Olcott, New York, a prime Lake Ontario fishing port just east of Niagara Falls, has been named America’s Ultimate Fishing Town, an honor bestowed by a record number of votes tallied by the World Fishing Network organization.
Winner
In what has become an annual competition, Olcott and 504 other fishing oriented U.S. towns were nominated by participants who then campaigned for support. A record 329,327 vote were cast, with Olcott winning hands down.
Voting for these types of popularity contests grows each year as social media becomes the most powerful of mass communication sources.
Olcott carries an enviable reputation for its world class salmon and trout fishery including open water as well as shoreline, dock, and river fishing. Burt Dam, on 18 mile Creek, attracts some 50,000 anglers each year as salmon and trout visit the stream in attempts to spawn.
Second and third place fishing towns were Waddington, New York and Cape Hatteras, N.C., respectively.
Fall Hunting opportunities
Applications for Ohio’s popular deer and waterfowl controlled hunts are being taken now through July 31 for special one-day opportunities. Both deer and waterfowl hunts take place on some of the region’s top areas and fortunate drawing winners often enjoy excellent success.
Applications cost $3 for each hunt requested and can be completed online at www.wildohio.com or by calling 800-945-5433 and asking for a mail-in form. Applicants are held to some requirements, including current hunting license information.
See the U.S.A. via the Upper Cuyahoga River. Participants can run, pedal or paddle their way to fame and fun by entering the upcoming Headwaters Adventure Race, sponsored by the Portage Park District.
The event, to be held July 14 between the hours of 8 a.m.-noon will begin at Buchert Park in Mantua, Ohio. Volunteers to help with event chores are sought. For more information contact Kurt Rueher or Christine Craycroft at 330-297-7728.
New boat fuels
With growing concerns about damages caused by ethanol gas mixes, research and testing is being conducted to find alternative fuels. Industry giant Bombadier Recreational Products company, makers of popular Evinrude engines, is in the process of testing butanol-extended (isobutanol) fuel in various marine engines as an alternative to E-15 gasoline.
It will remain to be seen as to the findings and the practicality of an alternative fuel source. Volvo-Penta and Indmar Marine are also providing test platforms for research efforts.
Fishing ahead of schedule
Area anglers are thinking mid-summer weeks ahead of the calendar. Lake Erie walleye fishermen are already using mid-summer trolling methods that they would usually employ in July.
However, not all news is good news. Reports from Conneaut, the capitol of Erie perch fishing, indicate frustration by fishermen who are stymied by the lack of perch in the area. Stay tuned for updates on these odd-season challenges.
