Except 95% of the province doesnt have open water in the winter lol (not in terms of population obviously). I'm usually forced outta the boat by early to mid november
Dipseys come with decent terminal tackle on either side but it definitely doesnt hurt to run a good quality crosslock snap swivel ahead of it all. Run a snubber as well, especially if you use braid or wire as a mainline
Wow, incredible stuff! I believe you'd be hard-pressed to find a better pike fishery anywhere in the world based on this report. Did you spend any time targetting other species?
Fish this weekend are definitely transitioning to fall mode, up here anyway. 90% were taken on crankbaits suspended over the deepest dropping shorelines on the lake. The big gators are starting to wake up too!
I wear mine 100% of the time while in the canoe, and sometimes in the tin can, but even when it's not on I make sure it's accessible, and not stuffed away at the bow under a pile of other gear