July 14, 2017

Separated from my family for 17 months due to taking a new job in a different city so my son could graduate from high school ment I missed out on a bunch.

I discussed with my wife about doing something special for my son Victor and I so I suggested a fishing trip to Lake Ontario.
This is something I had done many years earlier with my brother and two friends and we had a blast. What makes this very special for me is that I never got to do anything like this with my Dad before he passed.

I set out on a quest to find the most important element of this type of trip, a knowledgeable Captain that would provide the MEMORY I was looking to create. After about 2-3 weeks of on and off researching I settled on a few Captains to seek out. Although the few I researched and talked to it was obvious who my choice would be. It's funny when you know because you have that good vibe and feeling.

He was the last one I talked to, but I knew he was going to provide what I was seeking "A great memory for me and my son". It was his honest, excited, sincere and funny disposition that just won me over. My discussion with him was natural like I knew him for years so I began asking him a slew of questions about the lake, his boat, his knowledge of the seasons and which species of fish are running out of what port. I knew I found my guy.

My choice was Tight Lines Charters and Captain John Oravec. So, I selected my dates and sent my deposit and we parted with his "FISH ON" cry.

The day of charter we had a split late evening and next day session set. That afternoon when we arrived the lake had a horrible fog and we didn't go out. What was great, about my choice of Captain was displayed that afternoon. He actually came to our room, introduced himself, had us follow him to the marina to familiarize us to where needed to go. Upon getting there and showing us his boat he asked what we had planned and we discussed going to Niagara Falls. He then started talking about getting his new Penn reel that he needed to restring with 10 color lead core line and asked if we would like to help.so we did with pleasure.

The next morning the weather still wasn't great but we went out, as did several other boats, but we were the last. As we made our way to the previous days site where he boated some Kings and "Steelies" we were excited to get fishing. He made this trip incredibly fun as being part of his "crew" which was great for Victor and me as well, we piloted the boat, helped him bait the rods and reels, the coppers, the outriggers, the strategic depth placements to cover all options and species. He taught us about the weather and that the front from night before had turned over the lake and disrupted the thermocline, and to seek the temperature and depth of the water we needed to look for, how to read the fish finder and use the depth charts, steer the boat."EXACTLY WHAT I WAS LOOKING FOR VICTOR TO EXPERIENCE".I knew my choice was the right one. What did it for me was the look on Victor's face when he was reeling in that Steelhead.I held back the tears.It was a tough day on the water and many boats went in early. Captain John weathered the weather and put us on four fish that day.not the best day, as I know my previous time on the lake we boated 16 but the weather was perfect and so were the conditions. Captain John stayed out longer than anyone and what he charged was incredibly fair.

You can bank on we will be back and good Lord willing it will be with Captain John.
Thank you so much for the incredible experience.
"FISH ON"
Gary Riccardi.


Sept 15, 2017 Captain John thank you for everything you did this weekend for my family. They have been wanting to do this trip for three years. Here's a great picture of you and Adrian with his first catch. The guys can't stop talking and laughing about the trip. Will be calling again to definitely schedule next year.. We will "fish on". Adrian Hayes

Sept 15, 2017

Captain John thank you for everything you did this weekend for my family.
They have been wanting to do this trip for three years.
Here's a great picture of you and Adrian with his first catch.
The guys can't stop talking and laughing about the trip.
Will be calling again to definitely schedule next year..
We will "fish on".
Adrian Hayes


August 2, 2017 I can't thank Captain John Oravec enough for giving my husband, Steve Bligh, a wonderful experience on his fishing charter on August 2, 2017. Steve has mobility issues due to Parkinson's Disease. Our son, Steve, who also went on the Charter, was very concerned about his dad being able to get on and off the boat. Captain John moved his boat to a location on the dock which made it so easy for my husband to board and disembark his beautiful boat. Both my son and my husband were so relieved and therefore, they and their friends, could really enjoy the charter. Did I mention that all 6 on board that day caught fish! My husband has been an avid fisherman all his life. He had to sell his own boat last year for safety and practicality reasons, which really was a difficult decision for us to make. Captain John has given Steve the opportunity to still be on the lake and to participate in his number one favorite sport.fishing! Steve and his friends have gone on many fishing charter trips with Captain John because of his knowledge and expertise in finding and catching fish. Captain John is always developing new fishing techniques for all species of fish and is always teaching and willing to explain on his charters. It is a great comfort to me to know that Captain John can still make this happen for Steve even as his Parkinson's disease is progressing. I know Steve is looking forward to many more fishing charter trips with Captain John Oravec. He has become a good friend to Steve and we are all very grateful for his friendship. Best regards, Sandy Bligh Greece, NY

August 2, 2017

I can't thank Captain John Oravec enough for giving my husband,
Steve Bligh, a wonderful experience
on his fishing charter on August 2, 2017.

Steve has mobility issues due to Parkinson's Disease.
Our son, Steve, who also went on the Charter,
was very concerned about his dad
being able to get on and off the boat.

Captain John moved his boat to a location on the dock
which made it so easy for my husband to
board and disembark his beautiful boat.

Both my son and my husband were so relieved
and therefore, they and their friends,
could really enjoy the charter.

Did I mention that all 6 on board that day caught fish!
My husband has been an avid fisherman all his life.
He had to sell his own boat last year for safety and practicality reasons, which really was a difficult decision for us to make.

Captain John has given Steve the opportunity to still be on the
lake and to participate in his number one favorite sport.fishing!
Steve and his friends have gone on many fishing charter trips
with Captain John because of his knowledge and expertise
in finding and catching fish.

Captain John is always developing new fishing techniques
for all species of fish and is always teaching and willing to
explain on his charters.

It is a great comfort to me to know that Captain John
can still make this happen for Steve even as
his Parkinson's disease is progressing.

I know Steve is looking forward to many more
fishing charter trips with Captain John Oravec.
He has become a good friend to Steve and
we are all very grateful for his friendship.
Best regards,
Sandy Bligh
Greece, NY


Jan 3 & 4, 2017 Fished with Capt John Oravec out of Lewiston NY with brother Bill and nephew Chris. Had a great time despite the weather. He was professional, informative, and productive. Catching lakers, browns, and a king on Niagara river was a blast. Look forward to fishing with Capt John this summer. Thanks again Rich Schreiber Bill Schreiber Chris Winn

Jan 3 & 4, 2017

Fished with Capt John Oravec out of Lewiston NY
with brother Bill and nephew Chris.
Had a great time despite the weather.
He was professional, informative, and productive.
Catching lakers, browns, and a king on Niagara river was a blast.
Look forward to fishing with Capt John this summer.
Thanks again
Rich Schreiber
Bill Schreiber
Chris Winn


On behalf of my son and grandsons, I can’t thank Captain John enough for the great memories of the last couple of years. We have fished with him on both the lower Niagara River in the winter and Lake Ontario in the summer. The trips have been great experiences for my grandsons and they always talk about the experience of catching big kings, steelhead, browns and lakers. Captain John is one of the most talented and knowledgeable charter captains I have ever met. It was such a pressure watching him teach the boys the best methods for drifting the river and trolling for big kings on the lake. He was very patient and enjoyed working with the boys as much as I enjoyed seeing them catch the big fish. We look forward to future trips with the Troutman. Fish on!! Jim Z – Brecksville, Ohio

On behalf of my son and grandsons, I can’t thank Captain John enough for the great memories of the last couple of years. We have fished with him on both the lower Niagara River in the winter and Lake Ontario in the summer. The trips have been great experiences for my grandsons and they always talk about the experience of catching big kings, steelhead, browns and lakers. Captain John is one of the most talented and knowledgeable charter captains I have ever met. It was such a pressure watching him teach the boys the best methods for drifting the river and trolling for big kings on the lake. He was very patient and enjoyed working with the boys as much as I enjoyed seeing them catch the big fish. We look forward to future trips with the Troutman.
Fish on!!
Jim Z – Brecksville, Ohio


"I've been fishing with John for over 10 years. He always works hard for us and puts us over fish. He is always willing to help with our fishing skills and really wants us to catch fish. The best thing is when all of the other boats are leaving the river, John keeps on going. His experience on the river is second to none. We always get our money's worth when we are fishing with John. Fish On Troutman. Dave E, Clarion, PA

"I've been fishing with John for over 10 years.
He always works hard for us and puts us over fish.
He is always willing to help with our fishing skills and really wants us to catch fish.
The best thing is when all of the other boats are leaving the river, John keeps on going.
His experience on the river is second to none.
We always get our money's worth when we are fishing with John.
Fish On Troutman.
Dave E, Clarion, PA


My father, two of my friends and I had one of the most enjoyable fishing trips we ever had on Lake Ontario. Captain John on the Troutman II made this possible right from the start. The first rod went off and my father caught the *largest* brown trout of his life and he is 77 years young. Captain John is a very enjoyable and professional gentleman to work with. He will teach you a lot about fishing on Lake Ontario if you listen. Mike, Central Pennsylvania

My father, two of my friends and I had one of the most enjoyable fishing trips we ever had on Lake Ontario.
Captain John on the Troutman II made this possible right from the start. The first rod went off and my father caught the largest brown trout of his life and he is 77 years young.
Captain John is a very enjoyable and professional gentleman to work with. He will teach you a lot about fishing on Lake Ontario if you listen.
Mike, Central Pennsylvania


In Appreciation... The Charter Captain's of Pt. Breeze, NY dedicate this day, June 25, 2014, to honor the *VETERANS of the United States of America.* Thank you for keeping our children safe, our shores secure and our country free. You made today possible. Sincerely, The Captains of Pt. Breeze.

In Appreciation...
The Charter Captain's of Pt. Breeze, NY
dedicate this day, June 25, 2014, to honor the

VETERANS of the United States of America.

Thank you for keeping our children safe,
our shores secure and our country free.

You made today possible.
Sincerely,
The Captains of Pt. Breeze.


"Finally had an opportunity to keep good on my word last weekend to a top charter Captain (John Oravec - "Troutman") whom I've held in the very highest regard since reading his articles when I first started fishing 7 years ago. The flavor of his articles always struck me as coming from someone with a genuine interest in "sharing the fish" and promoting a favorable fishing experience for all - even those who may not be his clients. He had done me a good turn 5 or 6 years ago. I had recently bought the first boat of my life and a buddy and I were out for our second attempt at winter steelhead fishing on the lower Niagara River. We had been skunked on our first outing and were out of luck on our second. We had tried three different stores on the way to the launch but no one had egg sacks so we went with what we had. Unfortunately for us neither minnows or quickfish worked that day. We saw Captain John, with his happy clients, and numerous fish caught in the same waters we were fishing. I truthfully admitted to our tough luck. I knew who he was, and of his reputation, and that I had read his articles, but I didn't bring it up. He kindly suggested using egg sacks but we had none. Sensing my desperate disappointment, and not knowing that I had yet to catch my first winter steelhead, he simply reached into his pocket and gave us some of his own prepared sacks. I offered to pay him but he refused. I suggested that I would at least give him a pack of hooks or something the next time I saw him. Although he said "not necessary" I made a promise to myself to do so anyway. We fished some more and within no time at all I hooked up and caught a steely I will remember for the rest of my life - with a warm story to go with it. It took until last weekend to cross paths again. I never thought it would take so long but I had picked up some Blackbird hooks and I've kept that same pack in my boat for all these years - with his name on it. I walked up to his truck last weekend and with a brief introduction I tendered the hooks. To my surprise he remembered the event. Certainly this meant more to me than to Capt John but it puts the proper ending on the story of my first steelhead. To this day I try to pass the same good turn on down the line. -John G -Buffalo, NY

"Finally had an opportunity to keep good on my word last weekend to a top charter Captain (John Oravec - "Troutman") whom I've held in the very highest regard since reading his articles when I first started fishing 7 years ago. The flavor of his articles always struck me as coming from someone with a genuine interest in "sharing the fish" and promoting a favorable fishing experience for all - even those who may not be his clients. He had done me a good turn 5 or 6 years ago. I had recently bought the first boat of my life and a buddy and I were out for our second attempt at winter steelhead fishing on the lower Niagara River. We had been skunked on our first outing and were out of luck on our second. We had tried three different stores on the way to the launch but no one had egg sacks so we went with what we had. Unfortunately for us neither minnows or quickfish worked that day. We saw Captain John, with his happy clients, and numerous fish caught in the same waters we were fishing. I truthfully admitted to our tough luck. I knew who he was, and of his reputation, and that I had read his articles, but I didn't bring it up. He kindly suggested using egg sacks but we had none. Sensing my desperate disappointment, and not knowing that I had yet to catch my first winter steelhead, he simply reached into his pocket and gave us some of his own prepared sacks. I offered to pay him but he refused. I suggested that I would at least give him a pack of hooks or something the next time I saw him. Although he said "not necessary" I made a promise to myself to do so anyway. We fished some more and within no time at all I hooked up and caught a steely I will remember for the rest of my life - with a warm story to go with it. It took until last weekend to cross paths again. I never thought it would take so long but I had picked up some Blackbird hooks and I've kept that same pack in my boat for all these years - with his name on it. I walked up to his truck last weekend and with a brief introduction I tendered the hooks. To my surprise he remembered the event. Certainly this meant more to me than to Capt John but it puts the proper ending on the story of my first steelhead. To this day I try to pass the same good turn on down the line.

-John G -Buffalo, NY

I want to let you know that, speaking on behalf of all the Lynch men, we had a wonderful experience on the "Troutman." It is an experience that I had with my dad, my uncle and my son that I will never forget. It was an experience for my son that I know he will never forget. Everytime he talks about our weekend fishing trip and the fish he caught, his eyes sparkle and smiles more than I have ever seen him!!! The knowledge and professionalism that you possess is what makes a weekend fishing trip worth it all. Again, I want to thank you from all of us for a great weekend filled with great fishing and lots of memories!!!
Thanks again!!

Jeff

Fishing with John Oravec is like being invited behind the scenes of a Las Vegas magic show. You find out what you never expected to know, and when you're driving away with a cooler full of fish, you start to think that you too, could catch fish like John. It's only after a few days that the lessons of his hard work, dedication to a craft and extreme attention to the details of the moment sink in and you thank your lucky stars that you were fishing with a real pro.

Ken

Captain John:
As you can see from the first picture, Alexa thinks the whole world of you. You are the MAN, for the day you provided for us! I hope you enjoy the pictures as much as we enjoyed the entire experience. It's a whole lot different for me to get out with the family and my own guide, with NO clients and no pressures. I am truly thankful. I hope some of these pics get on the website, but, I'm just as happy to share them with you, my friend. I'm looking forward to another day on any water; in any weather, seeking our quarry. And as you can see in the one pic, with yours and Alexa's hats on sideways, I can still hear you both finishing your sentence, with, "word!". I never thought I would hear you doing rap. I will send all the pics in multiple mails. Keith Moon rolled over. John, always a pleasure, sir! With continued highest regards,

Rick

My wife and I have been fishing with Captain John nsince 1989.
We have always had excellent catches with him. He has always treated us fairly and courtesly. The first time we met Capt John was during Hurricane Hugo. Instead of taking us out to the end of the breakwall, Capt John bought us coffee and took us to the beach and we watched the waves breaking over the breakwall. He gave us our choice we could either receive our deposit back or roll it over to the next year. We opted to roll the deposit over and we are glad that we did. We have grown to know Capt John as the type of person who is fair, honest, and a totally capable Captain. I would not hesitate to recommend Capt John to anyone who enjoys fishing and wants a good deal for his buck.

ELH
Upstate NY