Fireside Lodge Fishing News Report 8/9 to 8/15 2003

Fireside Lodge Fishing News Report 8/9 to 8/15 2003

Hello From Fireside Lodge in Northwest Ontario. Since we are nearing the end of our summer days it is safe for me to say, that if I had to describe our summer this year in one word it would be perfect, two words would be near perfect. Since May we have had warm day time temperatures with a nice cooling in the night time. The only thing lacking has been spring and summer rain, but as of late we have even been getting a few rain showers. The good news about the lack of rain is that we have hardly had any bugs, and people have been able to sit on their decks at night after the sun goes down. This weeks report I want to start with talking about a couple Jerry and Wanda Miller from Erwin, Tn. It is Jerry's second trip this year as he was here with some male friends in July, however as Jerry said this trip he was with his best fishing partner, Wanda. These two had a fabulous trip catching fish as they spent three days fishing for Smallmouth catching 50, 45, and 60 Smallmouth on each of those days. They also only fished until 3:30 on two days, and on the 60 Bass day they fished only until 12:30 as it was their last day, and they just wanted to kick back and relax for a half day. On the first two days about 50% were fish of 14 to 18 inches, and Jerry caught a Master Anglers Award Smallmouth at 18.75 inches. On the last 1/2 day, when landing 60 Smallmouth, they said almost all were 14 to 17.5 inches, and they had several doubles, and caught a fish about every 5 minutes. WOW, what great Smallmouth fishing. Wanda also had two of her best days fishing ever. The other two days they fished for Northern Pike catching a good number 26 to 30 inches, and Jerry did land a nice 34 inch Muskie. The fishing for these two was great, but their time spent together was even better. You would find Jerry and Wanda all smiles in the dinning room every night full of laughter and good conversation. On their last several evenings they would be found sitting at the end of our dock just soaking up the beauty of the sun glistening on the water, and enjoying our gorgeous Canadian sunsets. We are looking forward to seeing Jerry and Wanda at Fireside Lodge in 2004 as they had made reservations before leaving. Thanks and looking forward to 2004.
Father and son Pete and Jake Stavlund from Chatfield, Mn., were here with Pete's father, Jake's Grandpa Dave from Marion, Ia. Here for a short three days, the first day was spent figuring things out which greatly paid off on the second day, as they had a very good day catching a lot of Smallmouth, and Jake came up with the big one landing a Master Anglers Award Smallmouth at 18 inches. What a great catch for anyone, and especially an 11 year old. Their last day was spent catching some Northern Pike and more Smallies. These three constantly had smiles on their faces as they made some wonderful three generation memories, which are priceless. Thanks for choosing Fireside Lodge to spend this important time together.
Third time return guests Brian Stienmetz, Curtis Eshbach, and 2nd timer Mike Saxinger all from Lancaster, Pa., introduced several other friends to Fireside Lodge, Steven Black also from Lancaster, Mark Sellers, from Pequea, and Mark(Burt) Lindeman from Conestoga, Pa. Brian and Curt started the ball rolling early on, by Brian and Mark catching 22 Northern Pike up to 28 inches, and Curt and Burt also landing 22 Pike up to 28 inches, and Curt also caught a 28" and 31" Muskie. Mike and Steve caught 20 Pike up to 32 inches and several Smallmouth 16 to 17 inches. That's about a 70 fish day for the group. The next day Mark and Burt, after getting a late start because of circumstances beyond their control, had a great 4 hours of fishing as they landed 28 northern Pike up to 28 inches. Mike and Steve also caught close to 30 Smallmouth up to 17.5 inches. Well, Mark and Burt being the new guys did not take long to catch on as they had another great day catching 34 toothy critters up to 28 inches, and Burt caught a Muskie at 34 inches. In all the group did great in catching Northern Pike Muskie, and Smallmouth, and Mike caught an 18"er, and Mark and GIANT 19.5 inch Master Anglers Awards Smallies. Thanks for returning to Fireside Lodge and hope to see all in 2004.
Bill & Jesse Bauman, from Verona, Wi., were at Fireside Lodge for their 7th trip, and have been coming since Jesse was 15 years old. Their main purpose is Muskie, and Northern Pike if they run into them. While fishing for Muskie. They also fish for Smallmouth for a few hours each day, when they get tired of throwing the big Muskie lures. Well, in 4-1/2 days they managed to catch well over 100 Smallmouth just fishing for them part time. On Muskie alone they ended up with 46 follows, nine hits and Jesse caught his first top water Muskie, a beautiful 34 incher that exploded on his surface bait. You should have seen the excitement in Jesse's eyes as he described this catch to us in the lodge that night. Jesse also ended up a Smallmouth Master Angler as he landed a HUGE 19 inch Smallmouth. Most of the other Smallmouth ranged from 12 to 14 inches, with a fair number over 15 inches. Great trip, and another set of father and son memories made at Fireside Lodge.
Another father and son returning for their second year in a row was Mike Kutchik and 12 year old son Gary, from Naperville, IL. These two had an absolute ball enjoying fishing, wilderness, and afternoon naps. Gary found the hammock on the third day. Who ever has the time in every day life to enjoy an afternoon nap in every day life. They did great fishing, catching nice Smallmouth Bass every day and caught a few Northern Pike between their Bass catching. Mike had caught his first surface Smallmouth, and it was 17.5 inches. Well, he did a great job of hooking this large bass, however Mike also got hooked on surface fishing. A few evenings, and their last day they targeted Pike and caught some, and on their last morning they landed 12 Nice Northern Pike and had lots of action, and also missed some fish. The smiles on this father and son's face told the whole story, and when it came time to leave Gary was sad. The good thing was, he was not alone because Mike was sad along with him. No lack of memory making here. Thanks for coming, and hope to see you next year.
Ronald Vincent, from Sherrlills Ford, NC, returned to Fireside Lodge for his second time with good friends Steven Foster and Micheal Heath, from New London, and William ( Bo) Black from Grayson, Ga. when Ron was here with his wife Lisa two years ago they had a 69 Smallmouth day. Well, Ron's previous experience on Little Vermilion Lake paid off as on their first day Ron and Steve caught 68 Smallmouth with Ron landing 3 Master Anglers award Smallmouth 18", 18.25", and 19". WOW what a great day, however Ron and Lisa's record still holds. Mike and Bo also had a great day catching 52 Smallmouth. Terrific first day fishing and catching. On their 3rd day their catches were; Mike 35 smallmouth and 18 Pike, Ron 32 Smallmouth and 15 Pike, Bo 15 smallmouth and 6 Pike, and Steve 20 Smallmouth and 7 Pike. That's a total of 102 Smallmouth and 46 Northern Pike. On their fourth and final day Mike caught 2 Muskie, 34 Pike and 35 Smallmouth, Ron caught 10 Pike and 32 Smallmouth, Bo caught 1 Muskie 2 Pike and 5 Smallmouth, and Steve caught 1 Tiger Muskie, 12 Pike and 15 Smallmouth. Also, during their last three days other master anglers Smallmouth caught were Ron 19", Bo 18", Steve 18.75", and Mike 18.25 and 18.75 inches. Great trip had by all fishing and having fun.
Father and son Tom and Mark Reese From Bartlett, Tn and Doylestown, Pa., returned to Fireside Lodge for their second consecutive year. They were here for 4 days and did a lot of fishing, laughing, and story telling together. For these two it is like a nice reunion, to catch up on their every day lives, and just have some laughs together. They did well fishing, catching some nice Smallmouth and Northern Pike and Tom landed one of his biggest catches, a 34 inch FAT Northern Pike. On this day they also caught a bunch of Smallmouth Bass. These two are a pleasure to talk to in the evening, as their humorous way of story telling gets everyone laughing and telling their stories. Tom, being a retired engineer, and Mark were in the right place at the right time when I had trouble with my gas line, as they helped me arrest the situation quickly and safely. Tom was the main director of operations, and Mark and I were the runners. With a smile, Mark said he was use to that after 44 years helping his dad. Thanks for the help guys, and thanks for returning to Fireside Lodge to add to your memory book..
Another father and son Jim and Tim Neville, both from Leawood, Ks., were referred to Fireside Lodge, and were here for their first time. Here to Smallmouth Bass fish they spent some time learning our lake system their first two days. After that they did very well catching Smallmouth, one day catching 30 plus Smallmouth, and the following day catching a lot to the point that they lost count as to exact numbers. Tim was concentrating on larger Smallmouth, and did catch a number of 16 to 17.5 inchers, and also caught a beauty Master Anglers Award Smallie at 18.5 inches. In all Jim and Tim had a lot of fun, and made lots of great father and son memories, and thanks for choosing Fireside Lodge.
Tom Hinshaw, from Indianapolis, In. returned to Fireside Lodge for his second time in as many years, but this time instead of going with the guys, he organized a family trip. Included were his wife Kathy, mother and father Ruth and Charles, sister Judith Singleton with son and daughter Doug and Katherine, and brother and sister-in-law Les and Helen from Cadillac, Mi. Other than Tom all from this group had not fished for 20 years or in a lot of cases hardly at all. After the first day being filled with snags, miss casts, and bird nests we held a few casting lessons on the dock, and made some equipment adjustments. By the third day things were moving along much smoother. This group was so fun to watch because it reminded me of a family vacation I use to go on as a kid, where fishing was the reason we went, but having family fun, relaxation, laughing together, and making memories were always the priority. That this group most certainly accomplished, and they did catch some fish, and did better as each of their four days went by. Tom, did well catching a good number of fish, and landing a Master Anglers Award Smallmouth at 18 inches. All caught fish and enjoyed. Also we celebrated Tom's birthday in our dinning room, and that's a memory Tom will never forget. Thanks for choosing Fireside Lodge for making some of your family memories, as that is the biggest catch of all.
Trey Rawls, from Wichita Falls, Tx., brother Townes from Lexington, Ky., and friends John Wiers from LaGrange, Ky., and Scott Baker also from Wichita Falls were all at Fireside Lodge for their first time to fish for Smallmouth Bass. Trey was trying to get this group together for several years, and finally accomplished getting to Fireside Lodge. Here for a short three days, their first day was spent getting familiar and learning the lake. On their second day they discovered a pattern and caught well over 25 Smallmouth per boat, catching a lot of bigger fish in the 15 to 17.5 inch range, and Scott caught two Master Anglers Award Smallmouth at 18.25 and 18.50 inches. They had a fantastic 3rd and last day by catching well over 50 larger Smallmouth over 14 inches, with most over 15 inches, and Townes catching the largest of the day, an 18 inch Master Anglers Award Smallmouth. Wonderful fishing, great catching on this short three day stay. Thanks for choosing Fireside Lodge.
Larry and Barabara Miller from Brookfield, Wi. brought grandson Scott to Fireside lodge for his first ever Canadian Wilderness Fishing trip. These three had a great time and made the most of their 3 day stay at Fireside Lodge. They caught mostly Smallmouth and a few Northern Pike, and Larry tussled with a few Muskie. One caught him off guard, hitting when Larry was not expecting, and he never got a good hook set. Scott was very excited about his catches, and day on the water, and Barbara completely enjoyed the total experience of the North we have to offer. Larry and Barbara have the good fortune of having their own place on a lake in upper Wisconsin, so they have a natural love for the North and what it has to offer. Thanks for joining us in our atmosphere to make lasting memories with your Grandson.
That's all the excitement for this week at Fireside Lodge, so until next weeks report, "Keep On Fish'n" Alan