Greetings from Lake George

Reel Geezer · Post by **Reel Geezer** » Wed May 17, 2006 5:36 am

I am surprised that Harvey hasn't posted anything up here yet, but many of the Reel Talk members are here at the Fort William Henry Resort. We have had little time to sit down so far. This is the first chance I have had to open my computer and see what's been going on.

There is quite a mob here now. Most arrived yesterday afternoon, Tuesday. We have had some showers, but mostly just gloomy looking weather. However, this morning it looks like the sun will shine on ORCA as we travel to Vermont to visit ORVIS, where we are going to get the red carpet treatment.

Last evening we had a wonderful cookout at Henry Caldwell's family farm. The place has a great view overlooking Lake George. I think everyone had a ball.

I'll leave it up to Harvey to post some photos later, and will probably add mine to the ORCA web site after I return.

Reel Geezer · Post by **Reel Geezer** » Wed May 17, 2006 8:59 pm

Everybody is so busy that there is no time to post on Reel Talk. We had a great visit to the American Museum of Fly Fishing in Vermont today. They were very accomodating to ORCA members and I think everyone enjoyed the trip.

Members are gathering tackle for the fishing contest tomorrow or to travel on a tour of the historic areas here at Lake George. It will be another busy day.

Just talked to Harvey and he will be posting photos after he returns home and can upload them with his DSL, rather than our slow dial up.

reelland44 · Post by **reelland44** » Thu May 18, 2006 12:10 am

Hello Phil and All,

Wish I could be there but I am in the middle of senior finals, award cermonies and prepareing my high school underclassmen for their finals next week. I have got to retire so I can join the old geezer reel society and attends these things any time of year. Keep the notes coming for us lonely "wanna be" there reel collectors. Do not break my heart too bad though with to many great fly reel find reports. See you all next year or maybe at the other national in July.

Reely yours, Bill Land.

Harvey · Post by **Harvey** » Thu May 18, 2006 5:14 am

NOT FORGOTTON MEMBERS!
It is 6:00 AM and some of the not to stable are off to hararass the bass. Later you will hear how good the fishing was but the truth is that it is 56 degrees and I was just ask by a local black bear if I had an extra fur coat. Oh well, I am walking around the resort in shorts, sandles with my shirt unbuttoned.

Room trading was fun last night except we all endes up in the same rooms and the most things that was traded was lies about past wives, large fish and the fact that no body had had too much to drink.

Wait a minute! Thye drinkin' lies wasn't told in Andy Foster's room.

Things should pick up today as Tom Harwood showed up around 10:00 last night filled with about four gallon of coffee and a pint of Early Times in it to kill the after tast of the coffee.
Stay Tuned!
Later,
"H"

Warren Platt · Post by **Warren Platt** » Thu May 18, 2006 10:08 am

Since the fishing tournament should be ending about now, we home bound members can't wait for all the details. Were you fishing from boats or land? We sure hope the weather was good for you.
Warren Platt

Post by **Brian F.** » Thu May 18, 2006 10:26 pm

Howdy everyone,

Sorry but have not been able to sit down until now but it's been a great time so far. George McCabe won the fishing tournament with two bass, largest was 17", and the biggest bass of 17 3/4" was caught by Bill Muth. Tom Harwood was a close third with one bass and a dead pike that we smelled first and located later for a measurement of 17" (we couldn't get too close!).

Will have photos later.

Warren Platt · Post by **Warren Platt** » Thu May 18, 2006 11:25 pm

Thanks for the post Brian, glad to hear that some fish were landed. I was hoping someone would tie into a big northern. Sounds like everyone is having a great time.
I hope modesty keeps you from posting the winner of the casting tournament tomorrow! Good luck to all.
Warren

Reel Geezer · Post by **Reel Geezer** » Fri May 19, 2006 7:13 am

What Brian failed to report was that Harwood had several strikes on a jointed Pikie, but couldn't get the hook into any of them. He finally looked at the lure and found that he still had those plastic hook protectors on his hooks. Honest story!

The Hawaiian Wiggler got the most strikes, with four fish - one even made it to the boat, but fell on the wrong side when landing the fish. Big Fish Bill Muth caught his winner on a Pflueger Palomine and he lost another shortly after that might have changed the standings, for he also had a pike on for a while.

Every one seemed to have had some fish on and it was a good event. The lake was flooded with lots of water back into trees that no one could reach. The water level was dropping and we had bright sunshine, all of which was not the best of conditions for the contest.

The people who took the Historical bus tour had a great time, with even Dave Erickson, Roger Schulz and Harvey enjoying "high Tea" with the ladies.

Right now they are setting up the rings for the casting contest in the swimming pool and getting ready to cast away. It is cloudy and grey after a beauty of a morning yesterday. We take a paddle boat cruise of the lake this afternoon with lunch on board.

It's been a great week so far, with more to come...

Post by **Brian F.** » Fri May 19, 2006 11:22 pm

Today was a very full day with a quick breakfeast with the board and off to the casting tournament. For a change, contestants were casting into the hotel pool this year. Bill Peters called on the set up crew to throw everyone that was not an ORCA member out of the pool area (it helped a lot that that the pool was not a popular destination for other guests being that the weather was drizzley and in the 50s). I don't know who the winners were but there was a shootout for the level wind event due to a tie. There was some incredible casting talent on show today.

Then it was on to a riverboat cruise on Lake George that took us right past the family estate of Lake George resident and ORCA's very own convention co-host, Henry Caldwell. All I can say it that Henry lives in some beyooootiful country!

Next were some great seminars by ORCA charter member and respected writer, Jim Brown, and Herbert Henze, son of Penn Reels founder Otto Henze who helped with the company reel development from 1960 to 2000 (2001?).

Then immediately following came the annual dinner meeting and more fabulous buffet food. Everything concluded with a quick set up in the hall for tomorrow's show.

I told Tom Harwood that I do not remember being able to eat at 3 buffets in one day!

Sorry, but more to come tomorrow and when I get home!

Post by **Brian F.** » Fri May 19, 2006 11:28 pm

Warren, Tom wanted me to say that as usual, Reelgeezer has the wrong scoop. It wasn't a jointe pikie that was the subject of Tom's adventure but the lure was really a Creek Chub Darter Jr. in the two hook version. One that you had helped me with over the last year, as a matter of fact! (he took the liberty of reaching into my tackle box while I wasn't looking...) Tom also wants you to know that it is amazing at how CLEAR they make those hook protector tubes these days - fooled the fish AND Tom!

Warren Platt · Post by **Warren Platt** » Sat May 20, 2006 7:36 am

Thanks Brian and Geezer for the updates of the goings on at the Convention! I would like to congratulate Tom Harwood on his humane fishing technique during the tournament. I believe he should be in line for some type of major award (if you know what I mean) he, he. Sorry Brian, but tell Tom that I must disagree with him about the Geezer not usually being correct with the facts. In my book the Ol' Geezer is number uno in the club when it comes to giving us correct info. One little mistake doesn't drop him from that spot with me! How about an update on the results of the Casting tournament and display awards?

Post by **john elder** » Sat May 20, 2006 11:11 am

Yes, I agree with Warren about the Geez...that lure was definitely a Montegue

Post by **Brian F.** » Sat May 20, 2006 2:39 pm

Well, most have packed up and headed off home with the closing of the show but I have some time to sit and do a little reflecting on this year's National. But bear with me as I'm holed up in the hotel business and don't have everything I'd like to for you at the moment.

Jim Madden won the overall championship for the casting tournament and a mix of Tom Eidson, Jay Herbert and Don Statt placing in the top three in most of the separate categories.

There were some fantastic displays of New York reels and many other subjects, including an amazing display of Mitchell products. The display winner was Jim Schottenham for his display of sidemount reels that included super rare and exceptional condition examples. Dwight McKenna (Heddon) and Ed Clark (Hendryx) took 2nd and 3rd places respectively.

I have to say that I've heard over and over again from many attendees that the National Convention, and this year's as no exception, is something unlike any other show in the country. While there are reels coming out of our ears, it's the events that attract this great crowd of people. Of course everyone is concerned about finding something for their collection, many of the first time attendees commented that while room trading seemed slower with less rooms, everyone enjoyed visiting and staying to chat about reels and to catch up with old friends or introduce and get to know new ones.

Warren Platt wrote:...In my book the Ol' Geezer is number uno in the club when it comes to giving us correct info. One little mistake doesn't drop him from that spot with me!...

Yes, I agree! Of course that comment was with a big

I'm sure I'll be passing somewhere over most of you on my way back home over the continent. If you see a low flying jetliner, that's probably because it's loaded down with hard rubber and german silver

Richard Lodge · Post by **Richard Lodge** » Sat May 20, 2006 9:44 pm

Thanks to Jim Schottenham and Henry Caldwell for hosting a great show in a fabulous location, Lake George. The weather gods didn't cooperate some days, but the company was great, the seminars informative, the boat ride on the lake relaxing, the food was tasty and plentiful, the room trading was fun and the show today was a heck of a lot of fun, with some real (reel) surprises. I took tons of photos (including the Julius vom Hofe that came in from the street!) and will share some on Reel Talk and many in the July Reel News. I had a great time and, as always, it was fun to meet so many friendly, funny and wise ORCA members. Kudos to Jim Madden, George McCabe and Tom Eidson for their great (award-winning) casting, and to Jim Shottenham, Dwight McKenna and Ed Clark (and many others) for fantastic, award-winning reel displays today.

Warren Platt · Post by **Warren Platt** » Sat May 20, 2006 10:47 pm

Thanks guys for keeping the rest of us informed. My last two questions.
1. Has a Convention site been set for 2007?
2. Any of those great Whirlaway rod/reel combos used this year in the Spin-Cast event of the Casting Tournament?

Richard Lodge · Post by **Richard Lodge** » Sat May 20, 2006 11:02 pm

Hi Warren: Although the final details aren't nailed down, it looks like we'll be back at Dowagiac, Mich., in 2007, with Bill Muth as the convention host. Bill graciously stepped up after a couple other sites fell through, but we're really looking for more members to come forward to help host future conventions. Tom and Jay (the 2005 Texas show) and Jim and Henry (the Lake George 2006 show) are very willing to share what they learned in hosting shows and Roger Schulz, ORCA's hard-working secretary-treasurer, is more than willing to help show hosts get through the details of hosting a show. Look for more in the July Reel News.
Richard

Bill Muth · Post by **Bill Muth** » Sun May 21, 2006 10:04 am

Thanks to Jim and Henry for a great show. All that advertising and publicity paid off with some awesome stuff coming off the street into the auction, including a mint North Channel Minnow in the correct yellow box marked "The Three Rivers Minnow" that sold for $2,400 and an aluminum Julius Vom Hofe fly reel that sold for $1,000, plus several other nice reels, fly rods, and a great box of Creek Chub baits that the owner had been fishing with up until the day before he brought them into the show (he walked out with somewhere between $1,000 and $1,500 in his pocket to refill the tackle box). Combine all that with superb seminars, great meals, and a fantastic group of people, and it was the show of the year.

Ed Clark · Post by **Ed Clark** » Sun May 21, 2006 10:55 am

Thanks again Jim and Henry! The nice part for me was seeing people for the first time who you may have conversed with for years but never met. Also seeing great people from around the country who you only get to occasionally see. The great people are who make us! Had a great time and managed to pick a few reels for the collection along the way. The displays were fantastic and I was impressed at the casting skills of our members!

Jack Bright · Post by **Jack Bright** » Sun May 21, 2006 2:24 pm

The Great Geezer confided in me that IF he had an OLD 15 foot bamboo
rod with about 15 or 20 feet of line he could he could have coaxed a few
more big bass out of the woody cover, surprisingly, I agree. And it would
have been legal too.

el Lawrence · Post by **el Lawrence** » Mon May 22, 2006 12:18 pm

Yes a big THANK YOU and JOB WELL DONE to Henry and Jim for a great production. Beautiful location, weather even when drizzly was just fine; I DIDN'T freeze. And they had put in for beautiful weather for the fishing tournament too...

Overall a home run... Jim and Henry earned their laurels.

As a side note on the show displays I must say it was very difficult judging the huge number of very nice and well produced displays. I am glad it was done by averaging numbers of all judges as picking just one or two would have been impossible. Everyone had obviously put a lot of effort into them and the subjects covered were very wide ranging and had a lot of thought and research in them. I know on my score card the numbers were not wide spread with only one or two points being the diffrence from being in the running or not. Very, very hard not to award just 10s across the board to everyone... Kuddos for all who put so much effort into the wonderful displays for the rest of us to enjoy and learn from...

Reel Geezer · Post by **Reel Geezer** » Tue May 23, 2006 7:41 am

Yes, I agree with Warren about the Geez...that lure was definitely a Montegue

You're right John, it was a Montague!

And for those of you who love to fish, Marilyn and I just got home late last night after a couple of days visiting with friends in NY, and fishing a day and a half with Jim Schottenham. Even though we got a lot of rain, wind, and all kinds of weather, my wrist is still sore from the Largemouth, smallmouth, pike, pickeral, rock bass, bluegill, and ? that we caught. I still find it hard to believe that a fish would take a bubble gum colored worm.

Texas was a great and humbling week for me. Lake George was a terrific 10 days. The rubber reel lady and I thank everyone who made it so. Henry and Jim - It was fantastic.

Bert was happy to see us too.

joe klaus · Post by **joe klaus** » Tue May 23, 2006 11:46 am

Phil: Next year I want to meet Bert. Please bring him.

And I would like to chime in and add that this year's show was absolutely delightful. I didn't return with a single reel but would rate this show in the top 2 I've ever attended, including nflcc. It was immensely satisfying and relaxing to just sit around chatting with friends.

Jim and Henry (and others) deserve a big thank you for making this year's show one of the best ever.

And even though Andy has started preaching about "not raising the bar", I refuse to believe. Bill M.---you have your work cut out for you. The expectations have been established

Jim Madden · Post by **Jim Madden** » Tue May 23, 2006 3:20 pm

I just want to echo what the others have said about the Lake George nationals, and I envy Phil for being able to stay the extra days. It was hard enough to leave after four (even with the constant ribbing Harvey and I got about the hottub in the room.) Jim and Henry put together one of those experiences you remember a lifetime. I know they couldn't enjoy it as much as we did because of all the details that had to be addressed. A heartfelt thanks goes to both. El, you may not have noticed it, but you established a milestone yourself. If I'm correct, you quietly broke the gender barrier in the casting contest - quite respectfully too, I might add. It was great to see everyone again. Jim

Jim Schottenham · Post by **Jim Schottenham** » Tue May 23, 2006 6:40 pm

For starters, both Henry and I have a lot of people to thank for helping make the 2006 Lake George Nationals such a blast! Henry's wife Kate for the great shirts; Harry Caldwell for keeping an eye on all our toys during the night - even after hearing the tales of roaming ghosts that haunt the Fort from the night security officer

- seminar speakers Steve Vernon, newest Honorary ORCA member Ben Wright, Jim Brown and new ORCA member Herbert Henze for sharing great information with us all; auction helpers (who worked their butts off

)Bill Muth, Tom Harwood and Andy Foster; new ORCA member Craig Wolfe who jumped in and assisted the crew with lure appraisals; John Ganung and Jerry Gerard for auction appraisal help; Bill Gates for the great tour of Lake George, Bill Dow for lending the bus for the tour, and bus driver Bernie Russell; Bill Bullock, Yoshi Akiyama and Jim Hardman all of the American Museum of Fly Fishing for taking time out of a busy week to give us a great tour of the museum; Bill Peters for the fantastic job he did with the casting contest and casting seminar; casting judges Brian Funai, Ed Clark, John Ganung and Tom Harwood; and a big Thank You to George Stuever for assisting with the Welcome table on Saturday. And of course all the ORCA members who made the trip. Without all of you, it just wouldn't have been the same!
Here's a few pics I managed to take last week:

That's Andy Foster on the left, accepting the ORCA donor brick from (L to R) Bill Bullock, Yoshi Akiyama and Jim Hardman of the AMFF.

New member Herb Henze with Dwight McKenna, trying to figure out what lure to toss at cold front conditioned fish!

Antique Tackle tournament winners George McCabe and our own ORCA Lunker Hunter Bill Muth (L to R) showing off the gear used to catch fish under tough conditions!

I had the great pleasure of sharing a few days fishing with the Reel Geezer, and managed to catch a few fish in between great stories of reels, finds and all things outdoors!

It took awhile, but Phil did catch a Pickerel, the first one in - well, let's just say it'd been a long time!
I had a great time, and hope you all did too. The ORCA National Conventions are just something you have to experience. If you've never been to one, you don't know what you're missing!
I can't wait for the 2007 show!
Jim

SilasTerry · Post by **SilasTerry** » Tue May 23, 2006 8:30 pm

This was my first ORCA event and I had a great time! Many thanks to all of my new friends and especially to the event organizers. I learned a lot and was able to add a few nice reels to my collection along the way. I will definitely be back.
Thanks again to all,
Dan Iarrapino

Greetings from Lake George

Greetings from Lake George

wish I was there

A great, great show!

Dowagiac

Geezer Bamboo secret!

Kudoes

Wow, what a week!!!

Convention Newbie - Thanks to all!