akaShag

Well, if there is money in the pot to buy out the operations that would enable the Fist Nation(s) to turn to a different profitable enterprise (s), which does provide work for their youth, they there might well be a path to a greatly reduced commercial harvest. Anyways, in my view that would be the most likely option to succeed in restoring Nipissing's walleye stocks..............not knowing what OTHER significant factors might well be in play such as invasive species. But if there is a large commercial catch of walleye, then it is feasible to turn some or part or possibly even all of that into fish that are available for sports anglers. Doug

Back to Garfisher....... OK so it sounds like the commercial fishery is run by one or more First Nations. If it is in their economic best interest to surrender the commercial fishery for some valuable consideration (defined however), then perhaps a good faith negotiation could find some common ground to "buy out" the commercial "licence" and allow the tourist potential of the area to rebound. I think that personal consumption/ceremonial/etc use by the First Nation(s) involved would not be a significant factor, and should continue. So maybe the outfitters and other tourist-dependent businesses, in conjunction with the government of Ontario, could find an agreement that would see the commercial fishery cease or decrease significantly. Everybody wins, if the First Nation(s) involved are willing to accept (for example) job training for young folks and compensation for lost fishing income in return for hanging up their nets. Just a thought, and no, I do not wear rose-coloured glasses. There is ALWAYS a solution to a disagreement if both/all sides are willing to bargain in good faith. This sure looks like a place where a good faith discussion might be useful. Doug

That would depend on the lake, for sure, but I would say that there are a LOT more anglers than LOOK AT ME boaters on most of our lakes, even in the summer months. Please feel free to send a pm, and I will make some suggestions. Of course, it is worth remembering that free advice is generally worth what you pay for it.............. Doug

I had understood there was (is?) an unregulated commercial fishery on Lake Nipissing. It takes a lot of anglers to catch as many walleye as a mile of square hooks. Stocking fish in hopes of building/rebuilding a viable sports fishery, when (IF?) there is an unregulated commercial operation, strikes me as trying to put out a house fire with a teacup. And slashing a sports angler's limit to a single small fish sounds like serious HOGTOWN mentality. My heart goes out to the people of that area who depend on the lake for their livelihoods, since it sure does not sound to me like the government of this province has any intention of helping them out. If indeed there is a commercial fishery (as I had understood to be the case), perhaps the government could compensate the commercial fishermen and remove the nets from the lake.

also looking at the temagami area,anyone have any experience in that area? Missed this before. Yes, that area is gorgeous and fishing can be excellent. The quality of lodges varies a LOT and there are some pretty "divey" places that I would not to visit with my wife (and some, not any time). I can't help with current lodge info, sorry. Doug

You "MIGHT" find that Eastern Ontario's Land O'Lakes region is less crowded and (I think) less expensive than the areas you named. And we have lots of bass and pike. Musky not so much, except for the St Lawrence and the Ottawa as far as I know, but I am not a Musky Maniac............ Doug

I'm not sure about that "coming out" part but hey welcome aboard from this newbie. I agree with you that the tone of conversation here is generally polite and respectful, and I value that as you do. Doug

Got it, thanks Garry! And that is one sharp-looking rig! Doug

Toto, we are not in Kansas any more...............that is one long drive from here! But pretty country, I have camped all through that part of la belle province.............. Doug PS) There are some pretty darned good brook trout lakes in Algonquin Park too if you don't mind a few longish portages.

Very interesting indeed. Garry I have sent you a private message.....But I am a newbie here and that was my first attempt at a pm. So if you do answer it, and I do not respond, please come back here and say "HEY DOUGH-HEAD I ANSWERED YOUR NOTE! Thanks in advance............. Doug

Yes, that's my point, the COs put themselves in an unsafe and untenable situation.

Back to BillM.............. seeing as I cannot do the quote thing again, even though it did work once or twice....... I would be proud indeed if I were the author of the biggest hijack in the history of this channel. I guess I may have neglected to mention what I did for thirty years. Anyways, people busting out to ambush unsuspecting anglers (or anybody else) would tend to surprise the persons being ambushed. A person with PTSD often has an exaggerated startle reflex and reacts VERY strongly, and immediately to things that startle them. And it would have been a very sad thing for these COs to have found that out the hard way. Doug

A thread that came back from the dead........... ............and something like another one that appears to be current, with some less than complimentary remarks about (some of) Ontario's conservation officers. There are bad apples everywhere and some of them are COs. Deal with enough dickweeds and just plain rude people and my guess is that even the sunniest personality could have some bad days. Having said that.............busting out of the bush, at night, in plain clothes, to ambush unsuspecting anglers strikes me as unwise in the extreme. Even the most patient of men, dead sober, might well react poorly to being scared out of his wits by dark-clad figures jumping out of the bushes. Like try that with one of our Afghanistan veterans suffering from PTSD who goes on a remote fishing trip to get away from his demons. There is not a jury in this country who would convict that veteran for killing his assailants dead, right now, in that kind of context. Unwise in the extreme, as I said................and just freakin SAD too. Doug

So they probably went through on the East side............

It is said that the three most common elements in the universe are hydrogen, oxygen, and stupidity................ Hats off to the rescuer, that's scary stuff! Doug

Thanks for the welcomes, folks. Looks like a great site! Doug

No need to thank me, it's a public service............ Doug

Ok, so the QUOTE button worked for one entire post woohoo!............... back to wallyboss, thanks Dan, good to see you over here too! That "other" site seems like there is a lot of bickering and nastiness these days, and I just do not have time for that childishness............. Doug

back to wallyboss............ Hi Dan! And I gave that auger away to somebody or other when I bought a BRAND NEW Jiffy 2 hp 8" auger when Canadian Tire was selling them for less than half price a few springs ago. The NEW JIffy had a PLASTIC keeper for the bolt that attaches the head to the drill. DUHHHHHHHHHH!!! I gave THAT ONE to a guy as down payment for a lease on a hunt camp. And now I own a Nils Master, best power auger EVER!!! Doug

Here you go, for entertainment and to serve as a warning for those of us who WOULD have tried this ionce upon a time (eh Fisherman!!! Marcel and OB and Herb and whoever else, you could see this kind of thing going on.............) http://www.liveleak.com/view?i=4de_1387417453

If you have never used a power auger before, beware the dance with one-armed Suzy! The blade gets stuck and lifts you right off your feet. Or that old 3 horse did anyways..............

Missing a worlds record and a $300 fine is about as much book as you can throw for one fish over the limit and the SHAME and public humiliation of being labelled a poacher..........

I had a 3 hp Jiffy with a ten inch auger blade, and a tank of gas would last for more holes than I would ever drill in a weekend, let alone a day. (Like everybody already said but I am post whoring now that I am a net mender instead of a fingerling or whatever it is/was...............) Doug PS) It seems to me (and I had an older Jiffy) that the mix was a lot richer than usual, like maybe 24:1???? Not 40:1 like my chain saws etc.....

WOOHOO! And a QUOTE worked that time!!!!!!!!

OK now I have to go find Steel Bunny I reckon............and by the name and comments I am guessing she is a she and not a wrinkled old fart with gnarly facial hair................