ADB

Shawn.V and I headed over to Ward's Island today. Unfortunately, most of the inner canals were still iced over and it was hard to fish. We were forced to mostly fish into the main lake, which netted nothing. Back on the mainland, we tried fishing off of Queen's Quay. Again, we had no luck. Great day to be outside, though.

I don't think the Centre Island ferry operates until April. I've always heard the Leslie Street Spit was a good spot. However, it's a such a big area, and I've never heard where exactly people typically fish there.

Good to see you're gonna save a few bucks, Lew. Glad to help.

Yup, Le Baron does do mail order/online ordering. Here's the link: http://lebaron.ca/english/cat_item_ord.htm

I haven't been around there to see, but a smaller lake I checked out was still frozen, even along the shoreline. What are you going to be fishing for, anyways? Pike?

Thanks for the replies, everyone - We were planning to target specks more anyways, so it is good to hear that people has had success during early June. Also, we should be taking a route that goes through Dickson, so we'll make sure to fish it as well. And yes, we're aware of the black flies, so we'll do all we can to fight them lol. Thanks again for the stories, tips, and words of caution - much appreciated.

Good morning everyone - I'm just curious if anyone here has had any experience with Pasha Lake Cabins. I've searched the forum archives with no luck. Having seen them featured on TV, and having visited the website, they look like they offer some amazing fishing, especially the walleye outpost trip. (Camping on a small tributary of Lake Superior, I believe, while the walleye are in full swing during August). So, I'm just wondering if anyone has been, or if anyone has heard anything - good, or bad. Thanks for your thoughts and information.

Hello everyone - Me and a couple buddies are planning on heading into Algonquin and up to Lavielle this Spring. Our tentative date is June 4th - this is the earliest we can go. However, I've heard from a lot of people that that is already too late in the season to catch effectively; fishing right after ice-out is the best and only time to fish trout in Algonquin. My question is, has anybody fished Lavielle in early June, or any trout lake in Algoquin at that time, and how did you do? Any advice, techniques, etc. would be helpful. Thanks in advance for your answers and opinions.

Haha that is exactly what was going through my head too.

Like others have said, I would spend my money on the reel, over the rod. A good reel, compared to a cheaper reel, will: -help to keep your line from tangling and twisting -have a smoother, more reliable drag system -be made from aluminum/graphite, compared to a plastic. -paired with any 7 foot rod, allow you to cast farther. In my opinion, one of the best rods for the money would be the Fenwick Eagle GT. The Eagle GT is an extremely lightweight and sensitive rod. Pick it up, and it will blow you away compared to a similarly priced rod like the Shimano Convergence, which will feel heavy and clunky. For example, you mentioned wanting a longer, medium light rod. Le Baron sells the 7 foot, medium light action model for $57.54. http://lebaron.ca/pdf_files_sp09/fishing/f...k_techna_av.pdf At that price you can easily spend $100-$120 on a good reel and still stay within your budget. For the reel, go with either the Shimano Sahara ($95.36). At 6.9 ounces, the 1000 model is actually lighter than a lot of the more expensive Shimano reels, including the Stradic and Sustain. http://lebaron.ca/pdf_files_sp09/fishing/shimano_sahara.pdf Or if you want to save a little more money, go with the Daiwa Exceller ($75.63) http://lebaron.ca/pdf_files_sp09/fishing/daiwa_hardbodyz.pdf The Shimano is a bit more of a flashy reel, but a lot of people rave about the Exceller as a great reel as well. It even comes with a spare spool, something Shimano has gone away from. Hope this helps!

Ace - As Silvio said, Loomis does not make a 17' rod. The longest trout-specific spinning rod Loomis makes would be 7'2" - part of their new trout-spinning series. The longest overall would be 15', however, those rods are center pins and fly-rods. Le Baron - in Markham and Mississauga - carries the trout-specific rods, as well as the 15' center pin rod. http://lebaron.ca/pdf_files_sp09/fishing/gloomis_species.pdf http://lebaron.ca/pdf_files_sp09/fishing/gloomis_gl2.pdf You can browse Loomis' whole line at: http://www.gloomis.com/publish/content/glo...e/products.html Also, as far I know, Loomis does still make all of their rods in the States. Hope this helps.

Hello Andre - Le Baron does in fact carry cradles. There are two types: A larger muskie sized cradle by Frabill (60 inches): http://lebaron.ca/pdf_files_sp09/fishing/frabill_nets.pdf And another, smaller one by Lucky Strike (48 inches): http://lebaron.ca/pdf_files_sp09/fishing/l...ike_telrods.pdf Here's the link to order online: http://lebaron.ca/catalogue/english/orderform.htm -ADB

The Canadian dollar was also a lot higher last year. Now that it is lower, a lot of retailers have raised their prices on certain items. Oh well, they still have good deals on Tail Dancers and X-Raps...20-25% off, and Powerbait and Gulp at 20-25% off. Looking forward to getting a handful of the Cotton Cordell Wiggle-O's for $1.94.

Oh...the Berkley Trout Worms. Yeah, the pink/bubblegum always do sell out fast. I think all we've got at the moment is natural and chartreuse. With spring steelhead coming up we'll be getting some in stock soon enough, though.

Thanks for the welcomes. Yup, I work at the Markham location. JDMLS, not sure what you mean by:

Hello everybody: I've been surfing OFC for a while, but have finally made an account! I'm from Richmond Hill and big largemouth are my main target. I also work at Le Baron, so if there's ever a question about product availability, pricing or feedback I've heard, I'd be glad to help. I just wanted to introduce myself, and I look working to talking with all of you! -ADB.

Le Baron carries a lot of the brands that have been mentioned - Ray Ban, Bolle, Bluewater Optics.

For future reference, Le Baron sells them all year round.