etc. Thanks. John (and the rest of the Times Two Crew)

I've run Gamma for 2 seasons and am very happy.... I sent you a pm. John

Thanks. I have their riggers, triples and planner mast...very happy...and very disappointed they went out of business last summer. I hear rumblings that someone might be starting it back up.....but nothing solid yet! John

Revised post to reflect items sold.....

This unit is still available. PRICE IS REDUCED FROM $500 to $400! John

Sale pending..... John

Posting these for a friend of mine... For sale: 4 Diawa 47 SG line counters, good condition, $45 each plus shipping. 2 Diawa 27SG line counters, good condition, $40 each plus shipping. Reels are in good working order and are 3-4 seasons old. Contact Bud Marsh at 716-680-2375, or I can relay message to him. John

Russ: To be honest, when I've headed up north, anywhere, its generally been to fish for northern pike. We have plenty of walleye and bass here on Lake Erie, so we've always gone to catch something different. We're going to be up in late May at French River, which is northern georgian bay. Our smallmouth catch there is incidental. Its been a long time since I've been at Moon River in May.... Sorry I can't give you much more than that... John

Troutman....if it works for you...just send it with Ray....I'm good with that...and that way he can look them over for you... John