Page 1 News For The Garden State Prsrt Std U.S. POSTAGE Outdoors Enthusiast PAID Newark, NJ Permit No. 973 Vol. 45, No. 12 December 2012 One Dollar Organized May 24, 1935. Serving All the Sportsmen & Women of NJ

Counties: Atlantic - Bergen - Burlington - Camden - Cape May - Cumberland - Essex - Gloucester - Hudson - Hunterdon - Mercer - Middlesex - Monmouth - Morris - Ocean - Passaic - Salem - Somerset - Sussex - Union - Warren NJ FEDERATED SPORTSMEN NEWS

Assoc. of Field Trial Clubs of NJ - NJ Bass Federation - Jersey Coast Anglers Assoc. - NJ Beach Buggy Assoc. - NJ Chap. of Nat. Wild Turkey Fed. - NJ Ducks Unlimited - NJ State Council Trout Unlimited - NJ Trappers Assoc. - NJ Waterfowlers Assoc. - United Bow Hunters of NJ

DEP Issues Hurricane Sandy Takes Toll on Recreational Fishing and Boating Advisory

Garden State Fisheries TRENTON – Due to damage caused by Hurricane Sandy, several waste water treatment facilities in the state went off- The U.S. Department of Commerce line, resulting in the temporary runoff of in mid-November approved NJ Governor effluents into certain waterways. As a Chris Christie’s request for a declaration of public health and safety precaution, the a federal fishery resource disaster as a NJ Department of Environmental result of the devastation to the commercial Protection in early November advised and recreational fishing industries caused recreational boaters, anglers and crab- by Hurricane Sandy. bers to temporarily avoid these water- “I sincerely thank Acting Commerce ways and is advising residents not to eat Secretary Rebecca Blank for acting swiftly any fish, crustaceans or shellfish from to respond to my request for help for New these waters due to contamination from Jersey’s fishing industries, which sustained pathogens, both bacteria and viruses. serious losses during the storm,” Governor Affected waters include the New Christie said. “My administration will be Jersey portion of the Hudson River, working closely with federal officials in Passaic River, Hackensack River, assessing the extent of the storm’s eco- Newark Bay, Kill Van Kull and Arthur nomic impacts and in developing a Kill, Raritan Bay, Raritan River, and response that will help the fishing industry Sandy Hook Bay. If you are boating or in this time of great hardship.” fishing in these waters, you are advised Sandy resulted in significant losses to thoroughly wash, clean and disinfect for the industry in New Jersey, damaging any gear immediately. or destroying vessels, ports, facilities, and In addition, the DEP is conducting equipment. It also left coastal areas that the tests of waters along the state’s entire industry needs severely damaged or inac- Atlantic coastline. Rebecca M. Blank, Acting Secretary of Authorities are encouraging all cessible. The Commerce Department’s NJ Governor Chris Christie. David declaration also applies to New York’s Commerce and Deputy Secretary of anglers, crabbers and boaters to visit the Shankbone photo, courtesy wikipedia.com. fishing industries, which also sustained Commerce. Photo courtesy commerce.gov. Hurricane Sandy webpage at heavy losses during the storm. www.nj.gov/dep/special/hurricane- “We are taking action because of the sandy/ for updates on this advisory. In storm’s devastating impact on the people $1.4 billion in annual sales. ognize the significant economic and envi- addition, please visit fishsmarteatsmart- who live and work in coastal communities The Magnuson-Stevens Fishery ronmental contributions made by out- nj.org for current fish consumption advi- that were hit hard by Sandy,” said Acting Conservation and Management Act doorsmen and women to New Jersey. sories. Secretary Blank. “Many of these hard- authorizes the Commerce Secretary to “These contributions are both quali- Anyone consulting fishsmarteats- working Americans depend on a robust declare a fishery resource disaster and a tative and quantitative. Conservationists martnj.org will find a map with specific fishing industry to support their families catastrophic regional fishery disaster, are stewards of wildlife and the environ- informatory advisories to people in vary- and local economies. This disaster declara- respectively, which allows Congress to ment, while supporting businesses as ing groups. The information provides tion is part of a coordinated federal effort appropriate federal relief funds for assis- diverse as tackle shops, charter boats, statewide, regional, and water body-spe- to help the region rebuild.” tance to alleviate harm resulting from a restaurants, hotels, gas stations, marinas, cific advisory information for various A federal fishery disaster declaration natural disaster. boating, etc. The debilitative impact from fish species. The table lists the recom- triggers a federal economic transition pro- Upon appropriation of funds by Sandy on these businesses is unprecedent- mended fish consumption frequencies gram to provide disaster relief for impact- Congress, Commerce’s National Oceanic ed.” for the General Population and High-risk ed aspects of the industry, including com- and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) The Christie letter also stated “The Individuals for waters statewide and for mercial fishing operations, charter fishing will work closely with members of revenue loss for New Jersey’s fishing specific water bodies. operators, processors, and owners of relat- Congress and the governors of impacted industry is - both now and in the future - High Risk Individuals: This ed fishery infrastructure affected by the states to develop financial assistance plans patent. Significant infrastructure and eco- includes infants, children, pregnant disaster. to help coastal communities and the fish- nomic redevelopment will be needed to women, nursing mothers, and women of The New Jersey Department of ing industry. revive this badly damaged industry. For childbearing age. Environmental Protection has begun pre- In a letter written to Blank, in which this reason, a federal catastrophic regional General Population: This includes liminary work to assess economic impacts Governor Christie had stated the request fishery disaster declaration and assistance all others not in the high-risk category. of the storm to the industry and has teamed for a declaration of a federal fishery via a regional economic transition program PCB advisories for the General up with officials from the National Marine resource disaster, he noted: is appropriate. Such a declaration for New Population are presented in meal fre- Fisheries Service and the Atlantic States “New Jersey’s fishing industry is not Jersey will assist in obtaining immediate quencies (for example: one meal per Marine Fisheries Commission to visit only a defining element of the Jersey Shore disaster relief assistance for all negatively month or four meals per year). This commercial and recreation fishing opera- and a crucial tourism draw, but is also vital impacted fishermen, charter fishing opera- range is based on an estimated 1 in 10,000 risk of cancer during your life- tions that were impacted. They will also be and essential component of New Jersey’s tors, United States fish processors, and time from eating fish at the advisory assessing the cascading impacts of storm coastal economy and invaluable recre- owners of related fishery infrastructure level. had on other parts of the state’s economy ational activity.” affected by the disaster.” By using this advisory, you have that support the commercial and recre- Governor Christie continued, the necessary information to make an ational fishing industries. “Indeed, New Jersey’s fishing industry If you can’t fish because your favorite access point, marina, or dock is informed choice on the number of meals “Our fishing industries need our help provides jobs for fishermen, fish proces- of fish to consume. You can reduce your recovering from the devastating effects of sors, and related maritime support indus- gone because of Hurricane Sandy, Chris Zeman, New Jersey’s representative to risk further by eating less than the advi- this natural disaster,” DEP Commissioner tries, among others. In 2011, New Jersey’s sory meal frequency, however, this needs Bob Martin said. “This formal disaster commercial fishing industry landed rough- the Mid-Atlantic Marine Fishery Council, would like specifics. to be balanced with the health benefits of declaration is the first step in the road to ly 175 million pounds of seafood, generat- eating fish. recovery for industries that are important ing over $1.3 billion of economic activity. Mr. Zeman is writing the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration The limits that follow each species to the economy and identity of shore and to Similarly, the economic impact of recre- to get federal disaster aid for the recre- assume that no other contaminated fish the entire state. We will continue to work ational fishing is significant, supporting, ational fishing industry and is looking for are being eaten. If you eat more than one closely with the industry as we work according to industry, approximately 8,500 the help of anglers. species of fish listed in the advisory, the through this process.” jobs and $1.4 billion in annual sales.” He is looking for recreational total consumption of fish should not In 2011, New Jersey’s commercial Anthony Mauro, Chair of the New anglers to provide some details as to exceed the recommended frequency as a fishing industry landed roughly 175 mil- Jersey Outdoor Alliance (NJOA), com- where specific infrastructure damage has guideline for consumption. The best lion pounds of seafood, generating over mented on Christie’s action. “We are heart- occurred. The reports should be one to approach is to use the lowest recom- $1.3 billion in economic activity. The eco- ened to see that Governor Christie, state two paragraphs, include location and a mended frequency as a guideline for nomic impact of recreational fishing also legislators, and the Department of photo. consumption. Example: If you fish supports approximately 8,500 jobs and Environmental Protection continue to rec- E-mail your reports to Chris Union Lake, you can eat four meals of Zeman, [email protected]. Place white perch or you can eat one meal of Please inform the membership office (see page 2) “Sandy’s fishing-related damage” in the subject line and include your name and largemouth bass over the course of a of any change of address. town. month, but not both. Page 2 NEW JERSEY FEDERATED SPORTSMEN NEWS December 2012

MEMBERSHIP INFORMATION & INQUIRIES, Write To: LETTERS TO THE EDITOR P.O. Box 10173 Trenton, N.J. 08650-0173 may be sent by U.S. Mail (to 28 Hemlock Road, Livingston, NJ 609-859-2648 07039), or email ([email protected]). Please include your OLIVER SHAPIRO town of residence, and club or organization affiliation (if any). EDITOR & ADVERTISING MANAGER 28 Hemlock Road, Livingston, NJ 07039 973-533-1260 [email protected] Typography - Vanguard Media, LLC

President - Frank Virgilio Federation Office (856) 881-8347 P.O. Box 10173 Trenton, NJ 08650-0173 609-859-2648 Corresponding Secretary - Tom Surlak Sharon Irick, Assistant Manager ([email protected]) WEB Page Address - www.njsfsc.org FOR MEMBERSHIP INSURANCE E-mail Address - [email protected] CALL 856-881-8347 Articles and Advertising must be submitted no later than the fourth Friday of each month for publication the second month thereafter.

Published monthly by the New Jersey State Federation of Sportsmen’s Clubs, Inc., a statewide organi- zation of clubs and associate members serving all the sportsmen and women of New Jersey. The organiza- tion is incorporated under the laws of New Jersey as a non-profit organization. The newspaper is a membership publication. The opinions expressed in the newspaper are those of the contributors and not necessarily of the Federation, unless stated otherwise. Direct any changes of address to the Sportsmen News, PO Box 10173, Trenton, NJ 08650-0173. In notifying us of a change of address, give both your old and new address. Be sure to give your zip code. Send label from your last copy if possible. Reprint permission is granted provided use is made of the following credit: Reprinted from: New Jersey Federated Sportsmen News: Author’s By-Line (if any) OFFICERS State President - Frank Virgilio, 21 Tallowood Drive, Glassboro, NJ 08028 N. Vice President - John Rogalo, 4003 Waterloo Road., Stanhope, NJ 07874 C. Vice President - S. Vice President - Ed Markowski, 5657 Chester Street, Mays Landing, NJ 08330 Membership Director - Pola Galie, PO Box 56, Waretown, NJ 08758 Treasurer - Gary Wolff, 47 Meadow Rd., Edison, NJ 08817, fax 732-777-1458 Asst. Treasurer - Stacey Rubsam, 1044 River Road, Green Bank, NJ 08215 Corresponding Secretary - Bill Englehardt, 23 Saurdes Lane, Hackettstown, NJ 07840 Recording Secretary - Patricia H. Blazer, 149 Route 45, Salem, NJ 08079 NRA Rep. South - Paul Rivas, PO Box 251, Browns Mills, NJ 08015 NRA Rep. North - Irv Luizza, 43 West St., Box 111, Annandale, NJ 08801 REGIONAL DIRECTORS N. Region - Jim Cosmano, 61 Payne Road, Andover, NJ 07860 N. Region - Bill Englehardt, 23 Saunders Lane, Hackettstown, NJ 07840 C. Region - Susan Rothermel, 16 Nicholas Blvd., Jackson, NJ 08527 C. Region - Charles Hendrickson, 621 Burke Road, Jackson, NJ 08527 S. Region - Perry Doyle, 323 Birmingham Road, Pemberton, NJ 08068 S. Region - Tom Weeast, 81 Kake Avenue, Williamstown, NJ 08904

Conservation Director Emeritus - George Howard, 219 Sidney Road, Pittstown, NJ 08867 Natural Resource Director - Rob Winkel, 111 12th Avenue, Seaside Park, NJ 08732 Chairman, Operation Game Thief - Past President, Board of Directors - Ed Cuneo, 15 Villa Drive, Berlin, NJ 08009 County Federation of Sportsmen’s Clubs Information Directory

County Meeting Date & Time Location Contact Phone Number 2nd Thursday of month, 8:00 PM Germania Gun Club Atlantic Eric Gaupp 609-513-8542 except July and August Moss Mill Rd., Egg Harbor, NJ 3rd Thursday of month, 8:00 PM Bergen County Communities Service Bldg., Rm Bergen Frank Dara 973-523-2640 except July and August 29, 327 Ridgewood Ave., Paramus, NJ 2nd Thursday of month, 7:30 PM The American Legion Burlington Bill Schultz 856-235-3344 except July and August 39 Pemberton-Julistown Rd., Pemberton, NJ 3rd Wednesday of month, 7:30 PM Square Circle Sportsmen Club Camden Bill Schemel 856-931-5009 except July and August 97 Clementon Rd., Gibbsboro, NJ Cape May (please call for up-to-date information) Ken McDermott III 609-412-3811 2nd Thursday of month, 7:30 PM Menantico Gun Club Cumberland Bob Russell 856-327-2197 except July and August Union Rd., Maurice River Twp., NJ 2nd Thursday of month, 8:15 PM Bloomfield Civic Center Essex Carmine Minichini 908-964-5713 except July and August 84 Broad St., Bloomfield, NJ 2nd Tuesday of month, 7:45 PM George Ruch Building Gloucester Thomas Weeast 856-629-9465 except July and August 14 St. and Highland Ave., Williamstown, NJ Northern Region Office of Fish & Wildlife, Hunterdon 2nd Thursday of month, 8:00 PM Loren Robinson 908-782-1076 Clinton WMA, 26 RT 173 W, Hampton, NJ 3rd Monday of month, 7:00 PM Sportsmen’s Center Mercer Rick Moore 609-882-2202 except July and August US Highway 130 N., Bordentown, NJ 1st Wednesday of month, 7:30 PM Polish American Citizen’s Club Middlesex John Messeroll 732-828-8543 except July and August 66 Adirondack Ave., Spotswood, NJ 4th Wednesday of month, 7:30 PM 4 F’s Gun Club Monmouth Ken Ganson 732-566-0841 except July and August Burke Rd, Freehold, NJ Mine Hill American Legion Post 391 Morris 1st Tuesday of month, 8:00 PM John Rogalo 973-691-9355 1 Legion Place, Mine Hill, NJ 07803

Ocean (please call for up-to-date information) Larry Cella 908-839-0193

Last Monday of month, 7:30 PM The Wayne Civic Center, Room 3 Passaic Richard Weber 973-697-1814 except June and July 1006 Hamburg Tpk., Wayne, NJ Tuesday after 3rd Friday of month, Salem County Sportsmen Clubs Salem Dave Cesarano 856-223-0409 7:30 PM except Jul., Aug., and Dec. RT 40, Carneys Pt., NJ 2nd Wednesday of month, 8:00 PM Somerset Fish & Game Protective Assoc. Somerset Joe Griglak 908-526-9026 except July and August 445 Milltown Rd., Bridgewater, NJ 08807 Sparta Ambulance Building Sussex 2nd Wednesday of month, 8:00 PM Dick Strobel 973-697-3989 14 Sparta Ave., Sparta, NJ 1st Monday of month, 8:00 PM Union County Complex Building Union Ray Szpond 908-403-5798 except July and August 300 North Ave. East, Westfield, NJ 4th Wednesday of month, 7:30 PM Pequest Trout Hatchery Warren Bill Engelhardt 908-625-9699 except July and August RT 46, Liberty Twp, NJ December 2012 NEW JERSEY FEDERATED SPORTSMEN NEWS Page 3

NEW JERSEY STATE FEDERATION OF AT THE OUTSET: SPORTSMEN’S CLUBS, INC.

Individual Application - Select type of membership desired. Send Check or Money Order Year-End Reflections FOR TOTAL AMOUNT PAYABLE TO: NEW JERSEY STATE FEDERATION OF SPORTSMEN’S CLUBS, INC. P.O. BOX 10173, Trenton, NJ 08650-0173

Contributing writer Bob Brunisholz * INSURED SPORTSMAN MEMBER - $35.00 each Tim C. Smith photo Tim Receives $1,000,000 excess liability insurance, membership wrote in a recent column of the time trav- certificate, and Federation’s Monthly Newspaper (12 issues) eling that occurs, between the time a writer ------$______puts his or her thoughts to paper (or com- count my blessings, especially in this con- * INSURED SPORTSMAN MEMBER HOUSEHOLD MEMBER - $30.00 each puter screen) and the time that readers text. First and foremost, my family and I Receives INSURED MEMBERSHIP without newspaper finally see it. I find myself in much the escaped unscathed during this catastrophic ------$______same situation here. event, and my prayers and heartfelt sympa- * SPORTSMAN MEMBER - $20.00 each As I write this, I am sitting in a local thies go out to those who were not so for- Receives Federation’s Monthly Newspaper (12 issues) and Membership Card house of worship (which seems quite tunate. Next, I remain as grateful and ------$______appropriate, under the circumstances), try- thankful as ever that I have been blessed to * SPORTSMAN HOUSEHOLD MEMBER - $5.00 each ing to get some work done. Why? For me, engage in so many experiences that have Receives SPORTSMAN MEMBERSHIP without allowed me to enjoy our great outdoors. newspaper Hurricane Sandy is history by a mere two ------$______days, and my household is one of the mil- Those hunting, fishing, boating, camping, lions throughout the state that has no elec- hiking, etc. experiences are absolutely * tricity. The mile-and-a half walk to get unique and irreplaceable, each and every Check if Emblem Patch Is Required - $5.00 each $______here is a small price to pay, rather than one of them. That a great many of them search - likely in vain - for a functional gas were further enhanced by being shared * Check if you wish to make an additional donation to station in the region. with friends and/or family makes them that the NJSFSC Legislative Fund $______Yet I remain very, very grateful, as I much more special. December 2012 TOTAL $______know all too well that my family and I got Not to be overlooked either is that, no off quite easy compared to many others matter how grim the future may seem to *Name______Date of Birth______throughout the state and surrounding areas. some of us as far as political and sociolog- *Address______ical matters are concerned, the United It is my hope that much (if not most, or *City______*State______*Zip______even all) of the sorely needed service States of America is still the best place in restorations have been completed, and that the world to be living. And I know that Telephone No.______Email______the rebuilding where needed is well under there are many good people out there County ______Legislative District______way, by the time you read this. working with me to help assure that this I can’t speak to your Sandy-related continues into the future indefinitely, so Club Name______experiences, but as I expected when the hope remains strong. *Required Information storm was still a day or two away, my Yes, there is much to be concerned * Please add me to your eDelivery Newspaper distribution list! experiences in outdoors activities, as well about. There is also much, much more for Email______as the collection of equipment we have on which to be grateful, and it behooves us to hand, helped to make the storm and its keep that in mind. Instead of receiving a hard copy of my NJ Federated Sportsmen News by mail, I opt to have it aftermath somewhat easier to deal with Enjoy the remainder of 2012, and eDelivered to my inbox at no additional cost! than it probably was for many of my have a wonderful, warm, and rewarding Benefits of eDelivery: neighbors, who are not as fortunate to have holiday season. May 2013 provide even · It’s Convenient! — View and/or save documents for future reference engaged in outdoors sporting activities for more for us, for which we can continue to · It’s Fast! — No more waiting on paper copies to arrive in the mail · It’s Green! — Help make a positive environmental impact years. give thanks. As the year winds down to a close, Return your renewal with the eDelivered box checked and by entering your email address this is an especially opportune time to Oliver Shapiro, Editor twice in the boxes provided. Please check box to activate eDelivery!

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

students the finer points of skinning a ‘coon. The highlight of the day came when Bob Healey astonished the class with his raccoon-fleshing demo, which is a must- see for fur handlers. The day ended with Jim DeStephano inviting the 75-student class to the NJTA Trapping Course Held held the subsequent October 7 at Space Farms. Dear Oliver, Doug Edler On Saturday-Sunday, September 22- Ringwood, NJ 24, the NJ Trappers Association held a trapping course at the Hackettstown Canada Moose Hatchery. There were 75 attendants, including 45 who had preregistered and 30 Dear Oliver, walk-ins. The instructors were NJTA President Jim DeStephano, Vice President While waiting for the New Jersey Rick Moore, Secretary Jimmy Sapio, extended bow season to start, I took a trip Treasurer Bill Guiles, Stephen Urena, to Canada for some moose hunting and Tome Mulea, Chris Quilliam, Ed Mayer, bagged a nice one (see photo at right). I Bill Phillips, Phil Cacchio, Jay Staudt, Bob saw you posted a picture of some stripers Connors, Bob Healey Jr., and myself. for Oscar in the October issue. (I let him This was the largest class that the read my papers when I am done with NJTA has ever had. The day was saved them.) Thanks! when Keith Griglak of the NJ Division of Fish and Wildlife went Pequest to get 25 Bill Allen, chairs that were needed for the walk-in stu- Lambertville, NJ dents. The weather was beautiful and the Youth Deer Hunt harvest was plentiful. The Pledge of Allegiance, led by Bill Guiles, was recited, Dear Oliver, and the class began with a review of the rules and regulations. I have forwarded to you a photo of After lunch, the class was taken out the November 17 Youth Deer Hunt (see to the fields to set snares. Bob Healey con- photo at right). Pictured are our future ducted his always-informative body-grip hunters from the Clementon Gun Club in demonstration, which paid off with three Atco, NJ. This club is one of the most muskrats. active in Camden County and they are The following day the snares held members of the Federation. four raccoons, two woodchucks, and one opossum. When all the trappers came in Bill Schemel from the field, Jat Staudt showed the class via email some crafty knife work while teaching the Page 4 NEW JERSEY FEDERATED SPORTSMEN NEWS December 2012

John Geiser, New Scope and New Book BLACK POWDER NOTES

I was born and raised in Newark, and was glad we had that chance, as old sol- although I was a city boy, I always looked diers, to confirm each others’ memories. by Joe Bilby forward to those midsummer days when I Jim’s company, Leatherwood Hi-Lux would get up extra early and my friend Optics, is currently run by his son, who Johnny Sause’s father would take us continues to turn out modernized versions “down the shore” to go fluke fishing. After of the original ART scope, but also a series A Malcolm Vintage moving to Monmouth County in 1970, I of 19th-century “Malcolm” style scope began salt water fishing in earnest, and sights for black powder rifles. The latest Style scope from started learning the tricks of the trade by incarnation of the Malcolm is designed to Leatherwood Hi- reading John Geiser’s “Hook, Line and fit reproductions of early Winchester lever- Lux Optics, Image Sinker” column in the Asbury Park Press. action rifles and carbines, including the courtesy the com- I only met John in person once, but brass framed Henry or Models 1866, as pany’s website. his expertise provided a much-needed well as the 1873, 1876, 1886, 1892, and source of information to a novice salt 1894 models. water fisherman in the early ‘70s. When I Aging shooters often need a ‘scope approached me worked at a part-time job at a sporting sight to keep shooting well, but hanging a (along with several goods store back then, we sold John’s book modern-style ‘scope on an old-timey gun other people) for on Jersey Shore fishing, a compact guide just doesn’t look right. In addition to sty- some assistance in for either the beginner or old hand. (My listic issues, the top ejection of fired cases preparing the own first published article was “Light with the early Winchester style lever guns English-language Tackle Fluking.”) After retiring from the prevents installing a modern ‘scope and edition of his book Press, John continued to write the occa- mount atop the receiver. The short Experiment and sional article on fishing, hunting and con- Malcolm scopes and mounts now available Trial: Prototypes servation, continuing what would be a from Hi-Lux can resolve both dilemmas. and Test Models of half-century career. The new scopes are available in International John Geiser died on October 5, 2012 choice of 3x or 6x. The ¾-inch-diameter Military Small at the age of 80. He was a Jerseyman of steel-tube Malcolm ‘scopes feature true Arms of the 19th distinction and will be sorely missed, but nineteenth-century styling, and Hi-Lux has and Early 20th his work and memory will live on in the developed mounts that make it easy to off- Century. Mathieu hearts and souls of those of us he inspired. set the ‘scopes just enough to allow eject- is curator of the ed cases to clear. The mounts for the 1873 firearms collection New/Old Hi-Lux ‘Scope and 1876 models require absolutely no of the drilling and tapping. The front mount uti- Legermuseum in Every time I see a Leatherwood Hi- lizes the dovetail cut for the rear sight, Delft, Holland, and Lux ‘scope it reminds me of the day back while the rear mount attaches to the receiv- the book provides a history and catalog of extensive history of marksmanship train- in 1966 when Lieutenant Joe Bilby shared er using the raised and bevel-edged rail for all the guns in the museum collection ing in Europe in general, and in the Dutch a ditch on the edge of a rubber plantation the dust cover, which must be removed for acquired and/or tested for possible issue to army in particular, during the black-pow- near Thu Duc with lieutenant Jim installation. The off-set mounts for Models the Dutch army from 1800 into the early der era is invaluable, and the diversity and Leatherwood, with bullets cracking over 1886, 1892, and 1894 require drilling and 20th century. The collection, housed at the scope of the guns cataloged and beautiful- our heads and grenades going off in the tapping the receiver. A knowledgeable Dutch army’s Normaal Schiet-school ly photographed, along with details rubber trees. Leatherwood was toting an gunsmith will also be able to fit these (School of Musketry) from 1855 until that excerpted from test reports still on file in M-14 with one of his prototype auto-rang- mounts to the Henry or Model 1866 repro- institution was closed for budgetary rea- the Dutch National Archives, provide the ing-trajectory (ART) telescopic sights. The ductions. sons in 1933 as the Great Depression reader with a genuine treasure trove of shooting was rather close in that day, and The scopes are backed with a Limited spread across Western Europe, is now at firearms and ammunition history. mercifully brief. I didn’t know that Lifetime Warranty. Retail price is $299 for the Legermuseum. I am delighted with my own connec- Leatherwood, an ordnance officer, was the 3x and $325 for the 6x. For more infor- Although I worked with the manu- tion to this ground breaking treatise (I developing what would become an army mation visit the Hi-Lux Optics website at script, I did not see the finished product receive no royalties from its publication), standard sniper scope, and later on a com- www.hi-luxoptics.com, or send an e-mail until I received my copy in the mail in late and would recommend it to the serious stu- mercial sight offered to the civilian mar- to [email protected]. July, 2012. This well-documented and lav- dent of international arms. Needless to say, ket. Many years later I was able to speak to ishly illustrated book, printed on high- the book isn’t cheap: retail price is $165, Jim and he confirmed every detail of my A Book of Distinction quality glossy paper, more than lives up to but it is well worth it. memory of that memorable morning. its promise. It is a truly stunning piece of Sadly, Jim subsequently passed away, but I Last year, Mathieu Willemsen work, and I don’t say that often. Mathieu’s NJ DFW Law Enforcement Bureau Reports: June ‘12 Conservation Officers reported a man was sitting on an uncased shotgun legal striped bass. The men were charged encountered multiple groups of people and total of 6955.2 hours of duty. During which was pointed directly at the fisher- with the short fish as well as keeping bass dealt with after-hour issues, operating off patrols, officers performed 6876 field men in the creek. All of the guns turned out during the closed season. established roads and alcoholic beverage inspections of hunters, fishermen or trap- to be loaded. The irate property owner stat- consumption. Multiple summonses were pers, with 406 summonses issued. ed that he was shooting groundhogs and CO Mascio was at his station when issued. Penalties collected during this report peri- birds that were causing damage on his he received a call from a complainant that od by Conservation Officers were estimat- farm. a fisherman had caught and kept a sub- CO’s McManus and Martiak con- ed at $15,490.41. Officer Holmes got nowhere explain- legal striped bass at Katmandu during the ducted an evening patrol of Greenwood ing the safety concerns involved with this closed season. CO Mascio responded from WMA in Manchester Township. They Northern Region Highlights incident to the farmer. The appropriate his station and was able to apprehend the encountered multiple groups of people and summonses were issued and the stocking fisherman before he could leave the area. dealt with after hour issues, operating off During this report period, Lieutenant point was removed for future seasons. The appropriate summonses were issued. established roads and alcoholic beverage Applegate and Officers Holmes, Sutton, consumption. Multiple summonses were Kuechler and Ziegler have conducted A call was received from an off-duty On another occasion while CO issued. numerous boat patrols on Lake Hopatcong, Hunterdon County Park Ranger regarding Mascio was inspecting fishermen at Spruce Run Reservoir, Round Valley people fishing during the in-season closure Katmandu, he observed a man throw a fish Southern Region Highlights Reservoir, and the Newark Bay Complex. period on the South Branch of the Raritan in the bushes as he approached. The fish Multiple summonses have been issued for River in the Town of Clinton, Hunterdon turned out to be a sub-legal striped bass. Conservation Officers Stites and no fishing license, possession of trout County. Officer Sutton responded and con- The fisherman also did not have a license. Toppin were patrolling the Mannington without a trout stamp, over the daily bag tacted the four fishermen, who had ten The appropriate summonses were issued. Meadows section of the Salem River limit of striped bass, possession of under- trout in possession at that time. While Wildlife Management Area in Mannington sized striped bass, and littering while fish- inspecting licenses, Officer Sutton deter- CO Szulecki received a phone com- Township, Salem County when they ing. mined that two of the licenses were loaned plaint of an angler taking over the limit of observed a vehicle parked on a private to these fishermen by the father and broth- fish in the Manasquan Reservoir in Howell piece of property with an out-of-state vehi- While patrolling the Pohatcong er of one of the others. The appropriate Township. The caller described the angler cle registration. Creek for fishing compliance on the last summonses were issued and the trout were and what gear he was using. CO Szulecki CO Stites knows the owners of the trout stocking day of 2012, Officer Holmes confiscated. arrived at the reservoir and did not see the property and did not recognize the vehicle was approached by a fisherman complain- angler. CO Szulecki pulled around to the as the owner’s. Upon further inspection of ing about a local resident who allows the other side of the reservoir and observed an the vehicle, the officers determined that division to stock fish on his property but Central Region Highlights individual who matched the description the occupants were fishing a small pond doesn’t allow access. Officer Holmes went provided, riding on the bike path. CO behind a barn. As the officers went past the to see if he could find the property owner CO Mascio received information Szulecki questioned the individual and barn they heard a noise coming from the to resolve the issue, and saw him driving regarding individuals at the old Katmandu found him to be in possession of twice the barn and located an individual attempting around his horse pasture on an RTV. nightclub catching striped bass during the legal limit of panfish. The appropriate to burglarize the barn for copper. When Officer Holmes approached closed season. According to the com- enforcement action was taken. CO’s Stites and Toppin took the sus- him, he noticed an uncased rifle on the plainant, the fishermen were running the pect into custody without incident. CO machine, as well as an uncased pellet gun fish back to their vehicles after catching CO’s McManus and Martiak con- Stites went to the pond and located the rest on the front of the machine. When Officer them. CO Mascio was able to stop two ducted an evening patrol of Greenwood of the individuals fishing, while CO Holmes got close, he also noticed that the men who had in their possession four sub- WMA in Manchester Township. They Toppin remained with (cont. next page) December 2012 NEW JERSEY FEDERATED SPORTSMEN NEWS Page 5

with plastic teaser style hooks or fly pat- terns. It’s important to note that some party Mackerel and Herring boats prohibit the use of diamond jigs on a Christmas Tree-style rig… if fish are hooked on the teasers, the jig is wildly Spell December Fun swinging freely as the fish are swung aboard, often resulting in the jig impaling an adjoining angler at the rail. If this pro- hibition exists, simply use a small bank- or by Milt Rosko dipsey-style sinker sufficiently heavy to take the rig to the desired depth. Little did I realize I’d be writing this When chumming commences, once column with a pencil on a legal pad, while anchored or drifting, I like to work my rig sitting in my kitchen with the interior tem- from the surface and into the depths rather perature in the 50s and falling. Hurricane than letting it just settle to the bottom and Sandy was at 70 miles per hour, rain was jigging/retrieving it back up. I permit the falling, and trees were toppling. But such rig to settle for five to eight feet, then is the case, and the circumstances brought apply thumb pressure to the line on the reel back memories of a day many years ago and smartly lift back on my rod tip, caus- when our home was heated by a coal fur- ing the jig and Christmas Tree Rig to dart nace, and on that chilly morning when my towards the surface and then flutter down- dad and I left for the Jersey shore for a day ward. It’s permitted to settle another five to of party boat fishing. eight feet, and then jigged again, with the We drove to Brielle and boarded the procedure continuing until the bottom is Dianna, skippered by Bob Ziegler. Unlike reached, or a mackerel is hooked on the the day on which I am writing this, it was way down. Then the procedure is repeated a pleasant December day and our target in reverse, as you retrieve the rig, while was Atlantic mackerel. It was typical of the alternately stopping and jigging as you weather one would expect a couple of retrieve. This enables you to determine the weeks before Christmas, sunny, in the low precise depth the mackerel or herring are forties, with wind from the northwest. feeding, and you can then concentrate your Everyone aboard was bundled to the nines, efforts of just jigging at that depth. with long johns, galoshes, hooded sweat- Neither mackerel nor herring are shirts, gloves, and heavy jackets the order highly regarded as table fare, with the of the day. mackerel rather oily. However, if you care- Dad was in the produce business in fully fillet them, and then skin them, and those days, with a fruit and vegetable store Mackerel of this size are typical of what you’ll encounter as they head south during their finally remove the dark meat of the lateral on Sanford Avenue in Newark. As such, mid-winter migration trek from the Canadian Maritime Provinces to Cape Hatteras. line, you’ll find them a tasty treat when we never had to worry about having a cou- They’re fun to catch and may be prepared in a variety of ways. Milt Rosko photo. smothered in marinade of your choice and ple of large (100-pound capacity) burlap then lightly sautéing them for just a few potato sacks to handle our catch. It was my moments until they flake to the touch of a chore to tie our sacks to the rail, joining takes to read this sentence, a third of the As they’ve headed west along the south fork. those of other anglers on board who no anglers along the rail were hooked up, shore of Long Island, they’ve been Many years ago I used to drop off a doubt had obtained them from their local hooting with joy as we all cranked away. inclined to make a swing southward mid- mixed-bag catch of mackerel, herring, vegetable store merchant. Mackerel were soon flying aboard, all island towards the edge of the Mud Hole, whiting, and ling at a smoke house on We hardly cleared Manasquan inlet, sized at about a pound-and-a-half, destined where sand eels and other forage of their Route 36 in Atlantic Highlands. LeRoy’s just a half mile beyond the sea buoy, when for the burlap sacks. At times every one of liking is plentiful. It’s only an hour’s ride Fishery worked on a barter system; drop Capt. Bob idled back and promptly shut the forty-plus anglers on board was for most of the party boats sailing from off 50 or 100 fish, and a week later pick up down. There were a couple of veteran hooked up. Jersey northern and central ports. A plus is half of what you dropped off, smoked, at mates on board, one stationed at the bow By the time Capt. Bob gave three that often anglers encounter herring – a no additional charge. Our family loved it, and the other at the stern, and they both blasts of the air horn, we were no longer species that’s both fun to catch and a great because after a holiday family gathering began ladling out a soupy half-and-half chilly, nor were our burlap sacks empty; treat when pickled – with the schools of everyone went home with several tasty chum of ground bunker and sea water. many were almost filled with the scrappy, mackerel. smoked delights. No one had to tell us what to do, as prettily hued mackerel. You’ll maximize your enjoyment of There were many smoke houses in the regulars on board were rigged identi- Yes, those were the days, when on the catching both mackerel and herring by those days, but now long gone as a result cally, to a man: vintage split bamboo rods way home we stopped off at Grandma’s using a medium-weight, conventional or of municipal ordinances prohibiting them. so stiff it would take Charles Atlas to put and Uncle John’s to drop off some of our spinning outfit capable of lifting aboard as So now I just use my Little Chief electric even a bend in one, with single-action reels tasty catch. many as three or four of these scrappers, smoker and put it in the backyard for some loaded with Cuttyhunk linen line, to the Those were also the days before for- which are often hooked simultaneously. tasty holiday treats. end of which were tied a leader of eign trawlers and lack of adequate regula- By far the most popular terminal rig June and I have always believed in a Japanese silk, and finally a diamond jig. tions, thanks to bureaucratic bumbling, employed is the vintage Christmas Tree family ritual, that a toast at midnight on We drifted along for the better part of decimated the stocks o their current levels Rig and its modern-day counterparts, so New Year’s Eve followed by a piece of 15 minutes, with everyone along the rail that doesn’t remotely resemble what it named because of the colors red, green, pickled herring would bring us good luck almost in unison letting their jig settle to once was. and yellow tubes used. It’s comprised of for the upcoming year, with pickled her- the bottom, then retrieving as they applied But all is not lost, for if the pattern of three 2/0- or 3/0-size O’Shaughnessy ring and onions smothered in sour cream a a jigging action to the chromed lead jig, the last several winters repeats, there’ll be hooks, festooned with colored rubber or tasty delight. Just check the Internet for causing it to dart towards the surface, then the migration heading south from the vinyl tubing, attached to a four-foot-long some great smoking and pickling recipes. falter and settle before continuing Maritime Provinces as they head for win- piece of 25- or 30-pound-test leader via And don’t forget that pickled herring upwards. It was certainly a great way to ter quarters off Cape Hatteras. With luck dropper loops at one-foot intervals, with a toast when the clock strikes midnight, and get rid of the morning air chill. we’ll have a shot at those migrating mack- four- to six-ounce diamond jig at the end. 2013 begins. It’ll bring you good fortune The quiet along the rail suddenly erel, albeit not at the sea buoys off our Many of the rigs currently on the market throughout the year. turned to mayhem. In less time than it inlets, but along the edge of the Mud Hole. are available in a wide range of hook sizes

(from prev. page) the suspect in custody. out of a kayak. When the fisherman arrived at the scene. After a brief descrip- into the marina’s tournament. Lt. Dravis Upon CO Stites’ arrival with the man’s returned to the ramp he was inspected by tion of the location, Lt. Ely understood and CO Klitz arrived to a small crowd of family, he became aggressive and had to CO Toppin. CO Toppin checked his cre- where the others probably were and drove people around the two sharks. be controlled. While attempting to control dentials and needed to verify his New into the property with members of the A quick interview was conducted the subject, CO Toppin sustained an injury Jersey Driver’s License number since he Forest Fire Service. The stranded partygo- with the captain and crew of the vessel. to his hand. did not have it with him. It was determined ers were quickly located, and the child was The thresher was seized and a summons The State Police were called to back- that he had a warrant outstanding in West assessed and found to be healthy but very was issued for possessing one shark over up the officers and transport the suspect Deptford Township. CO Toppin charged tired and cold. Lt. Ely transported eight the possession limit. An attempt was made back to the Woodstown State Police him with littering while fishing, and issued individuals out of the woods and then to donate the fish to two local food banks Barracks. While CO Toppin was complet- a written warning for not possessing a life transferred the lost individuals to the with no interest in a whole fish. Three sep- ing the criminal complaints at the State jacket. The suspect was taken into custody Millville Police. arate shark dealers were contacted with Police Barracks, the suspect who was and arrested for the warrant without inci- again no interest in purchasing. The shark shackled to the bench attempted to commit dent. The suspect was turned over to West Marine Region Highlights was disposed of. suicide and once again had to be controlled Deptford for processing. by CO Toppin and members of the State On June 9, CO Klitz observed two COs Nicklow and Harp inspected the Police. CO Toppin was injured in the scuf- Lieutenant Ely assisted the Millville individuals clamming in the special Party/Charter vessel Miss Atlantic City out fle. Police Department in a search and rescue restricted waters of the Shark River in of Gardner’s Basin in Atlantic City. Six out CO’s Stites and Toppin transported near the Menantico Wildlife Management Belmar. After issuing summonses to these of the twelve patrons on board the vessel the suspect to hospital for evaluation and Area property in Millville, Cumberland individuals, CO Klitz observed four addi- were issued summonses for a total of 33 then processed him into the Salem County County. A group of lost individuals had tional clammers also harvesting hard undersize black sea bass. Jail. All were issued fish no license tickets accessed private property through Division clams in the Shark River and again issued and trespass for the purpose of fishing. property and gotten their vehicle stuck at the appropriate summonses. In both cases, CO Nicklow and CO Harp made The suspect that attempted to burglarize about 10:00 pm. none of the individuals were licensed. good use of the newly acquired Ribcraft the barn was also charged for trespass, There was a two-year-old present, patrol vessel by inspecting vessels in the resisting arrest, and burglary. Aggravated who remained at the vehicle with four On June 16, Lt. Dravis and CO Klitz Atlantic Ocean coming back from offshore assault charges are being reviewed by the adults, while another individual walked to received a call from an informant regard- wreck fishing. The officers inspected ten Salem County Prosecutors Office. town for help. That individual couldn’t ing a vessel that had just landed two sharks fishing vessels while off shore and issued remember how to get back to the stranded at Hoffman’s Marina in Brielle. This vessel six summonses for possession of undersize Conservation Officer Toppin was members of his party and called the police was entered into a Mako/Thresher shark black sea bass, undersize summer floun- watching a fisherman in the Penbryn Lake for help. tournament based out of that marina. The der, tautog closed season, and scup closed Wildlife Management Area in Winslow Millville police, EMS, Fish and vessel possessed an approximately 350- season. Township, Camden County, when he Wildlife, and the NJ Forest Fire Service pound mako and approximately 175- observed the fisherman litter as he fished were contacted at about 1:00 am and pound thresher shark, both to be entered Page 6 NEW JERSEY FEDERATED SPORTSMEN NEWS December 2012

by Pete Robbins As the float plane settled down on a An Attainable Amazon Adventure small tributary of the Rio Negro, a few hundred miles from the city of Manaus, Brazil, and well over a 100 miles from the nearest road, I thought to myself: “This is Travel: You’ll stay overnight in Manaus, it. If we’re seriously injured, they’re going a modern city of 2 million, only a five- to have to airlift us out of here.” hour direct flight from Miami (currently I never thought that the injury in American Airlines and TAM go straight question would be sore hands covered with from Miami; other airlines take a more blisters, but that’s what plagued me a few circuitous route). A passport and visa are days later, after landing dozens of peacock necessary to get into Brazil. bass up to 21 pounds. The strikes are jar- Food: No one goes hungry on these trips, ring and the fish are brutally strong... I’m which feature both Brazilian cuisine and convinced that a 2-pound peacock tied tail- American staples. Local fresh fruits and to-tail to a 6-pound smallmouth or a 10- vegetables, along with meats, are both pound largemouth would have no trouble tasty and safe to eat. You’ll get beef, pulling its opponent against the current for chicken, and local seafood, and maybe a miles. few more “exotic” choices like piranha The scenery is breathtaking, too. I (which we caught), caiman (which we can’t speak for the entire Amazon basin, hunted), and turtle (which we netted). which has at least 10 tributaries larger than There are always options. the Mississippi, but the river we fished off Health and Insurance: You’ll want cur- the Rio Negro was full of life. Along the rent Yellow Fever and Hepatitis shots. We way we saw macaws, river otters, caimans, opted to take anti-malarial medicines, and pink dolphins. although the tannic waters of the Rio Our focus, though, was on catching Negro tributaries produce few mosqui- as many peacock bass as we could. toes. Trip insurance is a necessity. With They’re cichlids, not true “bass,” but the no pharmacies or doctors near the boat, experience and preferred presentations are you’ll need Medivac coverage, and the much like bass fishing, with everything a chance of poor water conditions make ratcheted up a notch or two. rescheduling a possibility. The guides worked exceptionally Outfitters: There are a number of rep- hard to keep us on fish. We fished from 6 utable companies doing business in the am until 5 pm each day, and during our Amazon region, but you’ll want to get short lunch break each day they couldn’t references before plunking down a wait to get back on the water. They’d deposit. Some travelers have experienced spend an hour pulling our boat and chop- “bait and switch” schemes that demanded ping with a machete to get us into produc- You can feel the power for yourself if you embark on an excursion to encounter these more money once they arrived in Brazil tive backwater lagoons. Additionally, powerhouse gamefish. Pete Robbins photo. or put them on a different river than the when a 7-pound paca (immature) peacock one promised. You’ll also want to be sure I’d hooked became snagged on an under- that they’ll reschedule in the case of high water log, our guide Bashim successfully Just make sure that everything, from when you’re reeling in a 15- to 20- pound or rising waters that are likely to make dived down six or seven feet to free it. your split rings to your hooks, is ultra- peacock, you’ll forget about the pain. We fishing poor. A good outfitter will tell you This is not fishing for the faint-heart- strong. While we were there, one angler wore sun-protective clothing (wide hats, to reschedule rather than just pocketing ed. Unlike largemouths and smallmouths, had two 4X treble hooks straightened by Buff facemasks, long sleeves and long your money for a one-time trip. We’ve which will eat a still or slowly-drifting an angry teen-class peacock. Fifty-pound pants) every day, and despite the equatori- used Steve Yatomi of Adventure Travel lure, peacocks like everything at warp braid is the minimum, and some peacock al sun we suffered no ill-effects as long as Alliance (www.adventuretravelalli- speed. Reels with a gear ratio of less than veterans won’t risk it with anything less we drank water liberally. ance.com) and we’ve been satisfied in 7:1 are ill-advised. While you’ll be limited than 65- or even 80-pound line. It is truly an exceptional experience, every respect. to 44 pounds of gear total on the float Our hands became raw, as the result one which in some respects will ruin you Cost: This is the true kicker. Depending plane, the truth is that you don’t need much of the of hundreds of casts we made, all of for future conventional bass fishing state- on the operation you choose, total cost tackle at all: a half-dozen topwater wood- which were retrieved at a high-speed, non- side, but it’s one that every avid angler will likely be no less than $5,000 and may choppers, a few walk-the-dog topwaters, a stop pace. A few bandages and some med- owes himself. Just be sure bring your heart be closer to $7,000. That includes visas, handful of jigs, and maybe a few subsur- ical tape made them usable and palatable pills, bring your ibuprofen, and bring gratuities, airfare, and incidentals. Start face darters. for the remainder of the trip, and frankly, something to bandage up your hands. saving!

bly throughout the lives of your families for decades past. Still, you will be the first An Open Letter to NJ to come to the aid of someone or some group who has suffered unfairly, be that suffering at the hands of an uncaring bureaucrat or something as formidable as Sportsmen and Women Hurricane Sandy. And you go unrecognized for the small things you do nearly every day. When, on a cold, dreary, misty day a pan- icked mom is hysterically calling the by Bob Brunisholz decency translates into simply the riddance fourth estate can do better, it concerns the police because she cannot find her toddler, of weasel words: Say what you mean and title of sportsmen as it applies not neces- those yellow headlights boring through the This is, indeed, my last story during mean what you say, unlike the protesta- sarily to our outdoor interests, but in how haze are most likely a sportsmen or woman the year 2012 for the venerable Federation tions and proclamations of most politi- print and electronic media editors view us coming to join the search in areas where newspaper, which leaves me at least some- cians. as “sportsmen.” only an ATV can go. what humbled, but equally happy for the Undeniably, I’ve run into some minor One of the first things future scribes An avid fly rodder who is also a high opportunity to use this comparatively glitches when it comes to saying what one should undertake is getting the outdoors school or elementary teacher introduces modest bully pulpit to communicate with means and meaning what one says. When off of the “sports pages.” With the excep- their class to the wonderful world of trout my fellow (and lady) sportsmen from the referring to sportsmen and women origi- tion of events such as Bass Tournaments or by lobbying his or her superiors to initiate Garden State; an honor – at least to me it is nating from all stripes and bents, there was competitive shooting events, rarely do a Trout in the Classroom curriculum. Who – that I do not take lightly. a time that I naïvely thought if one were a sportsmen compete with each other in the can say how many (or even if one) of those Conversely, you, the sportsmen and hunting or shooting enthusiast, it therefore sense that baseball and football teams do. students will go on to pursue a degree in women of New Jersey, don’t make things stood to reason that s/he would also be a Yet we are left to compete for that freshwater biology, or perhaps would turn any easier on folks who earn their daily conservative, or at least a Republican. I’ve Holy Grail of white space and, it seems, down the chance to try an illicit drug bread with the metaphorical pen. You been at this outdoor writing game since the outdoor pages are the first to relinquish because they wanted to go fishing instead? come in all sizes, shapes, and colors. You 1984, and it didn’t take long before I had a their messages should the local high None of these events requires a plaque or a are a cross section of this once-great head-on collision with reality. school football team need more space. We formal dinner to recognize an individual, nation, and you’re comprised of a plethora Case in point: One of the outdoor are also the first to be set aside in hard for these are the sorts of things that sports- of stripes, bents, persuasions, and affilia- writer’s groups to which I belong hap- times. When advertising revenue declines men do without any expectations of pub- tions. In short, you are a statistician’s and pened to host a gathering of scribes, and as drastically, the first to be shown the door is licity or recompense. logisticians’ worst nightmare. Sportsmen usual, I initiated a conversation concerning the outdoor section. We need our own cat- And when politicians align them- and women, especially from New Jersey those hand-wringing, limp-wristed liber- egory; a category that does not compete selves with anti-hunting and anti-gun but nationwide as well, cannot be, nor will als. My tirade was met by several in the with the New York Yankees or Giants. We groups, ask any of them when the last time they allow themselves to be, placed in one, group with annoyed stares and more than a are not a team of competitors vying for a was that they donated their time, labor, and neatly tied box. You’re young, you’re old, few heated comments which are unprint- trophy. We are sportsmen and women pro- money to things like preserving wetlands and you come from a surfeit of religious, able in this family-oriented forum. They moting an idealistic philosophy that or swamps or the outright purchase of hun- ethnic, racial, and socio-economic back- let me know in no uncertain terms that they engenders conservation of all wildlife and dreds, sometimes thousands, of acres of grounds. were card-carrying Democrats. Little did I open spaces including swamps, forests, prairie pot hole country to help a troubled Additionally, most of you are proba- realize at the time that politics covers a rivers, streams, and oceans. species of waterfowl. Or the last time they bly college-educated, and those who are vast spectrum of individual personalities In addition (at the risk of assuming rolled up their sleeves and got gobs of dirt not have their high school diplomas, while made up not only by outdoor-oriented something again), sportsmen and women under their fingernails to repair once-great those lacking a formal sheepskin have endeavors but also of personal back- have only disdain for political correctness, trout streams left decimated by floods. Or graduated from the school of hard knocks. grounds and family philosophies. Rule and you rebel at anyone or anything threat- the last time a member of PETA waded Whatever your educational background, number one for anyone considering work- ening your chosen way of life. into a swamp or river to erect a wood duck each of you deserve and demand clear, ing in the fourth estate: Never assume any- Indisputably, you will go to the mattress to box, or even build a backyard bluebird plain language with equal degrees of com- thing. protect and preserve the avocations you nesting box. Sportsmen and women do mon sense and decency. In this instance, If there is one thing the so-called have held dear all of your life, and proba- those things every day, (cont. next page) December 2012 NEW JERSEY FEDERATED SPORTSMEN NEWS Page 7 b- bass c- catfish Are You a Good d- walleye Question 16: When a fisherman says he catches more fish when he uses a teaser All-Round Fisherman? with his plugs, spoons, and bucktails, what does he mean? Take The Test! a- He’s using a fly about three feet above his lure. b- He’s fishing a chum slick. by Vin T. Sparano ahead of the worm. The Texas Rig has a Question 10: What is the one lure that con- c- He’s tipping his lures with fresh bait sinker at the head of the worm with the tinually out fishes every other lure in salt- d- He’s working his lures more erratically. How do you rate as an all-round point of the hook buried in the worm to water? knowledgeable fisherman? Do you really make it nearly weedless. a- diamond jig know everything about knots, fish species, b- deep-diving plug Question 17: There are times, depending baits, rigs, and lures? Question 4: When fishing offshore, what c- bucktail on region and water conditions, when Before you lay claim to being a hot- seabird is the most likely to find you fish? d- spoon largemouth and smallmouth bass look sim- shot pro fisherman, you had better take this a- Gannet ilar in coloration. What’s the best and multiple-choice test and see how you b- Tern Question 11: If you don’t know how to tie fastest way to differentiate these species? score. Each correct answer to the 20 ques- c- Frigate a good Bimini Twist to create a double a- Coloration is brownish in the small- tions is worth 5 points. Good luck! d- Pelican line, there is another knot that’s easier to mouth and green in the largemouth. tie and just as effective. What is it? b- Length of the jaw in relation to the eye. Question 1: An effective technique for Question 5: What do you get when you a- end loop knot c- Connection of the dorsal fins. locating a school of fish is to catch one, cross a lake trout with a brook trout? b- double-line shock leader d- All of the above attach a balloon to it, and release it. When a- a tiger trout c- double surgeon’s loop the fish returns to the school, you can b- a steelhead d- spider hitch Question 18: When a fisherman says he’s focus on the area and catch more of the c- a splake putting out the birds, what is he doing? same species. On which of the following d- a sea-run brook trout Question 12: Some species of fish love to a- Planning to fish with a kite species will this technique work? hang around and under floating objects. b- Rigging a mirrored teaser a- Largemouth bass Question 6: When fishing a bay or inlet for Dolphin have such a reputation for hiding c- Trolling a rigged flying fish b- Pike any species, what is the best tide to fish? under floating debris, but what other d- Putting out a large teaser with wings c- Walleye a- High tide species has the same reputation? d- Bluegill b- Outgoing a- Kingfish Question 19: Which of the following fresh- c- Ebb tide b- Yellowtail Snapper water species is indigenous to New Jersey? Question 2: Who was responsible for the d- Incoming c- Tripletail first circle hook design? d- Permit a- rainbow trout a- Eagle Claw Hook Company Question 7: What should your minimum b- brown trout b- Gamakatsu and maximum drag settings be for 12- Question 13: What is one of the most pro- c- brook trout c- Commercial Longliners pound-test monofilament line? ductive and durable live baits for striped d- lake trout d- Mustad a- 4-pound minimum, 8-pound maximum bass? b- 6-pound minimum, 10-pound maximum a- herring Question 20: Where did the concept for big Question 3: The Carolina and Texas Rigs c- 2-pound minimum, 6-pound maximum b- eels bunker spoons originate? are both effective plastic worm rigs for d- 8-pound minimum, 10-pound maximum c- sandworms a- automobile hubcaps largemouth and smallmouth bass. Which d- bunkers b- automobile headlights of the following correctly describes the Question 8: When cutting up a baitfish, c- big soup ladles rig? what part of the bait is generally consid- Question 14: What knot should you use d- hammered diamond jigs a- The Carolina Rig is a shallow running ered the best for big striped bass? when tying monofilament to wire leaders? lure fished with no weight. The Texas Rig a- the tail (This is also the same knot to use when Bonus Question (worth 10 points): The has a slip sinker and is designed to be b- the head tying monofilament to monofilament of first tarpon taken on a fly tackle in the fished deep. c- the mid-section greatly different diameters.) Florida Keys was caught on a freshwater b- The Carolina Rig, fished deep, uses a d- a filet strip bait a- Blood Knot fly. What was the year and the name of the sinker at the head of the hook and worm. b- Nail Knot fly? The Texas Rig is fished on the surface, Question 9: Which of the following would c- Albright a- 1928, Mickey Finn Streamer skimming the worm to generate strikes. be considered a safe thickness for one per- d- Uni-Knot b- 1933, Clouser Minnow c- The Carolina rig is designed to be fished son icefishing on foot? c- 1926, Royal Coachman in heavy weeds. The Texas rig curls the a- 2 inches Question 15: Which of the following d- 1936, Gray Ghost plastic worm, so that it spins on retrieve. b- 3 inches species can inflict a painful injury if mis- d- The Carolina Rig is designed to be c- 4 inches handled? For the answers, go to page 10, and eval- fished deep with a slip sinker three feet d- 10 Inches a- trout uate your score!

www.stripersforever.org and choose tackle (from prev. page) and for the most part, STRIPERS FOREVER shops and guides from the menu on the left no one ever knows about it. : The of the page. There are more than 150 there Yes, you are a diverse and sometimes for you to choose from. They may not all even a confusing group, especially for out- be back in business, but many are, so get door writers. You often fight among each together with your fishing friends a book a other in groups, but the infighting has Fishing Is Still Great day or two on the water. nothing to do with your share of publicity Recreational guides and charter fish- have told us that striped bass fishing that In related news, Orvis (who has or some government grant. Instead, any ing services along the New York and New generates more than $440 million in direct already sent seven tractor trailers with over squabbles are the result of a desire to do Jersey coast have told Stripers Forever that retail expenditures and supports thousands 2,400 boxes of clothing, food, tools, clean- the right thing for our natural resources, Hurricane Sandy is long gone, but the fish of jobs in the region, is in danger at a crit- ing, and household supplies to New but the methodology concerning how to go are still there – and they need anglers to get ical time of year. Jersey) has offered to post pictures and about it may be in dispute. back on the water or risk financial devasta- Late fall is when striped bass head news from the guides on their My personal views on the sportsmen tion. But anglers are not coming, appar- south for their winter grounds, and they OrvisNews.com. If you have something to and women of this state as they appear ently scared off by images of destruction. gorge themselves in the waters off New post you are invited to contact Phil here a dozen times annually are governed “Guys are hurting,” said Captain York and New Jersey, presenting anglers Monahan of Orvis directly at mona- by the belief that goodness, honesty, and Frank Crescitelli SF board member, local with a chance at catching a true trophy. [email protected]. virtue must permeate all of our endeavors, guide, and chairman of the NYC-based Businesses dependent upon recreational Guide or tackle shop that are not cur- not only hunting, fishing, and trapping, but Fisherman’s Conservation Association fishing rely on income earned during the rently listed on the Stripers Forever web- must be part of our daily lives as well, and “We’ve lost property and equipment fall run to sustain them until April. site can do so free of charge by following Garden State sportsmen epitomize that because of Sandy, but worse, we’re now “The New Jersey coast was devastat- the same path suggested above and follow- goodness. losing time on the water and the income ed and there is limited access to many ing the easy instructions to sign yourself Yet goodness itself will fail, and thus we and our communities need to recover. areas.” said Paul Haertel, board member of up. Let us know if you need help. we as a society will fail, if good people Sandy’s gone. The fish are still here, but Stripers Forever, and a local high liner. Individuals interested in conserving refuse to fight to affirm the traditional val- not the fishermen.” “However, those businesses that are open striped bass can also become a member of ues in our families and workplaces, and Even as beleaguered coastal commu- desperately need our support. The bass are Stripers Forever at no charge by selecting while afield. nities in the two states struggle to rebuild, here. I recently caught 9- to 33-inch eeling “Become A Member,” also on the SF web- That’s why I’m at least optimistic guides and other businesses that cater to from shore near Barnegat Light.” site. about our outdoor endeavors here in New recreational fishermen – such as marina Why not treat yourself to a guided For more information contact Brad Jersey. New Jersey anglers, hunters, and services, tackle shops, hotels, motels, striper trip along the NY/NJ coast, or some Burns, President of Stripers Forever by e- trappers have never backed down from a restaurants, and mom-and-pop markets – new equipment for Christmas. Go to mailing [email protected]. fight they knew was righteous, and as dis- similar as you are, you’ve never let anyone down. It’s sometimes difficult for outdoor scribes to know or understand at all times just where you’re coming from and what you’re trying to achieve, if only because of the distinctions among so many and so var- ied groups. But there is one thing for certain: As always, you will get the job done, and it won’t be a half-way effort. Not from New Jersey sportsmen and women, it won’t. In the meantime, have a safe and merry Christmas and a happy and prosper- ous New Year. God bless all of you. Page 8 NEW JERSEY FEDERATED SPORTSMEN NEWS December 2012

A True Gift Tight Lines and Note to readers: Some names have been front, slashed the surface. A dry fly pre- changed to protect the guilty. sented properly at this time would surely go a long way to filling a canvas creel. Straightaway Shots Once a year we have a meeting. It’s Instead, Fenton told of how he chose really not a gun club or fishing club gath- to sit on a beaver-felled tree, watching the ering, and bears no purpose relative to magnificence of lightning as it stabbed at stocking pheasants or trout. distant peaks like so many ethereal spider by Robert Brunisholz In fact, most in attendance would call legs reaching down from the heavens to it a club only for want of a better label. scratch an itchy spot on earth. He There are no elected officials, nor are dues described it well. Eavesdropping, I could collected lest they tempt the supposed smell the odor of burnt ozone and feel a air was caused by the opening of the front wrapping that even had a bow tied around treasurer. Rather, these annual assemblies friendly mountain rain wash away a day’s door by none other than Lurch VonBlight. it. just happen to coincide with Christmas, accumulation of grime that was a combi- Someone in the room commented that he For a moment, horrible thoughts and a reading of minutes from previous nation of sweat and citronella. didn’t think Lurch would show up this year went through my feeble mind. “Oh conclaves consist primarily of retelling Not once did he brag of trout meas- because there was a rumor that he was m’gosh,” I thought. “Lurch wouldn’t have stories until fact blends with some reason- ured in pounds rather than inches, and his dead. had a moment of weakness and done able or plausible fiction during which fork- story made quite clear that a dead fish was “Harrumph,” said Lurch. something really dumb like buy a bottle of horn bucks progressively increase to eight- but a minute part of fishing. “He ain’t dead,” said another mem- aftershave for me, would he? Perish the pointers, and memorable trout seem to He’d given the young member a gift; ber. “It’s just that he smells that way.” thought,” I’d hoped. gain an inch or three each year. something to ponder during future forays That, in turn, elicited another harrumph “Here,” said Lurch. I looked at it with Some years ago, the elders within the for trout. As I listened, I found myself con- from Lurch, now headed to the bottle of no small degree of trepidation. “Yeah, I group decided that if we were to continue sidering the gadgetry and commercialism Glenfiddich. know,” he said. “My wife wrapped it. I meeting at or near Christmas, it would be that so often clouds what fishing, and Lurch didn’t get his moniker from certainly wouldn’t have gone to all that fitting to form a gift committee. The ad hoc indeed Christmas, is really about. some creature invented for the Addams trouble for you.” group appropriately decided that the crite- Lost in my own reverie, I recalled a Family. Instead, he had this cartoonish I was thinking about how to express ria for any gifts must be simple, and Christmas present given to me by our manner of walking in which his gait gave my everlasting appreciation for an imita- preferably cost little or nothing. In their youngest son – now a man with a family of the illusion that his legs and feet took one tion flask of British Sterling, or even fathomless wisdom, however, the gift his own – when he was 11 years of age. At or two steps before the upper torso caught worse, Brut or English Leather. It would be committee also proclaimed that the so- the time, he’d taken to tying his own flies up with them, thus giving him this “lurch- tough to fake it, but I was determined to called gift must have at least a minimum of and had tied one for me and wrapped it for ing” type motion. It was, of course, an illu- try. meaning and, preferably, last a lifetime. Christmas. At best, it was an exotic con- sion created by nothing more than an Only the top part of the wrapping was This year’s meeting took place at the glomeration of feathers and steel, and unusual manner of walking, but illusion or torn away when I recognized precisely home of Fenton Mountebank, a charter when he presented it to me I wondered in not, that’s how he rightly came by the what Lurch’s gift actually was. member whose house just happened to silence if it would ever catch a trout. name of Lurch. His real name was Waldo, It was an old, canvas-covered sheep- overlook a small pond so clear that bottom The fly sat in my desk drawer for a.k.a. during our grammar school days as skin containing an array of streamers, once stones could be counted with ease. months before finding its way into my fly Wild Wally. owned by my uncle Rob. He and I had Fenton was a charter member of our box. Later that summer, while fishing the Wild Wally, a.k.a. Lurch, and yours hunted, fished, and trapped for what group... which is merely a polite way of South Branch of the Raritan River, with no truly did get into some rather dicey situa- seemed like centuries, until he had to leave saying he, like most of us, were rather long great success I might add, I decided to give tions during our formative years, though early. I now had a complete set that includ- of tooth, and at times a bit cantankerous. the fly a try. none of those circumstances concerned ed his streamer pack. Many of the flies Long of mane with steel gray hair, Small but finicky trout had been dim- anything illegal nor immoral. Sometimes I were in excellent condition, while a few and still enviably thin of waist, Fenton pling the surface, and whatever they were think both of our parents would have pre- were a bit moth-eaten and one or two even stood by a large window that looked out at rising to surely wasn’t among anything ferred we become career criminals, given a bore some rust at the bend of the hooks. the pond. He was speaking to one of the similar in my fly box. Whimsically, I tied choice between that and some of the things The other part of the set was his black younger members, and between pulls on a the knot of assorted feathers onto my we did get into, like the time we found two onyx ring given to me by his widow, my glass of Old Stump Blower told the rela- leader. 55-gallon drums in the dump of Mr. aunt; when he went on to catch celestial tive youngster – who was probably in his The first few casts produced not even George VonBlight’s dairy farm where I trout. Rob was obviously older than I, and late 40s – about a trip for trout he’d taken the slightest interest, and the temptation to worked on intermittent occasions in order that ring had been through the South some years ago. The wide-eyed young change to a professionally tied fly was to keep myself supplied with a dozen or Pacific Theater with him. If you were to try man eagerly inquired about the size and nearly irresistible as the occasional trout two of Number One jump traps. to take it from me, you’d need a gun and number of fish he’d creeled. dimpled the surface. But I kept the fly on Wally and I concluded we could use you’d have to use it. The patriarch cocked an eyebrow, and stayed with it, as the sun hemorrhaged the drums to build our own submarine, and I looked at Lurch, not sure of what to saying our young member missed the behind the tree line, then finally winked thus get a close-up and personal view of say, or even if I could say it. “He left it at point. Instead of creeled fish, the elder out. some of the bass ponds we fished. When my house about two years before he died. vividly told of finding a beaver pond, and Undeniably, the story would be better our dads caught wind of the scheme they I thought you should have it,” he said. how a storm was passing just to the north. were I able to claim the fly eventually brought it to a screeching halt, but to this I didn’t want to risk the embarrass- He recounted how mountain trout, as they accounted for a two-pound brown, but that day I can’t figure out why... who wouldn’t ment of trying to speak, so I ambled over are wont to do prior to the passing of a was not to be. I went home fishless that want their enterprising 10- or 11-year-old to the picture window where our host had evening. Nevertheless, I recall fishing with sons to forge the way for freshwater sub earlier told of his trout trip. Our host a fly that remains one of my most memo- aquatic observation? walked over to me and said, “You don’t VISIT THE FEDERATION rable Christmas presents and I did so with Even today I can’t determine why have to say a word, you know.” I said ON THE INTERNET AT a joy so intense it defies description. both of our dads developed facial tics just that’s good, because I couldn’t even if I My reflections on that fly were inter- after they put the kibosh on our submarine- wanted. To which he responded, “Merry rupted by a cold draft rushing through the building enterprise... or was it around the Christmas, c’mon over here and grab a www.njsfsc.org room like some disenfranchised polter- time we were going to launch our home- glass of Old Stump Blower, after which geist. It turned out that the ghostly twist of made, two-seater, plywood plane from the you’ll be able to talk all you want and top of Mr. VonBlight’s silo? I forget, to be you’ll also be able to tell us some of your honest. The nervous tics subsided after infamous lies about doubling on grouse.” Wally went off to college and I joined the I did just that, lies included. Memberships Available Army. And here came Lurch, walking Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to directly toward me, holding a small pack- all. Keep a tight line and may all of your AtlanticCountyGamePreserve.org age, wrapped in traditional Christmas shots be straightaways.

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The Sporting View

by Marty Boa

Winter Tackle Tasks: Organize Now and Be Ready for Spring

Winter is the time when most fishing smaller field pack, tackle box, or vest, and seasons are winding down or at a stand- thus be ready for immediate use. Such a kit still, and every year much is said and writ- should include those lures, flies, leaders, ten about the need to use the off-season as hooks, pre-tied rigs, and other essentials a time to refresh and organize tackle. The necessary for a normal-length fishing out- point is well taken, since a bit of reason- ing in amounts compatible with the antici- able effort and time spent now will pay off pated need. The philosophy here is to carry in the spring when you want to spend as only what will be needed and used, while much time as possible with your line in the leaving unneeded items at home. Dragging Rear: A large, well organized, multi-section tackle box is ideal for storing a base inven- water and not having to scramble for and around unnecessary gear makes for added tory of fishing tackle at home. Front: A standard plug bag with shoulder strap and sep- fuss with tackle. weight from items that may reduce angling arate compartments for saltwater plugs and terminal tackle is an important piece of Assuming an angler fishes both fresh efficiency by getting in the way. equipment for surfcasters to carry. Marty Boa photo. and saltwater, one of the best organization- The main reason for organizing and al steps he or she can take is to separate the tending to fishing tackle and other angling- two types of tackle. When the season related equipment during the winter is to A dirty or sticky fly line can be properly put to bed for the winter. Batteries opens you don’t want to have to sift try to prevent problems from cropping up cleaned with a mild soap-and-water solu- should be stored in a charged condition through striper plugs and heavy sinkers in when you go fishing in the spring. tion and soft cloth, followed by a clear with the leads disconnected. Replace worn order to get your hands on the ultralight Some anglers advocate releasing the water rinse. Replace leader tippets that lines and remove clutter from the boat. spinning gear and fly-fishing tackle you drag on a reel so as to reduce the strain on were eaten up last season, and tie or pur- Remove life jackets, seat cushions, and use for trout. the reel’s internal mechanism when not in chase some new flies to replace the ones depthfinder to a safe, dry place. Another important procedure that use. The period of non-use during the win- that were lost along with more of the ones Large motors should be winterized. this columnist has found helpful for the ter is also the time to clean and lubricate known to work well. Many outboard owners fog their motors storage and use of both saltwater and reels, by removing old gear grease with a Open your tackle boxes, field packs, and run as much fuel out of them as possi- freshwater fishing equipment involves suitable solvent and applying fresh grease and vests, and look inside in order take ble before storage. As for the trailer, check separating tackle into two groups, one for and oil, as the case may be, to the parts of stock. Organize things according to size tire pressure, and clean and lubricate the immediate use and one for storage and concern. Wooden toothpicks and old tooth- and function, and get rid of the tangles. winch. Check all ropes and tie downs. future use. The main tackle inventory can brushes are great for getting old lubricant (Neatness makes things easier to find.) Trailer lights can be cantankerous. be kept in a large tackle box and/or a cabi- residue out of the gear teeth and other Replace missing lures. Make sure tail lights, stop lights, and direc- net, locker, or on a closet shelf or similar hard-to-reach spots. If you don’t feel con- Rods should be inspected, and guides tion signals are functioning. Repair or storage unit. Extra hooks, spools of line, fident in taking a reel apart and putting it cleaned and replaced where necessary. replace any that don’t work. duplicates of favorite lures, spare sinkers, back together, take it to a tackle shop that Check wrappings and determine if re-coat- Organizing and maintaining fishing leader material, bulk amounts of snaps and provides the service. ing is needed. tackle and related equipment during the swivels, fly-tying materials, and lure mak- Check the mono line loaded on reels. Give landing nets a good looking- off-season can prevent many organization- ing and rod-building/repair components Strip off the forward section of line that over. Small tears can be mended with line al and functional problems that may occur are best kept out of the way in such a appears to be nicked, kinked, or otherwise of a similar diameter. during the upcoming season, with many “reservoir” or cache until needed. The overly worn. Some anglers like to tie a sec- Waders and boots should be checked such hang-ups being discovered at the same goes for extra and out-of-season rods tion of fresh line to the good line that is left for leaks and repaired where necessary. start, just when you want a smooth open- and reels, as these should be kept in a safe on the spool, while others do not. If you Hanging or rolling them up will prevent ing. Any time spent organizing, evaluating, place until needed. choose to do this, use a low-profile knot the leak-prone creases caused by folding. and caring for your gear is time well-spent In-season tackle should be kept in a for the attachment. Boats and boat trailers need to be and an investment in the future.

“A Rendezvous was a pre-determined place and time set for Fur Trappers to meet up with Fur Traders. This kept the Another Trappers’ Fur Trapper from having to come all the way back to civilization to cash in their Beaver Plews (pelts) and other furs they had collected. Rendezvous “Usually the Trappers or Mountain Men would spend 11 months of the year in the mountains trapping beaver... Tom Mulea pelting a large “To the Fur Trapper, rendezvous was otter. Jack Allen photo. One of the attending vendors this like our present day state fairs. It was a writer had an opportunity to visit with great time to socialize with other Trappers furbearers which had been was Mr. Curt Haberman, owner of New and to find out what is going on back stored in a freezer since the Jersey Traps and Snares; he is also a past home. It was also Pay Day! They would previous legal season, for this president of the New Jersey Fur bring their furs and trade them for neces- very occasion. These demon- Harvesters. That group, based in Somers sities they would need for the upcoming strations are a unique teaching Point, NJ, has a membership of over 400. year.” (from FloridaFrontiersmen.org) aid, especially for the young Like the NJTA, their organization strives (and not-so-young) furtakers. to keep trapping a viable and ongoing by Jack Allen Well-put-up pelts bring pre- activity utilizing a valuable, renewable mium prices when marketed. resource, our North American furbear- Sunday, October 7 saw the 51st annu- As the morning passed, ers. al Rendezvous o the New Jersey Trappers the midday repast of roast JA Association, held as always at the Space pork with all the trimmings Farms complex in Beemerville, NJ. The was served and enjoyed. overcast sky threatened a cool rain, which Following lunch, the regular Jim DeStephano, who has served as fortunately held off until late afternoon. meeting of the association President for the past number of years, is The usual complement of vendors was called to order by stepping down to run for a seat on the NJ were set up well prior to the 9:00 onset President Jim DeStephano. Fish and Game Council; we all wish him hour, and the predicted robust fur market The first item on the much success. had trappers – as well as would-be trappers agenda was the awarding of a NJTA life- a very large carry-over of raccoon pelts, Newly elected officers were: – in a buying mood. Traps, snares, skin- time membership plaque to Mrs. Jeanette which will depress the prices of that item. President (Tom Mulea), Vice President ning knives, fleshing beams, and just about Vreeland in appreciation for the many As always, John stressed the importance of (Rick Moore), Treasurer (Bill Guiles), every item needed to run a successful win- years she’s served on the NJ Fish and not trapping until the fur is prime. Secretary (Jimmy Sapio), and Education ter trapline was available. Buying equip- Game Council and her untiring endeavors Next to speak was Mr. Andy Burnett, Chairman (Jay Staudt). Following the elec- ment at the rendezvous is economical, as on behalf of NJ trappers. NJ Division of Fish and Wildlife biologist, tion, the meeting was adjourned, followed you avoid the very costly shipping fees Following that presentation, noted who covered a number of items pertaining by a raffle of donated prizes. added when ordering from trapper supply fur buyer and author Mr. John Empler of to the state’s wildlife populations. One The weekend of March 23-24 is catalogs. Orwigsburg, PA gave his educated predic- item stressed was that coyotes now inhabit scheduled for the association’s annual fur As planned, several association tion on the upcoming fur-taking season. every county in the state. auction, to be held at the Space Farms members exhibited the proper employed in Mink, muskrat, red fox, and coyote will After several agenda items were complex. All pelts are to be logged in that the raw-pelt-handling process: skinning, find a ready market, and prices should addressed and voted on, the election of Saturday. Come early, as last year saw a fleshing, and boarding of a number of advance as the season progresses. There is officers for the coming year took place. very large turnout of furtakers. Page 10 NEW JERSEY FEDERATED SPORTSMEN NEWS December 2012 “Roughing it” in Style in Lake Placid On The Road Back in early October, my wife and unloading it. (The wrong side of the real me were doing the wine-and-cheese thing estate bubble burst on our parade.) on our third-floor, great-view balcony But, that being finished, we realized by Rick Methot overlooking lovely Mirror Lake in Lake would could have spent a week each year Placid, NY. It was a belated 42nd wedding for the next 30 (we should live so long) at anniversary mini-vacation at the fabulous the Mirror Lake Inn which, unlike our for- mad over the time and money being spent rebuilt to continue welcoming guests to Mirror Lake Inn, near the shore of the 2.7- mer condo, has a waterfront view. by wives or girlfriends in the stores. Lake Placid. mile-around lake of the same name. We’ve stayed there in the past and Regarding the former, The Cottage, Some local asides… My brother, now Mirror Lake is right in the middle of always enjoyed the charming ambience, has been my favorite watering hole since it a Vermont resident, lived in Saranac Lake town, and stocked with trout. The much exquisite dining and a wonderful staff. opened in 1976. It sits right on Mirror for several years, worked as a food service larger Lake Placid is just down the road This is to be expected from an AAA Four Lake with a terrific view, and is the director at nearby and noted culinary and with canoe and marina access. This is the Diamond destination, which has earned favorite of locals and tourists alike. It used forestry school (Paul Smith’s College), and place for lake trout and smallmouth bass. that rating for 28 consecutive years. to house four guest rooms, until MLI was at the USA-USSR hockey game in It’s plenty cold and deep for the lakers, and Also, the readers of Conde Nast owner Ed Weibrecht decided it would be a 1980. there is a plethora of old-time Adirondack Traveler have just named the Mirror Lake good spot for a pub. Good move, Ed. Outdoor writer Jim Stabile of boathouses that are a magnet for smallies. Inn Resort & Spa the Number One resort The Inn itself goes back to 1924, Morristown, who writes for this newspaper About a ten-minute drive north to in the entire Northeast. Nearly 29,000 when Climena Alfred, a Lake Placid girl, as well as several others, is a graduate of Saranac Lake and you have access to that responded to the magazine’s survey and married William Rufus Wikoff of Paul Smith’s, and played semi-pro hockey chain of waters, and farther on you’re into scored the site 94 out of 100 points, which Massachusetts. The latter made a bunch of in Lake Placid. the St. Regis area ponds, a canoe and fly placed it ahead of the Ritz Carlton in money with his concept of the “Fuller The sports shop mentioned earlier is fisherman’s delight. Naples, Florida and the Four Seasons in Brush Man” and created the “Mir-a-Lac “Jones Outfitters” on Main Street, a place We, a couple of former Marine Corps Vail, Colorado, as well a slew of other Inn” out of an old estate. It was winterized I’ve been frequenting for all the scoop on pals and myself, have been trekking to high-end destinations. for the 1932 Olympics, another reason that fishing conditions since the early 1970s. Lake Placid for nearly 40 years to fish the Motel Six it ain’t. the town is a family destination: the While fishing gets most of the tourism famed Ausable River and some of the less- When I’m on the road by myself, or Olympic venues. It’s best know for the trade from outdoorsmen, there is grand er known streams. Our usual digs, back heading out to meet “the boys” for a fish- 1980 Winter Olympics and our “Do you opportunity for grouse hunting on the sur- when it cost a couple bucks a night, was ing or hunting outing, all I need is access believe in miracles?” hockey team win, 4- rounding public lands, and this fall the the Meadowbrook Campground on Route to hot water and something other than a 3, over the vaunted Russians, perhaps the woodcock migration was outstanding. 86 between Lake Placid and Saranac Lake. cot. The modern motel room trumps a wet greatest moment in American sports. For info on the Mirror Lake Inn, go We had some great times in our little tent every time. That tradition continues with the sites to www.mirrorlakeinn.com or call 518- “tent city” there, until our last reunion The Mirror Lake Inn, unless you are the public can enjoy today and in the 2010 523-2544. under canvas two years ago. It rained like tripping over gold bullion bars stored in Games, when Andrew Weibrecht, the son As stated, this is not a place where a cow relieving itself on a flat rock for your basement, is a “special occasion” des- of MLI owners Ed and Lisa, took the you’re going to slosh and stomp through three straight days, and that was the offi- tination, where you can really earn bronze medal in Alpine skiing. the lobby, a.k.a. living room, in your cial end of our “camping out days.” Brownie points with your significant other In the late 1940s, the first snowmak- waders. But savoring that wonderful lake Some years it was the local Dew as she relaxes in a world-class spa or ing machine was bought by the Inn to view and fall colors while munching on Drop Inn, or a motel with a kitchen, down savors those Maine Diver scallops in a ensure easier access to the local hill. (It 1000 Island River Rat hickory smoked in Bloomingdale. One summer we emptied hushed dining room. was originally used for hauling whitetails cheese, and sipping an amusing Sawtooth our wallets and rented a camp on Lake Another welcome convenience at the out of the woods during deer season.) Riesling from Idaho’s Snake River Valley, Placid proper, complete with motorboat. MLI is that it’s a short walk to downtown Kate Smith, whose voice still signals more than compensated for being my usual My wife and I eventually went over- Lake Placid, where there are enough the Seventh Inning Stretch at Yankee sloppy self on a fishing trip. board and bought a condo at a fancy Lake shops, high-end and touristy, to keep the Stadium, was a private cottage owner on My wife wants to make this an annu- Placid resort seven years ago, and went on womenfolk busy, and enough saloons and the Inn grounds back in the 1950’s. The al event. No wonder. to lose our collective shirts before finally one sports shop to keep guys from going Inn was destroyed by fire in 1988, but was QUIZ ANSWERS (from p. 6) the most productive stage of any tide. The Question 11: d- The Spider Hitch serves three feet above their lure. The epoxy- current will drain marshes, creeks and the same function as the Bimini Twist. headed flies have also proven more Question 1: c- Walleye. Once you find a flats, pulling all sorts of baitfish and crus- Many fishermen prefer it because the knot durable when casting for sharp-toothed walleye hole, you should catch fish there taceans into deeper water and channels. is easier and faster to tie than the Bimini. It species, such as bluefish, pike, and wall- consistently. Walleyes are schooling fish Fish will station themselves just outside of also requires no partner to help, nor any eye. and are unlikely to move their places of the current or at the mouth of tidal creeks fixed object to keep the loop open. The residence. or inlets, waiting for food to come their Spider Hitch is also equal in strength to the Question 17: d- All of the above. On a way. It’s also important to remember that a Bimini Twist. largemouth, the jaw always extends past Question 2: c- Circle hooks have been turning tide or moving water can also trig- the eye. On a smallmouth, the jaw falls around since the turn of the century, but ger feeding. This also applies to stream Question 12: c- The tripletail can often be short of the eye or reaches only the mid- commercial longline fishermen brought and river outlets for such freshwater found seeking the shade and shelter of any point of the pupil. On a smallmouth the them into worldwide use. It’s ironic that species as trout and walleye. floating object, especially inshore crab pot dorsal fins are clearly connected. On a the circle hook, developed for commercial buoys. A tough fighter that can weigh up to largemouth, the dorsal fins are nearly sep- longline fishing because of its deadly Question 7: a- Not all drags are created 30 pounds or more, the tripletail looks arated. Smallmouths also tend to be hooking ability, would also become one of equal, but a minimum setting of 4 pounds more like a freshwater fish than saltwater brownish in coloration. The largemouth is the most effective catch-and-release and a maximum of 8 pounds is safe for 12- species. The tripletail can also be found generally green in color. devices to come along in decades. Because pound-test line. Keep in mind that with a offshore along weed lines. Favorite bait is of its unique design, fish will be hooked in minimum drag of 4 pounds, a pull of 8 a live shrimp. Question 18: d- A bird is a large teaser the corner of the mouth, making release pounds is likely to be required to get that built with angled wings. When trolled, a easy and without harm to both fresh and drag started. If you hold your rod at 45 Question 13: b- A live eel. No doubt about bird imparts a splashing surface action that saltwater fish. What makes this hook so degrees or higher, you will add another 10 it. Eels are tough, they stay alive on a hook imitates a flying fish. A bird is usually effective is the fact that fish will hook percent to that setting, which brings the for an amazingly long time, and most trolled ahead of a lure or a daisy chain. themselves, an important factor for long- drag to 9 pounds. We also have to add important, the three largest stripers ever Birds are sometimes rigged with hooks liners who leave their baited gear unat- water resistance, line drag, and speed of listed as all tackle records were all taken and used as a lure. tended. the fish, so add another 2 pounds; that on eels. Almost any size eel will work, but brings us up to 11 pounds of drag on your a 12-incher is about right. If you’re cast- Question 19: c- The brook trout, in years Question 3: d- The Carolina Rig has a 12-pound-test line. That leaves one pound ing, run a 2/0 to 6/0 hook through the past often called “native” trout and actual- sinker about 2 or 3 feet in front of the of tension to spare. lower jaw and out one eye socket or ly a member of the char family, is the only worm. It’s fished deep but not on the bot- through the center of the nose. If you’re salmonid naturally occurring in New tom. The Texas Rig is a brush buster with Question 8: b- The head is by far the best live-lining an eel, run the hook through the Jersey before aggressive import and stock- a bullet sinker at the head of the plastic cut for big stripers. Run a 2/0 to 8/0 circle skin at the top of the head. ing programs established the other trout worm and the point of the hook buried in hook through the skin over the eyes or species, beginning in the 19th century and the worm. Both rigs are effective bass through both lips. Big bass will swallow Question 14: b- The Albright, created and continuing to the present. lures, especially during the summer the whole head. Properly hooked, a head named after Jimmy Albright, the late well- months. will also stay on your hook longer. known Florida guide, is used to tie shock Question 20: b- The original huge bunker Remember that a circle hook requires a leaders, such as 12-pound-test monofila- spoons were made from chrome auto head- Question 4: c- The frigate is probably the deadstick technique. When a bass picks up ment to an 80-pound-test leader. The lights. Several tackle companies now pro- best fish spotter in the world. With a the bait, engage your reel and let the striper Albright will also connect monofilament duce these big bunker spoons, which can wingspan of eight feet, a frigate, also hook itself. line directly to wire or cable. have a single fixed hook or a swinging sin- known as the Man O’ War, will spot and gle or treble hook. follow a billfish until it drives baitfish to Question 9: a- Two inches. This safe thick- Question 15: a, c, d – A trout has a mouth the surface, where it can swoop down and ness for one ice fisherman on foot, deter- full of sharp teeth. When you hold a trout, Bonus: c- 1926 on a Royal Coachman. The pick up the bait on the surface. Frigates mined by the Lumberman’s Safety first wet your hands and cradle it in the tarpon was caught by Col. L.S. Thompson will also track schools of dolphin, king- Association, applies only to clear blue lake palms of both hands. Catfish have spines in Long Key, Florida. fish, and almost all other species that will ice. For early winter slush ice or late sea- in both dorsal and pectoral fins that can drive bait to the surface. Frigates, inciden- son ice, the thickness should be doubled. puncture your skin. When you hold a cat- tally, cannot dive into the water for fish. fish, grip it from the front and slide your Scoring: Each correct answer is worth 5 These birds pick off the food on the sur- Question 10: c- A bucktail with a single hand carefully toward the tail, pushing points for a perfect score of 100. Here’s face. hook molded into a lead head and dressed down the fins and sharp spines. Walleyes how you stack up: with everything from deer hair to a chunk have sharp teeth and razor-like gill plates. Question 5: c- A splake is a trout hybrid of cut bait has probably accounted for When you hold a walleye, grab it behind 100 – Pro Fisherman created by crossing a lake trout and a more fish than any other lure. The bucktail the head and across the back. Always start 95 – Junior Pro Fisherman brook trout. The name is a combination of jig has proven so effective that this jig was your grip in front of the dorsal, sliding 90 – You’re learning fast speckled (brook) trout and lake trout. packed in military survival kits. The buck- your hand to the read and pushing down 85 – You’re learning slow Unlike many other hybrids, the splake is tail, dressed with a plastic tail or tipped the sharp dorsal spines. 80 – You’re not paying attention capable of reproducing. It also matures and with cut bait or live shrimp, will catch just Question 16: a- In recent years, an 75 – Find a partner who knows how to fish grows faster than a lake trout. about every species in our coastal states. increasing number of fishermen have 70 – Look for a good fish market Bucktails weigh from 1/16 ounce to more found that they can sometimes catch more 65 – We won’t even go there. Question 6: b- Outgoing tide is generally than 8 ounces. fish on a fly tied to a dropper loop about December 2012 NEW JERSEY FEDERATED SPORTSMEN NEWS Page 11 Please Patronize Our Advertisers

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