Headhunter

Saturday: We managed (and I’m not really sure how!) to leave the house by 8:00am, fully packed and ready for the 8+ hours I was expecting to be spending in the truck. Elk Lake sure seemed to be a long way away! Earlier in the week, I bought a portable DVD player for the kids and I can’t recommend them enough, if you have kids and a long drive ahead of you! I asked my wife and kids, please go to the bathroom before we leave… well, we made it as far as Orillia, before our first stop! It had just begun raining and it looked like we were going to be in for a wet and long ride! Somewhere in the Muskoka’s, the highway came to an abrupt halt. After not moving for about 20 minutes, we began inching our way forward. We were re-routed off of the highway, onto a side road… I had no idea where I was going, but just kept the tail lights in front of me in sight. We eventually made it back to 11 and onward we went. My goal was to reach North Bay by lunch and after a quick toot of the horn as we passed through Powasson, we were in “Rotten Ronnies” in North Bay by 12:30pm. After lunch, as we were heading north again, somewhere south of Temagami, it started to come down in buckets! Luckily, there was very little to no traffic and we made good time. Scooby Doo playing in the back seat, we arrived in good standing at Golden Eagle Camp, just outside of Elk Lake at 4:30pm. After quick introductions to Kerrie, the camp owner and “Hunter” her very much oversized Lab, we were at our cottage and un-packing. Didn’t fish Saturday as, well I was kinda Nackered! Sunday: Decided to take my wife and two kids out to try and get them some pan fish… honestly, just about anything that would pull on their line. Well, if you’ve ever fished with a 4 and 6 year old, you know that if the action isn’t fast and furious, they won’t be interested very long! No bite and I learned later in the week, no real pan fish to speak of in this system! Oh well, they liked the boat ride and no one got stuck with a hook, so I’d say, it was a success! My brother and his two kids, !4 year old boy and 11 year old daughter had decided that they would join us on this trip and arrived Sunday afternoon around 3:00pm from London. They were tenting it, so while the kids played in the playground, we got them all set up . They were to be leaving on Thursday for a four day trip to Moon River. I made a Pot roast with all the trimmings for dinner and we just hung around the cottage and had a few bevies! Here's some pics of the kids playing on the beach, the water slide and play area. Monday: We hit the water, my brother and his two kids in his boat and me in my rental, searching out places that might hold fish. We did manage to catch a few small Pickereyes, which we kept for our up coming fish fry. Did some exploring and just basically messed around. After dinner, we got again for the “evening bite”, found a spot where the river narrowed, with lots of current at both the top and bottom end of the pool, with depths between 15 and 25 feet. We did well here and it ended up being our go to spot. My niece caught a nice smallie and we all ended up cathcin atleast one Pickereye. Here’s my nieces smallie! ****Note**** This smallie is considered a really good fish in these waters… so far north with such a short growing season. I think the smile says it all! Got back to the cottage just a dark and after a quick filleting job, we were ready to play some cards! Ok, I’ll admit it, Monday was the night I was very much “over-served”! I don’t drink very often, but this was my vacation and well, I had the urge… Apparently, I was not a pretty sight! (no animals or people were hurt in the making of my stupidity!) As I am a smoker and don’t smoke in the house, I also found myself sitting outside the cottage when the need for weed became overwheliming. So there I was, sitting on the picinic table, finished my smoke, got up to stagger back in to the cottage and what do I see on the cottage porch… SKUNK! Well I light another smoke. Went next door to the folks from Buffalo’s cottage and told them not to let their hunting dogs out… at least that’s what I tried to say… they thanked me the next day. Also, staying at the camp were two guys from Timmins who work for Ontario Power Generation. They had been working at the nearby station and staying at a cottage at our camp. The one dude brought his boat with him, so after work, they could hit the water for a fish. It was around 11:00pm when we heard a very strange sound coming from outside our cottage… sounded almost like a P.A. system was blaring away. I went out to investigate. Here’s what I saw: Apparently OPG boy had left his keys on the back bumper of his truck when he backed it into the lake. These guys were also staying at our camp , had been drinking for a number of hours before they volunteered to look around the ramp and docks, for OPG’s keys! Not every day you see this! Tuesday: (brush with greatness) Fished the morning with limited success, again some small Pickereyes, but not much worth mentioning. Around mid day, I hear my name being called and low and behold, who’s there, but TJ and the lovely Monique! Oh and Musky the Husky too! Well, trying to chat with TJ and M. while their dog is about to be raped (read Hunter here) and the fact that they were already running late, the visit was short but very appreciated. TJ… Hunter was not the same for a few days after Musky left… I think he broke his heart! LMAO We decided to take a look at Indian flats dam , which is what makes this creek an actual reservoir. Beautiful scenery and very pretty place. That night after dinner, back to the pool, a few more Pickereyes and smallies , back to the cottage and a few bevies. Wednesday: We had been saving up our fillets for a fish fry and this was gonna be the day. My brother and I decided to try another part of the river/reservoir, some really deep water, in hopes of securing a nice Pike. Nope, nadda… but always fun anyway! Fish fry was awesome, we had a few more bevies and hit the hay early as my brother was planning on leaving early Thursday morning. Thursday: With my brother and his kids gone by 9:00am. My wife suggested a change of scenery. We drove into to Elk Lake and found the public beach where the kids could play and swim and we could just chill for a bit. There were two lifeguards “protecting us” while we were there, actually we were the only people there! I was watching my daughter, sitting at the water’s edge and I noticed this black thing sliding down her leg toward her foot. OK, I knew what it was, but I certainly wasn’t gonna tell my wife or worse yet, my daughter! SO, I lit a smoke, casually walked over to her, held her foot and applied the heater to the Leech. My daughter says to me, what are you doing daddy? Oh, you’ve just got a bug on you and daddy’s taking it off. Ok daddy she says and not another word from her. As I walked back to my chair, I spot my wife and she’s as white as a sheet. I asked the life guards if there are leeches in the water and they say “oh yah… but mostly by the dock. Ha ha, the whole beach is surrounded by dock! That night, after dinner I was on my own and headed for the “honey hole”. Picked up a nice smallie, first cast, similar to the one my niece caught. (sorry guys, forgot my camera in the cottage.) Anyway, I ended up catchin 6 smallies and two Pickereyes that night. I had an absolute BLAST! I don’t think I went more that 5 minutes without a bite and probably 10 minutes between fish. I would simple rip up to the top of the pool. Drift down with the current and try and keep my jig as close to the bottom as I could. Not rocket science, but a ton o fun! Friday: The camp rules dictate that all rental boats must be parked and inspected by 4:00pm, the day before your departure. After discussing it with my wife, we decided to leave on Friday afternoon as quite honestly, the kids were absolutely DONE from playing on the water slide, the park and the beach. I saw no point in staying one more night if I couldn’t fish and I also felt that the traffic heading south would be better on Friday night then Saturday afternoon. I got up a 6:30 Friday morning and headed out by myself, again, to the honey hole. I caught numerous smallies and one decent Pickereye. Next thing I knew, it was time to get going. Back at the cottage a12:00pm, packed, paid and on our way by 2:00pm. Stopped in at Kelsey’s in North Bay for dinner and after yet another toot of the horn on our way through Powasson, we arrived home at 9:45pm Friday night. Many thanks to those who offered suggestions many months ago, including Wendel and Oxbow Cowboy for suggesting Golden Eagle Camp. Kerrie and her people were wonderful to us and genuinely try to ensure that their guest have a fantastic time. Thanks Kerrie, Bob and Hunter! In closing… this place is loaded with fish… heck, even I caught fish! Just don’t expect to catch much if your only using artificials. We also found that there was virtually no difference between fishing worms or minnows, they both worked. As was mentioned to me by Wendel and Oxbow, ORANGE is the colour they like with green bladed worm harnesses also contributing to our success! I highly recommend this place for those with families who are not looking for a five star resort, but are looking for a beautiful place that has clean cottages, well water which was just excellent, an attentive staff and well some good old fashioned RnR! HH Edit!!!! - it seems as though only one of the pics will actually post here.... my apologies! I have tried to post about a half dozen more , alas, without success! I will take another kick at this Thursday as my hairline is now receding and my desire to look at this computer junk has gone! Sorry folks, maybe more luck tomorrow! HH

Ok.... I guess I get it...no, on second thought I don't! What I mean is, I fully appreciate your decision to pull it, it is your right, but what I don' get is the attention issue and why catching a nice fish like that could possibly cause you grief. If that's what happened, I feel sorry for the Musky folks as isn't this what you are all striving for. Man, it's not like it was a steelie or something! HH

Ok...I'll bite, what happened to the pic! Here I am at work telling everyone one of my board members caught and released a monster and now the pic is gone! What happened! HH

Momma happy, Daddy happy! HH

Well, if yah really want that good karma to stick around, maybe you should give that $300.00 to the lady that bought your old house! I think she could use the help right about now! Karma is not something I actually believed in until I joined this group. I have spent a fair amount of time helping members here and in some cases, their friends, with their resumes, interview coaching etc... and honestly, I can't believe some of the "luck" I have been having lately, most not fishing related. All I can say is, this karma thing really does work! HH

HH

That rod would look spiffy mounted beside your live well pump, you just sent in for taxidermy work! HH

I'll respond to both parts here... simply awesome! Beautiful country there and the kids smiles say it all! Thanks! HH

HH - We'll get out very soon. Until then - where is your report? huh.gif I figure you still have a couple of weeks to get it together. Oh! We need pics. thumbsup_anim.gif Come soon man... come soon! HH

Well, he IS a very attractive dog you know! And let's face it, that far north, the selection is very slim! Take what you can get I guess!LOL HH

Nice report! I was very kind of you and Monique to stop by Gloden Eagle last week to say high! A definate brush with greatness for me! I found the Pickereyes in the area to be much small er than I am accustommed to, but still plenty of fun to catch. I also found that they wanted very little to do with artificial baits! We found worm harnesses and jigs/worms to be very effective, with green and orange blades leading the pack. TJ, with your camp being virtually in the same watershed, you may consider trying those out! Again, thanks for the reprot and even more for the quick visit! HH PS... Hunter, the camp dog ahs asked for "Musky the Husky's" phone number!

I have only three words... THICK, HARD and PULSATING! HH

I was wondering about this report as I was invited, but unable to attend due to my own vacation plans so... thanks to Gerritt for the invite and congrats to FnS and Carp on the nice day on the water. Looks like you had a fun time and even caught some fish! So, when you buying the riggers for the boat! HH

Well it's about flippin time!!!! Man, I was waiting for the report before I left and I go away for a week and it finally shows up! Not like there's a lot of detail or pics or anything that could take time to do... LOL Great report Bud! Glad youse two had a great time. Obviously the kids had a blast... your a good man Will... so let's go fishin soon! HH

Learned this first hand last week, although not a first aid thing, bring an extra can opener! Oh my, talk about frustrating, trying to open a can of food and having an opener that gave up the farm years ago can get pretty annoying! HH

That's flippin AWESOME Dan! !!!!!!! Your gonna love that windshield on Quinte in November! Couldn't have happened to a better guy! Again... Congrats! HH

Thanks folks! Just about got the truck loaded, I can't believe I'm bringing 11 fishing rods! I think I have a problem! Hmmmm... did I pack my orange harnesses... HH

Welcome to the board! HH

Well folks, that long awaited day is fast approaching! Been pining for a while now and finally the big day is near! My family and I are heading to Golden Eagle for a weeks stay and I am very much looking forward to it! My wife, on the other hand is very concerned about the8-9 hour drive and how our 4 and 6 year olds are gonna cope. Well, we have tow portable DVD players, I'm about to mount a couple of rubber mallets to the ceiling in the Jimmy and will simply swipe the mallets for direct and non-marking back seat calmness! I won't be around here until Aug. 18th, so play nice together folks and any and all who have contacted me re resumes etc... I'll be getting back to you upon my return! Yah, I'll take pics and if I'm remotely lucky, may even catch a fish or two! Have a great week all! HH

Hey Beats, thanks for the report! As always, nice to see what's happening in my old stompin grounds! Yah there are plenty of Gar in the Thames and once you catch one, well, you won't bother to target them again... no fight, no fun. I must say I am very pleased to see you catchin those small Pickereyes there, really bodes well for the future of the Thames fishery! Congrats and keep lookin for those breeders! HH

If you think you have what it take to be successful in a company like that, then you should call me because I could always use someone who is not afraid to make cold calls! If it feels like a scam and doesn't seem to sit well in your psyche, then it really doesn't matter what it really is, you will not be successful. In order to be successful in sales, you must have confidence in your self and your product/service. Based on what you wrote, I'd say keep looking! HH

Rick, while I agree with most of what you said, I just can't get past this thought... There is no way for any group, government, corporations or private individuals, to patent baking soda! The stock holders and board of directors of any pharmaceutical company would simply no allow all their research money to go down the drain, with no returns. In my own mind, this is at the same level of thinking as the guy who built an internal combustion engine that runs on water. Could it be true, maybe, but we will NEVER find out. Sorry if I'm coming off cynical, but after spending the number of years I have on this planet, I have come to the realization that nothing is as it seems and at the end of the day, the all mighty buck is the 1st, 2nd and 3rd consideration before any others. Yes I have had that fliipin disease affect those near and dear to me, and it's something that is always at the fore front of my mind. ( I lost my sister to breast cancer at 40. Her two daughters, my nieces have both been tested and both carry the defective gene. They are checked semi-annually and so far so good, but they at both getting close to thirty years of age and the trigger for the gene could go off at any time. Yes we are worried.) So after watching what my sister went through, the experimental treatment that did nothing but answer some doctors questions, I believe that I have a right to be cynical. We are not treating machines here, we are treating people. Oh, but that's another topic! HH

Solo, thanks for that interesting read... I have a slightly more negative view of the medical world, it is simply a profit oriented profession. There is no money in selling baking soda to sick people! There is no money and therefore no motivation to cure the common cold as pharmaceutical companies make BILLIONS selling us symptom relief. Sorry folks, I'm far too cynical to believe that there is any real desire to cure this disease or many of the others. If the medical profession wasn't profit oriented, then you wouldn't have doctors pushing drugs on patients, after they just got back from a weeks free stay in the Caribbean for a new product release "seminar"! Back to the OP... thanks again Solo, perhaps it will get some folks to think differently! HH

Ok, I've read through the entire post and it seems to me that the majority of folks here are already on your program. I think you may be preaching to the choir here as I think you will find that the vast majority of the folks on this board are ETHICAL fisher people. I certainly can understand your concerns and I will add that those who have said they will fish your docks regardless, will do it in a manner that is not destructive to people of property. I would tend to believe that if they are a member of this group, they would without exception. do the right thing! HH

Congrats on the catch and I hope you win as well. He's a good man! HH