adempsey

Nice fish! Thanks for posting your report. One of these days I might actually get up there to fish it.

I really like my Shimano Symetres. Never liked the feel of the Pflueger's and have had problems with my Daiwa reels. I have some lower end Abu Garcia's that I use for ice fishing that I think are great too. I'd still probably stick with something made by Shimano. Doesn't hurt to keep an eye out for online sales either. I picked up some closeout Symetres from American Legacy Fishing for $79 each free shipping last year.

That's pretty cool. Although, I have no idea what that show is. Is it available online? edit: nvm, there's this amazing thing called Google and I magically found it. It's also on iTunes, but the most recent show is from last November.

Nice video! Great season you're having so far. My video would show me washing lures for hours on end with Mozart's Eine kleine Nachtmusik (Serenade No. 13 for strings in G major) playing in the background.

The Cabelas and BPS suits are probably the most popular, but Frabill seems to be a good choice too. Although, I am not sure what you can use for all four seasons. I guess it depends on where you fish in the winter

For rip jigging, I'd put more focus on the rod warranty than the actual rod. Although, most warranties seem to be 1 year. St.Croix has 5 year warranty for the Triumph line. I never found that I would need anything very sensitive for that technique. I think any MH rod would do just fine. I also use a Rapala TS2 with a baitcaster for rip jigging, although I haven't done that in quite some time. I picked that rod up for a decent price, that's why I chose it. A St.Croix Triumph on sale would be ideal. Although, the MH spinning only comes in 1 piece. Should be plenty of sales between now and March.

I am curious as to why your wife feels this way. Is your current house one of those always under construction? Be realistic in what you are able to accomplish within a reasonable time frame. Just because you are qualified and capable, doesn't mean you will have the time and energy to do so. Regardless, time to give in or come to a compromise, like an unfinished basement. Fighting over something as big as this can destroy you.

Not currently, but I would. Plan on trying when I respool. Has received good reviews based on my searching.

Nice to see a contest like this! BTW, who's the "One additional person in attendance"? Your body guard?

A few you could call and check for availability: http://www.hiddencovecottageresort.com/ http://www.kashagalodge.com/ http://www.theclansman.com/cottages http://www.leisurecottages.com/Home_Page.html http://www.bondi-cottage-resort.com/availability.htm http://www.bluemoonretreat.info/index.php http://www.maplebraecottages.com/ http://www.clearlakecottageresort.com/index.html http://www.clearviewcottages.com/index.php http://www.sandlake.on.ca/index.html

Where were you planning on going? That might help with some suggestions.

I'd start looking at the properties first. You've narrowed down your regions enough IMO to start to check some places out. I think once you start comparing all the factors like price, property lines, population density, accessibility, building regulations, waterfront regulations, elevation, water source etc.. that will likely make you decide where to focus on more. Although, personally I'd have a hard time narrowing it down as much as you already have. There are far too many nice lakes to consider! Especially around Haliburton, Bancroft/Maynooth, and the Rideau Lakes. There's a lot of appeal to the Kawarthas, but I wouldn't overlook the Muskokas. Although, Muskokas has a reputation for being more expensive and full of us "city slickers" [or is it citidiots?], I bet there are some really nice hidden gems to be found. I am not sure what to think about the blue-green algae blooms that have occurred in the past couple of years. It's generally a natural phenomenon in these eutrophic lakes when the weather gets really hot [and in still water]. However, if it becomes a stigma it may affect your property value [or you can get a real bargain!]. Is it something to worry about, I don't know. I suppose that depends on the future weather.

The updated map doesn't seem as bad [edit: wait, it looks worse!! lol]. I really hope not, I am finally heading north for some fishing....

Lovesick Lake Park Large campground/RV park with a gift shop, restaurant, beach and close to Burleigh Falls. Should be a lot of kids around.

http://www.pleasantcove.com/index.html http://www.elmhirst.ca/ http://www.muskiebayricelake.com/ http://www.ardaghresort.on.ca http://www.bryerlodge.com/index.htm http://cedarwoodresort.ca http://www.bonnieviewinn.com/lake-kashagawigamog.html http://www.balmbeachresort.com/index.htm http://www.northridgeinn.com/

Best way is to measure the voltage of the battery. I assume it's a 12V SLA AGM battery? It should read 12.6V+ fully charged , and usually 13V+ immediately after fully charged.

No problem. I forgot about Kashaga Lodge on Kashagawigamog. We went ice fishing there a few years ago and my buddy brought his dog. I am not sure if they allow them in all cottages or not. Limberlost Lodge allows pets too. I think you need a minimum of four people though. I have not been there yet, but working on it...

Often we just rent a motel at Comfort Inn and hit various lakes. However, my buddy brings his dog with him fishing since we only stay one night. I suppose if you stayed two nights you could crate your dog, but I guess that depends on how long you will be away/how far you go to fish. We went up to Lake Bernard one year and stayed at Caswell Resort. I recall they only allowed pets in certain rooms (the older ones), which is where my buddy stayed with his dog. I stayed i one of their rustic cottages. We stayed at Maple Brae last year (?) and they allow dogs. The lake has Splake in it, although we didn't do that well. On Nosbonsing you have Big Moose Camp and Cozy Camps . There is also Birch Hill Camp, but I don't know if they allow pets, you would have to call. Buttermilk Falls Resort on Boshkung allows pets in the off season I believe. Red Umbrella Inn on 12 mile lake as well. Ultimately, just call around. The policies often change based on season and can also depend on the size of your dog. So don't just base it on what the website says. Good luck!

For that drive, I hit up a lodge on Lady Evelyn Lake - Island 10 or Garden Island Lodge. I am not sure if Red Pine Lodge is currently in operation [it's currently on the market and I had heard they weren't open in 2013, but never confirmed that]. The fishing for Walleye and Smallmouth Bass was quite good the two times I went (July and August). One of my favorite lakes. I stayed at Horwood Lake Lodge a couple years ago in July. Nice camp, great boats, owner was a decent guy (he may have sold the lodge recently though, haven't confirmed that) but we had a hard time fishing. I am confident the lake can produce good Walleye and Pike though. The rates are really good as well. I'd probably go back to Horwood Lake, but perhaps stay at the more central camp Horwood Outpost, which I believe is closer to better fishing grounds. Probably some better options if you increase the drive time to 10 to 12 hours

At that time of year, rates for a three day weekend will be close to renting for a week anyway. So, just rent for the week. Muskie Bay on Rice Lake has a nice cottage that sleeps up to 10. I believe it used to be the owners house until they constructed a new one. Elmhirst Resort on Rice Lake has some 4 and 5 bedroom cottages as well. Pigeon Lake Resort on Pigeon Lake has some 4 bed cottages as well. I prefer fishing on Pigeon. GOM Resort on Jack Lake has a 4 bed cottage. If you have the mucho dineros, there are some incredibly nice private cottages on Jack Lake.

Not to derail the OP, but I am curious. Do you think it would a good trip to ORR if you only fished for Walleye and Pike? Without a proper boat, I just don't see myself heading out into Nipigon too far, although I'd love to fish it. Of course, it would probably be a shame to be there and NOT fish Nipigon.....

It's a fairly easy walk out to trout grounds in Kempenfelt Bay if you were worried about finding the deep water. Otherwise, maybe try Bear Point Fish Hut Rentals, Love to Fish Simcoe, Dave's Fish Huts or Lucky Sons. There are probably more, but I haven't used one in a long time.

The TyGer and Cortland tieable leader materials worked well enough for me. I only have used it on my pike flies. Haven't caught any trophy's with either yet though.

I'd probably just buy the Frabill one [assuming it has decent reviews]. Make sure you can use the gift cards first though. For some reason I am thinking you can't use them online (Canadian cards), but I might be mixing that up with their points system. It's been a while since I ordered anything from BPS.