Sk8man

The folks at Blackbeards in Eastham on Route #6 can be very helpful

I think as long as you are discreet about it there shouldn't be a problem at least at Nickerson....the place is HUGE. Something else is that you would be close to fishing "options" as the bay side (e.g. out of Rock Harbor launch for instance) can be fishable even if the ocean side is too rough but you have either option quickly available to you.

I know it is a ways from Sandwich (e.g. further out on the Cape) and not right on the water but Nickerson State Park is a huge and pretty incredible camping area in Brewster and there are a number of launch sites nearby with access to good fishing and quickly trailerable.

I think it is worth mentioning that there seems to be a critical difference in Paul's work that differentiates him from many taxidermists and that is first and foremost he is an artist and has the eye of the artist with full attention to detail and this makes a huge difference in his work. It isn't something that is necessarily "learned" either and someone either has it or doesn't and it makes all the difference in the world whether painting, photography, or other related activity. His work is exquisite and very different from "run of the mill" taxidermy. (I wasn't paid to say this)

The spot although deep is probably the best that could have occurred in deep water as it is about the most popular jigging spot in the lake

Mike- So sorry things turned out this way for your father-in-law Our condolences to you and your family. I've lost a grandmother, grandfather, father, and other extended family members to that lousy disease over the years and I hope to God they find a viable cure for it soon. Chris -Best wishes for a full recovery bud. It sounds as though your attitude is positive and that is a lot of the battle won right there. I look forward to seeing you out on the ice on Honeoye soon. Les

One of the things I recently discovered with my boat is that there are differences in the way a four stroke vs. two stroke handles the steering given the same shaft length. My 2 stroke 9.9 would push my boat at about 9-10 mph top end (wide open) while the new 4 stroke will do about 6 mph top end (Same shaft length and prop type etc.) . The big difference is in the steering in wind or rough water because the 4 stroke has more torque.I no longer need the EZ steer or anything for that matter I merely steer with my 135 Merc (outboard) . A couple things come to mind to consider in your situation:The first is shaft length - make sure you get the right shaft length for your situation (i.e. long enough) and measure correctly to correspond with your big motor, Consider a high thrust kicker as most of the job it does will be pushing the boat at those lower trolling speeds, a 15 horse kicker may not have to work quite as hard and may offer a little more speed in an emergency getting you back to shore, There may be a significant weight differential (on the transom) between the two motors depending on what features they have and the fuel consumption will be different but these new 4 strokes are really good on fuel during normal circumstances.

Nice job on the video Dan. It sure gives new meaning to the complaints of many freshwater fishermen as to the costs of equipment etc. At least you didn't have to deal with the seals grabbing your bait right off the hook like happens on the west coast

Exquisite Paul

Liam Not the easiest fishing out there. We opted for perch instead and they didn't cooperate real well either (at least the jumbos didn't).

I don't think anyone is "damning' the kids. The statement that "Our youth are completely fine" is inaccurate - many of them do work and they do access more information than many of the rest of us; both good and bad information. Some of them have way too much time on their hands and don't work at all, depend totally on their parents and some still live at home with their parents into their thirties, don't help around their own homes, and just witness the Internet bullying that goes on among middle schoolers and into high school. Heroin and other drug addiction has reached its ugly arm into the middle schools, high schools and colleges in many places and it is not just the youth involved. We have a culture out of control. We also have many very industrious, bright, and informed youth making good choices and with good goals and futures. There are plenty of things to do in upstate New York both in terms of work and volunteer activity, sports, and various other things but expectations play a big role too. Many kids often expect to be constantly indulged, entertained, and provided with money without working for it.. I never played sports on astroturf by the way, and youth have so many things available to them that most adults never had in previous times. The upstate economy has its problems but it probably isn't high on the list for the downturn in fishing licenses.

They check around here... especially while ice fishing and during the late Fall when you are supposed to be wearing a PFD. A major factor in the decrease in fishing licenses is that these days there are so many competing interests out there for both time and money (e.g. golf....occurs during prime time fishing season).

One of the things i find disturbing is that after they finish and unload their bags after weigh in many of those very large bass are lying on the bottom at or near the launches.

Ben it is not as simple as just one or two of these things ....it is ALL of it together.

I too have a degree of ambivalence regarding tournaments in general, but I also feel the NLTD is a very different "animal". After fishing it for well over half my life I have seen close up the positives connected with it that are far removed from other derbies or competitions. For years I camped at Sampson during derby weekend with my kids and fished it as a family "adventure", My kids met and played with kids from all over the place at the campground, Something that is often overlooked is the fact that being on a boat for hours "forces" direct communication of various types with kids, allows them the opportunity to observe their parents or grandparents following rules, becoming excited over a healthy active sport outdoors and something that affords the opportunity to learn some different skills than commonly experienced on the playing field during conventional sports. The excitement of winning a trophy and having your name up on the standings board can be "priceless" for kids and serves as a real motivating factor in pursuing the sport later on. The experience of being out there as a family unit with a specific focus can be an important bonding factor. My point here is that this derby is very different from most others in that unlike the highly competitive and highly individualistic of team formal adult competitions for many of us this is a family get together. My son and I have fished it together since he was barely old enough to hold a rod and reel and he still cherishes the trophies and experiences associated with winning them even as an adult. Often, I have seen comments on here about the sad fact that kids aren't being involved in fishing and hunting nowdays...this is a prime vehicle to achieve that end and if anything it should be more focused toward that goal with our full support... It can also be an opportunity to discuss the fact that Memorial Day weekend is more than just a fishing opportunity... It is a time to appreciate the fact that because many people gave their lives for our freedom that we are able to pursue enjoyable activities like this.