Fireside Lodge Fishing News Report 6/18 to 6/25 2005

Fireside Lodge Fishing News Report 6/18 to 6/25 2005

Hello from Fireside Lodge in Northwest Ontario, Canada.
This week brought us our first real summer weather with temperatures between 78 to 88 degrees, and nothing but sunshine. After last summers weather being cold and rainy, we will take this all summer long.

I will start this weeks report with a with a family trip by three brothers and their 6 sons. Bob Meyers with sons Jake 13 and Mitch 4, Marty with sons Nick and Jordon both 12, and John and his sons Jack 12, and Mick 8. Here for a short three days, they were all full of fun activities, catching fish, and many memories. First day ever on our lake system this family did great catching Smallmouth, Northern Pike and Muskie. First day out Bob, Jake, and Mitch caught 25 Smallmouth, with Mitch landing a 17 inch Smallmouth, and Jake catching 14 of these fighters. Also, Bob while being coached from a two way radio by Marty caught a 36 inch Muskie. Bob is just getting started fishing, and when he had this Muskie follow, Marty by radio instructed him to put on a stick bait, which worked in getting the fish to hit, then Marty coached him in landing the fish, and ended going over to help Bob unhook the Muskie. Great catch, and great story. Marty, Nick and Jordan caught 16 Northern Pike, with Nick and Jordan each landing a 28 inch Pike, and Marty caught a 37 inch Northern Pike. John, Jack, and Mick also caught Smallmouth and Northern Pike. Jack caught 5 Northern Pike one being 30 inches and 5 Smallmouth Bass, and Mick caught 5 Smallmouth. The second day was so full of action as Marty, Nick, and Jordan caught 150 plus Northern Pike, six Smallmouth Bass, three being Master Anglers size between 18 and 19 inches, and 5 Muskie. Jordon caught a 30 inch Pike and Nick a 32 incher. John, Bob and their boys caught 40 to 50 Northern Pike per boat. It was a long day as they all fished from 8 AM to 8 PM, and all the boys just about fell asleep in their tracks when returning to their cabin, from all the action and excitement of their day. On their third and final day Marty, Nick, and Jordan caught close to 100 fish, and both Jordan and Marty landed Master Anglers Award Northern Pike. Jordan at 12 years old caught a 40 inch Northern Pike, which some people go all their life not accomplishing this fishing feat. Marty's Master Anglers Northern Pike was a monster 42 inch Northern Pike. Bob, Jake and Mitch, and John, Jack, and Mick caught 30 to 40 Northern Pike in each boat. This trip turned out to be better that any of the fathers imagined, and all went home with fabulous family memories, which is the best and biggest catch of all. Thanks for choosing Fireside Lodge to be part of your family memory book.

Return guests Al Wortz Sr from Bluffton, SC, with son Al and Grandson David from Howards Grove, Wi. were back to fish their old haunts at Fireside Lodge. For Al and Al it was their 6th year, and second with David. First day on the water these three combined for catching 60 Northern Pike 1 Muskie and a bakers dozen of Smallmouth, all the Smallmouth caught on surface just like the three generations of Wortz's like it. Second day they caught 46 Northen Pike, and caught a lot of fish over 30 inches during the day. Then in the evening while surface fishing, and catching a few Smallmouth in their favorite Smallmouth spot, Al Sr hooked and landed a beauty of a 38 inch Muskie on a surface popper while fishing for Smallmouth. Also Al Jr. hooked and lost and big Northern Pike. Well, that's some Smallmouth action. The first day while fishing Al Jr. lost a rod over the side of the boat but had no idea where, when or why it happened, and it remained a mystery. Two days later Joel Nayder and Aunt Leah Bezin, happened to spot a rod and reel laying in the bottom of the lake, and fished it out. Remembering overhearing the discussion of the mystery rod and reel lost in the lake by Al and Al Sr they brought the rod and reel to them and low and behold, it was Al Jr's lost rod. Their third day brought them some bigger Northern Pike catching 5 over 30 inches and Al Sr had e BIG Muskie hooked but the fish won this battle. They continued to catch fish for their last two days a made another set of valued memories, which is the best catch any Grandpa of Father could ever ask for. Thanks for making these memories at Fireside Lodge

Back again for their 5th consecutive year were Father and sons Tim Bergen, Joe and Adam, and Gerald Curran, and Tim Komenda from Hickory Hills, IL. This group on their first day caught over 50 Northern Pike and a Smallmouth while Pike fishing. Great 1st day. On fathers day they spent the whole day chasing BIG Muskie, and Tim Komenda had a good one on and lost it boat side. They also had as many follows as you can count. What has become a tradition for Joe and Adam continued for the fifth year in a row, which is both of these wonderful young boys coming to my tackle shop to buy dad his fathers day gift. What more can a dad ask for than to be fishing with his two boys for fathers day, and then receiving fishing lures for fathers day. On their third day they caught a bunch of Northern Pike all day long, and Tim Bergen said he spent the majority of his time unhooking fish. The fourth and final day ended on a high note catching a lot of Northern Pike, and seeing many Muskie follows. Tim Bergen is already planning his trip with Adam and Joe for 2006. Thanks for making Fireside Lodge part of your memories.

Earl Grant from Warminster, Pa, and grandson Kevin from Cary, NC, along with friends Chris Garton, Barry Lyons, John Montgomery, John Skowronski (Ski), from Warrington, Glenside, Chester Springs, Pa. and North Cape, NJ were all at Fireside Lodge for their first time. This group had a great time enjoying every one of their five days. First day ever fishing at Fireside Lodge Earl and Grandson Kevin had a fabulous day catching 40 Northern Pike, Earl landing 21 and Kevin 19, but Kevin caught the largest of the day landing a 35 inch Northern Pike. John and Barry caught 25 plus, and Chris and Ski caught about 40 Northern Pike. Great first day for all. Second day they caught many Smallmouth Bass and John caught a lot of his on a fly rod, which is always exciting. Another day while the whole group was catching a lot of Northern Pike, Kevin caught the grand prize, a 40 inch Master Anglers Award Northern Pike. WOW!!! What a great catch by Kevin. Fun was had by all, and several said it was the best fishing trip they ever had.

The "Lonely Man/Woman Lure Team" was back to fish at Fireside Lodge for their -- year. This group consists of Tom Nayder and two sons Alan and Joel from Orland Park, Tinley Park, and Chicago, IL., Tom's sister Leah Bezin from Berwyn, IL., good friend Dave Sivicek and Shawn Cummings from Chicago, and, brother in law Jim Sobczak and his brother Paul from Homer Glenn IL., and Plano Texas. The fact that this group has a club fully outfitted with special shirts, hats, even home made lures and specialty gift wrap and boxes, you could tell that they are not only hear to fish, but to have loads of fun and laughs. This group caught 925 fish and had countless follows, one day having 100 Muskie follows. They caught 252 Smallmouth Bass, 659 Northern Pike, and 14 Muskie in 6 days of fishing. WOW!!!!!!! What a week. Here are some of the best highlights of their week. Alan and Shawn each hooking, and catching a Muskie at the same time. Yes, a double Muskie catch. Alan catching the Biggest Smallmouth Bass, a 19.25 inch Master Anglers Award Smallmouth on a fly rod. Joel became an expert at netting two fish at the same time as him and his Aunt Leah had so many double catches. Jim, brother Paul and Leah the" Muskie Queen" all had the triple crown in Fly Fishing at Fireside Lodge, by each catching a Muskie, Smallmouth Bass, and Northern Pike in the same day while Fly Fishing. Also Paul and Jim both caught their first Tiger Muskie Fly Fishing. Dave catching two Master Anglers Award fish, both being Smallmouth Bass, both fly fishing, and both measuring 18.25 inches. Shawn caught 6 Muskie one at 39.5 inches, and a HUGE 46.5 inch, 30lb Master Anglers Award Muskie. Catch of a lifetime for Shawn two years in a row, as Shawn caught a 42 inch Master Anglers Award Northern Pike in 2004. Joel, Jim, and Paul all caught Master Anglers Award Smallmouth at 18 and 18.25 inches, and Jim and Paul caught theirs fly fishing. Tom? Well, Tom had a great time, caught a lot of fish, but most of all just enjoyed being with family and friends, having fun, and making memories. Tom, is probably the reason this group has come to Fireside Lodge fishing year after year, as he is the head coordinator of the trip planning every detail, and making sure everyone is taken care of, and having fun. He deserves the most credit for making everything happen, to make this groups trip successful, and full of memories, which Tom knows is the biggest catch of all. So for this, Tom is not only the founder, creator, and president of the Lonely Man (Woman-Leah) Lure Fishing Club, but he is the Top Master Angler of this group for making all the wonderful memories possible amongst this group of family and friends. We are very glad Fireside Lodge is where this group has chosen to log some of it's family memories.


Mike and Linda Lapresi were back to Fireside Lodge for the 10th consecutive year. They had a very fun trip enjoying some great fishing and the beautiful relaxing atmosphere we have to offer at Fireside Lodge. They had some great days fishing, with one they were especially excited with at supper one evening. After catching some 20 plus Smallmouth on their first day, the second day was dedicated to Northern Pike fishing. They had a wonderful day catching 50 plus Northern Pike, all on the surface with buzz baits. They also said that they had at least 100 to 125 other strikes and misses. The excitement in their eyes and voices explaining their day was second to none I have seen over our 16 years. Another accomplishment for Mike was catching Smallmouth fly fishing. He caught his first Smallmouth on their third day, and that evening caught six more. Anyone who has fly fished knows how exciting it is to catch your first Smallmouth on the fly. Another day had them catching 35 Northern Pike, with again many strikes and misses on buzz baits. Both don't really care about the number they catch, but love seeing the Northern Pike explode on the surface while chasing their lures. The last day they chased Smallmouth catching some nice fish and Mike landing two Master Anglers Award Smallmouth measuring 18 and 18.5 inches. Mike and Linda had a wonderful trip and we really enjoyed their company as always.

Dan Szkola and Don Landbo from Sugar Grove and South Elgin, IL were back fishing at Fireside Lodge for their 4th time. Dan and Don had a blast as always and the first day fishing they caught 33 Northern Pike each, or 66 total, with Dan catching one Muskie. Second day was 18 Northern Pike. The third day while Muskie fishing they had many follows but no takers, and also caught a bunch of Smallmouth Bass. Back to fishing for Northern Pike on their fourth day and they caught 42, and Dan caught another Muskie measuring 36 inches. Last day they finished strong catching 57 Northern Pike, 2 Smallmouth Bass and Dan caught 2 more Muskie. They had great fishing for toothy critters, and were smiling every minute I saw them. They already reserved to return the same time next year, and I am sure already counting down the days, hours, minutes, until arrival at Fireside Lodge in 2006.

Father Phil Spahr with two sons Brad and Tim from Fairborn and Marlborough, Ma were back to Fireside Lodge for their 6th consecutive year. These three arrived with smiles and anticipation of what this weeks events will bring. No doubt about these three having fun as they naturally do when together, and catching fish also comes natural when people are having fun. First day out the caught 80 plus Northern Pike. WOW, what a great start. Second day was Muskie day with Tim catching one, and between all three caught over 30 Smallmouth up to 17.5 inches. The next day was another great day catching Northern Pike, and Brad caught a 38 incher, plus landed a 18.5 inch Master Angler Smallmouth Bass. The last few days they focused on Muskie, and on one day Phil caught a 33" Muskie and Tim lost one, landed a 32 incher, and lost another, but not without a fight. Tim hooked into one of those fish of a lifetime, and after a great fight the fish fully cleared the water with a huge jump, thrashed his head one way while Tim's lure flew quickly in the opposite direction. Lost big Muskie, but great fishing experience for Tim. Always seeing the positive point of view, Tim described this lost fish as, "how many people have the chance to have the vision of a Giant Muskie completely jumping out of the water in front of your eyes, and throwing your lure viciously in the opposite direction." Phil caught his 33" Muskie on his famed Beetle Spin, and on only 6lb test line and no leader. That is a testament to Phil's natural skill as a fisher for many years, and a tiny bit of luck. Between the three of them they caught 182 Northern Pike, 99 Smallmouth Bass, and 6 Muskie. Great fishing but most of all Phil, Tim, and Brad had fabulous fun, fishing and just being together at Fireside Lodge. Another wonderful set of memories made for their memory log book.

Father and son Paul and Tony Capecchi from Inver Grove, Mn were back to Fireside Lodge for their 3rd consecutive year. This father and son is such a delight to be with, as they enjoy being with each other, and have a truly special father and son relationship. They also come here to fish, and that they do, spending most of their waking hours on the water. Their persistence on the water pays off, as you will see in their catches. First day they caught 135 Northern Pike and Tony caught two Muskie to keep his Fireside Lodge Muskie streak alive. Last year for all of their 6 days of fishing he caught at least one Muskie a day, Tony's 2 Muskie catches made it 7 days in a row. The second day ended this unbelievable streak, but I am sure it will stand for a long time to come. The second day brought no Muskie in the boat, but Paul and Tony caught over 90 Northern Pike and Tony landed an 18.5 inch Master Angler Award Smallmouth. Third day they caught 110 Northern Pike and 3 Muskie, and Paul caught his first Muskie ever. Forth day was 72 Northern Pike and 1 Muskie caught, and the fifth day they caught 80 Northern Pike. On the sixth and final day they finished with their best day, as they caught over 160 Northern Pike, and Tony landed one more Muskie. Tony is a Journalism student and has ambitions of being a sports writer one day. Look for his articles in a major news paper soon, as I am sure his ambitions will become a reality in the near future. Paul and Tony had a fabulous fishing experience, made many more memories at Fireside Lodge, and have already made their reservations for the same dates in 2006. Thanks to you both.

First timers to Fireside Lodge were couple Ron and Mary Beth Huffman from West Dundee, IL. This was the first time Mary Beth was ever fishing so she was in store for a lot of new experiences. First day they caught Smallmouth Bass, and Mary Beth caught her very first Smallmouth Bass ever plus caught a 17 incher. Second day on the water they had an unbelievable day catching 74 Northern Pike, 5 Muskie, Mary Beth catching her first Northern Pike, first Muskie on her first full day of fishing, and Ron caught a Master Anglers Award Northern Pike measuring right at 40 inches. Later that evening they saw a Moose which was another first for Mary Beth. What a fabulous first full day of fishing in the great Canadian Wilderness. The next day while targeting Muskie Ron lost a Big Muskie, and simply said that the Muskie just flat out beat him in the fight. Another first for Mary Beth was catching her first perch. That same evening they caught 20 Smallmouth Bass and guess what? Mary Beth caught an 18 inch Master Anglers Award Smallmouth Bass. Only the second full day fishing and Mary Beth is already a Master Angler. The third day they again fished for the elusive Muskie, this time landing two, one each, and catching 10 Smallmouth Bass. Fourth day had them catching at least 60 Northern Pike, both landing 36 inchers, and many of their Pike were 28 to 34 inches. There last day was spent catching about 40 Northern Pike and 1 Muskie. These two had fun in every way possible, and had many first time fishing and wildlife experiences together. They hooked and landed many toothy critters, but the special catch was getting Mary Beth hooked on fishing, and making many wonderful first time memories together. Thanks for choosing Fireside Lodge to do so.

Ten year return guests father Dave Moon and son Matt from St. Peters, Mo. were back with friends John Setzer from St. Peters, and Tom Wolf from High Ridge, Mo. for their fourth trip to Fireside Lodge. Strictly Smallmouth Bass fisherman in this group, and that's exactly what they caught and in large numbers and large sizes. They had a dream Smallmouth bass trip, and all claimed it to be the best fishing trip they ever had, and Tom said he has been on hundreds of fishing trips in 4 different countries.
First day Tom and Jay caught 80 Smallmouth Bas and 30 Northern Pike with 5 Master Anglers Smallmouth between 18 to 19 inches, and 12 over 17 inches, while Dave and Matt landed 30 Smallmouth and 30 Northern Pike with two being Master Anglers Smallmouth. Dave also caught the prize Smallmouth measuring 20.5 inches. The next day these four accounted for well over 110 Smallmouth with 50% being over 15 inches, and 6 more Master Anglers Award Smallmouth between 18 to 19.5 inches and a bunch of 17 to 17.5 inchers. In fact all caught master anglers award Smallmouth to this point except for Matt, but Matt was catching so many 17 to 17.5 inch Smallmouth that we named him the specialist in this size category. That's a great place to be in fishing at the age of sixteen. After this day of fishing Dave said kidding, that they had started to become more selective as to what size Master Anglers Award Smallmouth deserved a picture. Their third day was a little slower catching 20 Smallmouth per boat, but landing another 5 Master Anglers Award Smallmouth. On their fourth day they said it wasn't as good of a day, but between them they caught 70 Smallmouth. Not bad fishing when a group of four considers a 70 Smallmouth day a lesser day. Their last day was finished with a bang catching over 135 Smallmouth Bas between them all, and more Master Anglers Award Smallmouth, with Matt landing two of these bronze back beauties. In fact in five days between 4 people they caught 37 Master Anglers Award Smallmouth all between 18 to 20.5 inches. WOW!!!!!!!!!!!!
What a great Smallmouth Bass fishing trip.

Walt LaCasse from Wayzata, Mn was back with Jim Jones from McKinney, Tx., and with friends Richard Oksanen from Dallas, Tx., David McCorkell from Plymouth, Ma., David Creith from Kanmore, Alberta, and John Hietala, from Northfield, Mn. Walt, Jim and John are return guests, with Walt and Jim making many trips to Fireside Lodge. On the day of their arrival they had BIG fish action right away, with Richard catching a GIANT 44 inch Master Anglers Award Northern Pike, and John landing a 34 inch Northern Pike all before supper. After supper they caught about and dozen Smallmouth and a few more Pike. The next day they accounted for over 70 Northern Pike and Richard hooked a Muskie that appeared to be 45 to 50 inches, but the fish won this battle, and got away without giving Richard a photo opportunity. For the next three days this group continued to catch a lot of Smallmouth and Northern Pike, and John also caught a Master Anglers Award Smallmouth at 18.5 inches. Fun was had by all, and before leaving Jim shook my hand twice telling me what a fabulous time he had, and said it was his best trip yet. Walt already has reserved his group for the same time next year. Thanks for your patronage, and already looking forward to seeing this group in 2006.

Hot Lures of The Week: Mepps, Fantastic Plastic fished on jigs, Buzz Baits, Surface Poppers, Fly Fishing Poppers and Streamers, Dardevle Spoons, and for the Master Phil Spahr the Beetle Spin.

Catches of the Week: 46.5" over 30lb Muskie, 44" & 42" Northern Pike, four other 40"+ Northern Pike, 20.5" Smallmouth and 58 Master Anglers Award Fish

Well, that's it for this weeks fishing report from Fireside Lodge, Please stay tuned for next weeks report. Until then "Keep On Fish'n" Alan