×

Dunkirk pier needs improved fish cleaning station

Sportsman’s Journal

OBSERVER Photo by Gene Pauszek The non-perishable food items donated by the Northern Chautauqua Conservation Club “Hunters Helping the Hungry” campaign were collected by Saint Elizabeth Ann Seton volunteers Tom Lundgren, Peter Notaro, Earlie Smith and Con Club Representative Ken Sikorski.

If you are still looking for suggestions for a gift for that certain someone on your gift list, consider reading material. Books, magazine subscriptions and even comic books will provide a great mental momentary getaway without physically leaving the room.

The Southtowns Walleye Association of WNY has a nice newsletter that has been upgraded in the last couple of years. Lots of photos, information and an occasional article on useful fishing information. One of the contributing articles in the December issue was penned by a friend of mine, Dave Barus, also known as Forrest Fisher. Dave writes for numerous publications, and is highly respected in the Outdoor writer community.

On page 15, Barus has an article on the Buffalo Waterfront, praising the upgrades and improvements to that area. In the middle of the article Dave makes a comparison to the fishing cleaning station at Buffalo compared to the one at Dunkirk. He refers to it as “That monster machine at the Dunkirk fish cleaning facility that can strike fear into the hearts of brave men and women only looking to fillet a few fish!”

Barus is not a mean spirited man. Rather, he is honest to a fault, learned and observant. During the summer, the Harbor Commission asked for suggestions, and the fish cleaning station was brought up. New blades for the grinder were suggested, but the idea was shot down as being too expensive and unnecessary. Maybe we should rethink that point of view as our community gears up for a face lift in housing; and one of the greatest years ever for walleye, bass and believe it or not yellow perch. Fishermen and boaters spend a lot of time and money visiting our community, so we should cater to their needs to “lure” them back again. Open restroom facilities at the pier are a necessity year round also.

One more anecdote, gathered by reading. In the last issue of the Grass Roots News, the Conservation Council’s news letter, they had the possible origin of the phrase “Passing the buck” or “The buck stops here.” During the days of the Gold Rush, out West poker was highly popular. Instead of a chip or coin utilized to signify who the dealer should be, a buck knife was often utilized for that function. Just think, it could have been a bowie knife!

Fishing tip: Anglers are doing well long line trolling rapalas off Donnley’s Wall out of the Buffalo small boat harbor at night.

Calendar: The Southtowns Walleye Association will be having their monthly meeting on Thursday, Dec. 20 at their club located at 5895 Southwestern Boulevard, Hamburg. This is the Christmas party meeting with a visit from Santa expected.

The Greater Niagara Falls Fishing and Outdoor Expo will be held on Jan. 18-20.

The Lakeshore Longbeards, our local chapter of the National Wild Turkey Federation, will be having their next meeting on Tuesday, Dec. 18, at Liberty Vineyards Winery, located on Route 20 in Sheridan. The agenda will include the introduction of the new Regional Director Brain Gottfried, as well as a look at what will be available for the 2019 membership drive/fundraiser. The banquet date has been set for Saturday, Jan. 19. The meetings are always open to the public. Tickets are on sale, by contacting Rich Lazarczyk, Gary Dudek, Gary Burmaster, Bob Turk, Leroy Franklin, or Scott Dibble. A ticket would make a great Christmas gift for the turkey hunter(s) on your gift list.

On Saturday, Dec. 29, from 9 a.m. until 1 p.m., the Erie County Trappers Association will be conducting a free trappers seminar at the Collins Conservation Club located at 2633 Conger Road, Collins, NY. The show will have lots of activities pertaining to how to handle your pelts, furs, and similar activities. There will also be other activities like raffles, games for the kids, fur hats and trapping supplies for sale, and the kitchen will be open. This is a free event. For more information contact Patti at 337-2556.

There will be a pistol course on Sunday, Dec. 30, at the Northern Chautauqua Conservation Club from 2:30 p.m. until 7:30 p.m. There is an $85 fee for attending this course. Contact Gary Dudek at 366-3397 for registration and details.

Free Monday night fly tying instruction has resumed on Monday nights at the Northern Chautauqua Conservation Club, located at Mullet Street in Dunkirk. Classes are for all levels of fly tying, but especially for beginners. No equipment is necessary. All participants get to keep their productions. Classes are from 6 p.m. until 8 p.m. The classes are open to the public. Sometimes they even have homemade cookies! Note that the Monday night fly tyers will be taking a break over the Christmas holiday. The last session will be on Monday, Dec. 17 and will resume on Monday, Jan. 7.

The Children of the Stream Youth Fly Fishing Program will be starting its 18th year of providing weekly free fly tying and fly fishing classes to both youths and adults in our area. Note that classes will switch from Wednesday evenings from 7 p.m. until 8:30 p.m. to Tuesday evenings at the Costello Community Room (P84) in the new addition to the Rockefeller Arts Center at SUNY Fredonia. You do not need any prior experience to attend these classes, and the course is geared towards ages 10 and older. For more information contact Alberto Rey at 410-7003 or alberto@albertorey.com.

If your club or organization is holding a hunter safety training/trapping course or a turkey shoot or any other outdoors event, and would like to see it posted in the calendar, send information to the OBSERVER, 10 East Second Street, Dunkirk, NY 14048, or call the sports department at 366-3000 ext. 5 after 6 p.m.

Note: If you have a big game fishing or trapping success story you would like to share, call 366-1772, or 467-2079 and leave a name, phone number and a time you can be reached. You can also call 366-3000, ext. 5, after 6 p.m. or email sports@observertoday.com.

Newsletter

Today's breaking news and more in your inbox

I'm interested in (please check all that apply)
Are you a paying subscriber to the newspaper? *
   

Starting at $4.62/week.

Subscribe Today