crappieperchhunter

Yeah Cliff it certainly wasn't close to what we have been experiencing dealing with Tim Hales. And then forgetting to pick us up. How the hell does that even happen? Still enjoyed getting together for the day, but I agree I won't be going out with this operator again.

Good looking work as always Brian. Make sure you give them a good workout today on Simcoe Cliff.

Brian I don't think its the same Fred. My buddy was from New York and owned or ran a variety store and his wife was in real estate and then worked at a casino or visa versa and he never ever spoke of doing decoy fish carvings.

Brian I have an American friend named Fred. He is the one who got me onto the Simcoe Bugs. I ran into him one day on Cooch off Airport Rd. and he was slaying perch when those around where not doing as well. I wandered over to him and started a conversation. George was the one I believe who showed him the bugs, because Fred releases his perch the same way, just pulls them out of the hole and taps them on the ice until they spit the hook. We try to get together a couple of times a winter but the only contact info I have for him is that he is a member on Johns Simcoe Board and he has not responded to any messages I have sent him this year. I hope he is okay.

Glad you had another good day Cliff. Tim Hales really does have a great set up. Such a nice way to spend the day. For anyone trying to copy my version of the Simcoe Bug. I use an egg sinker. If the hole is to small to fit over the eye of your hook just drill the hole a little bigger. Slip the sinker onto the shank of the hook and squeeze , I just used a pair of pliers , into the shape above in Cliffs picture. Then I used spools of thread we had with our sewing machine and wrapped the lead to cover. Over the years yellow background with red at each end ,like Cliffs picture ,or black at each end seem to my most productive colour patterns. Then I just coat with Debbe's clear nail polish. I made all my bugs at least 30 years ago. About every 5 years I give them a new coat of nail polish. Not because they are starting to fall apart, just to make them shiny again. I can't remember what size the hooks I used are or the weight of the egg sinker but go as heavy as you can with the sinker. It is much nicer to fish with because you can really feel when the fish hit and the extra weight gets it down to the bottom fast. One last tip. These bugs although heavy are not very big so I recommend you always have a pair of hemostats or pliers for hook removal. They can be a PITA to get back out of the fishes mouth if they have inhaled it.

You're making me hungry Brian. It's been a long time since I had a fresh smelt from Simcoe....or anywhere for that matter.

Yes it was a great day. I ended up with 37, thanks to you donating many decent fish to my pail. I froze 6 meal portions for us and it was perfect timing because our freezer was down to our last bag of fish. My version of the Simcoe bugs where definitely a hit with the perch yesterday. As I told you since I started using them 30 plus years ago, I always have 1 rod rigged with a bug when I'm chasing perch on Simcoe. Good luck Cliff at making bugs like the one I gave you to copy. They are very easy and fun to make. I hope we can hook up again this season to enjoy another day on the hard water.

Well done Cliff. A feed of perch so I'm very jealous. Hit Chemong yesterday for my first ice trip as well. Lots of small Kawartha perch but never managed any gills or crappie which is what I was after. Still a nice day to get out. Surprised you had that much ice on Simcoe. Our area on Chemong only had between 5 -8 inches and we moved around a lot because fishing was slow.

I agree with you more and more every year Cliff. 20 plus years ago I would never spend that money, now I'm happy to.

My folks used to have a cottage on the northern Bruce 10 KM south of Tobermory. Deer yarded up on our property in the winter. You would not believe the number of crawly critters we would find in the packed down snow where the deer slept.

I believe I started using winter tires after reading a thread on this board about them. Ten plus years ago for sure. I will never drive in the winter without them, they are a game changer. However I think making them mandatory is a little too much and not because of the cost. Debbe drove to work everyday at the bank and never had snow tires on her car. City streets all the way and the roads are always plowed. Her cars where used to get around in town only. My car with winter tires was used for the other driving tasks.

Just seeing this now. I have so many fishing memories of time spent with Beansie. Crappie fishing in Bobcaygeon, carp fishing in Caygeon and Peterborough. Perch fishing in my boat on Simcoe every fall. Norm was a good man who was always positive and funny and a joy to spent time fishing with. He will be missed by many.

It is dead easy to get into. But it only has 6 pumps so maybe it might get a little crowded....but not in the 3 times we have went. All 3 times just drove up to an empty pump and someone came out and pumped our gas. Warning though...once you get by the crowded area the speed limit slow down to 40 KM. Not a big deal but man does it seem to take a long tome to drive the 4-6 KM at that speed. Also you may have been referred to another spot because the grounds where fine and the young man and woman manning the pumps where friendly. It is right on the main road.

Lew do you go down to the station at the docks? Just this year I found out about this one station and it is always 5-10 cents cheaper then all the stations closer together....plus they actually pump it for you. I joke that I have not had anyone pump my gas for me since last century😀

On a Bobcaygeon page last week someone posted pictures of a snapping turtle in what looked like some open water beside some current. I don't know if it was legit or not. Also last week me and a buddy fished chemong. A skating rink locals make on the lake every year there had a bunch of people playing hockey. It was 10 celsius that day and when we got closer to them we realized they where playing shirts and skins because one team had all the boys playing bare chested. Never seen that on an outdoor rink before in the middle of the winter.

Well done Cliff. I'm walking out somewhere for my first trip tomorrow. If you are doing another Tim Hales trip and are looking for company please give me a shout.

Very belated Happy Birthday Cliff. We have been at the cottage with no internet.

A belated Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year to you and your clan. It looks like you have got more than one good fish fry there.

Nice looking slabs. Just spooling my ice reels today. No safe ice on any of my spots yet😩😩😩

They look awesome. Too bad we aren't getting any ice this winter to get out on to try them😂😂😂

Very nice tribute from your daughter Lew. This must be a sad day for your family or anyone who knew your son. Deal with the sadness the best you can and remember all the good times as well.

Never forget the fresh garlic, I have tons every year from my garden. But I have dropped the green onion and sesame oil. Still can't thank you enough for this recipe. Debbe who still is NOT a fish lover is happy every time I make it and there is NEVER any leftovers. My apologies captpierre...hijacking your thread was never my intention.

Not sure what your targeting but I have pretty much been getting a feed of bluegills every week at my shore spot. Still using your fish recipe beansie, just got back from the grocery store buying ginger and oyster sauce for it as a matter of fact.

Just seeing this now guys and thx for the great get together. I enjoyed hanging out again. I enjoyed your hospitality Cliff and Bruce I will be giving your jig heads a go when I get back up to the cottage this week.

Glad to hear you got something from your experiment Cliff. Boiled new potatoes with butter salt and pepper are one of my favourite things from the garden. Just so much better then store bought.