Capt Vince Pierleoni

Sometimes it just isn't that simple. The size at AGE has not changed much over the years on Lake Ontario. The DEC uses age 3 Chinook as a barometer. There has definitely been a trend where Chinooks mature at a younger age. There is some evidence that fast growth can lead to this, but it is unclear. Age 4 Chinooks in the Great Lakes are the largest for obvious reasons, but that is always the smallest by number of mature Chinooks. IMO, early maturing Chinooks is more common in hatchery fish and could be caused by holding pens. If that's the case that trend is here to stay as pens are essential to create fishable numbers of Chinook with the increasing number of predators feasting on fingerling Chinooks( birds AND fish). There is not a 5 yr trend of growth reduction. If anything it's 2 years and its directly linked to the 2 record setting winters. In 2013 we were fortunate to set both 12 fish and 6 fish tournament format weight records( Oswego Pro-Am and ATOMMIK invitational) and we did it with King Salmon. We are all hoping this mild winter/early Spring will reduce some of the anxiety.

This rig is as "turn key" as it gets. I have watched Brian pamper her for years.

Todd, J-Plugs still produce but a newer one on the scene that has been a good producer for us is the Captains Choice plug from Dreamweaver. Updated colors available that are relevant to the Great Lakes and the finish stays on. Our longest King last season, a 43" Salmon came on a Captains Choice plug.

Its the only show we have about OUR game. Tactics would be too dry for average people to care--they need some casual anglers and even some non anglers to watch in order to be successful. It's all about the game plans, challenges presented by fish, weather, mechanical, and even other competitors. The harbor shots are just as important as the fish. As long as there are SALMON it will have 200K(some 1 million) vessels running all over the place. Throw in the "Team" concept and the dockside camaraderie and it works. It was only a couple years ago they had a lot of delayed maturity and big fish(20 plus) but even 10lb Kings are worthy of pursuing and the publics attention.

If the same people who do "Wicked Tuna" did it here, it would be wildly successful. Its ALL about the production. They are SO good at the camera angles you feel like you're there smelling the diesel fumes. One things for sure, we would not have to stage the on the water or harbor side drama like they do--there's enough of that on this lake that's authentic to last a decade worth of shows! The Tuna shows work because they are so valuable and they are HUGE. Here, we do regularly run into chaos and drama, both good and bad. The tournaments would make an excellent back drop. Get it rolling Brian!

The Humminbird 859 and 1159HD DI are excellent fish finding units. Its all about transducers and placement.

There are certainly many definitions of success. It has been an observation of mine that in order to successful in the boats/captains for hire game in a financial way, that there must not be a safety net or "fall back plan." With all the sacrifices and discipline necessary in this business, the alternative will almost always be chosen. That being said, there are several very good and professional Part time Charter businesses on the Great Lakes. These operations always treat it as a true business and the owners are truly passionate about fishing and taking people fishing. As for the insurance question, it all depends on the amount of coverage for the vessel(s) and the amount of liability carried.