fishnsled

Can't help you first hand but the satellite image from yesterday is showing Big Bay ice covered for the most part. The rest of the BOQ looks pretty much open but can't say for sure. http://coastwatch.glerl.noaa.gov/modis/modis.php?region=o&page=1&template=sub&image=a1.15102.1732.LakeOntario.143.250m.jpg

Priceless memories there Simon, though you have a ton of them with your family. And very well documented with pics and video.

Awesome fish Bunk and a great review on the reel. Always appreciate an unbiased opinion.

I'm sure that Mike can help you out with your needs. A buddy of mine is pretty much looking at a similar trip as yours with his family. Mike had some great information and recommendations to suit his needs. Some great suggestions by the others here as well. I've always felt that half of the adventure was the drive up and back. Never know what you'll see along the way. I personally enjoy the drive to these destinations.

Great report Cliff, a fun one to read. Enjoyed a nice roast beef and mayo sandwich for lunch today....lol! Rubin is one hell of a guy and I'd give him the shirt off my back as he would do the same. A great friend to have. Joe covered it well although I think Rubin gave us a yard or more to get us started. LOL! We'll put you back on Roti duty for the next trip Rubes. A special thanks to Dennis and his crew at http://icebungalows.com/ . Nice comfortable huts and the service was great! The visit from the local baker (aka "The Cake Lady") was awesome! The carrot cake was to die for! A great weekend as always!! That is easily achieved with this group regardless of the fishing. Looking forward to the next one!! Cheers!

Mono backing, 30 pound I think, break 2-3 inches of the lead off leaving it hollow. Insert the mono into the sheathing up the lead and crazy glue it. Been doing that since I first started using leadcore and it has never let go. (Thanks to Headhunter for this tip) Walleye to kings have not broken the joint. it's simple to do and the water fleas have not been an issue with the heavier mono. They may not be a problem with the braid either but can't personally say. I know the fleas hate the leadcore and don't grab on from my experiences with using it. OI always have at least one leadcore line out in the summer.

Have no idea Will but likely not a sealion. lol. Something dragging it's belly anyways. Found lots of different tracks out there and couldn't tell ya what 90% of them were. I was going to say Mr. Snuffleupagus dragging his trunk but figured I had a better chance with a sealion. lol! Always cool to come across something new in your adventures. Cool report as always Bunk!!

Great report Bunk! Another beautiful part of the province that so few will ever see, thanks for sharing. As for the track in the snow, I'd say beaver but that is just a guess. Maybe a sealion?

I came across a 6hp long shaft a couple of years ago and put that on my 17fter. (which would be in the ballpark of the weight of your boat) I was concerned about the power to push the boat around as I was using a 9.9ph short shaft. To my surprise the 6hp works like a charm. Trolls down nice and has enough power on the choppy days to move you around just fine. By choppy I'm taking about a 2-3ft chop, much more than that and I really don't like to be out there any ways.

One wicked looking ride! to you and Brian!

x2

Me too. I've got a Coleman lantern and stove that I got for way less than half price about 20 years ago and both are still working like day I got them. I got a heater as well for the hut at the same time and last year it started to act up but still works just on the low setting. I guess it really depends on the product but I'd buy refurbished again.

I've had the pleasure of meeting Laurie only once and I get it. One of the nicest and most generous people you'll ever meet. The fact that she wants to give someone an opportunity to make up for a bad decision does not surprise me at all. Too bad they don't appreciate this offer to do so by the sounds of it, another bad decision for them.

Awesome video Simon, I feel your heartbreak but what a rush that fish must have provided. It is really amazing the power of a salt water fish. Looks like a blast!

On CBC now but available online too. http://www.cbc.ca/marketplace/episodes/2014-2015/money-tips-stash-your-cash

A great ready as always Bunk! Pretty damn funny! #prostaff #mustjoin. Thanks for putting that together.

The trees just want to keep up to date with the technology Terry. Bring a chainsaw and they might leave you alone.

Some very cool footage! Ya, I'd crash it as well and at the price of them, I could not afford to keep replacing it after every flight. lol. I've thought about getting a cheap one to try though. Maybe find a 2 for the price of one deal.

Crazy video Dave. They use to have something similar on Simcoe where the 1st place prize was a new truck. Don't think that is going on anymore. That is priceless Wayne! lol. A couple of years ago we had punched a bunch of holes for the group I was fishing with and had some guy just walk up and start fishing them. Chipping a hole in front of the hut has that beat hands down though. I'm sure Terry would have some words of encouragement for that guy.

Nice to finally have some time to get through this, fantastic report as always! Thanks for putting it together!!

Not sure how I missed this but awesome report!! Some really nice gators there!!

There is not a lot open right now and with the few limited trails that are, it will likely be a circus this weekend. This map will show you the trails of Ontario, just pick an area to ride and see what is open. http://ofsc.mapbase.ca/viewer/ This is the home page for the OFSC. You do need a trail pass to ride the trails, most sled dealers will have them although you can order online but it won't get to you before the weekend. http://www.ofsc.on.ca/ The other option would be to go up to the Haliburton Forest and ride for the day, it's $50 I think. Call ahead though, it can be a very busy place. http://www.haliburtonforest.com/activities/snowmobiling I hope this helps.

Thanks Blaque, still coughing and it's getting a bit ridiculous. A cold/flu did use to hand around for a few days to a week. I'd be wiling to bet we've done this longevity of a cold thing to ourselves. Through the meds, cough syrups and whatever else we've been popping into our bodies over the years, these viruses had just mutated and become stronger to beat us down. Will, we need to do a Will x 2 day on the water this year for sure!! Mike, it was a great camp but never took nearly enough shots. The pair of bald eagles nesting on the lake were cool as well, need a better camera to capture them. Thanks again, glad you all enjoyed it.

That guy should have ended up on the cutting room floor. Thanks Joey, will try to get more pics this year. The real shame about last year was that I forget my camera as did my buddy, no cell to take a picture either. You guessed it a great day on the water with my buddy getting his PB walleye not once but twice. A 10.5 followed by an 11.25, so disappointing not to have a shot of either fish. I wish it was my playing but just some music from a royalty free website that I stumbled upon.

LOL! It has been an awesome motor and one of the reasons I got that sled. Was told I should see 20 - 25 thousand miles out of that motor with regular maintenance. Still a lot of life in her yet if that is the case.