Fireside Lodge Fishing News Report 9/6 to 9/13 2003

Fireside Lodge Fishing News Report 9/6 to 9/13 2003

Hello to all from Fireside Lodge in Northwest Ontario. It's hard to believe that this is the last week of our 14th season at Fireside Lodge. It seems just like last week we were preparing to open, and sadly we find ourselves doing everything for the last time. The good news is that it's only for the last time in 2003, as we are already planning and looking forward to the 2004 fishing season.
I will start this final weeks fishing report with a father and son John and Michael Lutz, from Wrightstown, Pa. These two have stayed with us a number of times, however their smiles when arriving at Fireside Lodge, and their appreciation of being here seems to always get bigger and better. On their first day they caught 20 real nice Northern Pike and one Muskie, and the next day they strictly Muskie hunted, and Mike ended up landing three between 33 to 36 inches and they lost 4 others. Great day of Muskie fishing. They had a few other great days catching 12 to 20 Pike, and had what Mike said was his best fishing experience of his life when they caught over 35 big pike and 8, yes eight, Muskie, with having a lot of other action besides their catching. For these two it is not just about the fish, but also about being together as father and son in a beautiful wilderness environment. I would find John every evening sitting on the Lodge screened porch just gazing at the lake and its tranquilizing surroundings. The memories made by these two far out weigh the fish they catch, and that is what really counts. Thanks for returning and hope to see you in 2004.
Bob Swanson, from South Elgin, IL., son Jeff from Waukegan, IL., and Ricky Helm, from St Charles, IL., were all back to Fireside Lodge for their second consecutive year. Coming off a great year of fishing in 2002 these three were back to repeat their fishing and fun of last year. Despite a slower start this year they did finish strong with them catching a lot of Northern Pike, and several nice Muskie on their last several days. Great fun and laughs were had by these three, along with the wonderful fishing in a pristine wilderness setting. Thanks for returning.
Joe Nowiczewski from Cronron, Tx and son Troy from Cullowhee, NC., were at Fireside Lodge for their first time. What promoted them to come was an article Troy read in a fly fishing publication, as he is an avid fly fisher. Here for a short 3 days they did not waist any time as they caught 16 nice Pike, and Troy caught 8 on a fly rod. WOW what great fun, and fly fishing for Pike. The rest of their stay, all they could say about the fishing is that they caught a lot of Northern Pike, and Troy fly fishing all the time, said his fingers were getting raw and he actually had to duck tape them on his last day. Joe also had a great accomplishment on their last day by catching his first Pike ever on a fly rod. Great fishing, fly fishing, and great fun and memories had by this father and son.
Aaron and Michele Hayes from North Aurora, IL., were back with us for their fourth consecutive year. They enjoy fishing for long toothy critters, and got started off fast on the evening of arrival as they caught 6 Northern Pike in just 1.5 hours. On their second day they caught some nice pike, lost a lot of fish, and Aaron did land a big Muskie. The third day the decided to strictly Muskie fish and they had a huge amount of follows, having over 50, and Michele was very excited as she caught her first topwater Muskie, and Aaron also landed a Muskie. Great day of Muskie fishing for this couple. On their last two days they caught a lot of Northern Pike, with the last day being one of those GREAT days of fishing, and Aaron caught a 38 inch Tiger Muskie, and a 18.5 inch Master Anglers Award Smallmouth, and Michele also landed a 30 inch Muskie. Great finish to a great fishing trip. Hope to see you back in 2004 to catch all those fish that you lost.
Walter LaCasse, from Minnetonka, Mn was back for his second trip to Fireside Lodge in 2003 with Tim Cruzen, from Minneapolis, Mn. Walt has been coming to Fireside Lodge twice a year for the last three years, and just loves the area, and the feeling of fishing in the wilderness. This spring Walt caught a huge Master Anglers Northern Pike at 41.5 inches, and back here for a short three days they got started on the evening of arrival by catching 5 Northern Pike in just a few hours. They did well the rest of their three days catching some nice Northern Pike, but Walt's fish was not to be topped on this trip. These two had a lot of fun trying and always had great smiles on their faces in the dinning room. Thanks for returning, and sure to see Walt next year as he has already made his reservation for 2004.
Tom Ackley and Patrick Newman both from Tulsa, Ok. were here to experience fishing at Fireside Lodge for their first time. On the evening of arrival they caught some nice size Northern Pike, and Tom caught a BIG 37 incher. On their second full day they caught a lot of Northern Pike, and the third day fished for Smallmouth and caught 48 good size smallies. Great Smallmouth fishing! Another day they tried their hand a Muskie fishing, and Tom caught a nice size Muskie, and they both had a lot of follows, and saw, as Tom described it, an absolutely GIANT Muskie. On this same day they also caught some big Smallmouth. In all they had a great time fishing, and these two also knew how to relax, as they would enjoy their pre dinner relaxation time, and also enjoyed dinner every evening. They are also pretty good firewood stackers, and thanks again.
Michael Thelander, from San Francisco, Ca and friend Mark Wolters, from Minneapolis, Mn. were also here for their first time. Here for a short 3 days, they caught some nice fish and enjoyed the great wilderness atmosphere we have to offer at Fireside Lodge. Michael came here to fly fish for Northern Pike and Muskie, however here for only 3 days, the wind limited this fishing style, so they used conventional fishing techniques which proved to be more successful. Thanks for choosing Fireside Lodge for your fishing destination.
For the eight consecutive year a group headed by Kevin Marks, from Hebron, Ky. returned to Fireside Lodge. The other group members are Jim Graham from Morningview, Ky., Andrew Hurdman from Chester, NJ., John Lind from Basking Ridge, NJ., Mike Muir from Knoxville, Tn., Mike Strohl from Indian Trail, NC., Jeff Coutant from Brooksville, Ky. and son Jason from Chicago, IL., , Mike Colitti from Matthews, NC., Denis Toner from Weston, Ct., John Charbonneau from Cheshire, Ct., and John Kelly from Weddington, NC. This group of twelve are old school buddies who find fishing a fun way to get together and have 3 days of fun and relaxation, while keeping in touch with everyone's lives. Well, as usual there was no lack of fun and relaxation, and there was no lack of catching fish. They fish for only Northern Pike and Muskie, and in 3 short days they landed well over 550 fish, 99% being Pike and Muskie, with a lot of fish caught in the mid 30 inch range. Kevin caught the largest at 38 inches, and Mike Muir ended up a Master Angler Award winner landing an 18 inch Smallmouth Bass. Everyone had a great time as usual, and all went home with excitement, already talking about their dates for 2004. Thanks for your patronage and hope to see all in 2004.
The very last group for the 2003 season was a return group for their second year in a row headed by brothers Rex and Steve Dillinger from Noblesville, In. The rest of the group is from either Noblesville, Indianapolis, Franklin, Carmel, Sheridan, or Fishers, In. They were Steve Schwartz, Mak Knowles, Jae Ebert, Mike Field, Larry Roudebush, Delbert and Tom Watson, Dick Davis, Brian Cooley, Jack Larrison, Larry and Mike Dawson, John Moseie, Terry Baker, Tom Hinshaw, Floyd Burroughs, Don Sanders, Phil Beer, and Sam Mishelow. Yes, that's right a group of 21 people. Hats off to Rex and Steve to organizing a group of 21 people.
This group has what's called a board fish contest, and qualifying sizes are 28 inches for Northern Pike or Muskie, and 15 inches for Smallmouth Bass, and at the end they give out awards for best fish caught in each category. Some highlights of this group fishing was:
Jack Larrison & Mak Knowles 40-50 Northern Pike, 2 Muskie, 11 board fish
Tom Hinshaw with a 39.5 inch Muskie
Tom & Delbert Watson catching a lot of Smallmouth
Terry Baker catching 3 Muskie, largest at 39" others in mid 30"s
Brian Cooley & Phil Beer 40-50 Northern Pike with 9 board fish
Floyd Burroughs catching a 38.5 and a 40 inch Pike, and giving his rendition of Oklahoma on awards night
Dick Davis catching lots of Smallmouth, and landing a monster 19.5 incher
Jack Larrison & Mak Knowles 30 Northern Pike with 8 board fish
Tom Watson catching a huge 41.5 inch Northern Pike
Sam Mishelow & Jae (the swimmer at 7AM every morning) Ebert 30 plus Northern Pike, Jae catching two 34 inch, a 36 inch, and a huge 39 inch Pike
Northwest Ontario Master Angler Award Winners from this group were:
Mike Dawson 18.75 inch Smallmouth Bass
Dick Davis 19.5 and 18 inch Smallmouth Bass
Floyd Burroughs 40 inch Northern Pike
Tom Watson 41.5 inch Northern Pike
These are just a few examples of fishing fun this group had, and as for board fish they caught as a group in 4 days 115 board fish, 70 Northern Pike, 14 Muskie and 31 Smallmouth Bass. The last evening this group has an awards ceremony, and the winners of this years trophies were:
Dick Davis for largest Smallmouth with a HUGE 19.75 inch Smallie, and Mike Dawson came in second with an 18.75 incher. Both of these fish were Northwest Ontario Master Angers Awards qualifiers.
Tom Watson took first in the Northern Pike category with a Giant 41.5 incher and Floyd Burroughs was second catching a BIG 40 incher. Both were also Northwest Ontario Master Angler Awards winners.
Tom Hinshaw was the top gun Muskie Angler by landing a fat 39.5 inch fish and Terry Baker was a close second at 39 inches. Terry also caught 3 Muskie during his 4 days. Almost a Muskie a day, which is GREAT for a beginner Muskie angler, or any Muskie angler.
Mak Knowles took the groups Master Anglers trophy, with Sam Mishelow a close second, and Brian Cooley & Jae Ebert tied for third place.
This group obviously comes to fish, but also had a lot of fun and laughs, great card games every evening, and wonderful conversation and fellowship. The memories made here were many and will be long lasting for years to come, and hopefully all will be back for the Dillinger 2004 Canadian Wilderness Fishing Adventure. Thanks.
That is the final group for the final week of our 2003 fishing season at Fireside Lodge. For this season Audrey and I have seen a lot of people enjoy, one of the most important times of the year, their precious vacation time. From our guests we saw a lot of joy, laughs, fish and wildlife stories, and memories made between parents and children, friends, and couples. With these memories we hope we have, through Fireside Lodge, gave people something to take with them and enjoy for the rest of their lives, as that is our goal at Fireside Lodge. As we look around now all is quiet, however the laughs, chatter of voices, and excitement of people are still amongst the lodge walls, and all we have to do is close our eyes and take a moment to remember. We thank each and every guest of 2003 season and the last fourteen years for making Audrey and I able to continue to pursue our goals of making Fireside Lodge one of the best fishing vacation destinations. We are already planning, and excited about the 2004 season which is only 8 months away. Thanks for the memories, and we are looking forward to making many more. Alan & Audrey Brandys