Captain's Log

Captain's Log

It is a rainy cold afternoon and I just finished my fourth lake charter of the season. We fished browns along the shoreline and there was never a time I could get all the rods in the water. Absolutely incredible trout fishing, all you want and then some. Now, I am home drying out and wrapping up this issue three days past the deadline.
Having just finished up my spring steelhead season, it was obvious to everyone that it was the toughest season we have ever seen. As good as the brown trout fishing is, the steelhead fishing is just the opposite.
I can only imagine how tough it may be to book next spring after coming off the bleak one we just had. But you know, even on the slow days just one or two jumping, thrashing, hard fighting fish can make memories that last forever. On those days that I finally shoot the bear, and that one and perhaps only fish of the day comes to the net, I always have to look to the sky and give thanks.
We all hope that the summer salmon fishery will resemble last year's, but if it doesn't, we need to enjoy and appreciate every fish as if it might be our last. Don't whine if you only have five bites or you don't catch a king over 25 pounds. We have it so good, even on the tough days.
As this issue will be out in June, I can only wonder if the fantastic fishing will continue. Either way we will be here bringing you the latest and greatest of what Lake Ontario and Upstate New York has to offer. We have such a tremendous fishery here in New York State and, like most good things, it is taken for granted way too often.

I would like to personally thank all the volunteers who so graciously donate their time and sweat, feeding and tending to our pen-reared steelhead and salmon across the lake. I feel that the net pen projects have been instrumental in maintaining the quality fishery that we have. Without these concerned individuals, this project would surely fail.

I have said this before so I will say it again. Summer is upon us. Enjoy it!
Before you know it the snow shovel will be back out.
Spend more time on the water, take a kid fishing, use your boat that you make the payments on every month, watch bikini-clad women on the beach, cook on the grill and spend time with friends and family. Most of all, have fun! Troy
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Letters to the Editor

Troy,
I went into my favorite tackle store today and was excited to see a new issue of Lake Ontario Outdoors on the rack. When I got back in the truck I took a preview of the articles the new issue offered. As I started thumbing through the pages I remembered that I had submitted a picture for the photo contest back in January. Wow was I excited when I got to page 50!
Just wanted to send you a quick note and thank you for including the picture in your top-notch, highly respected publication. I am very proud to be part of the Spring Issue and my wife, Laura, is also very proud because she took the photo! Thanks again.

Matt & Laura Alexander