jimmer

I'm with you on that. Nothing like getting away from it all and enjoying nature. As much as I believe anglers should be able to fish docks, it's definitely not for me, I avoid them like the plague in most cases. I have found myself trailering the boat to less populated lakes lately to enjoy the serenity of being one of the few boats on the lake. I avoid them in tournaments also, so many other places to fish and yes, I have seen many tourneys won on docks, but I still can't bring myself to having an audience when fishing someone's dock. Too many strange experiences like someone all of sudden starting to throw a frisbee in the water for their dog to retrieve. They weren't being mouthy or rude, but it was their choice if they wanted to use the water. I just moved on with a laugh and fished a different area.

I wouldn't condone any angler damaging or destroying property and yes people should be aware of the dangers of leaving hooks around where there are swimmers. And by no means should a boater tie up or stand on someone's dock unless in an emergency. My biggest concern is that waterfront owners are beginning to have the attitude that they own the lake and if this continues we will start seeing a lake simcoe attitude in the kawarthas with diminshing water access. Yes I own lakefront. It is a privileage to put a dock in the lake, not a right by the landowner. Next thing you know the Gov will want to tax the docks we have in the lake (they did try this once already)if we demand that it is a private area. Can't people just speak respectfully to each other and work things out.

Stay an extra night so you can fish all day Monday, call into work on Tuesday and say you will be late. Make up an excuse! LOL

Been seeing this a lot lately in the Kawarthas. There is one park on Chemong where the owner will basically threaten to jump in your boat and beat you if you don't leave his docks alone. A complete lunatic. Came up during a bass tourney last year. The docks probably take up a 1/2 acre of water. This is the first I have heard of it on Pigeon, other that Victoria Estates. I would like to know the name of the park. Maybe next time, take the opportunity to instruct your child about jerks and that you hope they will never become like the park owner. Make sure the person hears it. I feel for you. It's so sad that our young ones get exposed to that crap.

Hey Johnnyb Maybe the water warmed up faster this spring. I did have some luck in shallow, but they were definitely finicky. Tipping with a live minnow helped.

Just pass the word around of the new slots PURE. Thanks

I would like to add that I hope the fines are substantial enough to deter others from coming to the Kawarthas for a freezer full of fish. There is absolutely no need for some one to keep that many fish. I cleaned 20 bluegills the other day and probably ended up with a couple of pounds of boneless fillets. That's two meals for the family.

Those numbers are scary! Great job with keeping an eye out Cliff and your neighbours did well to call in what they saw. That's the way to do it.

I don't believe that the RLTA (or a few members) will ever let this go.

Always nice to see an International post here. Very interesting to see different species of fish.

Just think about all those young people (anyone else for that matter)out there driving around without insurance, because they got a couple of speeding tickets or some careless driving charges and can no longer afford or get insurance, but still need to drive so they can work? I hope I never get hit by one of them! Insurance companies run the country and dictate what we can and can't do. A necessary evil that drives us all crazy!

I'll second that. I just have such a hard time watching because of it. Hopefully he reads this thread.

Does this ever end? 300 limit for sunfish (bluegills and pumpkinseeds) is more than enough for anyone. As much as I appreciate the American tourists visiting our great country, I don't believe that natural resource decisions should be made based on whether they will continue to visit "Rice Lake" if there are limits on panfish. Florida implemented salt water licences 2 years ago and I didn't have a say into whether this should happen or not. Did I stop going? No. Is Rice Lake the centre of the Universe or what? Maybe the resort owners should sell if they can't make a go of it.

Put it into the lake for sure. I had that happen with a 9.9 and thought I was going to have to change the impeller after it didn't work in the garbage can. It worked fine in the lake. Don't ask me why though!

I just don't get it! There is more education on these subjects than ever and it just keeps getting worse. I was all for "no closed season on panfish", but the MNR is going to have to step up to the plate if this crap is happening, families or no families. That can be said for any profession, they just have to coordinate their holidays. If the garbage along the access points here bothers you, you should check them out in Florida. I felt like I was fishing in a landfill site along the Kissimee River a couple years back. I still can't believe that the MNR and police have not come up with a system that works for individuals to call in when they are witnessing poaching. It will never stop until there is instant response to tips.

Those are some of the biggest pumpkinseeds that I have ever seen. Great report.

Those big walleyes are off limits in the Kawarthas now. Nice techniques that most people have never tried. Thanks for sharing.

Depending on when they are coming and how far they want to drive. The Haliburton Forest has some activities such as the Walk in The Clouds and Wolf Centre. Bancroft has a Gem event at some point over the summer. and of course Algonquin Park, they are all within a fairly short distance of each other.

They don't close.

1) In general, do you feel that a trip to Algonquin Park is/would be a) inexpensive; b ) moderately expensive; c) expensive? B 2) Do you feel the $11 per night interior fee is reasonable? not if it's per/person, otherwise, yes 3) Do you feel the $13 per vehicle day-use fee is reasonable? yes 4) Are you aware that one can rent all the needed equipment from the outfitters surrounding the park? yes 5) From the GTA, Algonquin Park is about a 3 hour drive. Do you view this drive as too far for a day trip? No 6) What activities are you aware of that one can take part in at Algonquin? Visitor's Centre, Wolf Howl, fishing, canoeing, hiking 7) If applicable, when making a reservation with Ontario Parks, was your experience a) pleasant; b ) frustrating; or c) average? Average 8) When thinking about Algonquin Park, do you think of a) rugged terrain; b ) lots of bugs; c) untouched wilderness; d) summer crowds; or e) paradise? (Choose ALL that apply). All of the above 9) Would you attend a cultural event if it was held at Algonquin Park, such as: Chinese Lantern Festival, Easter Egg Hunt, etc. No 10) As arguably Ontario Parks' most popular and significant park, do you feel Algonquin Park should be marketed specifically to the public and tourists? No

95% of the fish I eat are panfish, as is the same with most of my friends. We C&R the gamefish for another day. So, locals do eat panfish. How many things can she say that are incorrect. Politicians love this, because they get to hear themselves talk and it's a chance for them to get their mug on the tv. I wonder how many of them have ever fished on Rice Lake? or even know what a Bluegill looks like? I sure hope the MNR steps in and a puts a stop this quickly by saying that the regulations will not be changed. All they have to do is make a public announcement!

Pike are still considered a game fish and it's against the law to waste the meat of a game fish, whether they are trying to be erradicated from the waters or not. They are in the kawarthas for good now, but keeping numbers down by harvesting them for a meal would sure help prevent any explosion of a new species, such as pike.

JF, don't be fooled. I believe that these are the same people that put an end to the Panfish Focus group back in the 90's. It looked like there were going to be limits put in place back then and then all of a sudden the discussions were over and no panfish limits. The majority of the group was in favour of limits and that group included resort owners from other lakes who were experiencing over harvesting for the first time. The only difference from then to now is this wonderful forum that can rally everyone to express their opinions, rather than a small group in a room at some hotel.

Seems reasonable to me. The whole lake to yourself, must be nice. Those are the places most of us dream about!

I bought a boat last year and the dealer told me it was up to me to get the registration. Years ago they looked after it.