TMTF – Chestnut Ridge Park

June 28, 2025

Event Participants

A total of 97 participants were onsite at the Chestnut Ridge TMFT event with 93 youths and 4 adults. Prizes of fishing poles or tackle boxes were awarded to all youths. 

There were a whopping 101 fish caught. The biggest fish, a 15.5″ black bass, was caught by 9 year old Ashley McGinnis.  Anna Xu, 7 years old, caught an amazing 15 bluegills!  Special recognition to 7 year old Donovan Vater who caught 7 fish and a snapping turtle, and 9 year old Lucas Frankenberger who caught 3 fish and a snapping turtle.

** (All turtles were safely released.) **

Learning Opportunities

Each participant attended learning stations for casting, plastic baits, knot tying, fish identification, and where to fish in WNY.

Once a learning station was completed, the card was punched to acknowledge training was complete.

Punch cards are turned in after all stations are visited.  Prizes are awarded to kids 15 and under to encourage fishing in the future.

WNY is fortunate to have bountiful waterways, including the best Walleye fishing in the world located at Lake Erie. 

Event Volunteers

Thanks to all our volunteers:
Andrew Mele (NYSDEC Wildlife Intern), Bailey Niespodzinski (NYSDEC Fishing Education Intern), Becky Avery, Bob Avery, Brian Schoenle, Don Lombardo, Tim Machnica (NYSDEC ECO), Lt. Shea Matthis (NYSDEC ECO), Evie Derry, Gary Huber, James Chase Sr., Jean Huber, Jerry Gorski, Joe Fischer, Joe McAdams, Matt Basista (NYSDEC Fisheries Technician), Mike Todd (NYS DEC Aquatic Biologist), Pat Gorski, Paul Zak, Stephanie Schelble (NYSDEC Public Participation Specialist), Tom Fischer, Patty Smith, Jeff Jondle, Greg Stromecki, Thom Rozler, George Rockey, Jack Coad, Rick Young, Don Pionessa, Lt. Shawn McAdams (Cheektowaga Police Department) and Boy Scout Troop 1910 with Scoutmaster Jeff Rozler, Asst. Scoutmaster Brian Comerford and scouts Nick Matthewsin, Patrick Comerford, Will Comerford and Jack Comerford.

Milk snake family enjoying a nice day.

Former President Jeff Jondle explains the finer points of using plastic baits to an attentive listener.

Lucky snapping turtle carefully released.

Very large snapping turtle keeping an eye on everyone fishing from the platform.

3 year old Madison celebrates a successful knot.

Lifetime license winner Hayden listens to former President Jeff Jondle with her sister Madison and dad Aaron, also a lifetime license holder.

This bobber eating pine is a relative of the kite eating tree that plagued Charlie Brown.

The snapping turtle patiently awaits release.

Another happy participant of TMTF with her new Zebco 404 outfit.

Lifetime license winner Hayden with sister Madison looking for the turtle under the watchful eye of their dad.

Madison is all smiles after learning how to cast from DEC Intern Bailey.

An enjoyable moment.

Lifetime license winner Hayden successfully retrieved the plastic fish after careful tutoring from Matt of the DEC.

TMTF Co-Chair Bob Avery jumped in to help with knot tying after Don "knots" Lombardo was injured.

Madison is all smiles with her very first fish caught off the platform.

The large fishing platform had plenty of room to accommodate everyone.

Sarah and family enjoying a great day of fishing.

Older brother helping to remove a tangle.

Brennan can't wait to try his new Zebco 404 combo!

Lifetime license winner Hayden and sister Madison show off the latest in water safety gear.

Kyle and cousin Hayden proudly show off their catch.

Cousins Ryan, Kyle, Hayden and Madison pose with their participation awards courtesy of the Erie County Federation of Sportsmens Clubs.

Director and volunteer Don Pionessa keeping watch on platform fishers.

Sammy displays just one of his catches of the day.

DEC Participation Specialist Stefanie discusses water structure awareness when casting.

DEC Intern Bailey helping 3 year old Madison to use a fishing pole.

DEC Biologist Mike Todd engages a attentive participant.

DEC Biologist Mike Todd instructs on local fish species.

3 year old Madison is all ears for DEC Intern Bailey.

Kody says these UV rated sunglasses work great.

The Commissioner's Cabin was the perfect place for learning where to fish, how to tie a knot and how to use plastic bait.

Former President Jeff Jondle has the attention of two young anglers.

Madison gives DEC Intern Bailey a high five after completing the casting learning station.

Madison is ready to try a cast.

Lifetime license winner Hayden is perfecting her cast while cousins Ryan and Kyle work on theirs with volunteer Jerry Gorski.

Mom and daughter looking very happy.

Troop 1910 Scout Master Jeff Rozler measured 101 fish entries!

Lifetime license holder Ryan displaying one of many catches of the day.

Ryan and Kyle on the platform.

DEC Fisheries Technician Matt Basista carefully releasing a snapping turtle.

Casting in action...

Kyle with a nice panfish.

Registration was a busy spot as participants were anxious to start the program.

Casting station with Matt, Jerry and Bailey helping to learn how to cast.

DEC Fisheries Technician verifies a snapping turtle on the line.

Drone shot of the pond near the Commissioner's Cabin taken by Lt. Shawn McAdams.

Drone shot of the fishing platform take by Lt. Shawn McAdams.

Erie County Federation of Sportsmen’s Clubs
Conservation Education for Future Generations