fishinDon

Like others said, I'd try Okeechobee in Florida for big Large Mouths. Meets criteria 1) warm and 2) big fish. Doesn't have pike, but like others said, I don't really think you'll find good fishing for Pike in the South (warm). Google: "lake okeechobee florida bass fishing." You'll notice a couple big names come up in the Bass fishing world (or at least they are big in the states). They run guide service or have links to a bunch of them. If Roland/Scott Martin are willing to put their name on the line, you can bet it must be good. Good luck, have fun and post some pictures! Don

Being from the states, this being called "bad" pike fishing makes me laugh.

Ok, I found a place near the Sault that rents canoes, here's the link in case anyone else finds this useful: Canoe Rental Sault Ste Marie 30/day, don't know if that's good or bad, but seems reasonable to me. Mike - thanks for the hints on places/routes. I've PMed TDunn. We don't have a firm destination/route yet. Still planning, but I have maps of the region from the Sault to Wawa, including the park, so I've pretty much put a bullseye on that general area. I think you are correct - at least based on what I've read - that the Sand is too much for the dad's on this trip. They'd probably make it, but never want to go back again. Don

As fond as I am of my gremlin, I'll now google the canoe rentals in the Sault. Thanks guys! Don

Read this thread and bookmarked it. Absolute wealth of info there! Thanks!

Thanks for the tip. How much can I expect to pay for a week's rental? How much weight am I saving?

Planning a 6-8 day trip somewhere between the Sault and Wawa in early June. 4 guys (2 father/son combos in 2 canoes), hope to find a few specs, relax and enjoy...would like to target both some lake and river fishing, but will stick to lakes if it's easier on the older guys...some of the places we are considering have portages of over 1000 meters, am I crazy? We are on a budget, but time is more important than a couple extra bucks for this trip since it's been 10 years in the making... Everyone in my group is an experienced trout fishermen/canoer, we've done some long floats and camping in the US (Michigan) - but never been gone this long or this far from town/supplies. Also, from what I've heard so far, the terrain in that part of Ontario is more than a little hilly. Rapids, waterfalls, etc. are not all that common on this side of Superior and portages are pretty easy - Mostly very short, to get around obstacles like down trees...I have a feeling we've packed way heavier than I'll want to for this trip in the past. We have 2 aluminum canoes (Sportspals) - are these too heavy? Also have two small tents. Need a light/portable cooking stove. And plan to get a couple backpack style large dry bags for food/gear. dishes? Assume we should be prepared for all weather and horrible bugs... I'm probably missing a bunch, but that's a start. Don P.S. thanks for the other replies guys, I'll check out the links!

First time posting here, planning a paddle/portage/camping canoe trip into the Ontario bush next spring/summer. Lookin' for tips/tricks from experienced bushmen. Not looking for fishing spots (I have maps and a spirit for exploration), just gear/preparation help so I don't die...wife won't be disappointed, but the kids might be. If there's already good threads on this, if you don't mind reposting links, much appreciated. I tried some searches, but I think all my terms were too broad. Thanks, Don