2009 NYSOWA Safari
Clayton – 1000 Islands
A record 19 people enjoyed the attractions of the
Thousand Islands at the 2009 NYSOWA Spring Safari. Headquarters
for the group was Cal’s Cottages, located on the St. Lawrence River
just down river from Clayton. The comfortable housekeeping cabins
are ideal for groups of fishermen or for families on vacation.
Cal's Cottages offer tidy housekeeping facilities of
various sizes at a convenient location. Situated on a protected
bay just off the main river, they provide boat launch, dockage, fish
cleaning station, swimming pool, and a pleasant view from the deck
overlooking the river. Call Lori at (315) 686-1743 for more
information.
In addition to renewing old friendships or making
new ones, there were a variety of activities to discover or use for
story material. Of course fishing was he main attraction and on
Friday and Saturday most of the members in attendance fished for
northern pike. There was also plenty of opportunity to fish for
panfish and other species at Cal's.
On Friday most people fished with Clayton guides Al
Benas and Myrle Bauer. During several periods or areas the pike
bit well but generally were not as aggressive as usual due to colder
water temperatures. For this reason jigs tended to work better
than other lures or live bait.
Some people went turkey hunting in the mornings,
visited the Nature Center on Wellesley Island, and took in other
attractions such as Michael Ringer’s Gallery, the Antique Boat Museum,
or the Thousand Island Winery. On Friday night Safari attendees
were treated to a fish fry at the Thousand Islands Inn, courtesy of
Allen & Susan Benas
Saturday morning the anglers headed out of
Alexandria Bay with guides Pat Simpson, Larry Kernehan, Matt Heath, and
John Evans. Windy weather made fishing a challenge but some nice
northern pike were caught. Then torrential rains and
thunderstorms the rest of the morning made fishing spotty and
unproductive.
The weather cleared up enough by early afternoon for
all to enjoy a traditional shore dinner on Morgan Island at Kring Point
State Park. Most went back for seconds of the tasty dinner of
appetizers, fish, salt potatoes, salad and dessert prepared by the
guides and sponsored by 1000 Islands International Tourism Council.
A kayak trip up Cranberry Creek was scheduled to be
led by Roger Fulton but that was cancelled due to weather.
However all safari participants did receive copies of several of
Roger’s excellent guidebooks so they can explore various areas on their
own when they return.
Saturday afternoon and evening was a time for more
fishing at Cal's, relaxing, catching up on news from friends, and
sharing stories – some of them were even true. On Sunday morning
some had to depart early, but those who stayed enjoyed a hearty
breakfast at the Thousand Islands Inn compliments of Susan and Allen
Benas. Whether frequent visitors or first-time visitors to the
area, all enjoyed the experience and left with a new appreciation for
the Thousand Islands.
Thank You: A special thanks goes to the people
who helped organize the event and contributed time and effort to making
this one of the most successful safaris ever.
Susan & Allen Benas, Thousand Islands Inn
Capt. Al Benas – 1000 Islands Fishing Charters
Capt. Myrle Bauer – Net Results Fishing Charters
Cal's Cottages
Corey Fram, 1000 Islands International Tourism Council
Alexandria Bay Guides: Capt. Pat Simpson – The Ship Motel,
Capt. Matt Heath – Seaway Charters,
Capt. Larry Kernahan – Bay Guide Fishing Charters
Capt. John Evans – St Lawrence River Fishing Charters