Fireside Lodge Fishing News Report 9/1 to 9/8 2007

Fireside Lodge Fishing News Report 9/1 to 9/8 2007

Hello from Fireside Lodge in Northwest Ontario, Canada.
The weather during this, our final open week of the 2007 fishing season, was variable. Some warm and cold weather, some rain and some sun, which is a normal mix entering into the fall time period.

First time guests fishing at Fireside Lodge were father and sons David, Timothy, and Cody Cramer from Woodward and Norman, OK. They were referred to Fireside Lodge by long time guest Dan Mosier from Lincoln, NE. First day ever fishing on Little Vermilion Lake system they caught 21 nice Northern Pike. An unusual story was when Cody, after Tim had lost a Pike, saw it still stunned floating on the surface and reached down and Noodled Tim’s Northern Pike and saved the photo opportunity. Second day was a slower day than the first but they caught some nice fish including a 31-inch Northern and a Musky for Cody. It was Cody’s first Muskie ever and an exciting catch as most Musky are. It was also a special day for Tim as we celebrated his 27th Birthday in the dinning room with candles and the traditional birthday song. Third day these three did great catching 27 Northern Pike all with jigging techniques, having the hottest action at the beginning and end of the day. Fourth day was very windy and the fishing was good but the catching slim. Fifth and final day was a gang busters day for this trio having fabulous action to the tune of landing 54 Northern Pike, and David caught his first ever Musky, they had a few doubles, and Tim caught three Northern Pike on three consecutive casts. Great time was had by all, and wonderful father and son memories were made.

Chuck Barreras from Douglassville, PA and good friend Tom Crooks from Feasterville, PA returned to Fireside Lodge for their second year in a row and for Chuck this was a special fishing trip as he brought his daughter Maria for her thirteenth birthday. Their first day turned out to be a fabulous day Muskie fishing as they had 40-50 follows, hooked five, getting two to the boat and landing two others, one each by Tom and Chuck. They also had a few other strikes and caught three nice size Smallmouth Bass. Maria had a lot of fun being part of all this action, and mostly just being with her dad. Second day they had loads of fun visiting Twin Falls at lunchtime, which Maria really enjoyed. They caught some fish, in fact all three, Northern Pike, Smallmouth Bass, and Muskie. Chuck caught the Musky off of Burnt island, the same Island he caught three others in the last two years. Third day was very windy and a slower catching day, however Tom ended up catching another Muskie. It’s always a good day when you boat a Musky. Fourth and final day was a fabulous finish to a great four-day fishing trip. These three caught over 50 Northern Pike having constant action all day long. The smiles on their faces told the story and the memories made between Father, Daughter, and long time childhood friend “Priceless”. Thanks for choosing Fireside Lodge to spend special vacation time.

First time guests of Fireside Lodge Pete and Allen Kondrup from Viroqua, WI and Meriden, CT were glad to be here. First day on the water was about learning the lake and catching some Northern Pike and Smallmouth Bass. Second day these two had GREAT action as the landed 20 nice Northern Pike up to 33 inches. Third day despite the winds they caught some nice Northern Pike with Allen landing a Pike in the high 30-inch range. Fourth and final day they caught close to 20 bigger Northern Pike and had a ball. Both left getting a well needed break and what better place to do that than in the great wilderness nature provides in Northwest Ontario. Thanks for choosing Fireside Lodge to spend your valuable vacation time.

Father and son Paul and Tony Capecchi from Inver Grove Heights, MN returned to Fireside Lodge for their second time in 2007 to make 6 trips in 5 years. They returned this time to fish more specifically Muskie, and on the day of arrival within 10 minutes of being on the water Tony hooked and landed a Muskie. WOW what quick results. Next day they got 40 to 50 Muskie follows but the fish were not cooperative. Tony did have one hit his lure right at the end of his retrieve as he as starting to pull his lure from the water, hooked it, and the Muskie Jumped completely out of the water in front of Tony. On the return trip to the water the Musky was just inches form the boat. After the excitement was over Tony and Paul realized that they almost had a Muskie jump in the boat. Great story, and memory for this father and son. Second day they caught well over 30 Northern Pike. The third and final day they did even better catching more Northern Pike than day two and Paul, who loves to fish for Smallmouth Bass caught an 18 inch Master Anglers Award Smallmouth. Fabulous catch for Paul. Two unusual and interesting events happened to Tony and Paul while fishing. First it was Paul, while fighting an over 30-inch Northern Pike his line came apart where he tied new line to older line. Fish gone and end of story. Wrong!!! Tony somehow saw Paul’s broken line floating on the water and retrieved it to at least get the lure back and as Tony started to hand line the lure back he got more than he asked for as the fish, a 31 inch Northern Pike was still at the other end. After Tony hand lined the Pike in they netted the fish and got a very memorable photo of Paul holding his catch. Next story on their last day was as Tony was fighting an over 30 inch Northern Pike his reel seat on his reel broke off and fell to the bottom of the boat. Tony having no other option also hand lined this Pike in and got a great photo, and Tony gets the 2007 award for unusual techniques of catching Northern Pike at Fireside Lodge. If fact, being that Tony is a journalist for an outdoor publication I would expect to see an article about had lining techniques for Northern Pike in one of our favorite fishing magazines. Loads of laughs and many more memories were made by Paul and Tony at Fireside Lodge. Thanks for making Fireside Lodge the place to make your fishing memories.

Bob Reinhardt from Orland Park, IL returned to Fireside Lodge for his second trip in 2007 and this time with son Jon from Aurora, IL and Charlie Geinosky, from Burbank, IL. for their third consecutive year. First evening fishing on day of arrival they caught several Northern Pike including a big 37-inch Pike. Second day Bob changed technique in the middle of the day and started to catch fish on the surface landing a Master Angles Award Smallmouth at 18.5 inches, a chunky 16 incher and a 36 to 37 inch heavy Northern Pike. Third day was off a bit, and the fourth day was Fabulous as they caught a bunch of Northern Pike and all but two were BIG in the mid to hi 30 inch range. Also Charlie had two Giant fish get away at the boat. Fifth and sixth day they did great as Charlie continued to tear them up and Jon caught big heavy 38 inch Pike. Bob also caught his share of bigger Northern 30 to 37inches, and also did well catching some big Smallmouth Bass without even trying including a MONSTER 19 inch Smallmouth. All had a great time and said they can’t wait until next years trip.

Bryan Smith from Yorktown, IN returned to Fireside Lodge for his second trip and this time with daughter Sasha. First day they both caught a bunch of Northern Pike and had loads of fun. Second day while Musky fishing they had many follows, and several strikes but could not land one, however they did catch some very nice Smallmouth Bass. After a slower third day their fourth day was fabulous fishing, and the topper was when Bryan caught the fish he was looking for which was HUGE 45 inch Master Anglers Award Musky. GREAT GOING BRYAN, and Fabulous net job by Sasha, a team effort all the way. Fifth day they caught some Northern Pike and had a few follows. Their sixth and final day they wanted to catch Smallmouth so Bryan and I studied the map and determined a slow approach with plastics and live leeches should be the ticket. The results were loads of fun catching many Smallmouth and most being between 13 to 17.5 inches. Both said they just stopped counting in the high 30’s. This father and daughter had a fabulous trip at Fireside Lodge, and made memories to last a lifetime, which would give any father a lump in his throat. Thanks for choosing Fireside Lodge to spend this special time together.

Mike Brunner from Perrington, MI returned to Fireside Lodge for his third trip with brother Toby from Fowler, Mi. First day was great catching 22 Northern Pike, and the next day was even better catching almost twice as many up to 28 inches, however the big fish kept eluding them. Third day had them catching a few Northern Pike and seven Smallmouth Bass, and the highlight was Mike’s HUGE 38 inch Northern Pike. Fourth day was bigger Northern Pike day catching 16 Pike 30 to 38 inches. Fifth Day things happened when they started to use jigs for Smallmouth. They started catching toothy critters and Mike caught the BIG fish of the day, a 37-inch Northern Pike on a four-inch tube jig. Sixth and final day they caught many Northern Pike between 25 and 28 inches fishing and catching right until dark. Both had a great brother trip and intend on returning.

Richard Wolf from Oshawa, Ontario and Larry Pearson from Lakefield, Ontario returned to Fireside Lodge for their second consecutive year. First day was Musky all the way getting countless follows and some opportunities to hook a Musky, but for one reason or another missed each time. Second day they missed again on the Muskie, but got some nice Northern Pike landed, photographed, and released. Third day was a tough day Muskie fishing. Fourth day they did well catching some bigger fish as Richard landed a 35 and a pig 39-inch Northern Pike, and Larry caught a Muskie. Next day they had lots of follows and Richard landed another Musky at 33-inches and Larry caught the Big fish of the day which was a heavy 38-inch Northern Pike. Last day these Musky fishers caught some Northern Pike and had a lot of follows from Musky but could not get one to strike. They raised one very big fish three times, returning three different times in the day raising the fish every time. Frustrated? Yes! Disappointed? Maybe? Discouraged? NEVER!!! As they said “That’s Muskie Fishing Eh”. Both had a great week Musky hunting and hope to return to do it again.

Aaron and Michele Hayes returned to Fireside Lodge for their second trip in 2008 and their 7th consecutive year. First day was very windy, the fishing was great however the catching was non-productive, but it was much better than working. Second day was Aaron’s day as he caught some nice Northern Pike. Third and fourth day was all Aaron as he did well catching some nice Northern Pike and they had a bunch of Musky follows that just would not cooperate. Also Aaron caught a GIANT 19 inch Master Anglers Award Smallmouth Bass. Fifth day was fabulous as they caught a lot of Northern Pike in the 26 to 35 inch range. Lost 6 including Michele’s HUGE Northern Pike somewhere near 40 inches, and Aaron lost a mid 30-inch Musky. Last day was better than FABULOUS as they caught 31 Northern Pike between 28 to 36 inches and Aaron landed 23, and they also lost their share of fish. They had three odd experiences during this day. 1) Aaron got bit off above the leader and the Pike swam away with his expensive Slamo Lure, only to be found later by Michele and Aaron floating in the lake. 2) Aaron landed a fish he never hooked as the fishes jaw was clamped down on his lure and would not let go, having to pry the jaws open to retrieve his lure. 3) Aaron again caught a Northern Pike with out hooking it as it bit down on his 80lb Florocarbon leader and would not let go giving Michele the opportunity get the net under this stubborn Northern Pike. Many Great Happenings, Many Great Stories, and Many More Fishing Memories made by Aaron and Michele at Fireside Lodge.

Fishing at Fireside Lodge for their fist time were Rob and Melissa Long from Munster, IN. First day ever on Little Vermilion Lake these two did great catching about 15 fish, 10 being Smallmouth Bass and on Melissa’s very first cast she caught a 18 inch Master Anglers Award Smallmouth. WOW, what a happening. Second day they did well again catching about 15 nice Smallies and several Northern Pike. Third day was, as Rob and Melissa said “ A Great Day Smallmouth Fishing”. They caught 25 to 30 Smallmouth Bass all being 14 to 17.5 inches, and Melissa caught a fat 33-inch Northern Pike on a small hook, light line and no leader. Rob also caught his Master Anglers award Smallmouth measuring 18.25 inches. Their fourth and final day they had another 30 Smallmouth Bass day and Melissa had another Northern Pike in the 30+inch class on, but the fish won this battle. Both had a fabulous time fishing at Fireside Lodge for their first time, and upon departure discussed possible dates saying they will be back in 2008. !!!!!

Father and son David and John Carris from Pittsburgh and Hidden Valley, PA were at Fireside Lodge for their first time together, and for David it was his second trip in as many years. They had a ball their first day on the water getting lots of action and landing 10 Northern Pike. Second day they had an absolute blast on the water having fun, seeing wildlife, enjoying the wilderness, and caught nothing. It Happens!!! Third day they made up for it as they had a fabulous day fishing catching well over 30 Smallmouth Bass all being 14 to 17 inches, and each caught a Master Anglers Award Smallmouth, Dave’s measuring 18.5 inches and John’s was a GIANT at 19 inches. For this father and son the fish catching was the bonus as they just wanted to be together and enjoy conversing, laughing, telling stories, and making some memories that will last a lifetime, which they no doubt did accomplish. Thanks for choosing Fireside Lodge to spend you special time together.

Steve Maggs and Ralph Broom from Roswell, GA were fishing at Fireside Lodge for their first time, and it was Ralph’s first time ever fishing in Canada. Well first day was great as they caught some Northern Pike including a 36 to 38 inch Northern Pike and Ralph caught the Pike of a lifetime landing a 42.5 inch Northern Pike. Imagine first day ever fishing in Canada and first time ever fishing for Northern Pike and Ralph catches a 42.5 inch Master Angler Award Northern Pike. Congratulations to Ralph for accomplishing a terrific Fishing Feat. Steve also had a BIG Musky roll on his surface lure, take it down but somehow did not get hooked. After this Ralph called Steve “Musky Maggs”. Steve is hoping the name will stick. Second Day They caught some Northern Pike and again Ralph came up with a BIG catch landing a 37 inch heavy Northern Pike. Third day was a good day Smallmouth fishing and they caught a few Northern Pike. Steve caught a Master Anglers Award Smallmouth Bass measuring at 18 inches. Fourth and final day was classic severe cold front conditions and the fishing results were also classic, catching a few but slow. Both had a blast and Steve intends on returning with his family one day and Ralph can’t wait to return.

Randy Hickerson and Chris Bruno from Mission Viejo and Tustin, CA were fishing at Fireside Lodge for their second time and for Randy it was his third time. First day out they caught some Northern Pike and Smallmouth Bass. The Smallmouth were caught later in the day when they figured out the value of live leeches. Second Day, taking leeches in the morning, they did great on Smallmouth Bass catching 25-30 and each landing Master Anglers Award Smallmouth at 18.25 and 18.50 inches. Third and final day they did well on Smallmouth Bass again. No Master anglers Award fish but most were very nice size. Both had fun and their time went by much too fast.

Make sure to go to our website listed below to see the 2007 Photos

Hot Lures of The Week: Swim Bait, Suick, Live Leeches, Gulp Alive, Crane Style Lure, Bucktail, Mepps Spinner, Blue Fox Spinner, Small Crank Baits, Large X-Rap

Catches of the Week: 45-inch Musky, 42.5-inch Northern Pike. Two 42-inch Northern Pike, 41-inch Northern Pike, 40.5-icnh Northern Pike 39-icnh Northern Pike and five 38-inch Northern Pike, three 19-inch Smallmouth Bass, and 12 Master Anglers Award Smallmouth Bass 18 to 18.75 inches.

FINAL REPORT FOR 2007
It’s hard to believe this is the final fishing report for the 2007 fishing season at Fireside Lodge. Audrey and I want to thank all of our guests in 2007, and all guests of Fireside Lodge over the last 18 years for making Fireside Lodge the place to spend you precious vacation time. It is all of you that make the lodge walls come alive with laughter, fishing stories, and the warming activity that creates the wonderful atmosphere we all enjoy during the fishing season. This is truly a dream come true for Audrey and I to be able to own and operate a Fishing Lodge with such a fabulous list of guests that have in many cases become personal friends. We hope to continue doing this for many years to come, and provide a place where people can enjoy the sport of fishing while making memories among family and friends. Sincerely, Audrey and Alan.

Well, that's it for this weeks Fireside Lodge Fishing News Report, Please stay tuned for next weeks report. Until then "Keep On Fish'n" Alan
http://www.firesidelodge.com
800-545-0815
fireside@xplornet.com