Sketty55

Thanks to all for your responses. Lot's of great info to start my mission! One specific topic I'm wondering about at this point, what handling techniques are advised for this species. I realize a large net is required, but once out of the net, is there techniques that are preferrable which will cause the least amount of injury?

Ok, so i realize this is a broad topic, so maybe we can just start with resources on the web that I should review before proceeding any further. I'm a long time bassman and I realize that musky is quite different and I'll need knowledge on gear, species handling, techniques, etc before I can actually get out there. I'm not lazy so i'm hoping some of the more experienced anglers on here can point me in the right direction. Any articles or previous info I should take a look at? As far as gear, I'm not looking for top of the line, but I want to make sure i have the proper equipment so that I can release a healthy fish back in the water (that is if ever catch one!).

I see free shipping but not the tackle bag. Either my eyes are going bad or they've removed that part of the sale too.

Hi all. I just confirmed today that my last tentatively planned fishing trip out to Kawarthas this weekend is now cancelled. Everyone has thrown in the towel, meaning that my season is over. I hate this feeling but on the brighter side i'm looking forward to trying out some new waters next year. Over the winter I hope to plan a summer getaway for me and the boys (within a 4 hr drive of the gta), including an overnight stay. I've never planned an overnight trip before but I'm hoping to hear from some of you for places or suggestions for areas that you've stayed at with your crew that you particularly enjoyed and would recommend. I'm not looking for any secret areas, and would love to see any pics that members have from this past summer. Thanks!

Thanks for the quick responses! I called Cabelas and yes the $99 sale is over so looks like I missed out. I'm still debating the purchase at the new price (and justifying it to my wife....i've already used the buy now, think later tactic too many times). If anyone did order one and finds that it doesn't fit or it's not for them, just let me know. I take a large but i'm not picky on size, I'll even take the 5xl if necessary. I'll just do my best Daryl Cronzy impression and eat all the fish i catch and the jacket should fit me in a couple of years.

Hi all. I'm late seeing this post and may have missed out on the sale! I tried to take a look on their website but I dont see any x300 parka's for $99. Can someone provide a link (if the sale is still on)? Thanks.

Hi all. I've been looking to make one last trip with the boys this summer (what's left of it) and have been trying to look for a pontoon rental anywhere within 2 to 2.5hrs from the GTA. I've been calling around and the earliest I can seem to find one is for 8am. Anyone have any suggestions for a rental place that offers something earlier? Thanks!

Johnny, I think you should submit these pictures to Playgirl magazine. You should be commended for freeing the birds. As fisherman we all have a responsibility to our environment and those that share in it.

Green pumpkin for me works best in the Kawarthas. However, two years ago I was in bancroft and the only colour they would bit on was bright yellow.

I was in Sherway mall yesterday in Etobicoke and there was a line up of about 10 people outside the apple store. The rep told me that they got more phones in and these people were all accounted for and would receive phones, but that was it for the day. He told me to call into the store and then get down there asap if i wanted to get one.

I work at Chuck E Cheese.....I'm the rat.

I've never been to a fly in or any type of fishing destination whatsoever. I keep saying i'll plan at least once in my lifetime....I would hate to read a report like this one, book the trip, and then find out it was not what I wanted. I'm not familiar with the lake, the accomodation, or the poster but I just think that although this qualifies as a report, the owner of a resort is somewhat biased. Glad to see that fellow OFNers have pointed out the relationship of the poster to the resort.

Man, forget the 5lber for a second. I took my wife fishing two years ago, she caught a 1lb bass and started screaming in distress when it came out of the water towards her.....she has never gone back with me since. What is your secret?

Nothing brings a smile to kids faces like pulling in a fish! Nice report.

I just drove past the speed river this weekend and was wondering how the bite was as I've read reports in the last couple of years that it hasnt been so hot. Good for you and thanks for posting the report.

40lb's, nice!! Its hard to believe how many GTA fisherman keep forgetting about the Bluffs.

Nice fish! How deep were you?

What a great idea! This is not just a great opportunity for the kids to have fun but also to educate them about our fisheries. Excellent work Skeeter.

Really glad to see the extra effort made to ensure that this ski lived another day to fight! Good for you!!

Hi all. I usually just buy whatever's on sale and stick with that. This year I'd like to buy something specific to my needs. As I browse the net it's hard to believe how many options exist, and rods specific to precise applications. I'm not looking to be the next KVD but don't want a Sponge Bob Square Pants rod from Can Tire either! I like the idea of a telescopic rod that can fit into my car (I currently have a Quantum Tour one piece that sits in my garage as it's not convenient for my car). Ideally I would like something suited to all applications, likely a med-heavy, fast action and willing to spend a couple hundred bucks. So far iv'e heard G Loomis and St. Croix make excellent choices but thought I would check in there to see any specific choices that might be recommended. Thanks!!

Great stuff. Definitely an exciting father daughter moment!

Hi all. I havent' posted in a few years but with the G20 and G8 summits now over, the government has inspired me to solicit and gain all of your support, collect donations and build millions of dollars of security gates around my favourite lakes to prevent anyone else from accessing them. If i run out of funding i'll just implement my own version of the HST. So let the posting begin! Actually, my wife and I had a daughter 10 months ago so I haven't had the time for much fishing during her pregnancy and after. However, I managed a trip to the Kawarthas last week at a regular spot, and hope i'll have the chance to make a few more trips this summer. Now ive been to this spot for some shore fishing the past few years with decent results for smallies. What ive noticed each time ive gone is one or two huge bass in about 10ft of water. They often follow my lure but i've only been able to hook into one of them with a 5 inch green pumpkin senko, once. After a tough fight I got him about one foot away from me before losing him. On my most recent trip I noticed one of these giants again, and it continued the pattern of following the lure but not committing. Any suggestions for sluggish Kawartha smallies? Thanks!

Hey Ben. Small world...I used to be on the 17th floor at 231 fort york last year. You can try directly accross in the park beside ontario place for Pike. You'll also see a tonne of carp. That's about the closest spot within walking distance. Good for a few casts and you'll meet a few other city anglers there as well.

Nice to have a small portable mattress such as a Therma-Rest. Again, you get what you pay for.

Wow, what a hog! congrats on your PB. I bet it towed your inflatable around for a bit.