Spiel

....LOL, of course they do Wayne, fish don't buy lures.

Ditto. Odd though, something stirred in me the other night that made me feel as I should get in touch with Rob.

....Y'all have a blast and be safe.

Walleye anglers headed to the Sault Preparations underway for Professional Walleye Trail's September visit Mar 03, 2008 / By SCOTT BRAND sooeveningnews.com SAULT STE. MARIE - The best walleye anglers in the world will be converging on the St. Mary's River in 2008 as the Professional Walleye Trail (PWT) returns to Sault Ste. Marie for a regional tournament scheduled for Sept. 11, 12 and 13 and preparations are already underway for this event. Jim Kalkofen, speaking on behalf of the PWT said he just returned to his Minnesota home from a week-long tour which included meetings with the Sault Area Chamber of Commerce, the Sault Ste. Marie Convention and Visitor's Bureau and others. “There is a lot of community interest and excitement,” he said of the visit. “When you sense that kind of excitement among the organizers themselves that translates to the public as well.” Kalkofen said he gets the impression the Sault is planning to turn the PWT visit into a festival including a poker night with the professional and amateur anglers. The effort to attract 120 amateur anglers has just begun, but it appears as though there is once again plenty of interest. Kalkofen said this is one of the best deals in the fishing world. “I don't care what sport,' he said, “you can't hire a guide anywhere in the country of $125 a day.” Kalkofen has said in the past that the St. Mary's River provides ample opportunity and new challenges to tournament anglers. To participate in the 2008 event amateur anglers will need to fork over a $325 entry fee. Registered anglers will be aboard the boats of the professional anglers, utilizing all of the newest and best equipment in the walleye world and also stand a chance to win fabulous prizes. Under the new prize structure, Kalkofen explained, prizes will be dispensed to the 120 anglers on more of a random draw, and not strictly by placement in the competition as has been done in years past. “It will be a lot more fun for everybody,” he added. Amateur anglers interested in joining the 2008 event can get more information over the Internet at the PWT Website by punching in www.professionalwalleyetrail.com. Those without computer access can also call the PWT Headquarters at (218) 829-0620.

Editorial: DNR's water ballast rules the right step Posted March 3, 2008 / sheboygan-press.com It's full speed ahead for the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources in the battle against invasive species in Lake Michigan and Lake Superior — and it's about time someone took the lead. Congress has shown an unwillingness to implement rules to guard against non-native aquatic life that threatens the health of all five Great Lakes. Already there are more than 180 foreign invaders in the Great Lakes, including the pesky zebra and quagga mussels. Not only do these non-natives clog water intake pipes, they also filter plankton from the water — the base food in the Great Lakes food chain. For years now, officials from all states bordering the Great Lakes have pleaded with the federal government to require ocean-going ships to either dump ballast water before entering the Great Lakes or treat the water to kill the non-native species. The shipping industry has fought efforts to regulate ballast water and sued Michigan last year over its ballast-water law. But the case was thrown out of court, and more recently, efforts to enact ballast rules got a much-needed boost from a California court that ruled states could regulate ballast water under the Clean Water Act. The DNR will use the Clean Water Act to write its rules and work with Minnesota to ensure that the two states — which both border Lake Superior — have compatible rules. At the same time, the DNR is moving forward with plans for an on-shore treatment of ballast water to kill the invasives. Ships would have to dump the ballast water into the holding tank rather than releasing it into the lake. Once treated, the water could safely be pumped into the lake. The DNR hopes to have a pilot project up and running in Milwaukee in time for the start of the 2009 shipping season. Gov. Doyle has said the state would put up the $6 million for treatment facilities in Milwaukee, Green Bay and Superior. This kind of treatment program will be expensive, but the cost of not doing anything and waiting for Congress to act will likely be even higher. The best solution to this problem, everyone agrees, would be comprehensive federal rules governing shipping on all of the Great Lakes. Even the shipping industry agrees with this. But that same industry has fought previously proposed rules as too costly or too cumbersome and appears content to sit on the sidelines and do nothing. It's unfortunate that individual states have to take these steps to protect the lakes, but we're glad that Wisconsin is willing to step up when Congress doesn't.

Whirling-Disease Resistant Rainbow Trout Tim Romano March 03, 2008 / fieldandstream.com Colorado's rainbow trout were almost wiped off the map more than 10 years ago from Whirling Disease. The Colorado DOW have been crossbreeding a German species of rainbow called a hofer and other rainbow strains to create franken-fish that now appear to be highly resistant to the disease. Read the whole press release here. Whirling disease is caused by a microscopic parasite that passes through the fish's skin. The organism attacks the cartilage of young fish and distorts the spine. Thus causing the fish's spine to curve and greatly reduce it's ability to survive. The affected fish "whirl" around in circles making escape from predation and feeding almost impossible. While this all sounds hunky dory for anglers, I'm curios to the long term ramifications of cross breeding hatchery fish to fend off parasites that seem to be in the ecosystem for some reason or another. Sometimes it takes a long time to realize we (humans) have made a mistake by playing god. What's your take on the situation? Good? Bad? Or don't you care as long as they're are big fat fish fish in the river for the time being Photo Credit: Colorado Division of Wildlife / This is a cross between a Hofer rainbow trout and a strain of rainbow that the DOW has used for many years. The Hofer cross rainbows grow more quickly than the traditional rainbows. This fish, hatchery raised for brood stock, is about 18 months old.

News release / March 3, 2008 ONTARIO ISSUES FIRST ENVIRONMENTAL PENALTY McGuinty Government Protecting The Environment Ontario has issued its first-ever environmental penalty under the province’s “you-spill, you-pay” legislation. CGC Inc. of Hagersville was ordered to pay $9,000 for failing to comply with environmental laws. On September 26, 2007, run off from the gypsum processing plant entered a tributary of the Grand River, putting local water quality at risk. Quote “When it comes to protecting the environment, we are prepared to use every tool available including these new environmental penalties,” said Environment Minister John Gerretsen. “We want to send a clear signal that we will not tolerate spills.” Quick Facts The environmental penalties regulations, under the Environmental Protection Act and the Ontario Water Resources Act, came into force in August 2007. Revenue from environmental penalties will be directed back to affected communities through the Ontario community environment fund. Read more about environmental penalties at http://www.ene.gov.on.ca/en/about/penalties/index.php

That is quite an undertaking and equally, something to be very proud of. It looks fantastic Bernie, my hats off to you.

Temagami Riverside Lodge , North camp.

....Thanks Phil, I knew there was something bout it.

....I was out with the puppy today scouting a few local ice holes and she was very slick! Cleats will be in order tomorrow if I decide to get up and get out.

....Sounds like the perfect day.

Wasn't there some controversy surrounding that fish Clive? I recall it was snagged or out of season or....?

...Nice, I could handle the lack of fish in exchange for all that winter beauty.

....Well at least you were out and perch are pretty tasty.

Boston Whaler®’s 230 Dauntless® Wins National Marine Manufacturers Association Innovation Award At Miami International Boat Show Feb. 29, 2008 (Edgewater, FL.)... The all new Boston Whaler 230 Dauntless introduced in July 2007, was presented the prestigious National Marine Manufacturers Association (NMMA) Innovation Award at the Miami International Boat Show on February 14, 2008. Winning in the Runabouts and Fishing Craft category, the innovative feature that sets the 230 Dauntless bow apart from the others is the tilt up seatbacks with a mechanical strut to automatically lock the seatback in place providing forward facing lounge seats in the bow. A total of fifty products in eight different categories were entered, with Boston Whaler’s 230 Dauntless receiving one of nine awards. "Functional seating in a space that was previously overlooked is an innovation that will lead the industry," said Lenny Rudow, freelance writer, author, boating editor of Texas Fish & Game, and one of a panel of nine judges for the NMMA Innovation Award. "Great engineering, flawless execution and clever ideas combine to create a new level of comfort and maximum space. The revolutionary approach to seating in the 230 Dauntless sets it apart in its class," noted the panel of judges. "We are extremely excited to have won such a prestigious award. Our designers and engineers work hard to exceed expectations and the new 230 Dauntless reflects our commitment to consumer satisfaction," commented Ron Berman, vice president of product development and engineering for Boston Whaler. The new 230 Dauntless, as with all Boston Whalers, is built unsinkable with UnibondTM foam-filled construction and is backed by Whaler’s ten-year limited transferable warranty. To learn more about this innovative new Boston Whaler 230 Dauntless, call 1-800-Whaler 9 to find your nearest Boston Whaler dealer. About Boston Whaler; Boston Whaler, a business unit of Brunswick’s Saltwater Group, is the leading manufacturer of unsinkable family fishing boats 11 to 35 feet.

.....I'm obviously being forced to find those pictures.

....127lbs, I've seen pictures of it on the internet.

....I'm still howling ....over...."Oral".... HaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHa HaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHa Sorry I can't help it...."Oral".... HaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHa

....While I don't think any opinions were truly needed in order to your make decision you've certainly elicited many. Time to make a decision, I know I have.

:) :)

....I believe Pro Gear went out of buisness. Yes there is Fishing World down below but there's also Bill's Bait and Tackle on Upper James. It's north of the Manadarin just before you head down the hill on the left hand side.

....I have all those and more on CD cause Tool rocks.

Anglers' alert: Even backcountry trout aren't immune to pollution's long arm February 28, 2008 / ESPN Backcasts,Brett Pauly You ever read a headline and respond, "Oh, great"? Audibly? On the bus? And then have strangers look at you? Then look at you again? Happened to me yesterday morning on the 7:36 into the Emerald City. The words that prompted my oh-great moment: "'Pristine' parks tainted by pollution." I can't really explain why those five words caught me off-guard. I should have seen it coming. But it was really the awful alliteration of pristine-parks-pollution that threw me. Even kids who play the Sesame Street word game "One of These Things is Not Like the Other Things" could pluck the offending term from that grouping. I couldn't even kill the messenger. The Seattle Times was merely reporting the news – that a comprehensive study proves pesticides, heavy metals and other airborne contaminants have found their evil way to even the most remote corners of our national parks. Here in the Evergreen State, according to the newspaper, the national parks of the Olympics, Mount Rainier and North Cascades contain pesticides, mercury and man-made industrial chemicals. The six-year federal study released this week was coordinated by the National Park Service, and, the Associated Press reports from Billings, Mont., the findings revealed that some of the Earth's most pristine wilderness is still within reach of the toxic byproducts of the industrial age. Ouch. So, yeah, those trout you caught in the backcountry of Rocky Mountain National Park and Glacier National Park and the farthest stretches of Sequoia and Kings Canyon national parks could well have been impacted by chemical pollution. You probably weren't aware of it, but the male fish you landed could have had female ovary tissue in their testes. Fortunately, however, you likely aren't worse for wear; the National Park Service maintains there is minimal risk of anglers getting sick from eating contaminated fish, the Times reports … Even if you ate brook trout that tested out at Olympic and Mount Rainier national parks to contain mercury at levels above the Environmental Protection Agency threshold. Even if you ate those same brook trout every day, for your entire life, you might have a one-in-100,000 chance of getting cancer from them. But the bottom line is, you might – might enough that national parks are considering issuing warnings to anglers, and that sucks. Who would have thunk Denali National Park in our Last Frontier could ever be touched by such pollutants? "Contaminants are everywhere. You can't get more remote than these northern parts of Alaska and the high Rockies," said Michael Kent, a fish researcher with Oregon State University who co-authored the study, the AP reports. Yep, depressing as it is, evidence of 70 contaminants in 20 national parks and monuments is outlined in the $6 million study known as the Western Airborne Contaminants Assessment Project. Much of this pollution originates regionally on farms and in factories and from more-distant sources such as power plants, according to the Times.

BERKLEY TEC PISTOL TRIGGER GRIP AND GULP! ALIVE! WIN BEST OF THE BEST AWARD 02.26.2008 / Berkley Field and Stream selected the Berkley TEC Pistol Trigger Grip and Gulp! Alive! as 2008 Fishing Best of the Best Winners for lures and accessories. The Fishing “Best of the Best” winners are featured in Field & Stream’s March issue. “Thousands of new outdoor products are introduced each year,” Jay Cassell, Deputy Editor of Field & Stream, said. “The Best of the Best list is great way to maneuver through the mountain of gear available and ensure you come out on top with products that will perform.” The Berkley TEC Pistol Trigger Grip is available in a convenient, first-of-its-kind, 8-inch pistol-style model. Made of stainless steel and equipped with oversized grip surfaces this gripper can withstand any toothy fish. Gulp! Alive! comes in easy-to-handle and stackable buckets, which allows baits to be suspended – preserving their powerful scent and shape. Gulp! juice recharge the biodegradable baits and keep them pliable for use at a later time. Field & Stream’s list of the best fishing equipment touches on every type of tackle: baitcasting, spinning, and fly fishing. The list also highlights the best fishing accessories, from electronics and lures to sunglasses and outerwear. Berkley received two awards, with Fenwick and Stren each winning a “Best Of” award.