tonyb

Count me as a convert! I've still got a ways to go to get all the proper gear, but I do have a pair of nice Baitrunner 4500's as a start. Now the hard part, finding a quality 2.75lb test curve rod x 2 and a decent double buzzbar rod pod... Tony

Sounds like a good event! Have to check out the vids on youtube... Tony

What about at the mouth of the Ganaraska River, there should be a few different species available there, carp, pike, trout... Tony

Don't worry team 2, I'll submit a fish or two by the time this thing is wrapped up this year. Tony

There are NO fish in Temagami Tony

This is a common thing actually, it was most likely a snapping turtle dressed up like a man. Tony

Really, and I hate to say this because I do give a lot of business to the local guys, the best deals are found on-line. So regardless of any 'deals' at a Basspro spring fishing sale or Sportsmens show, there are still better deals all year round outside of this country. With the Can $ so high right now you can save tons of money by ordering from places like Cabelas. To put it into perspective, here is a real example with current prices and exchange rates: 2 x Shimano 4500 Baitrunner reels at Cabelas works out to be $235.95 U.S./$254.89 Canadian INCLUDING shipping - Reels @ 109.99 ea shipping is $14.95 for both reels. At a local shop you are paying $179.99 EACH REEL! Factor in taxes and you are up to $413.98 for 2 Shimano Baitrunner 4500 reels (+ gas and time to drive to the store) So lets take a look at savings... $413.98 -$254.89 ---------- =$159.09 Total SAVINGS!!!! AND, it gets delivered to your doorstep! Sorry to say, there is no competitive pricing happening here in Canada. I don't understand it to be honest, it has to be the Canadian dsstributors that are taking their piece of the pie when selling to vendors that is driving the prices up. We all work hard for our money, it has to be put towards the best deals. Tony

Wow! 61mph!? That's the same configuration I was planning on, that is some serious speed. Why would you open it up like that if you don't know the water??? Tony

I remember getting a Carp last year on a worm in a lake Erie tributary. We were targetting Channel Catfish and the same thought went through my head -- this has got to be a huge Cat! Turned out to be a 15lb Carp! I think Worms work very well for Carp in the spring, but stick to using them only at night as most of the other panfish, aside from rockbass, will be somewhat sleepy Tony

See you always end up laughing about these sorts of things after some time has passed. I'm still irked by reading the Lund story Wayne... Tony

Wow! Now that is a trip to look back on one day and just shake your head and laugh. I wouldn't say you are picky at all Wayne. You bought a Lund because of what they are supposed to be, quality and a tradition of solid workmanship. I hope that they aren't getting complacent these days, relying on their reputation to carry them, that only works for a very short amount of time before word gets out. I trust they will do everything to correct the problems, but that's not the point, you paid to have it perfect from the time you took delivery. I think it is completely unacceptable that they could deliver your boat in that state, where is quality control? Maybe they are the ones drinking? Tony

Looks like a great time spent with someone special! thanks for sharing the pics too! Did the guy get a $200+ fine for drinking on shore or was he in the boat? Tony

So will the free parking of the Spring Fishing Show carry over with this new merger? Walter is a very smart business man, this is all about $$$ Still, at least people can get the best of both worlds, and the worst, at one big venue. Tony

What's another few hundred bucks? It will probably result in less time spent searching for fish holding structure... Once you use the hydrographic charts in conjunction with a GPS, there is no other real substitute. Tony

A reminder that the Ontario fishing regulations can be found online at http://www.mnr.gov.on.ca/MNR/pubs/pubmenu.html#fish Balsam Lake is on Map B - Division 6 Balsam Lake (44°35’N., 78°50’W.) - including the waters of the Gull River upstream to the dam at Coboconk, the waters of the Otonabee River (Rosedale River) between the Trent dam at Rosedale upstream to Balsam Lake, the waters of the Trent Canal between the upstream lock at Rosedale upstream to its junction with the Otonabee River (Rosedale River), and the waters of the Trent Canal between Balsam Lake and Mitchell Lake - Bexley and Fenelon Twps. Walleye catch and possession limit: Sportfishing licence limit of three (3), which must be less than 37 cm (14.6 in.), or greater than 55 cm (21.7 in.) in length. Conservation licence limit of one (1) which must be less than 37 cm (14.6 in.) or greater than 55 cm (21.7 in.) in length. Don't quote me though...it's your butt on the line...I think these are the correct regs based on the quick search I did. Tony PS. WOW you guys are fast around here...

Way to go! Very good to see you have the proper equipment for landing and releasing a Musky. I picked up a great Musky rod/reel outfit last year and a small selection of lures, but haven't got a proper net or cradle yet so I have limited my musky outings (that and I don't have a boat yet ) Kudos to you for taking that into consideration in addition to the great lures you have selected. Tony

I thought this link would be interesting for some of you, it contains fish biology, identification and some information on families of fishes. http://www.mnr.gov.on.ca/MNR/fishing/fact.html Enjoy! Tony

You guys are funny, fish species identification has nothing to do with saltwater vs freshwater (That's like saying there are no sharks in freshwater!!!) or colour of flesh (which is actually determined by the fish's diet). Sharks in freshwater... http://news.nationalgeographic.com/news/20...bullsharks.html Tony

I think you guys are giving the bass too much credit in their accuracy of strikes. Remember that bass feed by means of suction, so whatever is in front of their mouth, in any particular orientation is going to end up in their mouth that way (or the fish misses your bait altogether!) The most important thing to consider about hooks is their sharpness! Always, always carry a quality hook sharpener (not those cheap stones) and regularly check and sharpen your hooks as necessary throughout the day. You will catch more fish with sharp hooks. Tony

Nevermind the bears, lets hear the story behind this! Tony

Nice report, looks like you guys had a great time fishing and EATING! The mystery fish is actually a White Perch Here is a technical comparison: White Bass COMMON NAMES: White bass, Silver bass SCIENTIFIC NAME: Morone chrysops IDENTIFICATION: White bass are silvery in color and have a milky white belly. In addition, they have six or more dark lateral lines on the sides and back. This fish has two dorsal fins with the first having nine spines. The white bass closely resembles the hybrid striped bass and the white perch. White Perch (Your mystery fish) COMMON NAMES: White perch, Silver perch, Gray perch, Blue nose perch SCIENTIFIC NAME: Morone americana IDENTIFICATION: The white perch is a deep bodied fish that looks very similar to the white bass. The main difference is that the white perch is all silver and does not have dark lines running the length of the body. Hope that helps! I know it's nice to know what you have caught That other fish that you were wondering if it was a hybrid or not, it is not, it is just a nicely coloured Northern Pike. Tony

Unless you specifically told the Goby with eggs to go screw itself, no another lake can't get infested Tony

Can't you split the signal from the other line-outs using a Y RCA cable? You will lose your fade capability, but that's isn't too important.

Wow! what a story, at least you were persistent That scenario you mentioned with the slingshot splitshot is yet another reason why it is important to wear sunglasses or safety glasses when fishing day or night! Tony

Looking good! Sam @ Carra Outdoors is always a great help Did you get all the Walleye on those spinner rigs? Are those the Lucky strike rigs or home made jobs? Good fishing! Tony