Gman

Fished Quinte the past 2 weekends and it’s been slow. Absolutely gorgeous days to be outdoors and in a boat taking in the scenery however those beautiful high pressure days with little to no wind which are a true rarity at this time of year are keeping the water temps up and the fishing slow. You really have to work at grinding’em out and keeping your baits in the water as much as possible.

 

After this week’s visit the temps are still at 52 degrees in the reach. Plenty of boat activity which is expected given the weather and no real pattern as we heard people catching fish on this color, that color this speed and that. The most consistent bite I would have to say has been the jigging bite (which we're not doing) with a bunch of eaters being caught with some piggies in the mix however that’s gonna happen when you have 40-60 boats jigging any one area.

 

The most productive baits the past 2 weekends in the Ranger were the Reefers as well as the Rapala diving Husky Jerks on long lines as well as divers trolling slow, like 1.4-1.6mph.

 

Our biggest so far has been 11#.

 

Here’s a bunch of shots from the past 2 outings –

 

 

 

 

My buddy Tim in his new Ranger 620

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Good fishing!

 

 

Cheers G.

Lookin' sharp!

 

Sometimes less is more, and that is a perfect example.

I'd say it worked out perfect since your Blazer is already black, just had to add the G2 Angling name and apply the perf. to the windows.

 

Cheers G.

I live in the area and just might be interested now that I know there is one!

 

It always kinda surprised me with the expansion of the area over the past 10 years nothing has really come about.

 

Are you a member, what can you tell us about them?

 

Thanks,

G

Went back to Advanced last night with the truck and dad to bring'em home. Unfortunately Shawn wasn't around so I couldn't get a pic taken of him and I holding it up.

 

The brown trout weighed 19# (my biggest and will probably remain so for a some time) and was caught in a tournament me and a couple friends have made a tradition of fishing together which we placed 2nd. The king was caught the following weekend in another tournament, The Tightlines Shootout, which I fish with Tony B & Aaron Shirley. It's a male which weighed 33.70# (my biggest trolled king) and won us big fish. Great team work and net job guys

 

It's BIG, and probably weighs around 75#, and measures 73"x36"

 

Here's a few shots, Dad and I are going to get it up on the wall next week sometime and I'll take more photos then.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cheers G.

Cool, I can't believe they made it across. Absolutely incredible!

 

Thanks for sharing.

 

Cheers G.

Congratulations to Jacques & Stephane Chopin on becoming THE 1's

 

I was not there nor did I participate however from what I have heard Mike, Ben and their Team did an awesome job.

 

For me, the best part was being able to keep in the loop and know what's going on during weigh-in by getting set-up on Twitter (R621fisher), was like being there, getting texts every couple mins with the next teams weight - just awesome and I think the B1 Team really set the bar for other tournaments and leagues to follow!

 

 

Cheers G.

I know for fact at Advanced there is no price difference between a skin mount and a replica.

 

Cheers G.

Currie is always on'em,,,especially when it comes to his backyard!

 

Looking forward to the weigh-in on day 2 to see if there's gonna be any big plays.

 

Cheers G.

You after numbers or size and a potential for a memory of a lifetime?

 

If numbers are what you're after, Kawarthas and St.Claire are great choices and St.Claire even has potential for a fatty. If you're truly after a fatty I and not wanting to travel too far I would recommend Georgrian Bay, specifically Jody Mills of Mills Guide Service -

 

http://www.millsmuskyguideservice.ca/index.php

 

Good luck and have fun whatever you decide to do,,,oh yeah and happy birthday!

 

Cheers G.

with all this rain and high winds it looks like a real tough go this weekend.Cold nights forecasted too. Hope the fish don't have lockjaw. I am predicting low weights this year and a really tough day 2. I'll be there on Sunday to cheer for some people I know.

 

Wanted to join as a scrutineer however got inventory this weekend. Maybe next year!

 

Who are the people you're rootin' for so we can follow it all Saturday eve after day 1 along with some of the previously mentioned names?

 

Cheers G.

Right on, congratulations!

 

Who's doin' the wraps for ya, Currie?

 

Just curious as I work in the industry for 3M's largest distributor of commercial & industrial graphic films. We work very closely with 3M and put on numerous training courses throughout the season.

 

Cheers G.

After tonight's rain there should be a good push of fish running up

 

Cheers G

What an awesome opportunity and would be all over that if I didn't have mandatory inventory to attend that week @ work

 

Great opportunity to learn some tips, tricks and some new water FAST!

 

Cheers,

G.

Been waiting a few days for some pics to come in so I could post this Canada Day long weekend 4 day fishing marathon about about introducing some newbies to our great fishery.

 

THURSDAY

 

First time out on big pond since a week and a half. Plan was to run down towards islands as I needed to get some time in on the motor, if that didn't work run back towards the launch and work west.

 

Got to the islands and it was nice green coloured water but shaker city. Worked the area for a while hoping some bigger fish would wanna play to no avail. Eventually decided to pull plug around 10:15 or so and run back towards the launch and set-up and head in the other direction. I wanted to find fish as previously mentioned I had my 3M Rep coming out with me Friday, my dealer's brother in-law saturday then my neighbor sunday.

We eventually found some water and fish around noon and decided to call it a day as we each had festivities to attend.

 

Prepared a batch of these on the bbq for our Canada Day party at our friends place, they always go over well!

 

 

FRIDAY

 

Met up with my 3M Rep and hit the water and had lines down just before 6am in roughly the same spot we finished Thursday. Wasn't long before we had a stick in his hand Had a steady pick of matures in the top on big metal with long leads off the cables with the divers pulling flies taking their share. The best part is we practically had the water to our selves, it was PERFECT

 

Here's a few shots from the day -

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

We ended the day I believe somewhere are 16/21 on matures. Then we retired back to his house in PC for lunch and a bevy in his backyard. He's still talking about his experience and he can't believe it's been there the whole time

 

SATURDAY

 

Met with the RJ, my dealer's brother in-law who also works at the dealer for a fish. My dealer couldn't make it as he had plans out of town. Launched and ran to same spot and set-up shop. Temps were still the same and still practically no boats Was a much slower morning on the king front out of the gate, which seemed to be the story across the north shore. We still managed to get a couple in early. Then the wind picked up and about 30-40mins later around they came out to play All good quality matures including a double which boated us a 26-27# and my big boy tyee that came in just over 30# Ending the day I believe @ 11-12/14. We had a blast kickin' the tunes and crankin' matures, so much so he's already asking to come out again t this weekend already, and he's driving in from Peterborough!!!

 

Here's some shots -

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Sunday

 

Same time, same place, same game but with my neighbor that has wanted to come out for a couple years but we just never got out crap together -finally!

 

Much slower morning with a couple of more boats. Had 1 in the boat early then nothing. Then I started to think how the past few days the bite kinda turned on late morning kinda an hour or so just before noon. Made a few changes to keep things interesting then eventually slowed down my presentation then they started to bite. Ending the tough sunday bite 7/8 on matures.

 

Here's a few shots -

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

I was really pleased how they all handled the fish and we really didn't drop as many as I thought we would. There was some shaker action to keep us busy during the slow times and it appears to be pretty close to a 50/50 mix of adipose fin clips and naturals which is a great sign.

 

Cheers,

G.

Where are you located?

 

I would select a dealer that carries the makes and models of boats and motors I've got on my "short list" and who are relatively close for service. The last thing you want to do is buy a boat and have no service nearby as your savings on the purchase are quickly consumed by your time, energy and gas trailering back & forth a greater distance for service. I would also say you'll get better after sales service and service overall by continuing to work with and building that relationship with the dealer you purchase the boat from as we all want our boats fix now or by tomorrow when something goes wrong, right! If you end up somewhere else chances are pretty good you're just the next in line as dealers look after customers who have purchased boats and motors from them first.

 

Hope this helps.

 

Cheers G.

The fishing is heating up along the north shore. Just make sure you check your line and swivels after each fish as the next one could be your tyee as the fish are BIG this year!

 

Cheers G.

Well after 7.5 months wait and getting'er all rigged buddy and I hooked up for the long awaited inaugural riggin' shakedown out on Lake Ontario.

 

Had the boat in water for around 6am and ran down towards the islands. First time out with the the Lowrance HDS8's so had some playing around and learnin' to do.

 

 

Surface temp was 76-77 degrees with beautiful green water, had 42 degree temps down in the 100+ range but nothing but shaker city. I'll admit I did get the first fish to the boat but it was a shaker! Not many boat out either considering the weather.

 

The wind started to pick up and we also thought it was time to switch spots so we pulled and ran back towards the launch and set up in 80fow and decided to troll with the wind/waves. Here's what she looks like with a 4 rod spread -

 

 

Then I was playing a little more with the 2 units and called buddy to come watch this -

 

 

no sooner did he finish saying that is wire would fire did it go and we were locked with our first mature of the day on a spinny/fly -

 

 

Then this one paid a visit to the carpet -

 

 

Then it was game on from there Rods firing left and right, had double and almost a triple. All kings except I believe for 1 bow which Dave slung into the boat so fast the poor thing probably thought for a second it was a bass At one point all rods we're out of the water.

 

marked some nice pods of bait out there too -

 

 

My buddy was nice enough to take some great shots, I offered however I guess he was feeling a little camera shy! I know you guys will love these ones

 

 

Just after the double -

 

 

Guess he also snapped one off of me with stick in hand!

 

 

Guess you can tell which colour metal blade was hot!

 

 

Couple more for the guys -

 

 

Hey and look at this one I got what I think is a smile or sumpin' on my face

 

 

Ended the day I believe 10/12 after the shaker morning. We had a great day, not big boys we wanted but quality reel peel and time on the sticks which is exactly what we were after and what the Dr. ordered These fish really fought well. One fish had me wrapped around both cables then my stick under the boat and he jumped on the otherside - what the hell,,,,pure olympics but a real blast. Another fish smashed my spoon on the surface while I was putting it in the clip but never got a good hook set

 

I couldn't be more happier with the way the I rigged the boat, the way it handled & fished. I'm glad I took the time to do it right. It held it's line and tracked very well given then chop and lots of room to play and store gear. The thru hull transducer is nice too - held bottom even when running @ 50+mph!! With regards to the HDS8's, still got some tweaking and fine tuning as I'm not marking both balls constantly which I'm sure it's some setting or something cause these units are sophisticated & powerfull. It's gonna take a good while to figure these things out.

 

Thanks to my bud for another great day and joining me on the inaugural shakedown fish. Lots of fun and like we said, exactly what the Dr. ordered.

 

Cheers G.

This whole G8 & G20 should've been done via video/web conference like any fortune 500 company would've done and saved the tax payers billions just like it saves the companies and the investors money to help increase ROE.

 

That's all I've got to say on the subject.

 

Cheers G.

I really like this networked system,I just have a question if I have one of the units on the bow, the other at the console if I mark a spot on the console unit will the spot be picked up on the bow unit. I guess it would and you can switch the bow mount unit to run on trolling motor transducer aswell. That is a sweet way to go!!!

 

Canadadue, as long as you have a NMEA 2000 network, yes, the way points will be shared between all units on the network. It's pretty slick.

 

Cheers G.

He can run one in full mapping mode and the other in sonar.

Or one in full structure scan or regular sonar and one split with mapping.

It gives you more options in how you display all the information.

If he wanted he could even add a BR24 Broadband Radar antenna and use one for radar display and the other in mapping mode for navigating in fog or at night.

Can even splitscreen one with sonar.

Tons of more options with two units.

 

Exactly!

 

I've also set up with a 3rd networked base up at the bow, so the HDS8 on the RAM can be detached and moved up to the bow in order to accommodate different styles of fishing - think of it as 3 sonars for the price of 2! Their are all linked via ethernet cable connected to the LSS-1 (Lowrance Structure Scan) module mounted in the boat. But remember the LSS-1 transducer is mounted at the back on the hull.

 

Cheers G.

Was the perfect weekend to get a great start on getting the boat rigged. Had pretty much everything I needed and knew what I needed to do with regards to the Lowrance network installation and what went where etc- for starters. For once the weather was perfect for what we were doing

 

This has been my plan - Ranger ran the backbone of the network along with thru hull transducer and temp gauge and wired in the US2 from my Minnkota Fortrex to the network. Once it's all done I will be running 2, HDS8 units at the console with structure scan with a 3rd networked zone up at the bow with the ability to remove 1, HDS8 from the console from the RAM mount and install up @ bow.

 

Essentially spent both saturday and sunday rigging - there was a lot and you've got yo be on your toes. I'm a big believer in doing it right the first time.

 

Saturday morning dad and I started bright and early completing the bow first. Ranger makes it super easy once you find the friggin wiress if they weren't zip tied and pushed back up under. But when you do find them the positives and negates are tied together and labeled with nodes - just put in your wires accordingly, crimp and shrink tup'em and voila. Then we got to installing the LSS-1 module in the front starboard storage locker. Each network station has an ethernet cable running from it to the LSS-1 structure scan module (capacity of 3 units) ran all those. The fished the structure scan transducer and cable from the sterm up the the front storage locker -quuite easy with Ranger's rigging tubes! Just had enough cable. almost as if it were custom made for this install!

 

Now Ranger's console has 3 auxiliary keys wired, zip tied and labeled. Found the wires, pushed backup under the gunnel. I mean if someone did not tell you they were up there you wouldn't know they were there.

 

Anyways, we wired the LSS-1 to Auxiliary 1 (A1) HDS 8 #1 to A2 and HDS8 to A3. The bottom HDS can be flush mounted but not sure if I want to do that. This was my original plan so I'm gonna try it for a bit cause once that hole is cut for the flush mount there's no going back! Besides easier to replace or troubleshoot a non flush mount unite than one that is.

 

here's where we were getting ready to cut out the dash then chickened out

 

 

Front view - that green tape will be removed and replace with a clam shell vent cover. Just none around my area when I need one BPS has'em so I'll it tomorra

 

 

Top view -

 

 

Front view -

 

 

With the LSS-1 and ethernet cables run to all units I can get structure scan on all.

 

Also ran the cable for the down speed/temp gauge. Going with Depth Raider again as it takes up little real estate and it removes easily.

 

just a comment/tip, when you're doing this much rigging to a boat and to avoid the possibility of any errors you have to constantly be thinking 1-2 steps ahead.

 

Now on to the rigger installation -

 

The first picture is self explanatory

 

 

That glass we drilled thru was a little over 3/4" thick. Put backing plates as well as double up on some washer, used pozi-lok nuts and applied a some 3M 5200 marine grade adhesive sealants to all bolts. - solid as a ROCK Went real smooth.

 

Here's a few pics -

 

 

 

A close up of the finished rigger install - worked out really well, basically as planned. It's rock solid.

 

 

 

Here's the riggers in "running & gunning" position -

 

 

And that's was it. Still got a few little things I need to do and want to clean up which I'm hoping if all goes well this week we'll be good to go next weekend.

 

Cheers G.

Thanks guys, it's been fun rigging her up to! Want to make sure I get it right the first time. Also been doing some testing with props - try to keep in mind this is a walleye style multi-species hull design for smooth rides on the big water no matter what you're chasing as opposed to a bass boat design.

 

Got her out for a shakedown fish this weekend, all went well. Report of the rigging pics and shakedown fish to follow.

 

Cheers G.

I know some people as well as myself who have used Linex or Rhino Liner (spray on bedliner) with fantastic results. This is also very similar to the product Ranger uses on their trailers.

 

Cheers G.

For the complete package of service, even after sales, pricing and pure knowledge I would give Jocelyn a call at Angling Outfitters in Woodstock @ 519-539-5494 and tell him Gavin told you to call. He knows me well better than I would like my wife to know

 

Cheers,

G.

My vote is for the Scotty Pro Pack 1116's, have had a pair for several years. Got everything you need right outta the box, I really like and find the 60" telescoping rigger arm. Putting new ones on the Ranger.

 

The other reason why I'm a big fan of Scotty riggers is #1 they're Canadian made, the no power down, fully capable of handling the heavy weights with speed we're now using on Lake Ontario to fish the depths we're now fishing ex: 20# ball retrieved @ 185 feet/min with an amp draw of 11, if you're using the more common 10# balls you'd be looking at 222 feet/min with an amp draw of 6. The other thing I like about the Scotty riggers is that should you ever require any replacement parts and unable to make it to the locale tackle shop or they don't carry Scotty's, Canadian Tire does and there's at least one in every town/city in Canada.

 

Hope this helps, any questions just ask.

 

Cheers,

G