We ran this trip four years in a row and it was a great trip every time. We caught a variety of fish - bass, very large blue gills, big crappie, pickerel, as well as some nice trout. Overall, we had a good time and enjoyed the camaraderie. The accommodations were very good and the food was excellent.

Eldred is located approximately two-and-a-half hours from New York City and it is a pleasant ride.  This is also a great trip to bring family and friends and to introduce children to fishing.

The cost for the trip is as follows: The room is $85.00 plus tax, double occupancy. This means you would split the cost of the room with someone. An extra cot in the room costs an additional $8.00. If you want to get there a day or two earlier, Friday or Saturday, the room is $95.00 plus tax.

Dinner is a la carte - you pay for what you select.  The restaurant is excellent. They will provide coffee in the rooms. Joey Donuts will provide the usual Dunkin Donuts for breakfast or you can make arrangements to provide your own breakfast.

We are going to have a Bass Tournament on July 14. The cost of the bass boat is $80.00 plus tax. There will be two people per boat, so you can split this cost also. The entry fee for the tournament will be $10.00 per angler and all entry fees collected will be distributed to the First, Second and Third longest bass caught. More details will follow.

They also have two large trout ponds. One is Catch and Keep. It is stocked with trout. You will have free access to the Catch and Keep pond but must pay $6.25 per pound for whatever you catch. They will clean the fish for you and pack it in ice for your journey home. The cost for the cleaning is fifty cents per fish.

The other pond is Catch and Release. It is stocked with trout and big catfish. It is for fly-fishing only, barbless hooks only. The cost for this pond is $12.50 per person and you can fish all day.

On the day that we arrive, July 13, we are going to fish at Lake Superior State Park, which is nearby. We fished it last year. Also available at the lake is a beach area, swimming, picnic areas, rowboat and paddleboat rentals ($8.00 per hour) and a boat launch (electric motors only). A pass for the day costs $3.00 for nonresidents.

You can also fish other local waters, which are nearby. You have the Delaware River, Mongaup Pond and Rondout Reservoir.

If their Sporting Clay Stands are operating we can shoot a couple of rounds. We will have more information on that later on. You can rent a shotgun for $5.00 and purchase ammunition for $8.00 for a box of twenty-five rounds or bring your own. They provide ear protectors while you are shooting.

They also have computerized gambling at the Monticello Raceway, which is only minutes away, if you want to try your luck. You can sign up at any club meeting with

Gordon Mueller or Call Joe Caroleo at (718) 845-4225 between the hours of 9:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m.