Charter Captain Jim Steel, President of the Eastern Lake Erie Charter Boat Association (ELECBA), who is responsible for the welfare of all attendees on the water, stated, “After checking with several sources for the forecast and checking in with several of our boat captains, we made the tough decision to cancel the half-day charter fishing experience for the safety concerns of all attendees. Yesterday (Tuesday, Aug. 8), we sent out an emergency Email CANCEL notice to 170 invitees.”

Diane Steel, treasurer for the group, sent the emergency Email highlighting that the lunch plan was still a go for 12:30 p.m.”

The lunch is where conservationists, legislators, and local business leaders from across the state share conversation. Charter captains and first mates were also invited to share their ideas, plans, and thoughts. For legislators and VIP guests traveling from Albany, and other long distances, this provided the option to continue face-to-face communication with attendees. The primary focus of the VIP Day event is to provide essential information regarding the economic importance of Lake Erie fishing, the Lake Erie charter boat fishing industry, the conservation of Lake Erie and, for particular emphasis, how these relate to the regional economy and tourism industry.

All the invited attendees were guests of the Chautauqua County Fish Advisory Board, the Erie County Fish Advisory Board and Eastern Lake Erie Charter Boat Association . Attendees were required to purchase a state fishing license for the outing. Their gear list included rubber-soled shoes, sunscreen, a windbreaker, sunglasses, and motion sickness medicine. This is a good list for any and every boater at all times.

Andrew Nixon, Chautauqua County Visitors Bureau executive director highlighted progress for tourism.

Association President Jim Steel stated a brief introduction on the mission and purpose of the event, then said,” This year, we would like to go old school and go around the room asking everyone to tell us what they do and share our conversation in this way.”

More than 30 people provided input, and each of them was interesting and meaningful.

State Department of Environmental Conservation Region 9 Director Julie Barrett O’Neil spoke about the importance of work groups composed of invitees as those present at the VIP Lake Erie Experience. “We need input from all groups, from everyone, to help us understand and manage issues and concerns for Lake Erie water quality, sediment management, and harbor access.” O’Neil was named Regional 9 Director in May 2023, which includes Allegany, Cattaraugus, Chautauqua, Erie, Niagara, and Wyoming counties.

Good-natured state Assemblyman Andy Goodell, representing the 150th Assembly district, introduced himself as on time this morning at 6:30. “The only problem was that I was surprised that only one other person was at Chadwick Bay Marina. It was a charming and energetic young lady, Diane Steel, the treasurer of the Eastern Lake Erie Charter Boat Association. I should read my emails more often.”

Laughter ensued. He added, “I was disappointed for two reasons: Number one, Diane said the fish trip was canceled. Number two, she said, “There is no coffee.” Goodell grinned. After a momentary pause, he added, “Well, that’s not all. I also discovered that Walmart does not sell state Fishing Licenses at 6 a.m.”

The crowd giggled a bit. “So I was there without a fishing license.” Region 9 Director O’Neil asked, “Why didn’t you buy your license online?” Diane Steel, standing nearby, replied for Goodell, “Have you ever tried that? It is so confusing, and it’s downright impossible on some days. O’Neill replied, “That’s the kind of input we need to fix problems we don’t know about. Thank you, Diane; we’re going to look at that.”

Andrew Nixon, Director of the Chautauqua County Visitors Bureau, then addressed the luncheon attendees over several notable items. “First,” He said, “We all want to thank the ELECBA team of Jim and Diane Steel and their membership, which includes many charter captains and first mates.” Jim Steel added, “There are over 50 charter captains and more than 70 first mates in ELECBA right now.” Nixon said their efforts promoting Lake Erie charter fishing and the Lake Erie resource benefits everyone.” Nixon highlighted different areas of the county where growth and expansion have been notable, thanking members of his staff and others in the county for their excellent work. He recognized the Buffalo-Niagara Sports Commission for its support in promoting regional tourism.

Charter Captain Frank Shoenacker added a description of the “Come Fish Lake Erie Program.” that was initiated earlier this year after the association received a grant valued at $540,000. Shoenacker added, “The Come Fish Lake Erie promotes Lake Erie, the Lake Erie fishery, regional tourism and the charter captain industry through highway billboards, advertising in regional online television and other sources.” Diane Steel added The Come Fish Lake Erie ads run 17 times per week to promote tourism, hospitality and positive economic impact.” The ads and website describe the consortium of licensed and dedicated Lake Erie Fishing Charter companies that want to show everyone the great fishing that Lake Erie offers.

Chautauqua County Executive P.J. Wendel provided closing statements.