LOMA 2

Tuna's Reel Troubles, Luddington, MI

   I send reels to them every fall and have always received superior customer service and quality work.

I was hoping that this was going to get around to j-plugs, cut plugs, etc.  What was once a go-to bait is now a late fall afterthought, why ?  I'd like to hear if plugs are finding their way back into the mix and when and how they are being

used. ( I have noticed that the teams on Salmon Showdown seem to use them more often than we do.)

   'Just returned home from the Greater Niagra Fishing Show and the LOTSA Salmon School.  Once again, both events were top notch.

The Show continues to grow each year while maintaining the character of a true fishing exhibition.  There was a great mix of local and regional

vendors with products and services on all aspects of Great Lakes angling. The seminars that I attended were very informative and well

presented, (the number of seminars and the variety of topics is incredible for a show still in it's infancy).

   The LOTSA school was terrific.  The instructors were well prepared and used their considerable knowledge and experience to keep the

presentation moving, which allowed for a great amount of information to be covered in a relatively short time frame.  The presenters

had a good chemistry and effectively passed along their enthusiasm along with their "secrets for success". 

   My thanks go out to Joe Yeager, Tim Broumond, all of the LOTSA volunteers, as well as, Bill Hilts and his team for an outstanding weekend.

Thanks Rick,

   LOMA II will be at the OOO and perhaps 2/3 of the KoO tourneys.

John

Just arrived home after the 10 hour trip from Pt. Breeze and the OOO.  Great time despite the weather.  My thanks go out to Rick,

Bob, Paul, and all of those who work to put on this quality event.  Also, a nod of appreciation to the many sponsors.

Team LOMA ll is already talking about 2017.

I generally watch the Showdown on their website. However, this season, only the first episode is available. Anyone heard of the reason that further

episodes have not been released ? Luckily, the second and third installments have been posted on this site....Thanks Guys.

I have attended the LOTSA Salmon School and Flea Market for the last four years, as well as, the Niagra show since it began. This year's school

was outstanding, (I'd say the best that I've attended, and they all have been great).  The Niagra Show is still growing and gets better each year. This

year the exhibition floor was terrific (excellent quality and variety of vendors).  I also had the opportunity to sit in on two of the hour long seminars,

(Capt. Russ Gahagan on Tournament Tactics and Capt. Rick Hajecki on Fishing Electronics), both were informative and enjoyable.  The Flea Market

was off this year, but, I'm sure that it will rebound in 2017.  Hat's Off to the LOTSA volunteers who work to make this awesome event all that it is.

I have owned a V-20 since 1994, (boat is a '87).  In my opinion, there is not a better 20' boat afloat.  Although I no longer us it on 

Lake Ontario, it continues to serve me well.  My buddy also has one, (a little older than mine, but in very nice shape) that we have

used on Lake O often. These boats are stable, roomy, and handle rough water better than many larger craft. A crew of three is ideal,

four is kind of tight.  I only upgraded for more room.

I have had the good fortune to have met and spoken with Capt. Carl on a few occasions at Oak Orchard.  He was always very upbeat,

approachable and helpful.  A great example for all Lake O Capts.  I wish him all the best in his new venture/adventure.

Team LOMA 2 would like to thank the OOO Tournament Committee for another outstanding event. Despite our dismal finish, we had

a terrific time and we'll be back. Rick, Paul, and Bob (along with everyone else involved) produce a class tournament and deserve a

collective "Thanks".  Great job guys, we appreciate your efforts.

John, Jr, Phil, and Old Timer---Team LOMA 2

Contact Capt. Earl Rutty, "Bag-Lady" out of Oak Orchard. Mrs. Rutty makes a very nice rigger cover. Bought mine at the Niagra Show

in 2014. I assume that she's still in the business. Good Luck.

Fatboy,

   I will be at Oak Orchard (fishing the Open) at the same time you plan to make your trip. I'll be happy to share any info with you. While

my crew and I are by no means experts, if we have any timely tips, etc., I'll be happy to talk to you. You will find the folks at the Oak more

than willing to help a newbie learn the game (although the Open may keep some lips tight).

  We will be docked at the Four C's. White/red Sportcraft 252 "LOMA 2".

John

Paul,

   Just got back home after my quick trip to the Oak. Good chatting with you at the marina. I checked out the Billy picture

you posted, it looks like a killer. Can't wait for it's release. Good luck and good fishing, leave a few, I'll be back May 2nd thru

10th.

John Fahey

Rec Boat LOMA 2

Paul,

   I spoke to the Bay Rat guys while at the Niagra Falls show and they said that a "Billy Baroo" was on the drawing board.  I didn't

know that it had been released yet.  Undoubtedly, a soon to be favorite brown trout bait.

2 favorites; (1) Thunderstick in Firetiger

                   (2) Bay Rat in Oscar's Revenge (very similar to the newer style thunderstick called "Erie Ugly"

Very honorable mention; Thunderstick's Billy Baroo (discontinued and nearly impossible to find)

Rick,

   This answers all the questions in my e-mail. Thanks a bunch.

John

Agree 100%. Petition signed and supported. Thanks Gill-T.

Another emphatic vote for buying locally. Small shops support not only the fisherman in a community, but, the community as a

whole.  I only purchase from a big box store if absolutley necessary and almost never buy online. Cabelas, Dicks, Gander, etc.

may have prices that are a little better, but, the overall better value is with smaller vender.  Buy locally and say "Thank You!"

Wellcraft V-20, the best 20 ft boat afloat.  Stable, seaworthy and safe, no other boat in this size and price range can compare.

This boat was manufactured for 25+ years and was available outboard or I/O. Both are excellent platforms, but, the OB has more floor space.  115 to 150HP makes for a super outfit.

I have attended the last three Salmon Schools and Lotsa Sales and thought that this year's edition was the best I've seen.

The format of the school (with an emphasis on questions and answers) was a terrific change. The presenters were able to

provide their (sometimes conflicting) opinions, which helped to point out that often, whatever works, is the correct answer. Paul, Greg, and Mark each shared their tricks and secrets in an easy to follow fashion and appeared to have as much fun as the attendees. Good job and thanks guys.

The Marketplace was also vastly improved.  The larger room made for a much more relaxing experience. I believe that both

buyers and sellers benefitted greatly.

The LOTSA volunteers deserve a great deal of thanks for a wonderful job again this year. Thanks!

On another note, the Niagra Show was a much better product than last year.  The organizers of the show really took a major

step forward in 2015.

Looking forward to spring.

KicknBack,

   After searching for a 4stroke 15HP with no luck, I bought a 25HP Mercury Bigfoot as a kicker on my 252 Sportcraft.

I have been very pleased. Fuel efficient, quiet, and plenty fo power to troll in any conditions I want to fish in.  I don't

know how a 15HP would have worked, but, the 25HP is everything I hoped for, and more.

Tim,

   Looking forward to the LOTSA Salmon School, it should be great.

   Last year, there were several informational sessions in the evenings sponsored by the Niagra Show.  These were very

good and seemed to be well attended.  So far, on the website, no seminars are shown after 5pm.  Do you know if anything

is scheduled for the evenings?

Russell,

   I noticed that you had no mention of fishing plugs in your 2014 review.  It seems as though plugs are fished regularly on the

Showdown.  Perhaps the episodes with plugs are from early fall ?  I have had the feeling, after watching the show, that plugs

were being used more often in Lake Michigan than here on Ontario where they generally only come out for the fall combat

fishing. Your thoughts ?

   Terrific picture of your little teammate !

I find Capt. Wally very entertaining.  He is never at a loss for words and knows how to play for the camera.  I look forward to

his comments and insights, (even though I "cheer" for Angler's Avenue).

Keep up the good work.  It helps to at least see some open water at this time of year !!!

Guys,

   Although the weather is a consideration, we've travelled from Bangor, ME to the schools the last two years and wouldn't miss it.  It is a great break from winter to talk fishing, learn a little, and get fired up for spring.  This year's line-up of speakers

is top-notch and the Sunday sale is terrific.

   735 miles and we smile all the way out and back.