My Photo on the Beulah Fly Rod website !!!

Beulah Pic

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Respect, Reflect, Never Forget 9/11/01

Current PA State Records

http://www.fish.state.pa.us/strecord.htm

Loop Updates CLW Reel--

it is now the Xact reel

Check this out !!!   Improved design and still tough as nails.....this one looks pretty sweet

http://www.looptackle.se/website1/1.0.1.0/147/1/

Maryland Bans Felt Soled Wading shoes

Maryland DNR PAGE 

DIDYMO fact sheet --  Please READ THIS:

Sea Grant Pennsylvania DIDYMO fact sheet

December 01, 2010

Check this out--  Great White Shark lurking in Florida waters....check the video out---  a college buddy, Mark Beshel was interviewed about the shark--

pretty darn cool......

Jacksonville, Florida  --   Shark story 

November 01, 2010

Pine Creek was running a milky-white color.  I called the PFBC.  I put up 2 pictures on the Fishing Reports page.  

If you notice a pollution event, call the Southeast Regional office of the PFBC at:  717-626-0228. 

August 21, 2010

Took the family to the Tully House for breakfast this morning.  I was told the Tulpehocken Chapter of TU does their breakfast once a month.  This time it was sponsored by Sky Blue Outfitters.  There was even a raffle for a hat and some flies. 

July 11, 2010

I have Salmon and Steelhead on the brain.  I was searching for Salmon River stuff and came across what is sure to be a cool website.  Steelhead, Salmon, Trout Fishing Social Community.  It is ran by George Douglas.  He wrote a few books on fishing the Salmon River and also has a few DVD's on the market.  I own one of the DVDs, Battle of the Guides.  If you are a Salmon and Steelhead junky like I am, go and join the community.  It is free to join.    

A Great Day Outdoors

I need to thank Roger Mallon and Bob Entler for making mention of myself and the guide service on their radio show this morning.  It brought a smile to my face.  You can check out Roger and Bob at:

www.greatdayoutdoors.com 

Manatawny Creek --  PFBC

Link to the PFBC Biologist Report 2009 for a couple of  Southeastern PA streams, including Manatawny Creek.  LINK

SCUTTLEBUTT

Seems the WCO's of the PFBC and PGC are unhappy with their salaries.  Little birdy has it that the fish officers plan to strike right around "TROUT SEASON" to prove how needed they are and to show what they are worth?  REALLY?  Are you kidding me?  We pay their salaries and there is no way anything should be taken out against US, honest fisherman and fisherladies who have purchased a fishing license or registered a boat.  The increase in pay is the same amount they were trying to get years ago.  The fish officers switched unions right around the time I got hurt.  At that point in time, I was told we were going to get a 30,000 dollar raise.  REALLY?  Are you kidding me?  It wasn't going to happen then and it isn't going to happen now.  These officers make OK money--do they deserve more money--some of them do, some of them don't.   Is a raise in pay needed-- I'd have to say yes, being that I was a WCO-- I certainly can tell you--for the work done and what you are paid-- does not balance out.  But, it is a job that they chose to do.  Nobody asked them to do it, every officer chose to do it.  I chose to do it to protect the environment and promote fishing.  Others, well--some share  the ideology that I had and then there are those who have the mindset that it is a job with benefits.  There are countless hours these officers spend at home doing fish and boat commission work--while NOT on the clock.  It is fact.  It is impossible to get all the work done in 40 hours and the first time something isn't done, you get called on the carpet.  The higher ups don't care about you, the free hours you give or the fact that you love the job.  All they care about is the end result.  That result is making the PFBC look good.  It is all about looks. In comparison with the STATE  POLICE--the fish state officers are grossly underpaid.  I mean by tens of thousands of dollars.  

Do I agree they should be paid more--Yes.  Should they strike during Trout Season and leave every angler who purchased a fishing license and trout stamp standing on the banks of streams that are void of freshly stocked trout?  NO WAY.  I'd say that any officer willing to strike during trout season should be fired--but that won't happen.  Either way, even to discuss such a plan shows a grand disregard for the fishermen and fisherladies of this Commonwealth.    

During a time when jobs are hard to find, I can't fathom that this talk even exists.  Believe me, the job market is not booming.  The WCO position isn't an ordinary job.  It is an outstanding job and these WCO's should thank their lucky stars that they have such a grand job with pretty good benefits.

I would say that if a raise in pay was soley based on the competency or attitude of a regional supervisor, then the SE region officers would deserve a ton of money.  

The plan goes like this--  SE officers strike during the earlier opening day--then the rest of the officers strike on the second opening day.  Running of television ads and newspaper ads stating that nobody is patrolling the streams would also be done!!!  How disrespectful is that???  Does that sound fair?  Absolutely not. 

When I first came on, the PFBC officers were going to strike.  I was asked if I was going to strike, I said NO.  I got looked at as if I had 3 heads on my shoulders. Sorry, the money to me was fine and I had bills to pay.

There is a time and place for everything.  Flexing your muscles or lack of muscles during trout season is not the way to get things done.  You will be hurting those people that support you. 

And let's not forget--  The PFBC does not receive any money from the PA general fund.  It operates solely from the sales of fishing licenses and boat registrations.  Imagine what the cost of a fishing license would be if every officer was earning 60-70-80 thousand dollars a year??  I know most of us could not afford it.  So, license sales would plummet and officers would be laid off.  That would leave a free for all.  That would leave many of  these officers who are demanding a pay increase without a job.  How funny would that be !!! 

I am not a big fan of the fish and boat commission.  I do, however,  respect most of the officers that wake up every morning and put on the uniform.  They should wear the badge proudly.  Integrity and Honor are of the utmost importance.  If you want a raise-- go for it.  Just make sure you don't take it out on the wrong people.   

Then again, this is all scuttlebutt. 

August 27, 2009

I have just been listed as part of the Aqua-Design Pro Staff !!

www.aquadesign.com

scroll to the bottom and click on Aqua Design Pro Staff  or click here

They make the most amazing fishing apparel

1-23-2012

Looking for a few people for a fly tying class.  Trying to keep the class small--no more than 4 people.  But, I can do a few different classes.  I can do a beginner class or a class that would teach you how tie flies that would catch trout from Manatawny Creek to Penns Creek.  I can also do one on one fly tying class in your home.  Nothing simpler that that.  I'll bring all the materials and tools needed to tie flies.  I'm hoping to get a few ladies in the class also !!   If you have interest in taking a fly tying class, get in touch through the Contact 2Bonthewater   page or via email at:

vinny@2Bonthewater.com

1-19-2012

I have severed all ties with Theonlinefisherman.com.  They have taken my stories and changed them without my consent or approval.  The guy who was making contact did not do as he said he would.  They took my art and transformed it into their art. That is something you cannot do.  You cannot take someones work...add words and punctuation that are not needed.  You cannot post someone's work as your own.  Not sure what they were thinking or doing, but it was a lesson learned for me.    

1-12-2012

I cancelled the presentation at the Delco-Manning TU due to lack of communication on the side of TU....

Presentation was scheduled for Feb 07, 2012

Again, presentation has been cancelled due to the fact that things were said but not done........

Enjoy the warm weather.........

Etc...

 all I am saying is this: if you say you are going to do a few things, do them...don't get mad at me when you don't do what you said you would.......get mad at yourself.....you have failed, not I........I'm not kissing anyone's butt and I'm not doing someone else's job......and I'm certainly not going to make someone look good when they have failed

1-04-2012

Story published on the: theonlinefisherman.com website.....

click HERE to view it

Not sure what is up with the guys at the TOLF, but they added apostrophes and commas where they needn't be???  I was told that if any changes were to be made, I would be given a copy with the changes in bold....this was not done....not too happy about that.......

I was asked by Gary at their website for permission to use a few photographs, this then turned into being asked to write 2 stories per month and provide photographs for each story.  Hopefully this will work out nicely.  I'll get some exposure-- in a little more than a year--they have over 1 million web hits, that is pretty darn good.........

11-16-11

Note From Harold Harsh of Spring Creek Outfitters:

 When filling out your Christmas cards this year, take ONE CARD and SEND it
to this address: A Recovering American Soldier, c/o Walter Reed Army
Medical Center, 6900 Georgia Avenue, NW Washington, DC 20307-5001. If we
pass this on and everyone sends one card, think of how many cards these soldiers could get to bring up their spirits!

 This is an awesome idea !!!  Please do so !!!

Please Pass this information along !!!!

10-6-2011

Scheduled to do a program at the Delco-Manning TU Feb 7, 2012.

I will cover salmon fishing on the Salmon River.

09-10-2011

Added a new FRIENDLY LINK--

Fly-Rite Inc.  --  They offer some nice products for the fly tyer and fly fisherman.  I had a great conversation with Ty when I placed my order.  Can't wait for the head cement to show up.

New Wild Trout Fishing Video, Berks Edition has been added to the videos page.

8-11-11

New video:  Bald-Faced Hornet

UPDATED:

Steelhead fly tying class is in the works, if you are interested, give me a shout !!

Class will cover a wide variety of egg patterns, nymphs and streamers that will get Steelhead on your line........

Steelhead Fishing Excursions   page--

book your trip now !!!

August 07, 2011

Added 2 folks to my friendly links page--

Stars for our Troops --  great idea !!  I received a few stars in my mail and it truly put a smile on my face !!!  Please check out the site and if you think it is intesting--maybe you can help spread the word and start a group in your area.  If this interests you, please give me a shout and I can get the ball rolling for you.

The other link is to the best Meat Market in Berks County.  I am so glad I was given permission to post a link to their website.  The folks are the nicest people you will ever meat (get it--ha ha) and their meats are delicious and fresh as can be.  I could go on and on about how awesome Christman's Meat Market is, but hopefully you will go there and find out for yourself.  Do not leave the store without purchasing some of their beef jerky.  It is off the charts YUMMY !!!!

Please do check out the Friendly Links page from top to bottom---  everyone on that page has something to offer that is worthwhile !!!

April 28, 2011--

  Added a few fly pics

March 23, 2011

 --After the OLEY, PA Post Office once again proved their ignorance and inability to do their job---I finally have my guide license in hand..... 

WEBSITE INFORMATION 

Guide license is in the mail !!  as per my ex-Boss, Clyde Warner!!!

Created a FACEBOOK page--

Go there and click  LIKE   !!!!! 

March 07, 2011--

Guide Insurance has been paid for.  Application to the state for the guide license will be made before this week is up.  Hopefully I will be up and running by mid-March.  Steelhead dropback trips will be available during the remainder of March and early April.  Trip for 1 or 2 people on the 2nd opening day to Penns Creek / Cherry Run will be made available.  This will be a ROUGHING it styled trip.  Contact me for more information.  Fly tying courses can be done on a one on one basis.  Contact me with any questions. 

November 20, 2010

Put up a new video ----go check it out !!

Oct 01, 2010 

Added a new fishing report about the Salmon River.........also, local streams in the Oley area are BLOWN OUT---we needed rain badly, probably not this much though......I'll be adding a few salmon pictures in a day or two.....

Sept  07, 2010

I added a new writing to the Stories page.  What's it worth to you?

August 29, 2010

Tying Salmon and Steelhead flies like a mad man......I put a few photos up of recent flies on the FLIES page 

August 07, 2010

The summer has been hot and I have been spending plenty of time with the kids and getting Zoe ready for kindergarten.  Zoe competed in a National Beauty pageant and won honorable mention in the beauty part.  Zoe and I did win BEST PERSONALITY during the father / daughter competition.  We dressed as fishermen, answered a question about each other and then Zoe did some fly casting on stage.  It was cute.

July 11, 2010

Posted some local water temps on the reports page. 

June 16, 2010  --

I was given permission to post a link to the Sportsman's Alliance for Alaska--Their main objective is the protection of Bristol Bay.  As anglers and natural resource lovers, we need to be aware of what is going on.  A mining operation of this magnitude and being placed in one of the worlds last wild places is irresponsible at best.  The proposed Pebble Mine is to be located at the headwaters of  Bristol Bay.  I put the link on the Friendly Links page. 

Humanity Calls is running a Fundraising Tournament via EBAY.  Click on the link to vote for Sportsman's Alliance for Alaska--  your ONE vote is free, if you care to donate-- 10 dollars gets the organization 11 total votes---there are plenty of organizations that are listed and in the end HC will be handing out 50 thousand dollars in prize money to the Non-Profit organizations with the highest vote totals.  Remember, you don't have to donate any money--one vote is FREE.

April 27, 2010  --

added a Gear Talk page  --  this where I will share my thoughts on various gear that I have used  --  comments are more than welcome 

April 23, 2010  --

added a new video---it is some footage taken from Cherry Creek.....a tributary to Penns Creek 

Added some new photos to photographs page 3 and photographs 2010.  If you have any questions on how to attack a stream, send me an email and I will help you the best I can.

Received the quote for Guide Insurance the other day and the quote was 200 dollars higher than last years quote.  Not sure if the business will be up and running in 2010.  I will continue to do the website, post pics, reports and stories. 

If you use the Contact  2Bonthewater page and send me your mailing address I will mail you a 2Bonthewater magnet or postcard !

Just a reminder, 2Bonthewater Guide Service is listed on the Togens Fly Shop links page.

Togens Fly Shop sells some of the best hooks on the market.  I especially love the Size 2 black nickel salmon hook.  They also sell some very sturdy black steelhead hooks in a wide range of sizes.  Hooks for every fly tying situation can be found at Togens Fly Shop. 

I am also listed on the Aqua Design Pro Staff page.  

Aqua Design offers fishing CAMO for all anglers.  Shirts, pants, caps, hats, jackets and fishing vests are all available in the best fishing camo colors on the market.  Prices are very reasonable and will certainly fit  any anglers budget.  

01-15-2010

I was given permission to post a link to the SHOWDOWN DIGITAL FISH FINDER website.  It has been listed on my friendly links page.  I have recently been using the SHOWDOWN unit while ice fishing and the results are astounding.  This is one serious piece of equipment.  If you see me out on the ice, stop by and ask how it works.  See you, OnTheHardWater.  

12-8-2009

I was given permission to post a link to Project Healing Waters.  This program is helping to rehabilitate disabled veterans across the country.  I posted a link on  the Friendly Links Page.   Please go and visit the site and see if there is anything you can do to help.

11-16-2009

Added a VIDEOS page !!!

Check out some underwater footage from my Salmon River Trip 

11-14-2009

Updated the reports page

I added two stories for you all to enjoy

10-26-2009

Salmon River report added and a few more salmon pictures added to the salmon pictures page

9-28-2009

Added additional photos to Steelhead pics and Vintage photographs

I will try to post more FLY PHOTOGRAPHS during the week 

Fishing Guide Service coming soon.........Berks County, N. Montgomery County                                   and Erie Tributary Streams

8/31--

Updated the friendly links page !!  Here you will be a quick click away from a useful and informational website.  I will only post links to businesses I trust and respect.  I feel these links will be beneficial to anyone who visits 2Bonthewater.com.  I always ask permission before I post a link to a website.  I feel it is in their best interest to understand who is posting a link to their site.   

                    ~ HELP~

I am asking everyone to email me or mail me some vintage fishing photographs.....a memory trapped in time.....at least 10 years old....... for consideration of placement on my Vintage Pictures Page

vinny@2Bonthewater.com

Please visit the Contact Us page and give me your thoughts on the website.....recommendations, likes, dislikes........THANKS !!!

contact:  vinny@2bonthewater.com