hutch4113

Finally - Skud berated me incessantly (well..not really) on posting a horrible picture of my 41" - and truthfully he was right. The fish hold is not the greatest, the sun is behind me - what kind of a fisherman does such a thing?

Presenting the new shots - one cleaned up by Skud, and one by myself. Let the voting being!! (Disclaimer - these pictures have been cleaned up, but not enhanced ).

Skud:

Tupelo:

Some additions. Would like to introduce a new person to the fishing forum (no idea if he has signed up yet) - Darrin. I took him out fishing a few times last year - he hooked into a reasonable size pick in Cooks Bay - but it broke his line - and ever since then he has been one bitter bitter fisherman (I jest). Anyway - I told him that what he caught in Cooks Bay would be peanuts. I think you can tell by his expressions that he does agree.

I told him he did not smile enough...this might be over the top:

Have one more to add for him, as his big one it not on here yet.

Anyway - have a couple more to post - will do it later. But thought you would enjoy. Cannot wait to go back again.

Of course Skud had to chime in again. Picture it - last cast on the last day, and the plane is on approach.

45"

The rest for me were pretty much pike. I was hoping to break my PB from last time - 44 1/4. I am pretty sure I had one that qualified on Tuesday....and think I had the same one on the hook Friday (repeat after me - hook sets are free - hook sets are free), but the best I could do was 41".

Here is the 40" - I like it the best simply because the picture is awesome (not me - the fish).

And the 41" (It was heavy)

Now that looked impressive - until Skudlord came a long. What was it Skud? - 28"?

Thought I would share some of the pictures from a recent trip to Eddie North - Beteau Lake (last week in fact). Had an excellent trip (but tiring). This is my 2nd time going - first time was in the Spring - when the water was high. This time the Fall - and what a difference.

I had in my mind the spots from last time - 99% of which we could not access due to water levels. It also looked completely different than what I remembered. The first few days then were hard work - finding new spots/and trying the old ones that produced before (Hello Caribou Bay). There was also one frustrating day - Tuesday - lost 5 30+ plus that day - 2 of which I am pretty sure were 40+, judging by how they looked. Some were bad hook sets, some hit right at the boat - and one snapped my line at the leader (bye bye top producing spoon - I hardly used you).

I brought a first time fly in person with me on this trip (have to get his pics later). He caught his first big Pike - 39" (and maybe more - forgot I had a tape measure).
Here are a couple of pictures:

First - my big walleye - 26"

I have a 39 inch LCD, and enjoyed the picture. It was in a bright room, etc., so it was the correct choice. However we just finished our basement, and put a entertainment area in, so it was time to upgrade. After a lot of research, I went with a Samsung F8500 - 64 inch. This is their flagship model that competes with the Panasonic VT model (now ZT I believe).

Colours are definitely sharper, clearer. And on the plus side, the Samsung is probably the brightest Plasma around.

It will really come down to - Budget, Room Type, and what you watch.

I used this forum in the decision process -> http://www.avsforum.com/f/. Everyone will have their opinion - and think their TV choice is the best - but what I was mainly looking for were problem issues, etc.

Next do some searches on the the model you are looking for, RE: reviews. CNET usually has some good reviews and can point you in the correct direction.

Finally the big box stores, including Costco, have I guess what I will call the "general" market TV's. If you are looking for the high end models (Like the Panasonic VT/ZT or Samsung F8500), will have to go to smaller stores, like 2001 Audio, etc. (I can point you in the direction - have a friend that works there - he won't upsell you) - course that only works if you are in Barrie...hahahahahaa.

FInally - TV's still cheaper in the US. This guy was extremely helpful -> https://clevelandplasma.com/. I ended up buying my TV locally, but it was a close thing.

Has this one been passed around? Was caught in.............lets say Simcoe.

Let's say it was caught in my backyard pond. I think you are dreaming of attawapisket.....

I have fished Lake Manitou - lots of Small Mouth. I have also gone out West Bay for Salmon - need down riggers, etc. The lake I tend to fish the most though is Bass Lake - just outside of little current:

http://www.manitoulintourism.com/portfolio/sheguiandah/.

I have caught Perch, Small Mouth, Large Mouth (my personal best is from that lake - 5/6 pounds), Pike, and Muskie (nothing big on the Muskie side - but I have never really targeted them either).

If you are looking for a little lake, with not a lot of area to search in, it is pretty good - though not sure how many keepers you will pull out - but it can be a lot of fun.

I know this is post is a lot of information to absorb...but....sit in the boat...play with it. I bought a SmokerCraft ProMag 182 which I just sold (awesome boat btw) but the rod compartment didnt fit spinning rods well (guides to big for the tubes). I never even considered that when I bought it.

Hahahahahaaha. I have the same problem...never even thought to try a rod in the tube. However we had what thought was a water leak in my Pro Mag - turned out the speedo hose had popped off and was spraying water up through the front of the boat. My Dad took the rod tubes out to let the front hull dry off - and I never put them back in.

Budget Budget Budget. And FYI it will probably start creeping up. As an example, I bought my first boat last year. My Budget started at 15K - and before I knew it, was up to 20K.

I don't regret what I bought (Smoker Craft Pro Mag 182) - love the boat and love how it handles. I also had some things that I needed to have in a boat - biggest one being stability. My wife was hurt in an accident a few years ago, that has many lingering effects. Needed something that would be stable, etc.

I pretty much started by narrowing down the models I wanted - Full Windshield/walkthrough. And the brands - Legend, Smokercraft, Princecraft, Sylvan. (Lund of course - but they were always above my price point).

It was funny how it changed though. I started looking at 15/16 foot boats, and they all were about what I wanted to spend. Actually had a line on a nice Princecraft, but could not get the owner to get the boat out so I could look at it (don't really think he wanted to sell). Then I was pointed to a Marina by a friend, who advised on the boat I did buy.

I saw it beside another boat, that was in the 15/16ft range - and realized that I did not want a 15/16ft boat - I wanted a 18ft - with a 8 foot beam. Hence the budget increase.

Be prepared for that to happen.

But as stated above, I don't regret it at all. I have been out in Simcoe twice now, where the weather went from calm, to 4/5 foot waves in the blink of an eye - boy was I glad I had the extra size/width. So I guess the other question to ask is where are you going to fish? If Big water - buy a big boat.

^{I was working near the airport at the time. Was going to get gas on the way home - good call. Anyway - went over to a co-workers house - it was like "my big fat greek wedding" - only Italian. Because they had an extra guest - and I was a growing boy (30 ish at the time) extra food was made. We had homemade wine - and my favorite - Grappa.}

^{His next door neighbour was a mechanic, and had a 10 gallon jerry can, which gave me enough gas to get home. That part was the strangest, and most cool. Bombing down the 400 to Barrie - no lights anywhere, and tons of cars pulled over at the Highway Gas stations, because they did not want to risk going any further.}

^{The thing I remember most though, was how active everyone was when I got home. It was 11PM or so - people were out all over the place, walking/talking, etc. Tells us a little something about the "modern communication age" we live in......}

Thanks to everyone for their help. It always pays to ask - especially if you want to learn.

I probably should have said I was also throwing Tub Jigs, and trolling cranks - but when I go out, I usually want to try something new. However I had no idea that Wacky Rig was a shallow water technique - though I probably should have figured it out when my worm sat at about 5 feet, and went no where...lol.

So for a traditional Wacky Rig - probably use in 5 to 10 feet of water?

Went out to Thorah on Saturday. I am trying to learn Smallmouth patterns, etc. as I am still pretty new to fishing. Thought I would give wacky rigging a try. Had the right hooks/worms - but ran into problems getting them to sink.

I wanted nail weights, but CT did not have them - so I thought I would try finishing nails. But guess they don't have enough weight.

Anyway - suggestions?

I was in about 40FT of water - and was marking what I assume were SM....of course you know what happens when you assume.

Quick report, had to work the saturday, but left early and decided to take a chance with the weather. Left Mississauga around 1:30, pouring rain on the 401, wasnt a good sign. Once we got on the 404, not a drop. Launched at 3. Not many boaters on Simcoe, late afternoon throughout the evening. Lake was quiet and calm.

 

Fish seemed to be scattered throughout the depths. Tried for largies, alot were hitting the live target frog, but couldnt hook up. Fish were small. A few nice 12-13" perch surprisingly in the shallows also. Decided to take the run to Thorah which proved to be a good choice.

 

 

Pics off my photobucket, not sure which resolution is best for this site. This was the biggest of the day.

 

 

 

 

My brother with a nice sized fish.

 

All smallmouth came off cranks. We fished water 5-15ft deep. Landed around fifteen. Not a crazy day number wise but alot of nice fish early in the season (17-18"), if i have time tomorrow, ill see if i can get some more pics up. Love fishing Simcoe.

Nice fish. Where abouts in Thorah were you trying? I was out on the 23rd...but did not get anything. Like you was throwing cranks - best chance I had was near the shoal in Thorah - green marker. Had a follower - really nice size - but never really attacked the lure. Cast back a couple of times, but no joy.

I am still trying to figure out SB, and the Thorah area..I have gone out there twice...last time the weather was horrible, so ended up having to leave.

The trick is to take a great fisherman like me along with you for a day so I can show you how and where to catch them fishes. I will bring a few of my 'go to' lures.

The problem is, i have seen your go to lures...they don't work. hahahahahahahaaha.

Was out in Simcoe yesterday - went out to Thorold. Didn't get anything.....but had a really really really nice follower. Maybe if I had a go to lure, he might have bit. Oh well...

Hi Everyone,

Rented a cottage on Healey Lake this year. Wondering if anyone has been on this lake, and can tell me what to expect? I understand there are LB/SB and Pike - and maybe Walleye?

Last report I could find on the Board was from 2007 - but nothing was posted on how the fishing was, etc.

Anyway - always fun to try out a new lake. I will try to post what I get - if anything. Heading up 2nd week of July.

Ok. The Cisco mounts look nice. If anyone has some pictures of their setup, please PM me (or post in here). I am also looking for some mounting ideas.

Hi Everyone,

I have a Smokercraft Pro Mag 182, with a full windshield. I am thinking of upgrading my electronics - particularly the fish finder. With the current Dash - the biggest one that will fit is my current model (7 HDS). I want to go to a 10 - but the windshield will be an issue.

Anyone used a RAM mount to workaround this problem? If so, can you send me some pictures, so I have an idea on mounting possibilities?

Thanks.

I have a few in a tackle box, seems like everyone is using them but I'm still yet to catch anything on them, not even a bite! I've tried using them enough that I think it might be my technique. I usually retrieve them as I would a spinner, keeping the blade spinning but this way they don't stay too low. I've tried changing speeds as well but still nothing.

 

I was hoping to get some tips on effective presentation/retrieval of spinner baits that work for pike and bass esp this time of the year.

Spinnerbaits is what I started fishing with. Noticed that the cheaper spinners are not always that great. Case in point, went fishing with a buddy who was an avid fisherman (and got me hooked). He was using Spinnerbaits made by Blue Fox - Vibrax line - he had firetiger. I had a spinnerbait that I had bought as a package of 5 - about the same size/colour. He caught all day...I got nothing. We went to the same spot later, this time both have the same lures...and the competition was on - landed about 40 SM Bass that day between the 2 of us.

Next experience was with my cousin. I had the Blue Fox Vibrax (which was now my go to lure) and he was thowing cranks. I was catching, and he was not. I gave him another spinnerbait (silver/blue/red - a vibrax) and he started to catch, but not like the firetiger I was using. To test, we swapped rods - I stopped catching...and he started - we tried that for about 15 minutes...and then told him to give me my rod back...hahahahahahaha.

So colour is important. The other thing I have found is blade size. I usually throw a 4 or 5. If they made a bigger one..I would throw that too.

I have since moved on other stuff (cranks/jigs/etc.) but always keep a spinner for when nothing is happening, or I get to spot that I have never fished. It is still one of my go to lures...just wanted to learn/try other stuff.

Did anyone fish muskie in the kawarthas this weekend. Threw everything i had at them not one follow nothing. Wondering if the fishing was poor this weekend or if my hunch was correct and it is me lol.

I was staying at Moon River (actually out in Georgian Bay), but noticed the same thing. Spent all weekend around areas that should have had active fish. Was marking them, etc.,..but no bites...the entire weekend. Only bite I had was at the marina..while waiting for the launch ramp to open. Not sure if it was a Musky or a Pike, but even that hit was different...more of a bump then a slam.

Water temperature on Friday when I arrived was 60 degrees. By the time I left on Monday, it was 53/54. Pretty much dropped at least 2 degrees each day, which was probably part of the issue (for me at least).

I was throwing bucktails of multiple sizes/colours - believers - a storm thunder stick - divers - jigs - tube jigs - rapalas - you name it...I threw it. Trolled fast/trolled slow/got stuck on a rock.

Overall frustrating weekend. Strange thing is that nothing was biting...tried for Bass, etc.

Thank you , you explained that better then i ever could . Now if i can figure out how to get the GPS to turn on i'd be able to see if it works on the water .... lol

Second the explanation. We are using them at work (testing) with Blackberry devices. As was mentioned by Skipper, it uses the Data Plan. Unless you password protect your Hotspot, other wireless devices can (and will connect).

So if you regularly use a bigger device, like an Ipad/Tablet, or a Laptop with wireless, it is like you are taking your internet connection around with you. As long as the Phone can connect to the network, and has battery, you can run larger devices off its internet connection.

We had an offsite meeting last week, and the wireless at the location was horribly slow...so I used the Hotspot all day, as it was much much faster.

Going to be staying at a Cottage in Moon River Bay - October Long Weekend. I plan on trying for Musky, as I understand this is a good area for them? (At this point, I will settle for anything...been a bad year for catching decent size fish...at least for me).

I have a map chip, and will be hunting around for spots (all part of the fun). Anyone willing to share their experiences with this area (tips - not honey holes.... ).

One thing I have heard is that the area can be treacherous for navigation. Also not sure on Moon River itself - if I can navigate it safely, etc.

Anyway, hope to have a report that I can share on what I find.

Pics

 

 

 

 

 

 

Yes Ladies and Gentleman - that perch sure put up a fight. Glad I had 50 pound braid, with a leader, otherwise I don't think I would have got him in the boat.

 

What a frustrating day (Glad for Skud though). Plus I lost a brand new lure (it would have been my go to lure...I can feel it) when the braid snapped on a cast.

 

We also didn't get a picture of the rock I caught...boy did it put up a fight.

 

But - I think I might be getting addicted to Muskie Fishing.....