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.