Daniel O’Neill

Daniel O’Neill is an Irish writer and professional angler, renowned for his extensive and diverse fishing portfolio.

His fishing adventures have taken him around the globe, from catching pufferfish in the Canary Islands to landing diamond sturgeon in Poland. One of his proudest accomplishments includes catching a shore-caught tope, often regarded as one of the UK’s toughest fishing feats. In addition to his personal achievements, Daniel has been an active participant in shark tagging programs, contributing to the conservation of shark species and advancing Irish marine conservation efforts.

Daniel’s expertise in predator species is vast—he has battled colossal Mekong catfish and arapaima in Thailand, as well as successfully landing giant trevally on the float. Specializing in sea bass, pike, and salmon on the fly, he is known for his dedication to challenging fish species. Yet, his all-time favorite remains the elusive mullet, considered the UK’s hardest-fighting fish pound for pound.

 

Articles written by Daniel O’Neill

bowfishing setup

Bowfishing Setup: Everything You Need to Know

Bowfishing in the Adirondack Region Bowfishing combines the precision of archery hunting with the thrill of fishing, offering an exciting way to hone your archery skills during the off-season. This dynamic sport provides an action-packed experience, especially when targeting carp, a species often regarded as a nuisance in many waters. With a high rate of […]

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great sacandaga lake fishing

Great Sacandaga Lake: History, Opportunities & Tips

History and Native American Influence The area now covered by Great Sacandaga Lake was once a thriving valley, nurtured by the Sacandaga River and its tributaries. This fertile environment provided an abundance of game and fish, making it a vital resource for the indigenous Native Americans who inhabited the region. They recognized this land as […]

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Camp Santanoni Historic Area

Camp Santanoni Historic Area: A Special Place

For many adventurers exploring the Adirondacks, a visit to Camp Santanoni in Newcomb is a must. As the only Adirondack Great Camp fully owned by the public, it welcomes visitors of all ages and abilities, including the young, elderly, physically fit, and those with disabilities. Its diverse accessibility makes it a truly inclusive destination. Nestled […]

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Seventh lake

Let’s Take a Paddle to Seventh Lake for Adirondack Photography

Enjoy a morning paddle on the serene Seventh Lake, where you can explore interesting bays, catch the sunrise, and experience calm waters. The forecast promises no wind and no rain, making it an ideal day for kayaking. Your journey begins at the public boat launch on Seventh Lake, located on Route 28 east of Inlet, […]

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How to Catch Bass in the Summer

How to Catch Bass in the Summer: Tips & Techniques

The Abundance of Bass in Adirondack Waters While the Adirondacks have long been celebrated for their exceptional trout and salmon fisheries, the region’s rich bass populations remain largely untapped. Adirondack waters are home to a significant number of bass, many of which grow to impressive sizes, making them a thrilling target for anglers. With a […]

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Loons in the Adirondacks

Loons in the Adirondacks: Anglers Help Needed!

Studying Common Loons in the Adirondack Park Since 1998, I have had the rare privilege of studying Common Loons in the Adirondack Park as part of the Biodiversity Research Institute’s Adirondack Center for Loon Conservation. Our research assesses the impact of environmental mercury pollution on loon populations, serving as an indicator of how mercury affects […]

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Trout Fishing Warren County NY

Trout Fishing Warren County NY: A Paradise for Anglers

Trout Fishing Warren County NY is an experience that promises both adventure and serenity. As a lifelong fly fisherman, the Adirondacks always have a place in my heart. The six-million-plus acre park offers seemingly limitless trout fishing possibilities, so many that it is hard to decide where to go. With the exception of the West […]

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adirondack canoeing

Amazing Adirondack Canoeing for Outdoor Enthusiasts

Adirondack Canoeing in History Let’s talk about canoeing in the Adirondacks. For centuries, the region’s lakes, ponds, and rivers have served as vital highways for travel, with the canoe being the primary mode of transportation. From Native Americans to early explorers and fur trappers, and later guides and sportsmen, canoes have played an essential role […]

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kayaking in the adirondacks

Kayak Fishing in the Adirondacks: Enjoy Life and Nature

Kayak Fishing the Adirondacks  For years, my adventures on the waterways of the Adirondacks were constrained by the need for a companion. Kayaking alone seemed daunting at first—hauling a canoe onto my vehicle was a physical challenge, and the thought of paddling long distances by myself often left me feeling exhausted before I even began. […]

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fishing for bullheads

Bullhead Fishing: Techniques and Tips

Bullhead fishing offers a rewarding challenge for anglers seeking an accessible yet reliable catch throughout much of the fishing season. While not as revered as trophy fish, bullhead are a cornerstone of freshwater fishing in many regions, providing steady action and a strong fight. Their preference for shallow, bottom-feeding areas in lakes, ponds, and rivers […]

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How to Catch Yellow Perch

Yellow Perch Fishing: Simple Techniques and Tips

How to Catch Yellow Perch: Simple Techniques and Tips Yellow perch are common across Adirondack waters and are especially active in spring, when rising water temperatures trigger spawning. During this time, they move into shallow bays and tributaries, making them easier to locate and catch. Their abundance and excellent taste make them a top target […]

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A brook trout swimming in a tank.

Brook Trout – Identification, Habitat, Tips, Techniques

Brook trout thrive in New York State’s clear streams and lakes. Explore top fishing spots, seasonal insights, and proven techniques to catch this iconic fish.

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fly fishing for lake trout

Fly Fishing for Lake Trout: Techniques and Other Considerations

As a lifelong fly angler, I’ve always been on the lookout for new challenges, and fly fishing for lake trout became an exciting prospect. A few years ago, when I changed jobs, some of my new colleagues spoke enthusiastically about their annual spring fishing trip. They mentioned that the smelt would run up the tributaries […]

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Two men holding large striped bass.

Nantucket Fishing: the Great Point Lighthouse

Fishing In Nantucket Nantucket, with its Native American name meaning “Faraway Land,” lives up to its reputation as an idyllic escape. Just 30 miles off the coast of Massachusetts, the island offers a peaceful retreat from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. Its cobblestone streets, charming seaside cottages, and largely untouched landscapes create an […]

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Bucktail Fly

Bucktail Fly for Spring Adirondack Brook Trout Fishing

Bucktail Fly, Modern Tactics on Iconic Trout Streams When you visit a famous trout stream like the Ausable River in New York’s Adirondack Park, you’ll notice many anglers using “thingamabobber” strike indicators, especially during early spring when major hatches haven’t started yet. I often join them, fishing with heavy nymph rigs when my goal is […]

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Raquette Lake NY

South Inlet Raquette Lake NY is a Great Paddling Destination

A paddler enjoys the scenery on the South Inlet to Raquette Lake. A Typical Spring Morning A typical morning at the South Inlet to Raquette Lake, NY, in late spring or summer is a picturesque scene that epitomizes tranquility. The sun’s early rays shimmer on the wide, peaceful waters, illuminating clusters of lily pads that […]

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drop shot rigs for bass

Drop Shot Rigs for Bass

Several years ago, when I first heard about the fishing technique called “drop shot rigs for bass,” I couldn’t help but laugh. It reminded me of my first fishing trip to Lake George with my uncle when I was just ten years old. We fished the rocky ledges around Tongue Mountain using center-hooked night crawlers […]

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trolling for trout

Trolling for Trout: Tips for Success

Trolling for trout is a simple and effective way to cover water and find fish, especially on quiet mountain ponds and lakes. Early in the morning, when the water is calm and the shoreline is still, it’s a great time to get started. A fisherman paddling a canoe or kayak can slowly work along the […]

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Moss Lake NY

Moss Lake NY Is A Great Place For Outdoor Enthusiasts

Moss Lake NY, situated between the communities of Inlet and Old Forge, is an idyllic spot for outdoor enthusiasts looking for a peaceful escape without venturing too far. Just three miles off Route 28, near Eagle Bay, this small yet picturesque lake offers a variety of activities including kayaking, hiking, fishing, and Adirondack primitive camping. […]

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trophy walleye

Deep Water Trophy Walleye

Deep Water Trophy Walleye Fishing in Henderson Harbor A History of Henderson Harbor Since the time of the first European explorers, Henderson Harbor has been recognized as a safe haven for travelers, both on land and water. Samuel de Champlain first marveled at the area’s beauty in 1615, and it has remained one of the […]

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Hilts jr – Yablonsky bar laker in a small fishing boat

Captain Matt Yablonsky’s Spring Trolling Techniques

Size Can Matter for Spring Trolling Techniques When spring arrives and the waters begin to warm, bass fishing heats up, and that’s when size matters—at least when it comes to boats. Smaller boats can be a game-changer during the early spring bass season, offering a variety of benefits that make fishing not only more effective […]

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Two anglers show off a pike caught while spring fishing the St. Lawrence River

Fishing The St. Lawrence River

Making the Most of Spring Fishing the St. Lawrence River The St. Lawrence River is renowned for its diverse aquatic life and stunning scenery, but like most waterways, it has specific seasons that offer the best fishing opportunities. One of the prime times to cast a line is during early spring, when the river comes […]

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Fall bass taken taken with a Wake bait.

Wake Baits For Fall Bass Fishing

Fall Bass Fishing Tips For The Lake Ontario Tributaries As September arrives, many anglers eagerly turn their attention to the fall salmon run in the numerous tributaries of Lake Ontario. This seasonal transition ignites a passion for fishing, transforming ordinary individuals into excited anglers on the quest for trophy catches. However, my friends and I […]

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This angler posing with a monster caught by following Jay Peck's fall fishing tips.

Fall Fishing Tips for Salmon, Steelhead and Browns

The Fall Salmon Run It’s that exciting time of year again—the fall salmon run. Anglers across New York are gearing up for what promises to be another thrilling season. Last year’s run was marked by unusually low water flow, which presented both challenges and triumphs. This year, however, brings a new set of obstacles that […]

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4 anglers on a charter boat with their impressive king salmon make the case to keep lake fishing in the fall.

The Benefits of Lake Fishing In The Fall

Keep Your Boat in the Water: The Case for Fall Fishing on Lake Ontario As the summer season wraps up and anglers wrap up their successful salmon fishing trips in Lake Ontario, many charter captains start to think about pulling their boats and winterizing them for the colder months. However, Captain Ryan Williamson, a seasoned […]

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pacific salmon fly fishing catch close up in a net

Lake Ontario’s Pacific Salmon Fly Fishing

A Pacific Salmon Fly Fishing Trip I was on a solo drift trip down the Salmon River, a Lake Ontario Tributary, in the Great Lakes Region of New York, in my kick boat when I found a good spot to pull over and fly fish a side channel off of the main flow. I tied […]

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angler holding a nice brown trout caught while fishing on Seneca Lake

Spring Fishing On Seneca Lake

Planning Some Spring Fishing On Seneca Lake Planning a spring fishing trip on Seneca Lake felt like a long time coming. Living on Port Bay in Wayne County, with Lake Ontario practically in my backyard and the Finger Lakes just an hour away, I’m surrounded by some of the best fishing waters in New York. […]

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two anglers admiring their catch while fall steelhead fishing

Fall Steelhead Fishing With Salmon and Trout Eggs

Gluttons for Trout and Salmon Eggs Fall steelhead fishing is a high-energy experience, drawing anglers who thrive on the challenge of hooking these powerful fish at their peak season. As salmon and brown trout spawn, streams become filled with loose eggs scattered along the bottom, creating an easy food source for steelhead. Without the usual […]

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A football brown caught on the tributaries of Lake Ontario while brown trout fishing.

Brown Trout Fishing on the Tributaries

Lake Ontario Tributary Species Each fall, the tributaries of Lake Ontario become a magnet for anglers seeking trophy fishing opportunities. While the main draw is often the chance to land a thirty-pound king salmon, many enthusiasts also pursue steelhead, the occasional coho, and even Atlantic salmon. Though these species garner a lot of attention, brown […]

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This angler shows off his large catch while on a guided muskie fishing trip.

The Best Guided Muskie Fishing Trips and Tips

The Niagara and St. Lawrence rivers are renowned as some of the top destinations for guided muskie fishing trips, attracting anglers from around the globe. These rivers boast a rich history of producing impressive numbers of muskies, including some truly massive specimens. However, in recent years, the muskie populations in both rivers have not been […]

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Angler holding up a bass caught with the alabama rig.

The Alabama Rig (aka Umbrella Rig)

After Paul Elias won the FLW Lake Guntersville Bass Tournament in 2011 using the Alabama Rig, it garnered nationwide attention, and I, like many other anglers, found myself immediately intrigued. As a competitive tournament bass angler, I’m always searching for innovative techniques to help me catch more and larger bass. The Alabama Rig seemed like […]

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angler holding a large king salmon caught with careful consideration on the choice of flies for salmon fishing.

The Best Flies For Salmon Fishing

The Best Flies For Salmon Fishing – Chinook Salmon Fly Box When discussing king salmon fishing, I often emphasize the importance of reading the water and mastering fly presentation—two crucial skills for achieving success. However, it’s time to delve into a more intriguing topic: my personal preferences for flies when targeting salmon. Please note that […]

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Two anglers holding up huge catches they made on the Lake Ontario Shipping Lanes.

Fishing the Lake Ontario Shipping Lanes

  Imagine a wonderland of Lake Ontario fishing where King salmon, Lake trout, Brown trout and Steelhead all exist in the same general area- just stratified at different levels of the water column! How To Find The Lake Ontario Shipping Lanes For years, I’ve engaged in conversations with fellow fishermen about the Lake Ontario Shipping […]

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An angler holding a big salmon caught during the early Salmon River run.

When to Fish The Early Salmon River Run

Experience The Salmon River Run I don’t want to start this article by sounding like an old-timer, but at the risk of doing just that, here goes. Anyone who has spent years fishing the tributaries of Lake Ontario will tell you how much things change and evolve over time. Unfortunately, many of these discussions tend […]

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Other Authors

Dr. Nina Schoch has been a leading conservationist in the Adirondacks since the 1990s and created the Adirondack Loon Program in 2001. Her work involves research, organizing volunteer efforts, and publicity to create public awareness...

Joe Hackett is a licensed guide and owner/operator of Tahawus Ltd, a year-round Adirondack guide service. He regularly writes columns in several Adirondack newspapers and freelances for many outdoor publications.

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Sue Kiesel is a professional photographer who loves all seasons and all aspects of the Adirondacks. She has won numerous awards for her photos and has had them in many exhibits and publications. She has...