We all know about the very brutal winter we have been dealing with for the past few months. Relentless bone chilling temperatures, and massive amounts of snow, have many of us screaming "when will it end". With only about six weeks till our mid April fishing season begins and with the local temperature rising to a balmy 10 degrees above zero, I decided to head to Oswego to check out the lake. What I found was snow, more snow and even more snow.

And as you can see above, there is ice, plenty of ice, in fact, there is a hell of a lot of ice. Even for Upstate NY it is an unusual sight.

Another unusual sight this year is the huge ship that is moored to the Port Authority pier wall on the East Side of the ice covered Oswego River. (see first image below) The vessel, the American Fortitude, awaits the spring thaw when it will be towed to a shipyard where it will be cut up for scrap. This 60-year-old 700-foot behemoth is currently totally iced in as it awaits its final voyage. This is the vessel that replaced the infamous Edmond Fitzgerald on the shipping routes carrying cargo to various Great Lake ports. This unusual sight will be gone by spring as the ice and snow give way to spring runoff. Then the American Fortitude will be towed to its demise and we will be able to fish. I hope!

Still another unusual happening while fishing on Lake Ontario is the process of landing an Atlantic salmon on a regular basis. I say this because since the stocking program started, catching an Atlantic salmon while trolling is not a common occurrence.

While a few are caught, this fish is just not as plentiful as a Chinook, Brown, Steelie, Coho or Laker. First of all, not as many Atlantics are stocked as are other trout and salmon species. For example, we stock about 1.6 million fingerling Chinooks, as opposed to 200,000 yearling Atlantics. However, after 30 or so years of annual plantings, the Atlantic has not achieved spawning numbers as well as the Chinook. The Chinook now has a confirmed wild fish presence which augments the annual 1.6 million stocking program.

The non native Pacific Salmon has become naturalized to the lake while the native Atlantic has not made any real restoration progress even after many years of trying. It seems as though Atlantic restoration efforts have lagged far behind the now naturalized non-native Pacific Salmon. Try as hard as they have, over thirty years of effort has provided poor results at best. I find it interesting that the Native Lake Trout restoration effort has also provided poor results and remains dependent on annual stocking efforts. Many states have officially abandoned their annual Atlantic restoration effort yet the program on Lake Ontario continues with updated plans that, hopefully, will result in better success than in years past.

By the way, Atlantic salmon is a native species that makes them highly regarded fish in some people's eyes. It seems that the Atlantic restoration efforts are aimed at landlocked salmon and not the andromous strain that would run from the ocean to Lake Ontario and back. Some believe that landlocks evolved from the ocean strain and adapted to the lake and evolved to their fresh water only preference. In other words, the freshwater lake has become their ocean. Some question whether the landlocked strain is really a native species or whether it evolved from its ocean going ancestors. See how complicated this is? As we begin to stock another missing natural fish, (Cisco) to provide a more nutritious source of food for the Atlantic, it is hoped that this will be the puzzle solving moment that will usher in the return of the wild Atlantic.

No one really knows if this effort will produce desired results. Like I stated earlier, 30 years of effort has provided dismal results. Since previous methods have failed perhaps the return of the Cisco will return us to the "Promised Land" of what some would consider the way it was and thus the way it ought to be. Would not adding a sustainable land lock population to the lake be a major success story? Then again, is it possible that it could make things worse as the mix of fish and food will be altered once again? The return to conditions of over 200 years past may not be possible as the natural order of things may have changed and, yes, man would have had a lot to do with it. After all, isn't man part of the natural order? Oh well, all we need is another thirty years to find out. As we move toward the 2015 season, Eastern Lake Ontario should benefit from the cold winter. As we transition from winter to spring I would expect that the lake will warm faster in the east than the west as the ice flow from Lake Erie will add to the cold water flowing from the mighty Niagara River. I would expect that baitfish will seek out the warmer water and the predator fish will follow. The warmer water will be in the east and fishing should be great. That's been the pattern whenever we have a cold winter with plenty of ice cover. The browns that are there will stay there and salmon will move in to feed on the bait that found its way to warmer water. Unusual sight, not really, it usually happens after a damn cold winter. Come fish with the Coldsteel Fleet for a wonderful day on beautiful Lake Ontario.

Here is what things currently look like. Only six weeks till we start fishing.

Over the years I have talked about an annual Oswego fishing season spectacular that is akin to fishing in brown trout heaven. A unique set of circumstances, a combination of warm nutrient rich shoreline river water plumes, favorable shoreline and bottom contours, and near shore predator feeding patterns, make for some of the best brown trout angling opportunities on the entire lake. This brown trout happening occurs just about each and every spring.

 As the season segues from spring to summer, if you move gradually to deeper water your brown trout successes will only continue. If you choose to stay with the browns you can catch them well into August and on most days never have to wander more that 2 to 3 miles off shore.

The fact is brown trout do not wander very far from their birthplace or in this case the area in which they were stocked. While salmon will roam, Mr. Brown stays at home. So a combination of warmer nutrient rich water luring baitfish and plenty of inquisitive, hungry, predators, presents a fish catching puzzle that is generally easy to solve. Here is an interesting info tidbit as to why you might want to choose Oswego for your next brown trout outing. The last three NYS Record Brown Trout, led by the current NYS Record 33lb, 2oz monster were all caught from Oswego east to an area known as the "High Rocks", just east of Nine-Mile Point. If that fact is not enough to attest to Oswego's big fish reputation, I don't know of a better testimonial. By the by, the current NYS record brown was caught on our vessel, the Dixie Dandy.

The prime factor influencing the brown trout bonanza is the Oswego River and the immense flow of warm water emptying into the lake. It is the odds baby, and the odds are in favor of the Oswego River and the numerous smaller tributary waters that enhance the big rivers fish magnet characteristics.

Now that I have explained why the Oswego area provides great Brown Trout fishing here is a tip that can make an outing even better. Fish on Monday, Tuesday, or Wednesday. There are a couple of reasons why one should consider this option. First it is a fact that Brown Trout are a skittish, wary, fish. They are line shy, and noise shy, especially from the sounds caused by boats. Secondly, when fishing for browns you will do best when fishing away from boat traffic and if the water is crystal clear running lures far from the boat. So why do Mondays, Tuesdays, and Wednesdays increase catching odds? Read on!

In the spring there is plenty of boat traffic because most anglers are aching to get back on the water after their share of winter doldrums. Everyone is excited about returning to the lake, hence heavy boat traffic. Heavy boat traffic means plenty of noise on and in the water. On some spring days the concentration of fish might be in the Oswego Harbor. On the weekends plenty of fish are feeding in the harbor causing numerous boats to troll in the confinement of the surrounding sea walls. If the lake is too rough to fish, the harbor area provides protection from the rolling seas. It doesn't take long before you are trolling in a maze of vessels large and small all trolling with plenty of lures in the water sometimes only 30 to 50 feet apart. Before you can yell, "fish on" tempers can flair, tangles can occur, and the joy of fishing can quickly become a painful experience.

Crowded weekend fishing gives way to more solitary opportunities as most anglers return home on Sunday leaving the next few days open for pressure free fishing with almost non existent fishing vessel armadas. Monday to Wednesday trips allow ample trolling room all along the shoreline. If the water is crystal clear running lures far back in your trolling pattern makes those wary browns more cooperative. Many times this is not possible on those crowded days.

One last thought. When fishing for browns it is always more productive to be able to fish far from other boats if you can. On crowded weekend days, it is tough to go solo. Make a couple of circles because you are getting plenty of strikes and you will soon have company because experienced anglers are savvy to the movement of vessels that are catching fish. In addition inexperienced fishers search out other boats especially if several vessels are fishing in a cluster. Take it from me, clusters are not good. On land they say "build it and they will come". On the water they say "catch a fish and they will come. On Mondays, Tuesdays, and Wednesdays, fewer will come since fewer are on the water. It is harder to generate a cluster. Basically you can fish where you want, troll at the speed you want, and run your lures where you want. Now who wouldn't want that?

When I started fishing on the big O, boat to boat communication was very different that it is today. The internet, cell phones, texting and other social media have revolutionized the information highway. Basically it means that getting good information on where to fish and what to use is just a click away. Today everyone is a world class fisherman, at least on Facebook. Just ask and they will tell you.   After all, if you read it on the internet it must be true. I guess what I am saying is if you can, fish on light boat traffic days, fish away from everyone else, and don't answer the phone. Fishing on light boat traffic days, and fishing away from other boats is doable. Not answering the phone is probably asking too much. In any event, adhering to a few basic brown trout fishing skills will definitely improve your catch rate, especially on Mondays, Tuesdays, and Wednesdays. Be quiet, be alone and be successful.

    A couple of weeks ago, on a cold winter day, I drove to Oswego to check out the lake. Seems like I can only stay away for so long. As I drove into the Fort Ontario Park and looked out into the churning lake, I had to do all I could to focus my imagination on a fast forward swing to what April waters might look like.  Each year we begin our season on or about the middle of April when the Oswego River drainage flows invite the fish of winter to

  trade their cold weather habits for the allure of the nutrient rich, warm spring water.

    The Oswego Harbor and surrounding area is a magnet for football browns and spring kings.  The huge warming river flow is just what the doctor ordered to get the trolling season off on the right foot. This is what makes the Oswego area such a great place to hunt for early season salmon and trout. Rig up with light tackle and the right assortment of stickbaits and spoons and the rods will spring into action.  Will it be a brown, a king, a steelie, a laker, a coho, or an elusive atlantic that grabs our lure? For sure, one of these mighty creatures will take the bait and the battle will be on. That's what we call trout and salmon fishing Oswego style.

With yours truly at the helm and Captain Zack Rayno creating and rigging the trolling presentations, we will trick'em good. When you add in our fishing partner the FV Cold Steel manned by Capt. Tom Burke and 1st Mate Capt. Andy Bliss and the information sharing we provide each other starts flowing, well what can we say but "fishing will be great." Quite simply, we know how to do it.

We look forward to the 2015-fishing season. Come join us for spectacular angling adventure.

    Visited Oswego Harbor a few days ago and I must tell you that I have never seen ice cover like we have right now. From the marina entrance, to the lighthouse, and into the lake as far as one can see, it is a frozen panorama of ice, ice, and more ice. Look out in the crystal abyss and it is hard to believe we will be fishing out there in 5 or 6 weeks (I hope). Once the melting snow empties into the Oswego River it will not take long for the warming currents to do their job and melt those ice packs into the greenish blue spring waters we know and love.

   I read somewhere that hard core global warming aficionados insist that these frigid times are the result of global warming. I do not recall, but wasn't the mantra some 30 or 40 years ago that a new ice age was coming, and at that time did we blame the deep freeze proclamation on global warming? Who is right and who is wrong? All I know is that it is damn cold out there and cold means ice, lots and lots of ice.
 
  Cold weather aside, I traveled to Oswego to have lunch with the Dixie Dandy first mate Zack Rayno who in a few weeks will become Captain Zack Rayno. Let me say that this young man is rarin' to go. Having fished all winter from his river drift boat he will complete his season in a few weeks and turn his efforts to the lake fishery. Talk about charged up, this young buck is airbrush painting what will be some unique spoons, stick baits and attractive attractors unique to the Dixie Dandy and Coldsteel fishing vessels. If you are interested in a spring tributary drift boat trip on the Salmon River with my Coldsteel Sportfishing associates Tom Burke, Andy Bliss and Zack, visit Capt. Tom Burke's website www.coldsteelsportfishing.com or call Tom at 315-298-2500. I am certain that Zack, Tom or Andy would be happy to take you down the river for some exciting steelhead action. If you are wondering where I will be, think of someplace warm.

  2013 Stocking numbers include 1.76 million Chinook Salmon, 220,000 Coho, 677,000 Rainbows, 331,000 Brown Trout, 128,000 Atlantics, 523,000 Lakers and 133,000, walleyes. This bodes well for the future especially when you add in the possibility of naturally reproduced fish. Alewife populations appear to be good and will continue to provide an abundant food source for the predator fish.

  An international effort to rehabilitate native ciscoes continued in 2013 with the stocking of approximately 7,300 fingerling bloaters, and 16,000 yearling bloaters. They also stocked 9,000 Lake Herring into Irondequoit Bay. Lake Herring are near shore members of the Ciscoe family, while bloaters are found in the offshore depths. I guess the motto is "use all the water be it shallow or deep". I have said before that ours is a put, grow and take fishery. Stocking is the put part, healthy bait populations are the grow part, us angler guys and gals are the take part. You can take 'em and eat 'em or you and catch 'em and release 'em. It's your choice, and either way is ok. In my not so humble opinion Lake Ontario continues to be one of the best-managed fisheries on the planet. No brag, just fact.

  The Cold Steel Fishing Fleet looks forward to fishing with you in 2014. We know how to do it!
  

      If you like your fish, you can keep it.  If you like your charter service you can keep that, too. After many, many, many years chasing fishes on Lake Ontario our angling service is poised to enter a new method of operation that will positively enhance your charter experience. How's that you ask, well let me explain?   The Dixie Dandy is now a part of the Cold Steel Fishing Fleet. Owned by legendary Charter Captain Tom Burke.

The team now consists of the 33' Egg Harbor "Cold Steel" with Capt. Tom and Capt. Andy Bliss comprising a seasoned crew with several Salmon Tourney wins to their credit. Tom's second boat  is the highly regarded 31' "Dixie Dandy" manned by me and my 1st mate Licensed NYS Guide Zack Rayno. Believe me when I say that the combined on water experience of the 2 crews is second to none.  The Dixie Dandy guided angler Tony Brown to the current NYS Record Brown trout, a 33lb 2-oz monster in June 1997 and won the Oswego County Pro Am that same year. Both vessels have earned solid reputations for providing quality, productive and enjoyable charters.     

The two charter services spent the 2013 season working together to form a smooth running, team approach to Lake Ontario trolling efforts. When you fish with the "fleet" you get to take part in a multi boat charter effort that provides double access to the daily fishing puzzle that must be solved to produce quality fishing action. Each vessel knows exactly what the other is doing. From lure selection, trolling speed, presentation depth and patterns, locating active fish and getting them to hook up is made simpler as you get two for the price of one. Pieces of the fishing puzzle are shared between the two vessels to maximize catches and provide a top-flight charter experience. This system has clearly proven that  "working together" methods generate quality results. That is why we can say with certainty that in 2014 the Cold Steel Charter Fleet will provide another season of exciting and productive angling adventure.     

Tom, Andy, and Zack are all involved in the fishery on a yearly basis. In addition to their April through September lake trolling efforts, they each fish the fall and winter months guiding on Lake Ontario tributary streams for trout and salmon. Be it on the lake or tribs, they are proven, time tested pros totally committed to their charter and guiding professions. I myself would like to fish the tribs, however the warm breezes emanating from Georgia and Florida lure me to the south where stripers, sailfish, pompano and the Daytona 500 await. My motto is, "let the younger guys do it", because in the winter, the southern climate beckons. Once April returns, so do I, and the Dixie Dandy returns to action. Damn I'm a lucky guy.     

While many historic battles have taken place along the shores of Lake Ontario, the beat goes on as the latest environmental turmoil arises over the latest lake water level proposal. While still in the study phase, environmentalists and the outdoor community favor a more natural approach to control by allowing the lake to rise and fall according to the whims of nature. I have seen high water one year and low water the next and while I prefer the high water it may not be the best solution with regard to proper lake management according to an International Joint Commission.     

On the other side of the equation are property owners and businesses that could face financial disaster depending on too high or too low water levels. For example a marina might have plenty of water for a time but when nature causes low water conditions, the marina could actually be out of business during the low water cycle. As these people say, muskrats and cattails would be placed ahead of property values. The solution is most likely somewhere in the middle, which is usually the case. We shall see what transpires and what elected officials move from the sidelines into the fray. This one should be good as it affects so many Lake Ontario stakeholders.    

      Spring brings an exciting and very productive start to some of the best brown trout fishing opportunities within Lake Ontario waters. The massive water flow that is the Oswego River acts as a water driven magnet luring hungry browns to congregate in, near, and around the Port City waterfront. Simply put, the warm, nutrient rich river water fills the harbor and surrounding near shore lake area with brown trout and salmon attracting flows

  that big fish love. In the spring, the magic words are, warm water and colored water. Combine these two ingredients and you will find terrific brown trout fishing.
   
     The Oswego Harbor offers early season opportunity as fish roam within the walled structure of the harbor in search of food. During the early spring, trout and salmon will call this large area home as they prowl the nutrient rich confines gorging on bait in the enhanced food chain situation. The fish are like a kid in a candy store, gobbling up the goodies we call baitfish.

     A big location advantage comes with the protection offered by the harbor walls. The mighty Big O can be churned by stiff breezes causing the open waters to become unfishable, however the protected harbor offers the early season angler a comfortable "honey hole." In early spring the Oswego Harbor is almost always fishable, while the near shore lake spring fishing is definitely a “no-no" when breezy west, north and east winds blow. It is nice when you plan a fishing trip and you can fish comfortably even on windy days.

     Since Brown Trout do not have the wandering, bait chasing tendencies, attributable to their brethren salmon, they can usually be found in warmer near shore spring waters. Biologists tell us that their radio telemetry studies indicate browns range 3 to 4 miles from their stocking site. Westerly breezes move the river plume east of Oswego with warmer, colored water and becomes a beacon attracting hungry browns. Easterly winds move productive waters to the west, so when you venture into the lake in early spring go right or left depending on the wind direction and you do not have to go far. A wise old brown trout angler once told me that salmon will chase the bait, while brown trout will wait. 30 years of trolling for browns have proven to me, he was right.

     It is no secret that the Oswego area is a great place to fish. Weekends can get pretty busy on the water as recreational boats and part time weekend charters zoom in the on the Oswego bulls eye. Here is a tip, if you can, try to fish the Monday through Thursday time frame. As the area clears out on Sunday afternoon, you can bet that Monday will play to fewer boats and terrific fishing. Things will remain that way throughout the week weather permitting, then the weekend migration will return and fishing will segue to crowded, noisy, boat traffic situations. I'm just sayin.   

Time and time again I have sung the praises of the wonderful Lake Ontario Fishery. While there are many good fishing ports around the lake, I believe that Oswego, NY offers many advantages to the charter and recreational angler alike. Having fished the eastern basin of the lake for over 30 years I made the move to Oswego over 12 years ago. Here are some reasons why:

1. Safe Harbor - From a safety standpoint the wall protection at the mouth of the Oswego River presents the boating angler with optimum return to port protections. Two distinct lakeside entrances give the boater options so that west, northwest, east and northeast winds can be safely navigated when returning from a day of fishing.

2. Spring Fishing - The harbor itself holds plenty of trout and salmon in the spring. The warmer water of the Oswego River's runoff attracts bait and predator fish well into the protection of the harbor. The warm water plumes flow into the lake offering hot spots for attracting and holding fish. Sort of like “catching fish in a barrel” (not always, but sometimes).  On those windy spring days when the lake is boiling with choppy seas, it's the Oswego Harbor to the rescue. Most times you can stay within the harbor walls and catch plenty of fish, while remaining comfortable. Oh, by the way, it helps if you are fishing in a boat with an enclosed cabin such as the Dixie Dandy, because we are not fishing in the Caribbean, we are fishing in northern New York. Sometimes it is Brrrrr time.

3. East or West - Prime inshore fishing hot spots are a short distance from Oswego no matter if you cruise east or west. Basically one can leave the harbor and start trolling and begin catching fish. Knowing what effect winds have on water coloration is the prime factor in deciding which way to go. In any event long runs to a fishing spot are the exception rather than the rule out of Oswego. Shorter runs mean more time with rods in the water rather than the rod rack.

4. Deep water fast - As the water warms things turn around as cold water trout and salmon leave the warming spring temperatures for the cooler waters flowing offshore. As the lake stratifies into horizontal layers of warm to cold water in many parts of the eastern basin long runs to preferred fishing areas become necessary. However, not so much in Oswego, as the underwater contour drops about 100' per mile as you head into the lake. Need to fish over 300', it is only a 3-mile run? Need five hundred feet? You guessed it, only 5 miles. Again shorter runs mean more time with the rods in the water. More time with rods in the water means more time with a fish on the end of your line.  Isn't that amazing.

5. Fall back - As we transition to late summer/early fall, staging salmon move back to shallows in front of the Harbor. Now we are back to fishing a mile or two from shore on most days. As the days pass we fish closer and closer to the harbor entrance till we follow the salmon into the harbor as they return to the site where they were stocked. Now we can catch the Kings and Cohoes just like we did in the spring only there are many more of them to target. What a nice way to end up.

6. An easy walk - If you make the Oswego area you home port whether it be for a charter or your weekend fishing outing, you are close to all types of amenities. Want a motel? You can walk to it. Want a good lunch or dinner place? You can walk to several. Want to fish for warm water species in the river? You can walk to a bunch of good sites. Pizza shops, Donut shops, museums and parks, you guessed right you can walk to all of them.  When you arrive, you can park your car and return to it when you are ready to leave. Now that's what I call convenient.
   

Oswego is truly a great fishing destination. Try it and you will certainly like it. I sure do! Especially the pizza! 
 

    The Dixie Dandy is tucked away in winter storage awaiting the start of another fishing season. It won't be long till the next fishing season breaks over the horizon and the next adventure begins. A combination of natural and man caused low water levels has placed sport fishermen in some precarious positions as Lake Levels spin lower and lower. Navigating up the Little Salmon River in an effort to return to my winter storage area proved an adventure as I bottomed out a few times but managed to bulldoze my way through the low water offered by the Little Salmon River.

 Thank God for the Dixie Dandy's rugged keel. The water levels are the lowest I have ever experienced and battles are raging to see which side wins in the effort to secure sensible water level regulation.

         It is amazing to me just how quickly the lake fishing season floats on by, proving that, time sure does fly when you are having fun. Did we have fun? If you relate great catches to fun filled experiences, you definitely had fun. Having fished Lake Ontario for nearly three decades, believe me when I say that the 2012 fishing season was in my opinion the very best ever. Talk to any experienced Lake Ontario angler and you will find that nearly all are in agreement.

     Starting in April, greeted with outrageous brown trout fishing, we soon found plenty of early season salmon roaming in front of the Oswego Harbor area and they definitely gobbled up our trolling offerings. This wonderful fishing lasted from early spring through the end of September. We were blessed with good fishing, great fishing, with never any poor fishing. How about "dat." Lake Ontario has always provided fantastic fishing opportunities and in 2012 she absolutely outdid herself.

      With gas pump prices surging higher and higher, many fishermen dialed back their outings as the price of fishing definitely increased. Fuel for the car, and fuel for the boat, does have a major impact on the number of trips a boat owning angler can make. With the great fishing we had, it seemed as if there were fewer boats on the water. One would think that better fishing would translate to more fishing trips, however that was not the case.  My observation here is purely anecdotal, however the NYSDEC Estimated Fishing Effort from April 15th – Sept. 30th (56,182 boat trips) showed a 19.4% decrease compared to the previous 5 year average. So I guess my on water observation was spot on.

     According to a couple of well informed friends in the Salmon River guiding business, low water and large numbers of fish led to super tributary fishing. They also say that reduced "Game Warden" coverage led to plenty of illegal catches. I wasn't there, however I truly believe the observations of those who are on the river most every day. The Salmon River Hatchery finally achieved their egg take goals a few weeks behind schedule and the number of illegal catches might have led to the prolonged process. I'm just sayin.

      I certainly hope that the 2013 season is a repeat of 2012. One thing for sure is that Lake Ontario will provide good fishing as it always does. If the stars align and nature cooperates, we could see a continuation of what happened in 2012. It certainly would be nice to see the economy rebound, gas prices trend downward, and more and more anglers become involved in our wonderful Lake Ontario fishery. Ya think?

    Check out the brand new research vessel KAHO.  This 4 million dollar floating research laboratory will be berthed in Oswego, NY
 

    What I am about to review has most likely been covered several times in the annals of charter fishing history. Usually the discussions are between charter captains and once talks are completed nothing happens. The topic gets shelved only to be resurrected another day. What I am talking about is the unlicensed and uninsured charter operator. (UUCO) They are out there and they are willing to conduct illegal operations simply because they do not wish to do what it takes to become licensed and make the financial commitment. They are cheaters and their actions are illegal.

    A USCG certified Captain has passed a rigid physical examination, a comprehensive written exam, has provide documented detail of on water experience over the past several years and repeats entire process every five years. Additionally, he or she must purchase a Transportation Worker ID card, which includes finger printing, and more background checks. Liability insurance is required to the tune of a minimum of one million dollars of coverage, renewable on a yearly basis. Depending on the insurer, periodic vessel certified boat survey inspections could be required. 

     Special safety equipment includes USCG approved life jackets with special batteries or light sticks for night visibility, USCG approved rescue throw rings, dated flares, and fire extinguishers. In addition the licensed captain must be enrolled in an USCG approved drug test program, requiring periodic random testing.

   These requirements are only one part of the licensed charter operator's make up. While being a good fisherman is not limited to charter captains, time on the water adds plenty to the good fisherman culture. Sure there are really good non-charter fishermen but it is damn hard to find a licensed operator who is not a top quality angler. It is what they do and they do it well.

  Most charters use a mate to add to their fish catching abilities and more importantly the overall safety of their customers. I personally would want a mate aboard if I were booking a trip. If your captain goes over the side the mate will know what to do or not to do. The right split second decisions can mean the difference between life and death. Like they say, "stuff happens."

  Is the boat fit to do battle with Lake Ontario's sometimes rough seas and is the crew really familiar with proper boat handling on those choppy days especially if a mechanical failure occurs? It seems to me that an acceptable vessel should be at least 26' in length with a 9' beam. Bigger is definitely better. On second thought a 28' vessel probably should be the minimum size. Experience is crucial, and the more experience in a mixed bag of weather conditions, the better the safety factor becomes.

  I could go on and on, but here is the bottom line, a USCG certified captain has played by the rules for your benefit and he or she has spent the bucks required to comply and those bucks can be considerable. The UUC operator takes advantage of the situation when prices undercutting the professional are offered. When the Captain's price is undercut by the UUCO, (unlicensed, uninsured, charter operator), he or she loses and so do you.

  Now why did I say captains talk but nothing usually happens? The proof is in the pudding and the pudding is hard to prove. Hearsay doesn't work in a court of law. Sometimes an undercover sting operation does. I'm just sayin.

   Fish with a pro, a USCG licensed individual. Might cost more, but like they say, "you get what you pay for."  Oh yeah, I almost forgot, "it is still great to be a Lake Ontario troller."