Kevin J Legg

One thing we can all agree upon is this is a fragile fishery and needs protection. All fish caught have a chance of mortality summer or winter. Even when fish are handled correctly there is no easy way of knowing if it actually survived. Actually I feel Ice fishing released fish may survive better due to cold temperatures ( assuming fast release with no freezing) . The ice also supports their weight if not lifted vertically. I certainly don't feel this fish was targeted. I've ice fished the river 40 year and caught 1 Muskie through the ice but incidentals do occur. There were many assumption made about the catching, weighing, targeting, etc. of this fish. I certainly understand people's concerns. However, I know the fisherman and believe he would do whatever possible to ensure the survival of the fish, but I too was not a witness. It's easy for all of us to judge others and be passionate about a sport we love. Sent from my iPad using Lake Ontario United

This angler is a former student of mine and a good fisherman and sportsman. He has caught plenty of trophy fish and knows the proper way to handle and release them. I'm certain he released and handled this great fish with care. I've been criticized for keeping (legally caught) fish on this forum and thus seldom post photos or share information anymore. It's easy to judge an individual by a single photo without knowing the entire story. I certainly do agree that released fish should be handled with great care. Sent from my iPhone using Lake Ontario United

Another great hunt! Sent from my iPad using Lake Ontario United

Planned a trip down to the lake this week but weather and circumstances prevented our trip. Glad some are having a good late season. Sent from my iPad using Lake Ontario United

Those are nice pickerel and good eating. Never caught one in the SLR but have in Chaumont and Henderson. Wonder why they're not in the river? At least I've not seen one in 40 years.

Small pickerel and pike are harder to fillet than the bigger ones. I have eaten some big ones and they were also very good. Sent from my iPad using Lake Ontario United

Wouldn't keep them if I didn't eat them. They are actually very good. Not flaky like a walleye but very tasty with a finer texture that works very well in chowders but also great anyway you like. Once you learn how to fillet out the Y bones they aren't to bad to clean, especially the larger ones. Sent from my iPad using Lake Ontario United

Fished a bay on river today. Ended up with 3 nice pike and about 15 perch. Smallest pike was 24" largest weighed 10 lbs. 4 oz. Sent from my iPhone using Lake Ontario United

I'll be back from family Christmas tomorrow and hope to hunt Canada a few more times before it closes and the try the western season if weather cooperates. Sent from my iPad using Lake Ontario United

I believe it was a slow fall on the SLR. Seemed to be more birds on the big lake but still no big numbers. This snow and cold will likely have birds on the move. Saw some snow geese movement last week. Hopefully will get some late season hunting in. Sent from my iPad using Lake Ontario United

Ended my NE duck season today with a three man limit of whistlers and bufflehead on the big lake. Lots of fun and fast decoy action. Now a short holiday break and hopefully more hunting in Canada and Western NY. Sent from my iPad using Lake Ontario United

Grifter, We were out on Thursday. First time I've hunted there in many years. Hunted Fox Island today and only shot a few. Not many birds that we have seen. Sent from my iPad using Lake Ontario United

Not a lot of birds around on the SLR or Eastern end of the Lake. Hunted near Gallo Island yesterday and only got 3 buffies, 1 gadwall, and 1 whistler. Saw mallards, broadbills, whistlers, Oldsquaws, swans, gees and gadwall but not in any great numbers. Also checked out around Fox and Grenadier Islands and no big rafts seen. Hope some birds move in before season ends. Sent from my iPad using Lake Ontario United

Keep the reports coming Longspurs. Looks like you are having a great season. Sent from my iPad using Lake Ontario United

Great to get kids outdoors. I find once they see what it is all about most love it. On the other hand both Prof T and I have adult sons that never really developed passion for hunting even though exposed at a young age with many great outings. Sent from my iPad using Lake Ontario United

Had the pleasure of another three generation hunt with the Hunter family. Andrew also hunted with us but had to leave before the photo. Sent from my iPhone using Lake Ontario United

Ever hunted out of layout blinds with a 3 and a 6 year old. Alan Hunter and I did it with Gabe Ward this afternoon and had a blast and even got our limit. Henry and Mel were great and entertaining and Bailey was again the wonder dog. Sent from my iPhone using Lake Ontario United