bpsbassman

Oh look!!! Its the same donkeyholes screwing up this thread now.

MiachaelW, you are my hero!! Congratulations

If you're at BPS tomorrow, stop by in Fishing and say hi. Be glad to share my experiences.

Happy Birthday Carole. Have a GREAT day!

Just went back and read the thread. Nice pics CC! Look forward to your next report. I HATE THE CAPS TOO, BUT REALIZE ITS HIS TRADEMARK!

Great report Mike. Sorry to hear about the wallet. Welcome to the neighbourhood. You will love Grimsby!

Will check the links out later. The wife has the book and video and there is a lot of positive stuff there.

Grea Intro! Welcome aboard. Looking forward to more reports.

Looks like you had a great season!!

I've had two Trackers: One identical to Tracker's (99 Tracker Pro v-16 with a 60hp 2 stroke). It was a great boat, I did have a problem with the rivets though (which Irishfield fixed for me). This is my new boat 2006 Pro Guide V-16 with a 75 4 stroke. Its been a great boat so far and I wouldn't hesitate to get another. Here's the difference in the depth of the two and how much wider they've gotten. Talk to Pavo, the Manager at Tracker at Bass Pro in Vaughn. He is a great guy and will really take care of you. Their service and staff has been exceptional (I realize I'm a little biased, but it has been a real positive experience). Good Luck!

I know Dave takes a personal interest in the tank, 'cause some of those 6 Lb. Smallies in there are his!! I remember the day that they were brought in............HUGE HAWGS!! I couldn't wait to see them in the tank, but like I said earlier, they get put in quarantine for quite some time before they're introduced to the big tank.

Congratulations. Glad to see you living your dream. Enjoy the ride and send us reports.

WOW that was very impressive! Well thought out and put together. Good on all that have been involved. A lot of work and dedication with no guarantees at the end. A bold project that I hope comes to fruition.

Hey Cory, I will definitely buy you a coffee next time your in the store

Yes, Yes and Yes Also, my sons used the new Gulp alive minnows last fall jigging for smallies and pickerel and were very successful as well.

Welcome aboard. Look forward to your posts (we love pictures)! I think Whopper is from your neck of the woods.

I got the following reply back from George Wallace, our Canadian Marketing Manager and as many here know, a great friend and supporter of OFC and many of our Fundraising projects. Our aquarist comes to the store 3+ times a week to ensure the health of the fish and their habitat (the aquarium). The systems in place are extensive and are there to protect the health of the fish outright. Systems in place include: sand/carbon filters, biotic filters (trickle towers), plus the ultraviolet light. Furthermore, unbeknownst to most, there is roughly 0.3% salt solution in the circulating water; this keeps at bay the parasitic count (much like salt on a leech). We also have chiller and try to maintain a temperature of 60° to 65°. There are independent system(s) for each the aquarium and the trout stream. In terms of the colour of the fish and respective influences; unfortunately, I’m not a biologist. Possibly Wil Wegman from the MNR or Dr. Bruce Tufts from Queen’s University could better answer those questions; they are both fisheries biologists. We work very closely with both Wil & Bruce, in addition to their respective organizations; as well as our own Exhibits Dept. in Springfield, MO. Alternatively; while in the store, you could also ask our aquarist, Chris Dahl. The health of the fish, BASSMAN, as you know, is paramount to our day-to-day operations. What I do know is that factors could go on to include: seasonality, diet, surrounding environment (rocks, gravel, etc), lighting vs. sunlight and so forth. Hope this helps. I will continue to follow up as opportunity permits to get more info. I know many of those fish have been in the tank since the store opened. When you think about it, the whole operation is very impressive. I'm sure those fish would love to be out in their natural environment (much like those in anyone's aquarium), but the thing I think is so neat is that it gives many city folks (especially kids) an opportunity (and maybe their only opportunity) to see Ontario's fish species up close. Heck, I could sit there for hours and just watch them myself!

I drive 100 km each way to work at BPS on weekends, but that's another story!!!

Randy, next time you're in the store, look me up and I'll buy you a coffee Ramble On, you're right, the temperature is critical and strictly maintained, I just can't remember what it was set at. The filter room behind the aquarium is pretty cool, I think there were 6 HUGE filters in there if I remember correctly. This whole topic is very interesting and I will get more info. I know I've seen it somewhere and I have had discussions with the biologist in the past.

BPS brings in a biologist once or twice a week (I'll validate). He checks about 30 different chemical levels (not just your ph and chlorine). They also have incubator tanks where all new fish are isolated for about a month to ensure they are not introducing anything into the big tank. If fish are not doing well, they are also removed from the big tank and isolated in the incubators to be brought back to health. Hope this helps. I can find out more if you'd like. Sorry if we're not being knowledgable enough for you Randy

Good one!

That's what I like about Bob, is that he can back up his show with legitimate performance! He finishes consistently in the top in tournaments and has shown that he can compete with the big boys down south.

Way to go Corey, guess you really did kick Dad's butt!!

Nice report Steve. You've got the touch!

Gotta agree BnB. I've had several conversations with Mark at BPS and he is a real CLASS act!