May and June recap

So... to my 3 faithful readers, lol, I apologize for the long gap between posts. I was out fishing. I wish. Actually, a case of the lazy bug hit me, and the BASStards could not get their acts together to join me on some hunts. Regardless, I did manage some outings. Here is the rundown...

Lake Simcoe: Several Saturdays...

No fish landed. Seriously. I went to Lake Simcoe, more precisely, Cook's Bay, on 3 separate occassions with Spam, and all we got was 1 pike on that got off before we could even see it up close. In our defense, there was no weed growth yet, so we were fishing relatively open water, and in a very unfamiliar setting. I must admit that it could simply be that I do not know how to fish early season yet. But I will...

Lake Belwood: May long weekend...

Musky Hunter and I escaped to Lake Belwood for the Victoria Day Long Weekend, and well, if I had to describe the weekend in 1 word, it would be, "COLD". We spent 3 nights at the Highland Pines campground. It was nice, with flat sites equipped with running water and electricity. The weekend called for rain on the first night, which it did. It brought the temperatures down and set the tone for the rest of the weekend. At night, we could see our breaths while inside of the tent. I was encased in my sleeping bag entirely while wearing 2 hoodies and jogging pants. I never wear that much clothes. It was cold.

We managed to get out onto the water on Saturday, and despite the cold, I was able to land my first pike of the year on the trusty perch pattern x-rap.



Small guy, but a pike none the less. A couple of casts later, I hooked into a small smallmouth bass, which came off at the boat. So, despite the poor weather, we managed to get 1, nearly 2. The next day was super windy, with white caps all over the main lake. We caught nothing in a couple of hours before deciding to head in. We did not try our luck on the Monday, and instead headed home.

Next, onto Rice Lake...

Dunnville Part 2

So,

Where to go Saturday was the question burning in my head all Friday. The Weather Network had predicted sun all day Saturday all week in Orillia. However, when I checked Friday morning, it showed a 60% chance of Thunderstorms! What to do? Boat or not, thunderstorms do not bode well for fishing. With the limited options available for gamefish, my sights turned to Dunnville and another go at some channel cats.

With a forecast of 25 and sunny, we decided to head out to Dunnville. Sir and Spam were both whipped this weekend so I enlisted the company of Knot'Yo, who would have been whipped as well had I'll Cut You not been busy. Together with my Dad and a family friend, we headed out at 7 in the morning.

We got to Dunnville at 845. The Grand was windy and choppy, but nothing Smoke on the Water could not handle. Fishmasters was open, so in we went to pay for the launch and buy some famous cutbait.

So, worms, cutbait and some emergency stinky chicken livers, we made off. Our plan was to hit a spot and if we didn't catch anything in 15 minutes, move on. At our second spot, we get our first cat. It was 7 lbs and my first channel cat later (Pictures to be added later). 15 minutes later, we moved on. Little did we know that we were leaving the day's hotspot.

For the rest of the day, we had no luck as the winds picked up and the cats stopped biting. At 4pm we trailered the boat and took off. On a side note, trailering up the steep ramp at Fishmasters proved to be too difficult for Serena (more horses means nothing if you have front wheel drive up a steep ramp), but was not an issue for David as the 4 wheel drive proved to be what was needed for a ramp such as this. Anyhow, going inside to use the bathroom, the guy at the counter told me that the hotspot was precisely where I had caught my fish. I guess we should have stayed.

Seeing as how we have had little true luck at Dunnville, and how the fishing style has proven to be a tad slow for myself, I do not foresee myself returning too frequently. That is unless the bite picks up the next time we are there. I hope it does.

Anyhow, til next time...

PITB

Aperched on Smoke on the Water

April 18, 2009 marked the beginning of the Orillia Perch Festival. This was a day of firsts for me. It was the first time David (the Suzuki) would pull our chariot, Smoke on the Water. It would be the beginning of the age of the Perch Festival for the BASStards. It would be my first time on Couchiching, and the list goes on.

Firstly, although David could pull Smoke on the Water, I cannot say that he did so without hesitation. Hills proved to be a challenge for my steed as it struggled to pull the boat up hills while maintaining speed. It was so much a challenge that his thirst doubled while towing. However, pulling the boat out of the water at days end proved not a problem.

Launching the boat in the water of Lake Couchiching, I was accompanied by Sir Fusses, Musky Hunter, Spam and Knot'Yo. We launched and were on the water by 9am. Not that it mattered. For the first 3 hours we remained fishless. On top of that, the temperature was dropping and a breeze picking up off of the lake. With no fish in the livewells, we headed into the Narrows to fish in the relatively sheltered docks. This proved to be the right decision.

Eventually Sir hooked intoa small perch. Success! We had broken ground, so to speak, and would be able to entere aperch for Sir. Slowly but surely, the rest of us caught our first perches, shortly followed by our second and third fish. Well, all of this was with the exception of Spam. Apparently he blew his load over in Dunnville lol.

Anyhow, this continued for the next 4-5 hours. With all said and done, I had caught some 50 perch. Sir had 50 of his own. Knot'yo landed 40 while Musky boated 30. In the end, Spam caught his entry fish and finished with 15. We kept 30 for my Grandmother, and let the rest go. All in all, it was a great day.

Unfortunately, I do not have any pictures as we forgot to use the cameras in the hustle and bustle of the hectic perching action. An interesting note: We did not catch any other species of fish for teh entire day! No pumpkinseed, sunfish or rockbass - only perch. I have to admit that this is a first for me.

It was neat to see all of the other derby fisherman out there. At one point there had to be close to 200 boats in one relatively concentrated area. I had never experienced anything like this before, and I can tell you this won't be my last time. I should be headed there again before the end of the. I hope you come along for the trip.

Cat's in the Cradle and Smoke is on the Water

Yesterday marked the culmination of a goal that PITB, Sir Fusses and I have had since we were in high school. You see we've wanted a boat so we can do some serious fishing and venture into waters that we wouldn't dream of taking our inflatable to. Well, yesterday our chariot arrived and man is it beautiful. Our first reaction as we walked into the marina was..."Whoa...I don't remember it being that big when we bought it."

This beauty is a 2008 Smokercraft 192 Millentia with a Mercury Optimax 115hp motor. Our chariot has room for six when cruising or when we're on the hunt we have four chairs, spacious casting decks at both front and rear, a 75lb trolling motor and two fish finders.

For her maiden voyage, we took "Smoke on the Water" out onto the Grand River looking for some Catfish. It would be a shame to not to return victorious on our first hunt in our chariot so I had to deliver. I was armed with my baitcaster (ahem, Duk) and we were fishing a modified Carolina rig that PITB read about and it required a great deal of patience since it was a very slow method with the bait just being left still in the water. I felt a tug and a bunch of line go out with my drag pretty much completely open. I added drag and set the hook and then nothing. I thought I lost it or I was caught on some structure but not a couple seconds later did I see my rod tip bend towards the water. The fight was on!

It seemed like an eternity of reeling, letting out drag, reeling, taking drag away but then it surfaced ensighting cheers, laughter and finger snapping from Sir Fusses. A barrel roll followed and it plunged to the depths once again. I continued the fight and brought it closer to the boat. We didn't have our net so PITB was tasked to use the grippers to grasp the fish as I brought to the boat's side and after a few tense seconds and more rolls from the fish...success! A 12.5lb cat!

So, now the bar has been set and the gauntlet has been thrown. The hunt is officially on and the first prize catch is in. I now put it to you other BASStards pony up and bring in the next big one!

0 for 3

So, I have been out fishing 3 times this year, and have come back skunked 3 times!

Here is the trip by trip chrpnicle.

The first time out, Knot'Yo and I'll Cut You came with me to Bronte Pier. We targetted pike before the season closed for the Spring Spawn. We got down to Bronte at about 6 pm and got the lines wet at 6:15. This was teh first time I had the new baitcasters out this year, and they made me look exactly that - new. Several backlashes and lost lures later, all I had caught was a chill. The temperature throughout the day hovered around 10, but had dropped to 5 degrees by that time. Despite coming away empty handed, it was wonderful to get out and make some casts.

My next outing was the very next day. The day was sunny and held hidden promises of aquatic life. Knot'Yo joined me along with Sir Fusses as well as my cousins Mek Mek and Lil Debbie. We fished with worma nd float at Mill Pond for 2 hours targetting panfish. Only Mek Mek was successful, landing a perch and a pumpkinseed. However, this trip wasn't fruitless as we still dined on fish at Heritage Fish and Chips. It was delicious and is highly recommended if you are ever in the Milton area.

Wednesday was beaustiful. So beautiful that we decided to ry our luck at Mill Pond again. This time, I had Sir, Knot'Yo and Spam with me. While the others went for the traditional worm and float panfish, I decided to play around with a modified Carolina rig for small catfish. Well, we all 4 were skunked. However, the 1 other dude who was there, and wasn't exactly ina chatty mood, was catching fish next to the 4 of us... le sigh.

Well, 1 more week until our chariot arrives. I am so stoked.

Our Trusty Steeds

So, in preparation for the arrival of our chariot, Smoke on the Water, Sir Fusses and I each acquired new steeds to carry us on our hunt.

Sir Fusses acquired his trusty mount, Serena the Hyundai Santa Fe, pictured below.



Don't let the clean lines and attractive exterior fool you; She is ready to party with 242 hp and all decked out in black leather, she will have you begging for mercy!

My ride came in with 4 cylinders but a big set of cajones, please meet David the Suzuki (Grand Vitara).



With class leading towing capacity, tough leather hides and the ability to get down and dirty on or off the road, David is a workhorse through and through.

In 3 weeks, they will be given their first shot to pull our chariot, Smoke on the Water.

Stay tuned for that introduction...

The Smoke on the Water Grand Slam Challenge

So, with the onset of the softwater fishing season, the delivery and pick up of our new boat and the recent investments made in gear and tackle, I would like to propose the first annual Smoke on the Water Grand Slam Challenge! This challenge is extended to all of the BASStards if they so choose.

The rules are simple.

There is no entry fee (unless people successfully complete the challenge).

You must catch at least one of each of the following:

1. 10lb pike
2. 4lb bass
3. 5lb walleye
4. 1 muskie, any length or weight

All fish must be caught over the span of 1 softwater season.

All entries must be verified by another BASStard or must be documented in a picture (species and weight).

If in any category, all contestants qualify, then the minimum for that category will be increased the following season.

Any angler who achieves the Grand Slam will be entitled to a rod or reel totaling $100. Any amount in excess of that will be paid for by the Grand Slam angler.

There may be no Grand Slams or everyone can hit a Grand Slam. The potential is there for all of us to win. There can be multiple winners in any season.

Good luck to all you BASStards.

Genesis

The water is like glass and a mist rises from its surface. It is still dark outside with rods of light just beginning to peak out from behind the horizon. It’s reflection broken only by the wake as the boat silently trolls forward. The eerie silence is broken by the whiz of line flying through the guides with a cast followed by a splash in the distance. I turn the handle; the hunt is on…

Codename: PainInTheBass

Hello, my name is PainInTheBass and this is my attempt to chronicle the hunt for fish in Southern Ontario. This is not a particularly difficult task as fish can be found anywhere from stormwater management ditches and ponds to well known and oft fished Ontario fisheries such as the Great Lakes, Rice Lake and Lake Simcoe. The roadblocks preventing access to the water may prove a different challenge. As girlfriends, fiancés and wives (oh my), lurk behind every corner, ready to pounce at the opportunity to steer me from the course, I must retain my focus and keep my polarized glasses covered eye on the prize. As work, weather, and other commitments allow, I break water in search of my quarry.

However, I am not alone in my hunt. I bring with me a reliable rag-tag crew of weekend warriors weathered from years of work in sales and hardened by the dark confines of office cubicles. Meek, mild mannered demeanours belie their true nature, as arm (and mind) blasting casts and jaw piercing hooksets emerge with dawning of each new weekend. Let me introduce you to the BASStards.

For your protection and theirs, you will know them by their code names only.

Codename: Sir Fusses

Sir Fusses is known for his bone crunching hooksets, often yanking panfish 10 feet into the air! He has a rod for each occasion and 2 floater occasions as well, totaling 17 rods! His knack for finding fish is unparalleled, nor is his knack for unintentional overboard excursions. He fishes with reckless abandon, and signs emails with “Kindest regards,”. He has too many weapons to choose from (17 in total), so you may identify him by the hydrostatic lifejacket. He is my second in command and my primary fishing partner.

Codename: Spam

Spam is not just your favourite luncheon meat anymore. He is a relentless fisherman who is faithful to the lures that are faithful to him. His arsenal consists of a series of lures he has dubbed his “Faithfuls” due to their knack for hooking onto something. Sometimes that something is even a fish. Stricken by narcolepsy, do not confuse him for dead because at the sign of fish he is awake with lure in the water. Tool of choice: venti crème brulee with extra foam, 12%, not 18%, extra hot with an extra cup for insulation. Mmmmm…. tasty!

Codename: Musky Hunter a.k.a. Princess of Panfish

Musky Hunter. Two words that strike fear into the little hearts of panfish everywhere! Do not be fooled by the name, panfish are her game! She rules the sunfish with an uglystick, catching them with machine like precision as I struggle to keep up with her furious pace, taking the fish off her hook and rebaiting. The “Princess of Panfish”, as she has become known, does not handle fish herself, nor does she handle live bait… or soft plastics… But, if you want panfish, just hand her a rod. Beware her mighty calculator, which she can often be seen dual wielding with shocking precision.

Codename: Duk Noonan

Duk Noonan is a sneaky angler, like a ninja, known for blinding fish (and other anglers) with his penchant for going topless, revealing his eerily pale skin, causing confusion in his prey and an uncomfortable sense of looming doom. His uncanny ability to intimidate fish may be the result of his perennial fishing partner, who we will call, codename: White Bucket. Little is known about White Bucket except for the fact that it’s presence signals the end for all things fish; big or small, White Bucket does not discriminate, and terminates with extreme prejudice. I must admit that I have never really spoken with White Bucket, and in fact, have not shared 2 words with White Bucket. I myself fear White Bucket whenever I go swimming. For obvious reasons, White Bucket will be excluded from this quest. We will not speak of White Bucket again… Without it that shall not be named, Duk Noonan has had some success, although he is not nearly as intimidating without it that shall not be named. He once caught a walleye without it that shall not be named. His favourite tool, aside from it that shall not be named is his protractor.

Codename: Sean a.k.a. Knot'Yo Cheese

Sean A.K.A. Knot’Yo Cheese is not named Sean. Codename: Sean is a master of knots, tying with precision and speed, earning him the nickname Knot’Yo Cheese. His ubiquitous knowledge of knots is surpassed only by the distance of his casts, often opting for distance in lieu of catching anything at all. With a new rod and reel, and armed with a plethora of baits, this young gun is taking aim this year. Do knot underestimate his knots. He will use any of them at anytime and without warning. Consider yourself warned.

Codename: I'll Pre-Cut You!

I’ll Pre-Cut you! is vicious when armed with a utility knife! If you are a worm, watch out! She has no qualms about pre-cutting you! Don’t be fooled by the smile, growing up on the mean streets of the M. Dot has hardened this angler, and she will stop at nothing until all of the worms are pre-cut! If she weren’t concerned with dulling her blades, she would pre-cut the worms with her razor sharp figure skates! Triple axle!

Codename: Pink Lightning

Pink Lightning is a mystery to me. She is more likely to be seen with a book than a rod. She is named for the colour of her rod and reel, inspiring thoughts of candy and flowers and bubblegum. Fancying herself a Princess, you may find her on her camping throne, complete with canopy and ottoman, or on her mattress in her tent, note I did not say AIR mattress… Believe it…

Now that you have been introduced to the BASStards you are about to enter into a journey with us to where we do not know. We ask that you fasten your seatbelts and stow your trays in the upright position. We are about to take off…