Canoe2fish

That blows. Try Linamar in Guelph. They are reportedly expanding and pumping millons into expansions over the next few years. Good luck.

LOL!!! I had exactly the same thing happen to me. I had loaded up stacks of rental chairs in my van and headed down the road. I saw in the rear view mirror what I thought was a big bird flying right behind the van....not...it was a bat in the back of the van. All of a sudden this thing flies up through the cargo wall passage door and starts crashing into all he windows and fluttering around my head before it landed on the empty passenger seat. I'm sure the nearby farmer on his tractor thought I was a flake when he say this van flying down the dirt road locked up and sideways. I think the van was still moving (in park) when I jumped out.

I just read this in a GRCA newletter. I wasn't sure I should bring attention to this, but in light that they have discontinued stocking, I felt it was important to let it be known that it is very important to release any walleye being caught here so the fishery has a chance to grow. http://www.grandriver.ca/parks/conestogo_tab_2007.pdf " Due to the spread of the Viral Hemorrhagic Septicemia (VHS) disease in the Great Lakes, this stocking program has been cancelled. The MNR is trying to contain the disease to only the Great Lakes regions by stopping the export of bait fish from this region. So now more than ever, Catch and Release is imperative to the continued success of the walleye fishery in Conestogo Lake." "Special Note If you are fortunate to catch a walleye please release your catch and report this to a staff member. Your cooperation in this is greatly appreciated and may well assist the walleye in increasing their numbers. Just think a walleye lake in your backyard."

WTG...despite the broken handle, looks like you had a great day. Beautiful colours on the specs. I'd like to hit that area too.

hahaha...that is priceless! You must have been a real handfull as a child. Kind of brings a new meaning to "garter"

Yeah, I'm just sitting here hoping for a break in the radar so I can take the young lad out on Belwood or Conestoga lake in the canoe. Were they garter snakes Nautifish?

I headed out yesterday with my brother whom I hadn't fished with in a year or two. We loaded up the canoe and hit a river near guelph in a spot where we almost never see anyone else. The new 33lb trolling motor I got for Fathers day made it so much better to get around. My bro was on fire, boating about 8-9 smallies, one of which was in the 3 to 3.5 lb range. I only managed one good sized samllie in the 2 to 2.5lb range. I was playing around with the fly gear and streamers in the wider sections for the first time in the canoe. Had a few strikes, but no hooksets. We noticed a big change in the river this year. In the past we usually get a few bass, and mostly pike. This time we didn't get or see one pike. It was mostly sunny & calm...the last few times we've been there it was overcast with a few light showers, so I'm assuming it was the weather. (?) All in all, it was one of the best mornings there...and with absolutely no hardware lost! Best of all, I had time to reconnect with my brother. Cheers all, C2F

Walleyes??? Could you be thinking of Conestogo River /Lake instead? (They stocked that lake years ago...don't know if they took or not. I never heard that about Belwood)

Hey Kirby...what are the odds you're from the Elora/Fergus area?

I asked at the gatehouse the last time there. They said the best spots for Bass was just East of the main beach (Away from the dam) and Pike was better up around the back of the lake where the Speed river enters. (For this part of the lake you can drive straight from the gatehouse and down the hill to the lake...I think you can launch here...used to be the old road) I don't catch anything anyway..so I can't tell you from actual experience,

I bought a 30lb elec. for my 14' Scott square stern. As sombody else said, its ok on calm day's. (then again its a heavy canoe with a wide beam, usually occupied by 2 adults) I still plan on buying a 2hp gas someday for some remote canoe camping and fishing...but for now its good for the conservation areas. I'd like to put swivel seats in it also as its a PITA to sit sideways in a canoe to operate the throttle...pretty narrow & awkward. If I was only ever going to use just electrics on a canoe (for conservation areas or rivers), I think I would have chosen a lighter canoe that was more efficient for paddling or use it with a side mount set up for a trolling motor instead.

Hey! I am not a tool...much I still chose a 2 stroke because I thought it might last longer. (But a PIA to have one more mixed can... I have 3 - straight, 50:1 and 32:1) I have to run the side discharge in the spring because of the long grass as you said. I like the Lawnboy's staggered front wheel design - easier to get in close = less trimming

IMHO, Honda makes the best small engine on the market. Smoother and quieter than almost everything else. I know we are talking lawnmowers here, but after an hour+ of pushing my 2 stroke Lawnboy My ears and hands are feeling it. I think mulching mowers are better for your lawn and you don't end up with piles of grass clippings...not to mention countless trips to the compost.

Sent ya a PM

I heard Hidden Hitch has great products, and they are Canadian Made to boot. I'm going to give them a call too to see if I can pick one up for my Grand Caravan. Action Van & Truck has tons of selection and will install both the hitch and wiring kit. CT carries Drawtite I think. Class II is plenty, though if you go Class III you don't have to upgrade later if need be.

Boat, theres some good advice here. Stay away from TSC, CT and Princess. Those machines are farm & hobby grade only. Miller (my fave), Lincoln and Hobart are tops for sure, but don't rule out Thermal Dynamics, SIP or Esab. These seem to be a little lighter built, but if properly cared for will do loads of work for a cheaper price. Check to see if your local delaers have any trade-ins or demos too. If you have a Sunox outlet in your area, they have lease for life cylinders (Medium size Only) mainly geared for the hobbiest which could save you a fair bit over the years on tank rentals. (Only suitable if your gas consumption is light) TSC's gasses are a total rip off too.

I'm always skunked, I get stressed if I catch a fish. Seriously, I go out to get away from the hustle & bustle. Fishing is just an activity to keep me busy with outdoor activities. I just love being on/in or near water. If I catch something I feel blessed. If I suck at it, I don't care really. I still got away from the rat race for a while.