CrowMan

How am I going to fry my eggs in the morning and stay dry while fishing on a rainy day ? Environmental regulations are some of the most stringent on the.planet in this country...seems like they're following all the rules. People, especially in our smaller population centres, do need good jobs. Also, considering some of the sources of this report (CBC and The Walrus), there's definitely a political agenda at play.

Yes, you can troll with any reel...the Lexa even has an option for a bait alarm/clicker...though personally I don't think it's necessary unless you're prone to snoozing while trolling

Not sure what price you can find an Abu 7000 for (seems to me about $300 cdn) but this Daiwa is a good deal imo for the same price, and will be easier to cast with. MagForce casting controls and low profile. Will do everything you want for many years to come... Curado 300 is also a good option if you prefer Shimano...it will be a little "lighter duty" than a 400 series reel. Tranx is the ultimate Shimano Musky reel but that's a hefty jump in price I'm smiling at your comment "the last Muskie outfit I buy"....I have a basement full of fishing gear that at one time I bought because I thought it was "good enough"... but of course something shinier, flashier with better technology came along (and I had more disposable income) and now it sits gathering dust...was the "good enough" a wise investment...hmmm...in hindsight maybe not...but that's me

Longer rods will cast further, are easier to work baits (jerk and glide), provise more leverage to drive big hooks home, and are easier to do a figure 8 at the boat.. 8'6" is probably the most preferred length. Keep in mind they're almost exclusively one piece...in terms of transporting. There are a few with a telescopic butt section. One of the advantages of a low profile reel like a Curado or Lexa, compared to a round reel like the Abu 7000 or Calcutta is the balance and comfort in your hand...lower centre of gravity and weight. If you're mostly trolling...no big deal...But if you're casting all day, there is a difference. Make sure you try them in your hand before buying. Many folks also prefer a single power handle (as opposed to twin paddles) for more cranking power.

I have to smile that a reel, Curado, that's almost $300 is considered "mid-line". Yeah I know, you can also drop $600 on a Metanium. Don't get me wrong, I'm a bougie consumer of fishing gear myself...I'm at the point that any rod or reel under $200, I consider "cheap". It's just funny how my perception of what's "expensive" has changed over the years. For $300, I'd look at a Lexa 400 as a Musky reel. Certainly more suitable than a Curado if at some point you're going to go giant hunting on G Bay, the Larry or NWO.

Aikman's in Mississauga

No....Spybaits have 2 little propellers on each end...they're designed to move horizontally through the water column anywhere from 5 to 15 ft down.. Google "Spybait"....there's a real art to fishing them. Best fished on straight 6 or 8lb fluoro (or a very long fluoro leader) to get them suspended just right. They've produced many big Smallmouth for me, especially when they don't seem to be interested in anything else. Unfortunately, toothy critters like 'em too...hence the pricey bit-offs

Can you send me a link/contact for the big spybaits. Much appreciated. Got a 2 week trip planned to Eagle and Cedar up in NWO this September. Can always stuff another couple in the Lakewood box. Thanks..

Oh...that's going to be tasty !

I don't know how many Duo Realis I've lost to Pike and Muskies....at $20 a pop it sure stings. They seem to be crack cocaine for Esox. Need to find an 8 inch version and fish it with a 100lb fluoro leader.

Is this being done by First Nation people ? If so, not so simple.

In stock at Amazon for $7.99... at your door next day

Sometimes you break all the rules...deep blue skies, dead flat calm, high pressure, middle of the day... 30" Walleye

CT will have everything you need: 4 pin flat trailer light connector butt connectors...automotive electrical heat shrink tubing Just match the colours of the new to the existing...a pair of pliers and a lighter are the only tools required. Easy peasy.

My advice fwiw is to buy a new (or used) decent quality rod and reel. If it turns out that you just can't get into Musky fishing, you can always sell it and usually recover a good percentage of your investment. And if it turns in to an addiction, you've got something that will serve you well, without thinking that you need to immediately upgrade. If you buy something "cheap"...you're not going to enjoy using it...and since it's of low value you'll have a difficult time trying to sell it, if you decide to move up to something better or it turns out that Musky are just not for you. So even though you initially spent less, you end up eating the $$. Just my experience when it comes to fishing gear...and frankly a lot of other things too.. I have run many businesses over the years, and this philosophy has always served me well.

Yep...a favourite haunt of big predators. Up in North West Ontario they call Musky....Cabbage Dragons

On Kijiji Ontario, I just saw a new in box Shimano Tranx (top notch quality Musky reel) for $250....and also a St.Croix Premier Musky rod for $175.

Palomar Knot for heavy braid to O ring. Yes....return to the spot at dusk or early morning or under different weather conditions. Also try another presentation....glide or jerk bait...or big rubber like BullDawg or Medussa or Red October Tube...and of course sometimes just a colour change I just picked up a St Croix Musky Mojo rod and Lexa 400 reel (like I really need another outfit, but that's part of the addiction) for $600. Not the cheapest choice, but good value...and you can certainly spend a lot more..Especially with Musky gear, I find spending a little more for quality will serve you better in the long run...because you will quickly be unsatisfied with something really cheap

Try around the rock piles and string of little islands on the west end of Green Island....lots of Smallies. Drop shot and Ned Rig in natural colours. Expect some bite-offs from the hammer-handles.

This is first thing that came up on Google...330 yds of 30lb braid, so 200 yds or so of 65 lb. Muskies don't make long sustained runs, so it's not like you need a lot of capacity....you're probably better to load up with 80lb. I'm not sure how long that reel will last...throwing big Musky baits takes it toll on your reel (and your shoulder !). When you're ready to move up, take a look at a Tranx or a Lexa. https://hottackle.com.au/product/abu-garcia-ambassadeur-reel-classic-red-6000/

I saw these for $67...good investment, always handy to have a good set of cutters around the house... https://www.amazon.ca/Cobolt-Leverage-Compact-Cut-Notched-Blade/dp/B000X4J20C/ref=asc_df_B000X4J20C/?tag=googlemobshop-20&linkCode=df0&hvadid=292999463894&hvpos=&hvnetw=g&hvrand=11857445598706888097&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvqmt=&hvdev=m&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=9000653&hvtargid=pla-503991057047&psc=1

Description says only good for non-ferrous metals...mild steel at best. Hooks are generally hardened carbon steel. For $14.99, I wouldn't expect much. It's not only important to have a good set of cutters for the health of the fish...it's also important for you or someone else on the boat. If you get stuck by a hook from a thrashing Musky, and have to cut off the point of a 7/0 3X hook...you'll quickly regret having sub-par tools. Been there, done that...have the scars to show for it... Btw, those Crappy Tire special Red Wolf cutters are useless... Unfortunately, Musky fishing doesn't come cheap...keep an eye out on Kijiji or FB Marketplace for someone selling their used gear...that's about the only way to keep the price down

Lithium is not really great as a starter battery. Lithium is better as a deep cycle for your trolling motor. Do you plan to use the dual purpose for your trolling motor too ?

Lake St. Clair for numbers..

They've started on Lake O too....already over 700 have passed through Corbett's. They always start early up your way. I remember back in 2012 we were getting chrome Chinnies at Montgomery's in July...that was a weird year. Best of luck tomorrow..Get 'em while they're fresh !