I can't help but think that sometimes we encourage the wrong things in our kids and grandkids. They will not remember the best score on a video game nor the best day they had watching TV. But take them fishing...
It may be cold now, but summer is coming. Time to think fishing.
Steve and some buddies have been fishing Metionga Lake for many years. These guys bring their sons and (daughters) along as a part of building relationships and sharing quality time together. The young folks learn from the old(er) and do their best to keep up. The older are pro’s however in some of the finer points of “fish camp”. Part of the experiences are evening activities which sometimes go on until the wee hours of the morning sharing tall tales and a few quantitative and qualitative lies about the day’s fishing. Usually some adult beverages are included. In the morning the older get right back to fishing while the younger sometimes struggle for cognitive abilities. The best fishing is often in the morning and an old pro will not let the time be wasted.
Back to Steve and his son Brian. Brian robotically joined his father for the morning fish and immediately fell asleep in the boat. Steve latched onto the biggest walleye of the trip - 28 and 1/4/ inches – and explained to us that even harder than fighting this fish on light tackle was trying to wake Brian at the same time to have him handle the net.
Once he achieved a cognitive state, Brian performed admirably and not only expertly handled the net but managed to take a reasonably descent picture.
There is always a story.
Nick brought up another big walleye on Metionga Lake. His dad has been bringing Nick on an annual trip for many years. I suspect it won’t be long and he’ll be bringing his dad.
Seeing 28 inch walleye caught and released certainly makes a father proud. Sharing time in a boat away from the distractions of our busy lives is better yet, creating memories that will last a life time. It is times like this that will be the memories talked about for many years.
Remember when…? How big was that walleye again…? That’s what it is all about.
Cole may be young in age but he is well experienced in the the finer points of outpost camp fishing. Cole and his dad (and sister) have been going to Metionga Lake in search of a walleye and northern for several years. Cole is no slouch in the fishing department often out fishing most in the group.
Matt is not cold but is instead maintaining his fingers. As a cello player this is almost as much a priority as catching fish… thus the gloves.
Matt and his Dad joined a few others from Indiana on Flindt Lake in late July. Walleye and northern pike were the order of the day.
“Hello Brad and Karen.
I would just like to thank you and your wife for the wonderful trip and opportunity to spend time at Seseganaga Lake.
This was my first trip to Seseganaga and what an experience. My son will never forget this trip and the fun he had there. Hundreds of Walleye were caught and glad to say released back into the lake. Caught my share of Northern Pike as well which were also released back into the lake. I would like to also thank Joe for the wonderful company and guidance while out there, I would recommend taking all the great advice he has to offer - what a guy! I look forward to booking another trip to this wonderful lake and cannot wait to see you all again.”
Brian
It is quality time spent with people that matter that makes a great trip. We feel privileged that we can be part of that.
See you again soon Brian.
I just got back from the Minneapolis All Canada Sport Show.
I brought my dad with me to help out in the booth and provide a little company. Besides Karen and me, I don’t think there is anyone as passionate about our business as my dad. Maybe it’s because I’m his son, maybe it’s because he loves fishing, and maybe it’s because he is a born salesman. I think it might be all three.
We spent several hours travelling to and from the show, ate meals together and sat side by side in the show booth for 3 days. Overall we just had a great time. That is worth more to me than booking fishing trips.
I highly recommend spending a little father and son time. If it includes an Ignace Outposts fishing trip, all the better. Many don’t have the opportunity to “tip the guide”. Do it while you can.
“Back in the day” it was Bud who encouraged me to follow my dream and he is the same one who taught me to fish. I still marvel that I can do both in one career.
Some of the details regarding this fishing adventure are foggy. I do believe I was following instructions… perhaps the equipment was a little unorthodox, but it is results that matter…right?
“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.
Phil and Andy sent the following note.
“We caught several 25” walleyes this year. Not extreme monsters but always a nice tussle on the end of your line.”
Having the odd large northern latch on to your line makes a good fight too. I think their smiles say it all. They spent a week on Seseganaga Lake in June.
I have to think my kids grew up in a virtual paradise. Not much use for video games and TV in our house. If the activity was worth doing, it was usually done outside.
I came across this photo the other day of me and my son Mike. This picture was taken 20 years ago this summer. He is married and lives in another town now but still likes to fish with his dad. We are planning a father son get away in a few weeks. Believe me every moment with your kids is worth the time. Quality time in a boat is priceless. Rain or shine, cold or warm, wet or dry, the memories last a life time.
Take your kids fishing, you’ll both value it.
Pete and Josh Elftman make an annual trek to Metionga Lake. By the photos it appears Pete goes for the trophies while Josh provides dinner.
What ever the break down of duties, this father and son pair know how to have fun.
I received this email from the wife and mother of a pair of our fisherpersons.
“A mother’s point of view”
Trip to the Ignace Medical Clinic: $56.25
Getting “Who cares” answers from my 9 year old son now (thanks, Dar!): $75.00
(hair coloring to cover all the new countless gray hairs)
Seeing the faces of my husband and son as they share their lifetime memories of Ignace Fishing Trip 2009: Priceless
The Wood party came to Seseganaga Lake in June on a first time fly in trip all the way from Florida.
The group experienced some of our best weather and best fishing. No doubt they’ll be back again.
“Hey Brad,
First of all, wanted you to know my family had a great time at your outpost last week! I have talked to my Dad, brothers and Uncle since we left…every one feels the same way.”
Dar Mor and his crew from Wisc make the trek every year to Metionga Lake. It is nice to see is a new generation of fishermen being developed. The memories these kids will have fishing with their buddies and their dads will be forever engrained in their minds. Besides, what better way to gather wedding speech material than to spend time in the Canadian wilderness. I could write a book about the adventure of this gang and I only know a smidgen of their exploits.
Happy Fathers Day to all you fathers. And think about bringing your kids fishing. You’ll both find it well worth it. Just ask these guys.
ps. Happy Father’s Day dad.
Our 2009 season is beginning I am finding out I am not the only one thinking fishing.
As we train pilots and other staff for the summer, fishing is also on my mind. Today as I was getting boats ready and a cabin cleaned at Irene Lake, I was bemoaning the fact I didn’t have my fishing rod with me. I even bought a new rod just to be sure I carried one in the aircraft with me. Of coarse, it was in Ignace while I was at Irene Lake.
Walleye season opens on Saturday but trout and northern are open now!
I just received an email for one of our 2008 guests of his son with a nice Seseganaga memory from 2008.
“Nearly a year since we came up to Ses for a great experience. Have wanted to share some pictures of son James with you and finally got around to doing it. Hope to repeat our trip soon. Have a great summer.” Craig
Only days now until this will be a regular sight on our Ignace Outposts Lakes. If you haven’t booked your 2009 vacation yet, give us a call. We are excited about the season and know you will too once your trip is booked.
1-807-934-2273
The northern was 42 inches long and put up quite a battle. Maybe next time he will hold it himself. The rule around here is you bait your own hook and hold your own fish... right Lane.
Lane's brother Nolan looks on with mom. His turn will come too. Big fish are more a function of time and effort with a great deal of luck thrown in. Rest assured the lakes in this area have big fish. Our conservation policies on fly in lakes make sure the trophies are returned to the water to spawn more fish and to fight another day.
