solopaddler

Like any other lure fished at or near the surface it's all about silhouette. Black is best. Thanks Roy, if the weather cooperates it should be a productive trip. Naw, that was just a head rush from funneling down a beer. I have to agree they're deadly. I've got a bunch of these tied up with a couple different heads. All between 8 and 9" long. Also a variety of magnum sized chatter baits:

Actually yeah I could use some leaders. May not have time to grab them from you though.

That's genius, thanks!

I've been readying my arsenal for our assault on the Attawapiskat's pike population next week and thought I'd show you guys a couple things I did. The bread and butter lure up there seems to be the larger 11/8oz weedless Johnson Silver Minnow spoon. I had wanted a black nickel finish on the standard chrome spoons as I believe it'll be deadly. Looking around for paint options I settled on a 2 step black chrome finish made by Dupli-Color. A translucent black paint followed by a clear coat. It's made for vehicle bumpers so it should stand up well on the lures I think. After painting them I added silicone skirts, essentially creating monster sized "Moss Boss" spoons for pike. I'll tip the spoons later with some kind of plastic trailer as well. The skirt and trailer will bulk the spoon up creating a larger profile and allow me to work it through the shallows dead slow as the sink rate will be slowed... Here's an unpainted chrome finish spoon with a skirt: And a variety of other's painted with the translucent black chrome finish: I'm also partial to 8" Reapers and oversized musky sized twister tails. I'll have a bag of silicone skirts with me to dress these as well. Again the added bulk and flash of color will make these already effective baits even more deadly. Here's a handful I've already dressed: I'm just about packed and ready to roll. Look out pike, here I come.

A much needed day on the water. Glad to see you guys made it happen.

Very nicely done and truly beautiful pic's Mike.

Depends on how you mostly plan on fishing. If you're primarily going to be dead drifting nymphs and egg patterns under a strike indicator the absolute best line I've ever used for that is the Wulff Triangle Taper. It finnesse casts and mends like no other and can turn over a weighted fly and indicator with ease. If you'll be firing out streamers and spey flies and swinging them you may want to check out the Scientific Anglers Sharkskin line in the steelhead taper. Truly amazing line.

I've got another rod for you bud just oozing with mojo. Archie if you decide you don't want the Avid I'll buy it from you. It'll make a perfect live bait rigging rod for walleye.

Sorry Charles, but that's funny. I'm laughing because when I was a kid I had one and took it apart to clean it. Never did get it back together.

The solopaddler smirk? Exactly how does a rod break into that many pieces? LOL!

That is truly great news.

Wasn't able to go, we had to cancel.

Neither would I unless they're 20lb's and over Dan. The others are a nuisance. Dave the flies look great buddy!

Showed it to my kids and they just about died.

Hey right on! Very glad to see that your trip went well.

Thanks Dan. I actually talked to someone in Nakina yesterday who told me the same thing so you're just confirming it. Long range forecast looks incredible too.

Just stay home it's not worth it. (You'll be fine out in the boat, and that's really all that matters anyway)

She's a cutey alright. Congrat's to you and yours Brian.

From Missisauga Kawartha lakes is probably the safest bet with your driving restrictions. I'm sure some of the guys who live up there can chime in with a cottage recommendation. Bay of Quinte and the Honey Harbour area of georgian bay are two other destination options. I've been hauling my kids 7 hours up to our camp since they were born so you may indeed be limiting yourself. You may be surprised what they can endure.

Make sure you bring batteries in two weeks. Just talked to someone in Nakina, ice is mostly all gone. Couple more days and it'll be totally gone.

Outstanding day, thanks for posting!

Glad to see you had a good day!

Looks like a picture perfect day on the water. Lucky you.

Your annual Algonquin post is something I always look forward to, thanks that was great!