jimmer

Have you priced cottages going north from where you live? I was just up at a beautiful lake, east of Parry Sound. There were a couple of cottages for sale and both were over $700,000. Yikes! I live on Pigeon with your same predicament and have considered moving, but the prices are just crazy. I chose the pool route. Water levels have also been mentioned here, which you should be aware of in the Haliburton area. The larger lakes in the Bancroft area are beautiful, but the walleye fishing lacks. Great bass fishing though and some decent pike fishing. There are other smaller bodies of water that offer some walleye action though. Never an easy decision!

So many amazing stories by everyone! 1) Sitting quietly while bow hunting, heard a rustle close by, turned to look and it was a coyote/bush wolf sitting about 10 feet away looking at me. Next think you know he was howling at me and I broke out laughing. 2) Just this spring while lake trout fishing there was a family of mergansers swimming across the lake when there was a splash, my buddy said "did you see that?" He thought a fish had grab one of the chicks, but then it happened again and we realized it was loons attacking them from underneath. The loons didn't let up until the chicks were nowhere to be seen. 3)I live on the lake and like most we have a goose problem. Coming in from fishing the other day there was a bunch of them relaxing on the neighbours lawn. I took a second look and there was a fox walking around between them all like they were a big happy family. I was hoping that fox liked eating goose! :-) 4)Watched a small hawk from my pool pluck every feather out of his dinner and then feast. He didn't care that I was watching.

I hate sitting at my desk and reading your reports John! Looks like an awesome vacation.

The cancellation of the spring bear hunt was definitely an ethical decision with no biological reasons. The whole effort to cancel was supported by big city dollars.

Was the bear's name Ted? Maybe you could have offered him a beer!

You don't ask for much do you! LOL The specifics you ask for doesn't really fit that area from my experience. However, there are many lakes and campsites around the Dorset/Dwight area that have bass in the lakes. They aren't your classic bass lakes, but try tubes, drop shotting and wacky rigs.

All those that drive past a stopped boat within 30'-40' at full throttle without giving a second thought. Unfortunately we will be reading about another sad story someday. I work with the sister of the guys that lost his life on Scugog last year, it ws heartbreaking for her and still is. A personal mistake cost him and a buddy their lives. We must always be diligent out there on the water and use every safety precaution available, while respecting others.

I had 10 coming straight for me on Sunday night and it kind of looked like they were attacking. :-( A couple veared off closer to another boat fishing in very shallow weedy water and proceeded to do a couple of donuts. I just shook my head. I hate them. Too many people that have no idea what they are doing get behind those things. An accident waiting to happen, for sure. A very sad loss for all those involved.

It was a while ago that I asked if anyone had info on this lake. I got a few responses and had a great talk with fellow OFNer, Mike, who gave me the lowdown. We did very well and it was a nice trip to a semi-wilderness location. You can drive right to the camp if you have a half decent truck, I'm glad I didn't take my Ranger though. Mike's Outfitters was a great destination and Mike and Johanne were wonderful hosts. Anyone would have a great time there. The target species were walleye, pike and anything else that would bite! LOL We mainly targetted walleye and had no trouble finding fish in the 1 - 1 1/2 lb range, with only a few over 2 1/2. The pike were found throughout the lake and largest we caught was 38". The best part that I liked about the lake was that the visibility was low and we could fish for walleye all day long with no problems from the sun. Lost site of the lure about 3 feet down. We had an amazing fish fry one night and all the guys couldn't stuff enough into their bellies. Check out Mike's Outfitters online. Here are a couple of pics. http://i1180.photobucket.com/albums/x415/jimmer5/Mikes%20Outfitters%202012/2012-06-3001-26-46_0011.jpg http://i1180.photobucket.com/albums/x415/jimmer5/Mikes%20Outfitters%202012/2012-06-3003-15-30_0013.jpg http://i1180.photobucket.com/albums/x415/jimmer5/Mikes%20Outfitters%202012/2012-06-3019-55-52_0017.jpg http://i1180.photobucket.com/albums/x415/jimmer5/Mikes%20Outfitters%202012/2012-07-0109-09-00_0025.jpg http://i1180.photobucket.com/albums/x415/jimmer5/Mikes%20Outfitters%202012/2012-07-0121-33-54_0050.jpg http://i1180.photobucket.com/albums/x415/jimmer5/Mikes%20Outfitters%202012/2012-07-0209-22-55_0059.jpg http://i1180.photobucket.com/albums/x415/jimmer5/Mikes%20Outfitters%202012/2012-07-0210-15-01_0061.jpg I think this little guy might be a sauger My buddy/fishing partner got the largest pike and walleye for the trip, so he gets immortalized on the trophies.

That's the same as my PB LM. I remember what a pig it was and how excited I was when I got mine, so good on you Stoty!

Lawrence park is owned and operated by Melissa and Greg. That little dirt road has always been private to my knowledge, people just think that it is public.

It's private property, so you should expect to pay. $7 is pocket change.

They both have their pros and cons. #1 working for a larger company gives you the peace of mind that you will have a paycheque at the end of the week. Self employment can be a strain, but amazing if you make it. Community Futures Development usually provides some grants for companies starting up that have a strong business plan. They are worth checking out.

Great talking to you the other night. My countdown to Quebec is on!

Definitley a muskie (hence the name tiger muskie)Is he sure that they are tigers and not heavily barred muskie? They vary quite a bit from one body of water to another.

I'm jealous!

Yes, you can get ticketed for that, but usually on larger/busier waterbodies is where you get hit.

Don't forget that there are rattlesnakes in that area.

There's bass in there?

I bought a generator in the winter and did some research. I did not get any good reports on the Champion generators. Buy one that is made in north america or has a history of good products. Check out the Generac, which is sold at TSC stores. They have them on sale a couple of times a year.

I have many fond memories of that area. The best memory I have is exploring all the nooks and crannies of that part of the bay. The opportunities are endless and I am very envious!

That's what I thought until last Friday morning! And I wasn't skunked. What a crappy day!

When I was around 14 years old, I hooked myself in the head with a mepps. My father tried pulling it out with a pair of pliers, which didn't go over well and ended up at the hospital to have it removed. Was up at the French River Delta a few years back. I was bent over the boat ready to net a pike that buddy had loaded up and the spoon released from the fish right into my wrist (two hooks). That was very close to a large vein, so I proceded to take a disposable shaver apart after trying a knife. Then cut a hole so the point could be punched through on one and cut down to the barb on the other. I didn't realize how tough our skin really is and how low of a pain thresh hold I have when cutting slowly. LOL Years ago I was casting for muskie with suicks, my brother was at the other end of the boat when I hit him in the head with the lure. No need to remove hooks as they came out with the follow through, just left a nice gash and I got his hat. LOL A buddy was fiddling around with a LM Bass he had caught on a J12 rapala and in my mind I was thinking he's going to get it with the way he was handling the fish, then low and behold the fish flipped and stuck him in the joint of his thumb. I was able to get the treble off of the lure, had him hold the eye down tight and I wrapped with braided, told him I was counting to three and pulled on two. That hook came right out, but the yelp was hilarious and I couldn't stop laughing. Also almost got it when leaning over the side of the boat to grab a muskie. That little bugger decided to jump and I threw my arm up to protect my face. Finally got the fish in and released it when I realized that there were three punctures on the length of my forearm. That one still gives me those "whatiffs". I'm actually amazed at how few times I experienced something like this for the amount of fishing I do.

Nice one John! I'm kicking myself for not getting out for lakers this spring. Walleye are a nice replacement though.

Hey Toad Hunter I have viewed, but can't help you with that specific device. I also wanted to see what kind of reviews were given. Most fishfinders are useful for finding the depths and dropoffs and work fine if you don't expect too much from them. I have a low end lowrance finder and it's suitable for my needs. They have a good name.