A-TOM-MIK

Oswego County http://www.dec.ny.gov/outdoor/44217.html Cayuga County http://www.tourcayuga.com/resources/countymap.htm

Great job by Team Screamer: Aboard the new Luhrs vessel "Zip-n-Zim" owner Lester Zimmerman and the ex-Am "Team Screamer" put it together to take the win in a broad Orleans field of 40+ Pro boats. A "non captained" bunch of weekend warriors who all have been known to take this team to another level on many occasions, showed us once again why they are one of the best teams Lake Ontario has to offer. The Screamer team often used as an "example" by "captained teams" of an Amateur team "that should move up" ..... Well, guess what???? YOU GOT YOUR WISH !!!!! Now you have to compete against these guys looking to Kick your ASSSSS !!!!!! (:~~~ As Lester and I rode home Saturday night after a short visit at the BLACK NORTH we enjoyed a short chat, I couldn't wait to congratulate them all but when I asked Lester after the win what he was feeling: He said,"It feels good !!!" Team members include: Owner Lester Zimmerman, Big Fin Gene and Sr. Gene Delicati, Joe "Nog" Nogick and observer Corey Edwards and of course non-captain "Screamer Dave" Antenori. Weekend and Tournament Warriors yes, but by no stretch of the imagination a team to take lightly. These guys are known to have their fun but to take their game of choice very seriously. The team is very keen on keeping many specifics about their game plans secretive, so as not to be shunned I will just give a broad over view of their performance. Known as some of the "Top Fly Guys" from the East, the team often uses the phrase: "Adapt, Overcome, and Conquer". As they showed us all last year how they can mix it up and sort of put their namesake modo fly programs on the back burner and use their skills of the trade to make spoons and alternate related programs to work for them with their 2nd place 2009 Orleans Finish. Once again this year doing much in the same only taking that top spot away from the local area top dogs, much of who pride themselves on their own spoon related programs. Big Fin Gene said he always had to have a fly in the water to "feel good" and it paid heavy with a 25 lb. King on day 2 ran off a wire diver. While on stage Screamer Dave thanked all who were involved with the Pro/Am's, competitors alike!!!! All for the support and the much appreciated "behind the scenes" work that it takes to keep these events alive. These guys were very happy about their win !!!! They play hard and as all winners past and present will do, they keep raising the bar. NICE JOB MEN, GREAT JOB !!!!! Dave with their 25+ lb. King taken off a green attractor/#41 fly on a 100' wire diver Dave on stage accepting graciously Team Screamer Tom

Landshark: I have sort of lost my interest in the follow-up (hopefully temporarily) but I always tried my best to be the the self-appointed "one" to post results as soon as possible as I realize the very strong importance of this, and what it means to us involved. As much as the Pro/Am "committee" (if that's the right word to use) seems to want to make the best of these highly "prestigious" events, there are a few small quarks that could be ironed out to achieve a better goal. There are several small itmes that would pay a better justice to all involved, especially the players, each of which have been mentioned but no attention given to: #1 is faster results, sometimes by the time results are posted the "need or want to know" "hype" has been alleviated by time. Another would be to make the white boards a bit more visible for all of us to see instead of behind a table non-visible. This was mentioned last year as some of us who like to see where we are ranking "as the teams weigh-in" struggled to see half the boards. I would consider this constructive criticism, but I guess its not taken that way (: It was a fun event, staying versatile being key to final placement, I talked to others who enjoyed their participation at Orleans, we had fun on Team Cold Steel until breaking down again on the way home. Poor Tom Burke !!!! Cant catch a break lately ): Tom

Twin 454's

$300 Firm Can be seen in Mexico NY

We strongly discourage taking entries at the Captains meeting So much to accomplish this would be an added chore It is possible yes, but please seek another option like calling Chris @ St Peters and he will send you a registration asap vial snail mail 3 Basin Street Oswego, NY 13126 (315) 345-6683 (Chris) If you stop by / sign up or require a registration asap via mail (I will throw in a childs T shirt if you have children fishing with you) (first 30 entrants with children) Ask for Steph at weigh in and mention this code: "A-TOM-MIK", I ordered some new T's in adult size small and medium for kids, I got 30 of them, black or grey TYVM Tom

No Sir Per "Team" Low dollar, somewhat family oriented, just a downscale version of the highly amped up professional level Tourney. These events are heading towards 5 years old from some of our 3 associated ports We have averaged from 50 to over 100 teams last few years You get to fish among some of the big dogs as well as your friends. See where you rank up without hitting the ole pocket too hard Fun stuff and also a certain level of seriousness amongst the regulars Try it out Tom

No papers at present (will see what I can do) Can be seen in Mexico, NY Call if you would like 315-207-0391 Tom

Shane That is great !! See you soon Thank you once again !!! Tom

I have a 12' Oswego $300

I've killed my share of fish through the years and have always considered it a "put and take fishery" if you want em' Kill em', if you don't want em', throw em' back Within the laws of course, The law is the law !!!! It sort of stinks to throw back a fish you "think" will only become seagull and/or crab bait At times when fishing with family and friends "fun fishing" this same scenario does happen, I will always "throw em' back" this, if I do not have a home for em' before I left to go fishing !!!! Sometimes if it swims away how do we really know if it would have lived or died. Tim's philosophy should be creed for all of us !!! Tom

great fish

Yes Bob

Another vote for the Big Jon Brutes Add the variable speed and you can control how fast you retrieve your weight Very nice riggers, ran mostly 15# weights all last season and some 20# at times flawlessly Tom

Our food selections have been confirmed: Joe Woodard does a great job, Joe puts the food on for the Jim Hartagan Memorial (at seasons' end) ran by Tommy Germain every year (At Oswego Marina) We are very excited about this and surely hope the word spreads Hot Dogs and Burgers served during weigh in hours. 12 noon till 3pm. Dinner is at 4pm On the menu: Grilled chicken Smoked turkey Pulled pork Baked beans Salt potatoes Cole slaw Tossed salad Rolls and butter Soda and water Again, please consider "early entry" so we can get a good idea of how much food Joe needs to prepare TYVM All Tom

Smaller dipsy's for stealth when targeting the upper water column (to 30 ft down) Larger dipsy's for added depth reached (when targeting 60 to 120 down) I would concentrate more on: The application associated: (Braid vs mono vs wire) & Settings: from 1 1/2 to 3 & Running them with rings vs. no ring The most popular size in a Jensen would be the size 001 Running this one single diver can do pretty much all you need it to do a great percentage of the year (talking LO Salmonoids) Just a few examples: -No ring setting 3 running mono will target that upper 20 to 50 ft down in the water column (depending on how much line out) -With a ring and running mono setting 2 will target to 60' down -30# wire with ring setting 1 1/2 to 2 1/2 will achieve roughly a 3-1 ratio of line out to depth achieved 210' out will reach 70' feet down in water column -20# wire with ring setting 2 will achieve roughly a 2-1 ratio of line out to depth achieved (out to about 150' to 180') (for the more experienced angler) Are you sorry you asked yet ? lol Best of luck Tom

As this thread slips away I would like to extend my gratitude to the many who have chimed in, sent pm's and E mails, and to those who came to see me and who have phoned. All your very positive support has been concrete evidence that I did my job as a sponsor through the years. THANK YOU Ray, as I was sitting in Olcott with friends Paul pointed out to us: "Hey, there is Ray!" While you were coming back into port a few weeks ago. The internet gives a new meaning to the phrase "word of mouth" these days, we all looked for no better reason than to see you drive your boat and share a few more words about Ray !!!! You touched upon a very factual piece of key info in your post, the time where you end up meeting up to each other where it is more close an personal than it is while sitting behind our key-boards here typing away. The term "wormy handshake" made me laugh, oh there will be plenty of wormy handshakes. I guess when politics of any sort are involved we will always see these times, however unfortunate they will be here !!! As far as team packets and goodies, I recal a few years back receiving some non related fishing items and a pencil, as I often sit here and think about future sponsorships, info from these threads leans me towards ideas, at one point in a thread it was also mentioned how it was nice that you still actually received something from A-TOM-MIK. That thread hit me hard, prompted me to "want to continue" with spreading the name the best way I knew how. As I pulled out of sponsorship with another "series event" after a rather large $$$$ (product) proposal, this was what I was told, "Tom, your goodies don't pay for our tents". If only all these event coordinators would realize the impact that was felt, and what they were losing, I think they would take a closer look to their dictatorship like approach. If at sometime in the future we start getting excessive spoons, various flies and more fishing related items in our goodie "Captain's bags" maybe it finally "clicked" the way it should. Also was mentioned somewhere in this entire thread, was how these times (internet related chat) would define the future of these tourney's.............. I could not agree more !!!!! In close, I would like to thank once again, my supporters, even those behind the scenes who have made mention's to coordination how they felt this mistake was let go. THANKS TO ALL MY FRIENDS !!! Another special thanks to the teams listed below: Some that just simply follow us and some that Pro Staff for us, from all venue's south shore & north, and all corners, thanks for the recent contacts and for past support and future, and if I forgot any I truly apologize: TEAM COLD STEEL A-TOM-MIK FLY TEAM SCREAMER A-TOM-MIK TEAM YANKEE TROLLER A-TOM-MIK TEAM PRIMETIME A-TOM-MIK TEAM MEATHEADS A-TOM-MIK TEAM EAST COAST BOYS A-TOM-MIK TEAM VISION QUEST TEAM LIQUID PLUMBER THE ZIP N ZIM TEAM REEL EXCITEMENT TEAM SUNRISE 11 "THE DEUCE" LONG LIVE "TEAM LIVEWIRE" TEAM LONE WOLF and Jeremy TEAM STRIKER TEAM TK TEAM TWOFISH TEAM POPEYE aka CRAZY B*TCH TEAM THRILLSEEKER TEAM REDLINE TEAM HAMMER A-TOM-MIK TEAM SEA DEVIL/BIG FIN A-TOM-MIK TEAM HIGH ADVENTURE TEAM DIXIE DANDY TEAM PRESSMAN TEAM D.(ead) A.(ss) THE BAD BOYS TEAM HAT TRICK A-TOM-MIK THE "HER MONEY" VESSEL TEAM MORE MARVELOUS TEAM PROTEUS TEAM A-TOM-MIK ROCKETS TEAM BUFFA TEAM LITTLE WHIP A-TOM-MIK TEAM PRIMETIME "EAST" TEAM LIGHTNING TEAM LUCKY ENUFF TEAM TALL TAILS ON THE LAM TEAM ROYALFLUSH/SHIRLEY B LONG LIVE TROUBLESHOOTER TEAM THUNDER/CANNONBALL TEAM MAVERICK TEAM HOOVER THUNDER STRUCK TEAM HOT RODS Oswego division TEAM FINNATIC AT LAST TEAM SPOONFED/NK TEAM BREAKAWAY TEAM HIGH VOLTAGE TEAM SPARKS

Nope not a Viking behind the THRILLSEEKER That's a Top Gun right in my favorite position (:

Very Nice

NOTE: It is important that at least one member of your team attend the Captain's meeting on June 25th at 6pm. -As an added incentive, besides all the great anglers that will be there, we are going to raffle a $100.00 Gas certificate compliments of the Oswego Marina -Each team that has a representative in attendance will be eligible for the drawing -There will be no charge for this terrific prize, just the smiling face of a team member

This is why I say HOG WASH I will make a general response to various statements Yes I used this forum to portray, answer and enlighten the many who have NO CLUE what the Pro/Am is doing next, nor what they are up to However my first phone call was to the Big Dog himself to express my concern, and my second conversation was with one of the (2) next men in line to do the same An array of answers varying greatly were spewed to me with quivering voices as they each new it was HOG WASH and not the real reasons. So yes I did use this forum but my final decision was not until I was sure I had all the correct info from the powers As far as the only series on LO paying back 100% .... YOU ARE WRONG, there are only 3 "series" that I know of, the Pro/Am, KOTL and my little A-TOM-MIK Triple Crown Series and we each pay back 100% or more. Your statement about larger buyers receiving enhanced benefits: Ever think of maybe taking into consideration the amount of interest that plays off consistent repeated sponsors (if you want me to elaborate more I would happy to) as opposed to the sponsors here one year gone the next (due to various reasons including legit ones) The reason I was tipped off about this entire MESS was all while I was hooking up a new A-TOM-MIK sponsored Canadian pro team, a team that quite possibly may not have played if it wasn't for ME !! Your "opinion" on Pro Staff vibes being unrelated to the Pro/Am event, Oh God I cant even believe you went there, without us as sponsors some teams may not be able to play, where does that leave your idiot-ology, without these teams where would your Pro/Am be? How would your Pro/Am look, who would compete? We help with gear, dockage, fuel and so your telling me you would rather have premier teams on TV for your 150,000.00 expenditure wearing typical everyday fishing clothing like stained T-Shirts vs. the 3 to 7 grand worth of sublimated, embroidered and matching printed various wear that I spend just about annually? Sick, zero sense, who do you think pays for a very high percentage of this wear........................that's right, us the sponsors who are sponsoring teams who give you guys cash and are enabling you guys to put on a potential show. ..... US !! Tom later became upset that he would not be allowed to have his company name after every team that he also supports independently of the pro-am series. God darn right I'm upset, I see where my past commitment ranks............... in the garbage !!! I know what the public, the teams, the recs that don't compete and the rest of the internet fishing world want to see come Monday (or earlier)........ THE RESULTS, who ranked where, how this team did over that one. Always, I would smear this info across the diet of the same, as most days there wasn't enough time for coordination to get it to us. So I did it, for promotion to the teams I help, for promotion to the events and also for my business. You also claim: "I could have cameras on board one or more of the boats that pro-staff for me" This was in all our best interest, not only mine, ALL of my teams have worked feverishly year round to maintain current rankings, to be on top was not a gimme, the Pro/Am's would only benefit again due to my involvement with such teams, and now the deal is to strip that away from hard work and involvement that A-TOM-MIK had an association to. Strip it all away while the new Pro/Am runs with the fruits of these labors. You guys will use these teams now but I cant? Yeah, I guess that sounds fair...... HOG WASH Limitations on names serving purposes you claim: "To make it clearer to our pier spotters which boats are actually in our event as they rush to be in the harbor on time" Maybe there was trouble in the past that I am un aware of, probably not........ WEAK EXCUSE........ Quote: "Third, it helps to diminish the perception that there are organized teams made up of several boats all working together to ensure their success in the events. This has been brought to our attention by several independent teams that aren’t based on Lake Ontario but who enjoy coming here for our events and have started to feel that they don’t really have a competitive chance against these groups. Can you say "CLOSED COMMUNICATION" Like your honestly that worried.............. C'mon ROFLMARTFO !!!!! So Paul, I am an opinionated, egotistical trouble maker.....? lol That was pretty funny, even made me smirk a little I'm still liking you Paul, better try harder than that !!! Your turn go................. Tom

To Paul and Dave HOG WASH How would any entity react after being prompted to the highest commitment ever since the start of their business, only to be followed up by pulling the chair out from underneath them. Chances are this "Lift Off of the Pro/Am" will make it, but not without hurting a part of the supporters who put them there along the way VERY SAD AND NOT FAIR !!!!! On a side note to Paul, you seem like a descent sole, and I have appreciated your friendships and what I thought and still hope were honesties from 2005 till present, you could be next on the hit list for your efforts, unless drawn out to be a future pawn !! Tom

47LC is to small my friend No divers are ran off copper, an often misconception don't feel bad, ran as a flat line mostly Tekota is a quality reel (no more than 500' of our copper) bit pricey in comparison avg price $220 to $290 Penn has largest capacity (not a bad drag but a poor gear ratio, can hold up to 600') avg price $200 to $220 Okuma can be attractive in price (max for us to load 450') Not a bad reel will do the job avg price $140 to $150 The new Daiwa is out for decision, low capacity (approx 300') high gear ratio price $235.00 Lots of options HIH Tom

some political correctness (bent noses) has snuck into the new centralized government of the pro/am folks Low key operations expected to conceal exposure maybe? Either way could possibly all come out in the wash........... At least we would find out who's clean. He He He

Howie First off, no offense taken, we are friends (: To answer your question on who was punished: The players #1 The events #2 My business #3 Its pretty obvious the answers from coordination given to me are in line with the windmill theory !! I can easily admit my ego was bruised, and my chip went flying. But to shave an edge of all of the creative homework I have put into my small business to work my way up that very high ladder and for honest reasons I have only been shooting straws at. Maybe its really only in hopes of leveling the draw to more potential interest coming from wherever, seems close to ludicrous to me still. Why take what was built rather well down a notch in hopes of bringing us all to the same level to start again, if true. If lift off happens after all, as Vince mentioned, will a re-structure of sort be inevitable again one day, where will it end, maybe when the "right" entity has been lifted to the level of satisfaction? Have a feeling the restructures will come to a screaming halt at that point !!! Thinking out loud again, sorry , lol....... Are Nascar drivers stripped of their edge (certain parts that make them go faster, or car design) after winning so many races? Are Pro Bowlers made to use the same brand balls after a certain amount of years ranking high? Are top Golfers robbed of their favorite clubs if they are shooting below par too much? NO not at all, why the dictatorship approach at all, no line should be drawn in the sand, respect should be allotted for a job well done, maybe even highlighted instead of stripped to only start from ground zero again. My move to bail wasn't the easiest or first choice many might have made. But as Vince also noted where my business has grown is a testament of certain creativities I have been fortunate enough to put a handle on. Why strip that away when in association to new building blocks, grow with it and learn from it instead, take it to that ultimate level together !!~ Gill-T I agree with you 100% not to burn bridges, I first heard that in a bar-room chat one night from a drunk guy, I was warned not to be afraid to work nro to burn bridges, I just laughed and walked away, I later that night looked into who that guys was, happened to be one very rich, smart and proud man, and I often thought about that for years, all after I watched him get-into a cab later that night and be driven away, lol Mostly principal to me and some pride I guess, as in an old salt Captain of the sea willing to go down with his ship........ smart ???? Nah, but proud Tom