bassfighter

There are sponsors here so it would be less appropriate to mention other on line fishing tackle store. Without these sponsors, this website will hardly exist.

Try Kijiji or craig list diligently everyday if you really want deals, since some are willing to give away their used or new unused stuff below cost.

Good deals get sold really fast, someone sold a slightly used Raven Centerpin reel and Rod for $100 last week and it was gone in just few hours. Some people do win the lottery I guess.

Try Mobilicity, My whole family and some friend tried it since last fall, so far so good. I even tried it in US new york area. It worked fine as well, long distance from US is only 20 cents per minute so quite good to use the service even outside of the zone.

I got the back to school plan for $25 including unlimited data , call and text, I use another software and hook up my phone to my laptop and use my phone as a free modem, not too fast but sufficent to check email and browse on ebay.

They have promotion every so often. I got $20 for 10 months money back ($200), Bought a smartphone. for $75. Got rid of my old flip phone and transfered my number to them in order to get that deal.

No contract to sign. Phone uses different network different from Bell or rogers, and needs to be adjusted to GSM or SDMA , to open up the network to use outside the zone, or else WCDMA will only work insddie the zone.. There are many use phone on sale at Kijiji, I got my son a used HTC phone for $40.

Changing to updated technology all depends on your budget, your 255 is one of the better models out there. If you do not use your GPS too often, just add water depth chart map to it. Make sure to avoid water splashing to it when on a boat.

Check Kijiji GTA, many refurbish 5" Garmin GPS for under $90.

Also check some water topo or bluechart map at good deals, you can add these water map or upgrade to 2012 US/Canada map to your existing garmin 255 http://toronto.kijiji.ca/c-buy-and-sell-phones-PDAs-ipods-Update-Your-Garmin-Maps-2012-Maps-For-All-Countries-W0QQAdIdZ335309261

One reason to stick to garmin , lots of after market support out there.

Since it is the time to consider an oil change I was curious of the different type of oils and how it works. It is quite a long article but this fellow is very passionate to contribute his findings.

http://www.ferrarichat.com/forum/faq.php?faq=haas_articles

It was good till 5 years ago, before the housing development in the area, The city also accomodated a walmart and a mall .

Tough fishing conditions on that lake.

Decide to fish in the rain than stay at home and it paid off! No one was on site

Thanks to Lorne (hammercarp)constant passion and advice on carp fishing. I added Bread crumbs to my giant maiz arson and landed 3 in 2 hours while fishing during the rain yesterday. Lorne's previews post also suggested that we need to puncture each corn for it to absorb the sweet vanilla while being stored in the container. For 45 minutes, I was using a corn that has not absorb much sweet vanilla, nothing was happening, than I selected and replace my corn with one that had absorb the sweet vanilla, also packed bread crumbs around it to create scent that will disbursed to the surroundings. I then start landing them soon enough. I could have caught more, but due to the rain, I was contented by then.

The advantage of using giant corn versus Canned corn, they are more durable, I was able to salvage the corn even after landing a carp. Of course, Hair rig is always used. My shoe is exactly 11" long, you do the estimate of the size of the fish. Due to the size of these carp, if we let our drag a touch lose just for the challenge, our reel will squell for a while before the actual fight. I was using 10 lb line.

http://i223.photobucket.com/albums/dd294/bassfighter_album/IMG_0011-1.jpg

http://i223.photobucket.com/albums/dd294/bassfighter_album/IMG_0009.jpg

http://i223.photobucket.com/albums/dd294/bassfighter_album/IMG_0013.jpg

Water still cold and fish are not always actively feeding.

I used to just apply Canned corn to my hair rig, they work if there are no small fish trying to steal our bait. With the new Giant Maiz and packed Bread crumb combo, it seemed more efficient and the corn stays longer on our hair rig. I will only used canned corn during emergency or when not planning ahead of time.

I read that dried sweetened Pineapple sold at bulk barn are excellent bait as well.

Did not do well this year on trout fishing, so this small successful day made me feel good again.

I bought these Nexen All season tires last years, placed them on the front of my grand caravan , tow my boat with them and so far quite decent. Flyer ends April 21

rated 110,00km

few size here just for you to compare

205-70-15 is $57

225 60 16 is $83

185 70 14 $46

balancing and install are extra that where they get you. Buffalo NY stores are always less of course.

My brother-in-law backed out of his Time share for next week at Deerhurst resort, and I have the option to take over for free. I spoke to one of the facilitator and she said ice still at the bay.

Any other fishable area? We can aim for trout, carp or pike, flexible. I am not looking for anyone's specific honey hole. Just first time fishing huntsville.

I am not sure if the lake is still frozen, We are also just fishing on shore.

Hopefully trout will laready be open on the river system

Got some tire at walmart Niagara falls Buffalo, I quibbled at first about the price being a bit high, manager by chance heard it and gave me another $10 off each tire, got my uniroyal(cheaper version of Michelin Tire)For $60 each. All tax, installation and balance and disposal fee inclusive, rated for 100,000 MILES. Call ahead and shop around, there are at least 5 tire store at the buffalo outlet alone and very competitive. Balancing($5) and installation($10) are cheaper at walmart USA. Sears USA might also sell good deal tires. If they have them in stock, they will normally be willing to sell them for less price. Walmart is 24 hours, if you get there before 8am, the tire department is hardly busy.

Walmart USA lifetime free tire rotation for $15 more paid upfront, if you buy all tires from them.

Walmart Canada has some good deals when on sale tire. Got them for $80 each 205-70-15. All inclusive. Rated 100,000km. Nexun from Korea, has good review on-line, I had it on my van that I used the car to tow my boat with, still very good after 1 year of usage in the front of the car.

Sometimes, I buy used tires locally, lucky enough and got 4 used Michelin tire at kijiji from a fellow who tow car for a living, he salvage the good tire after the damaged car, from prior accident, was thrown away. I paid $15 each, still has 85% thread left on them, tire still has the small tiny ribbed on the sidewall. His number is 4166338068. Not all size are available, timing is everything.

Be careful of buying used tire, half of them are not good, make sure to inspect for potential nail hole, avoid tire being too old based on the year manufactured (it is wrapped in circle such as 0420-as 2004 20th month). Many used tire dealer charge around $30 or more, and might sell you a tire that is 50% thread left. Avoid it, it will last you for only 1 year. Sine 25% of the existing thread is not good anymore during winter months.

There are other new cheap tires sold in Canada rated for 75,000km, sold for $45, they are crappy and will only last for 1 year if place in front of your car.

Check possible size to be used, google info on tire size conversion chart, you can use one size up or one size down. It will widen your possible choice. http://www.miata.net/garage/tirecalc.html

US address is available for those who wants to order stuff and shipped to just south of lewiston bridge. http://www.usaddressinc.com/

Shipping cost inside US is very inexpensive, USPS have flat rate shipping in different size box. Do not buy stuff if sellers will be using UPS, UPS charge less at times but will charge extra $25 brokerage fees and HST taxes, a catch for unsuspecting Canadians buyers. US sellers like to ship stuff using UPS, since it is convenient for them. UPS pick up the goods at their site, while the seller has to drop off the package at the local postal services using USPS. USPS working with Canada Post are not the fastest, can take at least 2 -3 weeks for our package to arrive. However, they seldom charge me a brokerage fees or HST taxes if home address is used. Once in a while Canada post randomly charge me taxes, I still cannot figure a pattern when they charge or when they do not charge. Definitely, not always worth buying stuff and get it shipped to canada. Unless you do a thorough comparison shopping or do a combine shipping with another buddy.

To maximize savings from a US purchase, work with 2 or 3 guys ordering stuff at the same time, to take advantage of shipping cost, US mail box storage fees and driving cost to Lewiston bridge. The border sometimes will charge you HST if they knew you are just picking up stuff from ebay seller. We always head back home and use Peace Bridge border to beat traffic on our day trip. Using Lewiston Bridge to get back to Canada is a long wait, going across in the morning is not an issue if you are there by 8am. Hang around Walmart first before most stores open, including the US mailbox address opens by 9am, walmart is open for 24 hours, they charge only $5 for tire balancing. Tire rotation is also very inexpensive. Deep cycle battery with 750 Cranking amp is roughly $80 with 1 year warranty.

The custom at the border do keep a record of your activity. If they suspect you have a regular pattern of just going for couple hours across and saying you did not buy anything, they will be suspicious of you picking up an ebay purchase or drugs or cigarettes, they will interrogate, check your entire vehicle for at least 1 hour. However, if you are travelling with your family, it is the best scenerio to do your shopping or picking up your ebay purchases. The officer knew you will buy stuff across the border due to our CA currency being good these days. Shopping is not a concern for custom officer. Lying is a concern for them. Better to declare and create a good track record of your shopping habits or history, rather than lying and get caught once, you will have a bad record in years, and will be stopped every time you go across. The US border will be controlling Canadian travelling pattern soon and will be stamping our passport, a new agreement signed between both countries to monitor our borders.

I have been across 30 times with my family for 8 hour day trip to buffalo in many years, we bought at most $250 worth of stuff between 4 of us as our shopping pattern, no issue on being charge any HST to date, not even once. We always declare what we had bought, have an attitude of being ready to pay our HST taxes, since we knew that even after adding our gas travelling expense, curency conversion, and HST taxes, we are still ahead. After many years of shopping across the border and experienceing tons of savings, we are ready to pay at least some taxes, However, we are always surprise that we never have to pay. Honesty is always the best policy. To maximize savings, you have to comparison shop in Canada and know what you want.

It cost $5 per package per week storage fee to this US address across lewiston Bridge, they are flexible at times for 2 weeks of storage without having to pay extra. Ebay seller will ship your goods, since it is not a P.O.box address. Your package has your name and a box number and NY address. If you are ordering more stuff and more frequent, I suggest you subscribe to a US address that cost $8 per month, they will then only charge you $1.50 per package per week.

Car parts at Carquest Military road is quite inexpensive. I also buy car parts from Ebay and get it shipped to the US address. Auto tires are very inexpensive across the border. I time all my purchases at least 10 days before my next trip to buffalo, and pick them up at the same time. My wife, daughter and I like to window shop across the border, so it is always a family day for us. There is a saying, happy wife equals happy life! Round trip gas expense from Toronto to Buffalo cost roughly $60, It includes going to Galleria(Dicks), Outlet and Boulevard Mall (close to Gander mountain.)

Unfortunate news for anglers expecting deals, Gander mountain and Dicks Buffalo are not inexpensive these days, unless they are having their sale. By chance, Gander mountain has some long 9-12 ft Salmon/Steelhead rod with some backbone rated for 4-12 lb range for sale at $40-$50 range this week. However, Peter's tackle at St. Catherines also have some deals a months ago for $70. On-line shopping are the cheapest, if one buys in bulk.

We can always find an excuse to fish the Niagara US side when we pick up the package, one day US fishing license is $15 , can be ordered on line.

Depending on which part of China, if you live close to the top 7 major cities of china. You will not miss North America for too long, most franchise fast food or restaurant already existed over there, and offer higher services. Most people speak english fluently. These major cities work very similar to a first world capitalist country. Only the rural areas are still poor and agricultural in nature.

A Middle class North American will almost live like an Upper class people over there since all the manual labour home chores can be done by someone for dirt cheap. There are many social or sport clubs in the vicinity, where you will have a chance to deal and hang out with rich locals and international business people. They have international school that are higher in standard than many north American private school. The gap between the rich and the poor is still there, Many restaurant can either be very inexpensive or very expensive.

Due to colonial mentality attitude of most people from the third world country, North Americans will always be treated with utmost respect. Chinese are generally more hospitable in nature.

Example of how advance China is today, They have a swipe card that not only works on Public transportation, but also on many restaurant or your local salon or movie theater. It is not a credit card, very similar to our debit card, but money can be refilled once it ran out of funds. It can also be used to swipe charge your friend's expenses. Visa and Mastercard have been trying to introduce this payment system to North Americans for some time, but many merchant are not too keen on changing their payment system.

My uncle left his suitcase (with some money inside) on a taxi cab once. We then called a toll free general Taxi disbatch customer service number , not knowing which taxi company nor driver name nor plate number. We just told the disbatcher which street we were dropped of and what time. Half an hour later, the same taxi driver dropped off the suitcase to where we were staying. We were impress. Some advantages of being communist in China. Stealing is punishable heavily, and they support tourism. Of course, we have to be cautious always , for there are thieves everywhere on busy populated areas including Toronto Subway line.

I only saw the last 10 minutes, regreted that I miss it since I did not know it was the 25th anniversary Edition.

Few days ago they were showing another Les miserables on PBS.

Colm Wilkinson, Canadian singer looks old without his makeup on. I heard he will be in town soon to promote his CD and two day show.

Never got tired of that Broadway show! Only saw it live twice.

PBS was showing the HIT MAN few days ago, David Foster was bringing back famous singers from the 80's and 90's together with today's famous singer all in one concert. Saw Donna Summer singing with Seal. This is the third series on Hit Man, Good concept, reviving the oldies.

I got a DVD of it.

Hooked up with Rade, who has not fish the entire winter months, invited him to fish on Tuesday. We appreciated the nice weather we had. It was sunny and hardly any wind. Since few fish were landed by everyone on site, I would not consider it a good fishing day, maybe a tanning day would be more appropriate.

Water clarity was 5 ft

Temp = close to zero degrees by 1pm.

Wind = 5-15km, mostly calm

Number of anglers on site = 10-15

# of fish I had witness landed that day among all anglers on site = less than 8 in 6 hours we were there.

We originally wanted to fish the Niagara river, after we got there, the trail was the iciest I have ever witness, probably from last few days of warm rainy weather. Rade fell twice just hiking 20 meters on his way down on the Icy stairway. I then insisted that we fish it next time and head back up to avoid further casualties. Viewed from the top, we only saw two anglers down there that day.

Then we tried another spot of Niagara, few guys were already fishing there. Fish it for 1.5 hours till 10am. No luck for anyone, just hang up galore for all of us. Around 10:30am, we switched location and city. Being somewhat lucky, got my fish after my second cast bottom bouncing using my tweaked pinked bucktail. Then skunk the entire day, just trying to develop some arm muscle.

http://i223.photobucket.com/albums/dd294/bassfighter_album/joshbrown2.jpg

Improvised Bucktail with Pink grub http://i223.photobucket.com/albums/dd294/bassfighter_album/pinkbucktail.jpg

Fake pink hair material used to make bucktail. From Dollarama http://i223.photobucket.com/albums/dd294/bassfighter_album/pinkhairforbucktail.jpg

Since fishing slowed down by 5:00pm and 3 other anglers around by then, Rade gave me some lesson on how to cast with my $30 Ukraine made centerpin. It was cool learning how to cast and practice. By 5:30pm, we decided to head back home.

Rade, an experience Pinner tried my centerpin and said he was impress with the $30 price I paid off ebay, he said its action was as decent as any $200 pin out there. The water current pace where we were fishing was not fast at all, yet the float was stripping my line off my pin with no hesitation. I was impress with both the action of the pin and the Siglon line. Mastering the weight distribution of a float and counterbalancing with right amount of split shot, to be applied to the speed of a water current will all be my next challenge.

Image of the $30 Ukraine made Centerpin backing were added with Aqua colored Vinyl & cork pad from Michael craft store, then some 15lb mono line, Fluro pink colored 12 lb Siglon F line from ebay that cost me $20 and finally 10 lb flurocarbon leader. http://i223.photobucket.com/albums/dd294/bassfighter_album/centerpin1.jpg

http://i223.photobucket.com/albums/dd294/bassfighter_album/centerpinwithfloat.jpg

Rade was using his Okuma centerpin that has a built in drag magnetic system, he was also using my 3/4 oz pink bucktail without any hang up issue. Fished from 10-15 foot depth, He landed his first fish for this winter season, a 8-10lb dark colored steelhead around 2:30pm. I seldom see anyone using a Centerpin in that spot, I have to try that next time, less potential hang up float fishing. Most people bottom bounce and still get snag. While I Cast, bottom bounce then apply slow retrieve. The place was quite snaggable, I lost 2 buck tailed jig head, snagged more than 10 times throughout the day, got lucky being patient unsnagging it off the bottom. Here are some of Rade’s pictures; He will post more his photos soon.

http://i223.photobucket.com/albums/dd294/bassfighter_album/Fishandpin.jpg

http://i223.photobucket.com/albums/dd294/bassfighter_album/rade2.jpg

http://i223.photobucket.com/albums/dd294/bassfighter_album/radesteelhead.jpg

One of the biggest frustration I was getting lately was my line kept on snagging into other inconsiderate angler's line. On one occasion while it was not too busy late in the afternoon, one angler fishing on one end of the boardwalk (the distance of a basketball court size away) drifted his line all the way to the other end where we were fishing. When I caught his line, I thought I caught a fish since no one was beside me, I was shock, mad, and yielded at him to fish just on his spot. Lack of fishing success and experience made some anglers desperate and annoying.

If you so happen to pass by Peter's tackle at St. Cathrines. They got some reasonably priced 9'+ long rod for $45-$60 range two weeks ago when I was there, $45 are more noodle style rod, hard to use crank baits for whirlpool application, but the $60+ range, I believe it was Quantum brand, will have some back bone, also usable on Salmon fishing during fall.

The Ugly stick is just too flexible on the tip, will make you tired casting lures at the river, harder to control one's lure action if rod is too flexible. Bottom bouncing using short rod might be sufficient for a short while.

The ideal line size should be no more than 6-8lb mono. Braided line just ice up too much during winter months. I even use 4 lb leader at times and no problem landing an 8 lber with the proper drag and patience. I seldom use flurocarbon leader, but many Centerpiners swears by it.

Add vaseline to your guide to cut down on Ice build up.

Be prepared for the challenging hike, it seems to have less oxygen during winter months while grasping for our breath on our way back up. Also be cautious for icy conditions in the area. Slipping one time or another while fishing there is a sure thing, we just hope nothing gets broken.

Hi all. I was just wondering if any one could give me some advice on where some decent spots are on the Niagara River for shore fishing. I don't expect your hot spots lol, but just an idea on where to go. I was planning on taking the new boat out but with some helpful advice from fellow OFC'ers I have decided to spare myself any troubles going out without any knowledge of the river. I am going to be taking a guided tour with cast adventures just with a baby it may take a bit as there are other expenses. So if any one could give me some pointers I would greatly appreciate it. I know the area just not sure where to go to get some nice steelies or trout and how to get down to the river.

 

Thanks

 

Chris

Also try whirlpool, google whirlpool golf course for direction. Due to rocky bottom, be prepared for some snag when fishing Niagara river. 3/4 oz jighead on black, white or pink grub or gulp minnow works over there. Heavy Spoon, spinners, roe, streamers, crank bait all work , add lead weight before the lure, you must bring the lure down close to the bottom, applying slow retrieve, hoping not to get snag. Takes a lot of practice to get used of the unpredictable current. The fish are there indeed.

Encouraging report guys!

Amazed to know that there are still lots of Brown out there, aside from Steelie.

My family, watch the oscar last night. We have not actually seen The best picture ....The King's Speech, but some of the film clips they showed look very touching, aca Forrest Gump.

I saw the movie ....Social Network, definitely not Best Picture caliber in my opinion, However the movie is inspiring for anyone with Entrepreneurial spirit, to aim for what they believe in.

Did young Anne Hathaway did a good job as a host? The academy tried to do something different this year, using a younger host.

One of the movie that won under documentary section which I also saw was entitles "Inside job" It was about years of potential corruption within the US financial law governing people, allowing many top CEO of Banks and financial advisers to profit from the lenient lending policy that was allowed. Their money making scheme eventually lead to the recession in 2008. You guys must try to see this movie, an eye opener. After seeing the movie, one will continue to question why white collar criminals are seldom persecuted in North America, and most private citizen in generation have to indirectly suffer for their action. I do not see any difference between greediness of first world bureaucrats versus corruption of some ousted President of third world countries. It is actually scary to ponder on which bank one should put our money in these days. Canadian banks are actually vulnerable to the problems that had happened in the US banking system. Most bank's financial or mortgage lending advisers have the same attitude, they do not care about what will eventually happen to their client's financial future, over lending to those who might be more prone to financial trouble. All these guys care about was their high commission. In last month US Real Estate industry report, Property sales were still down below 6% based on previous year. Some of Florida's condo were in the $50,000 range and still no buyers. The cheapest property in Detroit was sold at $17,000. Many Canadians over spending around $1.40 for every $1 they make. Prices of Toronto Properties are in record high ever, so does credit card debt.

nice story.... pics don't open though

Picture fixed and working now

Finally able to find the right time to fish after 3 months of hibernation

Weather temp = -7 degrees than got warm to -2

Wind = 10km NE

Water clarity = 4ft

Crowd = at least 25 people fishing, fish were landed all over.

No. of hours fishing = 7 hours.

Can't find a better day fishing during winter months.

Witness at least 15-20 fish landed the whole day.

Landed 2 Brown and one steelhead. Rainbow was kind of black and skinny. One of the brown trout was so pregnant, ready to explode at any time. I release them of course.

Lure used were a pink 3/4 oz jighead with pink hair(half streamer like), landed two fish with it, then lost it after it got snagged. One rainbow was landed using a white 4" mr. twister grub. Fish were 5-7 lber average

Lost the Rainbow picture, coz' battery was too weak.

http://i223.photobucket.com/albums/dd294/bassfighter_album/fish2-1.jpg

http://i223.photobucket.com/albums/dd294/bassfighter_album/IMG_0002-3.jpg

A bonus Dog fish on sale picture I took from a chinese food market,

http://i223.photobucket.com/albums/dd294/bassfighter_album/dogfishsale.jpg

I ponder into these 2 interesting discussion board on Seafoam usage, the pros and cons or opinion from other motorist and boaters.

http://www.bobistheoilguy.com/forums/ubbthreads.php?ubb=showflat&Number=1870422&page=1

E10 gas and potential water in gas tank. http://forums.floridasportsman.com/forum/boating/seafoam-vs-other-additives

Great detailed motivational report!

I can't wait to get back there to fish!

Great photos and nice catch. The first picture of the Brown looks skinny , while the third Brown looks full, and still greedy for more, no wonder they took your lure.

Great day adventure and big bonus that you did not have to sacrifice a spoon.

Nice Niagara browns

Aaron,

THanks for your report last week fishing the river. It motivated me to go and give it a try. I got skunk a month ago trying down there.

Keep those smile and report comin'

Weather was great. 2-7 degrees temp and sunny.

Wind - 10km South wind .

water clarity - 3ft visibility

Fished from 8:00am -2:30 pm. Worked hard the whole day casting non stop.

Got all three Brown weighing average 5-6 lb

Lure used - a silver minnow 1 oz spoon, a Red devil 1oz spoon, and a Red/black rattler.

I was fishing by myself, and no one to take pictures with me on it,I wanted to speed up everything, so I did not even bother taking the fish out of the net. All fish were release.

http://i223.photobucket.com/albums/dd294/bassfighter_album/redspoon.jpg

http://i223.photobucket.com/albums/dd294/bassfighter_album/IMG_0002-2.jpg

http://i223.photobucket.com/albums/dd294/bassfighter_album/IMG_0004-1.jpg

http://i223.photobucket.com/albums/dd294/bassfighter_album/withspoon.jpg

the 3 lures I had used http://i223.photobucket.com/albums/dd294/bassfighter_album/3lures.jpg

Found inside the stomach of the one of the fish that it regurgitated , 4-5" minnows. He was greedy, still hungry for more that got him in trouble . http://i223.photobucket.com/albums/dd294/bassfighter_album/minnow.jpg

http://i223.photobucket.com/albums/dd294/bassfighter_album/closeup.jpg

Found this video, excellent to learn how to do it. The video did not mention how long of a needle. Hope a needle will not go almost right through the other side!

http://www.bassresource.com/bass-fishing-videos/how-to-fizz-a-bass.html.

I read one time that Walleye had bladder issue when caught past 25 feet of water at Bay of Quinte.

There are many reports of Bass being caught deep often, but have not heard of anyone having to fizz any of them.