manitoubass2

Me either. I'm pretty anxious to get things rolling.

Here is a few more pics from the last week or so... Since everyone like fish porn Limey pose 40 degree water temps and this lil guy hit a spinner rig with a 6" leech

With the walleye staging for pre spawn, I was super excited about fishing this derby. I knew it was going to take a big fish to win, and lots of 6lbers would be caught released. I figured it would take 8 or so pounds to win this biggest fish derby. I got up early in the morning to some suitable conditions, but it was pretty cold. Around -2, but no wind at the time. With rods/tackle ready, me and my partners hit the water with a plan based on previous experience. I had figured the smaller males would be a little deeper, and the big females would be on the feed shallow, near a current seem off a sandbar. We anchored up and wet our lines... Only one other boat seemed to have a similar idea as us. Within the first 5 minutes, an angler in the other boat landed a nice fish, which appeared around 5lbs or so. Phew, it wasn't the behemoth, lol. Within seconds, we were managing a triple header in our boat, and I knew all three fish would call for a net. So we kept line taught while one at a time we landed are fish. Fish one, about 5lbs, fish two, maybe just a tad bigger, fish three was a keeper, I figured about 6lbs, give or take. For the next hour, we were pounded by rain, cold rain. But we were landing fish after fish the whole time. It was one of those days where the plan was flawless. Then the wind picked up outta nowhere to about 50km. Are hands were stinging cold from landing fish and the wind blowing, but our spot was actually marking a rise in water temps to about 44 degrees. Then, outta nowhere, the wind vanished and the sun made an appearance, and gave us a chance to warm up a bit. The other boats didn't appear to be doing much at all, aside from a few pro's landing the odd sturgeon here and there. The boat beside us had a few more nice ones, and his last one looked to be a potential winner. Ok guys, 1.5 hours left to fish, lets fish hard for that one big bite! Oh wait, the MNR decides to pay us a visit, lol. First time thats ever happened mid derby. They checked our liscenses, and our catches, at each boat. They were very respectful and tried to be quick, actually apologizing for the incovenience. We thank them and invited them out to fish when they had a day off, lol. Ok, that took a half hour outta the derby, and the weather turned once again. It started pouring, winds were gusting around 70km. We couldn't hold our spots, nobody could. The last hour we had a 20 minute sturgeon battle, quickly released that fish, and tried for one more bite. It didn't come. 5 pm came and we made for shore to weigh in. The guy beside us weighed in at 7lbs 11 ounces I believe. The biggest we could muster was 7lbs. Some generous folks were waiting for us on shore with some cold beer (which is horrible after sitting in the cold rain/wind for 6 hours, lol) and some sandwiches. Very generous indeed, and much appreciated. We visited over beers, shared some stories and headed home to warm up the soul and relax. All in all it was a great day. I managed to snap 2-3 quick pictures between fish, and all involved had a blast. My favorite moment of the day was when my partners hat blew off into the river. I had a lipless crank on so it was my duty to at least try to snag it as the current pulled it away. One cast, even with horrendous winds, and I managed to snag it, hahaha. We all had a good laugh about that and I got a few comments on my casting from a couple local pro bass anglers. It was a real bugger to get my treble hooks outta that leather hat though, lol. Spinnerbait walleye A nice lil guy This was a decent one caught in our boat Another good one came on a jig/minnow from the boat beside us

Either team member or captain, I can't wait to take part again!

That is post of the year! Limey, it's been tough fishing my way as well. I've had a few skunks too. In fact, I'm heading back to sawbill where the fish are actually co-operating, lol.

Hands down, the best part of his show was that he wasn't pretending to be someone he wasn't. Of course, I didn't realize that when I was younger, and just thought he was some crazy entertaining dude. In retrospect, this is exactly what I would love to see in a fishing show... Too bad though, be tough to follow up that personality

My heart goes out to you and your family for such a loss. My sincerest condolences. Good on you for playing your heart out.

MM The spot I fish alot is very similar on our river. The ice edge near the main channel is 20" thick. I don't have to worry too much about wind/waves though, as it's very sheltered. Always feels odd though standing that close to the open water Great report Mercman, looks like you had a great time!!!! And don't worry about the being the ice crack scaredy cat, lol. It happens to everyone at some point, lol

MM man'd up. I'm a Leafs fan, but I love how you stir the pot. Kudos to you for being a good fan, even though it is Ottawa, lol. When they asked where you were, I was gonna say busy, riding the bike, hehehe.

the rock paper scissors one had me laughing pretty good! Thanks doood!

I like to drop it like it's hot

How dare you MM! You can't afford that fish! Amazing catch, what a beauty!!!!

I'm not sure? I didn't ask. I'll find out shortly though, I'm going to pick some up when my daughter wakes up!

Hopefully I can get on them right away. I'm using live bait today instead of plastics. It is alot of ice, but just a few weeks ago it was 8-12". And it's been very mild, so I was surprised the ice was that thick. Here is a pic of last night. A few minutes before the storm, and then during the storm... before after

$6 per pound, and the first lb is free for a new customer!!! I'm sold. I'm gonna do these up for the SuperBowl this weekend

Oh man, my mouth is already watering. Thanks for the tips! What should one expect to pay? I'd assume it's by the pound? I'm going to call a few places here shortly, hopefully it's not really expensive.

Well, I've managed to get out on the ice a few times now near home. I thought it was gonna be a tough year for ice fishing, but, although the temps are still hovering around zero, we have lots of safe ice. I drilled 6 holes last night, as I had time to fish for a few hours. I tried various spots, just checking the thickness. I had 22" near the current, and about 25" in the slack areas. We had planned to have a few people join me last night. So I went early and got things set up, since we were short on time. Weather network said clear skies and it was about +3. After getting set up and wetting two lines, I couldn't find any takers. Tried a few different plastics and spoons, but still couldn't locate any active fish. After an hour, I gotta text saying everyone else backed out. Bummer. But I'm already out, so I'm gonna keep fishing . Just around dark, I could see some clouds rolling in. Never though much of it, as those clouds often look darker than they actually are with dimming light. Turns out that was a mistake, lol. Within 5 minutes, it was pitch black and snowing so hard I had a hard time even finding the shoreline! Good thing I was close to home and know the area. Caught 6 little walleyes one after another, right as the storm approached. All under 10" though, but at least I got some bites. I'm heading out again tonight for a few more hours. Hopefully the fish will co-operate

I'm gonna try that recipe this week I think. My moms coming for a visit so it would be nice to have something different. We have some great farms around our area, so I'll make a few calls I suppose. Are you BBQ'ing the sausages, or frying them up??? Just gotta remember not to tell the kiddos what they're eating until they're done, lol

I'm pretty sure someone from OFC popped yer tire to keep this thread going.... Is it weird that I felt a sense of pride reading your latest post? lol Looks great man, good job!

That's pretty neat! How do the sausages etc taste? I've only had rabbit in a stew, and that was great! Gotta imagine a burger would be mighty tasty

All of our plans are now cancelled. I was totally relying on your gas.... lol, good points though. P.S. When you come to Rainy next year, will you please pay my rent??? BWAHAHAHA. Small price to pay for landing those hyyyyyuge rainy river small eyes

A good friend will cover the cost one way or another. It could be many things, or just money, either or. This has obviously happened to all of us at one point in time. To me, it doesn't really matter. If I go out of my way, whether it be mileage or something, I expect to be repaid, whether it be money, bait, coffee, or maybe you just fillet after were done? Doesn't really matter, it's just common courtesy. The only person I've ever screwed on a trip was my dad. And I was down and out, and the trip was his idea. Within a few days I repaid the money with interest. If I couldn't, it was a no, or I made sure he understood the situation. IMO, don't lose a good friend over petty things. Just don't take him on his word for a fishing trip. But only you know if he's a good guy or a loser. Do whatever you feel necessary. I'm guessing, by posting this question, you feel bad and need to justify your actions. If thats the case, return the rod, apologize, and thoroughly explain why you made that decision. Then move on

Leafs have Liles and Armstrong back in the lineup tonight too. I hope Reimer can have a good game, as well as in front of him. He's good, he needs some confidence built back up.

Oh man, look at those perch!!! and that's a great crappie, big ol' slab!

Just my opinion... The Leafs are outplaying the vast majority of teams they are playing. In almost every game, they are playing great. It's the small mistakes that they can't seem to overcome. And it seems like any mistake, the opposing team capitalizes almost every time. Grabovski is playing a great overall game, unlike prior seasons where he seems to have three switches. 1)for scoring 2)for turning the puck over 3)for seeming to not care about the team/team mates in the locker room. Now though, he seems to have that overall game going for him and appears to not hinder the locker room. I see two major flaws with this team. The first is goal tending. And this is why they lose almost every close game, or even games like last night. The monster is a decent second string goaltender, at this point, nothing more. And Reimer isn't healthy, even when he plays, he's constantly fighting the puck. That never works, might make for one hell of a game one night, but you'll almost never get consistency with that type of play (exceptions being Brodeur and Thomas). The second flaw is Schenn. He hopefully has an upside as he matures, but at this point, he seems to have modeled his game to be great at turnovers and poor positional play. If you really watch him closely, even outside of those turnovers(that probably wouldn't be so bad with good goal tending), he's always out of position and being VERY soft on the puck. Watch his turnovers, he is flat out soft on the puck. He can't shoot either, so what exactly does he give the Leafs??? A possibility at becoming decent at hockey? Lupul looks great, as does Kessel. They have many scoring chances everynight. Kadri is gonna be scary as he gains a little more experience. He's looking like a man out there lately too. And he's strong on the puck, and battling in corners. And you can see at least 2-3 times per night, he has tons of skill. Do not trade Kadri, pretty please... The rest of the role players are playing well and contributing. Some are also exciting to watch. I loved when Brown was moving forward and stepped into that check in the corner. BOOM! Brown is a beast on the ice, and gives everything he's got, everynight. I think the future is looking bright. Just need maybe two or three good moves for solid players, and the Leafs will be a high ranked playoff team in no time. And as far as last night, well, Malkin... Nough said. Guy is super natural and a born winner. He literally willed that win. Thats what SUPERSTARS can do. A few bad bounces, sure. But Malkin won that game, with a tad bit of help from Fleury, lol