Saturday, December 1, 2012

The History of the Salvation Army


History of The Salvation Army

Commissioner George Scott Railton and seven Hallelujah Lassies
officially “opened fire” in the United States on March 10, 1880.

William Booth embarked upon his ministerial career in 1852, desiring to win the lost multitudes of England to Christ. He walked the streets of London to preach the gospel of Jesus Christ to the poor, the homeless, the hungry, and the destitute.
Booth abandoned the conventional concept of a church and a pulpit, instead taking his message to the people. His fervor led to disagreement with church leaders in London, who preferred traditional methods. As a result, he withdrew from the church and traveled throughout England, conducting evangelistic meetings. His wife, Catherine, could accurately be called a cofounder of The Salvation Army.

In 1865, William Booth was invited to hold a series of evangelistic meetings in the East End of London. He set up a tent in a Quaker graveyard, and his services became an instant success. This proved to be the end of his wanderings as an indepedent traveling evangelist. His renown as a religious leader spread thoughout London, and he attracted followers who were dedicated to fight for the souls of men and women.
Thieves, prostitutes, gamblers, and drunkards were among Booth's first converts to Christianity. To congregations who were desperately poor, he preached hope and salvation. His aim was to lead people to Christ and link them to a church for further spiritual guidance.
Early Salvationists were subjected to violence and ridicule. Publications of the day, such as this 1885 issue of Puck, poked fun at their uniforms and methods.

Many churches, however, did not accept Booth's followers because of their past. So Booth continued giving his new converts spiritual direction, challenging them to save others like themselves. Soon, they too were preaching and singing in the streets as a living testimony to the power of God.
In 1867, Booth had only 10 full-time workers, but by 1874, the number had grown to 1,000 volunteers and 42 evangelists, all serving under the name "The Christian Mission." Booth assumed the title of general superintendent, with his followers calling him "General." Known as the "Hallelujah Army," the converts spread out of the East End of London into neighboring areas and then to other cities.

Booth was reading a printer's proof of the 1878 annual report when he noticed the statement "The Christian Mission is a volunteer army." Crossing out the words "volunteer army," he penned in "Salvation Army." From those words came the basis of the foundation deed of The Salvation Army.
From that point, converts became soldiers of Christ and were known then, as now, as Salvationists. They launched an offensive throughout the British Isles, in some cases facing real battles as organized gangs mocked and attacked them. In spite of violence and persecution, some 250,000 people were converted under the ministry of The Salvation Army between 1881 and 1885.
Meanwhile, the Army was gaining a foothold in the United States. Lieutenant Eliza Shirley had left England to join her parents, who had migrated to America earlier in search for work. In 1879, she held the first meeting of The Salvation Army in America, in Philadelphia. The Salvationists were received enthusiastically. Shirley wrote to General Booth, begging for reinforcements. None were available at first. Glowing reports of the work in Philadelphia, however, eventually convinced Booth, in 1880, to send an official group to pioneer the work in America.
Commissioner George Scott Railton and seven Hallelujah Lassies officially “opened fire” in the United States on March 10, 1880.
On March 10, 1880, Commissioner George Scott Raiton and seven women officers knelt on the dockside at Battery Park in New York City to give thanks for their safe arrival. At their first official street meeting, these pioneers were met with unfriendly actions, as had happened in Great Britain. They were ridiculed, arrested, and attacked. Several officers and soldiers even gave their lives.Three years later, Railton and other Salvationists had expanded their operation into California, Connecticut, Indiana, Kentucky, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Missouri, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, and Pennsylvania. President Grover Cleveland received a delegation of Salvation Army officers in 1886 and gave the organization a warm personal endorsement. This was the first recognition from the White House and would be followed by similar receptions from succeeding presidents.

The Salvation Army movement expanded rapidly to Canada, Australia, France, Switzerland, India, South Africa, Iceland, and local neighborhood units. The Salvation Army is active in virtually every corner of the world.
General Booth's death in 1912 was a great loss to The Salvation Army. However, he had laid a firm foundation' even his death could not deter the ministry's onward march. His eldest son, Bramwell Booth, succeeded him.
Edward J. Higgins served as the first elected general, beginning in 1929. The first female general was Booth's daughter, the dynamic Evangeline Booth, serving from 1934 to 1939. The Army's fifth general was George Carpenter, succeeded in 1946 by Albert Orsborn. General Wilfred Kitching was elected in 1954, succeeded by Frederick Coutts in 1963. Erik Wickberg followed in 1969; Clarence Wiseman in 1974; Arnold Brown in 1977; Jarl Wahlstrom in 1981; and Eva Burrows, the second female general, in 1986. General Bramwell Tillsley was elected in 1993 and was succeeded by General Paul Rader in 1994, followed by General John Gowans in 1999, General John Larsson in 2002, and General Shaw Clifton in 2006. General Linda Bond was elected the 19th General of The Salvation Army in January 2011, the third female to serve in this capacity. She currently commands the Army from International Headquarters in London, England.

How You Can Help

Saturday, November 17, 2012

The Remake Of The Lowell Song For The Salvation Army

The Lowell Song was recorded by The Camelots, a band that performed at the old Spear House back in the 60's. The members were Charlie Pelly on cocktail drum, Dick Dube on the organ and Walter Sarmento on Guitar. I had the pleasure to perform with them on a number of occasions in  the early 70's and thought my retirement gig would be a Camelot, but as luck would have it they tore the old Spear House down to build those high rise apartments.

Anyway as the years went by I heard the song every now and then 5 years ago I joined a band called the FunRazrs. One of the members was Rich Sarmento the nephew of Walter Sarmento . I told him I played with his uncle at the Spear House and he told me his uncle co wrote the Lowell Song.

Fast forward to this past summer. I listen to WCAP 980 am everyday a local radio station and they have a segment every Thursday with the unofficial Mayor of downtown Lowell. Ziggy Burns. He is a great guy and does a lot of good in the community and for charity's but his theme song is the old Lowell Song.

Teddy Panos the host of the programs family owes the Athenen Rest and has entertainment during the summer. I put it out to Ziggy to come out and sing his theme song the next time we played at Teddys Rest. and he did.He did a great job and they now play the live version of Ziggys performance as his theme song.

Then I had the idea....Let's redo the song with Ziggy singing it and all proceeded s go to the Salvation Army.
It is all done and the CD is on it's way to be packaged in time for the Salvation Army Radiothon. WCAP will debut it on Tuesday at 7:35 am. We will also lip sync to the track at the City of Lights parade next Sat. in Lowell in front of City Hall.

It was a lot of fun going into the studio to rerecord Richie's uncle s song for the good....
I hope you enjoy it because it was a labor of love.

Sea Ya
The Capt.
    

Wednesday, November 7, 2012

The Day After Election Day

It's been a long campaign season for both national and local candidates. How many times have I heard this past week " I can't wait for this to be over" but I sympathize for the candidates having run twice for local office and worked on another campaign for three years in a row.

First thing we should do is thank anyone that is willing to put there name on a ballot and be willing to serve the public. The minute you're a candidate you are open game to political pundits the media and the public.

As a candidate you lean on your family and friends and supporters to help you get your message out with door knocking and visibility and the toughest thing ( for me ) asking people for money because running a campaign is not cheap.

You are on the go everyday knocking on doors going to this event and that fundraiser. Going to the Senior Centers and meetings with unions. Going to debates and in between knocking on doors. Standing on street corners and
going to coffee shops and standing in front of supermarkets.

You are on the phone all day talking to your advisers and supporters and searching out advice from former elected officials that you admire. You hear your name on the radio and tv. Sometimes its good sometimes it's bad but you keep going and your skin gets thicker.

You lay in bed at night wondering did I do enough today and think about what to do tomorrow.........

Then election day comes. You feel you have done everything you could do to get your message out and now it's up to the voters. It's a long day going to all the polls and making sure there is visibility and all your supporters are happy and thank them for their time.  but thats all you can do. It's in the hands of the voters

Results come in if you're a winner it's the greatest feeling in the world. If you lose you wonder what more you could have done.

You have gone 100mph and then it stops. No place to go . No calls to make. No media to talk to.....Its a very very strange feeling.   Support the ones that won their races and thank those who were willing to serve.



Sea Ya

The Capt.

Sunday, October 21, 2012

Winterizing your Boat

Since taking the boat out of the water for the season the weather has been tough to winterize the boat but I finally got to it yesterday. Some folks pay a lot of money to do this but it is fairly easy to do. I hope these tips help.

The first thing I do when I get the boat home is power wash the hull to remove the scum while it's still fresh. Don't worry about any barnacles on the hull because you will be able to scrape them off easy in the Spring before you touch up your bottom paint.

Next I pour marine grade fuel stabilizer ( blue stuff ) in to the fuel tanks. I use a pint on each side.
Place your ears on your lower end of the outboard....not your ears ears..LOL but a sort of clamp with suction cups that you attach a garden hose to. Place the ears over the intake vents behind the prop.

Turn the water on and start the engine, let it run for a little while to make sure the stabilizer gets in the carburetors.While its running turn off your fuel switch and let the motor run till it runs dry. Some folks have the engine fogged, I've never done it so I don't know if it's good or bad.

Changing the lower end fluid is important One it's lets you see if you have water in the oil which means your seals are gone. And two it lets you see if you have any metal chips in the oil . Unscrew the top screw on the lower end then on do the bottom one. Drain oil and take a look at the bottom screw. The bottom screw should have a magnet on it . Check for metal flakes and if the oil is milky you have water.

If everything looks alright refill your lower end fluid. Some products come with a hose that screws into the lower end or what looks like a caulking tube. Fill from the bottom hole first till it comes out the top hole.. Your done.  
 

Remove engine cover and spray WD 40 on wires and linkage. This keeps moisture from rusting parts and keeps wiring from drying up.

I have been having my boat shrinkwrapped the last 4 yrs and it is well worth it come Spring time. You can pay anywhere from $8 to $10 a foot and for a little more they can put a zipped door in if you what to.
Anyway it's not hard to do.

Sea Ya

The Capt.    

    

Sunday, October 14, 2012

Last Boating Day of the Season

I don't know where the summer went, but here it is the last day. All in all I had a good fishing charter season and it was great to see my regulars and new customers. The Striper fishing was strange this year with most of the big fish being caught in deep water instead of in the mouth of the Merrimack River.

Next season I'll be looking at some changes at the marina as we have new owners. I've heard they plan to push the marina out closer to the channel to accommodate more boat slips and push the gas docks out and widen it to accommodate four boats at the same time.

I don't know what will happen to the old Fish Tale Diner ,some say it was sold and to be moved to a new location and I've heard they may turn it into a Tiki Bar. With all these changes I knew my slip fee would go up and it did by four hundred.

I don't plan to move because I still have the best deal and location on the river. I just hope they will let the charterboat captains operate with no restrictions.

The take out went smooth with us going out to sea and picking up the lobster traps for the last time. We had bugs in every one but only one keeper the rest were either shorts or eggers. We headed back in and put the traps in the back of the truck.

The guys went to the boatyard and picked up my boat trailer and met me up river at Cashmans Park boat ramp. I always feel a little sad as I putt up river looking at all the empty mooring balls and boat slips but I'm also happy that I get to do what I love.

My wife is also happy because she has a list a mile long of chores to do around the house.
I'll talk about winterizing your boat on my next blog.

Sea Ya
The Capt.  

Sunday, September 23, 2012

Striper Fishing in Cape Cod Bay

My friends and I decided to change it up and charter a 36ft Sport fishing boat down the Cape and try our luck on the infamous striper fishing we only hear about up here in the north shore.

The boat was a beauty and Captian John Carty and 1st mate Kevin made us feel welcome aboard the Lucky Lady II. I wasn't prepared for the rough seas and the kind of fishing we were in store for. We checked the weather before we left my buddy's house in Sandwich and they said one foot seas and wind out of the NNW at 5 miles and hour. When we got to the boat it was blowing at 15 miles an hour with 3 to 4 ft seas.

We headed out banging though the waves and started to troll along Barnstable beaches about 300 yards off shore using purple jig heads. Two guys sitting in the fighting chairs at the stern pumping the jigs at a good clip up and down as the Capt. worked the boat as he called it over a pile of fish.

It was exhausting at times but rewarding when we hooked up. We kept swapping off and heckled one another  and had a lot off laughs and took some shots from the good natured Capt. up on the fly bridge.
After the tide went slack we headed toward the Cape Cod Canal and fished a ledge about a mile off shore.

I have fished in a bunch off boats before but this was crazy, about 60 boats trolling tubes on a small rock pile so close I could walk onto a boat going by at times. This is where we caught our biggest fish and it was awesome.

The wind calmed down and the sun came out and we headed back to the dock after 8hrs at sea and with over a hundred pounds of filet in our cooler. It is very cool to check out the different ways to catch fish because what works down the Cape doesn't always work in the north shore.

I love Striper fishing...

Sea Ya
The Capt.

Monday, September 17, 2012

Open apology to Gerry Nutter

As a political junky I read all the local blogs. I do comment on occasion on things that interest me and sometimes get caught in the web. I was alittle harsh on Gerry when he accused me of knowing of or being a part of illegal activities pertaining to the stealing of scrap from the Jullian Steel Project.

Gerry does a good job covering local politics and puts in a lot of time in it and his blog is my source of information. I sometimes get frustrated when I hear him on City Life or on Warren Shaws Show make statements like they were fact.

I should know better then to lash out and for that Gerry I  am sorry . Keep doing what you do and I'll keep reading and try not to get caught in the web.

Sea Ya

The Capt.      

Sunday, August 19, 2012

Motorcycle ride to the past.

I had the pleasure to ride my Harley with my friends to Conn. this weekend and stayed at my buddy's daughters camp on Hayward Lake . I don't know what town it's in but I saw what living should be like and the pace we should be living at.

I love living in Lowell and I go about making a living every day but when I take a putt with my buddy's we end up somewhere I have never been and see these little towns and talk to the locals I wonder if a simple life in a rural place is the answer.

The lake we stayed on was beautiful and the bass fishing was unbelievable. The water was clear and clean and you could tell by looking at the fish because they were bright and healthy. The country side was also beautiful with rolling hills and open space and old farm houses on large parcels of land.

My buddy Paul and I took a putt on Sat. and got lost on purpose and ended up on dirt roads for miles and had to stop and let a flock of turkeys cross the road. We also found a old cemetery with many unmarked graves but some from the French and Indian War and the Revolutionary War ...very cool.

At night the locals came out to the beach and whooped it up with a band and danced the night away.
They had home cooked side dishes and a 50/ 50 raffle and were very kind to us .

I don't know but it reminded me of a earlier time in my life when we would go to my uncles lake house in the early 60's. I'm very happy that there are still places like the one I found this weekend.

I still don't know what town I was in but it was a beautiful and happy place.

Sea Ya
The Capt..

Sunday, August 12, 2012

Fish Tale Diner Closed

I've been meaning to write about the Fish Tale Diner closing last month at Bridge Marina.
It was originally the Agawam Diner and was moved behind Stripers Rest. at Bridge Marina.
It was a classic diner with wooden booths and a long counter and small juke boxes at every table.

It was my favorite place to grab breakfast in the morning before going down to the boat. It was always packed every weekend from the time they opened at 5am with customers getting on the fishing boats from the Clipper Fleet and stayed that way with fisherman ,tourist and locals till it closed at 1pm.

Two years ago they built a large deck on the back of the diner over looking Newburyport Harbor. They had picnic tables with umbrellas and large flower box's around the rails. The view was great and so was the food.

I don't know why it closed but rumors were the building inspectors came it and told them they needed sprinkler systems and handicap bathrooms and handicap access and the upgrades were to costly.
It's a shame  that its gone and will be missed by alot of folks.

I don't like change

Sea Ya
The Capt.

Sunday, July 29, 2012

The Folk Fest.

Janet and I were down on Friday night because I volunteer to help out in the Emergency Management Command Center every year. It's something I enjoy and I get to make my rounds around the city in a golf cart.

The crowds were big at Boarding House Park and on Dutton St. and the fact that it was a beautiful night helped. I love the festivals the city puts on. I believe we are a model of what a urban city should be but I observed a couple things that I think should be addressed.

I love dogs I own one but I don't bring my dog down to huge crowds of people. Oh it's nice the dog gets all kind of attention but it's not about the dog it's about you. Leave your dog at home. I heard of two dog fights on Friday night and some children got scared.
'
The last thing I observed were packs of kids on bikes and skateboards wiping in and out of people and at one point took a guy out lucky he wasn't hurt. I don't know what can be done but I did see a Lowell Police Officer blow his whistle to some kids to get off the sidewalks with there bikes.

Other than these two things I think this is wonderful for the city but these two things can turn some folks off from coming back.

Sea Ya
The Capt.



Wednesday, July 4, 2012

The Old Walbrook Rest. Razed

Janet and I drove down Pleasant St. in Dracut yesterday on our way home from York Beach to find bulldozers taking down the Walbrook. It was sad to see and reminded Jan and I that we used to go there when we where dating with the picnic tables and pizza and pitchers of beer we enjoyed.

The original Walbrook was great and they later made it a fancy rest. with a function room upstairs. My band Touch of Class played hundreds of weddings up stares and I remember loading and unloading down the fire escape on the back side of the building. Not much fun in the winter.

That later closed and it went though a few changes becoming nightclubs some good some bad.
It was also a church for awhile and that closed. Now I guess from what I heard they are putting in a plaza. Share your memories.

I'm sorry to see the Old Walbrook go.....Memories.

Sea Ya
The Capt.

Monday, July 2, 2012

There are rules on the water.

After doing three fishing charters this weekend and obseving the boating habits of some folks I thought I'd talk about the rules of the water.

I have the pleasure to work on the Merrimack River and the ocean three to four days a week and see alot of folks that have no busness boating here. As you head out to the ocean there are bouys red and green and no wake bouys you keep the green ones on your right on the way out and the red ones on your left. And on the way in you keep the red ones on your right and the green ones on your left. Easy way to remember is red right return.

No wake zones...They are there for a reason. Around Salisbury State Park many campers bring small boats to fish for Stripers and they can get swamped by large boat wakes. SLOW DOWN.

On a heavy boating days like this past weekend the mouth of the river can become like a washing machine. Many hard core fisherman drift the outgoing or the incoming tides between the north and south jetty. What happens is when the larger boats come flying out the mouth the boat wake bounces off both sides of the jettys and with the current of the in and out going tides it makes it very sloppy and smaller boat have no control and can get swamped. Please slow down going past smaller boats.

Every year we lose some folks beause of bad boating habits or lack of knowledge...Respect Morther Ocean.

Sea Ya
The Capt.

Sunday, June 24, 2012

Lets catch up....

OK lets catch up on some info floating around and some fish reports.
The last couple of weeks I've been going to political party's after laying low and enjoyed seeing old friends and supporters. I wish I counted everyone that said to me they voted for me in the last city council race because I would have beat Rita...LOL. It's all good and everyone is very kind.

Because of my increased duty's at work and building my fishing charter business and my new Harley I will not seek a appointment for the GLTS.  That being said I hope that my friend Cliff will get the appointment because he is a good man with a big heart and will do well for the children of Lowell.

Fish Report

Mackerel are still around for live bait and big Stripers in the mouth of the Merrimack.
37in one last week but reports of cut offs by Blue Fish  :-(.
Its way to early for Blues but everything is early this year.

It was also very weird this weekend that the high tide was 2 hrs late coming in and there was no current at the tide time.....very strange never saw that before.

The Band had a great time playing for Buds party at Lenzi's and a great turn out for the Salvation Army from what I've heard.

Sea Ya
The Capt.

Sunday, June 3, 2012

Things never stay the same

I found out yesterday when I went down to the marina to work on the boat that Bridge Marina was sold to my next door marina Rings Inland Marina. It didn't come as a surprise that it was sold as there have been rumors that it was for sale for some time.

It does bum me out that it's sold though because I've already seen some changes like my favorite diner the Fish Tale is closed. It was a classic diner run by 3 sisters with a deck overlooking the harbor. I 'll miss getting my bacon and egg sandwich and home fries before my charters.

The new owner did a great job when he brought Rings Inland a few years ago. He put in all new docks with shore power and water. He also put in new showers and bathrooms and turned the old bait shop into a common area with flat screen TV and air conditioning.

Now you must be saying that sounds nice and it is but at my marina we are hard core fisherman and don't need all of those things. And you know with all of those changes come a increase in fee's.

They don't make any more shoreline and it is all premium property but like most people I don't like change. I'll miss sharing a wash down hose with my dock neighbor and stringing 2 hundred foot extension cords together to work on my boat. I'll also miss the smell of bait sitting on the docks.

The end is coming for me and my fellow fisherman because we won't be able to afford the new fee's and will have to move further up river to a new marina making the trip longer to get to the ocean.

Things never stay the same..........Sea Ya

Sunday, May 27, 2012

Greater Lowell Voke Rumors

I've been reading the blogs and watching City Life and reading the Sun and hearing about who's in and who's out if Mike Lenzi's leaves. Just to set the record straight I was called to see if I would be interested in the position in the event Mike would have to step down.

As you know I ran twice for City Council and worked very hard for a State Senate Candidate making it 3 campaigns in a row. I love this city and will and do serve as best I can as a neighbor and activist. I have always wanted to be an elected official but don't have the energy for another campaign.

While my friend Cliff is also interested and Kim Scott worked hard to get him interested in the seat I have been giving this some serious thought. In the event Mike steps down I would be interested in the seat. I believe my experience working in the trades my whole life and my people skills and a former member of a union will be fresh eyes and ears on this board.

I also believe that my relationships with the members of the City Council and School Comm. will give me the votes needed to serve the students and parents of Lowell at the Voke. My Father taught me to work with my hands and he told me you'll always work.

Give the Kids the tools and they will always work.........

Launch Day

After a long winter I launched the Janet Marie in the water yesterday for the season. For those of you that have a boat and would enjoy a beautiful day on the water Newburyport has a great boat launch. It's called Cashmans Park and it's just over the bridge on the right going into Newburyport. The fee is 5.00.

I've been boating for many years and launch day can go great or horrible wrong. Here are some pointers to keep in mind on launch day.

1. Check your air pressure on your trailer tires before you leave and grease the bearings ,

2.When you ready to back down the ramp make sure the drain plug is in. I don't know how many times I've heard or seen of a boat sink at the ramp forgetting this simple task.

3.DO NOT unhook your boat from your trailer when backing down to the water. I've seen boats roll off the trailer onto the ramp and snapping off the lower end of the motor,not a good start of a day

.
4.When backed in on the trailer lower the motor and start it and let it run. This is good to do on the first day after the winter. When you feel the motor is running good back in all the way and float off the trailer.

My launch day went well we put the bumpers on the dock before hand and took the boat out to the ocean for a shake down run. I had to replace a small piece of fuel line going to the fuel tank and my prop slipped at high RPMs , might be time for a new prop. All in all it was a good day.

One more thing.....Please use common sense. Some rookie tied off his anchor to his stern in the mouth of the Merrimack and sank his boat yesterday and was lucky there were other fisherman close by to fish them out.

Sea Ya Later

The Capt.

Tuesday, May 1, 2012

The Caswell Motel

I know I haven't blogged in a while because I'm busy getting the boat ready for the season and I have a new Harley that I can't stay off of, but this story about the Caswell Motel interests me. I grew up in Tewksbury and the Caswell was always a truckers stop or a cheap motel for the night and well maintained. At the time Rt 38 was almost barren to Tewksbury center. Next to the Caswell was the Jade East Rest and The Red Mill. It was the spot you went if you got lucky at the bars and that was it.

Something changed. Did Rt 38 grow to fast? Did the owners let it go? Did the cheap rates draw hookers and dealers there? I think all of the above. One night 2yrs ago I was driving by the Caswell with a friend and we were talking about the good old days and how the Caswell had changed and my friend pulled in and around the back of the building and said watch this and beeped the horn. Almost every door opened and I'm sure there was something for sale behind every door.

These types of motels are in every city and town across America, is it right? NO. But if I know whats going on at the Caswell and every cop in town does why don't they enforce the law? It's to bad that times change and there are desperate people that do desperate things and put a black mark on a good town that I grew up in. Is the answer to take the Motel away from the owner and sell it off and split the 1.5 million that the property's is worth with the Feds and the Tewksbury Police?

They know the problem...... the police bust the hookers and dealers and judges let them walk because there is no room for them. I'm going on and on .....Let me know what you think

Thanks
The Capt.

Thursday, March 29, 2012

Busy,Busy,Busy

I know I have not bloged in a while and I just wanted to let you know I'm still here.
My life has been very busy as of late between helping my buddy getting a apartment ready for his son coming in from the west coast to getting my boat ready for the fishing season to having surgery to working at my friends package store 2 nights a week to playing with my band to looking for a Harley to working a full time job and trying to be a best friend and husband to my wife Janet.....the saint.

Just a FYI.......I'll be back soon.

Tuesday, March 20, 2012

Sounds of Summer....Motorcycles

In all my years of riding I have never seen so many bikes on the road this early. I know the weather has alot to do with it and that fact that the gas prices are up and the bikes came out early. Just a quick note to please watch out for bikers and not cut them off when passing and changing lanes and opening car doors.

We as bikers drive defensible as we only have two wheels and no armor around us and that is our choice for the freedom and wind on our faces. Please be careful this summer.   


Thursday, March 15, 2012

What's up with Councilor Rodney Elliott?

I've tried to stay in the background and not comment but folks have been asking me "Captain whats up with Elliott?" Let me first say I like Rodney on a personal level and we have had alot of laughs ,but I have seen a pattern since before the last election that his agenda is to beat on the city administration.

His obsession with the LHA has diminished his ability in my opinion to focus on more pressing issue's that effect  the resident's and the city of Lowell. He said that he is asking the questions that the residents want answers to. To be honest Rodney, I'm around and all over the city....I don't hear it. All I hear is you have an agenda to beat on the administration and you are losing support, because this is getting old.

Rumor has it your getting pumped up by the Sun or the Good Old Boy Crowd to keep hammering at the administration. Take it for what it's worth Rodney is a good City Councilor and should have more support from his fellow councilors or maybe he likes to be the Lonewolf.

Sunday, March 11, 2012

New Blog by John Nappi

I'd like to announce a new blog called Merrimack River Flood Group. As you know John has been very involved in helping not only the residents of Lowell but the entire Merrimack Valley in addressing the flooding issues that effect the homeowners and businesses along the Merrimack River. His blog will not only address the issues of the day but will have information that our group has compiled over these last 6 years. Please support my friend and educate yourself on this issue and support our neighbors.

Saturday, March 10, 2012

Ma. Div. of Marine Fisheries Paying you not to Fish?

If your a angler or not, please read and comment.....Thanks

2012 Massachusetts Saltwater Angler Permit Survey

COMMONLY ASKED QUESTIONS

How do I participate in the study

Surveys are being mailed to a small, randomly selected group of 2012 Massachusetts Saltwater
Recreational Fishing Permit holders. If you don’t receive a survey in the mail by June, you have
not been selected to participate.

If I am selected for the study, do I have to participate?

No, your participation in this study is voluntary.

How long will it take to complete the questionnaire?

The questionnaire can be filled out in a few minutes.

If I haven’t fished in Massachusetts marine waters yet this year, should I still participate?


Yes. If you haven’t fished yet, or even if you’re not sure you’ll have a chance to fish at all in
2012, your responses are still important.

Why is this study being conducted?

There is a growing need for better information about the economic value of recreational saltwater
fishing in Massachusetts. The contribution of recreational fishing to the State’s economy is often
measured by the number of jobs and the amount of sales and incomes that are supported by the
expenditures of saltwater recreational fishermen. While this approach provides important
information, it does not consider the value that anglers place on being able to go saltwater
fishing. How valuable is saltwater fishing in Massachusetts to you? We believe that studies that
attempt to estimate the value of saltwater recreational fishing should also include an estimate of
what saltwater fishing is worth to the people that actually go fishing. The information collected
from this study will allow us to estimate the value anglers like you place on being able to go
recreational saltwater fishing.

I understand that some of the surveys include a cash offer to not go fishing in
Massachusetts. Is the study trying to reduce effort or participation in Massachusetts’
recreational fishery?

No. This study was not initiated to reduce the number of permits issued, take away fishing rights,
or discourage recreational fishing in Massachusetts. The Massachusetts Division of Marine
Fisheries has no limit on the number of recreational saltwater fishing permits it issues. Only 500
of the 1,900 surveys being mailed will include a cash offer (ranging from $15 to $500) in
exchange for the recipient’s returning his or her permit and thus giving up access to fishing in
Massachusetts’ marine waters for the remainder of 2012. These offers will only be used to
inform the researchers what value you place on access to recreational fishing in Massachusetts.
Accepting the offer will not affect your ability to obtain a Massachusetts’ saltwater fishing
permit in 2013. In place of the cash offer, the remaining surveys pose a hypothetical question
about how much the recipient would be willing to sell his or her permit for or would have been
willing to buy it for

. How will the results of the study be used by Massachusetts Division of Marine Fisheries?

The information on economic value gathered from the study will be used to better characterize
Massachusetts’ recreational fishery, such as for use in ocean planning and prioritizing competing
uses, when evaluating future claims of lost access due to a natural or man-made disaster, and
when determining the proper investment to support the recreational industry. The information
will not be used to modify permit fees or to make management decisions that reduce recreational
access to public resources. The Division of Marine Fisheries is committed to supporting and
promoting the Commonwealth’s recreational (and commercial) fishery.

Why am I being asked to provide information about my employment status, education
level, and household income?

Your responses to these questions will help us better understand the relationship between
demographic characteristics and the value that anglers place on being able to go recreational
saltwater fishing. Although your answers to these questions provide important information, if
you do not wish to answer a particular question you may leave it blank.

Will my answers remain anonymous?

Yes. All individual information will be treated as strictly confidential. Individual data will be
combined with information from other respondents to present an overall view of anglers fishing
in Massachusetts
.
Who is conducting the study?

The study is being conducted by NOAA Fisheries Service, Massachusetts Division of Marine
Fisheries, and Quantech, Inc., a statistical analysis and survey research firm. The Massachusetts
Division of Marine Fisheries is supporting the principal investigator, NOAA Fisheries Service,
by supplying contact information (name and address) of 2012 Massachusetts Saltwater
Recreational Fishing Permit holders for distribution of the surveys. NOAA Fisheries Service
contracted Quantech, Inc. to distribute and compile responses to the surveys.

How is this study funded?

The study is federally funded. NOAA Fisheries Service allocated about $145,000 to conduct the
survey, with about $75,000 allotted for cash offers. Fees collected from the sale of Massachusetts
Saltwater Recreational Fishing permits are not funding the survey. As required by state law, all
fees collected from the sale of Massachusetts recreational saltwater fishing permits go into a
dedicated Marine Recreational Fisheries Development Fund and can only be used to improve
recreational fishing or recreational fishery research, ensuring a “user-pays, user-benefits”
program. A citizen board called the Marine Recreational Fisheries Development Panel assists the
Division of Marine Fisheries in crafting annual spending plans for appropriations from the Fund,
1/3 of which must be used on recreational saltwater fishing infrastructure projects in
Massachusetts, ensuring better access to coastal fishing.

Who should I contact if I have more questions about the survey?

General questions about MarineFisheries’ involvement can be directed to Nichola Meserve
(nichola.meserve@state.ma.us). Technical questions regarding the study should be directed to
Quantech, Inc., specifically Daemian Schreiber at 800-229

Now what do you think?
I think this study is to determine what to set the  fee on saltwater licences at.
I'm interested on your feedback.

Friday, March 9, 2012

Beau Jaynes Boxing Legend and Good Man

Congratulations to my friend Beau on his announcement that he is retiring from the Lowell DPW. I always heard about Beau and his boxing career and saw him running all over Lowell almost everyday on my way to work and met him at occasions and political events. Then back in 2009 when I decided to run for City Council Beau asked me if he could help, and at the time I had a fundraiser coming up in a couple of weeks at the East End Club, I gave him 20 tickets and 2days later he had them sold.

That's the kind of man Beau is, his co-workers love him and respect him and he served the city of Lowell well...accept when he took a ride to Rockingham to place a bet on a horse,but he wasn't driving  the city truck.
I also want to thank Beau on behalf of all my neighbors down here in Rosemont Terr. for all his help and long hours even after he was off the city clock during the floods in 2006 and 2007.

I would like to relate a story I heard about Beau many years ago and those that know and love him will relate and I tell it with the most respect....but it's funny.

Beau's sparring partner was waiting at the gym for Beau to show up to go a few rounds and Beau showed up late. His sparring partner asked him why he was late and Beau told him he had to buy a new suit because his friend died and he was asked to be a ballbearing.....Love you Beau and thank you for your friendship and service to the city of Lowell.

Thursday, March 8, 2012

Spring Fever

I don't know about you, but I was going crazy today with spring fever. I wore a short sleeve shirt today to work and saw motorcycles on my way to work and bumming out that mine was in in cellar and didn't have the manpower to get it out of the basement.

I drove my truck most of the day with my windows down and took my boat after work to get the lower-end worked on for the fishing season coming up. I thought about raking the front yard when I got back but cleaned out the shed instead .

Looked on line for used lobster traps and cracked a beer and looked at my old Triumph in the basement for over an hour thinking about our trip to Myrtle Beach for Bike Week in May.

Is it me or the Full Moon..........  

Sunday, March 4, 2012

Gen. Ames of Ames Castle in Tewksbury


In today's  Lowell Sun yet another story about what to do about the historic home of Gen Ames of Ames Castle in Tewksbury. Growing up in Tewksbury we would ride up to the Castle and walk the woods around the Castle. I believe at the time it was a nursing home. I never had a chance to go into the Castle but know people that have and they tell me the interior was amazing . 
Ames Hill where the Castle sits has alot of history, the native americans had an encampment  there and considered the hill sacred ground and there is also a very old cemetery up there ....very creepy at night . Whatever the town of Tewksbury decides, I hope they don't tear it down to build more homes. I found a little information about the builder of Ames Castle in the' Tewksbury Town Crier', Gen Ames  was no slouch .  
Ames, the son of a sea captain, was born in Rockland, Maine on Oct. 31, 1835. He went to sea as a young man, and then
entered West Point in 1856.  He graduated fifth in his class on May 6, 1861, less than a month after the onset of the Civil War. On graduation, he was commissioned as a second lieutenant and assigned to the Second Artillery.  A week later, he was promoted to first lieutenant with the Fifth Artillery, near Washington. He drilled volunteers for two months, until ordered into the First Battle of Bull Run, July 21, 1861. The battle was a catastrophe for the Union Army, which had hoped to end the war in one major battle. While the Union troops were giving way, Ames’ men were holding on.  He was shot in the thigh early in the fighting, but insisted on staying with his men. He was able to sit astride his horse at first, commanding the troops. Later, he sat on a caisson until the regiment was forced to withdraw, whereupon he was carried away on an ammunition wagon. His bravery earned him a temporary promotion to major, and later a Congressional Medal of Honor. 
I hope that  the Town of Tewksbury decides to  preserve it. 
We must try to preserve what we can instead of trying to line our pockets all the time.   

Thursday, March 1, 2012

Feds. to repair South Jetty in the Mouth of the Merrimack

The Army Corp of Engineers will be repairing the south jetty  at the mouth of the Merrimack River this summer. The Feds. handed over a 3.2 million dollar grant today to repair it. I'm happy to hear that, and I'm sure the folks on Plum Island are too. Plum Island has lost a number of homes to the sea over the years due to the disrepair of the south jetty. I have breached the mouth of the river hundreds of times and the jetty is broken and missing stones that protect the beaches from eroding.

Six years ago two young men were fishing off the jetty and as the tide came up they were cut off because of the missing stones and they were swept out to sea and never found. The mouth of the Merrimack is the 2nd most dangerous tributary on the east coast, but has some of the best striper fishing in the N.E.

The most dangerous times are the end of a low tide with a NE wind. You have the entire Merrimack River emptying out and a NE wind pushing a incoming tide creating 10 to 12 ft swells...not for the faint of heart.
One time I came past the last green can ( buoy) on the Salisbury  State Park side of the river and the door as we call it is on the north jetty was rocking and rolling with 6 footers. I thought to myself that's not to bad, but as I came to the end of the jetty a rogue 15 footer came up and I had no time to turn around and had to climb it.

Picture the scene in the perfect storm..".Come on you son of a bitch" and blasted over the top and slid down the back side and buried the bow and threw water over the roof of the boat and it landed behind me in the stern. My knees were knocking  but I loved it!!!. Anyway the improvement to the jetty will improve the environmental impact to Plum Island and the Merrimack River Tributary.

Mother Earth is not making anymore shorelines....we have to protect them..... or is she?

Wednesday, February 29, 2012

Monkees Lead Singer Davy Jones Dies

I came off the road and was handing in my paperwork when the word came in that Davy Jones had passed away today. A collective aw swept  though the office. I looked around and realized that most of my fellow employee's were about my age and knew about the Monkees and what the band meant to us growing up.

I can still hear the opening theme song in my head, Here we come walking down the street....As a kid my sister and I couldn't wait to sit down every week and watch the next episode of the Monkess, of course my sister LOVED Davy and would squeal with delight every time Davy would sing or smile.

I'm 56 and Davy Jones died at 65,,,man o man that jolts me. I loved the Beatles and I believe they were our American takeoff of them with with their Hard Days Night type of shows and performances. It's a bummer I never had a chance to see them when they came around on tour. Rest in Peace Davy Jones.

A little part of my youth died today.  







Saturday, February 25, 2012

Sen. Scott Brown....

I got up this morning and tuned into WCAP as I do everyday and heard that Sen. Brown would be at M.L. Shaws at 8am in Dracut. I decided to drive over to M.L. Shaws not only to see the Senator but to see my friend Warren Shaw and his crew as I have become friendly with them not only through my last two campaigns but my work with them for the Salvation Army fundraisers. I enjoy going to the remote locations that they broadcast from because it fun to see everyone.

I have seen Sen. Brown four times in the last two years and I'm always amazed at the response he gets. He draws people to him that I have only seen from professional ballplayers and rock stars, and the media is all over him.

What is it that draws people to come from as far away as Manchester N.H. and Haverhill Ma. to take a picture or get an autograph, they are not all Republicans. I watched him work the room and he took time with everyone he met and left them with a smile.

 If you agree or disagree with Sen Browns political views you will have to agree he is a celebrity.

Thursday, February 23, 2012

Boat Prep for the Season

Yesterday afternoon when I came home from work I looked at my shrink wrapped boat in my backyard and couldn't help myself. I cut a slit in the side and climbed in,aaaaaaaaaaaaaaah I'm back on my beloved Janet Marie.I put on the tunes cracked a beer and took a look around at what I had to do to get her ready for the season.

I always pull my tackle ( rods ) off the boat and clean them and store the away for the winter along with both battery's. I keep a trickle charge on them to keep them up. I also put a water separator filter between my fuel tanks and my motors.10 yrs ago. Very important to do this,because I can't tell you how many times guys have had to be towed off the water because of water in the fuel. The best filters are the ones with the drain on the bottom. Every now and then during the season I crack it just alittle to drain the water out as water is heaver than gas. It's good to change the filter every year if you use it as much as I do.

As part of my prep I check all my electrical equipment, lights, navigation, fish finder and pumps to make sure they are all in working order. A good thing to do is spray all your electrical terminals on your panel with WD 40 to keep the moisture off. Nothing more aggravating than trying to chase down a bad wire.

If  your boating on fresh water this next step is not necessarily needed but check your anti foul or bottom paint to make sure it's covered well  if your boating in salt water.

I'm so happy I cut a slit in the shrink wrap so I can work on the boat and my buddy's are too.
We have our club house back........


  

Monday, February 20, 2012

The Mohawk Trail a Hidden Jewel

Janet and I just returned from my cousin's wedding in Charlemont Ma. a tiny little town on the Mohawk Trail.
It's just an hour and a half straight down Rt 2 . The wedding was held at the Warfield Inn on top of a mountain,and what a place it was. The inn itself was from the late 1800's and they had cow's, lama's,horse's and a working maple sugar plant that you could tour.

My cousin is a artist and moved out there 25yrs ago and immersed herself into the artist and native american community. She has done very well for herself selling her art in local shops and gallery's but what I loved the most was meeting her friends and her new family.

Her wedding ceremony was very spiritual with at touch of American and Native American traditions. Janet and I were very moved by parts of it. Her friends all have a calmness about them that I wish everyone would have, I don't know if it's because of where they live, because it is truly beautiful or their way of life.

There is something to be said about living a simpler life and appreciating all of what  Mother Earth has given us and to protect her. I was good to be among them.       

Saturday, February 18, 2012

My Dog Brady

I just returned from the East End Club after being chosen as a delegate for the Democratic Convention to be held in Springfield and I'm sitting in my office thinking about something to blog about and I see my 10yr. old yellow lab laying on the rug in front of my desk looking in the stand up mirror in the corner looking at me.
It makes me smile as he is getting more needy as he gets older and sticks to Janet and I like glue.

After losing our first lab Sunny it took a while before I decided I needed another fishing buddy and companion so I stopped at the MSPCA farm and there he was a 9mon old yellow lab named Hugs. I should have known just by looking at all the ripped up stuffed toys in his cage that this boy was going to be a challenge. I took him for a walk in the pouring rain to see how he was and to see if we would bond, we bonded all right all he did was jump on me and covered me with his muddy paw prints.

To make a long story short he hit the lottery and came home to us. I've had dogs my whole life but never rescued one before. I will always rescue a dog from the shelter from now on because I believe they make better dogs and seem  to know they got a second chance . Brady is a good boy and very loyal to us and has brought us alot of joy, accept when I take him down to the docks and the first thing he does is poop on the docks....very embarrassing.

Love your dogs because they love you more.

Friday, February 17, 2012

City Council Meeting

I attended last evenings city council meeting along with 100 other concerned residents of Lowell to address the late night events that have marred the downtown these last few weeks. After listening to the Superintendent of police and all the stakeholders that came up to speak, I came away with the feeling that a positive solution to the problems in downtown are on the way to be solved. Too much is at stake to allow the activities that have occurred to continue. Many idea's were presented ,and I think that the city council and the administration will be able to find a common ground to satisfy both the residents and the bar owners.

Tuesday, February 14, 2012

Goodbye to Saint Josephs Hospital

I heard some sad news today that St. Josephs Hospital that the U Mass Lowell purchased will be torn down. I was hoping that they would be able to save the oldest part of the hospital that sits on Pawtucket St over looking the Merrimack River. I first visited St. Joe's on Oct. 6th 1955 at 10:57pm the evening I was born, as many Lowellians were. I visited many relatives and friends there over the years and was even a hospitalized there after having my tonsils out when I was a kid.

I remember the Grey Nuns that worked there coming around to the rooms and hearing the rosary being broadcast over the P.A. system mid afternoon. My wife told me she worked as a candystriper doing odd jobs and help to comfort the patients.

It will be sad to see the old hospital go.....I guess that's urban development.

Please share any memories of Saint Josephs.      

Monday, February 13, 2012

Licence Commission going Overboard

So today I hear on WCAP that the Licence Commission wants to roll back the Lowell  bar hours to 12am. Knee Jerk reaction is what I call it. Now instead of looking at the problem establishments they decide to punish all of the citys establishments. I started a discussion on rolling back the hours to 1am to conform with the majority of the city and towns in the Merrimack Valley to curb the influx of young people that run to Lowell to catch the last hour of drinks. I hope all this is, is a negotiation play to settle on a 1am closing.

I have received some heat from local bar owners and musicians and I am one also, but I believe this is not anti business but for the better good of the city. The Commission I believe is taking this 12am closing a little to far

I'm afraid to ask....What to you think?

America's Cod Collapse


Where a dynamic global capitalist economy meets a scenario of ill-defined property rights, over-exploitation of finite resources results. Hence our troubles with climate change and hence our troubles with cod:
But data released last year indicated that the fish was so severely overfished that even if all fishing on it ended immediately, it would not rebound by 2014 to levels required under federal law.
As a result, fishermen were looking at an 82 percent cut in what they were allowed to catch last year, a reduction that would have wiped out not only regional fishermen who rely on cod. Restrictions on cod severely limit fishing on other groundfish species with which the cod swim, like flounder and haddock.
Obviously that would have put the cod fishermen out of business, so they're happy to hear that NOAA will instead promulgate a special emergency rule offering only a 22 percent cut. That's a great compromise solution except for the fact that it still leaves the fishery on the road to destruction. If appropriately managed with quota-trading systems and the like a technically competent modern government can create a market solution for the tragedy of the commons created, but once a fishery reaches a state of extreme depletion it's very politically difficult to set quotas low enough.

Sunday, February 12, 2012

Mass. Saltwater Fishing Permit

Just a reminder to all my saltwater anglers to get their saltwater fishing permits this year.
You can go on line at MassFishHunt and buy it, print it, and get your receipt.The fee is $11.85 for the year,

I didn't like the idea of saltwater fishing fees when this started,I never saw them enforce it at all last year by any agency. The Mass. Div. of Marine Fisheries say the fee's are to improve public access to our resources and to build programs that advance management of our fisheries.....I thought they already did that (sigh).

In my opinion other  fundraiser

Friday, February 10, 2012

13 arrests and 3 police officers hurt in bar melee in less than a week in Lowell at 1:30 am

I started a discussion about rolling back the closing times for bars in Lowell to 1am to coincide with the rest of the citys and towns in the Merrimack Valley to curb the violent incidents that have occurred in the city recently.

Last evening a brawl  broke out at 1:30 am in a club in downtown requiring assists from the state police and neighboring towns. It's time to take a look at the ramifications of all of these recent events. The city as invested years of planning and development. to make this a city to visit and invest in.

I encourage any stakeholder and residents to attend the special City Council meeting Thursday Feb. 16th at 6:30 to voice your concerns. 

Wednesday, February 8, 2012

Should Lowell Bars Close At 1AM

There will be a special City Council meeting next Thursday to address the concerns of the downtown stakeholders and the violence that as occurred when the bars empty out at 2am. I mentioned over on the blog Left in Lowell that rolling back the closing time to 1am may curve the violence and the draining of our Lowell Police manpower. I also mentioned that the kids come in from the surrounding towns for that last hour of drinks because there towns close at 1am. So to answer Joe from Lowells  question I called the surrounding towns Police Departments and here's what I've got.

Tewksbury  1am
Andover      1am
Methuen      1am
Pelham N.H.1am
Hudson N.H.1am
Haverhill        Mon.-Thurs 1am  Fri.2am Sat. 1am
I did not hear back from Dracut.

Is this a public safety issue? I believe it is.
Is this a quality of life issue? I believe it is.

Saturday, February 4, 2012

Lobstering

With my political aspirations behind me I'm back to concentrating on my charter business and lobstering.
This mild winter as been great to take inventory of my gear ( traps) and make sure it's ready to fish this coming May. My 1st mate and I have held non-commercial lobster licence's for years which is 10 pots per person. There is nothing like a fresh bug (lobster) 1hour after you take it out of the water. I never use butter because the meat is so sweet when it's that fresh.

Tom and I like to fish the 2x3 ft traps not only because we can fit them all on the boat but because we are getting older and pulling the traps by hand can get abit much when a commercial lobsterman lays his 10 pot troll on top of our single pots.

Every year we check with the Massachsetts Marine Fisheries for the non-commercial lobster regulations.
This year Min. size is 3 1/4 thats placing a gauge from the eye socket to the bottom of the body.Max.size 5".
!0 traps, Escape Vent 1 15/16 x 5 3/4 Bag Limit 15 per day.

As the season gets closer I'll talk more about the gear and the differences between male and female lobsters because you can't take the females. There's nothing like a fresh bug.....

Thursday, February 2, 2012

Before you buy a boat.

It's boat show season and with this mild winter folks are getting the fever and biting at the bit to get on the water. Going to a Boat Show is a good afternoon and it's great to see all the brand new boats big and small on display but don't get caught in the trap. Before you go to the show think about the kind of boating you want to do. Will you boat on small ponds and lakes? Will you boat on big lakes and the ocean? Will you just cruise or will you fish? What options do you what on your boat..examples fishfinder,gps, size of motor, head (bathroom) standup galley, sleeping quarters, fuel capacity,seating, trailer, will you need a slip or a mooring just to name a few. I have found out that there are great deals on 2nd hand boats with many options already on them with very low hours  if you take the time to search  them out. Example...My buddy was looking for a 42ft Novy style fishing boat for fishing, lobstering and tunafishing. He found a 2011 Downeast loaded and just they way he wanted with very low hours for 250,000 at a broker in Maine. The boat sold for 60.000. TOYS are the 1st to go when the going gets tough. Take your time and look around boats are fun but B. O. A. T. stands for Bring on another thousand. Have fun looking!!

Sunday, January 29, 2012

Sailfishing in February

I don't know about you but at this time of year I start to get cabin fever and start thinking about fishing.
Every February Janet and I head south to the Keys for a week to soak in some sun and relax.

We have stayed from Key West to Key Largo and I have fished all over the Keys but the best fishing this time of the year is in Key Largo. The edge of the reef is only three miles off shore and that is where the Sailfish are.
I've caught fifteen sails over the years my biggest being 120lbs and lost just as many and the thrill of seeing those fish sail though the air over and over again is just a beautiful sight.

I found this Captain 8 years ago at the Marina next to the Holiday Inn on Rt. 1 in Key Largo and he had this fast 36ft Contender with two 275hp Merc's on it. Capt. Beaver is alittle rough around the edges as most of the captains down there are, I don't know why that is,maybe from dealing with the public or maybe because only hardcore fisherman make the huge investment of doing business in the fishing capital of the world. and don't like dealing with rookie fisherman.

The prices of the charters vary from captain to captain depending if you want a half day or full day. I would suggest if your goal is to catch a Sailfish go for the full day trip. My captain charge's 750.00 for a full day which isn't that bad compared to the captains down the road in Marathon that have beautiful 42 footers with flying bridges and charge 1500.00 for a full day. Sometimes you can deal with them or even split a trip with other fisherman that can't afford the whole boat.

Just a word of advice if your a newcomer to sailfishing....the rougher the seas the greater success of catching sails. As I said earlier the reef is 3 miles offshore and that is where the sails feed, and with rough seas the baitfish get stirred  up. I've fished from them a couple of ways, with outriggers trolling live bait and flying kites.

I have had success with the kites but it's alot of work because you have to keep adjusting the kite line to keep the baits in the water. The live baits we have used are ballyhoo and goggleyes which we net 1st thing in the morning .

I hope you have the opportunity to do this type of fishing, There's nothing like heading toward the reef with all your baits and seeing free jumping Sailfish waiting for you at the reef.

Saturday, January 28, 2012

Cod Fish Regulations

There as been alot of talk about how many Cod  we will be able to take this year.
Cod fisherman received some good news when the National Marine Fishers Service (NMFS) issued proposed regulations to implement measures in Amendment 13 to the Northeast Multispecies (groundfish) Fishery Management Plan.
The preferred alternative for recreational fishing was just about all sportsmen could ask for. The Cod min. is to drop from 23 to 22 inches,while the min. size for Haddock drops from 22 to 19 inches. Winter Flounder min. in Fed. waters remains at 12 inches, though that doesn't affect local fisheries which are in state waters where the min. remains at 11 inches.
The recreational daily limit for Cod remains at 10 per person, though there is no limit on party and charter boats fishing south and west of Cape Cod.

Whaleback is closed to Cod fishing during the spawn in the month of May.

Monday, January 23, 2012

East Pawtucketville Neighborhood Meeting

I attended the 2nd meeting of the East Pawtucketville Neighborhood Group this evening. It was well attended with about 30 residents and representative's of the Lowell Police, UMass Lowell Police, Rep. Tom Golden,CC Joe Mendona, Mike Demaris and Henri Marchand from the City Managers Office. The issue's raised this evening were parties and noise from students from UMass. Part of the problem is that these apartments are owned by absentee landlords. This was a issue during the last campaign not only about noise but maintaining the property's as to not bring down the value of the homes in the city's neighborhoods. I suggested during the campaign that if these landlords cannot maintain there properties we should find a way to force them to hire a property management company and work with inspectional services to insure the these apartments are also up to code.
Paul Marion from Umass Public Relations Office said the goal of the university is to house the students and plan to build a 350 bed dorm off Aiken St. across from the ballpark. He also said that students living on campus have a better experience and do better in school..and it's also good from business.
This neighborhood group is just starting out and the residents have real concerns about their quality of life.

Capt. Stupid sinks cruise ship

I was watching City Life this morning before heading out to work and they were discussing the sinking of the cruise ship because John has and likes to cruise. I have never gone on a cruise but I know of many people that have and they tell me there's nothing like it. Let me first say I don't have any interest of being aboard a ship with 4000 people and then hitting a port where every ripoff artist on the island is waiting to prey on me and my money.

The cruise ships of today have the latest computerized navigation equipment available. There is no wheel to steer just a computer and a joystick. Capt. Stupid decided to override his course to impress someone on shore and as a result put the lives of 4000 souls in danger. I'm sorry that there was unneeded loss of life and the loss of that ship, I found it shocking the first time I saw the footage on TV. I can only imagine the terror as that ship started to list to the starboard side, and to top it all Capt. Stupid abandoned ship before the passengers and left a unsupervised crew to deal with the passengers.This was not the Titanic,woman and children first while the band played.

If this were the early 1800s Capt. Stupid would be hanging from the yardarm..   

Sunday, January 22, 2012

About 300 dolphins at risk of stranding safely guided out of Wellfleet harbor; two dolphins dead

About 300 doPublish Postlphins at risk of stranding safely guided out of Wellfleet harbor; two dolphins dead.

I've always wondered why these intelligent and beautiful animals strand themselves. I've heard that in some pods a sick leader of the pod may lead them in or false currents created by tides in shallow coastlines like the cape may cause them to beach themselves,but I'm happy that there are organisations that come out to guide them back to sea.
I've had the pleasure to see them many times while fishing, they come up and breach and sometimes come up to the boat to see whats up,and its always a treat to see them up close.
Last summer I was doing a burial at sea off the coast of Boars Head and the family were saying their final goodbyes to their Mother,as the oldest Daugherty placed the first handful of ashes in the water a dolphin swam under the boat and though her Mothers ashes. I still get goosebumps when I think of it too.     


Thank you Paul Marion

I'd like to thank Paul Marion for coming up with a great name for my blog. I love it while my wife Janet shakes her head. It's not the first time I've seen her do that.  Thanks again Paul..

Saturday, January 21, 2012

Thanks to Dick Howe Here I Go

I never thought in a million years I would start blogging but here I go. As most of you know I've been involved for many years in the city as a neighborhood activist and life long resident of the city of Lowell. I have run for public office twice and participated in many of the discussions on many of the the blogs in the city.

My blog will touch on the topics of the the day ( as I get used to this format ) and fishing reports as my charter season gets closer. I hope you will stop by from time to time to check it out and offer your ideas and comments.