muskiedreams

Didn't know exactly where to post this. Please pass the word, maybe in other forums and other places on LOU so maybe it will help someone. I saw an upper outboard motor cover about 10:15 am today on side of road that someone must have lost while trailering. It is small to medium size (maybe from a kicker) mainly grey with some graphics. Might be somewhat older model. Saw it on the transition ramp traveling in Rochester, South on Rt 590 going to Rt 490 West. It was on the right side of the ramp which is single lane with barrier walls on both sides and no place to safely pull over. To be safe, it would require help from Monroe County or NYS police to retrieve it. Could not tell it's condition other than it is in one piece.

I just became aware of this in a weekly email I get from the DEC and I found this article. This fish was caught in a very small private residential lake. It goes to show that big fish can be found in small places, including private lakes and ponds. What a slab!! https://www.fieldandstream.com/fishing/new-york-angler-catches-largest-crappie-of-all-time/ The photo got squeezed horizontally in this posting so for a realistic view go to the link.

I just received this message from my inquiry to the NYS Parks Dept. about the Ibay launch. So I guess the only recourse you might have is to look at the particular agreement and also the written policy of whomever made the agreement with the state for each launch. If there is no mention of honoring the Empire State or Golden Parks program then all you can do is try to get them to change it somehow. Good afternoon- I received your note about the Golden Park Program usage at Irondequoit Bay. You are correct, the Town of Irondequoit does operate and maintain the Irondequoit Bay State Park under a cooperative agreement with New York State Parks. The Town operates and maintains the facility at their expense and as such, an agreement was negotiated where hours of operation, opening/closing of the launch and facilities, and all park fees are determined by them. The Golden Park Program and Empire Passes are honored at Irondequoit Bay but unfortunately our other State Parks have different systems than the Town and the pay station in place does not have the ability to scan passes or NYS issued IDs. Passes can be obtained at Hamlin Beach State Park or issued at the Irondequoit Town Hall Recreation Dept. This pass is to display on your vehicle for local law enforcement performing compliance checks. The pass is only valid at Irondequoit Bay State Marine Park. Other Parks facilities will still verify with attendants or use of the pay stations that have the ability to scan Empire Passes and State issued IDs. Although we do have a sign near the pay station, we will work on making this information clearer and more accessible on our website. Thank you for reaching out to us and we look forward to helping you get a pass to use at Irondequoit Bay. Arthur Briley Acting Regional Director New York State Parks- Genesee Region 1 Letchworth State Park Castile, NY 14427 Phone: 585-493-3601 Email: Arthur.Briley@parks.ny.gov

I did find out what to do about the Golden Park Pass for Irondequoit Bay. I now have a pass that I found out that NYS residents over 62 can get from the Irondequoit Recreation Dept. located at 154 Pinegrove Ave in Irondequoit. It is good for one year (expires in March) and is just an extension of the Empire Pass system but only good for non-holiday weekdays. I also plan on talking to the Irondequoit Dept of Public Works to see if they can install a machine at the launch that is capable of scanning a driver's license like the one at Conesus. State residents come here from all over the state and should be able to utilize the program without having to go to a town office for a pass. I hope this is useful to some of you. I told the woman at the recreation center I will spread the word so she might be issuing more permits. Maybe this info will be helpful at other launches also.

It might be because of state rules/regulations. They have permit requirements and maybe others as well as a requirement that the permit holder have a minimum amount of liability insurance.

Sounds like it is contradictory to the program. Here is a link to the NYS Parks page that lists all locations where you should be able to use it. https://parks.ny.gov/documents/admission/EmpirePassCardGuidelines.pdf I have been trying to find out why I can't utilize the Golden Park Program at the Irondequoit Bay State Boat Launch. The program allows state residents that are 62 and older to enter state parks and use state launches free on non-holiday weekdays. Even though they revamped the launch, the pay machine doesn't have the drivers license scanner, like at other State Launches such as Conesus Lake so you can scan your license and get a launch ticket for free. The town of Irondequoit is overseeing the launch but it is a NYS launch. And on the page link above, it says; For information about facilities where this program is valid, contact the nearest state park, state park regional office or: New York State Parks Albany, New York 12238 518-474-0456 TTY/TDD through 711 Relay Service *free vehicle access not valid at Walkway Over the Hudson State Historic Park, Earl W. Brydges Artpark State Park, Fahnestock Winter Park, and Oak Orchard State Marine Park. There is no mention of IBay in the list of excluded sites. Has anyone had problems using the Golden Parks Program at other sites that should be included?

Update. I just tried calling and he answered. I will be bringing it there for them to look at during business hrs. and then go from there. But he told me once they look at it and estimate the job, we will be able to set a time for me to bring it in to do the work. So I won't be without it for a long period of time. Because at this point, it is not so bad that I can't use it. As long as I am careful not to stress it too much. Thanks guys, for the info.

I just wish he would answer my messages and let me know if and when he might be able to do the work on my boat. I have been trying to make arrangements since December last year. I imagine that all reputable marine service shops are busy now. Probably more than usual because of the pandemic and other reasons. But I can't even get an appointment or get in line for one. I really don't know of any other quality shop I could contact.

I saw this article a few days ago. A link was posted on the Niagara Musky Association (NMA) website forum. There has been previous talk about the gobies and concerns of their effects on the Niagara River and Buffalo harbor, especially the river. So it looks like it is also a huge concern there. It is a different fishery with other dynamics but it does seem to possibly be a major factor. Young of the year survey results have been very dire. Last year, some NMA members who switch to targeting bass in the summer when water temps are high were saying that catch rates were very low. But that may be partially due to the unusually high Lake Erie water temps that year. But I would be interested to know if the gobies are also impacting other species spawning success. I would also be interested to hear about how the gobies are impacting other Great Lakes muskie fisheries such as Lake St Clare and Georgian Bay. Muskie anglers need to band together to support research and action to help preserve these special fish. Maybe the Federal infrastructure bill can help support the costs.

Does anyone know what is up with CW Samson Marine? I have been trying to get in contact with him for several weeks. No answer on his phone. I even left several messages for him on LinkedIn. I did hear from him in Jan. on LinkedIn and he told me he was back to home schooling. I wanted to drop off my boat to him then, so he could replace my aluminum boat transom over the winter. Now I can't get in touch with him still. I have had work done by him a few times and I really like his quality and attention to detail. I don't know if I can find anyone else comparable and able to do it soon. Can anyone tell me if he is still doing work?