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Thanks for the update on the that reel Marc, I was thinking it wouldn't work well for cranking big spinnerbaits. I've tried smaller, hi speed reels before for larger spinnerbaits and found they didn't work well for that particular application. Always a good day when we can learn something new

Thanks Wayne, reading tales like that is a great way to start a day !!

When you say big spinnerbaits for musky, I'm assumming you mean big musky baits and if so, I don't think that's the reel you want. It's a small spool with a high gear ratio at 6:1-1 which is good for burning small bass sized baits very fast, but will make it difficult to crank in large, musky sized spinnerbaits that have a lot of drag to them. For bigger baits like that, you want a larger spool which turns faster because of the bigger diameter, but with a lower gear ratio that will give you the extra cranking power for the added drag of the bait. I've never used that particular reel though, so I could very well be wrong.

Another cheap method is to stick them in an old duffle bag with some downspout or in your livewell if you don't keep any fish or hang them from your console or the bow of your boat or build a big box Lotsa cheap ways to store them

Their not bad Jed, but a bit on the small size.

I was watching CNN this morning Glen and they were showing the aftermath of those tornado's down your way, and it's just hard to believe how much damage is caused by those things on such a regular basis. They were talking to one lady who had basically lost everyhing she owned. I spose we complain alot up here about the snow & cold, but at the end of the winter, the snow melts, the weather warms and we've still got our homes and everything else we started with, but those tornados hit and you've lost absolutely everything in seconds. I've been thru 4 hurricanes but at least there's a warning their approaching, but those darned twisters drop from the sky and wipe you out in an instant. Good to see you & yours are safe again after another bout with those things.

Never said that before Are you one of the lucky ones to have today off, or are you working ??

Thanks for that Mike, sounds like a fun weekend for everyone involved. Diane and I were there last year about this time and same as you, it was incredibly cold but as long as your dressed for it, you can have plenty of fun. I also had my 1st ever beavertail from that same shack in your pictures and must admit, it was even better than I'd heard Good to hear your weekend went so well !!

Absolutely love pie irons & have been using them up at the trailer for many many years. Nothing better than a group of friends all sitting around a bonfire late at night and toasting up a bunch of sandwiches. Sorta like a fondue party without the fondue. You can use darned near anything in your fridge to make them and the more imagination you have, the better the sandwich will be. Mine are the square, double wide, cast iron ones. Just be sure to spray some Pam to the inside of each iron to prevent the bread from sticking and your good to go.

Absolutely NOT mickey mouse. It's small compared to the old Spring Show but there is still plenty of top quality fishing gear to be had from some of the best dealers in the area, and as stated in some of the replies, there are excellent deals to be had on tackle. Still an excellent way to spend a few hours.

I've never fizzed a fish, but I burped a musky one time that couldn't get back down below the water surface. It was a fairly fast landing and a quick release, but he was just swimming along on top. I'd read about burping fish to expell air and figured this fish could be a good candidate to try it on. I turned him on his side and put his back against my boat right at the surface, then held him in place with one hand and gently pushed in on his belly in several places until I actually heard him burp. I then held him upright, gave a little push and off he swam down to the deep water as happy as could be Don't know if it was actually the burping that did the trick or not, but I'd like to think so.

Remembrance Day is a stat holiday for Ontario government employees and as far as I know for most municiple employees too, at least I know we have it for the Fire Dept. here in Toronto. All City of Toronto employees get this new Family Day with the exception of the police.

Thank ya very much for your replies boyz, mono it shall be

When using small planer boards for smaller springtime pickeral, what line do you prefer ?? Do you like mono all the way from boat to bait and if so what brand & size, or do you prefer braided and then a leader of mono or fluoro ?? When I'm flatline trolling springtime pickeral, I normally use 30 pound PP then a leader of 4-5' of 10 Berkely XL and find that works very well for me, but I'll be using a board for the 1st time this spring and just wondered what you find works best for you. I'll be using an Okuma linecounter reel on an 8' 6" medium Okuma rod What are your thoughts, please ??

Very very nice indeed David, congrats to the pair of youz !!

Nope, didn't see anything earth shattering Roy, pretty much the same as other years. It was a good day, just doesn't seem to have the pizzaz of a few years back.

I was there today from 11 - 4 and had a pretty good day, although most of the time was spent yakking with other OFNers which is always good. It was OK but it seemed to me it was more of a boat show this year, with some fishing added in. The vast majority of the building is full of boats and the fishing booths are around the outside perimeter. All the usual fishing folks are there...JB's.... Tightlines...Fishing World......Grimsby Tackle, plus a few other smaller ones. Like I say, it was OK, but if someone were to ask me if they should drive 100 miles to see it, I'd tell them no. It's just my opinion, but I don't think it's even close to what the show was a few years back and it just plain seems to be lacking something. On the + side, it's free parking, only $12 to get in and you get to look at boats and fishing gear for a day.

Thanks Jack, good to hear things are looking up for you. See you in June

Hey Moose, you've also written some incredible articles for Esox Angler too and have added alot to that magazine. Hope it continues for you.

Can't offer you any advice on the ice fishing up there HH, but good luck to you guys, have a blast and stay safe out there

Doesn't appear as if there'll be too many OFNers there tomorrow, but hopefully everyone who attends this weekend enjoys themselves. Those that are attending tomorrow, I'll see youz all there.

I always try to avoid those bass Paul, but they keep jumping in the way

Life was so much simpler when hockey sticks were made of wood and a GOOD one cost $1.29

Fish don't mind red Paul, you just hafta know how to smile at them

That's a great one too TJ and one we've been receiving since the beginning. Some really interesting articles and awesome photographs of this beautiful country !!