Great Lakes Lure Maker

The charter idea is a great idea, and the 50/50 is also a great idea. Keep them coming cause I have a list started. Thanks to Catherine Valley Outfitters and Mike Burt of Iron Duke Flies for their pledge of support for next years event! The first of many to come... Bigfoot, I here your MSG and I assure you things will change. The directors are all on board with the idea that it has to evolve. I assure you it will. I'm looking forward to seeing you at FLTA events soon. You and June have certainly been missed. Owasco is next, the date is June 5th. Hope to see you both there!

On a personal note, after going back and reading all the posts I'd like to say thank you for all the positive feed back! I also would like to thank all of you for your support and the several " thank you" comment's and the appreciation for my time and effort. I hope we can continue the legacy of the National Lake Trout Derby!

Les, if you win the raffle this year... Please take the money! LOL!!!!

Updating the standings was a key topic to last nights meeting. Those interested in the future of the derby would like to see a more modern approach to dealing with the handling and processing of those statistic's. Given that the derby is very near to start, I don't believe you will see that happen this year, but it is at the top of the list for improvements. As far as the boat raffle, I don't see that continuing due to the costs. The board was split on that idea, why I can't understand, but it is clear that the derby is not the winner in that exchange.

That is correct. They not only charge 700$ for them to display the boat, someone from the derby has to go get it and take it back... Go figure that. In addition, if the winner chooses the boat over the 3500 in cash, the derby has to pay over 7000 for that boat! Does not make much sense to me...

Mike has a good point here... We all have our individual contacts and collectively we can help the future and expand on the current derby. Sean and les raise a good point as well. Those ideas will be discussed at the next meeting. On another note.. The boat raffle is costing the derby a lot of money. Some ideas on replacing the boat raffle for something other than a boat or cash need consideration. Could we start a list of what folks would like to see happen to improve the overall experience of the derby?

Yes, I know its late... I swore I wouldn't post this late. Here is the real deal... This derby is far short of achieving its 1200 registrant requirement. The early numbers are at low. Beyond record low... This means they need all our help! Spread the word folks... If they don't reach that magic # this may be the last year... Post this to all you can. Register all you can!!!! Registration this year will determine if they invest in its future or call it quits... If you want to see this continue, show these folks you care... If you don't know how, call me - 607 426 5094 . thank you!

In working on that now. No return call as of yet. Seneca lake state park is operated by NYS Office of parks and Recreation. Same as Sampson. Each park has its own office and manager.

Here is what I know from the calls I've made recently. Geneva weighs 50 - 60 percent of all derby fish. Sampson 20- 25 percent. Watkins 10- 15. Sports o rama already has a permit to operate their weigh in. At Sampson and after talking with Nicky the park manager, that permit can be upgraded for other uses such as pavilions and electric, etc. So the loss of Geneva isn't really such a big issue. Some people will have to drive a little further to weigh a fish. After talking with Colin again today, the real issues are from within the organization. That's why he is leaving and so is James Fluker. Those details I will have more knowledge about after tonight's meeting.

Thanks guys! After the meeting tomorrow night, ill let you know what the possibilities are.

I will be attending the meeting tomorrow night. My goal is to get the 6 corporate participants to agree that this derby is worth the effort to continue moving forward from its current short comings. I don't know what the answers are from there, but your ideas and support would be appreciated... I will keep you all posted on the outcome of this meeting.

Just got off the phone with Colin Morehouse. The 87 year old man who runs the derby. He is in fact retiring after this year. There is currently no one stepping up to replace him.

So far no deal yet to come to Watkins. Rumor is Watkins is not interested. Also, the Pesident and treasurer of Sports o rama are stepping down after this year. That's about all I know. I was hoping someone knew if there were interested parties who may be considering taking it over and saving it.

After talking with Harvey O'hara the future of this great tradition seems to be in jeopardy. This may be the last year for us to participate in this long standing tradition. Some key members of Sports o drama are calling it quits and it looks as though this may be its last year. Its hard to believe we could lose this awesome tradition. Anyone know if someone is stepping up to keep this tournament going?

Thanks Nick. I did see that one and I was gonna buy it for a back up, but as you said, it sold before I saw it. Sent from my C771 using Lake Ontario United mobile app

Well, its hydraulic assist. I don't know much more than that. Haven't looked into it much. It had a King auto pilot, mounted on the dash. Let me get it apart and ill get back to you. Do you have something you want to sell, or know someone? Sent from my C771 using Lake Ontario United mobile app

Was it sold? Sent from my C771 using Lake Ontario United mobile app

Looking for a new autopilot since mine is fried. I have a King auto,but if there are better suggestions I'd consider them. Replacement king would be good for now. Sent from my C771 using Lake Ontario United mobile app