Happy New Year

Happy New Year and all the best for 2009 from Ignace Outposts!

Our holidays are over and we are on the road early New Years day to begin our show circuit. As much of a grind as the show circuit is we always look forward to seeing our guests/friends and potential guests in their own environment.

We end up "talking fishing" for days on end while doing the shows but when the fishing is a great as it is in the Northwestern part of Ontario, particularly with Ignace Outposts, our job is not only enjoyable but interesting as well.

Our show circuit is posted on our web site. If we are near you, please feel free to drop by the show and chat. 2009 dates are going quickly, seems many fishermen are determined not to miss a year with Ignace Outposts.

The US dollar is presently about 20% stronger than the Canadian Dollar so take advantage of the exchange rate and book with us. We post our rates in Canadian dollars so the exchange rate discount goes into your pocket if you live in the US. That certainly helps when deciding where to book your trip.

Nearing the end of 2008

2008 is ending quickly. This year we saw rocketing gas prices, a slow down in the economy, the reelection of the Canadian Prime Minister and the election of a new US President.

With 2009 only days away, we are busy preparing for our sport show circuit. Our shows start in Minneapolis this weekend and then we move to the Chicago area. Be sure to stop by a show and book your 2009 fishing or hunting adventure with Ignace Outposts if you haven't already done so. Key dates are going quickly. Don't miss your 2009 vacation.

Fishing for walleye or bass, northern or trout at our fly in camps, is one sure way to relax and let the cares of the world pass you by.

We will be leaving home on New Years Day to start the Minneapolis All Canada Show on Friday.
If you need to get a hold of us, phone and leave a voice mail or email us. We will get back to you.

We look forward to seeing you in 2009.

From All of us at Ignace Outposts

Have a great Holiday. Even tho we hear little of anything positive in the media, remember there are reasons to celebrate this Christmas.

"And behold, an angel of the Lord stood before them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were greatly afraid.
And the angel said to them, Do not fear, for behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy which will be to all people.
For there is born to you this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord.
And this is the sign to you: You will find a Babe wrapped in swaddling cloths, lying in a manger."





Merry Christmas from all of us at Ignace Outposts

What do you think?

Last week we were completely out of our element. We visited our youngest daughter in Toronto since she would be unable to come home for Christmas. Not only that but her champagne (23rd on the 23rd) birthday is Tues, which we would miss also.

Toronto may be in the same province as Ignace but it is a world away. 12 lane highways and several million people are a big change for us who have to drive over 2.5 hours with only trees and moose as scenery before flying east.

We spent quality time visiting and had to do the "shopping thing". Being as adventurous as I am, I agreed to go along. I held my breath traversing the multi-lane roads and let out a gasp of relief when a Bass Pro store appeared on the horizon.

The girls wore out shoes in the mall and I was as happy as a walleye in a school of shiners at Bass Pro. They even have a DeHavilland Beaver hanging from the ceiling which warmed the cockles of my heart even tho the aircraft should be set free to roam the northern skies with me.

After spending quality time checking out all the latest gear I don't really need (a handful of jigs makes up most of my brown bag tackle kit) we defied life and limb on the roads again back to Joanna's apartment.

Now my Christmas quandary - is it bad form to stuff your own stocking?





Don't forget to put Ignace Outposts on the short wish list for your walleye and northern fishing adventure in 2009.

Made it home

We made it home on Friday evening just barely getting getting out of Toronto before things got really set back at the airport with the "big storm". I am glad many of the West Jet pilots are old bush pilots.

Now to Kenora for a few days to visit Mike and Care.
Then we'll be home for Christmas.

We'll be on the sport show circuit in less than 2 weeks so mark your calender to visit us at one of the shows. Our show itinerary is here.

Tight lines and keep your rod tips up.

Flight Delays

Karen and I are sitting/waiting at the airport in Toronto after visiting our daughter Joanna - pre Christmas.

The weather forcasters are calling the winter storm today, "snow-megaddon". Well, temps just below freezing and a few inches of snow doesn't really constitute an emergency where we live, but when you share it with a few million people, I guess things become more interesting.

What I am finding out is that I'd rather wait in Ignace for weather to improve than wait at Toronto Airport.
In aviation, safety is of primary importance and we do our best to stay safe. Sometimes we have to wait for weather too.

My experience with the big airlines is that you are just another "bum in the seat". At Ignace Outposts and Airways, you are a valued guest who is treated like a friend. When was the last tme you were delayed at an airport and were able to sit with the airline president and pilots talking fishing?

Walleye, northern, lake trout, bass... Yes summer is coming soon. If you are thinking about these things, give us a call or send an email. We'd love to visit us this summer.

Lake trout

We have several species of fish in the lakes we operate on. Most of our guests look primarily for walleyes to eat and northern for the fight. One of my favorites which fights like a mule and tastes great is Lake Trout.

Lake trout require cold, clear, well oxygenated water. They are found in Seseganaga Lake, Irene Lake and Gamble Lake.

In summer they often move to depths of 50 to 100 feet, but in spring and fall you can find them at depths of 20 feet or less. They prefer water from 40 to 52 degree F.



Lake trout are not jumpers like bass, but instead wage a strong, determined underwater battle. You can usually identify them by their vicious head shake after they are hooked. They have boney mouths so a strong hook set is encouraged.

We recommend barbless hooks so the trout can be quickly and safely released. Most are taken by trolling with spoons or minnow-like plugs. They can also be taken by bottom-fishing with whole or cut bait fish like siscos or herring.



Check out our other lakes at www.ignaceoutposts.com

Winter in the Great White North

This past weekend we had our first winter storm. Blowing snow, temps around -30C with winds around 50 mph gave us a good reason to stay indoors. East of us highways and schools are closed. Here in Ignace were we are a little heartier. Life goes on - just a little cool.



Today is clean up day. The snow has stopped for now but it is still cold and windy. Even without wind shill we are at -25C as I start plowing. Wind chills are in the -38 C range.

Christmas Dinner

Last evening, Randy, Joe and John braved the cold and stopped by with their wives to join us in our home for our annual Christmas dinner. Karen's folks also joined us.

It was a nice evening featuring Salmon Wellington, hot bacon spinach salad and wild cranberry/pecan pie. (we don't eat walleye all the time).

The temps dropped to -30C last night. With a nice fire in the wood stove and an abundance of food and fellowship, we spent the evening discussing almost everything but work.

With our staff working hard all summer it is nice to get together like this and do something for them.

We are are already planning our 2009 summer. Have you put your plans together yet? As your families and friends get together over the holidays, make sure Ignace Outposts and a fly in fishing trip come up in the conversation.


We look forward to seeing you in 2009.
www.ignaceoutposts.com

What's them tracks?

While out in the bush of Northwestern Ontario we sometimes see tracks on the ground. Identifying the tracks is a popular pastime for those of us who live here.

One day Randy, John and Joe were walking through the bush. I'm not sure what they were looking for but they saw a set of tracks on the ground.

John immediately said, "Those are deer tracks",

to which Joe replied, "No those are bear tracks",

and Randy, who see lots of tracks close to his house said, "You are both wrong, those are moose tracks"




They were still arguing when the train hit them.

Think about this...

It only takes a few moments to go from this...









To this...



Walleye so fresh they are still quivering as they go into the pan. You don't have to be a chef to manage great walleye. This alone is reason enough to book a fly in adventure with Ignace Outposts.

Top 10 Reasons why FISHING is the Best past time

Top 10 Reasons why FISHING is the Best past time.

10 - You can watch shows about Fishing in the living room.
9 - You don't have to hide your Fishing magazines.
8 - The Ten Commandments don't say anything against Fishing.
7 - If your partner takes pictures of you Fishing, you don't have to worry about them showing up on the Internet if you become famous.
6 - Your Fishing partner doesn't get upset about people you Fished with long ago.
5 - It's perfectly respectable to Fish with a total stranger.
4 - You can have a Fishing calendar on your wall at the office, tell Fishing jokes, and invite coworkers to Fish with you at Ignace Outposts without getting sued for harassment.
3 - Nobody expects you to Fish with the same partner for the rest of your life.
2 - You can plan a vacation at Ignace Outposts to enjoy your favorite activity.
1 - Your Fishing partner will never say, "Not again? We just Fished last week! Is Fishing all you ever think about?"

Most deadly sport?

I am not sure if many who read this have seen a TV show called "MANswers". It is definitely targeted towards the adolescent mind. Since my wife often reminds me I sometimes act adolescent, I figure I can learn some good stuff that may be useful when I grow up.

On this "educational" show, I learned that fishing is the most deadly sport.

As a matter of fact no other sport comes close.



Fishing in itself is not fatal; it is some associated activities which could be fatal. The three most common fatal activities associated with fishing are:

1) hitting submerged objects (ie. rocks, and we have lots of those in our lakes) while driving the boat too fast -hard to do with our 10 hp Mercs as long as there is only one on the boat,

2) drowning which is most likely attributable to the first and last items here as well as not wearing a life preserver,

3) and being intoxicated. Alcohol plays a large part in boating fatalities. Studies have not surprisingly shown that in most male drownings in our area the fellow has his fly open.

I am not trying to scare anyone but am trying to caution you that boating safety is not something to take lightly. By definition, safety is the mitigation of risk. Wearing a life jacket, not drinking and driving, respecting the weather and water conditions and knowing how to properly operate the motor all contribute to safety.

Ontario has strict boating rules dealing with alcohol, safety equipment and availability of life jackets. Please be aware of these laws since they are really there for your safety.

Canadian Boating Safety

See you in 2009

Take a break

According to the dictionary a "vacation" is "a period of suspension of work, study, or other activity, usually used for rest, recreation, or travel". Take note of the suspension of work part.

We live in world of connectivity. We some how feel we must be in touch. With what? Stress is built upon feeling important enough that we can't be missed. Without a doubt there are folks who have important positions, I may even be one of them. I am probably as guilty as anyone in finding excuses not to take a break.

Here is an article about how to manage work while on vacation.

A Vacation Challenge...

Read this article and take special note of her suggestion #5. We offer not only some of the best fishing in Canada, a wilderness experience, natural wildlife and a little"piece and quite", but also a destination where connectivity is not even an option.

Why not suspend work a little and manage a great fishing trip at the same time. When you sit and day dream, do you really think about more work to do or do you escape into a world of doing what you want to do... like catching and releasing that lunker northern, frying up some feisty walleye, battling a football sized smallie?

I know what I dream about and it isn't more work.

Contact us today about you 2009 Ignace Outposts adventure.

Stay within the weight limits

We have been pleased with our guests that have cut back on "extra" stuff when packing for their Ignace Outposts fishing trip. Similar to the major airlines, weight is an major cost issue when transporting by air.

Just for information; American Airlines charges $15 for the first checked bag, under 50 pounds, and $25 for the second bag. Bags between 51 and 70 pounds cost $50. Bags over 70 pounds cost $100. Unlike the major airlines, we don't have a per bag fee. We do have weight limits however.

We allow 100 lbs per person as part of your package. This is very reasonable and more than many of our competitors. It does require a little planning to reduce weight to 100 lbs if you are not careful with planning. To help in the planning, I came across this handy little device. It can be used for your airline flying too. Luggage Scale

Most luggage stores carry something similar too.



Why not add this device to your Christmas wish list.

They've earned their rest

On Metionga Lake, John has a graveyard of sorts. Or perhaps we should call it the "Plot of Fame". Many a fishing rod has given its all in the battle against a Metionga Northern Pike.

We can ask no less of our equipment and fittingly, John has a tract of land designed to their heroic efforts. Graphite, fiberglass and even bamboo has succumbed to the extraordinary forces associated with landing a monster northern.



May they rest in piece(s)

Our 2008 Annual Newsletter is available

We've posted our 2008 annual newsletter on line. You can find it here or on our website under newsletters.

Give us a try

If you are looking for your first experience at a flyin fishing outpost camp, give us, Ignace Outposts, a call at 807-934-2273

Visit our site at www.ignaceoutposts.com/

Darryl Choronzey from Going Fishing TV reported we have "some of the finest fishing for walleye, that I’ve come across in more than 50 years of fishing"


Hope to see you in Ignace, Ontario

A Northern Pike Lake

I was reading the other day (yes I do that sometimes) about "What makes a good Northern Pike Lake" in Cabela's Outfitter Journal.

Here are some of their criteria - and I compared them to Seseganaga Lake just for fun:

Good Northern Pike Lake ============ Seseganaga Lake

- Large Body of water ================== check

- marshy spawning areas ==== ============ check

- an abundance of deep water ================ check

- good supply of forage species ===== =========== check

- steady diet of whitefish, suckers
lake trout, ciscoes ====================== check

- found in Northwestern Ontario ====== ======== check mate!






We are only a few hours over the Canada US border at either Pigeon River (Thunder Bay) or International Falls. Easily a day's drive from Minneapolis, Chicago, Milwaukee or Green Bay.

If you are looking for a change from the ordinary, check out our web site

www.ignaceoutposts.com

Send us an mail if you have questions or give us a call. 807-934-2273

Shore Lunch Steak

I thought I'd seen everything! While visiting some guests in the bush, I learned a new way to cook steak which puts my best efforts to shame. And I cook a mean steak already.

I call this steak "Shore Lunch Steak". It is also known as "Caveman Steak" and "Dirty Steak". Whatever the name, it is Great!

To prepare a steak worthy of the finest restaurant, you don't need either a restaurant nor even a stove or BBQ.

Shore lunch Steak is done with the same tools as shore lunch fish.




Begin with some fine cuts of meat. Prime rib steak is rather tasty as is New York Strip. I'm sure any steak this side of an old shoe would work. Build a fire. Preferably in a fire pit. Season the meat with a little Montreal Steak Spice or other favorite seasoning. Get a black cast iron pan searing hot with a little olive oil in it and sear the steaks for a moment or two on each side.



Once seared, let your fire burn down to coals. You don't want flames at this point. Just toss the steaks right onto the coals. Let the steaks cook on the coals for about 3 to 4 minutes and then flip. Cook another 3 to 4 minutes depending on the thickness and desired doneness. Amazingly, you will hardly need to flick off any charcoal from the steak before serving.



Add a little salad, potatoes, veggies or whatever else the sous chefs have prepared. Pour a glass of the fine wine you opened a half hour earlier (did I fail to mention the wine?)

A few walleye prepared fresh as a side dish makes this version of surf and turf an awesome meal.

Propose a toast to the joys of gourmet meals at Ignace Outposts.

Enjoy.

ps. don't forget to put out the fire - dead out! and I really prefer if you wish to do this, do it at shore lunch, away from the camp - bears love BBQ too!

THINGS YOU SHOULD BE AWARE OF:

Guests at Ignace Outposts camps are advised of the following issues which may affect your trip:

Pain: Fishing may cause pain specifically to your ego when the big one gets away. Also arms get sore from catching fish all day. The best remedy is to fish again and again and again until pain goes away.

Danger: Fishing at our camps may be dangerous to your arm muscles and back muscles. Your muscles may involuntarily go into cast and jig mode at the most inopportune times after you return to civilization.

Addiction: Addiction to Ignace Outposts is a possible outcome of your trip with us. As of this time there is no known 12 step support group nor cure, barring a return trip to ease the craving.



Stress: Believe it or not it is stressful actually thinking about your hard working buddies and family members who cover for you while you are on an Ignace Outposts trip.

Damaged Credibility: Your credibility will indeed suffer when you try to expound on your fishing adventure with Ignace Outposts. Photos do help but since you will not need to embellish, no one will believe that you are not doing so.

Ruined Self Image: The fact is some else in your group will catch more and bigger fish. This is especially true when you are with your children or spouse. May as well just face the fact and get over it.



Weight Gain: It is only the most dedicated dieter (or vegetarian) who can say “no” to a second helping of fresh fried fish during a shore lunch. Some of our more experienced guests have been able to say “no” to the 4th helping however.

Out of Touch: Even though we supply two way radios for safety, we do not provide sports scores or highlights of world events. And no, your cell phone will not work. For a short time you will have to forget about the rest of the world.

Contact us for your 2009 fishing trip. Our news letter will be posted soon. Get your dates set up before the news letter to ensure your dates.

Lindor's wisdom

Our chocolate Lab Lindor gives the impression that a bag of hammers is slightly smarter than he is. In actuality he oozes wisdom. Here are a few things he has taught us over the years.

        When loved ones come home, always get up to greet them.   

        Take naps.

        Stretch before rising.                                         

        Run, romp, and play daily.                                     

        Avoid biting when a simple growl will do.                      

        On warm days, stop to lie on your back on the grass.           

        On hot days, drink lots of water and lie under a shady tree.   

        When you're happy, dance around and wag your entire body.      

        Delight in the simple joy of a long walk.                      

        Be loyal.                                                      

        Never pretend to be something you're not.                      

        If what you want lies buried, dig until you find it.           

        When someone is having a bad day, be silent, sit close by, and nuzzle them gently.                                                 

Winter is upon us

This morning my call is "the lake is frozen." Winter is here. Nov 12 is about a week late for our ice in, but we have also seen ice coming and going in the fall up to late Nov. There are little patches of water still open but not enough this morning to find a path across the lake.



Things are quiet this time of year in the yard but we still have lots to do.



This is the first year we've not done our own winter aircraft maintenance.






Not ready for the sleds yet but we'll soon be in that inevitable winter deep freeze.

We drove from Kenora yesterday and many of the little lakes on the side of the highway were frozen so I knew Agimak Lake was not far off.

Non Resident Outdoors Card Requirement for 2009

Here is a little update about the Non-Resident Outdoors Card Program.
The program will come into effect Jan. 1/09. Similar to the requirement in place already for Canadian residents a non resident wishing to hunt or fish in Ontario will be required to have an Outdoors Card. The card will cost $9.00 and be valid for 3 years. These new requirements are part of the implementation of a new licensing automation system that takes effect 2010. The requirement for an Outdoors Card will also enhance the ability to replace lost hunting and fishing licenses and hunters will only need to show their hunter accreditation once rather than each time purchasing a hunting license. Once the paper application has been completed, the Outdoors Card will be mailed to the purchaser's home address. The application will be part of your fishing license purchase when you fish in Ontario in 2009.

Work or play

What would you rather do? Work or play.

Most of us work because we have to. We play because we want to.

My take on this: Take some time and play - otherwise why work?

Ignace Outposts offers quality play time for the outdoorsy at heart.






Now is a great time to get set up for 2009.

3 simple steps to a great Ignace Outpost fishing trip:
Get the trip booked now. Then conveniently place a few Cabelas catalogs about the house with sticky notes marking a few choice suggestions for Christmas and start planning the time off work.

Check out our web site. Most questions about our business are answered right there, but don't be afraid to call. We love to talk fishing. Give us a call 807-934-2273. Ask for Brad or Karen.

We look forward to talking to you.




I think Robsey would tell you this is better than work any day.

No photoshopping

This is no photo manipulation. These two are standing on a rock just at the surface of Metionga Lake. They are not marking the rock (we use jugs for that) but having a little photo op for posterity.

I constantly caution our boaters to be aware of hazards under the water. It is the structure of most of our lakes that makes the fishing so phenomenal. It is impossible to mark every rock so we mark only a few, particularly for the aircraft. It makes a huge difference if you hit a rock at 60 mph as opposed to 8 mph. I do not encourage smacking a rock at any speed so please be careful on the lakes.

Speaking of boating, have you booked your 2009 trip yet? If not why wait? Give us a call or send an email and we'll get you set up.

See you in 2009.

Trolling for walleye?

Dave and Dee are long time "regulars". Now that Dave is retired, they spend a little more time traveling. They sent me this picture from their Mediterranean cruise with the following note.

"Trolling for Walleye’s was kinda hard in our fishing boat!"




Not only were they thinking of walleye in Greece, Dave sent a note that they wanted to troll for Northern in the canals of Venice.

Well Dave, our boats work great for trolling Walleye. And our lakes hold a few more Northern Pike than a canal does. Maybe we can offer you a Metionga "cruise" that will satisfy both your passions - Walleye and Northern.

See you in 2009.

For a much easier way of trolling walleye, check us out at Ignace Outposts.

Rugged Dude

Better late than never. RD the Rugged Dude, visited us in May at Flindt Lake. He is a busy guy (fishing and hunting for a living) and just got around to sending us this note.

Hey Brad and Karen,

I just wanted to send you a quick note along with a few pictures from one of my recent trips. After traveling across Canada for eight years now and after taping four shows with you, I can safely say (without BS-ing anyone!) that you run a first rate outpost vacation.

As you know, this past spring we taped a show at your Flindt Lake outpost and we should have that episode edited soon. I caught two nice walleyes over 24 inches and a pile of 17 – 20 inchers. My buddy caught two really good northerns; one was 38 inches and the other 37. Oh… and, uh, um… good thing for your prop guards… I found out that they work very, very well.

One other thing… I just finished writing my book, “The Trip of a Lifetime.” It’s a 206 page book about hunting and fishing trips in Canada. The last chapter is called “RD’s Top Ten Destinations” and I included a section on your operation. Top ten isn’t too bad when you consider I’ve been to over 175 places now!

Thanks again and stay RUGGED!

RD, “The Rugged Dude”

Host & Executive producer, Officially Rugged Television

Rugged is the one drinking out of the milk carton. Being married I could never get away with that - in the bush or not.

A fall report from Metionga Lake

Why shouldn't your kids have the opportunity for a trophy fish too?

We operate our business with the idea that the fishing quality should be improving under our stewardship rather than the opposite. We encourage all large fish be returned to the lake to breed and that only smaller tastier fish are kept to eat. No trophies for the wall. Take a picture and release the fish.

Conservation has become the norm at many fly in outposts however we are proud to have been a leader in this practice for over twenty years.

Jim Pierce, a long time guest has fished many of our lakes.. actually most of our lakes. In September Jim was up with his brother and two friends to Metionga Lake. He sends this little report. Jim is a great proponent of our catch and consume policy.


Hello Brad,

Sorry it took so long to send in this year's fishing report. It has been real busy since we got back. In 10 days of fishing on Metionga lake the first week of September we caught over 2500 walleyes with 4 people fishing, and had the best year in over 20 years for catching big walleyes. We figured that we caught over 1000 fish over 20 inches, and many of those between 22 and 26 inches long. That just goes to show you being one of the the first outfitters to start catch and release many years ago that has made all the difference in the quality of fishing we experienced this year. Between the great people, excellent running boats, and well equipped cabins we could not ask for a better fishing trip. We are already looking forward to next year. If you ever need a reference just have them call.

Thanks again Brad and Karen.

Jim







Jeff W on Metionga Lake in Sept 08.



Just one of many walleye.




Jeff W with a "eater". This is the size for the pan.


As our government says.
"The future of fishing is in your hands"

Book your 2009 fishing adventure with Ignace Outposts today.

Thinking of 2009

Our 2008 season is barely over and already we are planning for 2009. One thing new for 2009 which will be required by all our guests is a Pleasure Craft Operator Card (a boat operators certificate).

This is a Canadian Law which affects anyone who wishes to operate a boat in Canada. Hopefully your outfitter has told you about this requirement.

If you live in the US you can get a certificate from your home state. Here is a web site to check out. http://americasboatingcourse.com/ For some States you can do the exam online. Others you can not but you can take the course on line.

If you live in Canada, you need a Canadian certificate. Here is one option for acquiring the certificate on line. Boater Exam . Americans can also get a Canadian cerfificate but it is advisable that you get one in your home justification.


Don't wait. Get your certificate today. Be ready for 2009.

It would be a shame to be standing on shore fishing while your buddies cruise around in a boat because you missed this one.

2008 season is over

The 2008 season has ended. All hunters are out safely, camps are closed and the aircraft have been put to bed.




It is time to start thinking about 2009. Give us a call or drop an email to get your dates set up. Forecasts are for a great fishing season coming. When times are stressful, the need for relaxation is high.

Thanks for another great year.

See you in 2009!

Sawdust time

Where does it come from?

I have posted before about the fact that we are one of the few fly in outfitters that still provide ice in ice houses for our guests. I have explained that the ice doesn't get into the ice house by itself. The sawdust doesn't either




Randy, Joe and I found a nice pile of sawdust near Ignace and the owner was happy to have us help him move some of it away.



Bagging sawdust is not actually in our job description, but getting things done is our specialty. White gloves need not apply.

Oh the joys!

October brings some of the worst flying weather in our area.

It is also in October that we have moose hunters out and are in the last stages of our season. It happens often in October that as weather patterns change, we encounter flight delays. On Sunday, Randy and I went to our Seseganaga camp to pick up our successful moose hunting party.

We had no problem getting to Seseganaga but had a small delay getting home. Hurry up and wait becomes a fall motto.

I waited on a small lake for a few hours and Randy in his wisdom waited at the Seseganaga camp with a nice cabin and warm fire. When the frontal system passed we were safely on our way.










As I've said many times, "It is always better to be down here wishing I was up there than up there wishing I was down here. "

At least it wasn't snow. The snow delay came on Monday. And Tuesday brought a dense morning fog and heavy frost to delay us again.

A common find

Do you wonder where fishing line goes when it is caught in the prop? It does not just disappear.

We go through all our motors in the fall to ensure everything is working well for the next summer. One of the most common problems we find with our motors is line wrapped around the prop shaft. I know none of our fisherman get any line caught around the prop but none the less the line appears every year. It is amazing how much we actually pull from the shaft. This line can cause the seals at the bottom of the motor to break and let oil out and water into the lower unit. The worst line we encounter is "Spider Wire" type line. This stuff is almost bullet proof and causes the most damage.

I tell this so that if by some unfortunate accident the "other guy" gets his line wrapped in the prop, and you are driving the boat, please don't wait til his reel is empty, take the 1 or 2 minutes to pull the line from the prop so we don't lose a motor. It only takes a second to do when it happens and you can use the time to curse at your partner. The fish will wait, as they snicker, and be ready to bite when you have the line untangled. And when you do take the line off the prop, please don't throw it in the lake. Put it in your pocket and bring it back to camp to augment the stories you will tell anyway. It is always best best to have the proof readily available.

Then throw the line in the garbage where it belongs.

Thanx










This is not a furry disk, it is fishing line!