Jet

That's what it's all about! I find ice fishing is a great way to introduce new people to fishing. I bring new anglers out and if we don't catch fish, the food, drinks and scenery almost always ensures a good social time.

Oh the memories . . . . over much too soon.

I recently drove 7 hours for Steelhead and spent 3 days on the river only to come home with a skunk At least you got something! Hopefully Rosseau will freeze up for you soon!

You can throw bucktails into the mix, but all the lures you're using are the ones I use the most, particularly tubes. White works best for me in the 3-4 inch range. If you have a finder, getting them to chase will increase your odds as now you're triggering their instincts as well as their belly!

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2261424/Anglers-finally-hook-scientists-settle-age-old-debate-fish-feel-pain.html?ito=feeds-newsxml Do fish feel pain?

TJ knows his lines! Ya P-Line 8 lb. I like to run braid, but unless it's warm or I'm in the hut all day I stick with mono.

Your stories should have been published more long before this! At least on the flipside, we've been able to read them for years for the first time right here! Look forward to more articles from you Mike - A belated welcome to the writers club!

I have been thinking of Gerrards, not sure Kootenay Lake freezes over though, but I'll look into it! BTW, I like the new avatar. I know that spot!

Thanks everyone for sitting through my long video The prehit fish finder action isn't as exciting with Bull Trout compared to the Laker chase - you just see a line for a split second and smash! I've never hooked something so big in such shallow water, so having it dart in circles all around the hole while pulling a good 30-40 feet of line was a totally new experience for me. Not a GoPro. I run a Panasonic TS2. I find the video quality is better and that's what I'm after. It's tough, however, trying to turn on the camera, hit record and set it for a proper viewing angle all while a fish is going bezerk! I've lost quite a few fish fumbling with the camera, but when I get clips like this it makes it all worthwhile. Vids do a lot more for me than pictures, especially when I watch them again after a year or two!

With the ice taking its time to form for most of you, why not tease you all with some action that's happening out here in BC! I got an early Xmas present from the Fishing Gods with the best fight I've had under the ice, besting the many big Lakers I've managed to pull up in Ontario. Here's the spec: -28 inch MH ice rod -8lb test -Williams half/half -Just 12 feet of water!!! Please ignore the commentary! I do these videos mostly to send back home to family and friends. This clip is just over 5 minutes, but there is rarely a dull moment during the whole fight with some massive drag pulls as it circled all around the hole. PS: Thanks Simon for helping me with embedding the video with the new site! Cheers!

Embedding Youtube videos doesn't seem to work. I went to check my past posts the videos are just showing up as a line of code.

This might be replacing one habit for another, but have you thought about an electronic cigarette aka vaping? I know many people who have replaced their tabacco cigarettes for e-cigs. As many of you mentioned, it's the physical habit of "smoking" that often is the hardest thing to overcome mentally when you try to quit. This gives you that physical "action" without all the harmful effects of smoke. I used to smoke and quit buying packs a long long time ago. However I still enjoy a smoke here and there, especially when fishing! I also exercise very regularly and can notice the cardiovascular difference when I smoke and don't smoke. However with the e-cig I feel literally no cardio diff at all. I believe at the very least if you can replace tar ridden smoke for water vapor, you'll do your health a monumental favour in addition to not smelling like smoke or having that smoker's morning cough. And winter's a great time to try quitting, as the cold can be a great incentive to stay inside. E-cigs leave absolutely no smell so using them inside is no problem in that regard. Here's a good testimony for it. <iframe width="420" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/dFQm2G4mz3w" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>

Wish I hadn't seen these pics already! But still nice the fourth time around!

Beauty fish Mike! Been wondering about the Steelhead you've been getting into . . . nice to finally see some pics!

Great read Mike. It was almost like doing it all over again. Glad you guys had a great time and it was equally great to have good friends to share these rivers with once again. I'm almost always flying solo here when fishing, so I appreciate the effort you guys made to come all the way West. And Victor don't worry, I'll be headed back in a few weeks just for you bud!

If you have nails on your fingers (which is why I keep some growth during float fishing season) and use water gremlins, you can squeeze the nail of your thumb and index finger into the gap on each side and open them back up again. I do it all the time and save a lot of shots. If you don't have nails, then you're likely out of luck.

I guess we have our designated cameraman!! Awesome work Mike.

That's it!!! Thanks Misfish!

Sorta like this?

If you like Poutine, the place in Spanish right on the highway is great. It's a walk-up style joint with finishing line stretched all above the property to deter seagulls. I love Poutine and couldn't believe I found one so good in such a small place. Can't remember the name of the place, but if you go through Spanish and it's open you'll see it.

Very sweet looking design Kemper. You might have to plan a trip out this way to really break it in!

I spent hours all night tying hundreds of roe bags for a much anticipated Steelhead trip to New York. After three hours I arrived and was so excited I couldn't rig my rod fast enough. Then my heart sank when I went to bait my hook and realized I left it all in the fridge at home! I was livid!! And that's just one of my Forgetful Jones moments. I've left wading boots behind and major tackle only to realize it at the rivers edge. Now I post sticky notes in my shoes and on the door before each trip and double check after I get in the car. And I still forget stuff!

Mike you're a stand out example of how to inspire the next generation of anglers and a great father. I will look back at your adventures for inspiration when I have my own little one (likely ones) to introduce them to this wonderful passion we all share. Thanks!

Ummm . . . how about the one we went on?????

Love those reports with video! Thanks TJ for putting together.