solopaddler

Holy crap Ron, that is just incredible!

So many people rave about these rods, but I've had 3 tips snap on the lighter spinning rods. Perhaps the heavier musky rods are more durable but I'm not willing to take the chance to find out. Glad to hear Grimsby Tackle treated you well. For many years I avoided that store like the plague because the owner was so incredibly unfriendly.

The 7'2" rated 4-8 and the 71/2 rated 2-6. They're both very similar, I believe the 71/2 is underrated. Both have a bit of a softish tip and lots of power in the bottom end. Amazon had the best price by far when I was looking.

I own two and love them to death. IMO the rod designers at Fenwick really hit a home run with these rods. The handle is the obvious thing, it's incredibly comfortable. Guides are next. The titanium frame SIC's on the rod are worth more than I paid for the whole thing. The third thing is the spiggot ferrule. As far as I'm concerned they were really thinking outside the box here. IMO this ferrule gives them the feel of a one piece rod. In addition there's no unsightly bulge as with most ferrules. Of course spiggot ferrules is extremely old technology...but Fenwick has improved on the concept dramatically. And yes as the rod is used heavily year after year the joint will become tighter as the female end is worn down. You will always have a tight fit though, that's the beauty. I caught countless huge brookies on my rod while at the Sutton, stressed the living crap out of it and it held up magnificently. Hard to go worong in any case with a lifetime warranty. I like my rods just as much or more than my expensive Loomis sticks, I'm definitely getting more of them. The "only" possible criticism, because of the shorter than normal rear grip the rods feel marginally tip heavy. But they're overall so light and sensitive, paired with a lightweight magnesium reel they're a joy to fish.

Hey surprise surprise, something truly worthwhile actually came of this post. Great picture Lew, thanks for posting.

Shades of A River Runs Through It. Very nice Miro!

Tanned chinook hide.

Especially these cool mukluks I picked up on the way back from the Sutton.

The perfect rig!

I'd be happy to tag along and show you around. Seriously though it's difficult but not that difficult to navigate down there. Especially so if you had explicit directions and instructions along with a detailed map. While I've seen it done, personally I would never navigate down through those rapids with a console. A tiller is an absolute must to make the sharp precise turns necessary in the current.

Very cool, I know that water quite well. I never found spring to be all that good. July has always been killer there, and again in October.

Outstanding Will, looks like a blast.

No. I've launched at Hartley Bay and occasionaly Danny's Marina on the Pickeral many times over the years. Always make the run down the western channel of the French to Georgian Bay and what they call the Bad River. Fantastic area, one of my favourites. Your pic's looked mightily familiar. So the question begs, if that's where you went how'd you make out?

I tried watching mantracker once and lasted 5 minutes before being bored to death.

Hey Gord, I'll guide your group no problem.

Good God what a hideous fish. You've been slumming I see.

Hey Jim is it the Bad River? If not the Bad then somewhere further upstream on the French above hwy 69.

Beautiful fish! That is a true trophy specimen and in my eyes worth a dozen 10lb'ers caught in the trib's.

Once upon a time I paddled through Abazotikichuan, very nice part of the Albany for sure. Regarding Esser don't blame the outfitter for the wild claims on the website. The guy who designed his site has designed several others on the net, and let's just say he has a particular style LOL! I do believe that Esser is likely Twin Lakes best camp and that trophy fish are indeed available. I've also paddled the Ogoki and while I can't vouch for the angling (I fished for sustenance), Esser lake is a beautiful section of river. Only thing is, none of Twin Lakes camps are the ritz. They're extremely basic in every aspect. That's fine with me and many others, but it's an issue for some. Value for your dollar their Abamasagi camp may be hard to beat if it's just walleyes your after. It's an amazing walleye lake. I fished it last year and had a great trip.

Don't worry buddy, I'll be ready. I've been sorting through and readying my gear this morning. Once again, and I can't stress this enough, thanks for the kind responses everyone. I'm gratified that the work that went into putting this thing together was worth the while. Cheers

I've been away for a few days, just checking in now. I have to say I'm completely overwhelmed at the response this post has garnered. So many thoughtful replies, thank you! Many of you guys had questions and I really don't want to answer them all on this post. Please pm me directly and I'll get back to you asap! Cheers, Mike

Wow, I'm a little humbled at the response everyone, I'm so glad you like the story! I'm about to crash, I've been up for three straight days now with little sleep, basically since I woke up Sunday morning. It's been a combination of my crazy work schedule and other things going on this week. I'm heading up north early tomorrow morning with my son and dog, we're going up to the camp for a mini holliday. When my brain is a little less frazzled I'll respond individually as many of you had questions. Thanks again. A ton of work went into this one and it's real nice to see it's appreciated. Cheers!

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If anyone's interested, the full report can be seen here: http://www.canadafishingguide.net/brook-trout-and-polar-bears-the-sutton-river-journal/