[laketrout]

I fished and supported the RVTA for so many years. Very sad to see it dwindle to what that fishery has come to today. Lots of hard work went into that club by some truly dedicated individuals, as I’m sure it does today. We use to show that RVTA decal like a badge of honor. And during those days it was. I remember the pinnacle years throughout the early 90s with trucks and boats backed up 20 plus deep on Route 22 to get bait (in the dark) at 4:00am from Welgoss and his daughter Jody. They were good people. When folks knew what it meant to turn your headlights off on the ramp and load and unload off the ramp. It was also during a time when you could sleep in the truck with the boat for a first light bite and not be harassed. I also remember the night of midnight squalls that sank numerous along the shoreline camping during the two day RVTA open many years ago, and the generosity by others to help those in need during that nighttime event, and that time during the RVTA opener many years ago when I pulled an unfortunate capsized sailboater aboard moments before drowning in 36 degree water (fellow members even saved his boat). That period was the era of the sportsman, which has been replaced by what you have today. I will leave that up to you to perceive. IMO, it is a barometer of the entire state in general. Last time I was at the valley, it looked like the Great Adventure theme park.

In addition, the commorants started the demise of that fishery and changed it to what you have today. But that’s another story...