Sunday July 6 2008  Be sure to vote in our NEW Mini-Poll HERE  NEW QUESTION!    

      Now that the U.S. Supreme Court has ruled that the U.S. Constitution’s Second Amendment affirms individuals have the right the right to bear arms expect a slew of attempts to overturn restrictive guns laws in major cities across the country. The court’s majority opinion gives individuals the right to keep handguns in their homes for self-defense. It does not allow them to carry handguns in public in places where there are laws against it. These are the laws that will be contested. Also laws that prohibit possession of guns by felons or mentally unstable persons will remain, as they should.

       It has long been this column’s feeling that owning a handgun is not all that different from owning a rifle or shotgun. A loaded handgun, kept safely in the home, can quickly be retrieved to forestall anyone intent on entering the home in the dead of the night. Many would-be burglars will now have to think twice before trying to jimmy a window in Washington, D.C., the city where the law suit originated, knowing the occupants could now legally be armed. We all know there are tragedies that occur with handguns, children get their little hands on them with horrible results sometimes. Even police officers have had accidents with their service handguns, such as a recent event when a police officer shot his leg while putting his gun in its holster. There will never be an end of accidents or sudden acts of violence simply because a gun was handy at the time. Despite the hue and cry by anti-gun groups hunting and gun ownership are among the safest of sports and that’s why insurance companies don’t require restrictive policies for those who hunt or own handguns. Already laws are being changed as can be seen in Georgia where Georgians with concealed weapons permits will now be allowed to carry guns into restaurants, trains and busses and state parks. Statistics show gun related accidents are much fewer than medical accidents throughout the country. According to a recent article in USA Today, California during the first five months of this year reported1,002 “adverse events” which included operating on the wrong body part or wrong patient, objects left in surgical patients or wrong surgical procedure. This does not mean we should give up doctors or hospital stays any more than it means we should give up guns.

        The anti-gun, anti-hunting crowds are now clamoring for ways to get around the decision allowing handgun ownership claiming the country will be less safe now. Nonsense, many of us feel the country will be a little safer now that criminals will never know who is armed or not and knows how to use a handgun. It is unlikely there will be a sudden increase in handgun accidents or murders because the average gun owner has a respect and fear of the guns he might own. Yes, many of us fear our guns knowing what they can do and that’s why we are overly careful with them. Don’t judge the majority by the stupid ones who get in trouble with guns. They are the same ones who disregard speed limits, take chances on water or get themselves in trouble that requires others to rescue them. We will always have the knuckleheads among us, but the rest of us can handle guns safely and responsibly. Let us hope that in time the Supreme Court does not have a new justice and attempts made to reverse this historic decision.

         Much of the Southern Tier could be open for bear hunting this fall according to a proposal by DEC. Many of us who have hunted Southern Tier counties over the years began noticing a few bear where none had been seen about 20 or more years ago. My first sighting was while on a deer watch at the top of Cameron Hill in Steuben County many years ago. Steuben is one of the counties that will be open for bear hunting. At first I thought it was a big dog, but as it lumbered across an opening there was no doubt. It was a smallish black bear. DEC officials say the heaviest increase in bear is in the Allegany and Catskill regions. Public hearings will be held throughout the state with the closest to Niagara will be Evans Town hall, Angola, July 17 from 7 to 9 p.m.

          With what can laughingly be called unsettled weather has not helped fishing in the least. One day bass are almost leaping in the boat then we get rain, wind, hail and just about anything else Mother Nature can throw at us. Now we have that yearly scourge flowing moss, to add to our tale of woes. The moss is really an underwater growth of weeds that breaks loose and interferes with trolling or casting in the Niagara River, both upper and lower. It will die off as we approach the fall season, but while it’s here it sure can be nuisance. Many of us tie a large treble hook on the line about six feet above the lure or bait because when the moss strikes a line it travels down it until enough collects to hide the lure or bait. You will know when moss has collected as the action of the lure will be gone and you will feel the weight of the moss. Then you must crank the line back in, clean the moss off and try again. It gets frustrating, but there is little that can be done to rid the river of the moss. It can be especially bothersome after a windy day that churns the water breaking of more of the pesky stuff. It might slow your fishing a bit, but the season is just getting into full swing. Enjoy it before you know it snow will be falling!

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        Considering how unsettled the weather was for the past month or so I have the feeling bass have yet to finish spawning and some top fishing is still with us. Usually once the spawn is over bass are not as aggressive as they are when protecting a nest. Try shallower depths, from 10 feet to 24, the fish will be somewhere in between.

       I’ve had inquiries about weights used in tube jig fishing. My favorite sizes are the ¼ and 3/8 ounce tapered tube head. The smaller weight will cast just fine on a spinning rod when the drift is gentle with little wind pushing the boat. Once the wind starts working on the sides of the boat then it’s time to switch to the heavier weight. Another question is the size tube, three-inch, four-inch or even larger. For most bass fishing the three-inch size works just fine. This size tube is easily worked along the bottom in a bump and run system. Let the tube settle on bottom and then use the rod tip to lift it and crank a few times before letting it settle again. You will feel every little change in the bottom and probably hook up with some weeds. Remember how these feel and when something feels slightly different, set the hook. Bass don’t always inhale the jig and the bite can be very subtle and gentle.

      On both lakes, Erie and Ontario, you will find the sheep heads and gobies are active and if you’re using live bait expect to be stripped in no time. If you manage to catch a small goby you might consider using it as bait for bass. We are finding smallmouth love them and there is now a plastic lure resembling a goby that works almost as good as a tube jig. Other plastic lures are working and the rubber worm, Texas rigged, cannot be underestimated. You can find directions and photos on how to Texas rig a rubber worm on the internet. Simply go to google.com, write in Texas rig plastic worm and you will find reams of information and illustrations on how to do it. Work a worm in the same manner as you would a tube jig, slowly and closer to bottom. Bass have a tendency to open their moths wide and try to take the whole worm at once. When you feel a difference in the retrieve, set the hook.

        There is little to be gained by trying to explain how to use a hard-bodied lure. They are pretty much self-explanatory due to their construction. They either have a lip or not, they float or sink, rattle or gurgle with everything in between. Lures with large lips are mostly used in deeper water where heavier fish might hang out. An example would be a large musky lure that dives and wiggles. There are also smaller lures with large lips and these are used in shallower water where they can dig into bottom and stir it up hoping a fish will take notice. The secret in using hard bodied lures is to stick with the ones you have had success with regardless of how old or beat up it might be. There are still many Heddon River Runts that date back to the ‘40s as well as some old Dare Devils and Jitterbugs in tackle boxes that still work as well, if not better, than the newest creations.

        At one time the Canada goose was one of the most sought after and elusive birds we hunted. Then they decided to hang around up north rather than fly south for the winter and now the Canada goose is considered a nuisance throughout most of the northeast and is no longer hunted with the same enthusiasm as in the past because there are so many of them around. Could the same thing happen to the wild turkey? A story out of Bismark, N.D., tells of how wild turkey complaints have increased many times over because the birds have become bold and are invading backyards and raiding bird feeder and leaving messes on lawns. Sound familiar?

          The city fathers in Bismark are asking the state to allow a special bow hunting season on wild turkey on specific properties where turkeys have become nuisances. The mayor of Bismark complained of seeing a wild turkey in his backyard. The turkey would be taken during the fall hunting season. With the efforts spent re-establishing our wild turkey population let’s hope nothing like the Bismark experience happens around here. Most of the people that have told me they have wild turkey crossing their yards are thrilled and feel privileged to see them. Let’s keep it that way.

         We have mentioned Lyme disease before and it is important enough to mention it again. About 20,000 cases of the disease are reported nationwide every year and ticks are blamed. With many outdoors these days in the garden, mowing lawns, playing on backyard toys or simply walking through the woods ticks will hop on and eventually work their way towards your skin. Once they hook their head on to you they can be difficult to take off. Use fine-tipped tweezers and grasp the head pulling gently straight out. If you pull but leave the head in your skin have your doctor remove it. He might recommend an anti-biotic. Check for ticks every time you come in from outdoors, especially children who wear light clothing.

       Michigan is ratifying strengthened regulations preventing Great Lakes water from being diverted away from Great Lakes states. New York is still hemming and hawing and many of us are wondering why we haven’t signed the Great Lakes Compact yet.

       The Ontario black bass season opened Saturday and moss is running in the river.

Sunday May 25 2008  Be sure to vote in our NEW Mini-Poll HERE  NEW QUESTION!     

          A bill authorized by Assemblywoman Francine DelMonte (D-Lewiston), which prohibits the sale of fish taken by sport fishermen has passed the Assembly. At present the law allows the sale of fishes that are not subject to statewide minimum size limits or seasonal restrictions. DelMonte said, “Currently the state does not do enough to protect our commercial fishermen.” This means when and if the bill becomes law fishermen can no longer sell bull heads, yellow perch, American shad, sun fish, blue gills and any other fish that has a size limit to it or is seasonal. It is not uncommon to read about unscrupulous sport fishermen catching large numbers of the aforementioned fish and selling them to restaurants, especially yellow perch, shad and bullheads. The practice is carried on mostly in the larger cities throughout the state with New York City the most notorious. A fishing license is issued so the bearer can enjoy fishing, not a shortcut to making a couple bucks.

         If you are a senior citizen you can launch free of charge at any of the local state launch ramps during weeks days only. On Sundays and holidays you pay the same as anyone else. Simply show your driver’s license or birth certificate to the attendant on duty.

Sunday May 11 2008  Be sure to vote in our NEW Mini-Poll HERE  NEW QUESTION!               

This May 11 column condensed on May 18th and saved because of it's contents.

       The firearms industry heaved a collective sigh or relief recently when a federal appeals court dismissed an eight-year old lawsuit against the industry. The lawsuit, filed in 2000 by then-mayor Rudy Guliani, tried to hold gun makers liable for criminal misuse of their product. The court decided Congress “intended to protect from vicarious liability members of the firearms industry who engage in the ‘lawful design, manufacture, marketing, distribution, importation or sale’ of firearms.” The court stated that the Protection of Lawful Commerce in Arms Act, enacted in 2005 is constitutional and the lawsuit should have been dismissed sooner.

         Suing gun makers for criminal actions by someone who misuses a gun would be the same as suing any of the automobile manufacturers for auto accidents the kill or injure someone. How anyone can lay blame on the manufacturer for misuse of a product is hard to fathom. It’s one thing to blame the maker of a defective or shoddy product, but blaming the maker for stupid, careless or criminal actions of anyone using the product is ridiculous. Speaking of shoddy products, the following might be of interest.

           A hearty “attaboy” to fellow outdoor writer, Bill Hilts Jr., on being elected to the board of directors of Outdoor Writers Association of America. It is an honor well deserved and Bill is ideal for the job. The only problem with such an honor is you have to go to all those meetings instead of going fishing.

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OUTDOOR SCENE  WEEKLY

Sunday January 7 2007 

By Joe Ognibene                                   

ABOUT OGNIBENE'S FIRST 50 YEARS!

         It seems like only a short time has passed since this column began and it’s hard to believe it is now in its 50th year of publication. A great many things have changed in our outdoor world since the day in 1957 when Bob Lowe, sports writer at the Gazette, asked how things were in the hunting and fishing world. At that time I was the only one on the editorial staff who did either. I began telling him and he cut me short and said, “Write it down for me.” I did, and that’s how it started.

         Lowe used my written account in his Sunday column and words can’t describe the thrill of seeing what I wrote in print. It was exciting to write of the fishing and hunting we had, which was not anywhere near what we have now. We did have some pheasant hunting, although it had been declining and in 1957 was declining faster. Our fishing left much to be desired and the once plentiful blue pike were non-existent in Lake Ontario with walleyes almost gone. Perch fishing had fallen off, bass seemed to have left the area and bullheads we caught had ugly looking ulcers on their heads. A few short years after the column began stories about pollution began appearing in news stories. We who fished the Lower Niagara River and Lake Ontario knew something was drastically wrong when we noticed dead fish and how murky the water was and how badly it smelled.

       At that time I was a photographer at the Gazette and took a picture from the top of Burt Dam of the pool below. It was covered with detergent foam and you could not see water. Another photo I took was at Olcott along the beach where the U.S. Army had erected signs putting the bathing beach off limits to military personnel and their dependents. At the time Fort Niagara was a working army installation and an outbreak of hepatitis was noticed among the soldiers and their families. The source was traced to raw sewage that entered from 18-Mile Creek. Toilets that were flushed on either side of the creek in Olcott drained directly into the creek with no treatment whatsoever.

        On our hunting scene by the end of the 60s and into the early 70s pheasants were becoming a fond memory. Deer hunting was fair in the southern Tier, but in Niagara County deer were few and far between. Wild turkeys were a bird of Pennsylvania and other states. Canada geese were hunted in November when migratory flocks passed through on their way to milder regions. Then we heard of fantastic fishing in Michigan where pacific Chinook salmon had been stocked and many of us headed there to see for ourselves. The monsters we caught and brought back sent others to Michigan and salmon fever swept the area. In a few years we had our own stockings of salmon and you know the rest of the story.

          It was in the 70s when I drove to Kent, near Rochester, to photograph the release of 12 wild turkeys. I had the thrill of holding one in my arms just before release. That was one of the first stockings in these parts and it would be an understatement to say the stocking program is a success. We now have wild turkeys in every corner of Niagara County and also in some of our residential areas. Matt Duffy, of Lewiston, was visiting Grandpa Frank Mirabelli who lives on the escarpment when he called grandpa to look out the kitchen window. Four turkeys were strutting around the Mirabelli backyard, the first Duffy had ever seen.

          A modern sewage system was installed that cleared up the sewage problem in Olcott, foaming detergents have been banned and now 18-Mile Creek is known as one of the country’s finest trout and salmon streams. With abatement programs in force industries have been forced to drastically reduce polluting our land and water and things are much cleaner than in the past. Mike Brown, a reporter at the Gazette, broke the story of Love Canal and a cleaner environment was suddenly on the mind of the nation.

         The future is not all rosy however, new curses has befallen us with zebra mussel, spiny water flea and other exotics imported to this country in ballast water in ships from Europe. The latest blow that will be devastating to our Great Lakes is the tremendous population growth of Asian carp that threatens to decimate the fishery. These are some of the reasons why this columnist feels the greatest responsibility to my readers is to report of the many things that need correcting. It would be nice to write of only great fishing trips, trophy bucks, clean up of polluted streams, sudden demise of Zebra mussel, Asian carp and the other exotic pests along with abatement of global warming. I’m afraid it isn’t going to happen in my lifetime or yours, if it ever does.

          In summation I can say the past 50 years have seen more changes than I can recount here. Many Canada geese throughout the northeast have decided not to bother migrating and stay around all year. Their numbers are so high a special early fall season calls for a limit of eight a day! The Niagara River Anglers Association has brought the walleye fishing back to the lower Niagara River and the re-establishment of the wild turkey in Niagara County is almost unbelievable. If the weather for the rest of winter continues as it has so far wild turkeys could be as plentiful as ring-neck pheasants once were.

         Some of my readers have told me their grandfathers used to read the column. Maybe, with luck, in time some will say their great-grandfathers used to read it. I look forward to the next 50 years.

Thank you Joe! Splendid job through all the years I have been reading you and that probably spans 45 of those 50 years! You forgot to mention all the non-fisher people and hunters and housewives that read you every week. It's like something they look forward to in the Sunday papers.

I'm looking forward to the next fifty years too!

Mark Daul

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      OLD NEWS: [October 2006] By this time you have probably received your copy of the Niagara River Anglers Association’s News and Views and have read the notice on the inside facing page from President Paul, who writes of the retirement of Mark Daul, founder of NRAA, long time editor of News and Views and creator and administrator of the club’s web site. Daul takes exception to the announcement claiming he did not retire, but outright quit. He also claims the notice he wrote for inclusion in News and Views was not included in the latest issue. Daul explains his position and gripe with the club’s president on web site http://www.outdoorsniagara/SoSmart.htm  where his letter can be read.

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Devil's Hole lesson taught ~ With tragedy
This story is left here for all to learn from others tragedies. 

       Of the many boats that have ventured into Devil’s Hole during the fall salmon runs over the years the inevitable happened recently when a boat capsized and two people were declared missing and presumed drowned. Charter Captain Steve White and one of two passengers, Lauren Barsamian of New York City, were swept away by the turbulent current of the water between the power plants on both sides of the lower Niagara River. Charter Captain, Joseph V. Marra Jr., said he heard cries for help and maneuvered his boat to rescue John Rice, of New Jersey, Ms. Barasmian’s companion.

        Marra told authorities he almost grabbed onto the woman, but she was pulled under by the strong whirlpools that abound in the area. Would-be rescuers lost sight of White as he too was swept under. Coast Guard officials said White was a licensed charter captain. The boat he was operating was a 19-foot Starcraft. The location where the trouble occurred was the area between the power plants where deep whirlpools are not uncommon. Those of us who have fished Devil’s Hole many times know the stretch well and do our best to avoid a particularly large whirlpool that constantly appears in the center of the river. The stretch between the power plants is not where fishing is done, but if a fisherman has a large salmon on the line many times the boat will drift into the danger zone while the fight is on, sometimes with the engine not operating.

        It’s tragic the incident happened, but maybe some good can come of it. It would be a wise idea for anyone venturing into Devil’s Hole to wear a life preserver. They’re uncomfortable, but could keep you afloat until someone comes to your rescue. Being a strong swimmer does you no good in the currents found in and below Devil’s Hole. Boat size and configuration are also important considerations. It would not be advisable to head into Devil’s Hole in a boat any shorter than a 17-footer with a deep-V hull and a wide beam. Any outboard engine less than 50-horsepower would not be advised. The usual practice when fishing Devil’s Hole is to drift through the hole, but start the engine as soon as you come to the upstream end of the Robert Moses Power Plant and head back into the hole. When leaving the hole you should be under power strong enough to allow you to steer around whirlpools you will see in your path. You won’t need full throttle power, slightly more than half-throttle should do. The current usually calms by the time you get to Artpark. A bass boat with its almost flat bottom is definitely not the type of boat to take into Devil’s Hole. We can only hope that such an accident never happens again.

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