Paul Czarnecki

Launch anywhere you want, anytime you want. Just be in line for the Weigh in by noon. Here is the write up for the open division: The Pro Am Committee, after listening to input received from both participants and potential participants, has put together an "Open" Tournament to run concurrent with the traditional Pro Am Tournament. The "Open" is targeted for those Fishermen who want to: - Enjoy competitive fishing and want to fish in a "Fun" Tournament. - Compete in an "even playing field". - Participate with a minimum of 2 anglers in a boat. - Have a good feel for the weather/winds before entering. - Make small financial commitment to participate. - Compete without Observers. - Participate in a simple tournament with few rules. - Participate in a one day tournament(s) and make a one day commitment. - Limit the number of fish killed in a tournament. - Trailer their boat and fish from their favorite port. - Compete for cash payouts along with fishing manufacturer's merchandise. - Participate in the excitement of the Pro Am and determine how they measure up to the best Professional and Amateurs teams in the traditional Pro Am. The Niagara Pro Am "Opens" are scheduled to run concurrent with the traditional Niagara Pro Am on Saturday June 6th and Sunday June 7th. The entry fee for each of these one day tournaments is $105. The last day to register for the "Opens" only has been moved out to June 4th (the Thursday before the tournament) to accommodate small boats. Cash prizes totaling over 100% of the entry fees will be paid out to the winners in addition to merchandise donated by the manufacturers who support the Pro Am. The Orleans Pro Am "Opens" are scheduled to run concurrent with the traditional Orleans Pro Am on Saturday June 13th and Sunday June 14th. The entry fee for each of these one day tournaments is $105. The last day to register for the "Opens" only has been moved out to June 11th (the Thursday before the tournament) to accommodate small boats. Cash prizes totaling over 100% of the entry fees will be paid out to the winners (best 3 fish weight) in addition to merchandise donated by the manufacturers who support the Pro Am. Deadline for signing up for the main part of the Pro-Am is May 22 for Niagara; May 29 for Orleans. For further details see www.lakeontarioproam.net.

You "should" be able to register up until 7 AM the morning of the Friday event. Remember though....its CASH ONLY. No need to check on your entry but you can if it will make you feel better. There are no "confirmations"--If you mailed it on time its there and you're in. See everyone at the meeting! Paul

Just a reminder that the deadline for entering the Niagara ProAm and the West End Challenge Cup is THIS Friday. Orleans is next week. You can also pay online by going to www.lakeontarioproam.net. Niagara will be as big as ever. Orleans, with Gene Christopher (4 C's Marina) as the new Director, is setting up to be the best ever. We're seeing some excellent response to the changes we've made and the sponsors have really stepped up to the plate. The new Open Division deadline has been extended for all the tournaments to the Thursday before the event. The Big Fish Friday events are all on as well with registrations up until the night before. If you are entering the Monday Big Boys Shootout with its $1000 entry fee and 100% payback you must also have that money in by this Friday. Bust out the check books boys! Its crunch time! See you at the Captain's meeting! Paul

It was talked about earlier in the year and now it is a reality. Here is the official press release for the BIG DOLLAR Monday Big Boys Shootout. You can find more information and registration forms on this and all the ProAms at www.lakeontarioproam.net. Consider your team one of the best? If you have what it takes to prove it this event was designed for you. Building off of the Lake Ontario Pro-Am rules for the professional division, the Big Boys Shootout gives you the opportunity to put your team to the test. Held only in the ports of Niagara and Oswego, the Shootout’s will take place on the Monday following those two Pro-Am events. Join us on June 8th in Niagara and July 13th in Oswego for this new addition to the Pro-Am series. You must have been a competitor in either the Professional or Amateur division of the associated Pro-Am tournament to be eligible for this competition. The rules will be the same as those in place for the Professional division of the Pro-Am series with the following exceptions; This is a one-day event Entry fee is $1050* and must be submitted 2 weeks prior to the event Late entries will be accepted up to 4:30 PM (June 6th & 11th respectively) Entry fee for late entries will be $13001 (cash only) The number of late entries accepted will be no greater than 25% of the number of on-time entries and will be first-come first-served Late entries will only be accepted by the respective tournament directors Incomplete application forms will void an entry and entry fees will be refunded Teams must supply their own observers Observers will be swapped by blind draw on the morning of the event For the Niagara event you must start and finish in the port of Olcott For the Oswego event you must start and finish in the port of Oswego Payout will be 1st place - 50%, 2nd place - 30% and 3rd place - 20% The last place team in the Niagara event will be eligible for a ½ price entry in the Oswego Shootout (if submitted by June 26th) * – In an effort to help cover some of the expenses of conducting and promoting the Pro/Am Series, the directors approved an “administrative fee†in 2009 that is equal to 5% (not to exceed $50.00) of any event entry fee. This will allow the Series to continue its tradition of paying back 100% of the entry fees collected. In this instance the “administrative fee†is $50.00 (5% of 1000). Payback will be based on entry fees of $1,000 and $1,250 respectively. REMINDER......Pay careful attention to entry deadlines. They are approaching MUCH faster than you think.

The interest in the monthly tournaments was not what we had expected for the amount of boats that fish the Oak in July and August. I think we had 14, 17, and 15 teams in July and August and the September tournament had to be cancelled because of only three entries. That said, Gene Christopher of 4 C's Marina is the new ProAm Director for Oak Orchard. The Oak's ProAm committee will be discussing those tournaments with Gene in the near future and we will make an announcement at or shortly after the Oak Orchard ProAm. Paul Czarnecki

The fishing in that area of the lake will start to heat up the first week of May. Its actually pretty good right now for browns and cohos but the kings will really show up in the next two or three weeks. As far as fishing the ProAm is concerned the "head" can be an issue. However, if there are two teams that do not have on board heads then they will be paired together and there should be no problem. It comes down to "convenience" for the observer on your boat. Your best bet is to contact Tournament Director Bill Hilts. You can reach him via his contact info in the Niagara section of the ProAm website.... www.lakeontarioproam.net While you're there you might also check out the new Open Division which allows for a much looser competition, with no observers and conservative limits. That might be something you would be more interested in. And you're right.....the ProAm Tournaments are a LOT of fun! See you there! Paul

HI Dave, It sounds like you would do well to take an on the water class with an experienced charter captain. The money you would spend on such a class would be a small sacrifice for the piece of mind and knowledge you would gain. I offer on the water classes to fisherman such as yourself. My boat will be docked in Wilson (Sunset Bay) for the entire month of May up until the ProAm in June. After that, I am back at my home port of Oak Orchard. We can do a class on anything you would like.....general salmon fishing, spring, summer, riggers, divers, cores and coppers, etc. I can tailor a class to your individual needs and desires---tell me what you want to cover and we will cover it. Give me a call at 716-390-0085 and we can discuss details. I will be in Canada fishing the Scotty Tournament from Thursday through Sunday and so my cell will be unavailable. Call me before Thursday or after Sunday. Paul Free Spirit

Just switched to GAMMA exclusively. Always ran the fluoro for leaders but am really impressed with their Copolymer for main lines---riggers, divers and boards. Its expensive but, then again, everything with fishing is expensive!

WOW....great thread Larry! I'll have to think about it to come up with some good "client stories" but I can offer some advice after 25 years in the business. --First of all, DO NOT think you are going to get rich. In fact, the easiest way to make a million dollars in the charter industry is to start with 2 million! At best, chartering allows you to own a boat you ordinarily might not be able to own. --Second, if you do not absolutely LOVE to watch other people catch fish dont bother getting a license. For me, the biggest delight in my day comes when a first timer, young or old, grabs a rod with a 25# rampaging king and watches line melt off the reel. The look on their face is priceless. The look on their face when the king finally hits the deck is almost as good. --Finally, keep in mind that if you are going to run a charter business you must be a businessman FIRST and a fisherman second. So many "captains" give the industry a bad reputation with shoddy business practices. Ethical decisions should be made for the good of the industry and you must run your business with that in mind. Undercutting rates and barroom "sales tactics" do not do anyone any good and, in fact, make the entire industry look shady. Be honest, be helpful and run your business like a business. Have a good season! Paul Free Spirit

Billy, the reason DW did them with gold and white backs is those are the backs that proved most effective last year when I was playing with those colors. I painted the original on a gold blank and it worked ok but really lit things up when I did it on a white blank. Copper was good as well. I have some new designs painted on silver blanks that I'll be testing this year. I'll save a few for you to try. Paul

Thanks for the compliments guys....I'm blushing now Chad...reproductions can easily be done without the fish. There are a number of suppliers that have some tremendous blanks. The quality is simply outstanding. To do one all I need is a length ( and possibly girth) measurement on the fish and any pics you might have. The pics aren't really necessary unless the fish had an abnormal color or strange spot pattern that you wanted reproduced. Chad--- I sent you an email the other day through the "Contact us" link and haven't heard back from you. Could you let me know if you recieved it? Thanks again, Paul

Hi Dave, I'd rather not do "cost estimates" over the internet. Drop me an email through my website or send me a PM. As far as care for the fish before you take it to the taxidermist.... --As soon as the fish is boated try not to handle it more than absolutely necessary. I use a small bat to kill the fish quickly. Letting them flop around in the cooler is not going to help matters. --Once you decide to get the fish mounted, try to get it in a large bag or, better yet, wrap in in a WET towel and lay in back on the ice in the cooler. --Once home, if the fish cannot be delivered that day, lay the fish flat in a freezer and freeze. Leave the towel and/or bag on. Once completely frozen you can either ship it or deliver it to your taxidermist at your leisure. GOOD LUCK to everyone this season! Paul www.tristatetaxidermy.com

I'm easy but I'm NOT cheap! Actually Vince, I'd rather not discuss "business" on the internet. You can email me through my website and I'd be happy to give you a cost estimate. Thanks for looking. Paul www.tristatetaxidermy.com

It did ok. --Judge's Choice--Best Fish --Taxidermist's Choice--Best Fish --PA Fish Commission Award--Best Fish Best of all.....it was a client fish---and I got paid for it!

As we enter the tail end of the winter steelhead season I thought I would share some pics of the steelhead I just competed with at the PA State Taxidermy Championships. We need a thaw!

Just recieved this sad news from Mike Waterhouse: Last night we lost one of the pioneers of our fishing industry with the passing of Joe Riefer. For those of you who are not aware Joe was the inventor of Pirate Spoons and with his wife Shirley, kept us all up-to-date with their "At The Oak" web site. Please keep Shirley in your thoughts and prayers during this most difficult time. He will be sadly missed by the captains and rec anglers that fish the Oak.

You're going to be in for a shock Billy. Believe it or not, on most days we get MORE than 3 or 4 bites in a day!

HI Don, I will not be bringing my credit card machine. Since most machines need a dedicated phone line I would think that would be a rather difficult option. Some vendors might still be using the old style "imprint" machines with the written slips---the rest of us will be "cash only". See ya there! Paul

Here's a few pics of some recent salmon and steelhead mounts---reproduction as well as skin mounts. I do have a freezer at the Oak for the fish that I take in so that is not an issue. For those interested, my website is www.tristatetaxidermy.com. I will have a nice brown trout piece that won a bunch of awards last year at my booth at the LOTSA show this weekend. Stop by and say HI! How's that for a shameless plug..

We'll be killin' 'em till the end of the month.

Thanks for the compliments on the bass. It was a nice fish to work on. No 11 inchers Duane---just the 8's. But you can order them off the website. www.siggsrigs.com

Not a "live fish" but I thought I would share a few pics of a smallmouth I recently completed for a client. It was 22 inches and weighed 5 1/2 pounds! Taken off Erie, PA.

The big thaw last week allowed some streams around here to open and some of the 6 feet of snow to melt off. The canadas came back to the area and a buddy and I took advantage of it. It took us less than an hour to kill our limit of 10. They're pretty gullible when you're sitting on the "X".

The Rules haven't been posted yet and you guys are jumping to conclusions. Paul....you will, most likely, never see a change to the Captain Rule. There has to be a verifiable method for determining "Pro" status and a Captains' license is the only way to do that. Paul and Howie (Shade).....you do not HAVE to fish the traditional Pro or Am Divisions that require observers. This year we have added an OPEN Division which is open to ANYONE--pro or am, does not require an observer, allows culling and is limited to weighing your best three fish each day. It is modeled on the wildly successful "Friday Events" from last year and is geared toward Pros (like Paul) that don't want to compete against the Big Guns and Ams (like Howie) that don't want to deal with observers. These changes have taken place in response to the suggestions made by participants over the past two years. The Committees are listening! Please wait until ALL the Rules are posted before you start condemning the changes we have made for YOU that were based on YOUR suggestions. See everyone in two weeks at the LOTSA show! Paul

Here we go again..... The rules will be out very shortly guys. Some minor logistical things are being worked out. As far as the major changes for this year: --we have the "old" AM Division back--3 man team taking 9 fish. --we have added an "Open Division"--very similar to the Friday events from last year. --Challenge Cup for both Pro and Am. --the Monday event is a $1000 entry, 100% payback "Big Boys" event. If you think you're good enough....put your money where your mouth is and fish it! Anyone can fish it but it'll cost you a grand and there is only one division--The Big Boys! Now to the rumors and speculation by the arm chair experts..... --The Big Boys events were not created because the Scotty events are supposed to be coming to Niagara and Oswego. They were created by two Captains, who for years, have wanted to see a high dollar event on Lake Ontario. Niagara and Oswego were chosen for these events because they have tournaments immediately following them and that was the best way to get teams to stay in town another day and, hopefully, fish the second event in that area. Going before the ProAm events in any port would conflict with the popular Friday event. --The Big Boys events are 100% payback over 3 places. There are no sponsors and no money will come out of the ProAms. These events are paid for SOLELY by the people that fish them. Finally....my personal opinion. I'm glad that the ProAms have generated 10 pages of posts. That shows that you guys have passion about tournament fishing. However, EVERY year I have to take several days to address the comments, innuendos, mud slinging and rumor mongering by a few individuals that LOVE to stir up $h#*! Dave (3dfx), Mr. Happy and others (you know whp you are)---you all sound like intelligent individuals who have valuable contributions to make. Instead of starting all the crap that you do on here why don't you use some of that intelligence and volunteer to serve on a committee. You might be pleasantly surprised at what you'll learn and what you'll be able to contribute. The easiest way to get something changed is to help change it. Hiding behind fictitious screen names and throwing mud from the peanut gallery does not present your case well to anyone and, frankly, makes you look like an ass. Also, if you have something valuable to contribute to a post use your REAL NAME so the rest of us know who we are talking to. Several of us have been on these committees for a LOT of years. We are getting very tired of doing all the work while still having to deal with the crying and whining from nameless dolts who like to throw darts from the back. I, for one, would like to step down from the two committees I currently serve on and "just fish". However, if no one is there to pick up the ball the events fall apart and that is something I will NOT let happen. These events are constantly changing because the economy, logistics, communities and PEOPLE are constantly changing. Change is essential for growth (my GOD....I sound like Obama ) but, without individuals to HELP with that growth, it goes nowhere. If you're not part of the solution, you're part of the problem! I'm off my soapbox now....continue the bashing and whining Paul Czarnecki Free Spirit