As some of you know, I have always had a special place in my heart for our service men and women, especially for those who come back changed and/or challenged by whatever injury that may have befallen them. One of my goals in life was to be involved in any way with helping these soldiers enjoy the outdoors through fishing. In early August of this year, I was asked by members of the NYSDEC to help form a program for 8 - 12 vets through the NYSDEC and Project Healing Waters to come to the Salmon river in October for a 2 day event. I am humbled and proud to be a part of this. Things are progressing smoothly and we have what will amount to an incredible outing for them planned and in motion.

Each vet will have one mentor to “guide” them while on the river. These parings will work to overcome any physical obstacles they may have in order to catch and land their own salmon. Our local American Legion and other groups will be providing lunches and dinners. We’ll also be doing slide shows and fly tying to get these vets fired up about fishing again.

I have been asked by many people as to what they can do to help. Right now, we have a top staff of hand picked volunteers to do most of the program, but what we really lack, is donations. We intend to make this an annual event and desperately need funds to get it all started on the right foot. If anyone out there would like to be a part of this historic event, you can! Just contact me through my website and I’ll give you details about making your tax-deductible contribution to this wonderful program.

To learn more about Project Healing Waters, just click on this link to that website.

http://www.projecthealingwaters.org/

I am always looking to fine-tune the way I like to do business. My main goal is to put clients in unique experiences different from the usual hum-drum services that are out there. I will not put clients into situations where they are told to “stand here, and just do this” to hook fish. That is just unfair to someone who puts up their hard-earned dollar to want to LEARN how to catch fish. It may not always be easy and it may not always be a bunch of fish caight, but at the end of the day….it really is about the experience.

All this being said, I have decided not to guide for pacific salmon (Chinooks & Cohos) this season. The Salmon River has become a zoo, no matter where you go. Its become tough to try to teach a client ethics and good techniques while on either side of you, people are snagging these magestic fish. Not everyone is a bad apple, but there’s still far too many around during peak season to be a worthwhile experience, in my opinion. So, any trips on the Salmon river will not begin until November and a special thanks to all my clients who have agreed with me and have made bookings accordingly.

I still offer many other options throughout the year and ask you to check them out. You may have your curiousity peaked enough to “do something a little different” and…maybe have the trip of a lifetime.

Here’s my newest addition. A 13 foot inflatable MacKenzie pontoon boat!
Looking for a luxury way to fish ponds and small lakes quietly, for trout, bass and pike? This baby does it all. From the comfort of your swivel seat, you can use the standing platform and lean bar (with stripping basket) to make those perfect casts into places you’ve only dreamed of.
Two front compartment bags can carry your tackle, lunch, beverages and supplies for the day. This very versatile craft will provide many unique opportunities to clients looking for something a little different than just a regular boat or float tube.

2 fishing lectures at Gander Mountain….done.
Spring LOSA fishing seminar….done.
With help, 1700 trees planted along the banks of the Salmon River….done.
Purchase and assembly of a new 13ft, 2-person inflatable pontoon….done.
Launching and docking the 20ft ADVENTURE for the summer….done.
Getting the 14ft runabout ready….still in progress.
Ladies Fly Fishing Seminar, hosted by LOSA….June 14th.
Guiding for spring steelhead, atlantics, brookies and browns….ongoing.
Fishery meetings….ongoing.
Booking trips for late fall/early winter steelhead….>reserve early!<

Have a great spring and summer everyone. Thanks for stopping!

Interested in “dropback Steelies” making their way out of the Salmon river, slamming almost anything in their way? How about smaller trout like bows, browns and brookies in smaller streams? Ready to learn some new techniques on how to read water, improve your presentations, where to go? I can help. It’s what I do. I enjoy your company as much as you enjoy a great outing. Cast your thoughts and requests for spring trips my way and I’ll try to fulfill your fishing wishes!

I have been asked by Gander Mt. to do 2 seminars this spring at the Cicero, NY store.

The first one will be held on Wednesday March 26th, from 7-9pm. I will cover “Techniques, Tactics & Tips” in using both fly and spin methods for trout fishing.

The second one will be on Wednesday April 23rd, from 7-9pm. I will be covering the “3 T’s” but for fly fishing for bass, pike and panfish!

Admission is free and all are welcome.

Looking for a place to get great information about fishing, environmental issues, organizations, and even some humor?

Forever Fishing Forums is the place to visit. We have a good crew of contributors that help make this site a step above many other discussion sites. I am honored to be one of the moderators for this site and hope that more anglers will join in and help it grow. Stop by and check it out!

http://foreverfishing.proboards100.com/

As we come into this new year, I am humbled by so many of the new friends and aquaintences I have met through this thing we all love, called fishing. It is in this spirit that I am looking forward to seeing folks I have met over the years and to keep meeting new ones, sharing things, having fun and leaving something good behind.

With that……I wish you all the best of the New Year and hope your time fishing brings you all the joys of what an outdoor experience should be….relaxation and enjoyment!

~Fred~

If anyone is interested, I have a really nice sound system from my rockin’ days that I’m putting up for sale. It’s an offer you can’t refuse if you’re looking for a deal and a complete setup. I also have a nice electric guitar for sale.
Everything is in excellent condition.

Contact me (via e-mail on this site) for details and pics!!!

Over the years, I have found guiding for Chinook and Coho salmon to be more of an undesirable experience than anything. The main reason is the crowds and unethical behavior that my clients witness, while trying to learn traditional and ethical methods to catch salmon. In short, it’s a zoo. To me, this is not the kind of experience I care to put good clients into for the fees they pay me. I regard a quality day on the water as one that a person can learn, have plenty of room to fish, and not see bad things happening around them. So, with that being said…..

Starting in 2008, my services will only cover spring and summer trout (any species) and Atlantic salmon on NYS rivers, streams and tribs. I will not be offering trips for the fall runs of Pacific salmon, but will start guiding for Steelhead and Browns, starting November 1st. My desire has always been to give my clients a quality trip in a stress-free setting. These new changes will attempt to accomplish that. Fishing needs to remain fun!