Magic Lure Found

I found the magic lure today. I was fortunate enough to get some of the "ice tubes" from Bass Magnet Lues and these things are awesome.
http://www.bassmagnetlures.com/?p=1779

Chartreuse Flash was the first one to get dropped down the hole and as I was watching the slow spiral to the bottom the bait disappeared....magic!

Set hook and up comes a nice jumbo but still no sign of the bait, followed the line to the oversized mouth and forced it open...abracadabra, the bait reappeared deep inside. This is when I noticed the tube also glows in the dark. Cool!

I thought this must have been a fluke so I looked down the hole,nothing in sight. Good now I can focus on the action of this new tube. Drop number two almost made it to the bottom and it disappeared. A quick scan out of the hut window reassured me I was on beautiful Rice Lake and not the Bermuda Triangle...so I set the hook. Another jumbo perch headed to the surface.
After 5 more drops with the same results, I went out of the hut to look around, nobody in sight. I still felt like I was doing something wrong. Seriously, a grown man sitting on the ice, giggling like a school girl, there had to be a reasonable answer.
I had a close look at the package, there didn't appear to be any crack cocaine in there, just more of the "magic' tubes. The baits I have are the smaller ice tubes that I have been hoping for but the results were silly!

It probably helped that I was on Rice Lake and the perch bite has been great the last couple of weeks but usually a new bait gets a good look over by me and the fish before anything happens. Not this time.
The jumbos love these tubes. Judge by the above picture, the tubes are 2.5 inches long, the perch is around 12 inches, a jumbo anywhere you go, but we have been getting them up to 14 inches this winter. It is hard to pass up these great eating fish and I kept a few for breakfast tomorrow.

The bite was hot all day today with schools of perch in 10-14 feet of water over sand flats just outside the weed edge. This seems to be the pattern on Rice Lake, the fish start the ice season, up on the shallow weed flats and then move to the outside edges and if the pattern holds true they should be heading to the deeper basins by the middle of February. By Valentines Day and until last ice, look to the 18-22 foot flats out to the south east of Bewdley all the way past Gores Landing. Check out similar areas throughout the lake for loads of tasty perch and of course count on some bonus bluegill and crappies.
Most small jigs and spoons will work but I'm pretty sure I know what I'm using for a while.
 :)

Winter escape south

The winter has been, well....not much of one so far but the opportunity to head south for a week was too much to resist. I recently spent a great week just outside of Punta Cana, Dominican Republic. I know the theme of Ontario Outdoor Adventures is shot with a report on fishing in the Dominican republic but maybe some of my experience will help those who venture south get out to enjoy some deep sea fishing.

For most of us freshwater anglers, the draw of big water and big fish is very attractive. Open ocean,salt spray and deep blue water bring out the Captain Ahab in us that rarely get the chance to try searching for species like marlin, sailfish, mahi mahi, wahoo and others. This was our second trip to this area of the Dominican Republic and my second chance at trying deep water.

My first experience was amazing, easy to book at the resort, decent boat, English speaking crew, good weather and most important lots of fish. The price was fair, at $75 US for a half day charter. The boat was clean and drinks provided. I was one of a group of unrelated anglers and this is normal unless you have enough cash or people to fill the boat. The usual set-up seems to be head out for 20 minutes and then start trolling, although after setting the rods the first mate settles down for a break, meaning don't expect any action for a while. For this trip we had 8 lines out and two fighting chairs, anglers took turns sitting in a chair 20 minutes at a time, if you caught a fish you were done unless everyone caught something. After 1/2 hr of trolling we approached some floating debris and schools of flying fish started to scatter, now the first mate stood up beside the rods and withing 50 feet we hooked up a mahi mahi. These fish are awesome and besides being great eating and hard fighting the fact they rapidly change colour while fighting is incredible to watch. Blue then green then yellow and silver all in quick succession.

It became quickly obvious to watch the first mate, when he rush around or stood in the rods, something was going to happen. Makes sense these guys spend everyday running charters, they learn to read the water. The baitfish fascinated me, flying fish are probably the coolest fish I have ever seen. 10-14 inches long and silver they glide along just above the surface of the ocean for surprising long distances. They scattered from the boat when we were around the debris lines. The floating wood, plastic and everything else that floats form a line where the warm water meets the deeper cooler water. This was the spot on the spot. Staying along this line kept us in the fish zone. Many of the baitfish and larger predators cruise this line and use the surface cover as ambush spots. This pattern lead us to one of the greatest hook ups of my fishing career. A triple header with two sailfish and a blue marlin all hitting within a couple of seconds. The 3 fish were all in the 100lb range and with all the jumping and confusion one fish broke off. We did land a sailfish and the marlin.

The totals for the trip were 4 mahi mahi, 1 marlin, 1 sailfish and a wahoo. Not bad for 5hrs fishing. The crew keep the fish to feed their families or sell to help pay the bills.
My second trip was slightly different. The rate was the same but the boat was older and the crew spoke no English. The person who booked my day messed up my pick-up time so I went out in the afternoon instead of morning, plus they tried to pick me up to go fishing with a scooter. Nope.

The day was windy but it wasn't until we cleared a main point that we hit the big water. Waves from 12-15ft rolled around us making standing difficult and fishing tough. I have no problem with weather throwing a curve ball but it could have picked another day. The 6 anglers on the boat were all assigned 1 rod each and you had it for the trip. Different approach but at least you had something to focus on. The rough seas scattered the debris line and fish were tough to find let alone hook. We ended up with 5 hits and landed 1 mahi mahi and a wahoo. The diesel exhaust and rough water were a little too much for a few of the russian anglers out with me....
So what did I learn? Ask lots of questions and record the answers because things may change after you book the trip. I asked up front about the size of the boat, length of trip, form of transport to boat (no scooters) and of course the price.
Pay with a credit card. This is a poor country and sometimes your standards are higher than theirs. If you pay cash and something goes wrong your done. Good luck getting your money back.
Watch the weather. Pick the best day for wind if you get a choice, mornings are calmer than afternoons.
Bring your camera. The flying fish, warm ocean and saltwater fish are not common in Ontario so take lots of pictures.

Have fun and enjoy the experience.

Targeting Back Lake Trout

Finally we are seeing some good ice after a very slow start to the winter season. Mild weather seems to follow any cold spell and it has caused repeated melts and limited access to some of the bigger lakes.

This past weekend saw myself and a few friends head up north into the Bancroft and Haliburton areas to target some back lake trout. Try to get your hands on the stocking list provided by the Ministry of Natural Resources for each region in Ontario. With a little homework and a good map/gps you can locate these lakes and spend some time trying a few choice selections.

Lake trout, rainbows, speckles and even brown trout are stocked in the regions we researched and access was taken into consideration. Some back lakes are limited to snowmobiles or very long walks and others offer easy access, we prefer something in between. While some very good fishing can be found close to the small northern towns, easy access usually leads to increased angler traffic. These stocked lakes are put, grow and take fisheries and sometimes the heavy traffic lakes do not offer much trophy potential. Granted knowing a few easy access lakes is handy when taking kids out for a day on ice but for some nice trophies and usually quiet angling locations try the back lakes.


Look for lakes that are stocked every year or every other and a quick search of local maps or an online map tool like google earth can lead to some plans shaping up for some hardwater trout. Check local regulations on the selected lakes, things vary from region to region and even lake to lake. Live bait restrictions, one or two lines, limit numbers are all things to know before you head out.

Depending on the species you choose, different patterns will be needed. Speckle, brown and rainbow trout tend to hang out shallow during the cold months, we start looking for submerged trees, points, creek mouths and anything a little different along the shorelines as a places to target. Splake and sometimes rainbows will use the middle depths, 8-20 feet and points, humps and underwater shelves are great spots to spend some time. Lake trout are the deep water trout and although you can catch them shallow in some lakes, generally you should start looking from 20 feet and beyond. I have caught them below 100 feet but most lakes will find them hanging around the 30-40 foot depth.
Small spoons, jigs and live bait, if allowed, will all take fish but bring a selection. Keep your baits on the smaller side unless you have info that it's a big fish lake. Most of the fish we catch are between 1-5lbs and of course some lakes have a much better average than others. The only way to find out is to get out your auger and go look.

Be aware of ice conditions especially near creek mouths and new lakes. Stay mobile and open minded. Finding one spot and staying there all day might get you some fish but checking several spots and trying to develop a pattern may lead to some of the best ice action of the year. Most of all enjoy the scenery, we live in a beautiful country, take a few moments and enjoy the place your in.

Rice Lake Hut Rentals are ready

I was at BJ Tackle in Bewdley today and the ice conditions are good and they have started renting huts.

Reports of good perch fishing in Bewdley Bay, with jumbos reported up to 14 inches. The bite is on all day.

The crappies action is good but mostly at night. 

This year in addition to the regular huts they have 4 "ice condos" for rent. These are a great option to get away for a night with the guys and is the best bet for good crappie action. The slabs really turn on after dark with the best action reported between 10pm-4am.
The best part about ice fishing in Bewdley as opposed to other areas is the distance to shore. Last year while  renting a hut. I got a pizza from the place in town, it's a short walk.

If you are looking for some great action this weekend and tasty panfish. Check out Rice Lake.

BJ Tackle for hut rentals and bait.
1-905-797-2632.

Out from Gores Landing is starting to get some good action but I haven't been over to check the ice, so I'm just passing along what I've heard.

Ferguson's Live Bait is a good place to stop if your fishing near Gore's.
1-905-342-2182

Golden Beach Resort is also renting huts this year and also offer overnight accommodations.
1-800-263-7781

Good luck and I will out there somewhere.

Bridgenorth Winter Panfish Festival, Feb 18, 2012

Well things are getting busy as we prepare for the 3rd Bridgenorth Winter Panfish Festival. 18 Feb, 2012 from 10am -2pm.
This festival started as a way to celebrate the new ice angling opportunities that were introduced to the kawartha's three years ago.

What started as a way to enjoy some fun ice fishing together, quickly grew into the largest free winter fishing festival that we know of in Canada. The first year saw an estimated 1000 people join us on the ice for a fun family day. Families and friends enjoy a fun day of outdoor fun together on Chemong Lake, Ont.

The event is held during the Free Family Fishing weekend here in Ontario and no fishing license is required. It is a great way to introduce ice fishing to anglers and youth who may not have to opportunity to try it.
 We receive support from a great group of volunteers who drill holes, direct traffic, set-up and take-down displays, hand out prizes and offer angler support and without this help the festival could not function.

The sponsors who support this free event make this festival possible. Ontario Power Generation and OFAH Tackleshare represent the title sponsors of this day and also make available ice fishing equipment for loan to anyone who would like to try their hand at catching a fish from an ice hole. Many other sponsors provide prize donations to the event and we have been able to provide every child who attends a prize. Please check out the sponsor section of the website and support these companies who are promoting free angling opportunities and youth angler education. Getting kids off the computer and outdoors having fun should always be applauded and we value the support of these companies.
As with any outdoor event, we are dependent on good weather to aid in our enjoyment and last year high winds really impacted the festival.

However this year, in association with the OFAH, children activities are planned at the Heritage Center in Peterborough to offer more family opportunities to enjoy time together learning and enjoying about fishing, regardless of the weather outside.

Watch for our ad in the current edition of Ontario Out of Doors and with help of our fine media sponsors information will be presented on TV, social media, print media and radio.

Thanks to all who help make this a special day for all the kids and their families who attend. For more information check out the website or tune into 100.5 KRUZ in the Peterborough area.

http://www.bridgenorthpanfishfestival.com/

Taking good fish photos.

Now I may not be a highly skilled photographer but I have a few tips for getting better pictures next time you go fishing. Spending a few extra minutes planning what you want for a picture before you actually catch a fish, will allow you to quickly set up and photograph the fish to permit a quick release if you choose.
Most angler photos tend to be the grab and grin type. Here is me with a fish.

Some common problems is with the hold. Present the fish to the camera, be aware of where your hands are and try to keep your arms and hands behind the fish and if you hold it by the gill flap keep your hold to the side closest to yourself.
This is the biggest smallmouth bass we have ever caught. It weighed 7lbs 12oz and in our excitement we didn't follow some basics and it was released back into Lake Simcoe without getting a good photo. Poor hold and low angle does not show the tremendous size of the fish.

The more body in the photo the less focus on the fish. You don't need to hold them way out but keep the fish up and zoom the camera in to center the fish in the frame and eliminate background, unless that is what your after.

Consider trying some different angles and photos that don't involve a person holding them. Some of my best pictures are just fish. Now that may be because I'm not in the photo but it's a great way to show off your catch. Plus if your fishing a secret spot, you don't need to have any background in the frame. When submitting photos for sponsors or some form of media. These pictures tend to generate the most interest.

Try taking pictures when the fish is still hooked in the water or being released. Play with angles and take lots of pictures. The beauty of the new digital cameras is the high resolution and storage capacity of photos. If I'm fishing with someone else, I generally start taking pictures during the fight and continue until the fish is released.

Have fun and be creative.

Rice Lake Fishing Festival

The dangers of recreational angling.

Recently I had a sliver stuck deep in my hand and with the help of my lovely assistant (my wife), she was able to dig the deep sliver out before any infection could take hold. Turns out the sliver was a walleye tooth lodged in there from a rather successful winter ice fishing trip. Funny thing is I didn't even notice getting the tooth stuck in my hand, I guess I was having to much fun unhooking the walleye to get my jig back down as more groups of walleye swam below the ice hut in the shallow water.

Now I have landed more than a few walleyes and other toothy fish over the years but I do not ever remember having a tooth sliver before. I have had numerous cuts from teeth and in fact most of my friends do not consider it a successful pike fishing trip unless someone is bleeding by the end of the day. A good day bass fishing on Bay of Quinte or Rice Lake will leave you with bass thumb, a condition in which most of your skin on your thumbs is tore up from lipping too many bass.You would think with all the fancy toys, tools and gadgets that anglers buy and drag around with us we would have some skilled way to release these fish without sustaining injury but I guess there is a reason I didn't go to medical school.
Thinking back I have had hooks stuck in me, been hit by a boat going 40mph in open water, froze the radiator in my truck ice fishing in -40, spent multiple nights in a bug infested tent and walked for miles in deep slush and couldn't go to work for a couple of days due to muscle cramps. Why? I can buy fish in a store for way less investment.
It must be the time spent with family and friends that drives me forward or the challenge of finding that new group of big ones that causes all this risk taking but then again. Without adventure the stories you have to share tend to be less interesting.
I have no need to be in the news over my misadventures but what is a little blood loss between friends. :)

I should pack more bandaids.

Alright now the fish are in trouble

The temperature has dropped finally into good ice making ranges. Clear nights of -18 or lower are expected for the next few days will freeze up the lakes nicely in Central Ontario. Most small and mid-size lakes without current will now have 6 inches or more of quality ice from this recent cold spell. The bigger lakes like Simcoe and Bay of Quinte may still need some time.

With the new ice comes new opportunities. A recent trip to Rice Lake resulted in some big perch and other panfish for us. This fertile body of water is a factory for producing panfish and has been called the best panfish fishery in North America. I would have to agree. Early in the winter season hordes of perch, crappie and sunfish roam the shallow weed flats chasing bait and it seems drilling a hole anywhere will give you some decent action. Of course that is not good enough for us and we drill dozens of holes over a large area looking for the spot on the spot.

As the winter progresses perch will start moving towards deep water basins in the Kawartha's. Flats with 15-25 feet of water offer good forage, oxygen and the protection from  ambush predators found in open water. The sunfish tend to use deep sand points and crappies like deep weeds. Granted you will still find numbers of all three species in shallow spots but when your looking for trophy size panfish seek out the best habitat available at the time you are on the water. Try to avoid fishing the same spots over and over. This will cause several problems. Anglers repeatedly fishing the same spot will attract the attention of other anglers. Also the best available habitat is constantly sought by fish, oxygen levels change, new forage opportunities arise and fish relocate themselves to adapt. Anglers sitting on the same "hotspot" will find their action changing, usually for the worst. Most anglers claim the bite was off or the weather has them shut down but if you look around you might find a new honey hole nearby.
Have fun and be safe.