2010 is our 25th season at Ignace Outposts

You’ll hear this often over the next year. We are excited to be in our 25^th season. Looking back we were just pups when we came to Ignace. We came with two small children and one in the oven, a big dog, lots of ambition and no idea that we’d still be enjoying this a quarter century later. Karen agreed to try this venture with me for 5 to 10 years. 25 years later we look back to many great friendships and lots of great memories…and forward to many more yet to come.

As we head into 2010, world economics are still soft, there are concerns of wars, and terrorism and Canada and the United States just can’t seem to get border issues under control. But we are optimistic that things will improve. Regardless of distractions, it is for that very reason vacations are important. We have the privilege of offering a unique Canadian experience – a remote get away.

No cell phones, smart phones, emails, Facebook, instant messaging or other tethers to the internet are available at our camps. These things were not even in existence when we began in Ignace.

Let go of the rat race and spend some quality face to face time with those who matter. Think about it, how will missing a few emails compare to the memories of time well spent at Ignace Outposts in 5 years time or even 25 years.

Have a great New Year and we look forward to seeing you in 2010!

Our base sometime in the past.  Likely the early 80’s.

Best Wishes

To Our Left-wing Friends:

Please accept with no obligation, implied or explicit, our best wishes for an environmentally conscious, socially responsible, low-stress, non-addictive, gender-neutral celebration of the winter solstice holiday, practiced within the most enjoyable traditions of the religious persuasion of your choice, or secular practices of your choice, with respect for the religious/secular persuasion and/or traditions of others, or their choice not to practice religious or secular traditions at all. We also wish you a fiscally successful, personally fulfilling and medically uncomplicated recognition of the onset of the generally accepted calendar year 2010, but not without due respect for the calendars of choice of other cultures.   Also, this wish is made without regard to the race, creed, color, age, physical ability, religious faith or sexual preference of the wishee.

(Disclaimer: This greeting is subject to clarification or withdrawal. It implies no promise by the wisher to actually implement any of the wishes for her/himself or others and no responsibility for any unintended emotional stress these greetings may bring to those not caught up in the holiday spirit.)

 

To Our Right-wing Friends:

Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!

Brad and Karen
Ignace Outposts
http://www.ignaceoutposts.com

2010 Guest Handbook on-line

We’ve updated our guest planning handbook.  It has some important updates.  Even our long time guests may want to check it out.  I encourage everyone planning an Ignace Outposts trip this summer to see it on our web site.  Guest Planning Handbook

It is in pdf format so you can view it on your computer or print it out as a reference. 

Great resource

At this time of year family and friends get together. If your gatherings are anything like the ones I attend, conversation quickly passes through politics, kids, in-laws and then turns to real interests like fishing and sports. Once the topics enter this arena the sports provide friendly argument and the fishing returns to common ground. I don't think the Pack vs the Vikes will ever be settled, but I digress. Outside a few boasts on size, there is not much to disagree about when talking fishing. If questions arise concerning a Canada trip (with Ignace Outposts of course) I am providing a link to a great info web site: http://www.infonorth.net/
This site will answer the detail questions about heading to our part of the country. It can't help with the techniques of fishing, but then we do need something to remain subjective.

This one is for the ladies!

I’m not being sexist, but a reality of our business is that the vast majority of our guests are men. This blog post is designed to be left up inadvertently on the family computer to drop a few hints for “stocking stuffers” for a fisherman. If you do plan to bring your better half on an Ignace Outposts trip this summer, of course you can load up her stocking with some of these great items. I am sure no one would notice if you augmented your own stocking either.

I am assuming the Ignace Outposts trip has already been booked. If not you can start with a major Christmas gift then fill the stocking as a hint.

Sunscreen

Yes this is often required on Canadian Lakes too.

Multi tool

A good multi tool is invaluable in a boat. With some of these devices enterprising anglers can perform complex jobs just short of minor surgery. A tether is advisable to ensure this is not an annual purchase.

Filet knife

A fisherman and his knife very quickly become inseparable. A good quality knife such as a Rapala (brand) will last for years. And in this regard size does matter; a 7 1/2 inch blade is just about perfect. Be sure to include a sharpener for bonus points.

Thermos

A durable heavy thermos is ideal for keeping hot foods hot. Use for hot coffee or soup for lunch.

Nail clippers

Even though most fishermen could care less about a French Manicure, they do find these cheap little nail clippers a handy fishing tool. Clipping fishing line with nail clippers saves chipped front teeth. This is also an item that should be on a tether.

Insect repellent

We do have mosquitoes (nastius bitingus) in our area. A little deet helps makes the evenings more bearable.

Lures/bait

Most lures are designed to catch the fisherman at the baitshop. But you can’t go wrong with Rapalas, jigs, Berkley power baits and Gulp alive.

Hand crank flashlight

This is a handy thing to have in a tackle box, particularly when the tackle box gets out only once a year on it’s annual pilgrimage to Ignace Outposts.

Places such as Walmart or Bass Pro are good places to look for these items.

And a little hint, save money by not buying a new lucky hat, or taking a wild guess at a new type of fishing line. There are a few things that just do not make good gifts.

Thought for the day

"If people concentrated on the really important things in life, there'd be a shortage of fishing poles."

Back in the Office

We are back in the office now after a little vacation of our own. Yes every once in a while we get to do that too. Too cold to go to an outpost so we headed south for a little tan and R&R.
If you are planning an Ignace Outposts vacation for 2010 be sure to send us an email or make a phone call. We'd love to see you fish with the best next summer.

Happy Birthday Karen!

 

Today my best friend and life partner turns another year older.  This one is a milestone.  I really shouldn’t say how many years, but we’ve been in Ignace 25 years and she is twice as old now as she was 25 years ago.  Do the math. 

Together we’ve raised three fine kids.    

She tackles life head on, and manages to keep a grasp on the business end of our business.  She ensures I don’t eat pizza for supper every night.

And she is still playing hockey! 

Happy Birthday hon!

2009 Newsletter on line

We have published our 2009 newsletter and yearly recap on line.  The link is here.  Newsletter

It is time to start think about your 2010 fishing trip with Ignace Outposts. Drop us a note and we’ll get you set up for your summer adventure.

We look forward to hosting you for our 25th season in Ignace.  It is hard to believe that this summer we will have been serving our friends and guests in Ignace for a quarter century.

Our rates will remain the same for 2010.  Our sport show circuit for 2010 is posted on our web site.  Check out the newsletter for details.

Happy Thanksgiving

South of the Canada/US border, our American friends are gathering for a Thanksgiving Dinner. 

Thanksgiving is a time to reflect on our blessings.  There is so much more to Thanksgiving than football and turkey.  As your families gather over the holidays, keep in mind the freedom you have to do so.  

Happy Thanksgiving from Ignace Outposts!

Ignace Outposts Computing

LOG ON: Making the woodstove hotter
LOG OFF: Don't add more wood
MONITOR: Keeping an eye on your rod tip
DOWNLOAD: Getting the fishing gear off the Otter
MEGA HERTZ: When you’re not careful getting into the boat
FLOPPY DISK: What you get from lifting a cooler full of beer
RAM: coming into the dock too fast
FLASH DRIVE: The ride to Ignace while anticipating your fly in trip
HARD DRIVE: Getting home after a great fishing trip
PROMPT: What makes you think about fishing in Ignace – like Brad’s blog
WINDOWS: What to shut when it’s raining
SCREEN: What to shut when it’s mosquito season
BYTE: What them dang black flies do
MEGA BYTE: What the walleyes do
CHIP: Munchies for the cabin
MICRO CHIP: What’s left in the munchie bag
INFRARED: Where the Micro chips go; Fred eats them
MODEM: What you must do to your lawns before you come to Ignace
LAP TOP: Great place to get fish slim off your hands
KEYBOARD: Where you hang the keys
SOFTWARE: Those darn plastic forks and knives
MOUSE: What tries to join you in the cabin
MAIN FRAME: Holds up the cabin roof
PORT: Fancy Wine
ENTER: Northern slang for “c'mon in y'all”
RANDOM ACCESS MEMORY: Why you can’t member what you paid for your new fishing rod when your wife asks
INTERNET: Where you want that big northern after a 20 minute fight
BACKSPACE: The upright part of the boat seat.
CABLE: The type of fishing line a rookie brings on a fly in trip
WIRELESS: The style of spectacles most men over 40 need to tie their lure to their line
BLACKBERRY: Cousin of the raspberry. Not related to the blueberry but still very tasty.
WEB: The result of not paying attention when trolling crosses one or more angler’s line.

Ice In!

Those who have followed our adventures here in Ignace for a while, know that we get rather excited when the ice goes out in the spring. Six months of hard water is enough.  But, ironically enough we also look forward to ice in.  The lake froze over last night.  This is about 2 to 3 weeks later than normal.   This year it signals 6 more months until our 25th season begins. 

We are preparing our 2009 news letter to post on line next week.  Watch for it.  When our newsletter is published, bookings seem to come in droves so if you want to get ahead of the game for your 2010 fishing trip and you are not already in our books, get a hold of us soon.  You don’t want to wait too long and miss your preferred dates.

Memories of summer

Nov 2/2009  via email

Hi, Brad & Karen,

I just thought I would drop a note to tell you how much we enjoyed our fishing trip this summer. The cabin was in good shape as always & Joe stopped in for coffee about every morning to tell us any news. The fishing was a little slow for the first couple of days, but picked up pretty quick. The 4 of us caught and released almost 400 walleye that ranged in size from 16 to 24 inches  and 40 pike that was 24 to 43 inches  in the week that we were there. …

Thanks,

R George

 

Thanks guys, we look forward to seeing you soon.

That is a nice fish.  I think having fishing like that with some great buddies is an awesome vacation.  Give us a call or send an email and we’ll help you set up your 2010 Ignace Outposts trip.

Longer Blanket?

Our season is over for 2009.  We have not been idle however.  We are already working on 2010.  2010 will be our 25th year running this fine fishing and hunting business.  We are looking forward to this milestone.   Many look to 25 years to retire but we are having too much fun.

Over the last few weeks I’ve been in and out of Ignace for meetings (4 this week alone) and in between have been getting our base winterized, motors ready for 2010, repairs made to equipment and everything put away for the snow season.

Karen is working on government reports, remittances, closing the books and getting several albums up on a new Flickr account.  http://www.flickr.com/photos/ignaceoutposts/  Check it regularly for updates.

This week we are off to an industry convention, Provincial tourism advisory meetings and other meetings in Sault Ste Marie and Toronto. 

We do regularly check emails but we have no Blackberry so responses are not instant. 

Our newsletter will be posted in a few weeks, and our post card mail out will be going soon.  If you are not on our electronic mailing list, please sign up on our website.

This weekend is the switch to daylight savings time.  Funny concept, similar to thinking that cutting 6 inches off one end of a blanket and sewing it on the other end will make the blanket longer.

End of the 2009 Season

Yesterday we finished our 2009 season. On Sunday we pulled out our last moose hunters and shut down the last of the camps. On Monday we ferried the Otter and Beaver to Nestor Falls for their winter maintenance. Today we catch our breath and say good bye to Rob who flew the Cessna and Beaver for us this summer.

A big thank you to our guests this last summer and a special thank you to our great staff.



Watch for our annual newsletter which we will post on the web sometime in November. We are taking bookings for 2010 and so far it looks like confidence is returning to the US and some cabins and lakes are already booking up.

Check our website www.ignaceoutposts.com and sign up for for the newsletter. It will be not be mailed out but will be made available electronically.

Ready for Winter

I came across this bruin the other day.  Or should I say he came across me while I was out enjoying the afternoon.  My vehicle was a good 300 yards away.  For a moment I wondered if I could run faster scared than he could hungry.

No worries however since either he wasn’t hungry or I didn’t look succulent enough. In any case, as is the norm he just ignored me and walked away. 

Looks like he is well ready to snooze through the winter.

Happy Thanksgiving

Today, Oct 12, is Thanksgiving Day in Canada.  For my friends south of the border, yes we have Thanksgiving too. And ours is not only earlier in the year, but Thanksgiving was celebrated in Canada over 40 years before the Pilgrims even arrived at Plymouth Rock.

Check it out:

Canadian Thanksgiving

To those in Canada, have a Happy Thanksgiving. Enjoy your turkey.  We’ll be in Kenora to visit Mike and Care (our son and daughter-in-law).  Because we still have moose hunters in the bush it is only a day trip.

To those in the USA, you’ll have to wait a few more weeks til the beginning of Christmas shopping season.

We do indeed have much to be thankful for.

A thank you note

Ignace Air and Ouposts

October 5, 2009

Hello Brad and Karen,

Just a note to say thank you.

Our trip into Metionga this year was again exceptional. Your hospitality and friendship are deeply appreciated by our annual fly in gang. This as you know was our 6^th annual visit to one of your outposts and we are looking forward to our 7^th annual trip to Metionga Lake next July. We have now visited 4 of your outpost lakes all of which are superb but we prefer Metionga because we feel it best serves our needs for excellent fishing, great boats and motors and fine accommodations. We also appreciate the hospitality of your caretaker, John and his sidekick (dog) Hercules. He is without a doubt a great storyteller, knowledgeable, and not afraid to divulge some of the fantastic fishing areas on Metionga. “We are sure that they are all secret spots”. He is always available if we have needs and makes sure he checks in regularly to ensure everything is OK.

Looking forward to seeing you soon,

Stan, Evan, Irwin, Doug, Rob and Alan

Moose On

Our fishing parties are officially over for the season. This is unfortunate since the fishing is nothing but exceptional right now.

We have a few archery moose hunting parities out now. The rifle hunters arrive in a week or so. Besides moose hunting they can partake in some great walleye fishing. The northern are hitting too.

It is hard to believe these photos were taken in mid Sept at Seseganaga Lake. Fall fishing is definitely worth the trip. Sometimes the weather is really this good. I don’t think the past June had weather this nice. It sure beats the snow we had yesterday.

It is time to start thinking about 2010. Give us a call or check out our web site and plan your 2010 trip now.

Summer over?

Last week, basically the last several weeks since the beginning of Sept, we've had beautiful weather. That ended yesterday. We had a large low pressure system go by which caused high winds and lots of rain.
A cold front has followed. The temperatures have dropped to freezing and at the moment we are waiting for the ice to melt off the wings and the snow to stop. Yes it is snowing!
The joys of life in the north. We love snow in the winter, as a matter of fact we love having 4 distinct seasons, but the transition of seasons is always interesting.

September Walleye

The amazing thing about fishing in our area is that not only is the fishing great but the catching is awesome too. 

 

 

Neil and I managed a few hours on the lake between fall close-up jobs.  No sense in being on one of the best walleye lakes in the country and not inviting a few walleye for supper.  Most of these Seseganaga Lake walleye (probably over 100) were released except for one each for dinner. 

Mid Sept double header

Last weekend, Sept 18 to 20 saw some of the best weather of the summer.  The fishing was absolutely amazing.  I was at Seseganaga Lake to paint some floors and do some other odd jobs (digging outhouse holes) but couldn’t help myself from getting out on the lake too.  Literally, the jig couldn’t hit the bottom before a walleye was “on”!

Double headers were regular.  The camaraderie was excellent and the food beyond compare.  Nothing beats fresh walleye, good friends and a little hard work.

Early Sept morning

Early morning flights when the air is cool and the water is warm produce some amazing vistas. 

Sometimes I almost have to pinch myself and remind myself that I do this for a living.

More than just fish

As great as fresh fish is to eat,  The options while at an Ignace Outpost camp are varied.  Why not a little tenderloin? 

 

 

We have BBQs at all our camps for just an occasion.  Maybe open a bottle wine or other beverage to go with it.  How about walleye appetizers? 

It leaves a fancy restaurant lacking when great foods, good friends and fresh air combine for an awesome meal. Just keep in mind you must bring your own waiter and dish washer to an outpost camp.  There is always a job for the “new guy”.

This just in

Brad and Karen,

     Thanks again for another spectacular late season vacation. Look forward to next year. Sent some of the pictures we took on the trip. You guys are very accommodating in all aspects of making sure we had a great fishing experience. Randy was a great guide on the trip to Metionga. First time we have seen a bear and a moose on the same flight.

Thanks much

MS

Cards are arriving

Some guests have been contacting us about receiving their Ontario Outdoors cars in the mail… finally.  These are not credit cards but new government cards which should (theoretically) make issuing a fishing license easier and more painless – no more squinting to fill out microscopic forms in the early morning hours while half awake and anxious to go fishing. 

Now that the cards have been mailed out, they will replace the pink temporary card/paper you received when you bought the license. 

These cards are part of what you purchased with your fishing licenses this summer while in Ontario.  The cards are good for 3 years so be sure to hang on to them.  If you have a Canada/Ignace box of stuff ready to go at a moments notice on a fly in trip with Ignace Outposts you might want to put it in there. If not, besides getting such a box, find a spot to keep your outdoors card where you won’t forget it on your next trip to fish in our fine province.  If you do forget your card next summer, you will need to purchase a new one and fill out another microscopic form, likely early in the morning.

Watch their faces

When you take your kids (or grandkids) fishing, watch their faces – not the fish.

Ignace Outposts

She baits her own hook too!

We are seeing more and more couples on fly in vacations.  It seems that the women love the fishing just as much as the men. 

At Hilltop Lake we caught and released many nice walleye.  Karen has been very good at baiting her own hook (with minnows) and  releasing her own fish.  She has even progressed to baiting her own hook with leeches.  That was a big step.  Now we are working on night crawlers. 

Something’s wrong with this

Karen and I were out with my brother and his wife.  As Blair and I tended to the work, the girls tended to relaxing.

Oh, the joys of an outpost vacation.

Releasing the big one

Jon Loth has the right idea.  The big walleye are better off in the lake.  The smaller ones provide a tasty meal and the larger walleye can be turned to the lake to breed more feisty, tasty little ones. 

Our camp policy is that all walleye over 22 inches are retuned to the lake.  We’ve seen an increase in walleye productivity over the years by this conservation method.

The toughest landing

When conditions are like this, landing a seaplane is tough.  Glassy water requires precise technique and skill. 

Landing on a lake with no wind is like landing on a mirror because there is no depth perception.  The pilot must have a proper rate of descent and use visual reference to shorelines, islands or rocks since he cannot see the surface of the water.   Peripheral vision must be acute.

When done properly, it is very difficult to determine the moment of landing.  No big clunks like on a jet liner.

Something else to do

On an Ignace Outposts fly-in vacation, fishing is often the primary objective. 

There are other things to do too.

A little exploration adds some variety to just catching 100’s of fish.

Great trip

Paul Loth has been fishing with us for many years.  I think the reasons for a return trip if evident when we see some of this summer’s catch and release. 

Nature’s Vacuum Cleaners

It doesn't take long for a few seagulls to make short work of a pile of fish offal.  At all our camps we have a designated spot for dumping fish guts – and only fish guts.  Seagulls, eagles, martin, mink, turkey vultures, and who knows what else will feast until the remains no longer remain.

Letting the animals finish off the guts as opposed to dumping them off the dock into the water is a much more efficient and permanent fix. 

Gold at the end of the Rainbow?

This picture was taken at Metionga Lake and there is no better lake in my opinion for walleye unless you include Flindt Lake, Seseganaga Lake, Kawaweogamama Lake, Tri Lake and Hilltop Lake.

Legend has it that there is gold at the end of the rainbow.  I guess in a way it is true.

For those who don’t speak French, the French word for walleye is “doré” and “doré” also happens to be the French word for golden. 

Simple logic dictates then that there certainly is gold at the end of the rainbow.

Only a few weeks away!

The requirement for boat operators to have proof of competency (a boat operators card) to operate a boat in Canada is only a few weeks away. As of Sept 15 this card is required to drive a fishing boat too. There is no grandfathering provision. I highly recommend that if you don't have the card that you get one in preparation of your next Ignace Outposts vacation.
Here are two sources of a card. It can be done on line. A Card issued in the US is valid in Canada.

http://www.boaterexam.com/usa/

http://www.boaterexam.com/canada/

Hide and seek

Loons are most likely seen out in the water fishing.  Sometimes they are spotted in the air and rarely on land.   This guy is hiding near the waters edge. 

It really pays to have your camera ready and your eyes peeled for these types of interesting shots.

Moose on the loose

I have mentioned about how moose re-grow their antlers each summer.  Moose will drop or loose their antlers during the winter.  Sometimes a sharp eye will spot the cast-off antlers on the shore or inland from the lake.  These make interesting souvenirs. 

These ones where likely dropped last winter and as is often the case, both sides fell off near the same time.  Sometime a moose will wander for a while with just one antler.

You will notice in the picture that the antlers look a little chewed up.  Many small creatures from porcupines to mice will chew these cast-offs for a great source of calcium.  Nature has it own methods of recycling. Nothing goes to waste.

Summer Walleye

I don’t know why some guys sit in the cabin when the lake is calm and the sun is high. In fact many don’t even consider a summer trip because there is misconception that walleye don’t bite in the summer. 

How wrong can you be.  Our waters stay cold the the walleye like to eat.  What more can I say.

Book your Ignace Outposts trip for 2010 soon.  July and August are great months!

Flindt Caretaker?

We are not sure of his name.  He answers to Ralph, Pete, Woody, and “here Boy”.  What ever his handle he greets many guests at Flindt Lake. 

The wildlife viewing and photo ops are amazing at our remote lakes.  Fishing is always great; catching is an added bonus and seeing animals in their own environment is priceless.

Full moon

Walleye by the light of the moon. 

Some people go a little crazy with a full moon.  Some walleye do too!

Father and Son on Flindt Lake

“Once again I can not express in words what a great time we had and how great of an operation you run. Makes one feel like we are part of the family when we come up for a visit!! Fishing being as great as it is does not hurt either. Just wanted to share some of the pictures.  The Walleye(23") was caught not 50 yds from the cabin and released.  Thanks again for the wonderful "Father and Son Vacation."

Eric R. Meek

Eric and his son Connor spent a week on Flindt Lake in early August.  I have mentioned many times before, don’t miss the chance to take your son (or daughter) fishing. Ten, 15 or 20 years down the road, these are the memories that will mean something.  You will not even think about that extra day you worked nor the few dollars it cost.  Ignace Outposts is the premier Canadian destination for this type of trip.  Now is a great time to start thinking about 2010.

Home Sweet Home

Everybody has to live somewhere. If your address is Metionga Lake Northwestern Ontario, your home may look like this.

Eagles take a lot of pride in their abodes. Nothing like a penthouse suite with a view.

Two for one

A couple of days ago I wrote about a walleye pigging out on a burbot and then taking a jig as well.  This northern decided he wanted lunch more than the fisherman.  Northern don’t fish for sport so we see this type of action often.  It is a thrill to be bringing up a nice walleye and then all of a sudden have it pulled back the other way with more than a little vigor.

Even with a small walleye on the line it is best to hang on to your rod… you never know!

Ready for the oil

Fresh fish makes one of the best meals possible at the lake. Everybody is a chef at an outpost camp. Invent your own breading, or try a prepared breading. Any way you cook it, no one will complain and accolades will flow your way.

No take off clearance

Many days this summer even the birds preferred to walk.  Yesterday was just that type of weather. 

At least it wasn’t snowing. 

Still Hungry

This walleye took a temping jig, while he still had not finished his last meal.  The walleye at Ignace Outposts are voracious.  It is hard to believe that having a partly digested burbot (ling) still hanging out of his mouth is not enough for lunch. 

We often see Northern Pike with suckers or walleye from their last meal still present and often have northern take a walleye when it hooked and being reeled in.