Irish Hammer

I recently added a few Shimano Tekota 600hglca’s into my program. I am curious as to reviews for this reel as a wire diver reel. I saw a post from a few years ago mentioning that they are not recommended to use with wire or braid because the line will cut into the plastic insert on the level wind. Any reviews that can be shared after a few years of use is appreciated. Thank you.

Updates for Olcott/Wilson Launches Looking for updates regarding the status of boat launches in Olcott and Wilson. My intentions were to utilize the Wilson-Tuscarora launch. I have a 4 hour drive into the area on Thursday to fish for the weekend. I want to make sure I can still get out. All information is appreciated. Thanks.

Looking for info on launch and fishing conditions at either location. Don't want to make the drive if I can't get out. Appreciate any feedback. PC

Any reports of salmon being caught in the Oswego area? I see that there are a couple that were weighed at Larrys Salmon Shop for the LOC. Thanks.

Good to see opinions from both sides of the aisle. Anytime we have a topic like this it brings out a lot of input. As an individual involved in law enforcement, it is my opinion there is no room for ignorance, arrogance, disrespect or an unprofessional attitude towards the general public. It is also my opinion that all law enforcement agencies from the local village police officer on up to the feds serve a purpose and serve that purpose with integrity and in a very professional manner. RodBuster, it is unfortunate that you went through that experience. It has put a sour taste in your mouth and it is something that you will not forget. I would like to offer the forum some information about the current state of Customs and Border Protection and who serves what purpose on our Great Lakes and inland waterrways. Before the creation of the Department of Homeland Security(DHS) the United States Border Patrol fell under the Immigration and Naturalization Service within the Department Of Justice. After DHS was created a new entity was born, Customs and Border Protection(CBP). Within CBP there is a unit called Air and Marine. These federal agents are tasked with enforcing multiple laws in the near coastal and Great Lakes regions. The U.S. Border Patrol traditionally executed these duties but were replaced by CBP Air and Marine after CBP was established. The Border Patrol still has Marine assets but they perform their duties primarily in a riverine environment. Occasionally you may see them out in Lake Ontario or Lake Erie but for the most part they remain in the Niagara, St. Lawrence and other riverine environments. Border Patrol and CBP Air and Marine vessels are marked the same since we are under the same agency. Unless you specifically ask what agency you are dealing with or know what vessels each agency are outfitted with it is very hard to tell who you are having an encounter with. Don't be afraid to ask. Three years ago, all encounters were with the Border Patrol. Now I would say if you are out in the lake it is most likely CBP Air and Marine you are seeing. I would guess that RodBuster had an encounter with CBP Air and Marine. From the description(triple Mercury outboards), it sounds as if this is one of their vessels. The problem I am seeing is the new vessel commanders and crewmen are not aware of or trained to identify some of the common recreational activities in our area. They see fishing boats and think individuals are pulling lines behind and below their boat. In all honesty, I am sure some of them have no idea what in-line or big boards are or what purpose they serve. They also probably don't understand the effort put into getting all the gear and accessories set up while trolling. I would recommend a couple things. First of all and most important, stay calm , courteous, and professional. Even if the Law enforcement vessel approached in a matter unsuitable to you, things will only go down hill if you have a poor attitude. After the encounter, discuss the manner of approach and make suggestions to the vessel commander. Tell him what the purpose of the boards are and how far back lines are usually run. Suggest utilizing radio communications to advise that a boarding will take place and allow enough time to clear gear to make it safe for both parties. Constructive criticism goes a lot further than arguing a point. If you encounter an agent or officer that is unprofessional or does not treat you the way you feel you deserve, ask for the contact information of their superior officer. If you feel that won't do the job, call your local elected representative and express your feelings. The Southern and Northern borders are completely different. I have spent time on both in a law enforcement capacity. We must remember that just eight short years ago a couple towers came down at the hands of terrorists and a lot of lives were lost. There are always indivduals looking to make our way of life uncomfortable. We are darn lucky to live where we live and enjoy the liberties we have. Although it might appear that some of these law enforcement vessels are harassing the public, they do have a mission and are doing their best to accomplish it. Stay vigilant and report suspicious activity. The public are our eyes and ears. Thanks for reading my take on things. Hope it helps. Irish Hammer

Have not heard much on the walleyes. Pike fishing has been consistent. Find a drop off area with structure near shallow water and you will find pike. Jigging has been productive. I am sure other applications are working as well. Walleye are usually good outside of Mud Bay this time of year. If you get a chance head down to Chaumont Bay. I have heard the pike fishing is excellent. FYI, musky does not open up until June 20th. They are starting to spawn and are stressed this time of year. Good luck on your weekend and give an update how you did. Irish Hammer

Mr. Czarnecki, Thank you for your timely response and information you provided. I will definitely take a look at what the open division has to offer. I understand your point that there has to be a verifiable method for determining pro status. Although I don't agree with how the pro-ams make a determination on what constitutes a pro, I understand that there has to be guidelines. I, like others are responding to what this thread started as, an avenue to provide ideas on what would bring in more teams. I may be in a select group as an individual who has a captains license but does not use it for commercial gain but I thought I would throw it out on the table as a talking point. I look forward to seeing increased success for all the tournaments and derbies that take place around Lake Ontario and provide valuable dollars into many hurting economies. Paul Corbett Irish Hammer

That is disappointing to hear. It discourages me from participating for a couple of reasons. I have to pay more to enter and I have to compete against teams that have ten fold the knowledge and experience Lake fishing that I have. I believe if I read through the rules I would have a few more reasons as well. If the committee is monitoring this, it might be worth some discussion for next year. Placing a boat and crew in the pro division for merely having your captains license I believe is unfair. I would think placement in the pro division would be justified with charter fishing captains for hire or individuals who have been charter fishing captains in the past. By placing the title captain in front of an individuals name does not make this individual an experienced angler. Enough with my ranting. I would like to see this as a talking point for the committee for future pro-ams. Paul Corbett Irish Hammer

Thanks for the reply Ray. I have to ask, what constitutes a charter boat captain? I have never chartered for money. I would not mind giving one of these pro-ams a try. I just want to make sure I can enter the amateur division. [ Post made via Mobile Device ] [ Post made via Mobile Device ]

Without reading through all eleven pages of this thread for my answer, I will throw it out now. If you are a holder of a OUPV license(capt. lic), do you have to register in the pro division? Yes, I do some big lake fishing with friends and family and understand the basics of lake fishing but I am a far fetch from a charter captain. I would think that it would be unfair to individuals like me to be placed in the pro division for merely having a captains license. Not all individuals who procure their captains license do so for charter fishing purposes. Can someone explain to me what constitutes a pro angler entrant from an amateur angler entrant. Thanks Irish Hammer

That license is only required if you are going to guide on inland waters, correct?

The bass fishing around Clayton has been fantastic this week. I spent about an hour an a half messing around fishing for smallies today. I caght about a dozen and lost a few more. I worked about twenty yards of water along a shoal, drifting with the current to the end of the shoal and then returning to the same starting position to do it again. I don't consider myself a much of a bass fishermen but I do like the fight smallmouth bass have. I can just imagine the results that some of the local bass fishermen are experiencing. Stop in to the 1000 Islands bait shop or visit their website to get an active report. Irish Hammer Clayton, NY