Wow, can you believe it? Half the year is already over! Hard to believe some folks still don’t have their boats in the water yet! Well don’t worry, some of the best fishing has yet to happen but time is running short. Remember, bass season opens this month, so just about every thing that swims (except sturgeon) will be fair game, speaking of which, what’s biting? Because of the long winter and cold spring water temperatures have been on the cold side, so most fish cycles have been 2-3 weeks late. Brown trout are still in the shallows.  Early morning may find them in as little as 3 feet of water. Boats using planer boards and dragging flutter spoons and small plugs are still doing well.  Anglers casting from the Sodus pier and in boats at the creek mouths are doing well, especially after the rains color the run-offs. Cleo’s in 1/3 to 2/3 oz. are the casting baits of choice. In the bays, some pike and walleye action has been reported, but so far, at the time of this writing, the fishing’s been kind of spotty. Rock bass, ‘gills, ‘sunnies and perch are still biting well as are bullheads at the north end of Sodus Bay. When bass season opens, look for some of the large mouths and most of the ‘smallies to still be in the shallows on their beds. Please return any roe-laden females to the water; it is the future of our sport. And speaking of sport, Sodus Bay Tackle and Marina is going to put on a smallmouth bass derby on the weekend of June 28^th and 29^th. Besides all the fun, this derby will provide it also coincides with the state’s “free fishing days”. That’s right; you won’t need a N.Y.S. fishing license to fish this derby! This is especially good news to out-of-towners just visiting for the weekend. Check out the ad and give them a call for more info. And speaking of ads, we at N.Y.F. & G. would like to welcome Poppa Joe’s Restaurant to our fine family of advertisers. Located in scenic Sodus Point, Poppa Joe’s offers fine dining, outdoor seating, and even live entertainment for everyone young and old. Owned by Don and Judy Buckwald, Poppa Joe’s is only steps away from various shops, art galleries and marinas including Sodus Bay Tackle and Marina.  Hey, how ‘bout this? Enter the bass derby at Sodus Bay Tackle and Marina, and then have a great time at Poppa Joe’s! Sounds like a plan. Well I know the weather’s been cold, but the good times are heating up – in Wayne Co.