Rose appeals to HOF for eligibility

nos didn’t affect their Hall status, and even Shoeless Joe Jackson had remained eligible after hewas banned fromthe game for accepting money to throw the 1919 World Series.

“We believe that the institution of Baseball will be strengthened by this act of grace — an act that would give Pete Rose the same treatment that every other Major League Baseball player andmanager received throughout the first 55 years of theNational BaseballHall of Fame,” the letter said.

In a statement, Idelson said, “Pete Rose remains ineligible for Hall of Fame consideration, based on the Hall of Fame’s bylaws, which preclude any individual on baseball’s ineligible list from being considered for election.”

New baseball commissioner Rob Manfred in December denied the 75-yearold Rose’s latest petition for reinstatement, but Genco said Manfred “opened the door” by also stating that it wasn’t Manfred’s responsibility to determine whether Rose should be eligible for theHall. Petitioning theHall to change the rule, Genco said, was the next logical step.

Genco noted that Manfred had allowed Rose to participate recently in some ceremonial activities, including the retirement of his number by the Cincinnati Reds and his induction into the Reds Hall of Fame in June. best luck using drop-shot rigs and three-inch plastic minnows set a foot above the sinker.

My best fish was a 5.5-pound smallmouth that put up an exciting and powerful fight. Just as I got it near the boat, Scott exclaimed, “Wow! Great fish!” and leaned forward to net it. Although the fish was tired it managed to give a couple strong head shakes and I watched in shock as the hook floated free from the corner of its mouth. As the fish was momentarily suspended there, Scott quickly stretched forward, slipped the net under the fish, and hauled it aboard. After some quick photos and exchanging comments on our good luck and Scott’s quick reaction, we released the trophy-sized fish to fight another day.

On Saturday morning the weather was threatening and I set out in pursuit of bass at Chautauqua Lake with a new host. This picturesque lake is known for excellent bass fishing as well as walleye and the fabled muskie but day we weren’t as successful.

Bass fishing on Chautauqua Lake the past week or two has been slow, possibly due to warm water temperatures, algae growth or fishing pressure. Tim took us to several locations and tried various lures at different depths. Although we marked fish on the fish finder we had little luck in enticing them to bite. Some severe rainstorms with high winds, thunder and lightning swept through the area on several occasions, limiting our fishing time.

Bryant Abbuhl and Alex Martin, opted to try for the famous Chautauqua muskie. Their patience and hours of casting heavy jerk baits paid off with three follows and a brag- ging sized muskie (40 inches long) that they photographed and released.

For more information on fishing locations and tips, maps, accommodations and other attractions in Chautauqua County contact the Chautauqua County Visitors Bureau, PO Box 1441, Chautauqua, NY 14722 or phone 716357-4569 or email info@ tourchautauqua.com. Check the website www. tourchautauqua.com.

On the way home from the conference my wife and I spent a couple days re-acquainting ourselves with the wonders of Niagara Falls and the surrounding area. The Falls remain spectacular no matter how many times you have seen them. The State Parks Commission is busy making many improvements to the park area around the Falls. Since it was a beautiful summer-like day we enjoyed the experience of Cave of the Winds at the base of American Falls as well as the ride on the Maid of the Mist. We stayed at nearby Lewiston at the charming Barton Hill Hotel and Spa (bartonhillhotel.com) overlooking the Niagara River.

For a complete list of attractions and other information contact Niagara Tourism and Convention Corporation, 10 Rainbow Blvd., Niagara Falls, NY 14303. Call 877-325-5787 and ask for the great booklet as well as Western NY Hot Spots Fishing Map

With all of the attractions it is easy to overlook the great fishing that the Niagara area has to offer. Muskie fishing on the Niagara River, salmon, steelhead and lake trout as well as bass fishing on the river and Lake Ontario provide world class entertainment. I have fished the lower Niagara River near Lewiston for lake trout and steelhead in recent years and it is great action.

The following morning Bill Hilts Jr. and I went

If you are looking for variety, excellent fishing, and pleasant surroundings, give serious consideration to fishing the “western frontier” ofNewYork State.

fishing for smallmouth bass on the lower Niagara River near Youngstown where the river empties into Lake Ontario. We fished with local guide Bruce Blakelock (Riverside Sportfishing 716-7544101) who specializes in bass and steelhead. We had barely left the launch ramp at Fort Niagara State Park when Bill and I had a double of two smallmouth bass on at the same time. We imagined that this would be an omen for great fishing. Alas, the “fish gods” punished us for our hubris and the action slowed down after that. Nonetheless we did catch several nice smallmouth that entertained us with great fights.

These are the broadshouldered chunky smallmouth bass that develop extra strength from fighting the river current and typically put up a lengthy and exciting battle. We enjoyed the action along with the scenery and a pleasant conversation with Bruce.

Following our fishing trip we headed off to Bill’s studio at mid-afternoon to tape his weekly TV show – “Outdoor Beat.” Dining in the evening by the river at Lewiston restaurants and watching the colorful sunsets over the Canadian side was a great way to end a pleasant stay at Niagara.

If you are looking for variety, excellent fishing, and pleasant surroundings, give serious consideration to fishing the “western frontier” of New York State.

Short Casts

Dates to Remember: Sep. 30 is the deadline to apply for your DMU – deer management (doe) permit. Check the list at your licensing agent or online at the DEC website to see the odds of getting a permit in your favorite areas.

Oct. 1 is the opening of most small game seasons throughout the state as well as the opening of the bow season for deer in the Southern Zone. Check your hunting guide for specific species and areas.

Oct. 5 is the deadline for applications for the civil service exam for candidates for Forest Ranger or Environmental Conservation Officer. The exam will be held in November.

Columbus Day Weekend – Alternate Hikes: The DEC is anticipating a huge crowd of hikers to be descending on the High Peaks region to enjoy the good weather and autumn foliage over Columbus Day weekend. Remember there is a limit on many of these popular spots so the DEC has prepared a list with detailed descriptions of alternate hikes which they say will give excellent views and a quality experience. See the DEC website for the list of “dozen nearby hikes” or be prepared to receive one when you are turned away. DEC personnel will block the road to Adk Loj when South Meadow Parking Lot is full. They will turn away hikers above the quota in Dix Mountain, Giant Mountain and Eastern High Peaks Wilderness areas where they expect crowds. Be prepared to try some of the shorter and less challenging hikes if you head to these areas next weekend.