JimC

Yup, that's it alright. thanks for the info, and the Great pictures; but it doesn't look good for me to find a replacement. Grabco, Inc went belly-up according to this >>> http://california.14thstory.com/grabco-inc.html Only chance is probably at a flea market, but you never know. Guess there will be a few of us now, checking our sources. Everybody likes a challenge, right. As for my technical problems getting the thumbnail to open, it works for me using Internet Explorer (but not Firefox) ... haven't tried Chrome yet on the ol laptop, but it will probably work there too. Thanks for everyone's input. Hopefully, some of these will turn up, or someone else will get the specs and start making them again. Maybe we'll see'em on Dragon's Den.

thanks, Don; however, for whatever reason, when I click on the thumbnail nothing happens. Now it (the first pic) DID expand once, but now I can't get it to repeat. gotta be something in my settings I guess, or the browser (Firefox). I dunno.

Trying to add a BIGGER pic here to show more clearly how this tool works. edit: well that sucked ... obviously I am no expert at editing pictures. That one should have shown larger. oh well.

Exactly ... they may look like something else, but trust me, they were the best darn jaw spreaders ever. Too bad your 'bro' lost his too. Paul - thanks for the tip; however, that type of jaw spreader although effective, is pretty unforgiving, imho ... especially for a younger fish you plan to release. Still a better option (for the fish) than just ripping the hook out of a Pike's throat, on such occasions when it's a deep (hook) set. So please keep me in mind guys n gals ... in your travels, if you find a retailer that carries a jaw-spreader like the one pictured, please PM me or use: [email protected] Thanks.

that's what I like about this forum ... everybody's a Comedian!

It was plastic, very light, when you squeezed in would rachet up one notch at a time, then easy to release. Haven't been able to find anything like it. Tried CTC, Pro Bass (on 400), and a couple of small tackle shops. Those wire, spring loaded ones are crap, imho. My buddy loved that thing, and had it a long time. he forgot where he got it (gift? or purchase?) Left it in my rubber net after dealing with a very large Pike last spring ... I didn't see it ... washed the net out ... well you get the idea. I felt bad. Any help to source a replacement would sure be appreciated.

Good thing you did ... just saw it and voted ... will forward to my Facebook peeps as well. Good luck, Brandon

from one 'Jim' to another ... Congratulations on an awesome fish. Getting that picture with only you in the boat is pretty praise worthy as well. As a once (or twice) a year fisherman, and only in NW Nipissing, I've been lucky enough to be in on two (accidental) Muskie catches, so I know they're around; you of course, just proved it in spades. Well done.

Congrats on the monster (and winning) salmon, Aaron I've only been salmon fishing once (no luck), and can't imagine what if must be like to have one of those 30+ pounders on the line and determined to stay deep. I sure enjoyed the pictures and reading the text provided. Good luck in the September 'fish-off' (not clued in here, but I assume that involves all the weekly winners?).

HH @ 09:54am ... Very good summary of what a lot of folks are feeling. and since I started this topic, ditto for me re: your first point. A couple of final points / comments: - the NFN have a golden opportunity to get top dollar for Lake Nipissing Pickerel (but also including Perch, (boneless) Pike, whitefish, etc) through proper use of the new, squeaky clean, government inspected cleaning station, and (two) retail outlets, that will be sustainable only if they LEAD THE WAY, in protecting the resource. Politicians aren't the answer, and we know it. - the slot restriction on Walleye, for non-natives has to go ... at least in its present form. It is too restrictive, and is the cause of much of the resentment that is festering, imho. If an expanding commercial fishery is ok for the resource, then a one-per-day Pickerel of any size for non-natives is reasonable, and let's bump up the minimum to the rest of the Zone. The inconsistency in the present situation is ridiculous. - Under certain circumstances, I would buy fish from the approved NFN retail outlets, and only there. No "under the table" pickup trucks for me, thanks anyway. - I hope everyone reading this, and especially NFN band leaders pressure the Provincial Government to sanction a controlled cull of Cormorants. I believe these birds are doing more damage to the fishery than we realize. My understanding is that they are native to ocean coasts and have moved inland for easy pickings. They are every bit a much of an 'invasive species' problem as a goby or what have you. Cormorants begone. - at $14+ per pound retail, and $23+ for a dinner at an established North Bay restaurant, like Churchills, or Inn-on-the-Bay, I can't see the working stiffs, seniors on fixed incomes, etc, in the area, gobling up all the Pickerel in the Lake anytime soon. But, for the first time, average folks in North Bay, Sturgeon Falls and area without means to fish themselves, can legitimately treat themselves to an occasional pickerel (or perch or pike) dinner they cook themselves. I expect this thread to 'die' a natural death very soon; however, if anyone has anything new to bring to the table (no pun intended), then by all means, resurrect it as you see fit. Just my 2-cents worth. Good fishing, all.

Crosshairs ... As the initiator of this thread, I want to thank you for your 'insightful' and positive comments. Your 'inside scoop' might help some here with strong opinions against NFN commercially selling pickerel, take a 'wait and see' approach. As you said in an earlier post, it's a good idea to ask questions and have an open discussion on this subject ... I certainly concur, so long as it remains respectful. and Congrats on the 'newborn'. As a recent first time Grandpa ... there's no feeling like it.

Thanks for weighing in, HH, and for your positive thoughts re our family vacation. The lady in Camp who filets Pike like a surgeon is also an amazing 'shore lunch' style cook, so the entire Camp had a satisfying taste of Pickerel and Pike, deep fried to perfection. re: Can someone here please tell me how opening up the Nip Pickereye market to many more sales opportunities is beneficial to the fishery? Seems a bit of a contradiction of terms doesn't it? Well my hope (and there has to be hope here) is that 'quotas' will be respected no matter what, and that market price adjustments (up or down) will make the New retail / direct to Restaurant arrangement sustainable. Of course buyers (joe public, and reputable restaurants) need to give the 'pickup truck' questionable fish handling / quality, a pass. Hey, these dudes can get with the program and make more money for their catch. re: Can anyone tell me how putting a biologist on their payroll is going to be beneficial to all parties interest? Ok, well imho, this is where 'trust' comes in ... and I trust that a Professional Biologist, has the integrity to carry out his work honestly (creel counts, etc), make tough recommendations (eg. reduce quotas), when necessary, to sustain the Walleye fishery, and if NOT followed by NFN, resign. re: Can anyone tell me how the local band is dealing with folks who are not participating in this operation and are simply loading up trucks to sell "under the table" My understanding is that the 'program' is voluntary, as it should be. But those who choose to opt out, then abuse the fishery (gill netting during spawning ... then selling 'under the table') that risks the new retailing program, deserve to be shunned by the band, ignore them and their families ... peer pressure is powerful. Plus, who is buying their questionable catch ... I for one, wouldn't touch any of it with a 10ft pole, at any price. Established, reputable restaurants won't touch it either. re: What authority, if any do the band leaders have over folks who are not using the newly opened processing facility? What good is a biologist if they are only getting some of the info they need? Another good question, HH ... pretty sure bet the Band leaders (and the Biologist) know full well who the "under the table" guys are, and what their approx. 'rape' ...er, harvest, would be. Hey, its a small community in the big scheme of things. I also believe that if the 2-retail outlet, and some limited direct sell to restaurants program is successful, more will opt in. Why wouldn't they?

Nip ... the line I bolded is just plain 'classic' ... great attitude there my friend. As for admins 'locking this thread' ... if the posts become malicious, then absolutely; however, so far pretty much everything I'm reading has been quite civil. Some really interesting perspectives are still being posted, imho. I think it (thread) will shortly just die a natural death as it should. ... and YES, absolutely we are coming back in 2011.

whoa there, solo ... pretty sure I kinda resent your comment, on so many levels ... (and this, despite the really, really complimentary comment I made on your recent 'Eddie Norths Attiwapiskat adventure' thread) First let me say that we just returned from a fantastic family vacation on Lake Nip, (Camp La Plage, as was asked above), maybe THE most fun week (after 30+) that we've had. Having our first (and only) grandchild along to experience his first 'cottaging adventure' made it very special. About the fishing ... as it turned out, there were lots of nice Pike brought in, and a few nice Walleye (including a 28 incher), and the Perch even turned on for awhile; a HUGE Camp-wide potluck pigout made it unnecessary to drive into North Bay to purchase pickerel. A lady from Camp is an absolute surgeon when it comes to the 5-cut boneless Pike fileting method; so everyone, including the kids had their fill, worry free about ingesting a fish bone. Every single family in Camp, contributed to our massive feast. solo ... specific to your comment and what it infers ... t least you referred to me as 'good meaning' but in the context you are using, I find it rather condescending ... you know, like I mean well, but my actions (if I chose to buy a few filets of NFN harvested Walleye) would enable the demise of the fishery. Do you really believe that? Lets talk facts ... NFN are entitled by treaty to net fish. They have been doing it for hundreds of years and it's going to continue. Ultimately, enforcing critical areas such as 'quotas' and 'a moratorium on netting during spawning season' falls on the Chief and her council. I did some research of found this >>> http://www.nfn.ca/land_fish.php <<< Be sure to check out the four video links posted, in addition to the text, and make your own conclusions. Based on Nipfisher's comment on pg1 of this thread ... 30 Walleye outing by a friend ... I'm not sure the Walleye fishery is close to demise? But if you believe it is, and want to talk about 'enabling' that eventuality, then you might want to give appropriate Ontario Government Agency heads a call and voice your concerns. There was recently a picture in the Nugget of Nipissing Ontario Liberal MPP Monique Smith, cutting the ribbon at the new NFN fish cleaning facility. Other funding groups are mentioned via the link above, on the NFN website. Part of the recent agreements and funding was to enable (there's that word again), NFN selling directly to local (and not so local) restaurants. Pretty sure that Churchills and Inn-On-The-Bay are dishing out way way more Walleye in a day, than my family would consume in a year. And what about the thousands upon thousands of those Big, black rat Cormorants still alive and well all over the Lake ... I'm sure more than me has noticed the dramatic decrease in perch and bluegill stocks, since their arrival in huge numbers several years ago. In the shallower areas of the Lake, Fish vs Cormorant is No Contest. Does this relatively new problem affect the larger fish? Pretty sure it does. Call the MNR and demand a controlled cull, and all you get is a lot of nothin. Is this Ont Government Ministry not then enabling the demise of the Walleye (by lack of specific action)? Makes ya go hmmmmmmm ... doesn't it. I'm betting most everyone reading this has personal knowledge of non-natives who routinely make multiple daily outings in the spring, stuff their freezers full of Walleye filets, where (4) is the per license limit, and maybe ignore the 'slot', and think nothing of it. Gee, I wonder if its only a couple, or maybe a whole lot, who do this, and maybe they are enabling the eventual demise of the fishery, as you say. So its complicated, but I believe the NFN have a vested interest in keeping the overall fishery healthy and sustainable. If they don't control their part, then they and we will all lose. I don't blame them for wanting to make a decent living for their family, by getting market price for their catch, preferably in an above board open retail outlet(s), and not out of the back of a pickup truck. On the other hand, if quotas are not respected, and the Chief and council can't control it, then they, and the Ont. Government who enabled the present situation have only themselves to blame. hey, I said goin in that this thread would be controversial.

hey nuke, sent you a PM, and thanks for the tip. Thanks to everyone for their thoughts on the original questions about actually Buying Walleye / Pickerel, either fresh or at a recommended restaurant. In addition to Eagles Nest, I have learned there are at least two North Bay restaurants (Churchills, Inn-on-the-Bay) in North Bay that are featuring Lake Nipissing Pickerel on their menus. It ain't cheap ($24 range) but what is these days. The cost of fresh pickerel fillets at the NFN outlets (I tracked down a phone number) also surprised me at $14.99 a pound. But that is not far from what the larger food chains are charging ($11-13 per lb. in S. Ont), and they can't tell you where the Pickerel came from (most likely Manitoba or lake erie). So the jury is still out on whether I'm going to pick up a few Pickerel filets (at The Boat or NFN store on Hwy 17) en route to our impending cottage rental ... will be a last minute call. Thanks again for the input on this thread.

thanks for the info, but I would never buy any "Fresh" pickerel (or any other supposedly fresh food item) from a "smoke shop". The only places I'd consider buying walleye fillets from are those that have 'restaurant standards" certification, and are regularly inspected by the power-to-be. Period. For sure that's not the cheapest route ... I had since learned that they're getting $14.99 per pound. Yikes! ... but at least it is guaranteed only hours out of the water. Joey ... thanks for the additional option re Lakair lodge ... something else to consider and thanks again Pikeguy, for the very detailed info, to help us catch our own (Pike or walleye). much appreciated

pikeguy - we usually troll or drift on the west side of the Hardwoods / Little Oak out to the marker buoy, and over towards Pine Island / Pickerel Rock, so Hay Narrows is within reach; we've avoided that area, based on reports that there are a crazy amount of prop eating rocks lurking. But where isn't there rocks this year? If we do venture over there, I assume your tip 'around the target' will become obvious? btw, our gang will eat Pike (nice handle you have there), so if we can't scare up any pickerel, we may throw out some spoons and spinner-baits and maybe we'll do ok, in the Pike department? thanks for your input.

well Mike, you may have a point there, but I'd rather call it 'good vacation planning' ... in any case, I think we will try our luck first, and if unsuccessful (even with all that new found Confidence), by say, mid-week, then it might just be an early morning trip to that place on Hwy 17 between Sturgeon and North Bay. and thanks for the well wishes ... I know we will have fun regardless of the fishing, just like that big OFC get-together early in the season.

thanks for the feedback so far, folks; some really good tips for us to check out next week. and like I said at the outset, this subject was bound to be controversial, and I totally understand those who say they would NEVER buy pickerel that have been taken on Lake Nipissing by gill nets. I myself have been in this camp till now, but am now leaning towards buying some from a 'certified' location, so our family can enjoy 'a taste' while on vacation. note to Nip ... thanks for your lengthy and informative reply; I'll try not to give up on Lake Nip for catching our own pickerel ... it is encouraging to know that folks you know have had recent success bagging some Pickerel in high numbers, in Calender Bay, and the biggie at Iron Island. I've actually fished at Iron Is. a few years back, and we got some nice jumbo Perch there, but didn't see any Walleye. If we get some light wind conditions maybe we'll give it another shot? If not ... then I'm likely visiting one of those places you mentioned. ;-)

I realize this topic may be controversial, but please take it at face value. My family and I will be vacationing at a lodge in the Sturgeon Falls / Verner area next week. This is an annual trip, but in recent years we have not had much success catching Walleye (pickerel) and really miss the unmistakable smell of fresh pickerel frying in the kitchen. I understand that pickerel can be sold legally by First Nations fisherman, but where is the best place to get it? Anyone tried some? I must admit that I would not have considered going this route in years past, but with the water where we will be only a couple (few) feet deep I know our chances of catching Walleye is Zippo. I am not willing to go miles across the lake in unfamiliar waters ... just too many rocks in play .. I also heard about logs. So spending $40 (or whatever) for some fresh pickerel fillets seems a safer route. The obvious concern is that by purchasing walleye, caught by gill nets is only enabling the further decline of fish stocks. I don't know if this is true or not, but I like to think that the commercial harvesting is being done with the future in mind? Last year we caught ONE Walleye for the entire week. It was a nice 20 incher, but we abide by the slot, took a quick picture, and released it. Very frustrating, but the law is the law. So what other choice do we have, if we want to enjoy one good pickerel feed while on vacation? I guess one option is to find a good restaurant that has Lake Nipissing pickerel on its menu. Any recommendations of good restaurants in Sturgeon Falls, Cache Bay, over to Lavigne? It think I saw a small ma and pa looking place advertising Pickerel Dinners just outside North Bay (heading towards Sturgeon) on the right. Anyone eaten there? Any feedback is appreciated. Please PM me, if not wanting to post to this thread. thanks a lot. ... Jim

Solo (Mike) thanks so much for the amazing report, and thanks to Bill for navigating you (both) through the wilds, safely, so you could write it. It really was (for me) like reading a novel you just can't put down, with the most outstanding pics to enhance the experience even more. As others have said ... 'you really made us (the reader) feel like we were there' ... but without the bee stings, and the crazy leg cramps. ;-) Well done, and I'm definitely looking forward to our (er...I mean, your) next adventure. take care. ... Jim

Oct 11th, 2011, is the date for the next Ontario provincial election .. mark your calender; I did, and I bet a lot of other Ontarians have as well. I wonder how many folks know that Dalton McGuinty's HST Tax grab on the following four items, are exempted in British Columbia's HST rules, namely: 1. Hydro 2. Home Heating 3. Gasoline and 4. Rec activites like Golf (that was the last straw for me). btw, I filled up on Tuesday at a Kitchener Petro Canada and cost of reg. was 92.2 ... this morning ... 102.0 so that's 7.5 cemts for Dalton and another 2.3 cents for PetroCan. What a joke

hey 'dude' thanks for the sermon, and suggestion that my buddies and I take our business elsewhere. I'm sure the owner of the Camp where we rent a cottage and boat annually, not to mention the Store Mgr at the 'No Frills' in Sturgeon Falls, would be mightily impressed. anyway, this thread is about Cormorants, and their effect on the fishery ... for the record, we covered a lot of water, and tried every technique imaginable, and the Walleye weren't there, cause the Perch weren't there, cause the freakin Cormorants have been feasting on them for the last Five years in the very shallow waters that I described. I'm clearly not as knowledgeable as you are, but I do know that if you present a fat dew worm to a Perch they will hit the hell out of it. No hits, no Perch. I might be wrong, but you sound like a local 'dude' and I'm happy that you had success catching Perch Ice Fishing, this past winter. Not a lot of multi-thousand flocks of Cormorants around then are there? Look, all I'm saying is that the damn Cormorants have contributed to fewer baitfish in the shallow waters that prevail in the Cache Bay to Collins Bay area and have therefore impacted the overall fishery. That is the big thing that has changed in the area I am familiar with. The good news, is that Cormorants tend to move on to other lakes or other areas of large Lakes (like Nipissing), once the quantify of feed can't sustain their numbers. We saw signs of that this spring ... only about 30-50 sighted, but I understand there are now large flocks in Calender Bay and along the South shore. Good luck with that.

just reading this thread and sounds like one fantastic time. I wish I could be there too, but maybe another year? Hope the weather and fish cooperate. Enjoy!