SYRACUSE, N.Y. — Clean, Drain and Dry is the phrase behind New York’s war against invasive species, and the campaign is evident at Oneida Shores Park during the Bass Pro Shops Bassmaster Northern Open presented by Allstate.
Swarming the ramp are the Ramp Monkeys, a contingent of youth volunteers associated with junior clubs from the New York B.A.S.S. Nation. Their goal throughout the tournament is making sure boaters comply with a new state law. The regulation prohibits the transport of a long list of invasive species, ranging from plants to animals.
The Ramp Monkeys idea originated with Barb Elliott, New York’s conservation director who is fishing this week as a co-angler.
“We want to instill knowledge and conservation awareness now to the youths so they can take responsibility to prevent the spread of nuance species,” she said. “Doing that will lead to enjoyment in the future of the outdoors and our resources.”
The Ramp Monkeys, wearing bright orange vests, stand out at the ramp. The youths inspect each trailered boat while explaining their role to curious anglers.
The group appeared at the Bassmaster Elite Series event held last week on the St. Lawrence River in upstate New York.
Youth support at the weigh-in
The New York B.A.S.S. Nation has an outstanding reputation for providing volunteer support at Bassmaster tour events, including a strong showing at Oneida Lake.
Youth members of the Port City Junior Bassmasters and Good Ole Boys Junior Bassmasters anchor that support. Joining them is Michael Arndt, the high school state champion from Cicero-North Syracuse.
Just not the same?
“It’s just not the same” was the Day 1 resonating quote of the day. Local anglers, seasoned pros and Chris Bowes pronounced the line. Bowes, the senior tournament manager, grew up near the lake.
“It’s definitely off overall from our previous visits,” said the local native.
The last Open in 2013 yielded a total catch of 52 pounds, 7 ounces, for winner Jim Bianchi. The tournament, like the current event, was held in early August.
After Day 1 the most noticeable average weights came in the 13-pound range, accounting for 22 bags overall on the scoreboard. A 15-pound daily average was predicted as a benchmark for winning. The top 8 anglers, including leader Kraig Kettlekamp with 20-7, already eclipsed that mark.
Throw back time for Duckett
Boyd Duckett won a 2012 Bassmaster Elite event on Oneida and at least after Day 1, it appeared he returned to the winning area. That is a large rocky shoal in Maple Bay that supports habitat for largemouth and smallmouth.
The former Bassmaster Classic champ caught a balance of schooling smallmouth and native largemouth in a strategy that produced 62-6 for the win. Ironically, Duckett beat 2014 Classic winner Randy Howell by just 6 ounces.
Howell is currently in second place with 18-9 and within easy striking distance of the lead. He’s ahead of Duckett by 2 pounds going into Day 2. That could mean the Oneida rivalry is renewed should both anglers make the top 12 cut.