solopaddler

Well if Boston has more skill they sure didn't show it against Montreal. Their game was brutal, missed passes, non existant powerplay... I believe they should feel VERY lucky to have gotten past Montreal. I am glad they won. For me it's like the lesser of two evils compared to Montreal. As a completely unbiased observer I predict that unless Boston elevates their game dramatically, Philly will beat them handily.

You're not aware that Spiel, one of the moderators is a custom builder? (He wasn't going to say it so someone had to. ) Some decent work on the musky rods from rodwrap. Question to you sir. The first thing that popped to mind was with a 12" extension in the butt where's the joint in relation to the reel seat? No worries that when the rod is under load it'll break at that joint?

The ice wasn't out on the weekend so my guess is the fishing was tough.

Regarding the pump. Beyond priming it make sure the foot valve is functioning properly. I always put a new one on to start the year. They don't cost much and at least mine tend to get gummed up over the winter.

I know someone who's fished Athabasca 3 times. He may be difficult to get a hold of but I'll try. Lots of huge lake trout and the biggest pike of his life. However no huge numbers of big pike. Eddie's camp on the Attawpiskat I believe is better. If I can reach this guy I'll have him pm you (he's a non active member here).

Fishing World is a bigger store with a better selection but the service at Bill's beats them hands down. That's the bottom line.

Wow, truly inspirational, what a great gesture. Happy Easter to all.

Ahh to be young and single with money to burn.

I didn't have any problems finding it.

6 flats?

I hear you. I'm not exactly fishing deprived though.

Right on! Will check a couple local to me tomorrow.

Exactly right Brian, well said! On that note, no opener for me I have to work.

I'm stunned. This is the worst news I've heard in a while. Condolences to his family, he'll be missed for sure.

Exactly. Who cares. These days it seems everyone is set off at the slightest little thing whether real or imagined. I'm tired of it. Man I wish I could move up north.

Cool. Let us know how it performs.

Nice find. I'm not a huge fan of Kevin Callan's but watching him virtually retrace my route makes me yearn for who I once was. Man do I miss it. A few shots at the end shows a bit of Wendell's craftsmanship. There's so much more though... Thanks for posting this.

In a similar vein when I was on one of my lengthy solo canoe trips I stumbled onto Wendell Beckwith's cabins on an island on Whitewater lake north of Armstrong. I believe Wendell lived a similar life although was much more eccentric. He apparantly picked this island after performing complex calculations that proved to him that this island was the center of the universe. However the level of construction and ingenuity in the series of cabins he built was breathtaking. Actually surpassing imo what was in this video. Most ingenious I thought was his "snail" cabin. Built right into a hillside and more or less underground it was like a hobbit house from lord of the rings. Octagonal shaped and lined with wood, it had an earthen roof where he supposedly planted vegetables for an early spring crop from the warmth. The main cabin had a hand carved figurehead over the door like something out of Hansel and Gretel..just truly amazing in every detail. I have tons of pictures in my scrapbook of these buildings. One day I'll get a scanner and post them properly.

Personally I couldn't care less whether it's a Canadian or US team in the playoffs. Most of the players are Canadian anyway. If it's a team I actively dislike why would I suddenly cheer for them? No envy or bitterness on my part at all.

Amazing Gerritt, I've never seen it before. Can't get over the ingenuity in making the hinges then the door latch and lock out of wood.

I dislike both teams, I wish they could both lose.

This is true. On a related note what amazed me when I helped Eddie at the Toronto show, 99% of the interest and inquiries was for moose hunting. Almost no interest from anyone for fishing.

Winner! I owe you a coffee.

Hey Sil, whichever style of rods you choose St. Croix is a great choice. Fantastic rods and unbeatable warranty. New on the market are Dobyn rods. Saw them at the T.O. sportsmans show and they're sweet. Maybe worth checking out. http://www.dobynsrods.com/