Those of you who follow this column know my passion for New York fisheries. The state’s lakes and rivers are among my favorite places to fish for bass — both largemouth and smallmouth. While the Big Apple may serve as the economic epicenter of the modern world, in my opinion, it’s the state’s more rural regions that hold its true value.
From the shores of Lake Ontario to the banks of the Hudson, New York lakes and rivers serve as prime examples of what strong conservation efforts can achieve.
Anyone who questions this should look at the data compiled from past B.A.S.S. events held on New York waters — including Lake Ontario, St. Lawrence River, Champlain, Cayuga and others. Multiple B.A.S.S. records have been set and broken on these waters. And there’s not a single Elite Series angler who doesn’t look forward to competitions held in New York.
A twist of fate
Several years ago, B.A.S.S. held an Elite Series event on Cayuga Lake near Syracuse. In conjunction, they scheduled the New York Governor’s Challenge — a pro-am event designed to promote awareness of New York’s commitment to conservation.
Among the participants were regional and state-level officials and numerous Bassmaster Elite Series pros … me included.
One particular official who stood out was Lieutenant Governor Kathy Hochul. As many of you now know, she is the state’s newly appointed governor. Hochul, along with other elected officials, were paired with us for a half day of fishing on Lake Onondaga — a body of water that was, at the time, undergoing substantial habitat restoration through the state’s supervision. Fishing was good too.
Under clear, blue skies, we caught plenty of largemouth and smallmouth in a variety of ways … and all were healthy specimens. Better than the fishing, however, was the dialog. A lot was shared … and all of it was good.
Like the other Elites, I praised them for their commitment to conservation — pointing out how great the fishing had become as a result.
An angler’s intuition
Although I didn’t quite know what it was about her at the time, I somehow sensed Hochul was destined for bigger things. She was smart, friendly and engaging. And she seemed to truly appreciate our sport and the resource.
Hochul has assumed the governor’s office — the first female to do so in New York State’s history. And though I don’t necessarily agree with all of her political positions, I do respect her. I believe she is fully committed to protecting and preserving the state’s fisheries, while maintaining the right of access for those who care to enjoy them.
That was the message she delivered so eloquently during the luncheon that followed our day on the water at Lake Onondaga, and I’m sure it hasn’t changed.
A quick sidebar: When the luncheon menu was announced as New York style barbecue, I recall having a brief back and forth with Hochul as to who could produce the best barbeque — New York or the South. In the end, neither of us could convince the other, so we agreed to disagree.
Yet, to my surprise, theirs was quite good. Just like their fishing.
