ccmtcanada

Funny you should mention Carp...they were everywhere as the sun was going down. They were saying "hello" to us and scared the carp out of us the first time it happened. We didn't want to be towed around by one until we got a little more comfortable in it. We promptly moved the canoe when we saw that happening....LOL.

Last week I went fishing with Basskicker, and we got into some nice fish. While we were chatting, I mentioned that Bly and I were in the market for a canoe...maybe next spring so we can fish some of the marshes and inlets in our area. He then said "Hey...I have a canoe I bought two years ago....and I've never taken it out...why dont you guys take it and use it until you get all set up". I was AMAZED at the offer! I told him it may be a few years before we get a true fishing boat and he said no problem...he may want to borrow it a few times, but someone may as well use it. Bly had made some last minute arrangements for babysitting because we were hoping to make it out to the swill tonight, but I made arrangements with Basskicker to go and pick the canoe up. We'd have never have made it to the swill in time so I went to Canadian Tire for a canoe car top carrying kit, and also got a few lifejackets, some marine rope, and some boat lighting. Bly made a home made bailer out of an old bleach bottle. Bly got home from dropping our litle one off and well....the canoe was already on top of the car...all we had to do was put our fishing gear in and we'd be set.....hmmm...should we go out?? It was 35C with the humidity, but since it was only going to get hotter as the week went on, we decided to sweat it out tonite!!! We went to a local spot where we have shore fished before, but never managed to catch anything. We had heard that pike and bass like to hang out there, so we decided to try it out. It was about a 300 yard walk from where we parked to where the water was, so we put everythng in the boat and carried it down to the shore line. Neither of us had canoed since high school, so we were hoping it would all come back to us. After a shaky first 10 or so minutes, things went very smoothly. Here are some pics of us NOT standing on shore....LOL. The action was pretty slow, but I saw some overhanging trees in the distance and we slowly made our way over to it. The waters were pretty warm and very muddy, so I put a chartreuse spinner bait on and cast it right under that tree. Wouldn't you know it, I get a nice hit and landed this bass...our FIRST fish in the new boat. I had forgotten how much fun it can be to canoe, so I decided to practise my J stroke and a few others I learned way back when and was pretty surprised how quickly it all came back to me. Bly pretty much casted and retrieved to weeds and even trolled as I paddled around. Here's a goofy shot of me as the sun was setting.....LOL I had posted earlier today asking about safety equipment and operators cards etc...and Solopaddler VERY kindly offered a bracket for a trolling motor, which we were already planning on purchasing. Thanks to two great OFNers, Basskicker and Solopaddler, Bly and I have entered a new phase of fishing. We'll still fish from shore, because it's so convenient where we are, but we now have an option that wont cost us lots of cash renting every time we want to hit the water. Thanks a lot guys....Bly and I had a blast out there tonight!!! We're planning on taking our little one out on the long weekend too...she's pretty excited. Here's a pic of the canoe...a nice 16 footer, which now has a nice home in our garage. EDIT: IF YOU READ DOWN TO BASSKICKER'S REPLY, HE HAS OUTRIGHT GIVEN BLY AND I THE BOAT. WOW...WHAT A GREAT GUY!!! CANT BEGIN TO FIGURE OUT HOW TO THANK HIM FOR THIS.

LOL...I remember the basics...we'll see how it goes...then I may be calling you for those pointers. Thanks!

Thanks everyone...I think I'll get those clamp on bow and stern lights....and not worry about the side and towing lights. Solopaddler - you have a PM! Haven't canoed since high school...this will be fun....LOL.

My father's will consisted of him writing his wishes on a single piece of paper, signed by him and witnessed by his brother. Everything went through just fine after he passed away. This was back in the early 90s...not sure if things have changed a lot since then.

I do plan on lights...just want to make sure I have the right amount. I've been on fishing boats that seem to have less lights than what is printed in the regulations.

I'm hoping guys like Solopaddler, Moosebunk and a few others will chime in on this thread. Looks like Bly and I are getting a 16 foot canoe!! Fellow OFNer Basskicker has graciously offered up his canoe until we are ready to get a boat of our own. What a guy!!! Anyhow, I've been doing some research on what to get so that we are following all the laws and regulations. Here's what I've found on transport Canada's website... Canoes, kayaks, rowboats and rowing shells less than 6 m (19’8”) in length ^ Personal protection equipment One (1) Canadian-approved personal flotation device or lifejacket of appropriate size for each person on board One (1) buoyant heaving line no less than 15 m (49’3”) in length Boat safety equipment One (1) manual propelling device (for more detailed description, refer to the manual propelling device definition) OR An anchor with no less than 15 m (49’3”) of cable, rope or chain in any combination One (1) bailer OR One (1) manual water pump fitted with or accompanied by sufficient hose to enable a person using the pump to discharge water from the bilge of the vessel over the side of the vessel Navigation equipment A sound-signalling device or a sound-signalling appliance Navigation lights that meet the applicable standards set out in the Collision Regulations if the pleasure craft is operated after sunset and before sunrise or in periods of restricted visibility Note: Radar reflectors are required under certain conditions. I'm ok with almost all of that stuff...where my question here lies is regarding lighting. Since bly and I fish mostly in the evenings, we want to make sure we are in compliance if we stay out past dark. Keep in mind we will only be on small ponds and protected inlets. When I looked to the "Navigation lights that meet the applicable standards set out in the Collision Regulations ", I found this..... (c) In vessels of less than 12 metres in length: --a masthead light, 2 miles, --a sidelight, 1 mile, --a sternlight, 2 miles, --a towing light, 2 miles, --a white, red, green or yellow all-round light, 2 miles. Does this apply to a 16 foot canoe? I'm just trying to figure out what I truly need here. Also, I just wanted to make sure I'm following the operators card requirements. From what I've read, it says I need one if the craft has or can be fitted with a motor. My question is...if I have a small 30lb thrust electric trolling motor, does this count? I have no problem getting the operators card and I plan on getting it anyways. The last question has to do with boat licensing. Again, it has to do with the motor. Here's info from the site... Pleasure craft fitted with a motor of 10 hp or more are required to be licensed. Currently, proof of competency is required if you fall into one of two categories: You operate a pleasure craft fitted with a motor AND are born after April 1, 1983; or, You operate a pleasure craft, fitted with a motor, that is under 4m (13 feet) in length (regardless of age). If you were born before April 1, 1983 and operate a pleasure craft, fitted with a motor, that is 4 m and over in length, you will require proof of operator competency by September 15, 2009. I'm assuming that a 16 foot canoe with a small electric trolling motor does not fit in either of those categories. Thanks...and sorry for the long post!!!

John, So sorry to hear this news! Our thoughts are with you and your family. Cancer is a horrible disease...and you are right, when the suffering is too much to bear, it is a blessing when they pass. Take care, Cliff and Carole

I'm kneeling for most of my pictures as well....for a couple of reasons.... 1) Takes out more of the background to help hide where I'm fishing, and elminates the need to photoshop. 2) Any large fish, it's easier for me to kneel, and put my elbows on my knees to help support the fish. 3) What MJL said...dont want to drop them from high up. The only fish I'll stand up for are ones where I have to hold them by the gill plate...I feel I have more control over them....but I generally do not like to handle a fish near their gills.

Great pics! I was just talking about a trip I made to England back in my last year of high school almost 20 years ago. We were there for 16 days, but one of the highlights for me was walking through Fountains Abbey...over 800 years old...completely blew me away!!!

Great report Mike. You avoided the skunk..that's the important thing! Our shore fishing has not really produced a whole lot for us lately, so we've been doing some things around that house that needed done....things like ummm....feeding the kids....LOL. Nice pics and story as usual Mike....we'll have to get together and fish one of these days...bly and I would love to meet you!

Great report and a cool blood shot at the end...haha. Hope it heals up nice and quick. I have a nice little scar on my left index finger from a Pike I caught about 8 months ago.

WTG Brian! I opened the report wondering what blew up on your boat, or seeing pictures of the coast guard or something...LOL. Great job out there...and even though the fishing was slow, it's always nice to get out on the lake. Great last pic there too!

I cant help you on your question, but welcome to the board! Hope a few people chime in here and help out.

Now that's what I call a big and ugly carp!! Nice going! Must have been an awesome fight.

Wow...one day I hope to be able to fight a fish that big...let alone land the thing!!! Great job!

Nice catch!!! I've yet to find a good shore spot for Muskie that's close to home. Nice colours on that guy...you say he's little, I say it's a nice fish!

Wow...awesome pics! I'd be ecstatic with a fish anywhere near that size!

Sorry to hear about the waves Joey!! I know what you mean about pics not doing it justice...I've tried to take pics of HUGE waves too, only to see them on the camera later. You'll get out again soon I hope...and have lots of fishies in your report.

Nice work guys!!! All nighter...gotta love that. The pictures looked great and it looked like you had an awesome time out there. Nice load of bass you got there. I've yet to experience top water bass fishing...must be a blast!

What a great story! I get a bigger kick seeing my 5 year old pull out panfish than I do catching fish myself. One day when she asked what was for dinner and we said fish, she slowly turned around, looked at our aquarium and began counting fish...LOL. Glad you had a great day...the fish look great, but the smile on your sons face must have been priceless.

Cliff...very happy to read this post! I never like it when members of this board are going through hard times, but to see things work themselves out is fantastic! I'm very happy you have found your new groove...you can hear it in the tone of your post. Congrats! Being happy is number one! Cliff

Great tag team report guys! You sure had a great day out there.

Have a great trip taper!!! No worries about the entry...it only adds half an inch to our totals....LOL

Hey there Sounder.... Here are a few links to threads of my wife's browns that she's caught from shore...using a spinning reel and a red devil spoon... http://www.ofncommunity.com/forums/index.p...ic=9565&hl= http://www.ofncommunity.com/forums/index.p...ic=8899&hl= It's not that they are hard to catch necessarily....it's fishing for them when they are actually there. The waters local to us have warmed up to 80F and above...too warm for browns in general. Welcome to the board! Hope to see some reports soon!