Fireside Lodge Fishing News Report 6/2 to 6/8 2001

Hello from Fireside Lodge in the Great Canadian Wilderness. Week three here at Fireside provided exciting fishing, and much improved weather over week two. We had sunny skies all week with temperatures in the low 70'sF. With this weather it was just what the bass doctor ordered to get the Smallmouth making their beds by mid week, and spawning at the very end of the week. Long time guest Ed Caudill, from Knoxville, Tn., was once again here with his sons Danny and Robby. This year they are staying two weeks, so they will make two weeks fishing reports. On their second day these three ended up landing 25 Northern Pike with only 2 being under 30", and the rest 31" to 33". Robby, only 9 years old, caught five, and landed a fat 33"er. These three had a blast one day, after discovering tube jigs. After some discussions at the tackle shop they decided to try tubes, and in a matter of just two hours caught several Smallmouth, 7 Pike, and had 3-4 bite offs. To say the least they were sold. The next day they caught 12 large Smallmouth, 9 Northern Pike, and a 38.5" Muskie. Robby had an 18.5" Master Angler Smallmouth, a 17", Danny a 17.75"er, and Ed caught the Muskie along with a 18" Master Anglers Smallmouth. On their final day of their first week they had a great day catching 9 large Smallmouth, and Danny smoked the others by catching a 31", & 34" Pike, then soon after caught a 45" Monster Master Anglers Award Muskie. After a 45 minute fight Danny landed the Muskie, and on the very next cast caught an 18.5" Master Anglers Award Smallmouth. What a day and experience. Tune in next week to see if these three can top their first weeks excitement. Scott Charles, from Hudson, Wi., Russell Meerdink, from Neenah, Wi., and Mike Kropp, from Cottage Grove, Mn., were all at Fireside Lodge for their first time. They had fun searching for the big Pike and finding several which, as Charles put it, made his hair stand on end. They caught some great Pike, and Smallmouth and landed a few Muskie. They had several great days catching over 30 Pike in a few hours, and another day catching over 50 up to 30". They also caught their share of 30" to 35" fish. Mike on one cast had 4 big to good size fish follow, yes that's right on 1 cast. Great first experience. Walter LaCasse, from Wayzata, Mn. and Jim Jones, from McKinney, Tx. were here for their second year in a row. Even though the missed their good friend Ron, who could not make it this year, they enjoyed the wonderful wilderness Fireside Lodge has to offer, and had a great time catching Northern Pike and Smallmouth Bass. Jim on the first night came back just about shaking, loosing what he thought was a fish of a lifetime. Lost it after the fish took him directly under the boat on a power run. We all win some and loose some in this game of fishing, but which ever, it sure is fun. Jeff and Terri Robertson, from Muncie, In., had a ball on their second trip to Fireside Lodge. On their second day they came back all full of excitement. They had found an area just full of Northern Pike and Muskie and had so many follows ,on big fish, they lost count, and also caught many Pike. This couple just soaked up our wilderness and nearly perfect weather we had all week. It was sunny with calm winds every day, and about 70-74 degrees. On their last day we had a severe thunderstorm late in the afternoon, but Terri and Jeff did not even notice it coming because they were too busy catching fish. In just a short time, 2 hours before the storm they caught 24 Smallmouth, 5 Pike, and had countless follows. What a great fishing experience. Doc Caswell, from , Medina, Tx., was not only at Fireside Lodge for the first time, but was experiencing the Great Canadian Wilderness for the very first time. Glad we could be the first to host Doc for this wonderful show. Doc grew up in Wyoming riding horses and moving cattle, so when he caught his first Northern Pike it was actually his very first Northern Pike ever. He managed to learn how to handle these toothy critters quickly, as he had no choice in the matter. He also proceeded to catch his first Smallmouth and Muskie ever. Throughout his stay he caught fish ranging from 28" to his largest at 38.5" Muskie. Very good showing for a beginner at fishing in the north. Doc was a wonderful gentleman and we were lucky to have him here at Fireside Lodge. Mitch Kane, from Joliet, IL., Pat Klee, from New Lenox, IL., Matt Halleran, from Evergreen Park, IL., and Sam Robertson, from St Paul, Mn. were all at Fireside Lodge for the first time. Well this group got off to an exciting start, having a tremendous amount of follows on big Muskie. Micth said " I saw more big muskie today than in my whole life". This was the feeling of all four, and these avid fishermen are in their early 30's. That's a great day! They also landed some Smallmouth on that day with Sam catching a Master Anglers Award Smallmouth at 18.5". In fact every member of this group became Northwest Ontario Master Anglers with Matt registering a 18.5" Smallmouth, Mitch an 18", and Pat caught three at 18.25", 18.5", and 18.75". Way to go Pat. Micth and Pat on their last day caught well over 30 Smallmouth finishing their trip strong. Things were really happening at Fireside Lodge this week, so stop in for next weeks happenings at Fireside Lodge. Until then "Keep On Fish'n". Alan