SylvanOwner

I forwarded this link to the ornithologist here at work and he is quite sure you've got yourself an immature cowbird....hope this helps with your obvious enjoyment of your backyard fauna Dan

Nice report Terry. I've been wanting to do a fly-in for years so it was really helpful to see through your videos what the experience might be like. Mmmmmmm walleye......

I could catch fish like that if I also had a rod and reel combo for every bait in my box. Nice job boyz.....when's my turn?

That's pretty weird - or is it? Guy at work who has a cottage on Three-Legged (the lake you put into to access Spider) fishes this way for pike in Spider and caught a laker last summer - same bait. I've actually caught a few in Three-Legged trolling behind the canoe as well but make sure you know the slot size if you're thinking of dinner. Anyway, for the OP, I've been in to Spider/Clear for the last 7 or 8 summers and while the fishing is still pretty good it seems to be on the decline. We've noticed more and more people fishing every trip we're in. Tubes, topwaters and small cranks for bass are our "go to" baits. We also troll behind the canoes everywhere we go. Clamp a rod holder on to the gunwale on the opposite side you paddle and you'll catch pike, the odd bass and maybe a laker (in Spider, none in Clear). Try baits with different dive depths and once you figure out the depth they're holding at (thermocline) you should be good. We regularly catch pike suspended over deep water, 50+, so don't even worry about structure. Good luck, looking forward to seeing some pics as I won't be making it in this year Dan

Very cool Lew. And yes, I agree love watching a pro at work. My cousin is a tree surgeon back home in England so I have some appreciation for how skillful these guys are. Kinda like watchin' a good backhoe operator that can just graze a stake or move a rock to within inches of where it needs to be. Place looks great.

Hey Mike, good catches you've got there. Doesn't Telly catch fish? Dan

Hey Bud, thanks for the offer, I'll give you a shout later today. Thanks to everyone for all the feedback so far, had a PM or 2 as well. Will explore some options Saturday and try to take it out for some exercise Sunday - report back next week. Dan

I haven't replaced the tank but did clean it out. There was some crap floating around on the bottom which I was able to wash out and then thoroughly dry the inside. Also used gas line antifreeze after doing this to ensure no moisture in the system. Thanks for the reply. Dan

Thanks Fisherman for the quick reply. Forgive my ignorance I'm no small engine mechanic - "o" rings on what connectors? How do I check this? Have changed the fuel line and experienced same problem, will double-check the clamps but don't think that's the problem as it would've been covered when the line was replaced. Should also just say for anyone who else who may try and help that I DO have the vent open on the tank.....just sayin'. Dan

I have an early 80's Mercury 25h.p. outboard that has a problem with bogging down/out. It has been doing this for a few seasons now but is getting worse. It starts OK and idles fine and accelerates fine but after running WOT for a while it just loses RPM (and power obviously) and will drop back almost to an idle. It will sometimes stall and be difficult to start again (although it always does) but usually just runs low for a bit and you can accelerate partially and usually find a point around 1/4-1/3 throttle where it is happy and will sometimes let you go to WOT again but after a while will drop back. I'm spending less and less time at WOT and it sucks. It first started when the boat (14' tinny) was under most load - hauling camping gear and guys - but now happens, well, all the time. I CAN keep it at WOT by pumping the ball every few seconds so it seems to be a fuel supply issue. I've changed plugs, cleaned plugs, changed the fuel line, used carb cleaner and gas line antifreeze, cleaned the filter. What about this magic SeaFoam stuff? Where to buy in the GTA, ideally somewhere between south Etobicoke and BassPro? Any suggestions as to what may be the issue would be most appreciated.

I'd be curious as to what features the posters are picking up on when they definitively say "Tiger".....not doubting, just looking for some free education. Thanks. Dan

Some very nice words there. Sorry for your loss.

ha ha.....is this where the term "hydroplaning" was born.....lol

I'll add another vote for the XTerra. I have an '02 that I bought only a couple months ago but absolutely love it so far. I tow a 14' tinny full floor with 25hp so it's pretty light but you don't even know it's there. Mine is a 5-speed, 3.3L V6 without the supercharger, not the gutsiest vehicle out there but...the supercharged version requires premium gas. I get close to 500km per 60L tank with or without the boat and have 150 000km on it - doesn't burn a spot of oil. The manuals are rated for 3500lbs., the autos for 5000lbs. - go figure?? The timing belts need to be done at around 160k (I think), I did mine right when I got it and that and the water pump and thermostat cost $900 so definitely be aware of that issue with whatever vehicle you buy if it's a belt and not a chain.

Do you wipe off the bird poop as well?....great pic!!

No, didn't make it to Ramkoes - there was nothing in your tip about Ramkoes....lol....but really we only had time the one evening. Thanks again, we had a very enjoyable hour and a half or so thanks to you. Dan

Just a little report from last weeks trip too Sudbury. I had the opportunity for a trip too Sudbury for a couple days for work and was hoping to tag on a few more days Crown Land camping, well the work part was good but life happens and the Crown Land routine will have to wait. Anyway, I had asked OFC for some advice before I left and fortunately had received some from a few people but I have to make special mention of the advice from Mike P. - I could've done this blindfolded with the detail he provided.......http://www.ofncommunity.com/forums/index.php?showtopic=44004. So, last Wednesday myself and 4 others from the conference set out to Moonlight Beach. There was another group already at the far end of the rocks so we set up about halfway along the rocks. Here's a photo of the scene for context and a little trip down memory lane for Mike P. Bit of a hack-job on the image but hopefully gets the point across. Action was a little slow but we were getting lots of little taps close in to shore. A few bass were hooked and some landed and lots of rises on the surface so I switched from the suggested jig to a small floating Rapala and Bingo.....scored this eye when he ripped it off the surface.... That was it for bites except for the mosquitoes that soon drove us back to the car and then the comfort of the hotel room and beer just in time for the overtime period of the hockey game. We did a few geocaches over the 2 days including one at the big nickel, saw a couple moose, several deer and a wild turkey on the drive back to Toronto. Some more scenery shots taken from around the nickel. Hope you enjoyed. Dan

22" and 3.5lbs. Nice fish!!

I've just found out I'm going to Sudbury for a few days next week for a work conference and will be taking a few extra days vacation to enjoy the area. I was hoping for some suggestions on camping and fishing spots in the area. Crown Land tenting is my preferred method and I'm not in the least bit fussy about fish species to catch as long as they are reasonably plentiful, cooperative and not contaminated - just for a few "shore lunches", not a meat fisherman. I have a 14' tinny with a 25hp and a 4x4. Any other suggestions on things to see, places to go in the area are welcome. I haven't been in the area for almost 25 years when on a family vacation and saw the sights then. Thanks in advance for any help you may have to offer. Dan

I had a few in my house a couple years back and subsequently did some reading. Carpenter ants aren't like other pests in that they bore to make a nest but they are actually eating. It was also written that they are very difficult to get rid of and you likely won't succeed unless you get the queen. They often have satellite colonies to replenish the herd. They also are most active at night so people are fooled into thinking they have gotten rid of them but they just aren't seeing them - check around after dark and look for trails of ants, this will also help discover where they are coming from and/or hiding out. The literature suggests ripping out whatever you have to to get to the nest and kill the queen. My solution included doing this, at least the tracking part and then I just sealed everything up and haven't seen hide nor hair since, even after dark. I know this doesn't sound encouraging but I hope it helps!!

The pills are OK if you don't want to pay the money for a filter although I have heard of potential impact on your kidneys if you use them frequently, can't remember the explanation behind it though. I've always added a bit of Tang or some drink crystal to mask the flavour and I always go with way less crystal than what they suggest - just enough to give it flavour but not enough to make it sweet (and not thirst quenching). I would suggest you pony up the cash for a filter, a dozen times a year is plenty enough to justify the expense IMHO.

Got mine in the GTA. Home Depot and RONA sell marine carpet and it is inexpensive but it is the loop style so your hooks get caught in it. The better stuff doesn't catch hooks. Dan

Hey Mike, I have a bunch leftover from my rebuild, right colour too. Give me a shout. Dan

Those are the types of bases I've used in my aluminum as well and they work very well. I strongly suggest installing some sort of backing plate or at least very large washers to prevent them from pulling out.

Hey, I know that spot.....lol