smallie83 wrote:

Looking at a trip where we stay at Trails End campground and motor into the Canadian side of Saganaga. Would be using a motor bigger than 25 hp so no American fishing. Looking for smallmouth.

Questions:

How much pressure is there for smallmouth on the Canadian side compared to say Voyageurs or Vermilion? Would be looking at July, during the week.

How does the fishing compare to say a Vermilion or Voyageurs?

https://sagonto.com

Have you looked into this place? Had a reservation then Covid but I recall rates were very reasonable. We did a US side camp trip instead and boated by it several times – its just across the border line. One kicker motor trip in and you are in Canada for duration. Plus they rent boats so could do some USA side fishing if you wanted. We were there for walleye but were lots of smallmouth around our island campsite (not far from the resort). Seemed like a really neat place and relatively easy to get to.

Dan

Looks to me like a VMC Hot Skirt (which I use often) but I don’t see that exact color combo on their web site.

Dan

If you are up for a bit of an adventure for a long day trip just a short distance north of you is Browns Clearwater West Resort. Clearwater West has great Lake Trout fishing with really big ones taken every year. Also Walleye, Bass and Pike. I don’t fish it so no first hand knowledge. Browns has a boat to vehicle portage into White Otter Lake which is where I fish (annual tent camping trip). WO also a really great trout fishery but good walleye too and now lots of smallies. 20 years ago it had none and now its loaded.We are walleye guys and the bass have become really bothersome :-). There are now people who go there just to fish bass. These are big, deep, extremely clear, and beautiful lakes. That combo makes for a pretty steep learning curve on the walleyes (bass don’t seem to care) plus the wind/weather considerations. Google White Otter Castle – its the only structure on the lake and worth seeing if you go. Navigating there is pretty safe, little to no midwater reefs on that arm of the lake. The Browns folks can provide guidance. Also, WO is a fish sanctuary that does not open till June 15th so it depends on when you are up there.

As suggested there are LEDs under the cowl. Its a tiny panel of 4 or 5 lights on upper port side of engine. On a normal startup they will each flash once in sequence and then all will be off. If certain fault is captured light should show it.

I have a 2009 75 tiller. Recently had 3 year service done after which motor would go into safe mode after a minute or so at higher rpm. Would repeat this over and over. No faults on lights. Turned out some o ring related to impeller replacement was not correctly installed. Diagnostics showed a temp limit hit after 3000RPM which put it into safe mode. It still pee’d water but not enough enough circulation to keep temps in normal range. All good now on mine.

I have a 2000 (now my sons) and 2012 big bear (last year made). Very basic 400cc machine and have been pretty much bullet proof. first gear is like a low range 1st, lot of pulling power and great for slow going thru the slop. The newer one has independent rear suspension and button for full time 4 wheel lock. I think not easy to find one but they are a great option if you want manual foot shift.

Dan

AnotherFisherman wrote:

<div class=”d4p-bbt-quote-title”>Dan Hofman wrote:</div>
Crossed last Thursday – 2 of us. Was very surprised that all he asked for was passports, never checked any of the Arrivcan stuff we had ready on the phone.I did claim a box of wine but was mistaken on its size. Agent thought i was wrong and I did check and correct it prior paying duty but I believe my confusion was enough to trigger a minor checkout. All was good and off we went. Gotta be very clear on those details. I knew that. If you have a case of beer state a case of 24, exact number or cigars, exact oz of pipe tobacco, exact number of chew cans, that kind of thing. Hard boiled eggs are ok, I claimed them and no issues.

By the way – duty on a $19 box wine was just under $14

Hey Dan, when they take your passport, they scan it and all the information from the ArrivCan App is pulled up! I thought the same thing the first time I went through, I asked the guy about it the second time we went up.

Thanks for the clarification, makes sense.

Crossed last Thursday – 2 of us. Was very surprised that all he asked for was passports, never checked any of the Arrivcan stuff we had ready on the phone.I did claim a box of wine but was mistaken on its size. Agent thought i was wrong and I did check and correct it prior paying duty but I believe my confusion was enough to trigger a minor checkout. All was good and off we went. Gotta be very clear on those details. I knew that. If you have a case of beer state a case of 24, exact number or cigars, exact oz of pipe tobacco, exact number of chew cans, that kind of thing. Hard boiled eggs are ok, I claimed them and no issues.

By the way – duty on a $19 box wine was just under $14

Hey James, excellent show. Couple of questions if you don’t mind.

– Does this bite start pretty much immediately after ice out?
– What were water temps during this show?
– How long would you say this ice out bite usually lasts?

Thank You
Dan

Really regret that in my younger days (Im 65 now) I was not any kind of a camera buff. So many things outdoor related and otherwise I look back at today and wish I had captured on film.

That being said in 1985 I bought a 8mm movie camera. In 1984 my Dad invited me to join his small group on their annual Canada fishing trip. Bush road to an awesome lake tent camping on an island. My Grandpa went too. Starting 1986 I have movies of this trip every year thru 2019. Dad, Grandpa, and the others I first went with have been gone for some time now but I have them captured together and at their best in these movies – Priceless (and now on DVD)

Fingers crossed I will back there again this year making more memories.

Recommend you check out Browns Clearwater West Resort on Clearwater West Lake. Its near Atikokan. https://www.brownsclearwaterlodge.com/

They also have a facebook page.

Its a premier lake trout fishery, winter and summer. Includes access to adjoining White otter lake which I have fished for years open water. I have not been there in the winter but know people who have.

Dan

Johnny Express for me – dad was a truck driver, I was obsessed with all things trucking. Friend got a Johnny Lighting. We wore those things out. Begged for another the following Christmas. Santa obliged

Dan

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Really great, thanks for sharing

?

String method worked great the one time I tried it. Partner stuck a large treble hook into meat of his hand. He first tried pulling it out with pliers. Remote camping trip so it really saved the day.

Clearly I needed a show and shave

Dan

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Lot of cool cars and stories. This is my 68 GTO looking same is it did when purchased in 1977. It is how we rigged them back in the day and I still love the look. 14’s on front, 15’s on back (L50’s), air shocks, and even has a trailer hitch. My daily driver for several years. Its a 400HO 4 speed still with its original drive train. Runs great but I stupidly let it sit outside unused for years so its in tough shape now. Would need some work to be road worthy. At least I now have it inside

Dan

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Dutchboy wrote:

Lots of us lived through the 60’s & 70’s muscle car era. My buddy had a 64′ Impala 2 door hard top with a 327 with a Hurst 4 speed. Thrush glass packs gave it the special sound we all remember.

How about you? Photos will be much appreciated.

Anybody have a Judge?

Yep, I have this one :-). Ram Air III 4 speed. Got it in 2002. Been a pontiac & GTO guy all my life. 1st car was a 67 Lemans – my graduation present in 1974. First car I bought (my gf now wife paid) in 1977 was 68 GTO which we still have. Love the 60’s and 70’s muscle of all kinds.

Dan

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