Thursday, May 22, 2014

Let the fun begin

Getting camps ready is always a lot of work.  When we get behind, we end up recruiting outside help.  Pete and Pam are no strangers to our camps since Pete worked for us many moons ago, and over the years, he has brought Pam with him on several camp cleaning trips. 

Of course, after the work, I guy has gotta provide for his wonderful wife (that is his story and I’m sticking to it) and what better way than to harvest some of the bounty of the lake.  As Pete concentrated on eating sized walleye, Pam practiced reeling in the lunkers.   She has a habit of getting the biggest of her life.  See the post of her biggest northern in 2008 here.  She gleefully told me that this walleye was the biggest of her life.  

photo(1)

She returned this breeder to the lake as they did all the larger walleye.  Pete worked on catching supper and did manage to hook onto a nice Northern pike which after this photo op was returned to the lake.  Of course along with these pictures there are stories about even larger fish on Pete’s line but there is no photographic proof… hmmm 

photo(2)

Saturday, May 17, 2014

on the other line…

Today is the opening of Walleye season.  This year, we have been “iced out” so our start is just a little late.  BUT… since it is walleye season… I just may be out walleye fishing anytime between now and October.   I may not get to fish often, but when I do it will be with Ignace outposts and I will not be answering the phone – I may be on another line.

photo

Monday, May 12, 2014

Spring ritual

Every year before the props can turn, the pilots have to be re-trained in aircraft operations, government regulations and other various items of particular interest to pilots and the safe air transportation of our guests.  Even though between them they have almost 3/4 of a century in aviation, Randy and Brad have been burning the oil so to speak.  Karen says not only can she smell their winter dormant brain cells being pushed to their max, she also thinks they  look intelligent pouring over the books.  The later is a skill Brad mastered in University. 

photo(1)

Many may think the life of a bush pilot is one of “just get in and drive!”.  In actuality, any professional pilot is required to  move a lot of paper.  This annual training takes days.  The goal is to be as safe and up to snuff as possible.  Even old timers can learn a thing or two now and then. 

As they wait for ice out they will be ready for the actual recurrent flight training which will be done in a day or so once the aircraft are in the water.   They have to be sharp behind the controls too.  Book smarts is only part of the equation. 

Friday, May 09, 2014

Popcorn Walleye

One week today, May 16 is equivalent to Christmas Eve to an Ontario angler.  Walleye season opens on May 17 this year and even though we are not sure ice will be out, we can always be optimistic.  Analogous to kids in late December, anglers in this area will go to sleep on Friday with visions of lunkers and shore lunch dancing in their heads.  My job is to make those dreams come true.  In the mean time to facilitate those dreams, as a teaser, here is a photo of one of my recent fish cooking experiments.

popcorn walleye

I call it popcorn walleye.  I will admit, I didn’t invent this – I don’t think – but Karen, my most honest critic, is sure I perfected it.  In spite of the name, I wouldn’t even think of tossing back a few of these out of a bowl in the living room on “movie night” or while watching a playoff hockey game.  These walleye nuggets are great however as an appy or as a prime ingredient in walleye tacos.  My advice is do not leave a bowl like this unattended while cooking.  They will never reach the plate with the abundance of “quality control inspectors” who will materialize near your cooking station.   Personally, I guard this culinary product aggressively and usually with a weapon. 

Cut the walleye into tiny bite size pieces and coat with your favorite fish coating.  They fry up quickly and do not require a lot of oil.  Enjoy!

Ignace Outposts

Monday, May 05, 2014

Sign of spring

A long winter does really funny things to people.  Seseganaga Joe who rarely likes to venture to a population center larger than Ignace had enough of winter this year and drove 4000 km to visit to other end of our province.  I think the whole trip was an excuse to see new faces – some of the faces around here have gotten a little old.   Joe somehow managed to arrive at the only Bass Pro in Ontario (near Toronto) and managed to do a little pre season preparation. 

Joe at bass pro

I think Joe threw this fish back in anticipation of fresh walleye on Seseganaga Lake in just a few weeks.  I understand he bought the fishing rod however to add to his arsenal.