Lake Ontario charters offer fun for every level

Leo Maloney writes about fishing charters on Lake Ontario and gives his recommendations in his column.

A southwest breeze ripples the blue green water as charter boats trolls a predetermined course searching for a variety of gamefish. Overhead the gulls circle and search for bait fish as if they were miniature para-sailers. The only sounds are the raucous call of the gulls, the creak of the downrigger cables and the animated conversation of the passengers as they anticipate fishing action.

Suddenly there is the excited call of “fish on!” and one of the passengers grabs the rod from its holder while others await orders from the captain as to what they should do next. After a battle with a power- ful fish, the quarry is brought to the boat, netted and brought aboard to the excited calls of congratulations and admiration for the fish.

Welcome to the world of Lake Ontario fishing. World-class fishing for bass, trout and salmon exists a mere hour or two away. And if you don’t have a big sea-worthy boat equipped

for Lake Ontario fishing, there are many professional charters that can give you the experience and excitement.

I was reminded of this great fishing adventure recently as I read the fishing reports sent weekly from my friends Bill Hilts of Niagara County or Mike Waterhouse of Orleans County. Recently spoons were the top lure followed by flasher and fly rigs were taking most fish.

There are a lot of skilled charter captains on Lake Ontario who will help you catch fish and show you a good time. I have fished with many of them from Henderson Harbor to the Niagara River. There are also skilled local residents who maintain their boats and operate charters on Lake Ontario.

One such charter is “Family Style Fishing Charters” operated by the Lucason family from Camden. They run their new Baha 277 GLE fishing boat out of Fair Haven. The boat is well equipped with the latest electronics and fishing gear such as downriggers for catching everything from brown trout to Chinook salmon.

Captain Phil Lucason has always had a passion for fishing and wanted to share it with others. His family shares this same enthusiasm and is involved in the charters, thus one reason for the name. The boat is named Morgan-E after his two daughters Morgan and Elizabeth who often act as enthusiastic and very capable first mates.

Another key part of the concept of “family style” charters comes from Captain Phil’s approach. His calm, friendly approach makes fishermen and women of all ages and skill levels feel welcome. Anglers can help out as much or as little as they want.

Whether you are novices, or serious experienced anglers you should seriously consider Family Style Fishing Charters. Call Captain Phil Lucason at 315-709-9958 or goodtrolling@aol. com. Check the website at www.familystylefishingcharters.com. World class fishing is practically at your doorstep.

There are many other capable and family friendly charter boats throughout the Lake Ontario area. Some of the best that I highly recommend are Moby Dick Charters, Stanton charters or Proteus Charters. Moby Dick Charters is operated by Capt. Bob Dick who is familiar to visitors to the CNY Sportsmen Show where he has a booth every year. He operates his boat out of Henderson Harbor where he takes many clients, including a certain Hall of Fame basketball coach. Contact Bob at 888-2827 or captain@mobydickcharters. com.

One of the original captains who pioneered many of the techniques commonly used today is Mike Conroy who operates Proteus Charters out of Oswego Harbor. He still retains the cutting edge knowledge and provides a great experience. Call 655-2531 or email mconroy@twcny.rr.com

According to Spider Rybaak, the best captain on Lake Ontario is Dick Stanton and who are we to argue with a member of the Outdoorsmen Hall of Fame? Captain Dick is very knowledgeable and a pleasant person to share a boat with if the fish aren’t biting. Contact Dick at 246- 4767 or email Fishmrtex@aol.com.

Lake Ontario provides great fishing at our backyard. The fishing will equal any that you find on the other Great Lakes or certainly on the west coast. Take advantage of it today and make plans for a ‘ big game fishing” trip with family or friends. But don’t wait until mid-August to plan your trip. By then nearly every charter boat will be booked up in pursuit of the mighty king salmon.

SHORT CASTS

Photo Exhibit: Thanks to all the people who vis‑ ited my photo exhibit at the Sherrill Library this month and commented on the display. I have just learned that the exhibit will continue for the month of August. I will make small identification cards of the various locations of photos, etc. because that was a suggestion of several people. Fishing Clinic GSC: Sat‑ urday, Aug. 6will be a free kids fishing clinic at the Great Swamp Conservancy in Canastota. The class will be held from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. and conducted by Spider Rybaak. Spider is known for holding fish‑ ing clinics for kids all over Central New York and does a great job working with kids. For his extensive work in promoting fishing with youngsters he was inducted into the NYS Out‑ doorsmen Hall of Fame. Tickners River and Rail Trips: Quickly – What is the longest water ride in the Adirondacks? No, it is not at the popular amuse‑ ment parks in Old Forge or Lake George. It is the Moose River and offers a unique opportunity to com‑ bine a leisurely and scenic canoe or kayak trip with a fun return trip aboard a vintage train. The River and Rail is an excursion offered by Tickner’s Moose River Outfitters in Old Forge. You set off from Tickner’s docks in Old Forge in your own vessel or one that you rent at reasonable cost from Tickners. After pad‑ dling six miles downstream with the current through lowland cedar swamps or views of hardwood forests and nearby mountains, you pull out at Tickner’s private whistle stop. Scheduled train stops of the Adiron‑ dack Scenic Railroad will take you back to Thendara where Tickner’s shuttle will meet you and return you to home base and your vehicle. The River and Rail trips are offered Thursday through Sunday. Trips average about four hours and you should depart at 9:30a.m. for the early train or noon for the late train. Reserva‑ tions are necessary. Call 315‑369‑6286for more information. Firewood Ban: For several years the state of New York has banned the trans‑ portation of untreated fire‑ wood more than 50miles in an effort to stop or slow the spread of the Emerald Ash Borer. With the dis‑ covery of the Emerald Ash Borer in Rome recently, the state has tightened its crackdown. This is espe‑ cially of concern for the danger of the pest invading the Adirondacks. Recently forest Rang‑ ers have been making the rounds of many campsites in the Adirondacks and re‑ minding people of the rules as well as checking on firewood receipts. Be sure not to transport untreated firewood. If you buy fire‑ wood from local sources or get it at the various self‑service bins around the campgrounds, be sure to get one of the receipts that are available there. Mountainman Kayak Bass Tournament: Moun‑ tainman Outdoor Sports in Old Forge will hold a Kayak Bass Fishing Tournament on Saturday, Aug. 13. Waters will be the Fulton Chain and it will be a catch and release tournament. Meeting of captains and start will be 7a.m. at the Mountainman Rental Shop at the complex by the Moose River just as you enter Old Forge. Tourna‑ ment end and weigh‑in will be at the Rental Shop at 5 p.m. that day. Check the website www.mountain‑ manoutdoors.com or call 369‑6672for more details. Golden Passport Park Program: If you are a NYS resident 62or older on any weekday (except holidays) you can obtain free vehicle access to state parks and arboreteums. Simply pres‑ ent your current valid NYS Driver’s License. This poli‑ cy applies both to Office of Parks and Recreation and DEC facilities.