Spring at Last
Ahh.... Spring. How do I write something positive when I have been looking outside at one of the deepest snow packs I have seen in my life? Yes, it was a great ice fishing season. In fact it still is. Die hard snowmobilers are still running sleds on the Tug Hill. But the calendar says it is Spring, so dammit, we need some spring weather!
I think even the snow buffs are ready for the buds to sprout. It has been a very long and extremely cold winter. It is time to get the boats in the water and wet some lines. It is time to pattern the shotgun so we don't miss that big Tom, when he sticks his head up.
2004 is shaping up to be the season of good news! We are looking at a 10% increase in Chinook stocking. This is good news. The LOC Derby has new promoters, and is up and running. This is good news. The $1000/Day Derby is back for a second year, with some great changes and more prizes! This is good news. The Niagara and Oswego County Pro-Am Tournaments are alive and well and we have Gander Mountain as the Title Sponsor for both. Wayne County is climbing on board and they too will have a Pro-Am this year. The list goes on.
LOO is proud to be affiliated with, The Lake Ontario Sportfishing Stakeholders Coalition. The LOSSC was formed to represent the year round Lake Ontario sport fishing community in a united effort to promote, protect and enhance our world - class fishery.
LOSSC, as a group, is made up of business community groups and other organizations who's members utilize or depend on the Lake Ontario resources for recreational use or income. The group includes all stakeholders involved with the Lake Ontario fishery including but not limited to recreational anglers, professional fishing organizations, county and/or state tourism promotional groups, and area businesses and business organizations. Our website is www.lossc.com.
Tragedy struck close to home recently as my friend, Todd Frank, a nationally recognized Pro Walleye fisherman, guide, and Pulaski resident was severely burned in a garage fire. In addition to the physical and emotional hardships that lie ahead for Todd and his family, the fire also destroyed his Suburban, his charter/tournament boat and thousands of dollars worth of fishing gear.
Todd needs our help, so LOO is setting up a trust fund in Todd's behalf. You can step up and make donations to LOO C/O Todd Frank, PO Box 594 Pulaski, NY 13142. Your help will be greatly appreciated.
Shapiro Motors and LOO
Our great relationship with our truck sponsor, Shapiro Motors of Oswego, is going strong. The response at the Sport Shows have been overwhelming. I hear nothing but good from Dodge Truck owners comparing their ride to ours. The big question was: Is it a Hemi? No, it isn't. But on page ?? you can read all about the engine it does have. When you are in Oswego, make sure you stop by and see Todd.
Joseph J. Prince III, 53, of Syracuse passed away recently. He was an avid fisherman, hunter as well as the owner and operator of Prince Mastercraft Inc. He designed and manufactured Super Ski Planer boards. There isn't a captain out there that hasn't used some of Joe's products. Contributions can be made to the education of his grandchildren, c/o Renee Prince, 1632 State Route 49, Constantia, NY 13044. He will be missed.
BOOKER NOE 1929 - 2004
Master Distiller of Jim Beam Brands bourbon passed away recently. For any of my family, friends and customers that appreciate how well fishing and bourbon go together, a moment of silence. Another legend has left us.
Our Dodge Truck
I am sitting at the Syracuse Sport Show in January. Attendees are strolling by the booth and instead of the usual questions; How is the fishing? Are you getting any big ones? Everyone wants to know, Is it a Hemi? You see, I wasn't marketing my Charter business, Shelley and I were showing off the Lake Ontario Outdoors Dodge truck, provided to us by Shapiro Motors of Oswego.
Instead of talking fish, we were talking trucks. The guys visiting our booth were wearing NASCAR hats instead of camo. What do I know about Hemi's? I'm a fish-head, not a motor-head. Well, all I could tell them and you, is what my experience during this challenging winter has been with my truck.
I traveled throughout the Northeast to sportfishing trade shows and never experienced any trouble on the snow and ice covered interstates. You can literally feel the weight of this truck as it sticks to the road surface.
I spent numerous days pulling my driftboat up and down the roads that parallel the Salmon River. Several days, there was over 3 feet of fresh powder and not a plow in sight at 5:00 AM. Getting around on the ramps and yanking the boat out with a rope at days end, was never a problem. I will admit I got stuck one day, but I was throwing snow over the hood as I pulled into the Altmar parking lot. I kept forward momentum for about 40 yards and stopped. I couldn't go back either, as the boat was buried in powder behind me. We kicked the boat off, fished, and then shoveled out at the end of the day.
The power in our truck comes from Chrysler's single-cam 4.7L 16-valve V-8. No, it is not a HEMI! It's rated 240 hp at 4800 rpm and 300 lb-ft at 3200 rpm. Coupled with the optional 45RFE multi-speed automatic, in which a computer chooses gearing to suit your driving style and needs, the truck responds quickly and smoothly. The 45RFE is the only transmission in its class with the reverse gear ratio equal to the low gear ratio. It also features a unique alternate second gear ratio for use in difficult towing and grade climbing situations.
This Ram 1500 SLT from Shapiro Motors, continues to provide LOO with attractive dependability, distinctive styling, and loads of impressive standard features.
In a world of look-alike pickup trucks, the Dodge stands out. For more information on any and all Dodge, Chrysler and Jeep products go to; www.shapiromotors.com.