Catch and Consume Policy:

 

At Ignace Outposts we are leaders in conservation practices. We insist our guests kill only those fish they are going to eat and limit eating fish to the smaller tastier ones. It is our policy to live release ALL large fish. Walleye over 22”, northern over 27”, bass over 18” and trout over 24” must be released. We ask that you don’t take fish home but if you choose to do so, please take only the smaller ones and return all trophies to the lake. We encourage you to pinch down the barbs on your hooks and handle the fish you release as little as possible. To safely release trophy fish, it is best not to remove the fish from the water and pop out the hook with pliers or just cut your line. Try replacing the treble hooks on spinners, spoons and plugs with single hooks and it will make releasing your fish much easier. We wholeheartedly support shore lunch as a tradition on fly-in trips. We hope to maintain a World Class fishery on our lakes and trust that you will do your part in preserving trophy fish. Bring your camera to capture your trophy for posterity and let the fish live to fight another day. Graphite mounts are available from most taxidermists and can provide a wall mount without killing the fish. The taxidermist requires length and girth measurements as well as a picture of the fish to create a replica mount.

Flindt in the rain

We haven’t had much for summer weather yet and we are already half way through July. Temps remain below normal and rain gear sales are likely high at the sports stores.

The walleye don’t mind a little water. It seems to be their preferred environment. We however have to dress for the weather. Fishing reports remain great on all lakes for the guys who venture out into the rain and wind.

Father and son

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. 

Seseganaga Memory

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.

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Catch, Photo, Release - CPR for your fish

photo by Jim Pierce on Gamble Lake

With summer approaching and fishing season only days away, I want to give a few pointers on photographing and live releasing your trophy fish at Ignace Outposts. Of course, we encourage you to enjoy the bounty of our lakes by having fresh fish for lunch or dinner while on the lake, but it is our policy to sustain our resources by live releasing ALL trophy fish. Smaller, tastier walleye, northern or trout make great dinners and trophies make great memories and pictures.

I am no professional but I can tell you that having a camera with you does little to enhance your memories unless you use it. The large northern you catch will certainly be happy if you have your camera with you in the boat rather than at the camp if you decide to drag the fish there for a photo.

Perhaps each person in the boat should familiarize themselves with each other’s camera before you land the lunker or lunkette. Doing this in the cabin is simple and results in fewer missed photos. Also using more than one camera insures a better chance of a once in a lifetime photo and the fellow catching the fish usually appreciates a shot or two on his own memory stick.

Before the fish is caught, have a plan.

When a photo-worthy fish is hooked, the other angler (now designated photographer) should reel in. Have a net handy and cameras in a mutually available place. As the fish is landed the photographer can prepare the cameras and plan the pictures. Some great action shots can be taken as the fish breaks the surface

Light is an import consideration. If possible don’t shoot into the sun.

Unhook the fish before showing it off. Pictures of a 4 inch Rapala with three hooks buried in your fingers may be amusing at time but loose their appeal when your partner would rather fill his memory stick with your agonized facial expressions as the fish flips and twists to your dismay.

Measure your monster, and click away. If you planning a replica mount be sure to capture a photo showing the fish’s color.

Take a big breath, take your photo quickly, don’t cut off your buddy’s head in the picture – you can’t exaggerate his size anyway - return the fish to the water before your next gasp of air and smile. The fish will survive and you can boast of his awesome size with a picture to prove it. My own astute observation of the human psyche reveals that you need not do more than place the mounted photo behind your desk at the office and the accolades will flow your way - particularly from underlings. A fishing wall of fame will even impress the boss as long as you have the authority to put nails into the office decor. Please plan to keep a good supply of our brochures handy if you do manage a few good photos for the office. The fish are supportive of this concept and so am I.

To avoid serious internal damage large fish should NEVER be held vertically. Fish do not have the skeletal structure to support their intestines. They have likely never been vertical in their lives. Unlike us, fish are used to living in a horizontal gravity environment.

www.ignaceoutposts.com