Save Our Native Species Inc.
S.O.N.S. of Lake Erie Fishing Club
(A 501 C (3) not for profit organization)

Newsletter

Contact Information:
President
Jerry Skrypzak

Vice President
Ed Kissell

Secretary
Ralph Corvaglia

Treasurer
Terry Pfeffer

Mail: PO Box 3605
Erie, Pennsylvania 16508

Phone/Fax: 814-453-2270
Email:
sonslakeri@aol.com

SEE BOTTOM OF
PAGE FOR PAST
ISSUES OF THE S.O.N.S.
NEWSLETTER

Newsletter The S.O.N.S. publish a monthly newsletter, ('The Bucket") that is mailed to its members. It contains articles and information that is of interest to our readers. We are currently preparing to email "The Bucket to those members who wish to receive the newsletter. If you are a member and wish to have "The Bucket" emailed to you contact us at sonslakeri@aol.com

The Bucket
S.O.N.S. PHONE NUMBER 814-453-2270 (ALSO FAX NUMBER) Email sonslakeri@aol.com
Volume 7 Issue 6

JUNE 2010 Bucket

No Meetings Until September---Good Fishing!!!

Fishing Report: Early warm weather has pushed the Walleye East from the Western Basin of Lake Erie. Some nice catches are being made in 45-55ft of water. Perch Fishermen are catching their limits in the Lake.

SEE YOU LATER-- ALLIGATOR!

WCOs Brook Tolbert and Jim Smolko pose with a three foot aligator that they took out of Elk Creek on May 18th. The gator was believed to have been released by its owner. It was uninjured and put in the care of a reptile expert.

PFBC ADDS “THE FISHING HOLE” TO WEB PAGE

Harrisburg, PA – In an effort to better inform anglers, boaters, and other interested individuals, the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission (PFBC) is making it easier to find information about fishing, boating, and aquatic resources. Visitors to the Commission’s website – www.fishandboat.com – will now see a link entitled The Fishing Hole.

The Fishing Hole will direct readers to lists of frequently asked questions (FAQs) about a variety of topics to help them understand, connect to, and conserve Pennsylvania’s waterways, fish, reptiles, amphibians, and other aquatic resources. While the Commission has posted frequently asked questions on the website in the past, this new feature will improve access to the information.

To make it even easier to get started – or restarted – in fishing, visit the PFBC’s web site at www.fishandboat.com and select “Fish” from the left-hand navigation bar. From the drop-down menu, select Fishing Fundamentals.

DUMB WAYS TO SINK YOUR BOAT

The ocean floor is littered with billions of dollars worth of boats. People put so much money into making them float that you have to wonder, How does this happen? To float, a boat must displace as much water by weight as its dry weight. A hole in the hull that allows water to enter a boat will cause it to reach the point of "negative displacement," sending it down, down, down. You'd be surprised at the dumb things people do or the simple things they fail to do that turn their boats into bottom structure.

PULLING THE PLUG. Ever launch your boat without first replacing the drain plug? If you're lucky, you'll notice the bilge pump working overtime and the slow settling of the boat before any major damage is done. If you're unlucky, you'll get on plane fairly quickly and head offshore with the drain plug on the dashboard of the truck. Ouch. Good luck making it back.

KILLING YOUR BATTERIES. The second most common way to sink a boat is simple neglect leaving it unattended at the marina. Frequent rainstorms or even minor leaks cause the bilge pump to drain the batteries. When the juice gets used up, the pump shuts down and water collects in the bilge. When enough freeboard is reduced and a drain or scupper goes below the water level, your boat is toast.

GETTING HOSED. This is one item most boat owners don't think about, but they should. Especially on inboards and stern drives, a broken or burst hose can spell disaster. Even something as simple as a livewell hose can sink your boat. In some cases, the hose clamp fails and the force of the water flow dislodges the hose. If the hose happens to be an exhaust cooling hose and bursts while underway, there's a big problem. The engine pumps gallons and gallons of water into the bilge at maximum efficiency.

S.O.N.S. FORMER DIRECTOR PASSES AWAY

Bernie Kisiel

With deep sadness we are reporting the passing of long time director Bernie Kisiel, on Wednesday, May 12, 2010. Bernie was one of the founding members of the S.O.N.S. He served as a director for over 25 years. He was always there to help out on all of our projects. He even came to the convention center during the Erie Sport and Travel Expo set up in March. He was brought there by his son, Rob Kisiel. Despite his physical handicaps, Bernie was eager to help set up as he had done for over 25 years. Even though he is gone, he keeps on giving; the SONS have received over $500 in memorials his name. He will be sadly missed.

FISH FOR FREE DAY DRAWS NICE CROWD

The SONS of Lake Erie has participated in the PFBC’s sponsored “Fish for Free” days ever since they were introduced in Pennsylvania. This year, we chose Sunday June 6^th as the day to participate. Fourteen volunteers including Ed Kissell, Jim Mattson, Ralph Corvaglia, Larry Lipinski, Kyle Grabinski, Conner Grabinski, Ron Lubak, Bob Luce, Ron Bolash, Jenny Sheldon, Jerry Sheldon, Cas Haraburda, John Kupinski, Ken Plonski and our youngest volunteer Jonathan Reber helped nearly 100 adults and children catch fish at Waterworks Pond at Presque Isle State Park. Residents of the Presque Isle Rehab and Nursing Home were amongst those enjoying the fishing. We provided the equipment and B.A.C. Bait and Tackle furnished the bait and ice. Soft drinks, Smith’s Hot Dogs and Troyer’s potato chips were served for lunch to the participants.

GPS CLASS OFFERED

Ed Garr from the Erie Power Squadron spoke at our May General Membership Meeting about the use of GPS as a navigational aid. During his presentation he stated that the Erie Power Squadron offers a course in using and navigating with GPS. If we can get 10 or more individuals interested in taking the course, he will be glad to schedule it. The cost for the course and materials is $30.00. If you are interested, call me at 814-452-6291.

GOOD FISHING PREDICTED

Chuck Murray, the chief biologist for the PFBC’s Lake Erie Unit spoke at our May General Membership meeting. Chuck’s Power Point presentation outlined a forecast for sportfishing on Lake Erie. Sampling and studies made by the Lake Erie Unit forecasts good perch fishing this summer and beyond. Walleye fishing should also be a good year with larger fish being available. Due to recent poor hatches however, the Lake Erie Committee may lower the creel limits for next year.

DATE SET FOR S.O.N.S. VOLUNTEERS’ PICNIC

Monday, August 9^th has been set aside as the day for the S.O.N.S. Volunteers’ Picnic. It will be held at the Lawrence Park Fishing Club beginning at 5:00 PM. All of our members who have volunteered at any of our events will be invited to attend. A list of those who are eligible to attend will be posted in our July Bucket. If you have not yet volunteered to help out at any of our events there is a list of upcoming events printed below.

UPCOMING EVENTS:

Thurs, June 17^th 10:00-2:00 Cabin # 3 PISP Millcreek Summer Rec Volunteers Needed
Wed., June 30^th 10:00-2:00 Cabin #3 PISP Millcreek Summer Rec Volunteers Needed
Thurs., July15th 10:00-2:00 Cabin #3 PISP Millcreek Summer Rec Volunteers Needed
Sat., July 24^th 10:00-2:00 Discover Presque Isle Family Fishing Event at Waterworks Volunteers Needed
Wed., Aug 4^th10:30-2:00 Our Lady of Mt. Carmel PISP Volunteers needed
Mon., August 9^th 5:00-? Volunteers’ Picnic Lawrence Park Fishing Club
Thurs., August 12^th 10:00-2:00 Cabin #3 PISP Millcreek Summer Rec Volunteers Needed
Sat., August 21st Gem City Outdoorsman’s Club Youth Field Days

WANTED:
Old photographs of Erie’s Waterfront-Ships, Boats, Buildings, Fishing, and Fishermen, Railroads etc. call Jerry at 814-452-6291 I would like to borrow and scan them for my slide presentations.