Jen

sounds good guys. thanks for the help. i'll prolly troll a crank bait down the river ( prolly gold/silver depending on water color/weather) then maybe try our luck around the mouth of eerie for some dinner perch.

 

jen, do u work at fishmasters? maybe i'll come in and grab a couple doz minnows and see whats up.

 

 

 

where can i find links to how many fish i can catch and keep? sorry, i'm a newb.

i dont think eating a grand river walleye is in my best interest tho is it> hahah u could just imagine cutting it open and having like slime and mud pour out of it./

You will probably find Darrell working the shop at fishmasters, and he will definately point you in the right direction.

When you are in there have him give you one of the New 2008 fishing guides, they are free and in them you will find all the information you are looking for.

In regards to eatting fish... I know a lot of fishermen and women... and am one myself... Unless you are catching and eatting fish everyday for Breakfast , Lunch and Dinner I don't think you have anything to worry about. The walleye you pull out of the Grand and Lake Erie are definately pan worthy... Try one and see for yourself before making a decision though...

Cheers,

Jen

ive never ventured out into eerie before. i hear its in ur best interest t have a graph when u go out there. i'm still working on that.

 

 

long point bay sounds like it could be fun...

 

i stilll think i might be heading to lower grand tho, only because its the maiden voyage this year and i gotta see how this motor performs.

If you end up fishing the lower grand come down to Fishmasters to launch and remember to say HI and introduce yourself. Guys are still catching a variety of fish down here and the weather has been pretty awesome, even with the recent Thunder storms... Perch are now biting at the end of the Port Maitland pier as well... so if you get tired of trolling you can always anchor and see how you do there if it is a calm day!

Cheers, Jen

It is Tuesday June 24^th, the marina was slow today, so I wandered around stopping to talk to James47 and his sister who were both fishing … they hadn't caught anything yet … having tried the pond and then the banks of the river, they were definitely putting in a concerted effort. Which is when I decided they needed a little help… off to my tackle box I handed them a spinner bait as well as a new secret weapon we have been trying out here at fishmasters.

Immediately the spinner bait paid off with the capture of one sunfish…

Way to go guys!

Now to discuss the secret weapon.

On the 21^st, my son Little Jigger turned 11. He has been saving the money he gets from doing odd jobs for a Bearded Dragon . Since he does such a great job around here taking care of the puppies and people, Steve and I decided it would be the perfect birthday gift.

Along with this dragon had to come food, which is how this story begins. The man supplying the dragon with this food also carries a variety of other critters… Silk worms, Wax Worms, Butter Worms, Crickets, and these GREEN WORMS ( I don't know the technical name for them)… After he got Little Jigger all set up he gave us some samples to try out… Which we have been giving to people to try out on the river.

This is what was caught today in the Marina off one of the poles on a jig and bobber by James47.

I have tried them myself with no luck, although I wasn't using a jig head and a bobber… Live and learn…all you really need is a little hope, a hook, line, bobber and a green worm…

You kids taught me a lesson or two today, Thanks…

Cheers,

Jen

(Bernadette)

To maybe repeat, rephrase and/or agree with what many here have said I will say it again!

What draws us all to OFC is that this place, with all its pieces is a community...

For those that do not understand that word the definition has been included.

com•mu•ni•ty 1. a social group of any size whose members reside in a specific locality, share government, and often have a common cultural and historical heritage.

2. a locality inhabited by such a group.

3. a social, religious, occupational, or other group sharing common characteristics or interests and perceived or perceiving itself as distinct in some respect from the larger society within which it exists included...

What makes us distinct is that we are not ALL ABOUT FISHING... what transpires on each and every one of our monitors on a daily basis is living... We share not only the technical aspects of fishing, what we have caught, and where we have caught it but the intricacies of our everyday lives. From praying for someone’s mother, to clapping when another member’s daughter puts on a play in her parents boat... All of these moments, are put here because of what holds the seams of this community together - Genuine Care

Listen to Cliffs Song... I think it says it all...

Why change something that is working, growing and flourishing??

It's really just a waste of a vote.

But then you have again reminded me why I come here... so thank you very much for that!

Cheers,

Jen

I'll be doing a few charters this summer. Just wondered what the going rate for tips is.

This thread has been interesting to follow... It is amazing how much controversy the issue of tipping can cause.

When I do something that I truly enjoy, and someone else has added to that enjoyment by working hard to ensure that I leave happy I think nothing of putting in a little extra to say THANKS>

That truly is what it is all about.

However in saying that, I mentioned that my son has been working on Fishmasters boat as a mate. His wage is reasonable and he is learning and that is what keeps him happy. When at the end of the day he receives a tip from one of the clients it tells him that he has done a good job. That is what being in the service industry is about... Doing a good job! Going above and beyond.

There is nothing wrong with letting the people that make your experiences a little better know that you appreciate the effort they put in.

From what I can tell this thread has jumped all over the place from tipping Mates, to the cost of running boats and charters... the original questions was " What is the going rate for tips?" To answer that ... Tips are given not expected... So it is a personal choice...made differently in each and every instance...

Cheers,

Jen

Nice catch from the group. Which one of them caught that fish?..

It's nice to know there are Charter Captains willing to spread the wealth around to other Charter Captains like Fishmaster.

 

By the sound of things, all went well.

 

That fish was caught on Sunday, on Steves boat, however nothing is officially posted on the Derby site yet , once that happens Steve (fishmaster) will do a post.

It seems to me from watching these guys (the charter captains) they are all willing to help one another out and work together when it comes to these big corporate charters... They are truly a great bunch of people.

cheers,

Jen

You just described why I have fallen prey to the fishing bug...

Amazing story, thank you so much for painting the picture so very perfectly that I was saddened when I got to the end...

Your trips both out into the world and inside yourself are something to envy...

Cheers,

Jen

Yes it was entered in the Derby http://www.salmonmastersderby.com/ and as far as I know is the biggest to date... However, one can never be sure about that until the results are posted on the official website... As of June 1st, there is a 25lb min for weigh in so we were glad it was over that...

When you catch your first Salmon all on your own you will be on cloud nine all day... I have got the catching them on my own part down pat now I have to work on the boating alone to catch them... Next challange!

cheers,

Jen

After Laughing for just a minute I certainly felt bad for you hthm... OMG I would have just been devastated.

Sounds like Beans took it all very well and you had some amazing people around you to help out.

OFC'ers and boaters in general sure are a wonderful bunch.

Can't wait to hear the rest of the story!

Cheers,

jen

"

We had a great day on the water yesterday... There were 6 boats and 30 people all together...

Once we were done working Steve (Fishmaster) and I trolled our way back to the Port Weller Marina and I got the opportunity to set up my own gear and catch a few Salmon...

Out of 8 fish hooked there were only 6 boated, and that is fishing only in afternoon hours. We were back at our dock by 8:00 pm or so ...

We were fishing in 60 - 80 feet of water 125 feet back on dipsy's and between 40 and 60 feet deep on the riggers with long leads. The weather made for a really bumpy ride for most of the day, however the salmon didn't seem to notice. All of our fish were caught on spoons. ( If this information makes no sense to you I am sorry... I am trying to add more content and useful information to my posts... so bare with me ... lol )

I have learned a lot in the past couple of months and dang it feels good to know that what you are doing is working.

We also boated a 26.68 lber yesterday

Cell phone doesn't take great pictures but you get the idea... with some patience the reward is amazing as there is nothing like bringing these fish to the boat.

Cheers,

Jen

I want to get started at Salmon Fishing on Lake O around Oakville or Stoney Creek but the problem is that I know absolutely nothing about salmon fishing. I don't have the $$$ for downriggers at the moment so I'm going to be using divers for now.

 

Can anyone share some info about lures, depths, setups, trolling speeds and just about anything I will need to know. Again I know zero about salmon fishing so all info will help. Thanks in advance.

 

(oh and possibly some GPS coordinates )

 

Dan

Being new to salmon fishing myself I have been learning a whole lot about how things work. I fish with someone who does it for a living so what happens is usually that he catches a lot more fish on his side of the boat... However, in saying that, I do run my own side when we are out alone and it really is all trial and error.

Being new to salmon fishing means you will need some things... and starting with Divers is awesome... but don't cheap out on the line or the rod and reel. Like Sonny said getting yourself a line counter is extreamly important... wire or braid as far as I am concerned work just as well ... so now to the good part and excuse my lack of technical terms but maybe some of what I can share will help.

Needs:

Two divers, two heavy rods, two line counter reels with clickers, braid or wire line ( start spool with mono so that it isn't costing you a fortune in braid). two snubbers, to go just before the dipsy , they help with the shock or impact and really really good swivels. 1 spool of flourocarbon line 30lb test should do, you are using this for your leaders which you will be making fairly long... one arms width should do, you may want a couple of flashers, spin doctors, lures (wonderbread and greasy chicken designs are two that have been working really well this year) and flys... they are not cheap but if you spin them in a circle everytime you pull them out of the water to dry them off they seem to last a lot longer. In the lure department spoons are probably your best investment right off the bat, moonshine, split king, whatever brands tickle your fancy... just always make sure before putting them out, checking everytime that there are no nicks or freys in your leader or line... nothing is worse than having a big salmon almost to the boat and watching it take your lure and off it goes.

Don't forget a big net, pliers, maybe a plainer board or two... depending on how many lines you want to run... but if you have a boat the size of Sonnys (17') you should be able to run four lines all dipsy's at different settings off the back no problem..

Talk to someone who is used to running multiple dipsy's about the settings on the bottom if you don't already have a really good understanding of how they work at the back of the boat... nothing is worse than tangling up braid. ( I know this from experience...) I am usually running on the right side of the boat , one wire or braid with a dipsy and one mono line rod on the rigger... so my dipsy setting would be either 2.5 or 3 set to run on the right. Don't forget to push down the little thing that sets it on the top and then run it back slowly from the center of the boat, outside lines first. Lately fish have been hitting at a 3 setting, long lead, about 125feet back trolling at a spead of around 2 to 2.5.

The one other thing you may want to know when fishing for salmon is to let them run, the longer it takes you to bring them in the better... keep the line tight, watch the tip of your rod and ENJOY ... there is nothing like it.

Yesterday I helped out Steve with a charter and then afterwards we fished... out of 8 fish hooked yesterday there were only 6 boated, and that is fishing only in afternoon hours.

I have learned a lot, and if you need anymore info feel free to pm either Steve or myself.

We also boated a 26.68 lber yesterday

Cell phone doesn't take great pictures but you get the idea... with some patience the reward is amazing as there is nothing like bringing these fish to the boat.

Cheers,

Jen

What a great picture and wow, did you ever score some brownie points with your daughter... you can see it in her expression... Way to go Dad!! Nice fish..

Cheers,

Jen

and you could not have told her that on the phone or in person when she is spending time with you?? I mean you two are a couple we all know that... lets get real here... enough is enough.. call a spade a spade and stop pandering each other on here.... I can see why the other thread was locked now.... And I am certain her boys knew about fishing well before you saved them.. after all she does have a place up north on some water... congrats hero..

 

As a side note.. how many ads do you need in the members directory? 2-3-4 perhaps shoot for 5?

 

all stating the same thing.. word for word..

 

 

G

Let me say this very clearly, as I have always and will continue to believe, messages of this nature need to be put in a pm ...

I come to this forum because I enjoy the people, the feeling of it being not only about fishing but about sharing life experiences. I value all of the people that post here and always have.

If you care to read back I have shared all of my fishing and some life experiences. I will continue to do so now and in the future with pride and joy. If the moderators here feel that I need to "EDIT" who I fish with, why and where then I am sure they will contact me directly.

My children read all of these posts... it gives them great pride to see that they are being recognized by experienced fishermen and women ... please keep that in mind in the future.

I help out at Steves often and meet some really great people... This weekend was no different and when I read this http://forums.fishontario.com/thread.jspa?...33&tstart=0

I truly wanted to share why with all of you but was worried that this would start... but seeing as it already has...

I love every moment of being outside, doing things with my children, teaching them and learning... and all I can say is thanks for letting me share it all with a great bunch of people

Cheers

jen

But putting the boat away(dragging it up the driveway) with only a girl to help was the real workout.

Great post Johnny! Sounds like you had an amazing day out on the water... and she even caught fish with a broken lure...

I always enjoy your posts...

but what is that comment above... ONLY A GIRL... hmmm

LOL

Jen

Figuring out ways to keep my three boys busy and interested in extracurricular activities outside of television and x box is always a challenge. So I have given them all jobs and they are now kids in training. Two of the boys are learning how to help out at the shop, from mowing lawns to serving customers and the third is going with Fishmaster on his daily charters learning to drive the boat…

His first day out I get a call at home saying, “ Hi Mom, I am having a really good day except I am a bit sea sick” That was an understatement, or so I heard when they got home… Yet he went out again and is determined to beat that horrible feeling some of us get out on the water. (Yes , I am a nervous wreck… but so very proud of him)

As a reward after Steve and Chris were done chartering on Sunday I got a call saying bring the other two boys to the marina and we will take them out to catch some fish…

What an amazing time… The boys catch fish, usually small ones so you have to understand that watching them wrestle with a salmon peeling line out on an 8ft Rod was a total thrill for me… There are moments when life just feels truly perfect!

After working all day Christian finally gets to bring in a fish!

Christian all smiles ….

Then it was Leylands turn up and his fish got off… boy was he mad.

Then it was finally time for Zachary ( little jigger) to reel one in (thank goodness it was smaller) It took him a good 20 min to get this beauty to the boat..

Now Leyland is up again and he has watched closely as his brothers brought in their fish and he is ready… WoooHooo Job well done!

Thanks so much to Steve for taking us out… The boys and I had an amazing evening out on the lake…

Cheers,

Jen

I worked all day... As I drove past all the people going to whatever holiday arrangements they were heading too I smiled, every now and again working isn't so bad... specially when you cross the paths of the happy people out enjoying their day off!

We all fish because we love those moments, where line is peeling out, you have no idea what you will bring into the boat and your mind is reeling just as quickly. These are the moments where we are not thinking about anything but what we love to do, our minds clear and adeneline pumps through our vains... THAT IS FISHING.

Some of us have the great opportunity to do this thing called fishing as a job... It is "work" ! Getting up everyday just as the moon starts to drop from the sky, days can be very long but they preserver. Through no fish days, the price of gas, clients moods, they get out there to catch fish. Many donate their time and money to our fisheries, belong to clubs to promote wildlife awareness, speak at meetings to educate fellow anglers, as well as donate their time and product for the good of others. This may be a dream job however it is still a job and very hard to post your stories without that being evident.

If none of the men or women that "work" for a living catching fish posted on sites us HOBBY fisherpeople wouldn't know as much as we do... Utilize the information! The more we bash them, belittle them or pick apart their posts the less will be posted. I can say I would miss out on enjoying not only some beautiful pictures but knowledge that I gather by reading all they share about their days on the water.

What ever happened to the day when you could come online to share your experiences with pride ?

This is about fishing... the reason that we are all here.

Awesome catch guys, now I know why you were in such a rush to leave the Marina... Hope to see you again!

WOW...

Cheers

Jen (Bernadette)

WOW...Nice fish guys and for your first night out, I bet mom slept well last night!

Sounds like the perfect mothers day gift to me!!!

Cheers to all of you and again WOW

Jen

Mow lawns,

Whip up something in the crock pot,

Do laundry,

Sweep and Mop floors

Dust,

Cut wood for fire tonight,

Run to Beer store,

Balance Books,

Post here,

and then...

Grab a rod and some minnows and I am outta here for a couple of hours...

Back to the job list so I can have those few moments of peace and tranquilty teasing (not exactly catching) fish... if one does wind up on my lap I will be sure to tell the world about it later... lol

Have a great day everyone...

Cheers,

Jen

It took me a while to get around to making this post however better late than never.

I spent Opening Weekend for Walleye at Pickeral Park with my family. Not only was the weather not cooperating, the fishing was somewhat sparatic. In saying that I managed a few fish and had an amazing time telling fish stories and sharing time in great company.

Maybe next year!!!

Sonny getting ready for a full night of fishing!

The bet between the five of us for big fish of the weekend. It went to Eastman...

Gloomy weather, with a chilly rain.

Big hugs for the little fish... I was so excited... lol

My go to lure... However if you ask Sonny I went to every lure in my tackle box... Heck they all wanted attention.

Bet Winning fish, however the holder of them did not catch any fish all weekend. Poor Jerry:(

The run back to the park on Saturday night was pretty wet... Poor Eastman

There were a lot of people out on the Bay all bringing in fish and having an amazing time...

Looking forward to next year already!

Cheers,

Jen

It was great meeting you on Saturday HH... Glad to see you managed to break in the new rod...

Take care,

Jen

What a great post... and it sounds like a pretty magnificent pond!

Thank you so much for sharing!

Jen

The cat fishing on the lower grand has been amazing as of late. I find they are a really fun fish to target while waiting for walleye to open.

Sorry I missed you when you were out this way. Did you manage to catch anything?

Cheers,

Jen

buy a whole bunch of Cayenne ( not sure of the spelling) pepper at the bulk store and sprinkle it on the soil in your gardens. It will not hurt your plants but will keep the cats out... It works