outdoorguy61

Personally, I would look for something that would be a trip of a lifetime for you, like the NWT for Arctic Char, which always used to be hungry for guides. The season is short with the only downside being the blackflies. It would pay well, if you target a high profile lodge, with as the other gentleman stated would be filling up fast. outdoorguy61

Two ideas 1) Hire a charter boat. 2) Rent a fishing club with ponds (I seem to recall a club called the Halton Hills Club). Sadly, I cannot think of one "primo" bar, restaurant anywhere in Canada (I travel a lot) with a solid fishing, hunting theme......even with just one lousy designated "outdoor" room. I got so fed up, I had my own made....humble and growing....complete with ponds.....and very tasteful. The closest I have seen to being acceptable, is The Bing Retreat north of Kingston......expect to pay if you look them up. I have rented it for a night and a weekend and a few special events. It is beautiful, with rainbows, brookies, bass and some other species in a private lake. outdoorguy61

Smaller diameter line be it mono or based on spectra fibre is a start. Some reels are made specifically for distance and others can be tweaked (this should be something one can google; there used to be a US site in either CA or Hawawi that did this. Rods also play a part. It can be done and used to be fairly popular (distance casting) as a contest. Just a few ideas. outdoorguy61

Here is a bad experience for you. We were at a sales meeting at what is regarded as one of the #1 rated 5 star lodges in Ontario. Our guide ....lol....simply wanted to smoke and I swear was just putting in time. The downside for the lodge was that the nature of the work I do.... can steer a lot of business by people that seriously want to fish. The same day, I had coworkers from ther parts of North America that had a great time with a remotely serious guide (heck....even if our guy had made it funny....anything). Here is another one...from the guides perspective. A couple from overseas insists on fishing in very cold rainy weather....insists, despite being told that the opportunity for success was greatly diminished. Location: Banff area. I would suggest that there is some type of opportunity that could slowly be developed in regional Ontario markets. Most gentlemen I have seen have not been equipped....primarily business wise to make it a consistent success. It is much more than the ability to catch a few fish to be a guide, and if you have the background to make it work, I applaud you. outdoorguy61

Regarding guides. I travel a lot and am familiar with most high profile fisheries in Canada. I see very few, true full time independent guides or guide companys, but do see a considerable amount of folks that use it as a sideline. The most professional guide operations I have seen is on the west coast, with most still having their employees doing something else during the slow season. The finest example I have seen is a company called STS guiding on the Fraser River, which focuses on sturgeon and salmon, but also does assorted "eco trips". Take a peek at his website (STS Guiding) and book a trip if you want to really have your eyes opened about customer service and how to offer a top notch service. This gentleman really has made it a business and does multiple trade shows in both Canada and the US, talks to fishing organizations, involved with conservation, let alone owns a bed and breakfast that works hand in hand with his company. He has roughly 9 Guides in total. The most cost effective guiding operations I have seen is on the Bow River in Alberta. Using drift boats, it sure cuts down on fuel consumption and equipment costs, etc.. They can get some very demanding customers, particularily around Banff. Style of trip and the market one caters means a lot. In some areas of Canada, a shorelunch is a nice touch, but other operations offer a great range be it a touch of wine, or finer foods to note. I was out with one operation on the ocean two years ago, that literally had hundreds of Shimano combo's (big stuff for halibut and salmon)..... and an equal amount broken....waiting to be repaired. If I was to guide in cottage country in the area you decribed I would be sure to access every lodge, every motel, every store, and would definetely want a business plan. Note, that some guides also make assorted deals with various styles of accomodations and both get and give in various ways.....if they are serious and want to make it more of a business and not an occasional subsized fishing trip. Just a few notes. Most folks are simply not prepared to actually make it into a bonafide stand alone business. I wish you well. outdoorguy61

By chance do you think your property is one that has been used for convenience, adjacent to a deer yard, or could this same person be one that does not like you or someone in your family? Hopefully they will be caught. outdoorguy61

I thoroughly enjoyed seeing that clip, as I had heard about some of the previous ideas employed but had never seen them. Thank-you for posting it. outdoorguy61

I would agree with the posts thus far and might add, using a single hook (barbless once you are used to it) in order to ensure you have better releases. Either way, have fun, with my own preference being to harvest very well targetted specks from only the better quality waters. outdoorguy61

Operating costs. Pure and simple, it costs more to do business in a more northerly climate, as opposed to being further south. outdoorguy61

I thoroughly enjoyed this thread and wish I had some pictures to post. One item to note for me was the gentleman that said his father became a father..... at 60. Hey....I still got a bit of time I guess.... at a young 45! outdoorguy61

The business and operations model for MNR has been substantially "gutted". If it was a wakeup call, hopefully the workers and powers that be got the message and that the current government does a pre election cash infusion. The actual day to day operation could and can be better. Just a message from a long distance tax payer that has seen many ways of conducting the business.....of the outdoors. outdoorguy61

Go to www.ebolamonkeyman.com Learn how to make sport of these parasites. They have some hilarious examples, and yes.....people do fight back against them. outdoorguy61

I will bite. Both examples are based upon your stated interest in walleye and yellow perch. I would suggest Nippissing, given that it has both species plus whitefish and a variety of accomodations. If you want larger walleye, the Bay of Quinte is the #1 choice. There is no place that I can suggest that would have an outstanding lodge, with a couple of bed and breakfasts being as close as it gets. Both suggestions have various guides, etc. outdoorguy61

I was looking at a Salus on the weekend. It is made in Guelph and although pricey, it looked by far like the finest I have seen to date. outdoorguy61

If you are serious, look for a low profile tent with aluminum poles. This will handle the wind better, and lessen the risk of breakage. Just a quick responce. outdoorguy61

Thanks for the tips. How do I tell what files might have an .exe without opening up another program on my computer that I have very little experience in? I am rather clumsy with the in's and out's of computer world. Thanks for taking a peek. outdoorguy61

In addition to what the other gentlemen have posted, sunfish, yellow perch, rockbass, suckers, carp and even the odd muskey should still turn up. Our family had a cottage in Bolsover for 30 years and it brings back lots of happy memories. outdoorguy61

Correct me if I am wrong, but was this reel not made in Western Ontario? outdoorguy61

I have broke quite a few in years past and could not put an accureate number to it (likley like another poster with over 10). As I have gotten older, I am not as clumsey with gear. My favourite small creek rod was a zero gravity Mitchell, that was sadly stolen from me by some thieving druggy misfit (common the the west coast of Canada). I was sure I would break this dainty little thing, but alas....... it is now gone before its time. outdoorguy61

Espanola through to Thunder Bay as my ideal. The reality (for me) is sadly quite different....lol. outdoorguy61

I am curious if anyone has icefished for carp. I have heard of an incidental catch but have never heard of anyone targetting them as their objective. Thanks for taking a peek...."carp icefishers.....are you out there"? outdoorguy61

I just bought a Force10 marine barbecue that is extremely well built. outdoorguy61

Having looked at your art, I wanted to pass along a name of a deceased artist named FV Williams. He used to do a lot of the covers for Rod and Gun in Canada. This may or may not be of interest, but looking at your style, it reminds me of this gentleman. It is likley an impossible one to google, as he did covers in and around the 1920's. Just a note. outdoorguy61

I work in BC/AB and live just outside of Vancouver. My home is between Belleville-Kingston. And yes, I am serious. outdoorguy61

Promote and sell. If it is a fishing tackle sponsor, these are the two fundamental keys for any sponsor of substance. And forget thinking cash..... 95+% of the times (assuming you are based in Canada), product and discounts and an expectation to provide support is a must to be taken seriously. This sounds simple, yet I see too many people wanting to be connected to the business, yet have nothing to bring to the table. Trade show and dealer support is a start, as are demonstrating how your skills can assist (casting or catching a few fish means little; making fishing fun and selling at a trade show is what most companies that actually use promotional support staff want). If one thinks that showing a sticker or a shirt is their idea of advertising support for any possible sponsor....think again. If you have a bit of HONEST knowledge (no Bull) when you meet with a possible sponsor, this can help as can a true interest in the company and learning about what products they offer. Finally, if one is not personable, you will not get anywhere. You might want to consider a skill based resume format, accompanying possible schedules. I hope you do not find this too harsh. Never think this can be an American style full time gig, as there are only a true handful in Canada that make the grade, including some with perceived higher profiles. Canada is a small market with generally smaller budgets compared to the US. Just a few ideas. outdoorguy61