HAMBURG, N.Y., – April 27, 2026 – Southtowns Walleye Association of Western New York Inc. (STWA) (www.southtownswalleye.com) held its annual Harry A. Smith installation dinner and Fundraiser. The organization which boasts over 500 members annually supports kids fishing, philanthropic and conservation programs for the Great Lakes region and was instrumental in pushing for the removal of gill netting on Lake Erie, helping to make it the great fishery it is today.

 This year’s event took place on April 25th, 2026 at Kloc's Grove located in West Seneca, NY. The organization recognized various members of the community and the club for outstanding service and dedication to furthering the organization and our Great Lakes fishery. This year also had a special focus on supporting the E.M. Cotter Fire Boat located in Buffalo, NY, with portion of this year's proceeds going to help fund this outstanding organization for their continued work on Lake Erie and in the community.

 Mike Kaczmarek President of Southtowns Walleye Association of Western New York, Inc. presented his Presidents Awards for 2025 to the following members:

• Elaine Weigand – STWA Special People Fishing Event
• Tom Yetzer, Zac and Chelsea Yetzer (Reel Time Charters) - Erie County Fair Kid's Lure Making Event

 Additional awards for 2025 honoring the following individuals were given to:

• Congressman Nick Langworthy – Elected Official of the Year Award
• Dennis and Diane Stachowski– Larry Scheffler Memorial Award
• James Skoczylas  – James Ridge Memorial Award

Previous year's Harry A. Smith Award winners presented this year’s award to:

• Amy Plecas – Harry A. Smith Memorial Award

  We would like to thank each of these individuals for their continued support and dedication to improving our fishery and our organization, and look forward to more great work from our membership and the community.

  Southtowns Walleye Association of Western New York, Inc. is a non-profit organization dedicated to improving fishing opportunities in the region for all individuals. With a clear focus on kids, community, conservation, and philanthropy our various programs support these pillars for a strong future generation of outdoorsmen and women and our fishery. For a complete listing of descriptions of each of these awards and to learn more about our organization, please visit www.southtownswalleye.com or stop by our facility located at 5895 Southwestern Boulevard, Hamburg, NY 14075, Tel.: 716.649.8202. Meetings are held the third Thursday of each month at 6:30pm and are open to the public.

 Fisherman have a chance to win over $100,000 in Cash and Prizes

  HAMBURG, N.Y., – January 12, 2026 – Southtowns Walleye Association of Western New York Inc. (STWA) (www.southtownswalleye.com) announces its 42^nd Annual Walleye Derby from June 13^th through June 21^st 2026, on the U.S. waters of Lake Erie and the Upper Niagara River.  With more than $100,000 in cash and prizes at stake, anglers throughout Western New York, and multiple states will participate in the nine day event in search of a walleye worthy of the top prize. Current sign-ups are being accepted at the STWA Clubhouse or online, and shortly at various sign-up locations around Western New York,

  “This year at our 42^nd Annual Walleye Derby we have some great sponsors supporting our event such as WavePro, Curly’s Grille, Catt Creek Bait & Tackle, Traxstech, and FishUSA having these outstanding companies on board each year gives our participants the opportunity to win some amazing prizes no matter where you finish in the derby”, said Jim Skoczylas, First Vice President STWA and Derby Chair.

 To bring even more value to our sponsors and contestants we have put together early bird prize pack drawings, each month prizes will be awarded at the club to several lucky people who get signed up for the Derby early. Whether you sign-up online or in-person at the clubhouse you can qualify for these prizes. Additionally, we have the $1,000 Derby Daily Walleye prize, giving contestants a chance to cash in on each of the nine days of the derby, this allows everyone a chance to win a monetary prize.

 “Every year we have incredible local sponsor’s such as Kishels, Olson Bros. Marine Inc., Machias Outdoors, Ultimate Outdoors of WNY, and Buffalo Tackle we truly appreciate these local companies and their continued support of our organization, the derby, our participants and this great fishery we have in Lake Erie”, said Brian Plecas Second Vice President STWA and Derby Co-Chair.

  If you are interested in signing up in person and purchasing one of this year’s STWA Derby lures produced by Mike’s Walleye Rigs, you can stop by the club during general meetings to purchase one, we will also be having special sign-up events that will be announced on our Facebook page.  Don’t miss out on the action this year to weigh in a winning walleye.

  Southtowns Walleye Association of Western New York, Inc. is a non-profit organization dedicated to improving fishing opportunities in the region for all individuals. With a clear focus on kids, community, conservation and philanthropy, our various programs support these pillars for a strong future generation of outdoorsmen and women and our fishery. To learn more about the club, please visit us at www.southtownswalleye.com or stop by our facility located at 5895 Southwestern Boulevard, Hamburg, NY 14075, Tel.: 716.649.8202, meetings are held the third Thursday of each month at 7:00pm and are open to the public.

For Media Inquiries Contact:

Brian Plecas
Tel.: 716.649.8202
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Freshwater Fishing License Not Required on National Hunting and Fishing Day, Sept. 27, 2025

New Yorkers Encouraged to “Get Offline, Get Outside” and Try Freshwater Fishing at No Cost

The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) today announced Sept. 27 will mark the next Free Fishing Day in New York State.

“The September 27th free fishing day is particularly special because it coincides with National Hunting and Fishing Day, a celebration of the incredible angling opportunities our state provides,” said DEC Commissioner Amanda Lefton. “Free fishing days are the perfect time for newcomers to learn to freshwater fish or for experienced anglers to bring others outdoors to enjoy the many abundant waterways across New York.”

This annual Free Fishing Day coincides with National Hunting and Fishing Day, which was designated by Congress in 1972. The day helps encourage people to experience, understand, and appreciate traditional outdoor sports and recreation and abundant natural resources, while also recognizing hunters and anglers for their leadership in fish and wildlife conservation.

Free Fishing Days further support Governor Hochul's “Get Offline, Get Outside” initiative that promotes physical and mental health by helping encourage New York’s children and families to put down their phones and computers, take a break from social media, and enjoy recreation and outdoor social gatherings.

In addition to designated free freshwater fishing days, DEC and its partners also hold free fishing clinics throughout the year. Participants learn about local fishing opportunities and are taught about the fish they can catch, fishing safety, how to cast a fishing rod, aquatic resource stewardship, and New York’s fishing regulations. A full list of programs is available on DEC’s website. Check the list regularly as new events are added throughout the year.  

No rod? No problem. DEC partners with libraries across the state to provide a fishing rod lending program. Along with borrowing a book, library patrons can sign out a fishing rod. This affordable program provides an opportunity for people to try fishing before deciding to purchase their own gear. For more information on the program and a list of participating libraries visit DEC’S website.

For beginning anglers interested in getting started, the I FISH NY Beginners' Guide to Freshwater Fishing provides information on everything from rigging up a fishing rod to identifying your catch and understanding fishing regulations. DEC's Places to Fish webpages are a reliable source of information for those ready to plan their next fishing trip. The “Tackle Box” feature in DEC’s official app, HuntFishNY, contains freshwater fishing regulations, boating access and stocking information within a map-based interface from the convenience of a smart phone. Other features include driving directions to state-operated boat launch sites and an offline feature that allows users to access information when cell coverage isn't available. The HuntFishNY app is available for download through Google Play or the App store. For more information visit DEC’s website.

The final free fishing day for 2025 will take place on Veterans Day, November 11. On Free Fishing Days, New York residents and non-residents alike may fish for free without a fishing license. Free Fishing Day participants are reminded that, although the requirement for a fishing license is waived during free fishing days, all other fishing regulations remain in effect. When not participating in Free Fishing Days, anyone 16 years of age and older must have a current New York State fishing license to fish. Fishing licenses are valid for 365 days from the date of purchase. More information on purchasing a fishing license can be found on DEC's website.

The New York State Department of Health (DOH) provides advice to anglers about what fish are safe to eat and how often. Visit DOH’s website to search by waterbody location.