This weekend, Burlington Boatyard is volunteering for Lake Champlain International as they hold the 28th Annual Father’s Day Fishing Derby on Lake Champlain. As one of many proud LCI sponsors, we have had the chance to be involved in a variety of ways, from the hustle and bustle of prepping the equipment heading out to the twelve weigh stations, to the headquarters tasks like recording every fish caught and constant follow up with those volunteering out on the road. But, aside from the hands on tasks that need attention, we are fortunate enough to experience the deeper meaning of what an event like this does for the community.

What brings excitement to a competitive derby angler? Prepping your boat, tackle and mapping the hot spots the day before? Having multiple lines hit while trolling your “secret” locations on Lake Champlain? Battling it out with the big one in anticipation of what’s on the end of your line, and if it’ll be the one that lands you the top spot on the board? Yes, all this and more is what typically runs through the mind of those who take part in a derby of this scope and involvement. However, with the LCI Father’s Day Derby, there are many more thrills and excitement that revolve around family, friends and community.

Father’s get a chance to spend a weekend with their kids teaching them about the sport of fishing, or experience all over again the feeling they had when catching their first “big one”. Friends take to the lake and see firsthand the positive effects the lamprey treatment initiatives have had on the revitalization of Lake Champlain when they have bigger and healthier fish on their line. Lake communities teem with activity, as well as local charities are benefited with programs like Share the Catch where residents can donate food items by dropping them off at any of the twelve LCI weigh stations. What happens during this particular derby is unique, and without a doubt focuses on benefiting the conservation, education and celebration of the wonderful resource that is Lake Champlain and its community.

We are lucky to be a part of the some 80 volunteers it takes to facilitate an event of this size and intricacy, and with 5500 anglers coming to Vermont from over 30 states, that is no simple task. We meet members of local businesses, fellow sponsors, our boaters and their families, learn about event planning and the list goes on. Most importantly though, we are able to take a few days to experience all the great things taking place around the Vermont lake communities with an organization that continues to dedicate their time and resources to making Lake Champlain a better place in the present, and for the future.

Good luck to all the LCI anglers this weekend and happy Father’s Day to all the dads out there!

-The Burlington Boatyard Crew

Be sure to stay in touch with LCI by becoming a fan on Facebook, following them on Twitter, reading their blog and contributing to the forum, and watching more on YouTube.

You may also stay connected with BBY on our Facebook, Twitter, YouTube and forum.

This past Saturday’s Free Fishing Day in Vermont surely went over well in promoting both the sport of angling and the need to support the state’s wildlife initiatives. We encourage you all to read this piece from the Rutland Herald, written by Peter Hirschfeld of the Vermont Press Bureau.

State celebrates fishing tradition with free fishing day

Give a man a fish, feed him for a day. Teach him to love fishing, feed the state’s wildlife coffers for a lifetime.

On Saturday, the state of Vermont opened up its abundant waterways to anyone with a line, a hook and some bait. Unlicensed residents, and even out-of-state visitors, were free to go fishing without risk of sanction in what wildlife officials here say is the best fishery in New England.

“The whole concept is designed to give folks an opportunity to get out and enjoy fishing at least once during the year to discover how much fun it is, how relaxing it is and how great it is,” says John Hall with the Vermont Department of Fish & Wildlife.

The promotion, which is part of this weekend’s Vermont Days, isn’t without ulterior motives. Hall says his department hopes that many of those first-timers will take a liking to the pastime and purchase a $20 resident license (the cost is $41 for nonresidents).

The Vermont Fish and Wildlife Department derives the lion’s share of its annual operating budget from license sales and federal taxes on fishing and hunting equipment. That revenue had until recently been on a steady decline. In 1987, Hall said, the state sold about 160,000 fishing licenses. In 2005, the figure hit an all-time low of 118,000. Since then, Hall says, sales have risen modestly, up to about 122,000 in 2008.

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Our friend Gerry of Fairfax, VT put together some cool videos from his recent Salmon and Trout fishing trips on Lake Champlain. It’s always a pleasure to see our users sharing their experiences us and the community, as it is a testament as to just how much there is to do out on the water.

We encourage you to send along your pictures, videos or stories about your boating and angling experiences this season.

And now, for the feature presentations…

Fishing Lake Champlain, Trolling for Browns and Salmon. We caught smaller fish this day but did loose a nice brown at the back of the boat. Probably 3 pounds, the biggest fish of the day. It’s always a riot fishing Lake Champlain aboard the Razzle Dazzle.

Gerry and Cathy trolling Lake Champlain Vermont for Landlock Atlantic Salmon and Brown Trout. A great day on the water. We went eight for nine, only loosing one fish. We ended up with four Salmon and four Browns.

Please consider taking part in this workshop, as it has kindly been passed along to us by our friends at the Vermont Boat & Marine Association.

- The Burlington Boatyard Crew

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

June 3, 2009
Contact: Julie Moore (802-241-3687)

** For Your Calendars **

Workshop seeks public input on Lake Champlain water quality efforts

WATERBURY – The Center for Clean and Clear at the Agency of Natural Resources is seeking public input as it evaluates current and potential phosphorus control strategies to improve water quality in Lake Champlain.

A public workshop is scheduled for July 9, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., at the Shelburne Town Offices, 5420 Shelburne Road.

Working at the direction of the Vermont Legislature, the Agency is revising the implementation plan for the Lake Champlain phosphorus TMDL.

The workshop is geared toward watershed and environmental interest groups, town conservation commissions, and other groups or individuals who are interested in efforts to reduce phosphorus pollution and improve water quality in Lake Champlain.

To ensure enough seating and materials, please RSVP to Julie Moore by calling 802-241-3687 or email her at julie.moore@state.vt.us.

Greetings Lake Champlain enthusiasts! Spring is upon us and many boaters are already out navigating across the waters of the big lake. In spring it’s usually the fishermen who are first willing to endure the cold weather to cure their cabin fever. I pride myself in being one of the first few anglers to launch following ice-out. This year I was on the lake targeting lake trout and salmon during the last week of March. Believe it or not, I was catching some dandy lakers trolling just a few feet from the edge of the melting ice on Cumberland Bay. The lake trout fishing has been outstanding. As of this writing, May 1, 2009, my charters have landed 171 trout. Many fish where in the ten-pound range and the largest weighed in at just over thirteen pounds. I fish for Lake Champlain’s Seneca Lake strain of trout in 50 to 80 feet of water even in the early season. The Atlantic salmon fishing has been great too. The spring run in the tributaries brought in a good stock of salmon accessible to riverbank and fly fishermen. Those of us who trolled for salmon just after ice-out on the broad water in spots like Sandbar on the Inland Sea and Willsboro Bay on the main lake also did very well. The key to good salmon fishing in spring is finding slightly warmer water temperatures. The bass and pike fishing heated up in the rivers as well by the last week of April.

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There’s no doubt that this summer is going to be unforgettable here on Lake Champlain. With the celebration of the Quadricentennial taking place over the next few months, the waterfront will be filled with boating, sailing, fishing and most of all, lots of fun for the whole community.

As nice as it is to relax on the rocks by the boat house or have a delicious lunch at Splash, we urge you to get out there and be part of the action! Our friends at the Lake Champlain Sailing Center have just announced and unbelievable “2 for 1 Season Pass Special” that will have you and a first mate experiencing the beauty of Lake Champlain off shore and on the water.

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The best part about what we do here at Burlington Boatyard is having the chance to meet new people in and around the Lake Community, assisting them as best we can, however we can.

Over the last few weeks we have been trying to help out Emily, a local sailor who loves spending time with her boyfriend on their Cape Dory 25. They are searching for a new Dinghy, and despite there being no current listings for one on our site, we want to reach out to all of you who may be able to help them in their search. Here is her letter:

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For those passionate about Lake Champlain and the issues surrounding its well being, we suggest you visit the Voices For The Lake Blog. The VFL project, spearheaded by Bridget Butler and our friends over at the ECHO Center in Burlington, utilize social media technology to foster stewardship and awareness throughout the lake community. This fresh approach taken by the folks at ECHO blends the “old with the new” by tackling timeless issues of conservation and preservation through their use of YouTube, RSS Feeds and Twitter.

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Well, the boating season is a’comin’ and we wanted to take a minute to highlight some of the new listings for sale on BBY. In this post, we have selections from both ends of the spectrum, fast & fun to comfort & luxury.

First up is a 2008 Rinker 260 Express Cruiser out of Addison, Vermont. This cabin cruiser is a sizeable 28ft, that packs a powerful punch with its 350 Mercruiser.

With only 15 hours logged, this boat is aching to get out there for a weekend trip or an afternoon cruise around the lake. The Garmin color map, flat screen TV and Ipod stereo will keep you on course and in tune with your favorite shows or songs. It has been stored inside and is in “like new” condition. To read more about its features and how to contact the owner click here.

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Two weeks ago, as Burlington Boatyard closed out its weekend at the Vermont Boat & Marine Show, one boat had taken command over all the others. The Windsor Craft 36 HT, a luxury yacht at its finest.

Being offered through ‘BOATS by George’ in Lake George, NY, the boat is crafted in three layers of hand-selected African mahogany, cold molded together by skilled craftsmen using the most advanced West System epoxy.

This ultimate entertainment boat allows you to entertain in style with a grill, icemaker, wine fridge, and enough comfortable seating for all your guests. You can serve appetizers on the mahogany table with a compass rose inlay and watch the sunset on the port-side settee. After you are finished, retire to the air-conditioned cabin to relax in comfort and watch a classic film on your full-sized flat-screen TV.

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