Moosebunk

I envy that kinda ice!!! But more so for the fish below it.

Stuck at work... but not actually working much at the moment. lol. Happy NY!!!

Agreed Bill. He's an enigma that dood to most, but to the world of muskie he could be considered legend. Looks like it'll be a great story once released. How could it not be with a tank like that.

PICS FROM THE SEASONS. Winter. Spring. Summer. Autumn. All-in-all quite a wicked year on the fishing front. No big trips abroad, just four good seasons travelling throughout Ontario catching many, fine, home-grown greats. Loyal friends, family and new folks which shared in some of these good times have also made each and every day on the water that much more rewarding. Thanks to everyone for that, and as well to others who simply stayed in touch or showed appreciation of what fishing honestly is and always has been for me. Happy New Year... “Fish more, slay more, harder hooksets,” and all the big and best fish for 2013. Bunk.

FRIENDS ALONG THE WAY. It would be criminal to post a year end report and not show some of the great fish caught by family and friends. Here's a smorgasbord of species which only serves to scratch the surface. Stevie Z. Dad. Mikey. Smooth Robbie. Rob Rob. Andy. Fraser. Keith. Bogie Crew. Christine. Kevin. Greener. Carl. Chris. Bren. Wheelie. Rufus. Mike. Tony. Len. Patty. Grant. Steve. Huddy. Wayne. Any of us parents here online, whom have followed Jen's incredibly hard yet inspiring life story, must surely take note of how fortunate we are, how strong hope and the human spirit can be, and how a family's love will endure. It is by both Jen and Wayne's dignity, strength and heart, which many of us online have hopefully learned something greater about ourselves, and as well a goodness to come from sharing with others. Although this fish was caught a day or two before my arrival to Temagami, it is one favorite of the 2012 year. Best wishes to Jenny, Wayne and family in the 2013. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D4Tj6DZy9kM

2012's YEAR END. Confessing how many days spent on the water this year would be admission to true fishing addiction. Working didn't beat out play days by much, but hey, that's the life right? 2012 was an interesting, trying and rewarding year during which the drive to travel, be outdoors and catch fish was fueled in a number ways. Fishing for the love of fishing, and being genuine to that is what's real. It's about the fish, the escape outdoors, and how I choose to learn, improve and share fishing, always has been. It's hunting bigger and better trophies, trying to be supportive of what fishing is for others, and sharing with trusted friends and family. It's resisting negativity that seeks to control or take-away happiness within that. It is very much about a pursuit and good feeling, while steering passion and talents to a higher personal level. Again, it is for me a fishing for the love of fishing. 2012's year end is here. Proud of many great catches and experiences on the water and ice, it has always been a pleasure to share season's end with those who also enjoy what we all have in common. A snowy holiday project completed, posted here are a tonne of the years highlights for anyone interested. AN ICED LAKER. Winter blew by in a flurry. Two jobs with more than full-time shift-workers hours, it was especially tough to find sleep, energy, and to get me arse motivated at times. For this reason, January didn't see much action, but come first week of February while out laker fishing, the hook set right into a new personal best for on the ice. The lake before that time did have my number for sure, but persistence paid off. A freakin' awesome way to begin 2012, it set precedent for a laker loaded year to come!!! MUSKIE MAGIC. Knowing Andy a good number of years online, it had been evident to me he's a straight shooter who can seriously fish. Ice whiteys and lakers, streamside bows, open water skis and eyes, he's got that pegged and more. I was totally onboard with having him join me on a planned trip to LSC, and the two of us pumped to visit this muskie factory for our first times. It turned out to be some seriously wicked fun pounding spotties down there, and the whole experience served to restore a dwindling interest for muskie fishing. WINTER WHITEYS. Begged, stole and borrowed to tweak work scheds to co-ordinate with Grant's chemo treatments, and last minute easily convinced the man to jump in the truck for an ice trip up north. Quad in the box, poisson blancos on the agenda, we toured into PQ for a few days. Plan was to do all things necessary to see that Grant be taken care of, plus slay fish. Whipped by trips end from drilling holes, blazing all over Hizell's half acre, ooglin' our cutie French waitress and icing fish, all worked out perfectly. A memorable getaway. LEAH'S SMILING EYES. My baby girl wanted some time out with dad. Leading up to Quinte I had been out plenty over six weeks to get in a bass season, then a trip down south for muskies. It was a tour on Quinte to introduce her to big fish that I had in mind, and finally one cool and calm day with my father along, it happened. Quite honestly our time together was so absolutely fun and memorable, I am aching to do this again with her. Leah's smile; even with missing teeth and all, melts hearts and takes the blues away. Add some gold, and these few photos are precious goods from 2012. GAR WARS. To have enemies means at some point and time you had to stand up for yourself. This was something I felt forced to do, when finally deciding I could no longer be insulted and told when, where, with whom or if I am even allowed to fish gar on the vast Ottawa River. Following over time and upset, I stood against others wanting to control my fishing and online reporting. The two very things which have been shared profoundly and generously with countless people over the years. And so, the decision to chase gar ultimately lead this past spring to allow for even more and bigger memories. During fine sunny days with genuine friends and family, all appreciated releasing personal bests, including myself, measuring this one great gar of unprecedented proportion and to be shared online as always. To fish or not fish gar... that is no question. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JRF62NBCuf0 SPRING CRAPS. Each tender, pannie morsel worth it's weight in snow leopard coats, the spring crappies of the Ottawa valley are a highly prized, fashion statement. Personally, it's fun to watch the float repeatedly drop... for a good few outings anyways. They are a pretty lookin' tail and when they model the runway it just can't get broadcasted out over the hotwire soon enough. Had a tonne of joy reeling in dozens and dozens of crappie bling. Some folks sharing the riches with me, and me sharing the riches in return. QUINT-EYE-SENTIALS. Don't care if they don't fight the hardest. Don't care if other's think the place ain't what it used to be. Been 3-years now fishing Quinte from the Lund, for six outings a season and 18 total days during October & November, and the worst day fishing has been 4 for 6, with 3 eyes. But, that was three pig walleye which made me or someone in the boat happy to be along for the ride. Nothing bad about that really when ya think about it..? Big fish and bigger happiness for family and friends is what the BOQ is truly about. Them walleye be known for such good times, here and across this land. PICKIN' PICKY PIKES. These fish aren't stuck-up, suspicious nor lock-jawed, but this past summer on a few trips to the north they sure did act like it many days. Strange patterns and much time breaking down the bage, admittedly the pike during this "Year of the Dragon," didn't spit fire and wreak the havoc they usually do. Although, the big beasts which came to be slayed this summer were true tests in battle, and worth a King's ransom for those fortunate enough. Big pike will always be a favorite. SUMMER DAY. She's her mother's girl and becoming more of a teenage test each passing day. Wanting girly things and thinking girly thoughts, my little Tom-Boy buddy is growing up. Fish once neat are now icky, things once interesting are now uncool, and winning her affection is more often a game trickier than hooking a fussy walleye that's been playing with ya on the flasher for hours. But, I guess that's coming of age for any child learning who they are and what they like. Summer tried to be all cool this day too, but when a 4-foot gar poops on your leg it's hard to be serious, and we both ended up sharing a memorable time and some laughs. That's "so Ninja" she'd say. SERIOUS SPECKS. Not so serious, but a serious commitment in time and effort. That's in the least what it takes for specks the way I like 'em. This past year I have witnessed some amazing brook trout fishing from some online anglers. Epic journeys to backwood home lakes, speckled jewels were mined for all over the place. My past summer's efforts; halved over 14 days with two dedicated groups of friends, it was all of our good fortune which granted each with massive loads of that same sought after treasure. End result were some totally serious specks to remember. IN & OUT TROUT. Didn't think when it was all elementary that much could be more radical than Mike Tyson's PunchOut. Didn't figure as a teen it could get any more gnarly than Street Fighter II... but it is! The time of ice fishing with a sonar and short-stick has made it so, and my favorite game this past winter was definitely deeper water lake trout. Besides the biggy above, three different trips during which lakers came to play, helped make the short ice season a winner. And, with the ice out occurring so soon in 2012 too, there was still a great game to be played with a long-stick as well. Game over lakers! FALL SMALLIES. Really did enjoy the bass season. Concentrating mainly during the fall, the variety of new and old lakes along with new and various tactics, greatly appealed to the fishing senses. There are donkey bass hanging 'bout in these parts of the Prov., and when one loads up on any rig then comes flying out of the depths, well that's a surely good throb for any fishing knob. Smallies = fun. GRANT'S ROAD. As asked for by Grant, I was there when he was first awoken from life support. Paralyzed and weak, in his eyes was a fear never seen in any friend before, and in his state trembled an uncertainty of himself. Having witnessed and endured a lot over time, this was hard, but it would be impossible to know how hard for Grant. Big shoulders from a life of helping lift others up, I took on what could be of his burden, carrying it everyday afterwards, and making sure he would not need to ask anything of me along his way again. Whips to the back, a gun to his, day-by-day through friendly support and Grant's own strength, he healed on his journey. And there at his road's end, a light shone down to reveal he had survived to find salvation. I stood loyal, praised, and celebrated respectfully with Grant, all which was honest and good to be experienced through the bad. Although, Grant proved much more for himself. Happy to see health restored and for fish to be played another day. Safe journey. LUNKER LAKERS. Several years to the Nip and there's only been little time put into the giant lakers this Ontario Great Lake is famous for. Why? Because of specks, because of pike and because other than a few caught during seemingly lucky windows, they have simply been tough to figure out. But this year during trip one while both jiggin' and riggin', the fish showed up. Returning again a little later armed with confidence, and the catch results were taken to a whole new level. Excellent lake trout to be caught, and now every time around they will be given plenty space on the agenda. Very glad to share those outings with two solid crews as well. BREN'S YEAR. About seven years ago Bren decided to go back to school. Full-time job, two young kids, and living quite remote up in Moose Factory, until this past August she loaded on the maximum number of courses allowable to take at any one time. Through distance education Bren achieved her Degree and then Masters in Nursing, and ultimately a new career as a Nurse Practitioner. For a child of Attawapiskat, this is not only a huge feat, but it sets an amazing example. Since moving south in 2009, during all that study, work in her profession, being the greatest mother and wife, she also dedicated 3-5 days a week to train and compete in Martial Arts. This past November Bren received her blue belt in Brazilian Ju Jitsu to accompany a brown belt in Japanese Ju-Jitsu. All the fish caught in 2012 can't hold a candle to her trophies from this year. A woman to seriously respect, and a wife to love for all that she is and achieves.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ovi1SKwfyxU Maybe not my fave, but fun stuff from an AWESOME band. Kevin Bloody Wilson does a good one. Hey Santa Claus Ya...

White Russians on Christmas Eve especially.

Some awesome steel Laszlo. All the best in 2013.

Gots plans in store for you in 2013 Mike. Be seeing ya in the New Year for sure. Enjoy the new place.

Merry Christmas & Happy New Years All. Wanted to pass along this holiday health message not to take away from the festive mood of the season but, more so to keep the mood of the season that much more festive. Each year when winter weather and Christmas arrive there are certain realities common to hospital emergency rooms. To make people aware of some specific health problems and injuries which are often a theme over the holidays, this message is meant to be a reminder to those wishing to read. Back Injury & Pain. Yes, it is said at least 25% of adult men suffer some form of recurrent or chronic back pain and/or injuries. With snow removal a common precursor to injury, strain and pain, remember to stretch out and hydrate before shoveling and snow blowing. And think of your neighbors, older family members and any other who may struggle with the snow, lend them a helping hand. Not only might you save a back but you could save a life, for shoveling and heart attacks can go hand-in-hand as well. Cold & Flu. It is that time of year and the past few weeks the ER's have been busy treating and educating people of all ages. Remember, flu is often experienced as either an upper respiratory and/or gasto-intestinal illness, but true flus are viral infections in which antibiotics will not work to cure; what is needed is rest and fluids. Read up on the differences between common bacterial and viral infections to save yourself and other's from long waits in the emergency room. Get as much sun as you can, stay hydrated and load up on Vitamin C too. Hip Fractures. For most of us not anything to worry about, but this time of year with freezing rain, snow and slush, the outdoors are slippy skating rinks to the elderly. Older Mom's and frail Grandmothers ( and men as well) are prone to easy hip fractures with just one slip. This can often lead to weeks, months and sometimes even no recovery, and can be quite taxing on families. Do your older loved ones a favor, stop in to say hello, salt or remove any snow and ice around their homes. Give a hand if need be when crossing an icy street too. Suicide. No joke. In the valley here at home, there have been some recent lives taken and it seems this time of year is always the worst. Not everyone can easily identify depression or suicidal behaviours in others, but if you suspect a friend or loved one may be hurting this holiday season, reach out and offer any help you can. Car Accidents. Ti's the season. Poor road conditions, vehicles not equipped properly, and holiday boozing are all things to consider during the winter months. If it's not you, it could be that person driving behind or towards you whom could be the risk. Be more cautious this winter, more curteous, and more prepared to drive safe. My wife says, only drink and drive with one drink in your hand at any given time. (joking of course) Recent weeks and shifts at the hospital, each of these emergencies have been through the doors, a number of them more than once. Fingers lost to a snow blower, motor vehicle roll-over, slip on the porch stairs, hanging and drug overdose, heart attack, legions of coughs & runny noses, lumbar strain & sciatica, and more. All related to winters arrival. With the heavy snowfall too, anglers will need to be even more cautious on the lakes and rivers. That thin ice we do have now has one big blanket of insulation over top, so it will therefor be a little slower to freeze at this point. Be extra careful out there fishing. Safe, Healthy & Happy Holidays.

1. Stellar year for ya RC. Great mixed bag but do love the walleye slaying going on. And them ling!!! 2. Didn't realize it, but this post clearly identified we at OFC have quite the North Bay group of anglers here. Cool!

Incredible Paul. Merry Christmas ya wee freak ya!!

Jealous here Mike! This report and last. Great ending for ya.

Beauties!!!

That was VERY cool!

My understanding was that this land claim (and wherever it stands now with its considerations by both the Algonquins and Parliament) has been floating about since sometime in the early 80's. That's 30 years of going nowhere if be the case. It's like somebody said though, you go into negotiations asking for the galaxy, you still might just get a planet or two. But I bet this claim is still light years away from really going anywhere. You look at a Treaty Map, you will see there is a country which was signed, sealed and delivered through our history. http://manitobawildlands.org/maps/HistTreatyMapCan_lg.jpg If you can find a decent map which shows our Countries Reservations you will see there is a National community living with us. http://www.pgic-iogc.gc.ca/DAM/DAM-INTER-IOGC/STAGING/images-images/ai_pubs_ar0809_2_1301074557452_eng.jpg It is noted that many people live, economies grow and businesses can and do thrive on lands around Reservations and upon Treatied lands. Albeit, as old and tired as the agreed upon documents of which Natives and Settlers negotiated upon to found this country and define their futures, this history does exist and there is legal right which does give ground for Natives to safeguard their treatied lands and/or seek land claims by order to do so. There is very much and always has been concern amongst Natives to protect, and see to it that the Treatied terms agreed upon are being upheld. The Non-Native populace has grown so far beyond their own today, that everyday the world can't help but encroach more and more upon what Native's feel is either theirs, theirs to protect, or that to be shared equally. There is no equal measure at 99 to 1, even though some would oppose that math over the smaller scale issues of say, fishing, hunting, or tax dollars given to this minority. They are losing the land (and what it means to them) on many fronts, but they stand up for themselves, and even try to fight however they can. I'll admit to admiring that tenacity. Native plight is understandable with regards to this issue, and many others. That said, land claims, Aboriginal funding, living conditions, hunting/fishing rights and every other consideration under the Indian Act of Canada is what the Government and Natives truly need to address. It is in truth the Indian Act itself; (and there does exist some support by Native peoples, but not Councils) which needs to be completely reviewed and modernly restored, or just abolished entirely by anything that can supercede it; such as Human Rights. The only way there is any hope in heck of any proposed change to become reality is, for those to get talking and to get working on it. Like this particular claim itself, again my bet is that will take another long while.

Well put... and once upon a time used to do the same thing with staying up all day and going fishing. Crashing out in the tent or back at home by 7-9pm and sleeping 12 hours. Didn't want to scare ya Gerritt about shift, your schedule is going to be hard man, but you will see how it works for you. Personally, I could not and would not do 5 days a week until reaching that point when shift is absolutely killing me. Plan is for about 10 years in the future, work 6-7 months full-time northern contracts then casual to not much at all May through October. Shift can be great. It's 9:10am this morning and snowing pretty good. Fire is on in the basement here, and just sitting down to a cup of coffee after seeing the little one onto the bus. All is quiet. Might just do nothing all day. Work only 3 days this week. Yesterday went to see the Hobbit with the kids on their Snow Day. Once the ice is solid, it'll be just as quiet on the lakes in my Clam playing fisheogames on the Lowrance. Not sure how old your kiddies are but mine get on the bus each morning by 8:00am and come back for supper. That gives dad 8 hours at least to go play, but because my oldest is older now, she can hold fort if I'm going to be later to dinner. Shift and their school, then gives the availability to basically fish most weeks 4-5 days midweek if wanting to. It's nice to pick and choose when, never feeling like I have to cram a day, two, three, or four into the week, but rather just fish or do as I please. This year, days fishing came in only about 20 days less than days working... And besides trips away, not much time gets missed with the girls. Shift is a great and free life nowadays. Have found that time is as important as money, but health and happiness more than both. I've turned down some great work opportunities in the past, just to balance more time on my side.

Congrats on what "might be" a living He!! for awhile. Once worked a 2on, 2off, 3on, 3off, 2on, 2off - 14 day rotation and repeat. EASY!!... when it was either days or nights. I'd wonder why this employer of yours would put you through the kind of rotation that has you switching so suddenly and often? I'd think it will be tough, especially at first. That's my experience with quick flipping and short recovery times between D & N shift. Too bad the many of you hired couldn't collectively come up with a better plan? 2 weeks of days, then 2 weeks of nights would even be better. Less flipping' and you'd get into the rhythm of either or. Biggest troubles I face with sleep deprivation are moodiness, (quick temper) sore lower back, poor decision making and poor diet. Quality sleep is needed to rest the mind and muscles, science is not lying here. Having known this for years, I prepared during that bigger work stage of my life up north. And so, that's why I work part-time now in this southern land of hospital shift-work Bull, and now only pick up extra shifts that work for me. And rarely give availability for extra nigths. When you make it through the two year contract, you will certainly know if what you've given up, and what you're feeling was worth it. I don't envy what's coming your way Gerritt. In healthcare I could do what you're planning too back in my early 20's... not so easy now I find. If it's physical or mental labor it's still work that you need to likely be at your best for. When you come off nights, "IF" you're able to go home and sleep right away, you can only do so a few hours in the morning and then you will have to drag yourself up and around the rest of the day in order to get good rest that coming night. If you can't sleep that evening, an aid might be in order for just that one night. (sometimes it's a couple fingers of scotch and a Gravol) Next day you should be OK, then next day back to work. Fine... you made it once... or you make it everytime... but... Those switch days are tough, they can be write-offs. The lack of sleep over a long period does catch up, because sleep lost is never regained no matter how you try. Each flip day to me feels like a day lost too, and the day you have to go in for the night shift you hold back on stuff too. I can't make committments easily on the flip day because it could be one full night running in the ER and you're dead, or a quiet night with breaks that wasn't so bad. You'll maybe leave people hanging sometimes and then just learn to not bother making plans. Social life becomes more difficult too. Sometimes want to nod off in the kids Ju Jitsu class because you're tired while on a flip day and just sitting there. Missing every 2nd Christmas due to work. Having only every 2nd weekend off and missing parties, poker and being able to fish with the M-F folks. Missing family related things, period! The big plus side, more total days off, often for yourself, fewer people on the lakes and riverbanks, easier to get those chores done and more quiet time. Be warned of one thing though, jealous type people might soon hate on ya for being able to go fishing more than them, I do have experience with this too. lol. Best things I do to cope and prepare. Be as organized as you can about dates and events planned. Your new work life doesn't jive with most regular working folks, those 5 day a weekers. You also "maybe" don't want to be making big banking decisions, purchases or trip plans on the day you've slept three hours in the last 36 hours. Exercise when you can, and often if you can. I like to row. All work seems easier when you're feeling up to it. Drink extra water at work. Most of us on shift in the ER show up with litre bottles each shift and try to drink at least one, or two. On nights it sometimes seem I have to force a litre in. Your body's usual pattern is to eat and drink during the day and sleep at night. Appetite may be weird on nights, so be sure to at least stay hydrated. It'll help a little too with muscle soreness because of poorer sleep. Get used to earplugs and/or white noise when sleeping. It helps to drown out the world. Cut back on caffeine, especially any cups nearing sleep time. Smokes, booze and sugar too. This is in the handbook man! Pack healthier foods for nightshifts, not crappy snacks. The lesser sleep you do get is even more important. Fish as much as you can. Do the things that make you happy, and do them even more. If you're job has you alone, try and do more with others. If you're like me and constantly working with the public, many of them upset, ill or stressed, find times alone or with another to just chill, or pound on the fish to take your mind away from work. Leave work at work too. Good luck.

Apologies Dave. Part of this was merely venting yesterday. With 18 years directly involved in Healthcare, 13 on the frontlines in rural and remote medicine, and much time spent working with all kinds of mentally and physically ill people, I can still tend to vent insensitively at times. I apologize if the comment offended you. I also consider being possessed (as this killer was) to include more than just a definition of one taken over by the "supernatural." In other meaning, this killer was possessed. Again, it's an aweful thing, and one which is each person will think and deal with in their own manner.

While cooking supper tonight my 13 year old was glued to the news on TV. Made for interesting dinner conversation that's for sure. Extra big hugs to the kiddies at bedtime tonight. This slaughter of children is heinous. There should be a Hell in Hell for him. A person would have to be either possessed or simply not human.

Hoping in a small way that my 99 Silverado gives up. It's not cool to look so uncool driving something that old ya know, but it's about the memories. Man... first 100,000km on washboard, potholed and ice roads. Stuck in 4WD pretty well all winters long, and at least a few times a year over the decade, jolted to death when strapped tight to a chain car on the Polar Bear Express. Poor truck has thrice been stopped dead when the front end went twice through the ice and once into a culvert, but she drove out in 4WD. Wifey sure beats it too, every winter on the Diamond Mine Road across the skeg to Attawapiskat, 600km's at 80-120km/hr in 4WD... Ughhh... even my rear diff puckers up with the thought! Had to Replace the shocks once, brakes once and a couple ball joints after that rough stretch offroadin'. "Like A Rock"... they sing. Second 100,000km has been easier just towing my boats, quad and skidoo all over the place. Some city miles too these days, just idling away. Four trips to ThunderBay towing everything and the kitchen sink, more than a dozen runs to Cochrane. Truck won't quit. Nowadays brakes and ball joints aren't a worry though. The kid spraying the undercoat on her this week; after he finished the B-Boy's shiney pimped out RAM remarked, "geez, they sure put alot of metal into these old trucks." He reminded me she's old. Paid it off in 2001 and it's been nickle and diming me now for 12 years. Cost me $640 in minor repairs just this year, pretty well screwing the kid's Christmas and college funds. When will she just turn over and die already?? Babied at only 210,000km really. Not likely very soon. New one's look great Lew, although all they need for me is the stamina and a comfortable drivers seat. I'm with Rich too, they're boxy again, kinda like the Ford but much sexier. Will call them the new "Fevy" then.

Solid post Eric. Certainly some great memories for you, and thanks for sharing a little with us. Some of those browns and white bass are just incredible dood.

"Usually" off midweek too Randy. Lemme know dates closer to time and may be able to swing a day down that way.

Cool pic TC!