kickingfrog

The one bit of solace is that at least now the surface water temp is about as cold as it can be with-out being frozen. Translation: When the winds calm and the temps drop it should freeze quick.

http://www.nugget.ca/2013/01/19/impact-of-toxic-algae-on-fish NORTH BAY - Understanding how fish warn each other of predators could shed light on what causes Lake Nipissing's toxic blue-green algae blooms. Northern communities and international agencies charged with protecting fish populations are watching. “If you want to have effective management, you have to understand what's going on inside the lake itself,” said Reehan Mirza, an aquatic behaviour ecologist at Nipissing University's biology department studying how fish release chemical alarm cues to help their species avoid predators. Research has found some aquatic species produce a chemical within their skin that releases into the water when the skin is broken to warn others of a predator. Mirza said it's unknown what that chemical is, although it's as easy to release as holding a fish and having the scales rub off. “It's a very good system because any kind of mechanical damage from any predator is going to cause a release of that chemical,” Mirza said. Organizations, mainly fishery agencies, from around the world have contacted him about the research. The common way of dealing with fish populations is by stocking, and Mirza said survival rates improve if fish are trained to identify a predator by using these chemical alarm cues. Pollutants in the water could impair the ability of fish to sense these cues, including the toxin released from blue-green algae that may influence behaviour and hurt the ability of fish to find food, mates, habitat and recognize their own species. “Anything that's altering their ability to sense their environment is going to effect the overall health of the lake,” Mirza said, adding he's also looking at the accumulation of this algae toxin in fish tissue. In the last couple of years, the North Bay Parry Sound District Health Unit has issued advisories about toxic blue-green algae in Lake Nipissing at the Goose Islands, Callander Bay and the West Arm west of Highway 64. It was thought warmer temperatures contributed to the blooms, although research found that might not be one of the main factors, with temperatures during these occurrences being lower than expected, Mirza said. Septic tanks, cattle operations, detergents and other activities could be contributing to phosphorus and other nutrients entering the lake. “The nutrient load is happening. Where that nutrient load is coming from, that's what we're working on,” Mirza said, adding there could be something happening naturally within the lake bed to be causing the blooms. He's a couple of years into that research which could take another three to five years to draw conclusions. The Lake Nipissing Summit last year brought together researchers, municipal and provincial governments, tourism, First Nations and conservation groups which is critical to share information about the lake, Mirza said. Plans are underway to hold the next summit in April. Even the smallest changes to the environment can cause large-scale changes, he said, referring to the decline in the walleye population in Lake Nipissing that led to a reduction in daily catch limits in hopes of rebuilding the fishery. Mirza was among the faculty in 2012 to earn a Nipissing University Research Achievement Award for his work in aquatic behaviour. Collaboration at the university between biology, geography and environmental history helped create Nipissing's masters program in environmental science and environmental studies, with 19 students in its first year -- double than what was expected, Mirza said. He plans to continue his research, including work with toxic naphthenic acids which are the main source of toxins in Alberta's oil sands tailings. A larger goal is involving the public more in science and raising awareness about issues that protect the health of the environment, he said. Representatives from communities around Lake Nipissing have already contacted the university to learn more about the research and what can be done to protect the popular recreational lake. Mirza can be reached at [email protected].

No, you don't have to wear it. If you have an appropriate traditional vest for everyone on board, you don't have to have an inflatable on. The inflatable does not count unless it is on, so if you were to take it off while taking a sweater off you could, theoretically, be charged for not having a pfd unless you had a regular one on board.

You could flush your phone and then use gps to track it.

That reel will likely last longer then most of us.

Just because you don't pay for it doesn't mean it's free.

And had no issues with the slush floating up the other holes as you "clean" the others? If your holes aren't that close I guess it has a purpose, but I just scoop mine.

Good point on the worms last year. Remember the heat wave in March? Early spring.

Lots of issues and factors at work on a big lake but one aspect that hasn't been mention is that general make-up of the lake has changed. water chemistry ("cleaner" then past decades) introduced species (Spiny water flees et al) resurgence of species (Cormorants) types of bait fish (Smelt) availability of bait fish (see above cormorants) etc One thing that has hardly changed one bit from the 70's is the way many of the anglers try to catch the walleye on Nipissing. Early season: Soak minnows on points and if that doesn't work soak minnows in bays. If you want to be cutting edge you use worms early. "Later" in the season (second weekend after opener) soak worms on points and if that doesn't work drag crawler harnesses if there is enough wind. And when you don't catch as many fish as you remember "you used to catch" blame it on: early spring, late spring, spring interrupted, minnows were too big, minnows were too small, minnows died too easily, tourist kept too many, locals kept too many and finally "I should have been here yesterday". This, of course, does not apply to all but I hear this every year from people fishing walleye on Nipissing. And yes, some are family.

Well new ones are over $500 before taxes. And I don't think they've been out for a year yet so I don't know if there is much of an established used market at this point. Personally I'm not sure if this would be the right reel if you don't already have a couple of other solid musky reels.

A 20.5 fish would be just over 6 inches in diameter if it was round.

An interesting bit from the news footage that I saw tonight. The guys are being checked out on land after being rescued and in the background is a young girl in shorts and a t-shirt.

Go big or go home. Swinging for the fences might mean a strikeout though. If you think the body of water holds bigger fish use some bigger lures and work the entire water column.

And when I looked down the hole all I could see was one eye.

You're right, the quote option needs a bit of fine tuning.

FWIW The local tv news has been polling people about whether or not people should be fined for these types of rescues.

If you click the ball at the left of the tittle it should take you to the first unread post.

Is that why you're shouting?

Last time I did that, things went kabluey, so you understand my hesitation.

Should I be worried that things still look the same to me?

Thanks.

Those would be nice to see.

Just like I am tellin' my 4 year old all the time. Be patient.

Does the Club LeBaron 10% discount apply to firearms? The only exclusion I can see is: *Does not include products on special or on sale.

That helps me as well.