markiemark70

I am very interested in this discussion, and I thought I would share my opinion just before it gets locked. I can see it from both sides: I love to fish docks and catch fish, but I would never go near a dock when the cottagers are there. And I remember the story that someone posted about the kid getting hooked on the dock (it was posted here once before, deja vu?) and that has taught me the importance of retrieving hooks should I ever get snagged on one. I think the issue is between people who own property and those who don't. Sorry if it sounds condescending, but those who have not sacrificed to purchase a little slice of the world for themselves can't understand why people would take it personally to have someone disrespect that. I myself would have probably been on the other side of the argument until a few years ago when I purchased my first home. My attitude was, and the attitude I am hearing in this thread is "What, do you think your special because you bought some property?" And the answer for me is Yes. I feel like I have sacrificed and worked to get where I am and that should afford me a bit of respect around my property, within reason of course. As for the difference between what's right vs what's legal, my favourite example is from a forgettable movie I saw a few years back: Two men are in a restaurant and man 1 decides to light up a cigar. Man 2 says "Excuse me, would you mind not smoking that here? I am trying to eat. Man 1 says "There is no law that says I can't smoke this here." Man2 replies: "I'm not talking about laws, I am talking about courtesy. You see, there is no law that says I can't walk over there and fart all over your entree, but that wouldn't be very nice would it?" Bout sums it up. In before the lock.

Those are beauty fish allright. Good on ya. I have to ask you this though, and sorry for bustin your chops, but with all that has happened this year, do you really think it wise to be out that far in a canoe without a PFD? Are you an olympic swimmer by chance? Even so I think anything can happen why not have protection? Sorry but I am just sick of hearing of all the drownings and would like to know if you or others can justify the risk. Respectfully

No not directed at anyone in particular. Just quoting the "$2 fish" for effect. I don't know the particular situation either, but I do know a thing or two about people from some parts of Canada, such as country folk or east coasters that have a hate-on for natives, and that clouds judgement. Not pointing any fingers and saying that is what happened here, but I think it can easily happen and we get into an "us vs them" mentality. All I can say to that is that they lived here for thousands of years and there was still fish when we got here. In the last maybe 100 years, we have managed to screw up just about everything. And my original point was that taken at face value, the article is a positive one, and the plant should have a positive effect on the fishery, all things being equal.

Very well said. They are pretty much damned if they do and damned if they don't. It seems strange that the same people who would criticize selling $2 fish, also criticize when they try to do it right with regs and limits. I guess they should leave all the fish for us to destroy.

Yeah thats the one, same one that Jedimaster included in his post. I have never had an issue with that yet. Good luck

That makes sense, but it still does not neccesarily mean more fish. If the issue is that there are too many fish being taken either through quotas or illegally, then THAT is the issue. But turning a previously black market fisherman into a legit one that can actually make a living off of the fish he sells is a good thing. It has to do with stewardship and making the people who are close to the resource "self policing". IE now you will have fisherman who were poaching before and are now making a good living snitching and/or using peer pressure to help prevent the unethical ones from selling $2 fish from a trunk. I guess it is all in how you choose to see it. I see it as a positive. Then again, I started this by saying I was naive....

I use a "Uni to Uni" and have not had any problems with it. Are you lubricating before you tighten?

OK I know nothing about this issue or the conditions on Nippising, so I am totally naive here, but can someone explain to me where it says that this will lead to more fish being harvested? I just read an article about better processing facilities and getting more fisherman to do business on the up and up so that the resource can be managed. I would think that the amount of fish being harvested would if anything decrease because of this, or at worst stay the same. Please connect the dots for me if I am wrong.

Many of you may have seen my post earlier this week called "Broken Reel", referring to my 20 year old Abu Garcia Cardinal reel that snapped in half. Well I went to CT in Milton tonight just to "see" what they had. I had a budget in mind of $100. When I got there, the selection was not that great, but I saw this puppy and I thought it was kismet: http://www.epinions.com/review/Abu_Garcia_Cardinal_500_Spinning_Reel/content_348641398404 Who says history never repeats? From all accounts it seems like a pretty good reel for the money. I paid $70 (could have got it at BPS for $60 if I wanted to drive half hour each way on the 407 which would have cost me more than $10, not to mention the obligatory $100 in "extras" that always follow me out of BPS) The wife and kids are heading out of town for an overnighter tomorrow. Can't wait to try this puppy out!!

I go to the Conservation area and pay the $5 as well, but I am curious if anyone knows a way to get to GL without doing that? Moreso to try some new areas of the lake. The only areas I can seem to find that are reasonable to get to are around the island and the point on the other side of the beach. Does anyone know if there is anywhere to park and access the water at Hwy 6 near Cross Creek Blvd shown here? http://maps.google.com/maps?ll=43.574596,-80.283601&z=16&t=h&hl=en (sorry you have to select it and enter into browser) Looks like some good water. Seems to be all private property surrounding it, but thought a local might know.

My name is Mark Adams and I am the owner/operator of At Your Service Computer. We are based in Milton Ontario, and can provide services in person in the GTA, or remotely over a working internet connection for those farther afield. I would be able to help you with the following: -Computer cleanup/virus removal -Backup data & training for backups -Transfer data from old computer -We are authorized Dell reseller and can offer discounts on Dell products -Website creation and Search Engine Marketing services -Google Apps (Email and More) server setup -Complete design and implementation for small businesses On top of all that, we also sell & install CCTV camera and Access Control systems Let me know if there is anything I can help with. I would be glad to offer OFC'ers a discount on personal services, and/or finders fees for any referrals. Also willing to trade computer service for an open seat on your boat!! Regards, Mark Adams At Your Service www.ayscanada.com www.ayssecurity.com

Thats pretty cool. Do you have a before shot of the trees standing? Did they get rid of the stump too?

I applaud your resolve. These days when I see muddy water, I go fishing in the Tim Horton's drive through, then go home, or hit a lake where the water quality is not affected by rain.

My go-to for the last 3 years has been a 4" Senko in Watermelon/Green, although lately I have been having luck with Black/Orange. When fishing the Grand waterway I find that I can go all day with a Jig and Twister tail and do well. Other than that I usually have a spare rod that I cycle through different lures, but have not found any that I have become dependent on.

Actually this time I did not go by looks. I looked for a major brand (that I have heard of) with a reel for $100. I will most likely look at the Saros while at BPS too and see which one speaks to me. I can spend the extra $30 if there is a compelling reason to do so. The reason I am looking to spend a bit more than the last few combos I have bought this time is because I am starting to see the err of my ways: I have 2 of them (one I bought, one was a gift from my wife) that are both less than 3 years old and both are having gear issues. One of them, when I cast really hard, it is like the gears just dis-engage and I cant click the bail closed for a few seconds. Compare that to the one that just broke that lasted me 20 years. I bought that Abu Garcia at LeBarons in Mississauga in 1990 for around $160 for rod & reel.

Ok well maybe it will be a better idea to spend my $100 on a rell, and get a new rod later? How about this one? http://www.basspro.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/Product_10151_-1_10001_2036_100001002_100000000_100001000_100-1-2 Only issue I see is the line cap. It only shows up to 10 lb and I like to use braid which is 12 lb diameter (30-50 lbs) Are these line caps a hard rule? Also, in case you haven't figures it out by now, while I really enjoy fishing, I am usually doing pretty lightweight Bass fishing from shore, so I really don't know the difference betweem different rod weights and lengths and stuff. I have been fishing all my life and still buy my gear based on looks and price!! SO for me a $100 reel is more than sufficient, I am splurging! Thanks for you help.

Well I went to HD to look for parts to attempt to fix it. The guy helping me in the paint dept, along with the posts here have convinced me that there is not much point to trying to fix it. He said the best I could do would be to glue it so I can display it, but I am not interested in that. I think I am going to replace it with this: http://www.basspro.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/Product_10151_-1_10001_10201566_100003002_100000000_100003000_100-3-2 Any thoughts? I usually buy cheaper combos lately, so $100 is splurging for me. Would not want to spend much more unless I had a really compelling reason (besides "It's awesome"). And the reason I want to get a combo is because I have another setup where the rod is broken and the reel is good, so now I can marry the 2 to get 1 good working older rig, and have 1 good new one. Thanks all for suggestions.

Well I can suggest going up to the north end to the Kiosk. Not sure about the brookies (never fished for those, but there are trout up there) but the smallie action is hot. If you end up going there I can pm you a spot that will provide constant action from dusk till dawn.

Hey all, I broke my oldest reel. I have had it since I was 18 (20 years ago ) and I really don't want to throw it out. But if that is the only option, ce'st la vie. Thanks for any suggestions.

Thought some here might enjoy this http://mommyblips.com/video/dad-life-1/

Yeah I asked at tha gate before I left and they only rent canoes and kayaks. Those are not really an option for me due to my size and comfort level on the water. I do a yearly canoe trip on the Grand with a buddy and that is OK because it is a river, but I could not get comfortable on a lake. Oh well someday I guess I will get to try it. BTW does anyone know why people are always parked near the dam outside the park? Are you allowed to fish from the dam and do you think you could get anything from there?

Yes I am sure they were smallies. I really wish there was a better boat rental situation there or that I owned my own boat. I would love to go out on the lake and see what is out there. I was pretty impressed with the 2 fish I caught in less than 2 hours from shore. Both were respectable fish.

Decided to go back to Guelph Lake tonight where I haven't been in a few years. I was pretty dissapointed to find out that they had the Island cordoned off for Hillside festival (that's the second time that has happened to me. Must use calendar.) Anyways I decided to make the best of it and try a few new spots. Fished for a bit less than 2 hours and pulled in 2 smallmouth in the 2 lb range. Sure as hell beats a skunk (my usual shore fishing) and not a bad way to spend 2 hours. Both fish were caught on Senkos (Black/Orange and Watermelon/Green) wacky rigged using a S-L-O-W drag across the bottom.

Just curious why is everyone saying be careful? There are larger bodies of water in Ontario than Couch. Is there something unique that makes this body of water more dangerous? Thanks