CrowMan

Sent you a dm. Don't go too soon...as of this afternoon the main basins still had open water.

2 hours ago, misfish said:

 Thanks again 

I sold out in about a week and a half . It was intended to be a limited run,as I had a limited amount of supplies . I have since got a crazy amount of orders for more , so I have put in an order for more beads and materials . Will be about a week or so before I get my orders . 

I lucked out on this order as the next I will not be so lucky . .

All stock that suppliers are bring in now, are priced with the new tariffs  . The percentage increase is extremely stupid crazy . US and China are killing the affordable prices .

Brass,tungsten and hooks .

Here are a couple examples 

In September due to raw material increases they imposed 10% on Brass and 20% on tungsten.

Our procurement cost for tungsten powder increased to US$110 per kilogram, last month was US$85/kg, in September was US$66/kg. The cost is increasing at a rapid pace! Additionally, our suppliers have indicated that tungsten powder prices may rise further to $150 per kilogram next month.
 
Due to this ongoing price instability, we can no longer offer fixed pricing for tungsten products. We kindly request that you inquire about the latest quotation prior to placing any future orders, and we will always provide a price based on the current procurement cost.

Daiichi who raised their prices 146% on 100 packs due to factory increases, Japan tariff's and eliminating my advantage of buying by the 1,000's  (multiples of 10 x 100pc) to the same price as if I just bought one only pack of 100

 

It sounds like you are purchasing your supplies from US resellers/ wholesalers, hence the tariffs. Have you explored buying directly from the source country or a third party country like the UK ? Although, the US puts high tariffs on imported goods, Canada has dropped most of the reciprocal tariffs. If you can circumvent the goods going through the US, it should reduce your landed cost.

Great looking jigs, and all the best with your enterprise. The Crappie jigs I bought from you have been killer !

Whalesback Channel on the North Channel of Lake Huron (mouth of the Spanish River) is some of the best Walleye fishing in Ontario. Excellent Bass and Pike too...also shots at Musky. 

Camp at :

SPANISH RIVER RESORT AND CAMPGROUND - Ontario's best walleye fishing resort with cottages, camp sites and family campground in Spanish Ontario. https://share.google/2JAVSY46zek3PqbLn

A must watch documentary on Netflix...

On 11/16/2025 at 4:12 PM, Spiel said:

....Was the best Country on the Planet. Sadly these times will never return.
 

 

Nevermind all the political bullshyte ...it's still the best country on the planet. Yes, times have changed, but I have just one question... Where else in this world would you rather live ? Please let me know. 

1 hour ago, Spiel said:

 

I had planned on a flour, egg wash and Panko coating Doug, then drop them into the Tallow filled deep fryer but as I was prepping them I realized I had no Panko in the house.  Since the Rice was already cooked I just dredged them in seasoned flour and pan fried them.

My buddy gave me several breasts so I will have opportunity to do a Schintzel version and hopefully a pounded flat and rolled stuffed version, bacon wrapped and smoked version such as this one I did a few years back. 

 

Wish I had some turkey left in the freezer, you guys are making me salivate. I'll have to wait until spring.

One thing I do with wild turkey, regardless if I'm doing schnitzel, sauteing, smoking or roasting, is to brine it first. Overnight in the fridge in 2 litres of water with 1/2 a cup of Kosher salt. Makes it tender, plump and juicey.

On 11/6/2025 at 12:31 PM, Essox said:

Next year I'm going back to the Nipigon area for 2 weeks. Looking forward to finally getting a few brook trout. The lakes so big that the launches I use will be nearly 3 hours apart.  If too windy we but into Paint Lake and fish the Sturgeon River. Great area, great adventure and  great fishing. But got to be very prepared driving on those rugged logging roads towing a boat. 

So lets hear about your fishing plans and expectations for 26.

We have 2 Nipigon trips planned next year. One in June, launching at Alexander Dam and fishing rhe lower river. Then in September out of Pine Portage launch fishing the upper river. The June trip includes stops enroute at the Soo for Atlantics and Steelhead, the Steel River, and Rossport for Coasters. The September trip is a stop on the way to our annual pilgrimage to Eagle Lake (Dryden) to chase Musky.

There's something magical about the Nip that keeps calling my name !

1 hour ago, Fisherman said:

Too old, bah, just got and rent a hut from an operator, backpack with lunch and beverages, that's what I plan on this winter.

You don't even have to bring a lunch....several operators on Simcoe will have hot pizza delivered to the door of your hut..

Winterize ? What's that ? I'll run a boat on the Niagara right through till spring..

Never fished Freeport.

In the Bahamas, I've fished only Andros and Eleuthera Islands. In the Bahamas on the flats, it's all Bonefish....other flats species like Permit, Tarpon and Snook are pretty rare. 

A medium action spinning outfit and 1/8 to 1/4 oz jigs in shrimp and crab patterns should cover most situations.

The latest installment of fishing with my pup (she's now 11). My buddy came up to my cottage yesterday for some late season fishing. As usual, my pup Zoe had to be by his side at the front of my boat, point out to him (she is a Pointer, afterall) where to cast....and then make sure she got credit in any photos.

We had a good day considering the conditions...8c with a brisk north wind. Water temp was 51f...soft plastics on drop shots and ned rigs in emerald shiner colours got bit between 25 to 30 fow. Ended up with 5 Walleye in the slot, released another 3 that were too big, and hammered Smallmouth with over 25 to the boat.

Ended up with a nice fish fry before the ball game....and of course, Zoe also enjoyed some mixed in with her kibble.

1 hour ago, Wallyman said:

Well I like to see the area where I am at,  but my main reason is to fish.

I would be by myself looking for an all inclusive stay.

Regards

Depends what you're looking for. If you want a "fishing lodge" type experience in the Bahamas, that includes everything along with daily trips with a guide, I'd highly recommend Andros Island Bonefish Club. My son took me there for my 60th b-day...had an awesome time..the guides are great, plenty of fish, and it's a perfect place for beginners to flats fishing..

https://share.google/lRncVbFo4EarobpjJ

If you want  DIY fishing (walk and wade) with perhaps a golf cart or rental car to get around, and maybe just a day or two with a guide to get zeroed in on the fishing...then look at Eleuthera or Abaco Islands in the Bahamas...or San Pedro in Belize...or Xcalak in Mexico. I've been to all of them...glad to help you out once you find something that fits your budget.

Margaritaville Beach Resort in Belize is one place I'd take a look at, if you want something that's more of a "beach vacation" but with excellent fishing too....it's an all inclusive resort with great fishing on the beach right in front of the hotel....miles of empty beach to walk and wade...rent a golf cart to extend your range...

I still had some BC Chinook in the freezer from our June trip to Duncanby Lodge, so decided to smoke some up. This is my "Sweet & Spicy Salmon Candy" recipe.

Started with 16 hours in the fridge submerged in a dry brine of 4 cups brown sugar, 1 cup Kosher salt, 2 tbs garlic powder, 2 tbs onion powder and 2 tbs Chipotle pepper powder.

After a few hours, the dry brine turns into a syrupy liquid, as the moisture is pulled out of the fish.

Then a quick rinse and 24 hours on a wire rack in the fridge to dry and form a glossy pellicle.

Next 5 hours in the smoker at 130f, and then a final hour at 165f to reach an internal temp of 140f. Smoked with a mixture of alder and apple, basted the last hour with a mixture of maple syrup, 15 yr old Wiser's Rye, and a little Sriracha sauce.

Couldn't resist eating some still warm off the smoker, put aside a couple of pieces for a Thanksgiving appetizer (smoked salmon & cream cheese dip), and the rest vacuum packed to hopefully accompany some cold Pilseners for a long run by the Jays through to the World Series.

Go Jays Go !!

1 hour ago, Wallyman said:

Thanks for the great info.   Think I will try to get hold of Mikel and see what the status is down there.

Bahamas may be an option. Never been there.

 

Regards

Are you looking to do just fishing, or a family vacation with spouse and/or kids ? Do you prefer an all-inclusive resort ?

26 minutes ago, BillM said:

Funny you mention Buggs, I'm heading to Aruba in November and I'll most likely grab some bonefish jigs off him, lol!  

Get some of Hot Head Buggs in natural shrimp colours. Work great for Bones..

I've been to Cayo Coco twice. Stayed both times at the Melia Cayo Coco...which is billed as a 5 star resort, but keep in mind a 5 star in Cuba is a 3 star (at most) anywhere else. Beautiful beaches, and the flats fishing for Bonefish, Permit, juvenile Tarpon was fantastic. 

I went out with Mikel Ceballos...you can find him on Facebook. Great guy, personable, funny and one of the hardest working guides I've fished with. Gets more excited about catching fish than his clients. Last time I was there, the Cuban gov't was in the process of eliminating private independent fishing guides. They want them all to work for "Avalon Fishing" which is a gov't agency...since it's a cash business, I imagine the idea is to make sure the gov't gets their cut. Not sure what the current situation is with Mikel, but reach out and see if you can make arrangements directly with him.

There is good DIY fishing on a flat a short walk to the east down the beach from the resort. Wet wading and sight fishing for Bones. Bring your own gear...a medium spinning outfit will cover most situations for Bonefish (maybe something heavier for Barracuda and juvie Tarpon)..get a 3 pc travel rod that you can stash in your luggage. Grab some Bonefish jigs...I get them on-line from Buggs Fishing. 1/8 to 1/4 oz jigs with twistertail plastics work too.

Anyway, unfortunately I won't be returning to Cuba again unless the gov't changes. It's an absolutely beautiful country with super friendly people, but their system of gov't is running it into the ground. There are constant shortages of everyday products, regular power outages, and frankly most of the food at the resorts is sub-par. Last trip there, they were rationing toilet paper and bottled water at the hotel...

Yeah, Cuba is a lot less expensive of a destination than other spots in the Caribbean, and the rum and cigars can't be beat, but if I'm on vacation, I don't want to have to worry what I'm going to wipe my a$$ with...

Bahamas, Mexico, and Belize (my favourite) all have great fishing, and they aren't third world communist dumpster fires....

Bring big poppers and wire leaders for the Cuda..

Named after Wayne MacDonald ? A fitting tribute with a build that honours the original's legacy. Hopefully he's resting in peace on a river where the water is always green and the fish are always chrome...

Once the weeds die off and water temps cool off in autumn, Pike move out of the back bays and go deeper.  Look for drop-offs or any remaining deep green weed edges adjacent deeper basins where they'll spend the winter. Great time to fish for them, as they're hungry, and (if present) looking to intercept Ciscoes and Whitefish in deeper water.

Lake Nippissing and the north channel of Lake Huron (mouth of the Spanish River and Whalesback Channel) are good bets for big Pike. 

I personally like Memquisit Lodge on the west arm of Nippissing, or Brennan Harbour Resort on Huron.

You can always chuck spoons in Port Credit off the rocks on the west side. Lots of free parking ... and frankly more fish and elbow room than Bronte.

Nicely done !

One of the greatest pleasures in life is fishing with my grandkids. My grandson with a Smallie, that tested his tackle and his mettle, this past weekend. My pup (as usual) photo bombing the pic..

47 minutes ago, akaShag said:

Good thing you have a big deck and lots of space!!!  

I've discovered that (like a lot of things) you can never have a big enough deck. When we re-built the deck this spring, we doubled the size. However, it's still too small. My wife and I both agreed we wanted a big table to feed the kids and grandkids, but she also wanted a lounge area. I personally would've preferred to move up some more of the "culinary equipment". After 41 years of marriage, I've learned the art of compromise...so I still have to go up and down a flight stairs to get to the patio and the Komodo Charcoal Grill, Traeger Smoker, and wood-fired pizza oven. Oh well....life is good  !

This spring, I added a Weber 36" FlatTop Griddle to my deck....don't know how I got by without one before.

Great for smash burgers or Philly CheeseSteaks, and I can fry 2 dozen eggs or pancakes at once (with room for bacon and home fries) to feed the whole crew. What I didn't know is how great it is for fish...seared Salmon or "blackened" Lingcod (and Walleye) as I posted above.

Best of all....clean up is effortless...just scrape it clean.

14 minutes ago, akaShag said:

Good times!  I had a black rockfish fillet and two small copper rockfish fillets a couple nights ago, tasty enough but I prefer perch!

Doug

I agree, the "regular" Rockfish we caught have been "OK"....and it's hard to compare anything with Yellow Perch...but the Lingcod and the Kelp Greenling are in a class of their own.

On my trip to Rivers Inlet with Doug (aka Shag) and a couple of other buddies in June, besides fishing for Salmon and Halibut, we also spent a little time chasing "Rock Fish"...assorted species that live in the shallower tidal water. One my favourite eating fish of all time is Lingcod. Although we didn't get many "Bucketheads", we still managed to hook a couple of small ones.

I defrosted a couple of fillets yesterday and did them Cajun style using "K-Paul's Blackened Redfish Magic". Served with green beans and a new potato salad....all veggies from my garden...

Reaffirmed my belief about Lingcod...yum...one of the tastiest fish that swims..

My bride of 41 years and I are going to see Neil Young tonight at the Budweiser Stage. The first time we saw him was at ML Gardens in 1983, when we were still dating.

"Harvest Moon" was the song for the father/daughter dance when my daughter got married 10 years ago.

Always makes me warm and fuzzy...