The Oneida Lake Bulletin Spring 2020 www.oneidalakeassociation.org OLA Celebrates Our 75 Year Anniversary! by John Harmon, OLA Vice-President Our Beginning On April 25, 1946, slightly less than a to this day. However, none of the prizes the early officers of the organization year after German forces surrendered to was more symbolic than their promise to remained committed to taking action end World War II, the Post-Standard of give away “a dozen pair of nylon stock- based on facts and research. One of their Syracuse announced the very first public ings.” Initially, this prize might appear first resolutions was to “Take such steps meeting of the newly formed Oneida as a ploy to attract women members. as a survey would disclose as necessary Lake Association (hereafter OLA). The The Association, however, had an even to improve fishing, boating and bathing.” meeting was scheduled to take place in deeper message. The readers of 1946 After Onondaga County quickly endorsed Lincoln Auditorium of the old Central recognized that nylon stockings were this resolution, the OLA pressed for High School in Syracuse. The organizers indeed a rare and coveted item during the similar considerations from Madison and expected over two-thousand attendees months immediately following the war. Oswego Counties (2/19/1946). from throughout Central New York. At The organizers used this prize to plainly this meeting, Benjamin Sauer, elected announce that “the Association is able to One of the next—and most enduring— President at the foundational meeting get what it goes after.” achievements of the OLA was their suc- of December 1945, planned to outline cess “in cutting down pollution of the lake the vision of the OLA, including “Plans The Oneida Lake Association recorded and its tributary streams” (4/19/1946). for developing the lake into the state’s an astonishing record of achievements This goal remains at the forefront of best fishing and hunting area.” Looking in its very first six months. A review of OLA’s activities to this day. back through the past 75 years, there is several articles archived in the Syracuse As spring—and the fishing seasons— little doubt about that this original vision Post Standard reveals the scope and approached, the Board of Directors of has been achieved. Although game fish breadth of the organization’s ability to 1946 turned their attention to the dif- populations have changed, Oneida Lake get things done. For example, OLA spon- ficult issue of continued fish piracy on continues to boast one of the finest fish- sored a bill in the state legislature that the lake. They strongly urged the state eries in all of the U.S. Folks from every gave free hunting and fishing to all vets “to put a complete stop to illegal netting state of the union come to test its waters, of the recently concluded World War II. of pike, now running up the streams to in every season of the year. Although we The organization also exacted a promise spawn.” The Directors would not cease thank Mother Nature for providing us from the legislature to develop a commit- their pressure until they effected a “com- with this wonderful resource, we can also tee to “investigate conditions of the lake plete stop to the Illegal netting of pike” thank the OLA for its unswerving stew- thoroly” (1/3/1946). The OLA officers (4/19/1946). In one of the very many ardship of Oneida Lake and its watershed. also prompted a study of water level con- trol for the lake, resulting in “support of a articles in the Post-Standard devoted to The annual meetings of the OLA project to have the state build a new dam the early months of the OLA, we read that have continued uninterrupted for the last at Caughdenoy to give better control of “Although organized only a few months 75 years. It has long been a tradition to water levels” (4/19/1946). Each of those ago, the Association has been successful give away door prizes at these annual initiatives have paid off with programs in cutting down pollution of the lake and meetings. In fact, in the newspaper an- that continue to benefit Oneida Lake to its tributary streams and has received nouncement of that inaugural meeting in this day. a promise from the State Conservation 1946, the Association boasted that they Department that it will make a thorough would give away “a number of door In just a few months, the OLA was survey of lake needs and conditions this prizes,” a tradition that has continued 1,000 members strong. To their credit, year. The Association is working to stop (Continued on page 3)

Oneida Lake Bulletin – Your Environmental Voice for Seventy-five Years 1 President’s Message The Oneida Lake Association, Inc. To the OLA Membership, Founded in 1945 Did you ever stop and think just how lucky you really are to have the opportunities to enjoy our beautiful Oneida Lake? There are many different types of quality leisure The Bulletin is published by the Oneida Lake Association, Inc., activities for people of all ages. Although there have been numerous challenges and so that its members may be in- changes over the years, Oneida Lake has remained a treasure. Thanks to the collabora- formed regarding the activities of the tion of many groups of people and agencies working together over the years, Oneida association. The Oneida Lake Lake continues to be recognized as one of the best walleye and smallmouth bass fisheries Association, Inc., was organized in New York State, and even in the United States. Because of this treasure, we need to in 1945 to restore and preserve the be grateful for our founders of the Oneida Lake Association for their dedication and natural resources of Oneida Lake foresight, planning for the care of our lake for future generations. Over our rich 75 and its environs. year history there have been many individuals who have put in their passion and time into our OLA mission statement by tapping into their own strengths. Over all those Officers years, we have had many dedicated members serve on the OLA Board of Directors, President...... William Girvan and a number of them were our officers--Treasurers, Secretaries, Vice Presidents, and Vice President...... Warren Darby Vice President...... John Harmon Presidents, along with numerous committee chairs. Also we have had a great and proud Vice President...... Open membership that has always been the heart and soul of the OLA. We have a great logo Treasurer...... Lance Vella too! Secretary...... Ryan Asmus In order to address all of the different issues and concerns over the years, the OLA has had a lot of help and guidance. Working together to solve the problems on Oneida Board of Directors Lake there have been a number of truly dedicated and very intelligent professionals. For example, we have had support and guidance from the Cornell University Field Terms Expiring April 30, 2020 Bruce Schantz Ryan Asmus Station at Shackleton Point, the New York State DEC, Region 6 & 7 Fisheries, numer- Mike Barretta Dr. Edward Mills ous law enforcement agencies, the Oneida Lake Fish Hatchery staff, as well as village Gina Duggleby George Reck fire departments, all focusing on safety and quality of life on Oneida Lake. We are also thankful for the many outdoor writers, politicians, and business owners all around Terms Expiring April 30, 2021 Anthony Buffa Bill Girvan Oneida Lake. Richard Colesante Robert Cote Your OLA publishes two very informative Bulletins each year and our monthly E Carl Ford Matt Kazmierski – Newsletter, which has a lot of the latest information about Oneida Lake. This digital Greg Keener Bob Walczyk publication was the brainchild of OLA Director and Past-President Scott Shupe. We are pleased that the OLA Board has evolved from an all-male group to one that now Terms Expiring April 30, 2022 Patricia Cerro-Reehil Kurt Snyder enjoys the leadership of women directors. Currently we have had a couple of very Warren Darby Matt Snyder dedicated female directors who have really helped our OLA Board cover new and Tom Guifre Lance Vella important areas as we continue to move into the future. John Harmon Besides fisheries concerns, we working on increased control of cormorants, reduction of sediment, cleaner water, weed pulls, road clean ups, safety concerns, and increased access around the lake and a whole lot more. Unfortunately, due to virus concerns, we had to postpone our Annual Meeting sched- “Like Us” uled for this spring. We hope to re-schedule as soon as health concerns permit. At this future meeting we will honor the legendary Dr. John Forney as our 75th Anniversary on Facebook OLA Conservationist of the Year. Please monitor our website for details. www.facebook.com/ OneidaLakeAssociation

Bill Girvan, President OLA To submit questions or comments www.OneidaLakeAssociation.org [email protected] about The Bulletin, contact editor John Harmon at [email protected]

2 Oneida Lake Bulletin – Your Environmental Voice for Seventy-five Years OLA's 75-Year Anniversary the quantity and quality of their sport, the The damage to the lake’s fishery and (Continued from page 1) public began to rally behind the goal of surrounding economy was clear. A study eliminating piracy. That’s how the Oneida by the U.S. Wildlife Research Center illegal netting of fish and will assist with Lake Association was born. One of their illustrated how cormorants cost the four a program to provide food to attract ducks first goals was to tackle the problem of counties around Oneida Lake some 1,400 to the lake in the fall and winter months” illegal netting and the resultant sale of jobs and more than $40 million in fishing- (4/19/1946). walleyes. The OLA Directors pursued this related economic impact. Clearly, some- goal unswervingly until finally, in 1961, thing had to be done. And the Oneida The Ban on Netting and New York State passed a law that banned Lake Association led the charge. The Selling Walleyes the sale of walleyes from Oneida Lake. OLA tirelessly and vigorously partnered Previous to the founding of the OLA, To this day, The Oneida Lake Association with the DEC, as well as the Fish and Oneida’s robust walleye population Board of Directors carefully studies and Wildlife Division of the federal govern- was both a blessing and a burden. As advises the State of New York on how to ment to develop a program to reduce or expected, this abundant fishery attracted promote fishing while making the most eliminate the presence of these birds on a healthy population of sport fishermen. of resources to suppress piracy. Oneida Lake. The partnership led to the However, it also attracted numerous convening of a large, diverse stakeholder fortune hunters, much like the Gold Cormorants! group, representing everyone from an- Rush of 1849. Harvesting hundreds of A review of the OLA Bulletins from glers to birdwatchers. In the end, stan- walleyes through the use of large nets 1999-2002 reveals that the Association dards were set for a harassment program became a common practice in the 1800s. declared war on a true enemy of the that chased a substantial population of These “commercial” fisherman could sell lake—the double crested cormorant. One cormorants off the lake. According to their bountiful catch to restaurants and of the opening salvos was fired by then the DEC website, this non-lethal hazing a public eager for this tasty table treat. President Kurt Snyder. In his President’s program reduced cormorant population Concerned about this predation, New Report he stated that “We urge the further from “as many as 2,700 cormorants per York State outlawed this practice in 1897. implementation of the DECF/USDA day . . . to less than 200 birds per day from Not surprisingly, Prohibition forced the cormorant control program, so that these 2005-2008, while the resident summer practice to go underground—or under- birds no longer constitute a threat to fish.” population was consistently less than 150 water, in this case. Unwilling to give up The OLA Board of Directors took up birds per day.” this source of income, many of the net- this challenge and focused their efforts Since 2008, cormorant hazing has been fishermen became “pirates,” continuing on reducing cormorant predation for the challenged by the loss of federally appro- their catches in the dead of night, boldly next several years. Each issue of the Bul- priated dollars and animal-rights group eluding the law enforcement through letin provided more and more evidence lawsuits against the U.S. Fish and Wild- clever means. Although the officers of the and testimony that revealed the shock- life Service. Nevertheless, cormorant law enacted several arrests and destroyed ing extent of the cormorants’ damage to management activities have continued to plenty of expensive nets, they couldn’t the Oneida fishery. Cornell University, evolve, and our partners in the DEC and at quite eliminate the illegal practice. Harry the Oneida Fish Hatchery, and the DEC Cornell have never wavered in their com- Best, one of New York State’s top game all contributed to a wealth of data that mitment to the defense of Oneida Lake’s wardens stated, “We caught them pirates indicted the cormorants. Here’s one fact irreplaceable fishery. The OLA continues one after another, but you couldn’t stop printed in the Summer 2000 Bulletin: its staunch defense to this very day. them.” Perhaps the single technological From the spring of 1996 to the spring advancement that spelled the end of the of 1997, the lake’s cormorants gobbled pirates was the invention of the spinning about 33,000 walleyes that were age 1. Connection to the Cornell reel. Attracted by an abundant source of They also ate 24,000 that were age 2, Biological Field Station feisty and tasty walleyes, anglers flocked and 43,000 that were age 3 and older. Although Oneida Lake and its water- to Oneida, using this simple device to en- That’s a total of 100,000 walleyes! Data shed provide an abundance of natural hance their fishing. They found, however, revealed similar cormorant feeding rates resources, perhaps one of our greatest that they often got their legal tackle en- for subsequent years, as well. And almost treasures is the intellectual resource tangled in illegal nets, the very nets used overnight, the once thriving perch popula- provided by the Cornell University by the pirates. Suddenly, the law found a tion became threatened, as well. Biological Field Station located on the legion of allies—sport fishermen. Recog- southern shore of the lake on Shackleton nizing that the pirates were infringing on (Continued on page 4)

Oneida Lake Bulletin – Your Environmental Voice for Seventy-five Years 3 OLA's 75-Year Anniversary position statements of the OLA remain In addition to rearing and stocking (Continued from page 3) solidly based in science and research, walleye, the Hatchery is dedicated to just as they did when the Association the re-establishment of Oneida Lake’s Point. This academic resource provides was founded. sturgeon population. This project, too, the launching station for a variety of has enjoyed great success. The OLA research initiatives concerning the lake. The Establishment and continues to support the Fish Hatchery in The Oneida Lake Association quickly Upgrading of Boat Launches a variety of ways, including lobbying for realized the benefits of linking its goals and Fishing Access Sites funding for equipment and personnel, as and initiatives to the scientific power of well as sending members to volunteer as The OLA has long been a champion the Field Station. One of the early lead- guides during the netting and spawning of the recreational anglers. To that end, ers of the Field Station, Dr. John Forney, season. Current OLA Director and Past throughout its 75 year history, OLA has provided invaluable scientific insight into President, Richard (Rip) Colesante, who lobbied for more and improved access the preservation of the lake and its fishery. retired from his professional career as to the lake, especially for boaters. Its Dr. Forney’s research and leadership at Supervisor of the Hatchery, says “The successes include the Brewerton/Route Shackleton Point have made Oneida Lake programs are strong, vibrant and success- 81 access site, as well as advocacy for one of the best-studied and best-managed ful—consistently stocking large numbers access at Godfrey Point, Lewis Point, and lakes in the world. His numerous long- of walleye on an annual basis and stock- the Cleveland Pier. This work continues term initiatives include: ing a record number of sturgeon in the to this day. Most recently, the OLA has • Maintenance and expansion of fish 2019 production season. The Hatchery learned that its lobbying efforts for a hatchery operations at Constantia is an extremely valuable asset to Oneida boat launch on Cove Road (near Sylvan • Understanding of Oneida Lake’s Lake.” food web and the effects of invasive Beach) now nears fruition. And only in species, such as zebra mussels, water the most recent months have we learned Conclusion chestnuts, round gobies, and, most that New York State will finally fund a A comprehensive listing of the many recently, spiny water fleas major rehabilitation of the Cleveland Pier, achievements of the Oneida Lake • Documenting and mitigating the giving increased access to our north shore Association goes far beyond the scope of damage done by overpopulation of fishermen. OLA has pushed hard for both this Bulletin. Other examples include the cormorants of these recent improvements. support of youth fishing, water activities • Providing a science-based target for such as boating, bird watching, nature phosphorus concentrations in the lake Modernization of the photography, water safety, and much • Improvement of conditions for native Constantia Fish Hatchery more. The Board of Directors remain water birds and other wildlife From its earliest days, the OLA has proud to continue this 75-year tradition • Melding of science, policy, and public supported the modernization, mainte- well into the current century. We thank involvement that laid the foundation nance, and appropriate staffing levels of our thousands of members, both past and for a walleye management plan for the DEC Fish Hatchery in Constantia, present, for supporting us in the effort to Oneida Lake, one that still stands one of the few Oneida Lake institutions preserve Oneida Lake as a jewel in the today. that is longer lived than the OLA, having heart of New York State. been established in 1897. The hatchery’s Additionally, the OLA also owes many netting and stocking programs have con- thanks to the work of Dr. Ed Mills, also tributed millions upon millions of walleye of the Cornell Field Station. Dr. Mills, an into Oneida Lake in the past 123 years. OLA Past President and current Director, Sound conservation measures from the states that “the research and leadership DEC, as well as a continuous stocking team at Cornell University’s Biological program for walleyes have contributed Field Station at Shackleton Point have to the world-class fishery that we enjoy made Oneida Lake one of the best stud- in Oneida Lake. In fact, just a few weeks ied lakes on the planet with over seven ago, the DEC proudly announced that the decades of informing natural resource adult walleye population in Oneida Lake managers, policy makers, and the public had once again returned to one million about Oneida Lake’s world-class fishery.” strong! In this way, all decision-making and OLA Directors keeping your lake clean!

4 Oneida Lake Bulletin – Your Environmental Voice for Seventy-five Years Board of Directors Election OLA Hopes to Celebrate its The annual election for members of the OLA Board of Directors will Diamond Jubilee at the take place at our next Annual Meet- 75th Annual Meeting ing, scheduled for sometime at a later date. Please monitor our website for by Cap’n Tony Buffa details. Members in good standing Out of concern for everyone’s health and safety, we have decided to who attend the meeting will have the postpone our Annual Meeting, originally scheduled for the end of April. opportunity to vote on the follow- We do hope to reschedule this meeting at some date in the future. Once we ing slate of director candidates who have a date, we will publish it on our website and on our Facebook page. Please have been selected by the Nominat- follow our updates. ing Committee to stand for election Once we have a date, our plan will be to follow the original design of the for a three-year term on the Board: meeting. We all look forward to the time when we can gather together to Ryan Asmus, Mike Barretta, Gina celebrate an evening of historical significance, informative presentations, Duggleby, Dr. Edward Mills, George and recognition in conservation. We will announce a special keynote speaker Reck, and Bruce Shantz. as the time gets closer. We also plan to have our usual presentations from Cornell’s Field Station at Shackleton Point, NYSDEC law enforcement Breaking News: DEC, division Region 7, and Oneida Lake Association officers, who will address OLA, and Cornell Push topics of interest. Cormorant Control, Walleye Egg Take for 2020, and Walleye- Perch-Bass-Sturgeon- Goby population estimates for 2020 will fill a robust for New Cormorant Tools agenda. Questions and answers will follow each speaker’s presentation. by Matt Snyder, OLA Director We encourage you to attend with your family and guests. Our exhibitors’ Leaders of the Oneida Lake Associa- displays will also be there for your viewing. OLA membership renewals and tion, the New York State Department of recruitment will be available as well. In the meantime, you may update your Environmental Conservation, and Cor- membership online at our website or through a mailing that you recently nell University have been hard at work received. We welcome your support for all the programs the Association moni- on restoring the full range of cormorant tors. management tools to wildlife manage- This year’s theme is “ONEIDA LAKE: THE WORLD’S ONLY LIQUID ment professionals. DIAMOND.” Celebrating Seventy-five years of the Oneida Lake Association This chapter of the cormorant saga is synonymous with the magnificence, resiliency and perpetuating fascination goes back to 2015, when the Animal that defines Oneida Lake. The OLA needs your support. Come to the meeting Legal Defense Fund, Friends of Animals, and celebrate Oneida Lake’s heritage seen through the watchful eye of the and other radical animal-rights activists OLA. Our lake’s well-being is constantly being challenged; we need your help banded together to file suit against the and support. federal government to halt cormorant At the meeting, the OLA will give its prestigious “Conservationist of the management. This action led to a federal Year” award to an outstanding local environmentalist. This year’s award is injunction against the Fish and Wildlife special. It will be given to an individual who has been uniquely influential Service’s Environmental Impact State- in the modern day history of Oneida Lake. The award, entitled “OLA 75th ment (EIS), the legal basis for large-scale Commemorative Conservationist of the Year,” is the most prestigious ever management activities. given. The meeting will then close with the distribution of door prizes and Since the injunction, management has the drawing for a Pelican-RAM X Premium kayak (with paddle and limped along under severe limitations. safety flag) and a REMALI CaptureCam 4K Ultra HD Waterproof These restrictions did not diminish the Sports Action Camera Kit. The winners will be chosen from attendees and dedication on the part of fisheries and our at-large membership. An attendee will win the kayak; an at-large member wildlife staff from the DEC, who have will win the camera. done their best to haze Oneida Lake This is a meeting you do not want to miss; replete with fun, facts, entertain- cormorants and collect a limited number ment, and love for the lake you hold so special in your life. of birds for diet sampling by Cornell Please continue to monitor our website, our Facebook page, and our University. However, it did significantly E-news for further details. (Continued on page 9) Oneida Lake Bulletin – Your Environmental Voice for Seventy-five Years 5 Onondaga County Sheriff’s Office Air-1 Helicopter

The Onondaga County Sheriff’s Office Aviation Unit was established in 1975, then known as the Air Stop Program. The first helicopter used was a two-person Hiller, which was replaced in 1980 with a Bell 206 helicopter. The Aviation Unit currently has one chief pilot, two pilots/deputies, and two tactical flight officers/depu- ties. The helicopter utilized today is a single-engine Bell 407, also known as “Air-1.” This helicopter has four rotor blades and can fly at a top air speed of 162 mph. It can seat seven adults and is equipped for medevac transport. The Bell 407 has a three-hour/300 mile flight range and has a larger pay- Last year Air-1 responded to eight calls for service on Oneida Lake, two of which load capacity than the ships that came required the search for drowning victims and one for a reported boat fire. before it. Additionally, it is equipped Air-1 also patrols Oneida Lake regularly, checking for individuals who traverse with a 30 million candlepower Night- the ice in the winter with snowmobiles or on foot. They also patrol in the summer sun spotlight, a Forward Looking to keep watch for boaters and public beaches, responding to signs of distress or Infrared (FLIR) device (which is calls for help. synced with the Nightsun), flotation The Oneida Lake Association thanks the Onondaga County Sherriff’s Office for gear, Billy Pugh rescue net and ring, a providing this valuable equipment and highly trained personnel for the safety of rappelling hook for SWAT placement, all of those who enjoy the lake. Bambi Bucket for fire suppression, Project Life Saver equipment, video recording and downlink capabilities, a complete communications system that can access all frequencies, and a 200 watt PA/siren system. Air-1 is a multi-mission helicopter capable of performing numerous functions including, Patrol, Search and Rescue, and Fire Assistance. Over the past years, Air-1’s missions over Oneida Lake have varied from water rescues involving capsized boats, missing anglers, skid rescues and drownings. Air-1’s flight crew is often assisted by the Sheriff’s Office Navigation Unit and local fire departments that provide water rescue equipment.

6 Oneida Lake Bulletin – Your Environmental Voice for Seventy-five Years Oneida Lake’s Newest Critter: The Spiny Water Flea By Dr. Ed Mills, OLA Director

Oneida Lake has been subject to over able to feed on the spiny water flea be- a century of biotic introductions and cause of the barbed tail spine, larger fish ecological changes. Sea lamprey, white can feed on this crustacean. The Cornell perch, zebra and quagga mussel, and the Field Station found in September of 2019 round goby are perhaps the most signifi- that young yellow perch (2.5 inches long) cant organisms to have invaded Oneida had stomachs full of the spiny water flea; Lake in recorded history. Oneida Lake young white perch and emerald shiners currently hosts 36 non-native fish, plants, also fed on spiny water flea. Cornell and invertebrate species. The most recent researchers will be monitoring the spiny critter discovered is the spiny water flea. water flea and assessing its impact on Origin and Spread the lake’s fishery and ecosystem in 2020. The spiny water flea is a microscopic What You Should Do crustacean, native to freshwaters of The spiny water flea spreads to other northern Europe and Asia, first discov- water bodies through movement by hu- ered in Oneida Lake in September 2019 mans and their water related equipment. by Kristen Holeck, a researcher at the Oneida Lake anglers are likely to see the Cornell Biological Field Station (CBFS) spiny water flea on their fishing lines (see at Shackelton Point, and her Field Biol- photo), downrigger cables, fishing nets, Spiny water fleas attached to fishing line. ogy class. The spiny water flea was first and other fishing equipment in the 2020 Photo credit: found in the region in Lake Ontario in fishing season. As a good lake steward Jeff Gunderson, Minnesota Sea Grant https://www.nps.gov/isro/learn/nature/invasive- 1982 (associated with Great Lakes ship- protecting Oneida Lake and other nearby species-spiny-water-flea.htm ping and their release of contaminated lakes, fishing gear infected with the spiny ballast water) and has spread to all of water flea must be properly disinfected the Great Lakes, and many smaller lakes before moving to nearby lakes and rivers. Adults and eggs may also be associated in Canada, Michigan, Minnesota, and Research indicates that drying is the most with mud and debris so boat anchors and Wisconsin. Since 2008, the species has effective way to kill all stages of the spiny ropes may be a source of contamination. spread to New York’s Great Sacandaga water flea. Methods to clean and disin- Boaters should be sure to adhere to the Lake, Lake George, Lake Champlain, fect fishing gear can be found at www. Clean, Drain, and Dry message by clean- and, now, Oneida Lake. dec.ny.gov/animals/50121.html. This ing their boat, draining all water holding Biology animal can survive in water contained in compartments, and drying as a standard bait buckets, live wells, bilge areas, and practice before entering and after leaving An adult spiny water flea is about 0.5 other water containing areas of boats. Oneida Lake. inches long with nearly 70% of its body length recognizable as a long tail spine (to deter predators) containing 3 to 4 barbs (see photo). The animal has one large eyespot that is usually black and feeds on zooplankton like Daphnia that is popular food item of young fish Oneida Lake including those in the larval stage of life. Impact The spiny water flea’s ability to depress important food items like Daphnia could negatively impact larval fish through reduced growth and ultimately their sur- A microscopic view of the spiny water flea. vival. While young larval fish will not be Photo credit: J. Leibig, NOAA, GLERL 2001

Oneida Lake Bulletin – Your Environmental Voice for Seventy-five Years 7 The Lure of the “Magic Lure” By Bill Girvan, OLA President Anglers of any era, on any body of water have always been looking for the magic fishing lure. Today’s avid anglers know there are certain lures and baits that become their go-to choice under specific conditions and seasons. Although there are many types of lures, colors, sizes to choose from along with kinds of lines and diameters plus very technical electronics that all come into play, we all have that one favorite lure. Today we have a whole class of lures called stick-baits that are very effective on Oneida Lake. But let’s take a step back in time to the early 1960s. This is the era when the first Rapalas found their way into the tackle boxes of Oneida Lake anglers. Fishing was a lot simpler then, and if there ever was a magic fishing lure, it was those original floating Rapalas, with only one model, two sizes, and two colors. Lauri Rapala designed and fine- tuned this minnow-like lure in Finland. It didn’t reach the US until about 1960, hitting the Oneida Lake area about spring 1964. It was the “Magic Lure” that had an action just like a swimming minnow. Did it ever catch fish, especially wall- the store. The fishermen couldn’t wait to helped build my confidence as a young eyes! At the time, I was working at my get to “The Lake” with their new magic angler. first and favorite job at Yorkville Bait lure. Rapala came out with the Blue /Silver & Sport Shop just outside Utica. The At that time, the daily limit of wall- color by spring of 1970 and Countdowns owner was John Maciol (father of Oneida eye was 10 fish, and there were a large came along shortly after, followed by imi- County Sheriff Rob Maciol). He was an population of adult walleyes that couldn’t tation Rapalas. Over the years, numerous outstanding angler who loved fishing for resist that life-like action of a minnow. molds and sizes of Rapalas and numerous walleye and smallmouth bass on Oneida Waders would cast these lures and play other stick-baits by other manufactures Lake. He was also an OLA member from around with retrieve speeds, twitching, hit the market. They all catch fish and about 1950. Besides getting all types of but reeling in slow seemed to work best. their actions are all spinoffs of those bait, I also hung around the store meeting You didn’t need wind, as when the bats original floating Rapalas. Other popular and asking the customers all about fish- came out the walleyes were in like clock- walleye lures and baits of the 1960s on ing. Those early floating Rapalas were work on the calm nights. Rapalas also Oneida Lake included the Garcia Eelet, Silver /Black and Gold/ Black ( 2.75” worked well while trolling with some L &. S jointed Marrow Lure, Helen Flat- and 3.5”), and they came in a box of 24 weight added to the line 2-3 inches above fish, Sidewinder Spoons, Little Wonder lures. The silver/black 3.5” was the best the lure. They also worked well casting Spinners - with a fly, Dixie Spinners, seller; you couldn’t keep them in stock! from boats too. Looking back, I caught Bucktail Jigs, and Heddon Sonar, plus They sold out quickly and back then fish- over 475 of my first 500 walleyes at the Eels, Sand Pike and Night Crawlers too. ermen didn’t buy duplicates in lures like lake by my High School graduation in The 1960s really were the good old days they do today. Just about every day, John 1970 on that combination of a 3.5” Silver/ on Oneida Lake! brought a new box or two of Rapalas into black floating Rapala. Oneida Lake really

8 Oneida Lake Bulletin – Your Environmental Voice for Seventy-five Years Push for New Cormorant Tools (Continued from page 5) The Oneida Lake Association limit the scope of cormorant management. Moves Into the 21st Century Under the current administration, the Fish and Wildlife As you many have noticed, on your membership Service has responded by proposing a new, more robust EIS application, you have the option to get the Bulletins designed to better withstand animal-rights activists’ legal electronically instead of being mailed. This saves the machinations. Fisheries and wildlife leaders in the DEC and organization in printing, postage and mailing costs! To Cornell have brought their many years’ worth of expertise communicate more routinely we started an e-newsletter to the EIS design process, and OLA recently provided the that is emailed out periodically. We have noticed how- Fish and Wildlife Service with public comments strongly in ever, that many of you don’t “open” the file to read the support of the revised EIS. Your OLA will be watching and newsletter sent from Constant Contact – Please be sure encouraging agency leaders and elected officials to restore this email doesn’t land in your Spam folder! We want full cormorant management capabilities to state and federal to communicate with you, our members, easily and governments. efficiently – email is a great way to do that! Tip-ups North ~ Thank you! Long before the invention of GPS, the OLA developed a program to help those ice fishermen who might get disoriented Please support our advertisers! during a winter blow. In the January 1959 issue of the Utica newspaper, the OLA expressed concern for the “lives of men and women who become lost during blizzards” as they fished the ice of Oneida Lake. The OLA advised fishermen to always place their tip-ups on the north side of the holes they cut. In this way, a fisherman who is wandering in a blizzard could come across a tip-up, and readily determine a north-south line, often the shortest path to shore. Former OLA President, Millard Rogers, even came up with the idea of a metal tag affixed to the tip-up proclaiming, “This tip-up is NORTH.”

As an OLA member and a waterfront resident, www.fishingcny.com I know the community well and understand your housing needs. 1405 NYS Rt 49 • Cleveland, NY 13042 USA Call me today, and let me put the full resources Since of RealtyUSA to work for you! 1952 WWW.JACKCOLEMAN.COM

Autobody • Collsion • Towing • Recovery • Sand Blasting • Detailing • Glass With Over 50 Years of Excellent Reputation, We Are Your Collision Decision

Office: 315-675-8652 FAX: 315-675-3756

Oneida Lake Bulletin – Your Environmental Voice for Seventy-five Years 9 812 State Rt. 49 PO Box 143 Cleveland, NY 13042 (315) 675-3662

CLEAN 1-2 BEDROOM COTTAGES, with cable television.

Equipped kitchens, decks - lake views.

BOAT RENTALS - Bait & Tackle Boat Launching & Docking - Gas & Ice

On the North Shore of Oneida Lake • www.fishoneida.com

"YOUR COMPLETE MARINE SERVICE & PARTS FACILITY" Service on all inboard & inboard/outboards Wood, Fiberglass & Metal Hull Repairs. Haulouts by Marine Railway to 24ft Wide Open Year Round Wayne E. Carroll Helen M. Carroll 5405 Bennett Street, P.O. Box 583 Brewerton, New York 13029-0583 315-676-3762 • Fax: 315-668-6177 www.brewertonboatyard.com Authorized Dealers For: Volvo Penta • Mercury/MerCruiser • Onan Marine • Crusader • Chrysler • OMC Cobra • Westerbeke • Interlux Yacht Paint Center BORIO’S RESTAURANT “Overlooking Beautiful Oneida Lake” 6 Minutes from Route 81 (Exit 30 - Cicero) Off Lakeshore Road ■ Lunches ■ Dinners ■ Receptions ■ Banquets CLOSED ON MONDAYS 699-2249 www.borios.biz 10 Oneida Lake Bulletin – Your Environmental Voice for Seventy-five Years Report Tagged Sturgeon

Sturgeon in Oneida Lake and nearby waters may be tagged. Biologists at Cornell University and NYSDEC need your help to track these fish. Yellow tags may be attached at the base of the dorsal fin. If you catch a tagged sturgeon, please write down the number on the tag and length of fish, release the fish imme- diately, and call Cornell University at (315) 633-9243 or contact • 8 Different Cabinet Brands • All Types of Countertops • Vanities Show Room NYSDEC at (315) 785-2262 as soon as possible. • Free In Home Designs & Estimates Phone/Fax: (607) 785-1931 • PRICED BELOW HOME CENTERS www.kitchenconceptsgb.com

Cornell Field Station New York State Bridgeport, NY 13030 Department of Environmental (315) 633-9243 Conservation

Capt. Tony Buffa’s Fishing Charters Lake Ontario, Oswego, NY Oneida Lake, Lakeport, NY

Salmon, Trout, Walleye & Bass Boats: 31' PennYan & 28' Offshore Email: [email protected] www.captaintonybuffafishingcharters.com April through November Call for reservations (315) 427-2278

Oneida Lake Bulletin – Your Environmental Voice for Seventy-five Years 11 NON-PROFIT ORG OLA U.S. POSTAGE ONEIDA LAKE ASSOCIATION, INC. PO BOX 3536 PAID SYRACUSE, NEW YORK 13220-3536 SYRACUSE, NY PERMIT NO. 999

Public Seasonal Boat or per Launching! Launch

OPEN YEAR-ROUND It’s Your Lake. Seafood-Steaks-Pasta Keep it Clean. Overlooking Beautiful Oneida Lake! Just 10 minutes from the Turning Stone Casino www.OneidaLakeAssociation.org Thruway Exit 34, Canastota, NY 3/4 mile west of Route 13 on Route 31 (315) 697-7007 www.pier31.com Oneida Lake Association, Inc. ONEIDA LAKE P.O. Box 3536 • Syracuse, New York 13220-3536 ASSOCIATION MEMBER Membership valid through April 30, 2021 MEMBERSHIP $8.00 Name______Street ______It’s Your Lake City______State______Help to Preserve It Zip ______Phone ( )______Complete information, E-Mail______cut along dotted line and mail. _ Check here if you would like to receive The OLA Bulletin electronically.

12 Please SupportOneida Your Lake Bulletin Advertisers – Your Environmental Voice for Seventy-five Years