Just got done with a 13 hour shift plowing the streets of Buffalo and now I’m chilling in front of the fire with a beer, my bulldog and my new favorite channel. Definitely going to start snorkeling lakes and ponds this summer!!
Nice work putting in all those hours! The streets of Buffalo are safer thanks to you. That sounds like the perfect way to spend a post work evening! And I’m stoked that you are going to start freshwater snorkeling in the summer- let me know how it goes!!! Thank you for your comment too.
Yes we do! Lake Champlain has a good number of them I feel because every time I’m in the water I always end up getting one. I don’t mind them though because I know how important they are for the food web and ecosystem!
@@grahammontague Last time I fished near Roger's Rock, I was surprised how effective the brown colored Gulp Bait crayfish worked. I think they were just as good, if not better, than live bait. About 60' of water, grassy bottom.
@ this is great fishing advice and I will have to check out the Gulp Bait crayfish out. Thank you! I love catching smallmouth bass- they are amazing fighters!
That soft shell turtle was awesome! I'd love to see some footage of you exploring Law Island. There's gotta be some good snakes and amphibians on there. Abandoned towns are always so interesting. The mystery of Law Island lives on!
I loved the softshell turtle too! That’s a great idea- I’d love to explore it too. Maybe it has its own distinct species? The Law island softshell turtle? Thanks JJ when you come back and visit we will explore it together!
@@grahammontague Isn't the water too cold for snakes in Vermont? I figure if you need a wetsuit with 98.6 body temp then a snake would die within minutes of being in that water. It's why you'll never see a snake in my lake.
@ the snake abundance is very low in Vermont. I have caught a few garter snakes in Vermont but they are not that common as other places in the United States. You are right- snakes prefer warmer weather and Vermont is relatively cold (especially in the water) so they are overall less common.
@ good to know, thank you for sharing this info! I have seen some snakes swim in colder water too. I used to live in Oklahoma and in the winter when the water temperature got decently cold I caught a coachwhip from a boat in the middle of a lake (the water temp must have been below 60 degrees Fahrenheit). Michigan is beautiful by the way!!!
I had a leech on my lip once to. I thought I cut my lip on something, and I kept licking it when I took my snorkel out. Didn’t figure out what it was until I got back to the car and looked in the mirror!
Haha I had a similar reaction as you. This was my first time having them on my lip and it was such a weird experience. I think they numb the area where they are sucking also- so I couldn’t really feel them until I felt it with my fingers. I guess it’s the price we pay for snorkeling!!
The soft shell turtle was the highlight for me too. I wish I could have gotten more footage of it but it was so fast and I lost it in the sand. Thanks for watching and happy holidays!
I knew that there were leeches in the smaller VT ponds but I didn't realize they would be in Lake Champlain...don't know why I thought that. I've been in the lake a few times and never encountered them....but I think you just cured me of ever going back in.
I hope that you still swim in Lake Champlain! I think I got those because I was in thick vegetation (cattails) and in very shallow water. The sandy beaches (North Beach and Sand Bar state park) should hopefully have fewer leeches!! Thanks for watching!
I didn't know lake Champlain was full of these leeches, yuck! It's really cool to see what's in the water though! thank you for cleaning it up as well.
I think the leeches are more abundant in the shallow areas with lots of vegetation. So if you go to a sandy beach- that might not have as many. Thank you for watching and I will continue to clean the lake!!
It is an island on Lake Champlain near the Colchester causeway that has first come first serve camping. You need to paddle or boat out to the island to do this. It used to be owned by people who had a house on it but it was torn down and now there are remnants of the house still there. It is a beautiful island and I will have to camp there one day!
The visibility was solid and I was happy with it! I have heard of 15’ visibility days on Lake Champlain and I would love to snorkel on a day like that. Thanks for watching and happy snorkeling!
@@scottklandl488 sounds like I need to snorkel in the middle of winter then haha! Theres nothing better than a clear water day on Champlain though. Thanks for commenting!
@grahammontague tight lines always! Also leeches make great bait! No surprise the only ones that got you were that small, clearly a very lively eco system!
@ I have fished with leeches a few times in Ohio for Red ear sunfish and they worked great!! You are right- the small ones are always more feisty compared to the football sized ones. Happy holidays!
I find leeches almost every time I snorkel and/or fish. They have an affinity for me haha and always are getting me. Some leeches can get way bigger than the ones on my lips in this video. I made a video a while back where I saw a leech in a beaver pond that was swimming. Leeches are an important species in a pond/lake ecosystem because they act as a prey source to fish, amphibians, and reptiles. They also break down/consume decaying organic material so they clean up the pond. So- leeches actually have alot of benefit!!
Haha maybe I just eat too much ice cream so I taste sweet! The Chapstick trick is a great tip, I will give it a try next time I snorkel. Thank you for watching and Happy Holidays!
@@grahammontague I read that leeches are also out less in the middle of the day vs dawn/dusk but I think you're already doing a lot of your filming closer to noon
@ good to know. Yeah I usually film in the middle of the day. However- I have been doing some night snorkeling and that has been fun too! Thankfully no leeches then too!
Unfortunately not this time! I am always looking for Champ, I know she’s out there somewhere!!! I have to start carrying a fish carcass with me to entice her to come by me.
Thank you! It was definitely a beer can graveyard in those reeds. I was using a GoPro Hero 9 for this video. I recently upgraded to a GoPro Hero 13 and I love it.
Indeed very cool vid! There’s nothing like « dipping » in it to understand it and appreciate it. These videos show people what a lake really is. Great job and please do continue to do these (even with these leeches around).
Thank you for the awesome comment! You’re inspiring me to continue to make these videos. I really appreciate the positivity. I have some more snorkeling videos from this summer that I can’t wait to post- so stay tuned. Happy snorkeling!!
Maybe after all of the leech bites you developed a tolerance? Every time I get bit, I get a reaction- so maybe I need to get more often haha! Thanks for the comment!
I agree, I don’t understand why people feel the need to throw their trash in the lake. So I always try to clean up at least one piece of trash each time I’m outside.
I have many opinions about medicine and leeches that people may not agree with. They used to employ them for bloodletting in the past. People had high salt content due to it being used as a preservative. Bloodletting to reduce high blood pressure might be a better choice than risking brain damage from a stroke. I feel like medicine has led us away from cures and into treating symptoms.
@grahammontague gosh it's been many many years, but I remember distinctly hearing and reading about somebody in Colchester Bay when I was doing some tree work there a long time ago having a lamprey actually attached to some swimmers leg or at least attempt to.
@ haha thankfully we don’t have alligators/crocodiles… that is funny you suggested lake Willoughby- I just had another person comment that they love that lake. It is on my bucket list for next summer and I will make a video on it! Thanks again!
They are both very annoying that’s for sure. I also hate when you are walking through the tall grass that inevitably you will get a tick on you. My dogs get them all the time too. Hope you can still enjoy the outdoors!!!
Just got done with a 13 hour shift plowing the streets of Buffalo and now I’m chilling in front of the fire with a beer, my bulldog and my new favorite channel. Definitely going to start snorkeling lakes and ponds this summer!!
Nice work putting in all those hours! The streets of Buffalo are safer thanks to you. That sounds like the perfect way to spend a post work evening! And I’m stoked that you are going to start freshwater snorkeling in the summer- let me know how it goes!!! Thank you for your comment too.
Great video ! I loved seeing the turtle and the fish 🐟
Thank you, there will be more snorkeling videos in the future! It’s always a great day of snorkeling when you can see pretty fish AND a turtle!
You have leeches in Vermont? I would've thought the water would have been too cold, but I guess it comes
down to the humidity that hosts them.
Yes we do! Lake Champlain has a good number of them I feel because every time I’m in the water I always end up getting one. I don’t mind them though because I know how important they are for the food web and ecosystem!
Looks like some good bass fishing in those shallows. Crayfish always worked well for me in Lake Geo.
Yes- there were some football sized ones there. Did you use live crayfish or artificial?
@@grahammontague Last time I fished near Roger's Rock, I was surprised how effective the brown colored Gulp Bait crayfish worked. I think they were just as good, if not better, than live bait. About 60' of water, grassy bottom.
@ this is great fishing advice and I will have to check out the Gulp Bait crayfish out. Thank you! I love catching smallmouth bass- they are amazing fighters!
That soft shell turtle was awesome! I'd love to see some footage of you exploring Law Island. There's gotta be some good snakes and amphibians on there. Abandoned towns are always so interesting. The mystery of Law Island lives on!
I loved the softshell turtle too! That’s a great idea- I’d love to explore it too. Maybe it has its own distinct species? The Law island softshell turtle? Thanks JJ when you come back and visit we will explore it together!
@@grahammontague Isn't the water too cold for snakes in Vermont? I figure if you need a wetsuit with
98.6 body temp then a snake would die within minutes of being in that water. It's why you'll never see a
snake in my lake.
@ the snake abundance is very low in Vermont. I have caught a few garter snakes in Vermont but they are not that common as other places in the United States. You are right- snakes prefer warmer weather and Vermont is relatively cold (especially in the water) so they are overall less common.
I live in Michigan and have seen snakes swim in 50 degree water.
@ good to know, thank you for sharing this info! I have seen some snakes swim in colder water too. I used to live in Oklahoma and in the winter when the water temperature got decently cold I caught a coachwhip from a boat in the middle of a lake (the water temp must have been below 60 degrees Fahrenheit). Michigan is beautiful by the way!!!
Lovely fish.
I loved following that largemouth bass around- it was almost like she was trying to lead me through the reeds. Thanks for watching!
Another great video
Thank you! I have more snorkeling videos coming out in the future including some night snorkeling ones!
I had a leech on my lip once to. I thought I cut my lip on something, and I kept licking it when I took my snorkel out. Didn’t figure out what it was until I got back to the car and looked in the mirror!
Haha I had a similar reaction as you. This was my first time having them on my lip and it was such a weird experience. I think they numb the area where they are sucking also- so I couldn’t really feel them until I felt it with my fingers. I guess it’s the price we pay for snorkeling!!
Love that soft shell turtle 🐢
The soft shell turtle was the highlight for me too. I wish I could have gotten more footage of it but it was so fast and I lost it in the sand. Thanks for watching and happy holidays!
I knew that there were leeches in the smaller VT ponds but I didn't realize they would be in Lake Champlain...don't know why I thought that. I've been in the lake a few times and never encountered them....but I think you just cured me of ever going back in.
I hope that you still swim in Lake Champlain! I think I got those because I was in thick vegetation (cattails) and in very shallow water. The sandy beaches (North Beach and Sand Bar state park) should hopefully have fewer leeches!! Thanks for watching!
I didn't know lake Champlain was full of these leeches, yuck! It's really cool to see what's in the water though! thank you for cleaning it up as well.
I think the leeches are more abundant in the shallow areas with lots of vegetation. So if you go to a sandy beach- that might not have as many. Thank you for watching and I will continue to clean the lake!!
@@grahammontague They stay in the shallows because they're scared of old Champy.
@ hahaha old champy is lurking out there. Hopefully I can meet her one day and she comes in peace!!!
@@grahammontague Maybe she's one of your subscribers
@@LeslieField-k1u haha now that would be a dream come true!!
Very cool! Thanks for the share. Too bad about all of that garbage
I was bummed about the garbage too, but was happy to do my part and clean some of it up. Thank you for watching and commenting- happy holidays!
Many thanks!
Many thanks to you for watching! I appreciate you commenting to let me know you liked the video. There’s more to come!
I am surprised you didn’t see any big common carp in there. With all the tributaries coming into that lake, you would think they would be in there.
I was surprised too. I snorkeled in Converse Bay and saw some nice big common carp there. I will post that video soon! Thanks for watching!!
Another great day in the water
I’m with JJ
Softshell turtles are fantastic!!
And yeah,
What’s with the island?
It is an island on Lake Champlain near the Colchester causeway that has first come first serve camping. You need to paddle or boat out to the island to do this. It used to be owned by people who had a house on it but it was torn down and now there are remnants of the house still there. It is a beautiful island and I will have to camp there one day!
4’ visibility ! You caught it in a good day!
The visibility was solid and I was happy with it! I have heard of 15’ visibility days on Lake Champlain and I would love to snorkel on a day like that. Thanks for watching and happy snorkeling!
It’s a classic joke. I’d say 3-4 is average 5-6 is great. 2-3 is often
I’ve never seen 15. Maybe in the middle of the lake In the winter
@@scottklandl488 sounds like I need to snorkel in the middle of winter then haha! Theres nothing better than a clear water day on Champlain though. Thanks for commenting!
I had never heard of a tench before. Apparently they are from Europe and invasive to North American waters.
Thank you for the information. I did not know what they were either until I moved to Vermont. These were pretty big!!
I had to look it up because I’ve been fishing a very long time and have never heard of it. It’s a European relative of the carp.
@ you are right! Sounds like you need to make a trip to Lake Champlain to catch one!
Yeah i caught one during the summer and that was surprising for me
@@notthere129 that’s awesome you caught one! How’d you catch it? Doughballs on bottom?
I have the same reaction to leech bites.
Dang, I’m sorry to hear that. My reaction didn’t go down for about two days after and they were very itchy. Maybe we are somewhat allergic?
I hate swimming but I love fishing and it was great to see things from the fish's point of view!!
I am glad you enjoyed the video and thank you for commenting. I love fishing too- tight lines!!!
@grahammontague tight lines always! Also leeches make great bait! No surprise the only ones that got you were that small, clearly a very lively eco system!
@ I have fished with leeches a few times in Ohio for Red ear sunfish and they worked great!! You are right- the small ones are always more feisty compared to the football sized ones. Happy holidays!
@grahammontague likewise bud!
very cool, keep it up
Thank you very much! Comments like these encourage me to continue making videos and sharing my snorkeling experiences!
sup graham, do you ever find leaches??
nvm saw the leech in the video, still curious i thought they were massive sluggs and 10x bigger
and are they good for anything in ponds/lakes?
and congrats on 1k subs brotha
love watching luke @outdoor boys and this is right there with it.
I find leeches almost every time I snorkel and/or fish. They have an affinity for me haha and always are getting me. Some leeches can get way bigger than the ones on my lips in this video. I made a video a while back where I saw a leech in a beaver pond that was swimming. Leeches are an important species in a pond/lake ecosystem because they act as a prey source to fish, amphibians, and reptiles. They also break down/consume decaying organic material so they clean up the pond. So- leeches actually have alot of benefit!!
Thank you so much. I am pumped for this milestone and am excited to keep making videos for you all. Thanks for watching and supporting me- you rock!!!
5:30 The downside of being too tasty. They can't attach to skin if it's coated with Vaseline; something like Chapstick might work too.
Haha maybe I just eat too much ice cream so I taste sweet! The Chapstick trick is a great tip, I will give it a try next time I snorkel. Thank you for watching and Happy Holidays!
@@grahammontague You too. Most people cover reef diving but I like how you find beauty in the freshwater.
@@grahammontague I read that leeches are also out less in the middle of the day vs dawn/dusk but I think you're already doing a lot of your filming closer to noon
@ good to know. Yeah I usually film in the middle of the day. However- I have been doing some night snorkeling and that has been fun too! Thankfully no leeches then too!
No Champ?
Unfortunately no, but I was looking! I think I need to bring her a peace offering next time- maybe an entire fish or meatloaf?
So you didn't bump into Champ?
Unfortunately not this time! I am always looking for Champ, I know she’s out there somewhere!!! I have to start carrying a fish carcass with me to entice her to come by me.
you better be careful there is a monster in that lake!
Haha I haven’t seen Champ yet… but I’m hoping to one day! Hopefully she comes in peace. Thanks for watching!
@@grahammontague keep a camera on you will make bank! 👍
@ haha hopefully she doesn’t send off any acoustic waves that disrupt the camera’s ability to record!!
i think that was a soft shell turtle
Yes it was! Incredible how fast the turtle was. I think it was stirring up the sand so it was better camouflaged to escape!
Nice footage, lot's of beer cans...lot's of fish. What camera do you use? Thx!
Thank you! It was definitely a beer can graveyard in those reeds. I was using a GoPro Hero 9 for this video. I recently upgraded to a GoPro Hero 13 and I love it.
@@grahammontague well at least it's not a real graveyard...;-)
@@vicbanks9079 haha now that would be spooky!!!
Double lip leech is nuts haha
Haha it was brutal! My lips were swollen for the rest of the day. It is funny that they go for the lips too, I wonder why?
@@grahammontague haha that’s always where I find them on fish too. Mostly on bass
@@topwaterted2749 interesting… I guess they thought I was one big bass!!
Indeed very cool vid! There’s nothing like « dipping » in it to understand it and appreciate it. These videos show people what a lake really is. Great job and please do continue to do these (even with these leeches around).
Thank you for the awesome comment! You’re inspiring me to continue to make these videos. I really appreciate the positivity. I have some more snorkeling videos from this summer that I can’t wait to post- so stay tuned. Happy snorkeling!!
i remember diving in the river and sitting the falls and getting my legs covered in thousands of leech babies.. they dont bother me any more
Maybe after all of the leech bites you developed a tolerance? Every time I get bit, I get a reaction- so maybe I need to get more often haha! Thanks for the comment!
nice vid
Thank you very much! I will have more snorkeling videos in the future!
leeches really like going for lips apparently
Haha I wonder if it’s because the skin is thinner there and they can suck the blood easier? Regardless, I swelled up after the bites!
Kinda sad to see how much trash some folks leave behind 😔
I agree, I don’t understand why people feel the need to throw their trash in the lake. So I always try to clean up at least one piece of trash each time I’m outside.
Didn’t see “Champ”?
Haha I wish I saw her, but no I didn’t. I’m keeping my eyes out for her though- I’d love to see her beauty!!
Look out for loch ness .
Haha I am always keeping my eyes peeled for a lake monster! Hopefully the beast will come in peace
wow 1:20 lurkers
I know, how cool were those tench! I didn’t even notice them until they came into the video. So cool!
Steele reserve!!!!
Yes! I was surprised to find one of their cans- I have never seen one snorkeling yet!
I have many opinions about medicine and leeches that people may not agree with. They used to employ them for bloodletting in the past. People had high salt content due to it being used as a preservative. Bloodletting to reduce high blood pressure might be a better choice than risking brain damage from a stroke. I feel like medicine has led us away from cures and into treating symptoms.
I would let a leech drink my blood everyday of the week if it prevented a stroke or reduced my blood pressure! It’s mother natures medicine!
lip leeches god damma!
Hahaha that was my thoughts exactly!
@grahammontague gosh it's been many many years, but I remember distinctly hearing and reading about somebody in Colchester Bay when I was doing some tree work there a long time ago having a lamprey actually attached to some swimmers leg or at least attempt to.
@ woah, now that was be horrible. And I thought leeches were bad haha
@@grahammontague too many species in champlain seem to love warm blooded targets! Great video thx for doing this. Would you do one in willoughby?
@ haha thankfully we don’t have alligators/crocodiles… that is funny you suggested lake Willoughby- I just had another person comment that they love that lake. It is on my bucket list for next summer and I will make a video on it! Thanks again!
I hate leeches. Not as much as I hate ticks though
They are both very annoying that’s for sure. I also hate when you are walking through the tall grass that inevitably you will get a tick on you. My dogs get them all the time too. Hope you can still enjoy the outdoors!!!
Awesome video! Interesting as always. Leeches aren't fun dude.
Thank you as always!!! I agree- those leeches were absolutely brutal. It’s the price you pay snorkeling haha
@@grahammontague Surprised the leeches got to your lips. Crazy!
Just finished pool snorkeling!
@ I know I couldn’t believe it either. Maybe the skin is the thinnest on the lips so they can more easily suck the blood?
@ very nice! How’d it go? I need to do this also and get my lungs back haha
you needed your full face mask
Haha I know right! That would have prevented the leeches on my lips!
Those leeches were brutal luckily I’ve never dealt with any in NWCT knock on wood good vid
Haha yeah they got me good! Thanks for watching and happy snorkeling!!!