Wednesday, December 31, 2008

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.

Monday, December 29, 2008

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.

Wednesday, December 24, 2008

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

Monday, December 22, 2008

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.

Sunday, December 21, 2008

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.

Friday, December 19, 2008

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.

Wednesday, December 17, 2008

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

Monday, December 15, 2008

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.

Friday, December 12, 2008

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

Wednesday, December 10, 2008

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.

Monday, December 08, 2008

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.


Friday, December 05, 2008

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?"

Wednesday, December 03, 2008

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

Monday, December 01, 2008

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.