tonyb

Thanks for the response Tony

Incredible showcase of what seperates good anglers from great ones! Nicely done solopaddler & Aaron. The beauty about Steelhead is that there is such a WIDE range of techniques and baits that can fool them, and no one method is really better than another. The key is being able to identify what is working best on a given system/day and applying it with success which you guys so clearly demonstrate. The other thing is sometimes it's just more fun to catch them in a different way...why not try something different for a change? EXCELLENT catching lads, hardware fooled fish are more rewarding any day Question for you...Why do you prefer braid for this application? I've always considered the no-stretch property of braid as more of a liability than mono on the initial strike. Although it is obviously more sensitive than mono, it's not like you'll miss a steelhead strike, on the swing Thanks in advance. Tony

Owner ST-41 trebles for strong fish Gamakatsu round bend trebles for weak fish

I'd say Damselfly Larvae

White Tubes are normally a Laker standby, but Whitefish crush 'em too...just harder to hook up as they have smaller mouths. Williams ice jig catches everything as well...but it's light and doesn't stay as vertical as some other lures if you're fishing with multiple guys/lines in a small area like in a hut. Large shiners on a tip-up should always be a consideration as well. Jig one rod, set a tip-up with live shiner on another and whatever method produces best, double-up with that technique and you'll increase your catch rate

Keep it simple, uncured eggs (no water!) in a variety of colours. Rarely is it the case that 1 single colour mesh is out producing all others. I've always tied my bags oversized, and can do the 'ol pierce and twist with the hook to make them smaller should the need arise. I'd prefer to do that, than put 2 smaller bags on in stained water...Also another note, I've caught more fish on big bags in clear water, than fish on small bags in stained water... I use #6 octopus hooks 80% of the time, dropping down to a #8 in clear water. I prefer muddy water to clear when fishing tributaries, the fish feel safer and are more likely to strike (however, the strike zone is much smaller due to reduced isibility, so be accurate and focused with your drifts) Flourocarbon leader and clear floats are more important for clear water stealth than hook size. But again, I'm not interested in crawling on my hands and knees trying to not spook fish...I prefer high and stained water conditions and catch them when they're aggressive Lots to learn in books and online, but there is no substitute for practicing on the water. Learn to read the surface currents, they will reveal all the hiding/holding spots for trout no matter what size or creek/river you fish. It's all about the 'seams' where faster current meets slower current. These can be vertical, as well as horizontal don't forget Also, pay attention to people that are catching fish if you aren't with your approach...don't be too proud to adapt to the technique that is working Good luck! We're very fortunate to have an incredible Great Lakes migratory salmon and trout fishery, get out there and enjoy!

A great day for sure! Highlights were Aaron catching a fish not on purpose when his roe bag was dangling in the shallow water at his feet and a suicidal trout grabbed it and headed for the lake , a double-header and the sheer quantity of fish that we both hooked and dropped in addition to the ones that made it to the bank...they were fresh and feisty indeed! Here's another pic off my berry. Looking forward to when hunting season opens and there are even fewer anglers, then sub-zero temps to thin the herds further

I hear what you're saying, but save yourself the time and aggravation...they suck, period. I had a 20lb Danforth that couldn't even hold my 19' boat in the wind on the Grand River in 3 feet of water with 100' of line and 3 feet of heavy chain out. I ended up sending one of my guests out of the boat to tie us op to a stump! LOL how annoying... I've Upgraded to a 25lb Richter and now I stay locked wherever I anchor be it sand, mud, gravel, etc. Even for deep water jigging applications, I can have less line out to stay put. I actually purchased 2 of them for deep fishing to prevent the 'swing' using a bow and stern technique. http://www.richteranchors.com/ Hope it helps, even though you probably didn't want to hear this hehe

Sheesh, these are never good posts to see. My thoughts go out to the family of the missing angler, such a terrible tragedy to have a loved one go missing like this. There is a better solution! A Wireless Kill switch will shut down the engine should you fall overboard. Couple that with an auto-inflateable PFD and even if you hit your head and got knocked out on your way overboard, you would be bouyant and floating with your head out of that water and drifting with your boat until you resume conciousness or someone spots you. Wireless Kill Switch - http://www.autotether.com/at/how-it-works Please, if you're going to be fishing solo on big water, make sure you have a safe and suitable vessel, up to date safety equipment, share your trip plan with someone on shore, and WEAR an auto-inflateable PFD ( http://www.mustangsurvival.com/recreational/inflatable-pfd-hydrostatic-inflation-technology-hit-0?division=recreation) at all times. If you are interested in taking marine safety to a higher level, the next additions would be: Personal Locater Beacon - This unit uses GPS to transmit your location to SAR satellites. (http://www.acrelectronics.com/products/b/marine/catalog/personal-locator-beacons/resqlink-406-gps) Fully equipped Ditch Bag including hand-held VHF w/ spare batteries (http://www.acrelectronics.com/products/b/marine/catalog/survival-products-gmdss/rapidditch-bag) Strobes for your PFD's (http://www.acrelectronics.com/products/b/marine/catalog/rescue-lights) Be safe and don't cheap out on safety equipment that could save your life. Tony

That is truly hardcore, 52 hours straight! Awesome work for your contribution to Team Canada's Carp win MJL, great team photo as well The gentleman in the center of the team photo with the white t-shirt (Roger H) was the person who introduced me to Euro-style Carp fishing. I'll never forget my first time, and it was at Long Sault where the Carp addiction began. I'm glad to see he's still competing, and looking good for an old fart! Always enjoy your reports MJL, especially of these golden beasts from the St Lawrence. Tony

Just remember, you're talking about a life saving device. Is cost really the most important consideration?...just sayin' Consider a high-quality auto-inflateable device to be there for you if something goes wrong on the water. Without even going into all the reasons whey they are the best option, the most basic is that it forces you to wear it all the time to be compliant with the law. Vest or jacket style foam PFD's are typically stuffed into compartments/mesh pockets or are used for cusions...hardly helpful when the splitshot hits the fan in a hurry. Be safe, and live to fish another day.

That is correct gbw. Status Indians in ON do not need a fishing license if they are fishing within their Bands' Treaties Area. For everywhere else, a valid fishing license is required. Here is a map for reference (Full Map can be found at http://www.ainc-inac.gc.ca/ai/scr/on/rp/mcarte/mcarte-eng.asp: Tony

City owned land...

What about in sub-zero temps in and out of water? Might need to pee on your boots at the end of the day to get 'em off Cool system though...always good to hear about new advances in gear and tackle.

Shaking my head...sorry you will be out of a job Photoz...but I can't support any Unions striking. Canada Post being no different than the rest. This could be the worse thing they could do, Canada Post is becoming more and more irrelevant as time passes. I would be impacted in no way if all mail delivery stopped. Bills could be sent electronically, packages delivered via courier, magazine subs electronically, etc. Imagine going to your employer and threatening to strike for (insert rediculous wage increase/benefit unheard of in the last decade to the rest of the real working world), they would laugh and show you the door!

Hats off to you Ron, looking forward to seeing how this one ends up. Trying not to hi-jack...but of course your situation in Coburg reminded me of the similar 'no fishing by-law' in Oakville that Aaron mentions as well. Here is the Oakville sign posted in the park on lower Bronte Creek. Aaron, (and others interested) I looked into the situation in Oakville for Bronte Creek and it is a different by-law that they use. It is different, yet the same end result as Ron's situation, no shore fishing access for anyone. Oakville maybe has more money to use for their lawyers and by-law creators. They were able to legally ban FISHING from shore in the park lands from Rebecca St south to Lakeshore Rd. It baffles me that they can discriminate any one single activity from park land and in this case, that activity is fishing. How can this be??! The answer is found in Section 10.1 of the Fish and Wildlife Conservation Act ( F&W Conservation Act Link ) - They can specifically rule out fishing or hunting using the TRESSPASS TO PROPERTY ACT Trespassing 10.(1) A person shall not, (a) enter premises in contravention of the Trespass to Property Act for the purpose of hunting or fishing; (b ) enter premises in contravention of the Trespass to Property Act in possession of a firearm, fishing rod or other hunting or fishing device; (c ) engage in hunting or fishing in contravention of the Trespass to Property Act; (d) fail to leave premises in contravention of the Trespass to Property Act, if the person was on the premises for the purpose of hunting or fishing; or (e) fail to leave premises in contravention of the Trespass to Property Act, if the person was on the premises in possession of a firearm, fishing rod or other hunting or fishing device. So there you have it...there are laws written in Ontario to specifically discriminate against anglers and hunters. Will be keeping an eye on this thread Ron, kudos to you!

I recently picked up a couple new spinning rods and reels, I thought I would mention them here for anyone interested in a decent spinning combo for $200 (rod $100, reel $100). The rods are made by Temple Fork Outfitters but designed by Mr. Loomis himself and come with a lifetime warranty. I picked up a L and ML fast action, both 1-piece 7 foot (They also have 2-piece rods). I paired them to a 2000 size Cabelas Prodigy spinning reel. The combo feels very sensitive and lightweight and I look forward to christening them on Simcoe Whiteys this opener From what I can tell the reel is basically a Daiwa Team Advantage spinning reel branded for Cabelas Here's some links if you're interested. http://templeforkout...ods/17-gary-loo mis-spinning-a-casting http://www.cabelas.com/product/TFO-Gary-Loomis-Signature-Series-Freshwater-Spinning-Rod/1160435.uts?Ntk=AllProducts&searchPath=%2Fcatalog%2Fsearch%2F%3FN%3D%26No%3D20%26Ntk%3DAllProducts%26Ntt%3Dtemple%2Bfork%26Ntx%3Dmode%252Bmatchall%26WTz_l%3DHeader%253BSearch-All%2BProducts%26WTz_st%3D%26WTz_stype%3DSP%26form_state%3DsearchForm%26search%3Dtemple%2Bfork&Ntt=temple+fork&WTz_l=Header%3BSearch-All+Products http://www.cabelas.c...y174-Spinning-R eel/1150678.uts?Ntk=AllProducts&searchPath=%2Fcatalog%2F search%2F%3FN%3D%26No%3D20%26Ntk%3DAllProducts%26Ntt%3Dprodi gy%26Ntx%3Dmode%252Bmatchall%26WTz_l%3DHeader%253BSearch-All %2BProducts%26WTz_st%3D%26WTz_stype%3DSP%26form_state%3Dsear chForm%26search%3Dprodigy&Ntt=prodigy&WTz_l=Header%3 BSearch-All+Products I heard they are coming out with a 13' float rod as well Tony

Thanks for posting this Craig. I am registering to host a couple vets on my boat and my wife is going to volunteer if they need any help on shore that day. This is an excellent event to support, and I will be sure to mention it to my other fishing buddies to get involved if they can. Tony

N.A.W. You'll catch Lakers jigging in the spring and they are often mixed in with the Whitefish, just thought I would mention that.

Excellent report! I'm sure those trout tasted great. I spent my summers as a kid on Manitoulin Island and have family that live there still, and seeing your report brings back a lot of memories. If that's in the spot I think it is, when I fished there in the spring once I had surprisingly better success in the harbor, than in the main creek channel. Did you guys toss some baits in the harbor side where the culvert flows in? If it is the spot I think, I have to also ask, did you make it to the chocolate shoppe nearby? They've got great hot drinks and some yummy chocolates Good stuff! Tony

Another thumbs up for Delkim bite alarms (Standard Plus - http://www.delkim.co.uk/standard-plus.php), but they're much more than $20! In general, you do get what you pay for.

Maybe not Tybo! Yesterday, I received the new CANADA version catalogue, instead of the U.S. one I normally receive and order from. I thought the prices seemed higher in the Canada catalogue vs. what I recall seeing online on Cabelas.com or in the U.S. Catalogue so I thought I would do a quick comparison and last night I did a shopping test between the 2 cabelas.ca and cabelas.com websites. I picked a random bunch of stuff, that both websites carried and had in stock in order to get a fair comparison. Here are the items I selected, with standard ground for shipping. Shimano Stradic 2500 FI spinning reel 20lb Sufix 832 Cabelas No-Vis15lb flourocarbon F9 Rapala Here is the cost breakdown... U.S. Cabelas.com Pricing: Merchandise Total: CAD 201.05 Shipping and Handling Charges: CAD 20.01 Taxes & Duty: CAD 40.54 Fees (Broker): CAD 3.51 Amount Due: CAD $265.11 Payment must be made in US Dollars - Amount Due in USD: $264.33 CANADA Cabelas.ca Pricing: Merchandise Total: CAD 211.46 Shipping and Handling Charges: CAD 18.95 HST 13%: CAD 29.95 Amount Due: CAD $260.36 Basically, in this case, the Cabelas.ca site is cheaper by almost $5. There are a couple things to note though. There are sales on the cabelas.com website that aren't currently being offered on the .ca site. The selection is better on Cabelas.com...this could change over time but today there are more items available on the .com website. Also, when you spend over $300 on an order from cabelas.com the shipping cost is fixed at $19.95 but brokerage and duty costs will rise with the order. My advise is to spend the time entering the order on the .ca site after you have your cart ready to checkout on the .com site to be sure. It could save you some money. Hope this helps! Tony

I use the Talora downrigger rods (Medium/Heavy I think) and they are definately beef-sticks built for Kings. They take the fun out of catching trout and walleye though. I also have the 10'6" dipsy diver rods with the roller guides. I personally love these rods with wireline...the rollers make things feel so smooth when the fish are peeling off hundreds of feet of line at a time...but they are tip heavy and will bash other rods in my triple rod holder setup when under way. I simply lay them on the floor of the boat up the middle to avoid that. I also use Tekota 600LC for both my dipsy and downrigger reels. I am considering upgrading my downrigger reels to the new Daiwa Saltist reels with the high-speed line retrieve (47 inches per handle turn) The reason why is being able to quickly pick up slack on fish when they hit on deep riggers. I did lose a couple of fish last year because of that, they could have been derby winners!? Anyway, something to consider... If you want to trim the budget, there are great reels by Rapala called Hydros i think, Okuma, and Daiwa that are cheaper, but work as well. Happy shopping!

My insurance would essentially double in order to have coverage from Dec 31-Apr 1. I'm ice fishing during the layup period anyway so it's not worth the added cost to me.

Marine Expert Best prices I could find for the coverage I needed. Also, they were able to modify the layup for me to suit the open water season here in S. Ont. Endorsement No. XXVI - SPECIAL ENDORSEMENT Lay up period is amended to read Dec 31st to April 1st