Moosebunk

"There will be days when the fishing is better than one's most optimistic forecast, others when it is far worse. Either is a gain over just staying home." R.H.B. ... and so with that constantly in mind, the past week and a half was busy with getting out of the house and enjoying what fall fishing has to offer. GOLD!!! OCT 22. Day 1. Worth Getting Up & Out. After a quiet nightshift and about 3 1/2 hours of totally interrupted and shizzy sleep, I just got up, made a coffee and bagel for lunch, then a sandwich and iced tea to have for supper, and hit the road with the WarCanoe to a local pond. Around 2:00pm was launched and planning on smacking bass and eyes. First cast a pike. Second a walleye. Fifth a smallie. Very quickly I woke and didn't feel so lazy anymore. Cruising about the weedbeds all fish were active. Pike the most, eyes secondly, largies then smallies. Perch were in the shallows in huge schools and once the breeze died off could be seen just wreaking havoc on the surface. It was a pretty visual afternoon looking over the dying veg and watching the fish swim around. Closer to sunset and before the light got dimmed by the incoming cloud, I hit a pocket of eyes and nabbed seven quickies to go with the one from earlier. Some quality was in the mix. A fella cruising up the shoreline in his little tinny could be heard talking to himself from a mile away. Powered by what could have been an old Chrysler outboard, he slipped right on past me trolling with his two rods. "Git any?" I ask. "Nothing yet," he quiffs. "Where's you partner?" I snicker. "On shore," he wafts. Knucklehead poacher. Anyhow, I went home quite happy. OCT. 23. Day 2. Post Lamb's Slammed. My buddy Mike (SM05) and I had planned to fish either in the hills with the WarCanoe or, weather permitting, Quinte. Mike had never experienced Quinte so come 8:30-9:00am we launched for eyes. Before the third line was set Mike had the first of the day. We trolled just a little further before circling back on the spot he hit the first fish, and there again, he momentarily begrudged me giving him a second. If you haven't seen this report of Mike's on the public boards, this summer he achieved something that many would consider one hekcuva spectacular feat. At least I think so... He caught six different inland lake Ontario trout/char species. http://www.fish-hawk.net/viewtopic.php?f=2&t=46131 Anyways... bite on the eyes slowed for an hour and some, then I got on the board. By noon it turned to rush hour and Mike and I were thoroughly enjoying a perfect day on the water. Over the next few hours we doubled-up three times and took turns draggin' em in. Lost a few, broke a net, and the big fish nearing the end of the day happily fired on my lighter inside Clarus and put up a strong fight to the finish. Those rods really are a treat for this kind of fishing... unless a sheepie hits . Mike grabbed his smaller meat fish from the well to join the party pic after we laughed our way through one of our double-headers. He tells me later that day how he hates me because I introduce him to fishing like this, the Lund, Kesagami, his PB pike and now on this day the walleyes... Out of nowhere really, the wind began picking up about 3:00pm. I began humming and hawing about pulling the chute early. Oddly enough, a final double header had us clear the lines soon enough anyways, and so we figured that and Mike's first lamb was a good note to safely end the day on. Home by supper, pickerel-tickled-pink after those two totally different days and ways of gettin' em hooked up. Time with Mike is time well spent. 11/16 on a shortened day was alright with us. OCT. 25. Day 3. Panning & Planning. Forecast was cold and windy and being a Tuesday it wasn't any surprise no others wanted to join. The quad having not seen any action in months called out, "take me, take me!" Evening before I rigged'er up, loaded it in the truck, sorted the simple fish gear, float tube, munchies, and finally that night poured over the topo software and Google Earth and came up with a plan to seek out a remote back lake to find out what's in it. If that didn't work, back-up was to hit the trails and find accesses into future spots. Come that quiet, frosty Tuesday morning I was gone. Fish in mind and the sun on my face, it didn't take long to find worth by the simple efforts alone. The GPS inidcated my drawn route was mapped out right. The lake was just a half mile or so away when... No signage on route in. Nothing indicating "Private Property" or "No Tresspassing." Just a low lying chain across the road that if it snowed two feet could potentially kill a skidoo'er. These inconveniences often make me question, is it really land owned, or is it land some falsely think they do? With a 3000lb winch on the bike during such moments, at times I feel that any uncertainties like this, could easily be answered. On this day, I chose to park and walk in for a look. Upon reaching the lake it was made apparent that turning back would be necessary. I would choose then to find a different route in, possibly reaching the lake from the otherside. Once back on the bike, getting off the blocked trail and back onto the main, watching the GPS I eventually found a different path. This one landed me right in the perfect spot. Turned out to be a chilly float. Kicking my feet and soaking the legs in real cold water for hours makes me shoreline-wizz alot too. Upon entering the water I took note of a good looking point and thought how I'd hit that on the way back to finish the day. Should have started and finished there instead. Circled the lake almost entirely (and fished the belly too) only to pick out a couple snots. Out in front of "the good spot," I had a great big smallie on but it managed to not bend into my 16-inch trout net and instead kicked out and off. Later reward was two more little boogers off a rock pile. Will someday give the lake one more chance. Northwind blowing, new body of water... judging by that smallie as well, I should go back. It was a "scenic spot." And remember, anytime there's plenty pics of the scenery, it generally means... my fishing failed me, and you all. HA! OCT. 28. Day 4. Patty's Day. Some will remember "MuskieMagnet" from some online places. Pat really should be named just "FishMagnet" in reality as, it just doesn't matter what he's after and when, fish are drawn to the man. Well, he's been fishing The Bay for years and it was this day that he found a new PB at 34-inches and 14 pounds. We got away late due to the PD day for the kiddies and The Bomber hit the water about 10:00am. Before setting lines we stopped briefly to say hello to a couple of boat crews whom were part of a group gathering of friends staying in the Quinte area for an extended weekend. Early reports were that fishing was slow. Right off a previous waypoint, fourth line was just being put out when Pat took the first turn when an inside rod fired. "It's a big fish Bunk," Pat would often announce while reeling it in. Indeed it was. The fish gave Pat the gears all the way to the boat. When we saw if off the transom we went nuts. It was a true hog. Not slobby in belly, the fish was just built brick thick all the way around. Wicked fun and after it, the whole day would be perfect no matter what. Pat and I grinned and laughed until packing it in before sunset. Yes the days fishing was slower overall; going 5/7 but with just two eyes, but that's fishing. Days when you trade numbers for personal bests are almost always better days anyhow. Sharing this one with a great angler and friend who's put much time on the water there over the years was, just awesome. NOV. 1. Day 5. Like Son, Like Father. One of the best days on the water this past year was when my father joined me for gar. When I think of it still, seeing him land a missile 16+ pound toothy dinosaur continues to make me grin from ear to ear. Well, last year I was a newbie to Quinte and took Dad there too early in September, only to struggle and not see him get him a fish. Having had a little practice since then, it was in the plans to have him return with me, and do better. 10:00am late start again on The Bay. Twenty minutes with lines in Dad takes a rod with a HEAVY fish on it and now has 500 feet of line to get in. Not until clearing the planer board half way through, do I get a sense (tuggin' feel) that it's bigger than your average big fish. For a first time too, Dad plays it really well. Boat in gear, the counter still shows 71 feet and the line is actually almost straight down and below the boat. He says, "I can't move it" and just moments later the fish pops off. OK... it sucks a minute... maybe longer. But over the next half hour four rods fire and we even enjoy a mildly chaotic double-header together. In that stretch, Dad gets his first sheepie and his PB walleye at 10-pounds and an ounce. And with this perfect photo, I now have a new great memory to go along with others, while out fishing with Dad. We picked up a good number more through the day. The midafternoon slowed down quite a bit but every now and again another board pulled back. Dad gave me the chance to enjoy a few as well. Happily I reeled in some meat fish too, that I plan on giving my "pickerel-loving" Grandpa for Christmas... instead of the usual, sweater. But all-in-all it was Dad's experience. 11/13 by days end he even up'd that PB 10 of his with a new best 11.0 pounder. The previous years skunk now forgotten and a much better walleye day to take it's place. Days on Quinte have quickly become less about the fishing. There's just good feeling when sharing days like I had with Mike, Pat and my Dad this past couple weeks. It's looking forward to that, along with tweaking the set-ups and knowing the possibility that when you finally feel it's your turn to reel one in, it could be the next beautiful record walleye. That's BOQ!!! From float-tubing golden eyes and bass in the back bush to picking the right battles with Lady O's world-class trophies, Eastern Ontario is a great place to call home... and with just over two years back living here now, a vast place to learn more, explore, enjoy, and find fish. Get out there and enjoy, the season for fishing here never seems to end.

Dood! Where have you been? And secondly... wicked chromer!

If there were 6 months of ice to go along with 6 months of no ice... then I'd fish them about equal. This years ice season will be less than usual, it's been planned that way for a couple of reasons.

Al, you're a fella who spends more time than anyone plying (and camping out on) those waters for those fish. AND, you also have several years in now fishing under the new management plan and contributing to the data that helps justify it's worth. AND AND AND, you're an educated man who I know full well studies the Nipigon fish and fishery's past, present and future. So... firstly, kudos to that dood! Great work, photos and life you have Al. I will take the job when I semi-retire at 47. And secondly... my question... Is there less or more angler traffic with each passing year? If more, what do you feel about it's impact on the quality of the fishery? From my limited perspective... each year has been equal or better than the last, but seemingly pushing harder (or just learning more with each visit) to catch the same quantity of fish is necessary. Quality... well, only someone from Nipigon who fishes only those speckles, could ever complain. Great shots and next year I think I will too get one on the fly gear.

With a huge appetite for all things fishing that makes me a participant with a good number of boards, this wouldn't be OFC if it was the same as any other. Always liked the single page format, and especially do now because of slower internet speed at home. One page to load, and from there go to whatever topics interest you. The Non-Fishing stuff.......................... I'll be honest, it's "a little" too much "at times." I do understand there are many members that use this forum to stay in touch and discuss different things day-to-day as friends. It is afterall, a community, and one with history. There are many positive NF threads that could be considered necessary and great, but sometimes... these and negative NF topics really do overshadow the fact this is a "fishing" website first. A "fishing" website with the largest amount of angler members and traffic for this region. With that, I would think OFC would have the greatest amount of fishing content to discuss and also, report. There are times when that doesn't seem to be the case, or, NF topics congest what many people come here seeking first, fishing. Many of the negative NF topics depress the general mood of some members as well, making the place less palatable to others at times. If more time was spent, creating, reading, contributing and responding to fishing related topics because NF topics were fewer and out of mind........... I dunno... I'd guess probably somedays, that would make the place happier overall. Personally, I like the site and always have. Most do!!! Sometimes NF topics that didn't seemingly have any place being here to begin with, cause a stir. Nothing is perfect, so if I had one wish for OFC, it would simply be for more fishing.... cause that's something we're all usually glad to read and discuss.

Will wait to get that pdf at work some night. Great prize for your buddy... what a way to present it too!

Place actually feels weird around here when you're at the cottage and offline. Funny though, at the cottage for you when you're offline and it's raining, you get a little weird too. Haha!

Stopped trying other products because of always having to go back to PP.

What an awesome reminder! Thanks for posting.

Perfect plan came together nicely. Great stuff on all fronts. Johnny.. ya did it man! Nice FAT specks! Thanks for reporting.

Ahhh that's right!!! Surely ya had a wicked time with the guys at the races??? And... keep the snow a little while yet up there Dan... we're just getting to fall now. Thanks for the kind replies gang!

Here... I took care of that for ya! http://ontariofishingcommunity.com/forums/index.php?showtopic=57840

So... Officially... it’s Autumn at home here in the valley. Been doing some fishin’. Day 1. Mantis Gold. Day 2. Mikey's Mesmor"eyesin" Craw-Eyes Day 3. Dirty Fallies. Day 4. Fish Plan Eh!!! Day 5. Autumn Miss-Fires. Day 6. Chunk Thunk Eye! Day 7. Backwoods Belly Boatin' Bronze. Day 8. Capper Fatty! All-in-all the fishing this fall has been one pleasant colorful day after another.

My dad's Terrain emails him once a month to let him know where he's going in life. Cause, it knows when he doesn't. Backwards Technology... sadly, only when it comes time to take the car to the shop for a two day lobotomy at $90/hr. The robots are winning and I'm not sure when it'll happen or if it already has, but I think... I could be... in the Matrix!

May be ignorance, may be stupidity, but I honestly don't even have time to follow politics and/or this kind of thing. Staying ahead in life while enjoying family, fishing, friends and sometimes even work... along with a little Big Bang Theory, Dexter, OFC, eating and sleeping... I can barely find the energy during or at the end of the day, for dwelling.

Nice to see ya posting again Jen. Great weekend of weather and family time. Thanks. I've also enjoyed several visits, stays and memories at Tamar in that exact cabin. 3B.

Can almost count on two hands how many Fenwicks I've broken. 1 Shimano too but that was Bull. St.Croix's lower end rods are better than Fenwicks mid... but gawd... those walleye class rods I used to have were so nice and touchy with those little walleye tap taps, but then you'd sweep the hookset and snap the rod in half. lol.

Wicked Randy... note to self too, Lake Negnangnanenangnanmanamaamassinnninni (never remember this one) is the place to be at Thanksgiving for muskies and eyes. How'd the fish taste with the cranberry sauce and stuffing? lol.

Superdad... it's ironic how a couple weeks ago while there, dodging weedmats over 65C I too picked up one of those 4.5'ers. Hopefully the strong consistent winds this weekend blowing out of the reach push some of that hot water out.

Hard to know for sure...? I think this photo is cool, and, would like to see another as well that better represents the fishes realism... (even if it was another with similar EAP but just backed off from the fish and angler) Got some photos here of pike at 42-43 inches that look bigger than the ones taken of 46-47 inchers. With the angle this photo was taken those same 42-43's could look like 50's no problem. Great fish nonetheless for Dave. Girth is a given, but length... really could be anywhere from 40-50. One thing about all Tobin pike I've seen posted online, is they are some of the slobbiest fish to be found anywhere. It's OK to play with camera angles and poses with the catch, just as it's OK to fine tune photos within the modern day darkrooms we now call photoshops. Dave's catch, Dave's picture, Dave's memory, Dave's life, Dave's choice. This photo of Dave's catch from "Tobin," tells me he's doing something right. Great catch and photo. That grin says alot more about the moment than anything or anyone else.

Much nicer seeing some of those pics off the camera screen and blown up big here. NEVER can I remember, ANYONE posting about 6 trout species all caught within a summer. That aurora takes the cake Mike just because, but man... that brown, that splake... You never fail to impress each year with your Grandslam 5 trout reports... but this year with 6 ya hit it out of the park then rounded two more bases for a double. WarCanoe... lakers... hopefully soon.

Quality Roy! Losta love and work goes into those, hope they all bang ya a goodun!

Stylin' gift. The redhead in B52's had her hot moments.

Couldn't jam much more into that report Dan without having to have it hauled into place here by a monster truck driven by Hacksaw Jim Duggan. Loaded dood! Thanks for doing that up!

Yeah Mike, do check out the AlumaCrafts... probably something there that will come close to fitting the bill dood! And yeah... if you're thinking the Nip, the tiller is the way to go... forget the old ladies and think fish man!