solopaddler

Does it have to be an electric site Steve? Launch at Hartley Bay just downstream of hwy 69 on the French River. Lots of great water access sites in French River Provincial Park downstream of the hwy. The ultimate is to travel down the western arm of the French, navigate through a couple of mild chutes to the delta of the Bad River (still part of French R. Prov. Park). There's one island campsite in particular down there that would blow your mind. Fishing is fantastic.

You guys are just jealous.

Oh yea of little faith.

I'm a fan but you knew that already.

One of my strengths is finding deals, I have a knack for it what can I say? It's an estate sale. Talked to the son a couple days ago and am quite comfortable that everything is on the up and up. It's an '07 Highlander Hybrid with 56K on the odometer. He faxed me copies of all the pertinent paperwork including the vehicles history a couple days ago and everything looks good. I can also have the vehicle checked by a local mechanic of my choice. There is however a slight catch, it's located in Edmonton LOL! That said I've already looked into one way flights and can get one for $240 tax in. He said he'd pick me up at the airport as well. I'd have to drive the vehicle home, however that's not all that bad. I foresee a possible pitstop at Lake Winnipeg and Lac Seul enroute home for some ice fishing. I love doing stuff like this, it's kind of an adventure. Just have to make a quick decision and get a bit of time off work which may not be that easy.

If Andrew can get me into an '07 with less than 60K for under $12,000 I'm all ears. 'Cause that's what I'm looking at right now.

Sounds like a fun trip Doug, glad to see you're still alive and kicking! Good luck in your search, hopefully someone comes through for you.

From where Bill? I would assume you're not talking about a day trip from Barrie. Of course anything's possible, but if you're bringing your own boat to Lady Evelyn you have to get it towed around the dam by tractor. It's not "quite" a drive-to destination.

Thanks lads once again your input is appreciated. I'm not necessarily a hybrid fan either. The only goal I have is finding a cheap set of wheels LOL! No need to warn me about Red Hill. A while back I had a small 4X4 Toyota pickup and made the mistake of getting it serviced there. Let's just say my experience was similar to yours. Without getting into the details, they were refusing to own up to their shennanigans and would do nothing further for me....until I walked into their service dept which happened to be filled with customers and started asking them why in a VERY loud voice LOL!

Alex you seem like a well grounded young man. I can only hope my young lad grows up the same way. No one deserves this type of thing, there is no consolation. One day I suspect when you have kids of your own you'll be a pretty great dad. He'll live on in the eyes of your young ones when you pass on all the knowledge he gave you.

Thanks for the feedback guys. My only concern with this vehicle is possible replacement of the batteries. I'm just not sure if that will be an issue or not. If it is it's expensive. Under normal circumstances I'd go with a gas vehicle every time. I'm looking at this one solely because the price is so ridiculously cheap I can't afford not to. No way would I ever pay normal market value for a hybrid. On a side note it seems everything's going to hell in a handbasket lately. Since we've been back from Cuba my washing machine died, my furnace is not functioning properly and needs repairs, the new water heater started leaking, both computers in the house are fubar, and to top it off our car is dying (hence the search). I kid you not every day it's been something else. LOL!

I've done my due diligence and researched what I could online. Any thoughts from you guys on the Highlander hybrids? I'm specifically looking at an 2007 Toyota Highlander Hybrid with super low km's. What say you? Any pros or cons?

Unbearable. My thoughts are with you and your family Alex.

Interesting adaptation, nice work. I'm not a fan of plastic floats but have been making self cocking balsa floats for over 30 years now. I use the weighted floats when ultra stealth is needed when fishing short leads in clear slow frog water. What I've always done is wrap a chunk of leadcore around the bottom stem of the float and cover with a thin coat of epoxy. Works very well. I'd guess you could do the same thing with a Drennan as well.

All due respect to doubleheader, but a DT fly line has very little use beyond extreme finesse fishing with tiny flies. The rod you're looking at has a relatively fast taper and will load better with a line that is 1/2 to 1 size larger than what's on the sticker. I would recommend a full floating line in WF taper. The WF taper will allow you to cast the larger flies you'll likely be throwing with an 8wt rod. RIO Grand fly line is sized 1/2 size heavier than what's on the label so a WF8F in that brand would do you fine. As far as getting down goes you can EASILY reach depths of 14' by using a variety of sinking leaders. RIO makes an excellent one called a "versileader". It has a tiny welded loop on the end as does the main fly line, so they're attached via a loop to loop connection. Very slick and the tips are easily interchangeable. Yes you would need a short length of tippet on the end of the versileader, usually 2-4' no more than that and usually 8-10lb Maxima Ultragreen or something similar. You DO NOT the fancy knotless tapered leaders unless you're fishing tiny dries. In that case the tapered leader would be attached directly to the end of your fly line. This system, full floating line with a variety of sinking leaders in different lengths and sink rates, is very versatile. It allows you to cover a broad range of water depths and eliminates the need for a spare spool and second line. Regarding backing, no it doesn't have to match your rod. Most guys will use 120-150yds of 20-30lb braided dacron backing. Totally depends on the reels capacity. The info on the specific reel you're looking at will tell what its capacity is. You won't have to think too hard LOL!

Being a weather guy these things are cyclical. I can show you similar snowfall amounts and mild temps from eons ago. Don't think El Nino is a factor this year. More of an El Nada this year. Neutral on that front. I believe Mr. Rice is correct in that we're being heavily influenced by the jet stream. My personal opinion is we'll pay for this winter next year. Warmer surface temps in the great lakes will spawn some vicious lake effect snow. Enjoy it while it lasts LOL! People that live in traditional snowbelt areas that don't own a snowblower yet, consider grabbing one now, it's a buyers market.

A bit blindsided by your post, had no idea you were battling this. Keep the faith, you can do it man.

If you shop around you should be able to get a new Lund 1825 Rebel XL Sport in that price range.

Probably too late now but separate recepts from the seller, one for the boat, one for the motor and one for the trailer can save you some money on taxes. A private sale the motor's receipt can always be made much lower. Just say it needs work. No one will check.

Great stuff. Any OFC'ers have a shop in Hamilton? I need a new mechanic.

Wow, what a trip! Pretty incredible for early Feb.

That's pretty interesting. I was living up there 15 years ago when I fished Brunswick. Fished a bunch of better back lakes but none that you mentioned. Best trip I did while I lived there was paddle the Missinaibi river. Some truly awesome fishing for trophy walleye.

Really? I fished Brunswick when I lived in Kap, it was nowhere near that good for me LOL!

I just bought a pair of Keen mid cut hikers last month, absolutely love them. Waterproof and super light.

I'm 99.9% sure Tomorrow lake has been fished more than that. Regardless I'm sure you'll do okay.