Spring / Summer 2014
Its finally spring..... Time for the sled, trailer and hut repairs!!
I'm finally getting around to doing some repairs....
First off I had a leak coming from the gas tank on the ski doo.......
So I took the tank off and found that the leak as coming from the line and connection from the tank. It was all cracked and not really fixable so I took the tank from my parts sled. After a good cleaning out of old gas, which didn't smell or look like gas I got it rigged up with a new in tank filter and line. It's all back together and no more leaks...........
I didn't really use the machine this past winter due to the leak, but there was also a rattle somewhere in the engine area.... After a good check I determined it was the brake. It was missing a couple of small parts so again I took the brake from the parts sled and just cleaned it up and replaced it. No more rattle!!
The ski doo has been summerized and stored for the summer!
I also wanted to fix up my single trailer as well. It was getting rather rusty so I sanded it down and gave it a couple of coats of flat black rust paint. I have also put down a small piece of old ski doo track for better traction.
I was having some difficulty getting my Yamaha running with the e-start, so I removed the starter to find that it was very rusty. Having a parts machine I removed the starter from it and it looked much cleaner, so I replaced it and the machine fired right up with no issues. I'll take the other in and have some maintenance done to it and have it for a spare.
I was getting tired of having the William's stickers on the sides of the Yamaha so I decided to take them off. A great company, don't get me wrong..... Just needed a fresh look for a while. I got the stickers off and did a bit of sanding to take out some rough areas, got it all taped up and sprayed the red and let it dry for a couple of days. Then taped up the red and as well as the stickers on the main part of the hood and sprayed a couple of coats of black to freshen it up. It's a bit dull around the decal, but it couldn't be helped. I think it turned out okay, but it will take time not seeing those William's stickers on there!
December 31, 2014
My first trip of the season..... It was a great feeling to finally be back out on the ice, sick or not! I got to spend it was a good friend, which made it even better!!
We made our way to local lake stocked with rainbow trout. We set up in the usual spot. Some others had already left so we just took over their holes, but with no sign of blood on the ice we were opitmistic that we wouldn't do any better.
The lines went down and with the other group just leaving we were able to get their fire revived, to keep warm in the winds that started up.
We lasted about an hour or so and then decided to call it a day. The winds began to pick up and it was hard to maintain our lines.
Still a great time and nice to be back out for the start of the new ice fishing season!!!
February 7, 2015
The MOST TRAGIC thing that could have ever happen to a parent happened. My youngest daughter passed away suddenly...... We were close as many that have read my past blogs know. Dayna passed away on January 4, 2015 and was only 19 years of age...... God must have needed her... Dayna was a wonderful young person who would do anything for her family and friends! She is going to be so sadly missed while ice fishing and during our annual waterfowl hunting trips that we both looked so forward to and cherished each year!! I'll love her and miss Dayna until the day we meet again!!
With this happening, all I wanted to do was stay inside behind locked doors........ However, my good friend Darren, finally was able to convince me to venture out and go ice fishing. The snow machine hadn't moved since Dayna parked it just before Christmas so after getting it going and loaded up the trip was a go, even though the anxiety set in...... I know I needed to try and that what Dayna would have wanted......
I met up with Darren at the parking area and unloaded the machine and hooked up the sleigh, and off we went on what turned out to be one heck of an adventure!
Got to what we thought was the right spot...... Holy snow!! But there were some slush areas and Darren got stuck in one... Lucky enough his Bravo was light enough to lift out. We got to what looked like a good little point in search of some brook trout. Darren powered up the auger and he hit bog!! #$$%$ We went out more and same thing!! What the heck?? With us being worn out we called it for that lake and headed off to another....... Got to the other lake and we knew some others were there but there were maybe a dozen on it.... I walked out to chat to a few set up to find that they only had one fish on the ice........ not a good average with that many people out. Darren began walking out and got a boot full of water from a slush bed, so we turned the machines around and called it a good adventure and headed back to the vehicles.
After having a closer look at my GPS when I got home, it turned out the first lake wasn't even the lake we wanted but the second where the guys were was the lake we wanted.......... Guess we will know for next time!!
Still........ It was nice to get out to try and get things off my mind.
February 19, 2015
I decided to get out of the house for part of the day and try some fishing on a local lake. It was cold but I had my hut and high hopes of some fish! Someone somehow told me it would be a good day! A friend told me to use his hut, but still wanted to keep mobile, so I used mine.
I reached the location of the hut and set up some distance away. Got the holes drilled and lines set..... the wait was now on. The holes had to be cleaned every 5 minutes or so, due to the cold and wind. It was a short wait though until the first line went down...... only a perch, but still it was a keeper! This went on for a while....... The other line didn't have a tap, so I changed up jigs and location. It wasn't 10 minutes later and the line went off. I went over and set the hook..... this wasn't a perch!! After a short fight a nice 2 pound laker hit the ice!! I reset the line in higher hopes of getting my second fish, but after some time, nothing other than several more perch. Most went back down to grow up.
At the end of the day, a couple of perch and my laker came home!! What a good day out and again it got my mind off things.......... I know there are more lake trout down there and I'll be back to get more!!
March 3, 2015
Got out today with my buddy Matt...... He picked up a sled last year and this was really the first time had used it for its intended purpose....... to go ice fishing...... I'm sure he had a good smile on his face heading out on to the lake in search for his first lake trout today!!
We got our spot and set up..... it wasn't long before the perch started to bite...... it was a frustrating day!! Perch, perch and more perch.... then the snow started for a bit and stopped. Then it started again and didn't stop. Made some hotdogs for lunch and waited for a lake trout.....
Around 3 we called it a day as the snow was starting to pile up....
Still it was nice to get back out with a clear head! No lakers for us today but at least we didn't get skunked either.
Glad to get out with a friend but today wasn't his day for his first lake trout.......
March 11, 2015
Got back out today with Matt for an all day back lakes fishing adventure, for what we had hoped was going to a fish filled day. We got to the first lake and loaded up..... Got to the first lake and set up for a morning of brook trout fishing. There were a few other guys fishing another part of the lake but, after not seeing them running to lines I thought I'd pay them a visit. They told me they hadn't had any bites either. We waited in anticipation for the first bite, but it never came. Around 1230pm we packed up and headed back out to trey our second lake of the day for the afternoon walleye / jumbo perch bite.......
We got to the second lake around 2pm loaded back up and off we went in hopes of better fishing! We got to our location and set up..... next thing on the agenda...... lunch!! Matt brought some venison and beans...... What a great meal on such a nice day!! BUT after that day was over all we had to show for it was 3 nice smallmouth bass. A quick picture of one of them, and yes they all went back...... At least we didn't get a skunked for the day!!
It was a great day to be out on the ice, but with this warmer weather I don't think sled travel will be good much longer. Still lots of ice though!!
Second Lake of the day
2014 - 2015
Spring / Summer 2015
Its finally spring..... Time for the sled, trailer and hut repairs!!
Lots to do this year, so please stay tuned!!
April 2015
With the weather finally cooperating, I have been able to get outside to start a few projects and start on the sleds, as well as getting the hut cleaned up and stored away for the season.
I was in need of some stands to keep the machines off the ground during storage. I had some scrap 2X4's that I found around work so I cut them up and made a few. They are nothing fancy but they will work!!
My little single trailer needed a new trailer jack stand. The stand itself was okay, it just needed a new tire as the old one kept going flat, after a couple of attempts at fixing it. I found just the tire portion, which was all I needed, so I cut off the old part and replaced it with something new. A lot cheaper than buying a complete until!!
I also needed to add a couple of tie downs in the back to secure the sled, so I added one on each side. Each one holds up to 400lbs.
Managed to finally clean all of the dirt and salt off my sled. Its been a long winter and from the travel, its amazing on how much dirt and salt your machine can collect!! Only thing the sled needs now is a new seat!
So I picked up another XLV sled for a project and spare parts.... this one is a 1985. It came with the original motor as well as another one from an SRV. I have removed the gas tank and cleaned it up and removed what I think was gas in the tank, but it sure didn't smell like it, also have replaced the in tank filter and have new lines for it. I removed the fuel pump, cleaned it up and added a new gasket kit to it. Then I picked up some degreaser and have cleaned up the sled, in preparation to replace the motor.
As for the newer motor, I have replaced the fan guard with the one from the original motor. Also, I checked the compression of the motor and both sides are at 90PSI, which I think is fairly decent.
The guy I picked it up from said the original motor works but still something wrong with it.... Not sure what but it's on the list to check over after the other is in the machine.
I'm eventually going to remove the 2 up seat part and replace it with a storage rack that I had on my sled some years ago and redo the seat.
Still lots to do on this project. Its been fun so far........ More to come!!
I finally had some time to clean the project machine out. It was full dirt, a chewed up belt, nuts and bolts and just grime.... It took a couple of times using a degreaser and the power washer but it turned out fairly well. I was happy with the way it turned out and not much rust in the belly pan area! After that I changed the fuel lines and the fuel pump gaskets. When I removed the fuel pump however, I broke off one of the posts. I cut it off and drilled a hole through the tunnel and replaced the bolt from the bottom up. Also, the rectifier assembly had one broken prong. This is the thing that converts AC to DC power.. it charges the battery when it's running.
It was finally engine install day!! My buddy Bill came up from the cottage to give me a hand as I really didn't have any idea on what I was doing. I had done all of the prep work on the second motor that came with the sled. All that needed now was for it to be put into the machine.... something I have never done before.
All was going okay..... a few minor adjustments were needed, like almost every major part from the mounting brackets to the intake manifold........ Nothing really fit properly! What a time it was, but things finally came together.
It was now test time...... It took a bit but we finally got it running. It sounds good! We started to put the clutch back on and it wouldn't fit!! %^$%%$(&*... After comparing it to the other clutch and the original motor we found that this wasn't a motor from what we thought was an SRV machine.... We called it a day saying that this motor would have to come back out and the original would have to go back in......... Cleaned up and I took Bill out for dinner for all of his great help! Thanks again Bill!! Couldn't have done it without you and I sure learned a lot!
After a nice dinner and good conversation. Bill headed back to the cottage and. well I headed home and not to be defeated in the same day, took the motor back out and started taking the parts off the motor and installed them back on to the machines original motor, in hopes that the motor would be okay.... The guy I got it from said it worked but there was something still not working properly....... After that was done I called it a day......
The next morning, I was up early....... with anticipation I got out there and started the new install.... I got the motor in, bolted in place and all of the wires and hoses hooked up. Got the battery out of my machine and hooked it up, went to turn the key.... nothing..... What the heck... After some checking and playing around it must have been a loose wire as I got the machine rolling over...... Didn't take much and she fired up... sounded good!! So I got the air box, clutch and muffler back on and tired it again. All was good!! But I noticed that the clutch was stuck in..... I took it off and cleaned it up and it seems to be working once again!!
Install 2
Here we go again!
Just as a follow up......... After some looking in manuals and on the internet on various sites, it was determined that the spare motor I got with the machine was from a Yamaha Excel V. Not an SRV, which I was originally told. It all worked out in the end though!!
Seat Install
My thought was to use the rack that my buddy Tim made me some years ago for my machine, which ended in the tunnel getting bent. So I took it off and have saved it for just this occasion!! I decided that instead of having a 2-up seat I'd remove the 2-up part and just have a single seat and place part of the rack on top of the tunnel. The seat was cut up and re-covered, measurements were done and the rack was installed, along with the wiring for the lights, then the seat. The seat didn't turn out as good as I had hoped but it will do.
It’s getting close!! My sled project is almost complete!
The hood / shroud was next on the list. The original one was damaged beyond repair, so I found a good used SS440 hood on Kijiji at a great price.... It was blue in colour but it could be painted.
The hood needed to have the decals removed, which didn't take much time at all. Then a couple of extra vents had to be cut into the hood. Then it was painted. I went with the original colour of burgundy and sliver. The bottom of the hood was already silver which made it a bit easier....... The hood was given a light sanding and a good cleaning, and then I taped off the silver area and sprayed on the new colour over the blue. I gave it 4 coats, letting it dry in between coats. I gave it a couple of days to harden up and then covered up the burgundy and sprayed a few coats of silver. The windshield was replaced and I think it looks decent!
Next there were a few wheel bearings that needed to be replaced. The wheels were removed and the old bearings removed and new one replaced. The bad bearings were making the wheels wobble and they weren't safe at all.
Finally........ I finished up with the wiring, added the hood and windshield and the machine is now complete!! I just need to attach some registration numbers, but haven't found anything I like as yet....
What a great project!! I sure learned a lot from this project!! Many thanks to my friend Bill for taking the time out from all of his summer boat projects, to give me a hand! I can't wait to try this machine out on some back lake adventures!!!
Dayna's Sled
I finally got a bit of a start on Dayna's snow machine....... Got the seat off, which needs a new piece of wood, also got out the gas tank, air box, carbarator, and fuel pump. I did a compression test and it came out just around 91 - 92PSI, which is pretty good! The motor seemed a bit hard to pull over but it hasn't been used for some time. Also the track is hard to turn...... I'll have to check the wheels, which might need some new bearings.
I'm getting there!! Got some more done to the sled today...... got some parts cleaned up and changed the chain case and jack shaft bearings. Also, cleaned up the carb, which was really rusty..... but its now nice and clean and ready to go as well as adding in a new in tank filter. I'm hoping to have the sled back together by weeks end and running, if all goes well....
It's almost complete. Got most it back together and got it fired up for a short time last night (June11). I didn't have the muffler on it so started it and then shut it down.... holy it was loud! LOL
This morning I fired it up for a short time then it quit..... not sure what the issue is. Its not drawing a lot of gas into the line from the tank and then when I pull on the cord I see air bubbles in the line and its almost like the gas wants to go back up the line towards the tank?? Its getting gas because there is gas in the line between the fuel pump and carb and the plugs are wet. Perhaps a small air leak someplace. It's a really crappy day out today so I'll go back it next week on my days off.
So.... after a lot of emails to friends that know a lot more than I do about this stuff, I tried another fuel and it sucked up gas from the tank and fired up after three pulls. That problem was solved! Next.... the sled was back firing every time I'd hit the throttle. It would idle fine. Through chatting to a mechanic at the salvage place, he said back fires are usually created from something electrical. Try changing the CDI first as it was the cheaper / easier fix over a stator. So I changed out the CDI from my machine and sure enough..... not a back fire, just a nice clean running machine!! I cleaned up the original CDI and put it back and then it worked fine, but once I put it back into the rubber holder, it began acting up again, so perhaps it’s a bad wire on the CDI..... in any case I'll pick up another and put the new one in my machine and put the used on in Dayna's sled......
It's almost complete!! It’s getting back together, just need to attach the seat and put back the wire harness and she’s done! Dayna will be happy!
She's done! I changed out some of the idler wheel bearings and connected up the wire harness. All it needs is a CDI, starter, battery and windshield and just a good cleaning......... All will be added later in the summer. I'll put it out with the other sleds and then on to the next project........ my double wide trailer, which needs a new set of springs, one of which is broken.
Double Wide Trailer
Got the trailer down from the back yard today (June 19, 2015). Things were a little stiff in some areas.. I'm not going to say seized, just hard to remove...
So as you can see the one side is just down and out. Broken spring, with the other pretty rusty as well. Better to change both at the same time rather to do one now and have to take it all apart next year and do it all over again!!
Getting the wheels off were a chore in itself! Not bad doing it with the impact gun and about half a can of BP Blaster. But there is always one nut that causes a problem! The entire bolt was turning so I'll have to figure something out. I got the grinder out and cut off the U clamps and dropped the axel. Then I removed the good spring. It measures 24" center to center......... I'll have to check Princess Auto once I'm on nights and see about some springs and the hardware.
Ya know it never fails.......... I either seem to cut up myself with the grinder or start a T shirt of my work pants on fire.... This time it was my finger! I'll never learn!!!
June 20th.... had a lazy day today.. But did manage with the help of the neighbour across the road to get the last bolt off the hub. I changed out all of the pressed in studs on the one side, and just cleaned up around the trailer a bit. That was it for the day!
June 22 / 15...... Stopped into Princess Auto and picked up the hardware for the new springs. They didn't have the correct size springs and sent me to another place not to far away. Next stop.... Jensen Trailers.. They had exactly what I was looking for. Good service for the first time visit! Next days off should have the project complete with a new, fresh coat of paint as well!
So with all of the above in mind, I set out this afternoon to get the trailer back in running order.... Found that I didn't have enough shackle bolts to do the entire job..... short two! So over to town I go for some more....... Get home and then find that the hanger kit wasn't big enough... almost but not perfect..... I ended up just banging them on and mounting them to the springs after a bit of a fight with them... but I won!
Went to mount them on the hangers under the trailer to find that the one side was off. I guess from the broken spring... After a bit of a struggle I managed to get the in place and anchored in with the bolts. One side is almost rotted out...... It’s not going to last the winter for sure. I'm hoping to get some metal pieces welded in to strengthen it up.
July 2 / 15....... WOW...... what an experience! This spring replacement project was something I have never done this before and really enjoyed it! Mind you.... I put out more money out than I really wanted.... bought a mig welder, which will be handy for future projects and repairs!!
Today, I picked up the new brace for the spring and hangers. I used a piece of 2" X 3" tube steel. I got it prepped and welded on one of the hangers. Then I cut out the old and in with the new. The welding took some time but it got done!! Then, I started to put in the other hanger but found the holes were much lower than the original ones so I traced them onto the new hanger and used the drill press to make new ones. This worked well and the hanger was welded into place. The spring was put into place and bolted in. The tires were put back on and the trailer lowered....... The new springs look good and the tires are sitting much higher than before I got the trailer.
It might not be the best looking welding job, but being new at it, it works for me! Always looking for tips for my future projects!
Now all I need to do is repaint and add some water seal on the platform and it’s done!
July 3 / 15..... The trailer project is complete........ :)
The rust spots were sanded down and a few coats of aluminium coloured rust paint was added, as well as a good liberal coat of Tompson water seal. Just need to check over the lights again just to make sure and maybe a test run to check out the welding job.........
So, I have started to pick up a few new lures for the upcoming ice fishing season...... A friend said he was getting lake trout and whitefish last season with a new lure from Kamooki... So I picked up a couple to try this year....... They look like a good lure!!
July 26, 2015
I got out fishing a little creek with my best freind, Larry today.... it was hot! 34c with the humidity. Anyway, he went one way and I went the other. Just to hot and we met back up at the vehicle with 2 brook trout each. Nothing of any size but they will make a nice snack!
July 27, 2015
Got out to a couple of other creeks for another try today. We didn't stay long.... just to hot!
We did manage to get a few really small brook trout though, which was a really good sign! It shows that the creek is reproducing. With the low water level, we just have to go in search of deeper holes to locate some bigger trout!
July 29, 2015
Another day another creek!! This time we had success!! We managed a nice limit of brook trout! Of course Larry the creek master got most of them... It was hard going in many spots and not much water in the creek but still we got fish and had a good time too.... even in the heat!
2015 - 2016
December 2015
With the weather finally cooperating, I finally got my machine and Dayna's out for a spin in the back yard. It was nice to get them going again in the snow, but found that Dayna's is still acting up. I think its the wiring within the motor and not the CDI, which was changed.
Guess it will have another round of repair this summer.
January 3, 2016
With not much in the way of ice to go fishing, my buddy Darren and I decided to go for a ride on some of the not yet groomed trails........
We couldn't travel to far on many of them with tress hanging over the trails but still it was a great day to be out for an adventure!!!
I came to a conclusion with my trailer though.... I need to add a small ramp to the back as the bed is just to high to get a run onto it and the skies catch.... I hear another summer project coming on!!
January 20, 2016
FINALLY!!! I was able to make it out for my first hard water fish! I wanted to get out the day before but with -29 wind chills....... forget it!
I got to my trusted lake and was set up before 9am. Around 920am came my first lake trout of the season!! These fish are small; in fact I have never gotten one longer than 10 inches out of this lake. It was an hour or so later and I had the second one on the ice..... done for lakers, and on to rainbows. I moved my furthest line in to the shallow water and the wait was on. I had a few take downs, but when the bows feel that weight they let it go every time. A friend gave me a few older style flat tip ups, which I set one up. Not even a hit on it. The fish must have known if they hit it, the fish would be on the ice for sure!!
I stayed until around 215pm. I had a few ore take downs but with some snow machines running around on the lake, I think the fish got scared off to the other end of the lake. It was a nice sunny day for the most part, but the winds picked up in the afternoon.
It was great to finally be back on the ice. I'll be back on this lake again for a couple of lakers and hopefully some of the lakes rainbow trout!
I enjoyed my fish and chip dinner for sure!!
January 28, 2016
Not feeling well for the past week or so, I went out anyway, something I shouldn't have done......
I decided to go out and try a new lake stocked with Splake.... I got set up around where others had fished in the past. A nice spot out of the wind but in the sun. Didn't stay to long... caught one small perch, but then some time afterwards it started to snow, then I had one solid hit, I managed about a half a pull up with something solid on the other end, then it was off... who knows what it was...... I want to say a nice splake, but it could have been a bass... I’ll stick to a splake though!
Packed it in just after lunch time and headed home. As the evening went on I just started feeling like crap...... Headed to bed knowing I had to be up early for work. I'll know next time as I ended up with the flu and a sinus infection..... Oh the joys!!
February 19, 2016
I wanted to try new back lake for some brook trout... got a bit of information from friends and today was the day!! Loaded up the sled trailer and Agatha II yesterday and off around 845am for a new back lakes adventure!! I was hoping for a nice day and perhaps a few trout....
I was on the lake shortly after 930am and I just got both of my lines in the water, with about 10 inches of ice, and sat down and one of the tip-ups went off! BONUS....... but it was a hit and miss. No problem, at least I knew they were biting today! Got a nice little fire going to warm up my hands and the same tip-up goes again. I look to see line peeling off! A good sign!! I grab the line and stop him in his tracks!! A nice speck hits the ice…… it was 11 ½ inches long. Not bad and just right for the fry pan!
The line is set up once again and then my other one goes but the fish was just playing around as nothing was there…. Around noon lunch was in order so I heated up a couple of sandwiches over the fire.. a short time later the tip-up goes again……. I thought it was another decent fish but when it comes up the hole, the small trout had a bunch of weeds around the line….. oh well… the hook was too far down so I kept him as well…. about 7 ½ incher, but still great for the fry up.
In all I got the two fish and missed 3 or 4 others.
I’ll be back to this little back lake for another go at it in the near future!! The snow machine worked well and it was a great feeling to get into some lakes, which I didn’t think was going to happen this year with the crappy weather we are having…..
Trail to the lake
The destination is in site!!
Over looking the lake
Lunch....
February 28, 2016
Because I had some luck on the last lake I decided to give it another try. This time my buddy Darren joined me for a day on the ice..... We took a different way in this time, which proved to be a bit shorter in distance.
We got back to the spot, drilled our holes (there most certainly was more ice than the first time I had been into the lake), and as Darren was putting in his first line he connected with the first fish of the day..... A short time later, I connected with my first of the day. Yes.... neither of us was skunked!! Darren got a nice fire going and some tea was in order!
The wait was now on for some time..... I had a hit and a miss. Bugger took my minnow, but that was okay. Sometime later Darren hooked his second for the day..... It was nearing 2pm, and we were going to call it a day.... We began packed up our lines and as I started to pull up my second one I felt a tug on the line.... what the heck..... I had a fish on... Not sure how that worked out but I didn't mind that at all!!! We both took home a couple of nice brook trout each for our efforts!! All of the fish were around 12 inches. Great for the pan!!
It was indeed a good day with good conversation and joking, and a good lunch.
Thanks for the pictures Darren!! My camera went down and out, It's been with me for years on fishing and hunting trips, but guess it's time for a new one.
Over looking the lines......
A nice hot cup of tea!!
Lunch time!!
Last fish of the day
They sure tasted great!!
March 5, 2016
With all of the back lakes fishing I’ve been doing this year, and the little bit of difficulty I have had getting fires going I thought I’d make some fire starters. I found something on line and went in search of some old candles I had in storage……. I also had some dry wood chips that I saved just for this project!
Simple project.... melt the wax and add the wood chips in and coat them well...... I used some paper cup cake holders. Then let them harden..
I think they turned out okay, but the real test will be another day once I hit the back lakes again.
March 6, 2016
I got out to my little walleye lake for a try at some perch and walleye.
I was set up way early..... was on the lake and set up around 1230pm and the wait was on. It wasn't until 620pm until I finally had a solid hit and miss..... the fish took the bait for a run and dropped it.
Still it was a very nice day to be out on the lake... It was sunny and not much wind. The season closes on the 15th and hopefully I can get back out for one last try.
All set up and waiting for the action
A nice sun set
Dinner!!
March 20, 2016
The season has come to a close..... The season wasn't long enough with the warm weather we had.. The ice came and snow came late in the season and just didn't stay long enough!!
Bring on the warmer weather and the start of the spring / summer projects!!
2016 - 2017
March 2016
I was having issues with a muffler..... the end of the pipe had holes in it and it was really loud. I tried welding it up but the metal was to think and even on the lowest settings the welds blew right through. I found some JB Weld (steel reinforced cold-weld) and tried that. It really seemed to hold up after it dired rock hard. It stook up to high heat. Bonus!! Fixed and back on the machine!!
Welding attempt
JB Weld
March 22, 2016
Still down with a chest infection, but needed to get outside for some fresh air.... the project wasn't too strenuous anyway.
I needed to add a set of tie downs to secure my hut onto the trailer.. A nice little project to start the season off with. The trailer needs a bit more TLC, but thats for another day.
Tie downs
Complete
March 29, 2016
Started to gather some parts together for my projects..........
Gas line and filter to fix a gas leak and a new set of ski skins for my soon to be back woods sled. Now we just need some decent weather to get started!!
Ski skins, gas line, filter and clips
March 30, 2016
I got away for a day and visited Cabelas in Barrie...... I picked up a couple of gear bags that were on a clearance sale. These will be great for my back lakes ice gear!!!
April 15 - 18, 2016
Finally got around to finding the gas leak in my main XLV machine.... A small crack in the bottom of the tank where the gas gauge line attaches to the tank. I used some good old JB Weld that is good for gas tanks and resists gas and oil..... It did the trick!!! Also..... I have taken the seat in to have it redone..... finally!! I have wanted to do it for the past couple of years but just didn't get around to it.......
May 2, 2016
The wooden stands I made back in 2015 weren't holding up as well as I thought they would, so I took an old metal bed frame I found at the dump while shopping and thought I'd turn it into a stand...... This is just a proto type and I have already thought of a different way of building a better one....... need to go shopping again though!!!
Mid May, 2016
I have gotten a few things done since the stand........
Took one seat in to have it recovered. Found an oil leak in my main used XLV. I need a new chain case housing seal and perhaps some new bearings.
Also, Today May 18th, I worked on my last year's project sled which I found both the tach and speedometer weren't working.... managed to get the tach working by just tightening the cable up however the speedo cable was broken at the top and when I removed the housing on the drive shaft I found that the housing was frozen up and parts of the cable were twisted and broken. I guess a day shopping at the salvage place is needed.
May 19, 2016
I checked over the Ski Doo Escapade the other day and went to start her up and the gas was leaking on all of the primer lines.... all were cracked and beyond repair. After looking around I found some new primer lines and they have now been repalced. I'm hoping to get out with the trusty doo this winter for a back lakes fish!!
May 24, 2016
Got to the salvage place in Peterborough to look for a speedometer cable..... Plenty to choose from. In and out in no time! Got back and got the speedo up and running! A few more little things to do and the sled will be covered for the summer! I'm not going to bother with trying to fix the low beam on the light..... I have light and thats all that matters!
I don't look very happy...
June 18, 2016
Father's Day!!! Out with my best friend Larry to hit the creek in search of some brook trout. It was a rough go in spots and the deer flies were horrendous!! Water was also a bit low but we still had a good time though.... 7 trout in total with some nice specks lost......
June 21, 2016
With the weather a little cooler today, I thought I'd try and do a bit of sled upgrades..... I wanted to take the skies off last years project machine so I could add the ski skins to it..... well some of the bolts were siezed on and broke off. Some came out with a bit of help and others were just stubborn..... one got the best of me! I hit the ski and it kicked over and hit me in the shin so hard I thought I broke my leg, it, hurt so much and only took 30 seconds to swell to a goose egg! Took a trip to the hospital but it was just a bad area to get hit. Ice on and off and take tomorrow off work......
The skies are off though and once I'm back up and running I'll get them done and back on......
OUCH!!
Early July, 2016
My daughter Taryn and the grand kids came up for a couple of days, so I put Keenan to work. He was a good little helper and really likes anything with a motor in it!!! I had put the ski skins and new wear bars on the skies, so we could put them back onto to machine and greased them up, ready for the upcoming season. Also, I fixed one of the side lights on the double wide trailer, that seemed to be just a ground issue.
Grandpas helper!!
July 14, 2016
I checked over one machine and founds a decent sized wasp nest in it...... I was surprised they didn't come out and get after Keenan and I!! Got a can of wasp killer and took care of it! Went out this morning, July 15th and found the remaining ones had started a new nest! Got rid of them as well!!!
January 6, 2017
Well...... it’s the start to a new year... I wish everyone a better year than the last!
Today was my first day on the hard water in search of some lake trout and rainbow trout. This lake has never failed me and usually fish this first of the season.
It was a cold minus 18 start this morning. I got to the lake around 835am and had my first line in the way at 9am. The second followed shortly after and the wait was on. At 1030am the flag went up. Thinking it might be a rainbow I walked over not to spook it off..... I looked down to see the spool peeling off line. I got the tip up out and grabbed the line but didn't feel much weight. As the fish neared the hole I could see a nice laker was coming up. Not a big one by any means but bigger than others I have caught out of this lake over the years!
This was the only fish for the day as I left ice at 115pm. Still it was nice to be back out on the hard water and I'll be back out in the near future......
The road in
Trail to the lake
Nice morning to be on the lake after some trout!!
A decent pan sized laker for the pan!
January 19, 2017
I got out with my good friend Darren this morning and after a good attempt at trying to get into a different back lake in search of some brook trout, we turned around and headed back to one of my favorite little lakes in search of some more lake trout and rainbow trout.
We got to the spot and were set up around 9 or so and the wait was on.... We got the traditional fire and tea going and roasted a few hot dogs. Not much in the way of action other than my furthest tip up.... likely a small perch, which played havoc on me for some time, but I got my daily exercise for sure!!
We called it a nice day to be out around 230pm and came away with no fish...... the first time I have been skunked on this lake. I'll be back for revenge, that's for sure!!
January 20, 2017
The day finally came..... I got Tracy to come out ice fishing.... She arrived at my house the evening before and says..... 'why are there two snow machines on the trailer?' Well one for you and one for me I say... LOL Anyway after a bit of conversation all is good as its been some time that Tracy has been on a snow machine and gone ice fishing.
We met Darren at the little parking area and we unloaded all of the gear for the day. I was excited to finally try my back lakes sled!! I had worked on it off and on this past summer in preparation for this winter. Off we went to try the little lake out in search of some stocked brook trout. I lead the way with Tracy in the middle and Darren following behind. Apprently Tracy went off the trail once on the way in but still did a great job. We all got to the lake in one piece and we decided to set up in a nice little narrow area. We 6 lines out we were for sure to get some fish!! Nope....... After a hour or so we made a short move. Set up camp and Darren started a fire for some tea and we got the lines all set up. I brought my pop up hut and Tracy and I tried to set it up but it didn't go as planned and we gave up after a good try!
Well.... I was first up with a fish hitting the lines..... As I brought the fish to the top it got off and I lost it right at the surface. Looked like a nice brook trout too.... but ya can't win them all!! A while later another hit.... and I brought up a smaller trout and this one hit the ice!
We started to have some lunch and I needed a stick to roast some hot dogs... started to cut it up with the hatchet and cut my little finger..... holy that thing bled for the longest time.... With blood all over the ice I'm sure people will think we were hauling in the fish....... NOPE........ just me!!! With doctor Tracy on call she patched me up in no time!! Thanks hon!! What a meal we had!! Dogs, a couple of different types of cheese and some cheese bread, along with tea, water and pop. A meal fit for a king!
Darren had a good hit and he brought up a nice brookie........ along with my fish and his, i'm sure Darren will have a nice meal!!
We had a great day and it was a nice day to just be outside! Not to cold and not much wind!! With this being Tracy's first time out in many years she said she had a good time as well...... I have to get the hut fixed up for next time Tracy comes fishing though...... LOL.....
Trail in
Tracy and Darren
First fish on the ice for the day!! Were not skunked!!
Tracy relaxing
Some good conversation
Tracy and I
A meal fit for a King
Fighting it like a pro!
Yet another on the ice!
The blood trail
OUCH!!
Only 2 for the day with some lost... Darren got the biggest for the day!!
Darren and I
February 5, 2017
My double wide trailer that I did some major repairs on last summer on one side went down hill on the other side this time. I was in need of a newer trailer and came across one on Kijiji not to far from home. I made arrangements to go have look this morning. It was in really good shape with lots of new parts and tires......
It made it home safe and sound and ready to go..... Now I ran into another issue. My regular snow machine sounds like crap.... I think its starting to sieze up. Hard to start and even harder trying to pull on the cord. This is something I can't do on my own. It will go in this week to have it checked and or repaired.
February 13 to 15, 2017
Well I can honestly say that something like this has never happened to me until this year..... My wonderful girlfriend, Tracy treated me to the best birthday gift anyone could have done!! A day out in a hut on Lake Simcoe ice fishing!! Along with that she also treated me to a B&B... My first ever bed and breakfast place!! and what a place it was!! I would highly recommend this place to anyone wanting to stay in the Beaverton area!! Grant House. The hosts were great and the food was fabulous!! The rooms have nice fire places.... something to come back to after a long day on the ice! Look em up for a great place to stay on your next trip to Simcoe! You can't go wrong!!
We were up bright and early on the 14th.... my birthday........... Had a great breakfast and off to the lake we went! First time out with Tim Hales huts......... Service was good!! Huts were clean. Wish we could have gotten more fish but only 9 came home. Still not a bad day! It’s been many years since I have been out after perch but it was about the company and memories........ The fish were just a bonus really.....
We were picked up around 430pm and back to our room......... and out for a nice dinner.... then back to the room for a few drinks and a great night’s sleep....... We were up early on the 15th.... home time.... breakfast at 830am I had French toast and Tracy had Belgian Wallfles. We packed up and had our fair wells with our hosts telling them that we will be back....
What a great experience!!! What a great girl Tracy is for doing all this for me...... something I had never expected... WOW.... She's a keeper, that’s for sure!!
February 20, 2017
I made it out to one of my lake trout lakes today.... I only fish this lake a few times each ice season and rarely catch any lakers. I should realize after the amount of time I have fished this lake that it’s more of an afternoon bite, not a day long bite! Anyway, I got to the lake early and was set up in my spot around 9am. It was a great day to be on the ice or for doing anything outdoors related, for that matter!! The wait was on...
Most of the day all I managed was some small perch. In the afternoon, I had a solid fish on, but I just didn't wait long enough for the fish to take the bait and it was on and off, but it had some solid weight to it.
In the early afternoon a couple of guys came out and fished another point close by. One of the guys came over for a visit... saying they had fished the same spot yesterday and a had some bites but no fish for their efforts. As we were chatting, one of the flags went off and I said likely just another damn perch... We go over and see line just peeling off the spool..... No perch this time!! The fight was on..... I only had 6lbs line on so it was a tug back and forth and when your hand lining a decent fish its takes a lot of patients!! After 5 or so minutes the fish was at the hole and started to wrap itself in the line and off it went for another good run.... Finally the fish was back at the hole and up it came. Just as the fish was coming out the line broke and I reached down up to my elbow and scooped the fish out on to the ice... What a nice battle!! This was the biggest fish so far out of this lake....
After a couple of pictures I set my line back up but I had a few more small perch and that was it for my day on the ice! I did however finally use my pop up hut. I've had it for a long time and have had it on the ice a few times and have yet to set it up. Well I tried once and it didn't go as planned......... Tracy can tell you all about that one!! LOL
I was off the ice and packed up around 5pm and called it another great day on the ice!!
The start to a nice day!!
Finally got the pop up on the ice after all these years!
Nice and warm
This guy sure gave a good fight!! Just over 21 inches.
March 13, 2017
This was a day I had been waiting for, for some time!! Finally back on Lake Simcoe after some whitefish!!
A bunch of us headed out to a few differentway points in search of fish..... Scott and I headed to one area but we could still see the other two groups. We didn't see any fish and after chatting with the others they were seeing fish but they weren't overly aggressive, so we made the move over to the others in hopes of getting into a few....
Robet and Tony had fish on their finder but they just wouldn't bite. Finally I get a text from Shayne with a huge laker he had just pulled up using a Virbrato. Then Frank got into some whitefish using a rod and bobber / minnow combination. Shayne and Frank were on fire!! They were into whitefish, lakers and ling, while the rest of us weren't getting a sniff!! Seems the fish liked the minnows this day where the rest of us were using spoons and jigs.... Frank got 7 whitefish, 5 which were released and his 2 kept fish and Shayne put his laker back and kept his 2 whitefish and the ling. The 4 of us came away with some good memories and a great time nonetheless!!
This day seemed to be an afternoon biteas the fish really didn't start hitting well until 1130am or so. Guess I really needed to get my ass in gear and learn how to use the Simcoe tip ups that I usually carry but never use more so becasue I really didn't know how to use them and wasn't confident with them.
The day came to a close and we headed back. I was in need of some propane as my tank ran out and I was also meeting Tracy at a B&B as we were going to try our luck the next day in the same spot.
It was really nice to get out with some old friends that I hadn't seen for a while and to meet a friend of Robert's. No fish but still a great day on the ice!!
March 14, 2017
It was Tracy's and my turn to get out for a day on the ice.... Tracy had never fished for whitefish or lakers through the ice before and I don't think she had ever been out on Lake Simcoe that far before on the ice.
W got up around 8am and went for breakfast at our B&B.... Same place we stayed when we went perch fishing on my birthday. What a huge breakfast!!
We got to the parking area around 10 or so and got everything packed up and ready to go.... Down to the ice and a quick stop for some minnows and off we went about 6 or so miles out from Beaverton. As we approached our area we could see that people from one of the permanent huts already had a fish on the ice! We got to the same general area we had fished the day prior, but with the wind it was hard to locate the exact place. While I set up and drilled holes, Tracy played on the glare ice for a bit. Yes, even at our age we still have to act like kids once and awhile!!
So with everything set and ready to go we settled in the hut and the wait was on. We tried two tip up first and with fish in and out they weren't that active, so I brought one up and tried jigging. Tracy told me I needed a bigger hut for next season, so of course I was in total agreeance! Who could argue with that!
Anyway.... with fish on the bottom and no hits I fixed up one of the spreaders a bit and as I put in on the holder up it went and with a quick lift of the stick I could feel some weight.... Fish on I said and Tracy helped move the heater out of the way and a few other things... As she held the heater we could smell something... yep... it burnt a bit of her hair.... Holy I got the look!! BUT we had our first whitefish of the day and season on the ice!! I'm hooked on spreaders now! The spreader was rigged back up and back down to the bottom it went! I was jigging with fish on the bottom and had one on for a brief moment and lost it. The tip up started to lift and Tracy grabbed it and felt some weight! I took over and brought up another nice fish... With one limit down and another to go we gave it a good try but we just couldn't get it done. We lost a few others but with neither of us proficient with these tip ups, it was a learning experience. After a great time and with the winds picking up we decided that we had better get off the ice and back to the B&B for some rest and relaxation! It was a windy ride back but still I knew we would both sleep well that night! Back to the van and all packed up we headed back and ad a rest then walked down the road for a bite to eat then back to the room for a hot shower and flopped for the rest of the night!
Wednesday morning, the final day for big fish on Simcoe came in with high winds, so we decided not to head out. Shayne and Frank were troopers though and came back for the final day and apparently got their limit for whitefish. Tracy and I met up with Robert at McDonalds so they could meet and chat.... then home we went.
What a great way to end the 2017 ice fishing season!! Spent with friends one day and my girlfriend the second day! And what was even better was that I was told we needed a bigger hut for next season!! RIGHT ON!!! :)
It’s not a season without a few things breaking down and thoughts for the next season. I have a couple of reels to fix and have to find that new hut and a buddy heater. I hate to say it too.... but this guys back just isn't what it use to be and I'm going to start the search for a sled with reverse
Playing while I set up for our day on the ice
Our set up for the day.
Tracy and me
First fish of the day!! So excited to share this with Tracy!!
Having a great day!
A couple of nice whitefish for the freezer!!
A snowy ride back to shore!!
2017 - 2018
It's time to bring on spring / summer and with that brings on my projects....... Not as many this year but still stay tuned..... I just wish the winter would go!! This year has been one of the worst, in my eyes!! Either be winter or be spring!!
April 2017
I have done a few light projects to start the spring off..... I must also say that after fishing Simcoe this past winter I require a better heating system for my hut, so I'll be getting a new buddy heater for this upcoming winter. Now that I am sharing my hut with Tracy we also decided that I needed a larger portable hut, if were going to fish Lake Simcoe in the winter. So with that I purchased a 3 person Rapala Cruzer3 hut, on sale. Great looking hut but I'm not to sure on the bench seats as yet.... but syaing that Tracy has already memtioned that I might get kicked out if she needs a nap....
I wanted to make a small grill to fit in the back box of my 'back lakes' sled.... I located a nice grill and made some legs for it. Its compact and light! Exactly what I wanted....
Nothing came with the new hut.... It was in need of a hitch assembly It was going to cost almost a 100 bucks for the assembly, so I fabricated something up and welded it together. I think it turned well I got it all measured up and attached. All I need is some snow to try it out. I'll have to purchase some runners and a cover over the summer/fall, but for now I have a few other things to do with it to get it ready for the next ice season which is some time away yet.
April 17, 2017
I have started doing a few light projects, due to some medical issues, in preperation for the next Lake Simcoe season.... making a few Simcoe tip ups.... Stage 1 was the stands.......... They aren't perfect but they will hold the sticks true!! Next step is to make the sticks.
April 18, 2017
Stage 2 is now sort of complete... I made some sticks for the holders but I only had a jig saw to do the cutting. They aren't the best job but I'm sure the fish won't mind at all. I'm sure a sroll or band saw would have done a much better job but I can only work with what I have.
April 24, 2017
Got my Yukon Clam hut all cleaned out and stored away for the summer. I need to pick up a new set of runners for it as one has started to wear through and coming away from the tub. Thanks for the help of a friend to get it on the platform for me.
April 28, 2017
I finally managed to work a bit on the Yamaha, to find the starting issue I was having near winters end. The machine wouldn't start using the estart, just the pull start. I checked all of the usual suspects first..... fuses, harness lines, solenoid and so on.... nothing! So I pulled out the starter and hooked it up to the battery and it wouldn't jump at all, so that was the issue....... I put in a new one and all is back in good running order. I then did some of the summer general maintenance and have it parked and stored for the summer. All that has to be done now is to change the gear oil and add a new crank case seal. This took all day due to health issues but it got done! I took the motor apart to inspect it and just out of curiosity to see what the issue was as it was only a couple of years old. To my disbelief the insides were broken apart. Wow.....
May 2017
Now that the other sled has been stored away it was on to the the 'back lakes' sled. I had some issues with it last year. One of the head light beams was working and the grip heaters aren't working. I tried a few different things with the lights and found that it was the plug that connects to the light bulb. I checked the salvage place but I couldn't locate one so I just made do with what I had and rigged something up myself.
I haven't figured out the grip heater issue as yet as I'm waiting for some warmer weather as its been nothing but rain here.
Got me a buddy heater!! Tracy, my great girlfriend was in the states with her daughter shopping and located one at a walmart at a GREAT price!! It all worked out to about 80 bucks Canadian!! This will for sure keep us nice and warm this winter!!
June, 2017
The grip heater issue still hasn't been figured out as yet, but I have been doing some research into it. It will get done before the new season is upon us!!
I made a new auger box for the new Rapala hut. Of course some of it had to be painted red for Tracy... so red and black it was to match the hut.
I have been doing some work on my trailers though. Fixed up the lights on the small single trailer and then replaced the lights and wire harness on my double wide trailer. I just need to make some more repairs to the floor as the sides have rotted away from the runners. Not sure what I going to do with it as yet. Either replace it with some plywood as or weld some thin sheet metal over the existing floor.
Early July, 2017
The trailer is now complete. After chatting with a friend I decided to remove both of the metal side pieces and replace them with some 5/8 inch treated plywood and keep the middle metal piece in as it is still in great shape.
With some aluminum rust paint on the middle metal piece and end and some black truck bed spray paint to help protect it from stones, snow and salt, and a good coat of Thompson water seal on the plywood, it turned out great!!
Mid July, 2017
With some health issues it was time to look for a snow machine with reverse. I'm starting to see that I'm not as young as I beleive I am!! I was looking for a Yamaha Venture but the opportunity came along for a very clean 2004 Ski doo Legend 550f. A great looking machine with lots of room!!
Can't wait for winter now!!
Mid July, 2017
I have started to redo my old double wide trailer. It was in horrible shape and like last year the others side where the spring attaches to the frame was starting to go along with the tongue where it attaches for the tilt.
So I stripped the top layer of plywood and removed all of the original tin, which was badly rusted. After exposing the entire frame I found that it was in surprisingly good shape and that the trailer is worth saving! The worst spots are the tongue area and the spring. It was nice to see that the other side I redid was still holding and in really good shape!!
So the plan is to replace the entire tongue and tilt part and of course the part that holds the spring in place. First to gather all of the required pieces and then on to the take down. I picked up 7 feet of 3x3 for the tongue and some 3x2 stock for the tilt portion and for the spring area. Now to get a couple of decent days together just to work on it.
Mid August 2017
Things have been progressing along well with the trailer. The tongue and tilt part have been replaced as well as the cross member that holds the spring in place. All I need is a set of shackles and then the biggest part is done, then on to light wires and the deck.
Progress went well with the trailer and its now complete!! I think it turned out well and it was another good learning experience, thats for sure!! For the base, I used some 3/4 inch plywood and painted it with some green pressure treated stuff. The bed is 7' 6" wide by 8'. Plenty of room for 2 machines! I have to say Tracy was right in there giving a hand and pushing me to get it done as well, so once its sold I'm sure a nice lunch out will be in order!! I'll be putting it up for sale late September or October!
January 2018
The winter fishing season started off in Antigua!! A bunch of Tracy's family and close friends desended on the island for a vaction.... It was a great time! I had never been anywhere outside of North America before so this was something I'm for sure not use to!! 6 of us went on a fishing charter. We caught some Baraccuda, a Needle Fish and a Yellow Jack Fish!.. Pictures to follow on this one!!
January 24, 2018
Got out to a lake I have tried getting a rainbow out for the past few years.....
It was the first test for the new to me snow machine!! It didn't disappoint!! Worked and performed well. Now if it would have just caught me a fish!! I was set up and the wait was on..... Got a nice fire going and heated up some lunch. The wolves had been around in the night as well.... Very fresh tracks all around me. Big buggers too!!
Anyway..... no fish again but very nice to get on the hard water once again!!
January 30, 2018
My first trip of the year to Lake Simcoe and it didn't disappoint at all!!
Met up with Shayne and Lori as well as one of Shayne's friends and off we went... We got our spot that was 22.9FOW and set up. I finally got to set up the new Rapala Cruzer III hut as well!! It doesn’t haul that well but its sure big and spacious!
It wasn't long before Lori was hooked up with a whitefish.... then another.... then Shayne.... man I couldn't buy a fish!! Finally I hooked up and brought up a nice one!! I was using a vibrato jig... something totally different than my general 7 hook wonder!! :) Both Gary and Keith also hooked up and got their limit.... We were all done sometime after noon but stayed in hopes of some lakers but in total we must have caught and released another 15 or so whitefish.
We packed up and headed back to the launch after a great day on the ice!! It was a good feeling to be back on Simcoe now with the new sled and hut!! Also, came away with a couple of whitefish....
February 1, 2018
I got Tracy out for a few hours on a local lake... we went after some Splake that I had heard were biting...
We got to the lake and all set up..... holy it was windy but inside the hut was nice and warm with the buddy heater going!! The holes kept blowing in.... wow..... Well a flag went finally..... it was a small perch. At least we weren't skunked!!
The day ened once the wind died down a bit so we could pack up and head for shore. Still it was nice to get Tracy out on the machine and in the new hut. We had subs for dinner!! LOL
February 8, 2018
I went to a little lake trout lake for a fish today.... More to try out the new to me 10 inch power auger and the buddy heater with a little cook grate I made for it.
I got out to the area I generally go to, to find that someone else was already set up there... darn!! So I went to another spot where I have seen people fishing in the past. I got set up and the wait was on.... The guy who was set up across in my other spot came over saying his van wouldn't start and he spent the night in the hut... WOW!! Don't call anyone!!...
So the auger worked ok but is in need of a new blade or a good sharpening. Buddy heater worked well!! I was totally impressed with the way it heats up and cooks stuff! Can't wait to try it out on Simcoe!
I spent a few hours on the lake.... no fish and no hits but still I found out what I had really come for... A nice time for sure!!
February 9, 2018
Got back to Simcoe with Scott today!! Always a nice time fishing with Scott!!
We met on ice in Beaverton for 730am. and off we went.... I was the so called guide today with a couple of hot way points! Ya right!
We got to the first spot and it wasn't long before fish started showing up.... Scott was the first up.... I think it was a laker. Decent size!! A keeper anyway! I think I was next up with a whitefish... Another keeper! We caught some more fish... Scott a nice laker which was released.... We were both broken off once during our stay at the first spot. The fishing started to slow down so we decided to try a spot that good on Scotts Navionics program.... So a short distance move was on.
It wasn't long before the fish were under us and they were aggressive!! We needed one whitefish and once laker to finish out our limit for the day. Once we moved it began to snow and snow hard.... we were in some almost white out conditions!!
We finally managed to get another whitefish and laker for our limit of fish for the day. Some sent back and lots lost...
Our ride back wasn't the greatest in almost whiteout conditions but thank God for GPS!! It was a great day on the ice and Nick came through on the first spot!! Scott came through on the second!! I own Tracy's son, Brent a nice fish fry of laker and whitefish!!
We packed up and headed out for home!! Until next time!!
February 19, 2018
Out for just a little fish today... Went after some Splake on a small back lake so I just walked out.
Got all set up with a nice blue sky and a slight breeze. A few hours later it became pretty overcast and then it started to freeze rain a bit. I was going to call it a day and then it stopped. I got a hit after that and the fish was playing with the minnow in the depths below. I thought the fish was on but lost the minnow... damn!! Set back up and waited some more then it began to rain... It didn't look like it was going to let up so I called it a nice time and packed up. I met another group setting up as I left and chatted for a bit, and then headed off the lake and home to dry out.
Still a nice time out and peaceful!!
February 24, 2018
After a few years, I finally got back out on the Bay of Quinte after some walleye!! I haven't really targeted them much but after a friend took me some years ago I knew I wanted to get after them but just never really did. Tracy told me to go get some so off I went. With no snow I started the long walk out to the spot I had marked on my GPS from the first time I was shown the spot. There was at least 15 or 16 inches of ice.... After a bit of time I was in the area and set up in 19 or so feet of water. It wasn't long before some inactive fish showed but and hit but just wouldn't stay... Around 4pm the fish started to hang around and hit a bit better, but were hitting short and stealing my minnows, so half a minnow it was!! I had a lot of good solid hits but missed them. I managed to get two decent eater size walleye on the ice just before dark and I called it a fantastic afternoon on the bay!! It was nice to get out after some walleye and bring home a nice meal! Best thing is that it's so close to my girlfriends place!!
I met a couple of older guys coming off the ice the same I was... a couple of good guys.. they gave me a few tips on lures they were using and some other chatter and off we went! A nice night!!
I'll be back to this spot again as I think I had figured them out a bit for the next time on the ice!!
February 27, 2018
With the end drawing near I thought I'd give the Bay of Qunite one last go before it closes... I went to the same spot I had fished on the 24th and it didn't disappoint!!
I got back to my spot to find my holes open and a lot less ice than the few days prior! Maybe 12 or less inches compared to the 15 or 16 inches. Anyway I got sent up in a bit of a wind.... It was a bugger putting up the pop up in the wind but I managed after a bit of a fight! I was set up and ready for the bite to happen!! There were fish on the screen but they were very inactive.... I had a few hits but no hook ups... Around 330pm I finally managed to get a hook up and brought the first fish up. A nice eater size!! It wasn't long before getting my second of the afternoon. As the sun began to set the bite picked up!! Around 530pm I was done with my limit of 4 walleye. A first for me.. a nice limit!! I have only fished the BOQ 3 times and each time I have brought fish home! I learned a lot in the short time I fished here and will be picking up a few different lures for next season!!
March 13, 2018
Back on Lake Simcoe for a final run!! This time with Tracy on board!! We were going to try for the 13th and 14th. We met up with Shayne and Lori at Casey's for minnows and then headed out to our launch point... Unloaded and headed out to the first spot of the day, which didn't disappoint!! Tracy managed to hook into her first ever Lake Trout and she brought it up onto the ice with little help..... Well done hon!! She wanted to keep her first laker so it will be a very nice fish fry in the near future!! Then it was my turn.... As it came up I thought a whitefish but as it neared the hole it turned out to be a ling... First of the season for me!! Generally in the past I have either tossed them back or given them to others I am fishing with. Shayne didn't want it so I am keeping it to try the "poor man’s lobster”. A little while later I hooked into a laker..... It was brought up and was a little smaller than Tracy's so it too was kept for a fish fry. It slowed down and for a first Shayne and Lori didn't get any fish, so it was time for a move....
We set up on our second spot... and while Tracy was out chatting with Shayne and Lori, I managed to hook up on my first whitefish of the day. After a bit of time Lori and Shayne also hooked into a couple of whitefish but they were released to fight another day. Tracy then also hooked into her first ever whitefish and she fought it like a master angler!! Again, well done hon!! I then also hooked up with my second of the day... We gave it our best to get Tracy her second fish but it wasn't meant to be.
We called it an end to a very successful day on ice and made plans for the 14th, which was our final day on Simcoe for the year. We stayed at a local B&B and during the night Tracy became ill... we were up throughout the night and decided not to go out in the morning and just stay in bed and rest. Shayne advised that it was a crap day on the ice anyway with gale winds. We slowly got up and about, packed up and headed home. We chatted about our day on the ice and looked forward to getting back on Simcoe together next season!! Still plenty of ice and snow around home and hope to get out here after some trout... if not until next season!!
March 27, 2018
I got out to a small back lake this morning after some brook trout. I was on the lake and all set up around 830am. The trail in was in a good shape for the snow machine but the entrance to the lake was a bit rough going. Once on the ice thought it was good going!! Still plenty of ice! Maybe 12 to 14 inches where I was fishing!
It wasn't until around 1015am that the flag went off.... It was windy out so I thought perhaps the wind blew the flag... When I got to the tip up the wheel was spinning indicating a fish was on there.... I got the fish through the ice to find a nice 14 1/2 inch brook trout!! My personal best!! Well, with that I got a fire going and had a bite to eat. Just around 1130 it began to freeze rain then stopped and started.... I thought I'd give it until 1pm then call it a day but by 1215 a light rain started and it wasn't stopping so I called it a fun time and packed up, knowing I was having fish and chips for dinner!!
I really wanted to try another lake but it didn't appear as though anyone else had gone so with a small creek near the crossing into the other lake I decided not to try....
I think this is my last trip of the 2017 - 2018 ice fishing season.... the weather is warming up and the shore ice will be giving way..... BUT who knows!!!
2018 - 2019
June 12, 2018
I'm not really sure about this summer fishing thing anymore but after I was leant a boat, motor and trailer for the summer why not give it a try!!!
My oldest daughter Kylee was up so we went fishing to a local lake in search of some walleye or really anything that would bite.... We didn't get any fish but still it was a nice time to just hang out and relax!!
June 22, 2018
So.... off I go again in search of fish on the same lake. Was having a nice time trolling around... Well I hooked a decent walleye..... NICE!! On the stringer it went.... Well the motor kept stalling out for some reason.... At some point it drifted backwards and when I got it going... it must have het the stringer and well.... ^&#$E$ the fish was gone! I didn't even get a picture!!
After that I said screw it.... Took almost all day to get one decent fish and that happens..... LOL I trolled back and caught a small smallmouth bass and tossed it back. Then the motor stalled out again... this time I see gas on the water.. that’s not good!! I take the cover off and hit the primer and gas came spurting out on the fuel pump. The small plastic cover had a crack. So I panicked a bit as I don't know much if anything about out board motors! After a call I by-passed the pump and went directly from motor to tank. I just had to frequently squeeze to primer to get to the motor. It worked and got me back to the launch!!
I walked up to get the van and someone had hit one of the trailer lights breaking it off... why not just add to the day!!
On the way home I stopped by the shop where I get my sleds looked at and he had the piece in stock to fix the motor back up... He put it on and 'no charge'.... NICE!!
Lessons learned today... bring a tool kit to do some proper repairs!!
July 12, 2018
Went back to the same lake as before.... still in search of some walleye!
It was a great day on the water! Nice and sunny and warm! I began trolling around and started hitting some smaller walleye. It was nice to see them, telling me that they population is health and they are reproducing. Finally I got a decent walleye in the boat! Got a picture this time, just in case!
I stopped by a small island that has a couple of nice camp sites on it. This would make a great weekend spot for sure!!
Back to the launch after a nice day on the water!! No break downs today!! Motor worked well!!
July 16, 2018
I took the boat down to Tracy's and gave the Bay of Quinte a try. I have only ever fished this famous walleye fishery during the winter months. So what better place to start off but where I fished during the winter!
Started out well..... Wham... I get hit... The fight was on..... Thinking I had a good walleye on I was excited!! Nope... up comes a big old Sheepshead! First for me! Still a great fight!! I got 2 in total for the morning out. I also picked up 2 nice eater size walleye!! They went into the freezer for a fish fry!!
Very nice morning on the water....
July 30, 2018
We headed out and began trolling around.... There were a few other boats in the same area so we knew there must be fish around! One boat seemed to be getting hits almost every pass. We got a few snags but then I finally picked up a small walleye but an eater size for sure!! Well it was a bit later and Tracy hooks into her fish! We get it into the net and up into the boat and it was well.... at least double the size of my fish!! Hers could have had mine for a meal!!
No more fish after Tracy's so we went for a ride around the area for a bit and looked at some nice swans.. They are a huge bird!!
On the way in we were in awe of the beautiful sunset!! It was spectacular!!
Hopefully, Tracy will come back out.... someone has to catch the bigger fish!!
August 12, 2018
My buddy Skip and I headed out to one of his areas on Quinte in search of some walleye.... No other boats on the water, which told us the fish weren't really around or on the bite, but we still gave it a good try!!
We both managed to hook several small silver bass and I finally hooked into a decent fish... Turned out to be a nice sized catfish!! I had been really wanting some blackened catfish but this one went back in to fight another day...
No walleye for us but still fun fishing with a friend!
October 14, 2018
So Tracy and I headed back out to try our luck once more in hopes that the walleye have started to move from Lake Ontario into the Bay of Quinte.
We trolled around with a couple of other boats but all we managed was some small perch and silver bass.... Yes.... Tracy out fished me once again!
September, 2018
I did manage to get a few things done in the way of repairs to the hut and snow machines over the summer months as well....
Both of the Yamaha XLV's got some grease to make the steering work better as well as the idler wheels. Both seem to be working well!!
Neither Tracy or I really liked the bench seat in the hut... so after looking over my clam hut I decided to take the seats from it and make a similar rail type system in the Rapala hut. After some cutting and welding with some stuff laying around it was complete. I think it turned out well and it now has a lot of added room under the seats where it didn't have it with the bench. Time will tell!!
October, 2018
I wanted some way to carry the power auger without having it inside the hut. Even though it's always been carried in there, I'm afraid one day it’s just going to rip the cover or damage something in the hut.
So, I decided to create a carrier for the back of the ski doo. I looked at buying one of the digger auger carries but they were around 150 bucks, so why not try and fabricate one myself for a lot cheaper!!
I used some tube steel and some old bed frame (angle iron). Got some measurements and then cut everything up. Clamped things together to make sure and then welded it together. It’s on their tight and it looks good. I think it will work well... Just need snow and ice to give it a try!!
November, 2018
It's a waiting game now!! We have snow and some ice but not near safe!!
Winter 2019
It's time to get on the ice and get after some fish!!
January 2, 2019
The day was finally here!! We could get out for some ice fishing!! We got a late start heading back from one home to another... a few stops along the way... minnows, new fishing licences and stop to see friends....
This trip was a quick solo late afternoon bite on the Bay of Quinte in search of some walleye for a family fish fry in the near future.... It was cold in the open but I did the long walk and got a spot where I saw a bit of blood... a good sign, I guess!
I got set up and began marking a few fish right away... They just didn't want to play nice for me.. they would chase my offerings up then go back down... They seemed to do this for a bit then all of a sudden they turned on and the fish I brought up was a personal best for me at 25.25 inches and 7.45lbs!! More fish await... baited back up and on the first drop back down and a few jigs my second was on! A smaller one than the first but still a beauty fish!! My hands were getting cold so I called it a great afternoon... well a great hour and a half on the ice for the first trip of the year and headed back to shore.
January 5, 2019 (day 1)
We had my friend's Shayne and Lori heading down to the bay after some fish so Tracy invited them to stay the night so they could fish again on the Sunday morning... We met up with them at the parking area and we all headed out for that long walk! There were plenty of others out there already!! We got set up in the general area that we have fished many times before... A bit of blood on the ice showed that others have caught fish there prior to us showing up...
Tracy wore her new floater suit and boots.... She will be warm, dry and safe on the ice now!
So we got set up in hopes of getting some nice fish.... This wouldn't be our day! A few perch between the 4 of us and that was it. We were off the ice just at dusk and headed home... What a great guy Tracy's son is!! Dinner was all prepared and on the table when we walked in!! Thank God as we were all hungry! After a few drinks off to bed for an early start to Sunday's adventures!
January 6, 2019 (day 2)
Sunday morning came a little early... 6am roll call!! Holy I'm getting old!! My body hurt!! Some snow and more ice and we could take the snow machines... but noooo we have to walk!
Anyway.... Tracy didn't come with us this morning as she had some family things on the go. Shayne, Lori and I headed out on to the ice with many others already out there....
We were able to set up in a decent area this time... with no one really around us. It was cold and we soon put up the huts to get out of the wind... I was marking a few fish and then managed to hook up with a couple then lost them as they were hitting short and just taking the minnows off the hook. Finally, I hooked into my first fish of the morning. I then missed a couple of bites then hooked into my second.... It was around this time the winds came up and almost blew over Shayne and Lori's hut.. mine was next. I had all 4 corners screwed down but one of the sides popped back in. I got them tied off and all was good... but wow the winds were strong... Shayne and Lori took their hut down and battled the winds in another spot. They too were on some fish and brought in 3 and put one back... I hooked a third and it was around 11am or so when we called it quits for the day.
The winds were high and the ice was starting to go in a hurry... behind us was now open water with white caps coming onto the ice... we played it safe and made it off to fish another day!!
It was a great time!! First time we had friends stay to fish and hoping they will stay again!!
January 12, 2019
I got back on the bay for an afternoon solo fish. Got to my spot and set up..... WOW was the ice ever cracking and groaning today!! It was sort of an uneasy feeling but none the less other were out, some on bikes and side by sides, but most were walking. There was plenty of ice... maybe 6 to 8 inches for sure!
Before setting up the hut I wanted to make sure there were some fish in the area... after I marked a few it was time to set up the hut... Once that was done I settled in and began jigging... It wasn't too long before the fish started to cooperate but they were hitting sort just taking the minnows... Finally I had one on the line... I was just reaching down to grab it and off it came off @$%&$... Oh well... There were more down there I'm sure... A while after the first fish came top side... I wasn't skunked!! Some time later, I hooked into another fish and got a few reels in and bang..... broke my line... damn... that was my last 'favorite' lure! No time for tears... I had another jig tied on to another rod so down it went.. I wasn't as confident with this one as my other lure but I had to try..... Well it wasn't too long before the fish were back on the line! A new favorite lure! I managed to hook 3 more fish for my limit and lost a few others along the way...
Once again another perfect afternoon on Quinte and a nice limit of walleye for the upcoming big fish fry!
January 17, 2019
Tried something new.... fished around home. A friend and his buddy came up in search of lake trout... He had never caught one and it was high on his bucket list of fish to catch.
Got to the lake early... maybe a bit too early.. Got out to where some other huts were and set up... A while later one of the guys from a hut comes out with a nice laker!! They were in the area... After chatting with the guy, Skip changed up his presentation in hopes of a fish... He had a couple of followers and a couple of hits but today wasn't our day for a fish.
We packed up and headed back to shore. Ya can't catch them every day, I guess. This was my first trip around home this season... I'll be back in search of a laker in the future that's for sure!!
January 18, 2019
Back to Quinte... I really enjoy this body of water!! Getting fish or not!
I got out for an afternoon fish with a friend... We humped it out towards one of my spots but it just didn't look that good so we stopped in the general area and set up in hopes of some more walleye!! We also left behind our huts and fished out in the open..
We were both marking fish but just couldn't get them to bite.. It was so frustrating!! Finally near the end of the evening I hooked into a fish.... Skip had his scale and it was 6.5 pounds. A good fish but only the one fish between the two of us.
We packed up and headed for shore in the dark... It felt good to be back Tracy's to see her smiling face.. This was also the big fish fry weekend!!!
January 25, 2019
Went back out in search of lakers with Skip. Got set up in roughly 50 feet of water and Skip started marking a couple of fish from the depths... He got a few hits plus my tip up went off a couple of times throughout our stay but still no lake trout for us again on this body of water. Might be time to change up the lake!!
Coming off the lake was a nasty walk with high winds and blowing snow...... Still a fun time on the lake!!
January 26, 2019
Got an invite for a BOQ trip out from the normal area I fish... I was up for the little trip... We got to the parking area before day light and headed off into the unknown.... Skip and Nick had heard some promising things about this little area with some large walleye swimming around!
We got out to the spot and there were already a few others on the ice and set up. Not many though for a Saturday morning!! We set up our huts and got the holes drilled and fish finders in to see fish already waiting for us!! NICE!! Fishing before 7am and it wasn't too long before I connected with a small fish.. maybe a pound. I was on the board not skunked! It wasn't long after that I heard the guys from their hut with a fish! Skip had his first fish on the ice... a decent 3 pounder!! I connected with a couple of more fish then heated up some breakfast on my buddy heater... that with a hot cup of tea went down well!! Somewhere in there Nick got on fish and had two decent ones on the ice as well as tossing one, with some 'warts' on them, back. I finished off my limit around 8am, tossing the first small fish back and keeping a bit larger fish. After this I put on some other lures to see what would work... I caught fish on all of them! I finally ran out of minnows so I was done for the morning. Skip had two nice fish and Nick had 3 nice keepers! We packed it around 1130am and headed back to shore. Not many out for being a very productive spot!! I'm sure we will be back to this spot in the near future!!!
February 19, 2019
The first trip to Lake Simcoe this year!! I was happy to be back after some whitefish / laker action!!
I met up with Shayne on the ice and loaded up our gear and off went in search of some whitefish and lake trout! We tried a couple of spots that Shayne had success at the previous week... We marked a few fish but no takers... they were really slow coming through so we moved on... Finally we made a longer move to a different area for a waypoint I had from some years ago... We almost made it to the spot but decided to stop and see what it was like in the general area... Well it didn't take long for some fish to move in and start hitting our offerings... Shayne was first up but lost it part way up... I was up next and mine was brought to the ice... After this Shayne was up again with a nice whitefish... I think it was my turn next with my second fish... Then Shayne again... after that we hooked and released a bunch more... It seemed that this area was a late morning / early afternoon place as we didn't get to this spot until close to 1pm.
Around 3pm we called it for the day and headed back to shore... It was a great day out and we had the fish all to ourselves!! It was so peaceful out there!!
I plan on getting out a few more times before the end of the season, March 15th.....
February 23, 2019
Back on Quinte but in a different area where we had heard they were getting some big fish..
Got to the spot and found about 20 inches of ice!! We got set up and the wait was on... Stupid me forgot my fish finder in Bancroft! Oh well I'll go 'old school'.
Buddies marked some but nothing was biting! Finally as it got dusk the fish started to turn around a bit... I finally had a hit and after a few reels it was off... back down the lure went and again on and off... The fish was biting short... I let the fish take the minnow slightly longer and the fish was on this time.. Up came a nice eater around 2 pounds! That was it for me... Then one of the other guys says he has one on... up came another eater fish!! That was it for the bite...
Still a nice time on some sort of newer water... Always nice to explore!!
I think that will be a wrap for ice fishing the Bay of Quinte this year as it ends on March 1st. I sure caught a lot of good fish there this season and have many memories of good fish fries!! Until next season!!
March 2, 2019
Back on Simcoe after some more whitefish.... But this time with a larger group. We got out on the ice and started fishing.
We all seemed to hook into fish but I think I was the last one to finally get a couple!! It was a great time fishing with some of these folks for the first time!! With a bunch of things going wrong with my equipment on the way out it was a surprise I made it! The hitch to the hut kept breaking pins, but I finally got it together and made it to the fish!
March 5, 2019
Back on Simcoe again with the same crew. With Quinte done for the season its nice to get back onto Simcoe on a regular basis!!
We tried the same area we have been fishing but not a lot of action going on so we moved a couple of times. This time I couldn't buy a fish! Not many caught either! You would have thought with that many there we would have caught fish but fish do turn off and this was one of those days!! Still a great time fishing with so many good people!!
I was also able to have Tracy come up to fish the next day so I booked a room at our favorite B&B!!
March 6, 2019
Tracy joined me and the gang for our last day on the ice for 2019. We started out well with a few minor things going wrong with one of the sleds, but we all got to the area safely!!
Not seeing much action some of the group decided to make a move. Tracy and I stayed put, with the rest of the group leaving sometime after.
While fishing I got caught up around Tracy's line and brought them up to untangle them... I tossed some ice into the hole and Tracy thought the line was clear and as she felt her rod twitch she set the hook on the biggest sucker! ME.. barred the hook into my thumb.... holy that hurt! Anyway... after a few words and Tracy laughing about it, it was back to fishing!!
We still stayed put as Tracy was having a some issues with her feet getting cold... Being concerned we stayed put taking off her boots and warming up her feet on the buddy heater. We really wanted to meet up with the rest of the group for a nice meal of chilli that Joanne brought but it was better to be safe than sorry. We packed up around 1pm and headed back to shore. Only thing other than me getting caught was a nice big crayfish which was released back into the lake.
Still this was a great day to finish off the season! Until next season... its on to spring and summer projects!
2019 - 2020
December 21, 2019
My first trip of the ice season and it was with a good friend. The walk out was on a bit sketchy ice but with a few others out there we figured we were safe enough. We didn't get to the exact spot we wanted to, but it was good enough.
We marked a few fish but getting them to bite was another story!!
No fish for us this morning but it was nice to be back out on the ice after some walleye!!
December 22, 2019
Back out to my usual area which had enough ice. It was a great afternoon out and I came away with a few fish as well!!
January 8, 2020
My first back woods trip of the year. I wanted to try and locate this lake last year, but some others things came up.
I'm sure glad someone had made a trail in because I would have never have found it on my own.
I got into the lake and found a spot on a point and set up. It was a bit windy so my hopes on getting a fire were in the wind!
As for the bite..... it was very negative. I waited it out till early afternoon but not even a bite. So I packed it up and headed out. It was a nice new adventure in search of some brook trout and some new scenery as well..
January 13, 2020
Back out looking for Skips first lake trout! It was a nice walk out to our spot. We set up and there was some marks on Skips vex.
It was a long wait but Skip finally pulled up his first ever laker. It was a small one and didn't give much of a battle but mission accomplished!!
I put down a tip up in the hut and it wasn't long before the flag went off and I pulled up a nice little one as well. I also pulled up another smaller one as well as Skip brought up another. Both of Skips fish went back. I brought my two fish home for a nice fish and chip dinner!! All of the fish were under the legal slot size.
January 15, 2020
Got back on the bay this afternoon. I was there first and set up and awaited Skips arrival.
What a day it turned out to be! I marked some fish then hooked into a good heavy fish. As I got it to the hole I could see it was huge!! All I could think was don't screw this up Nick! I brought her up gently... Oh my God!! It measured out at 29.75" and 5.06Kg or 11.15lbs. My personal best!! She went back to the waters to fight another day and to lay her eggs this spring!
Skip made it out and I was still shaking as I told him about it and showed him the little video I took of the release.
Skip hooked into a few fish himself, catching one at 27" and just around the 9lbs mark, which went back into the water.
We both brought some fish as the sun started to set. What a fantastic afternoon!!
January 16, 2020
What a difference one days makes with the weather!! From glare ice to a bunch of snow!
Got back out to the same spot and set the hut up and got the heater going. It was still not a bad day on the ice and hauled up a couple of nice walleye to bring home for the freezer.
January 18, 2020
What more needs to be said?? Its fish fry night!!
January 21, 2020
Back out to the bay but this time with the snow machine!! Heck of a lot better than walking all that way and we can be more mobile!
Today we had company with good friends who will be staying over and fishing on the 22nd as well. I had 3 fish on the ice before Shayne and Lori had arrived. I managed to get my forth and they had a couple before we headed home for dinner.
January 22, 2020
Day two....
Not much to really say from me... We set up in the middle of Shayne and Lori and Skip. All I know is Tracy hooked into some fish and lost them and I couldn't snag a fish!! Now the other two huts were catching fish and for the life of us we couldn't bring one up. That's the way it goes sometimes.
Shayne, Lori and Skip all went home with some nice eats and Tracy and I nothing for the day. Still it was a good time on the ice with some good people and conversation.
January 24, 2020
I'm really enjoying taking the snow machine on the bay!! Sure makes life easier! Both Skip and I managed a few fish each today.
February 5, 2020
After a nice vacation in Cuba, it was sort of nice to be back on the hard water!
My first trip to Simcoe for the year after getting an invite from a friend. Got set up on the spot after some travel through some pack ice, but there was plenty of ice under us that's for sure!
I was pretty rusty for the first whitefish trip of the season... Both Shayne and Lori had no issues catching fish though!! I hooked a few and lost them but finally managed to get a fish on the ice. Shayne got a total of I believe 18 and Lori 13 for the day... but they were both in the double digits that's for sure. At the end of the day they had their limits and I came away with 1. LOL... holy I was rusty!
Forget to mention in the story that when we got back to our trucks we were greeted by a $30.00 parking ticket from the park wardens at Sibbald Point Prov. park.
February 8, 2020
Went back to Simcoe for a solo outing, so I went back to the same area we had fished on the 5th.
I was set up and ready for a days outing. That didn't last only for a few hours. I caught my 2 whitefish in short order plus a couple of others, which were released and called it a day around 1130am.
March 5, 2020
Met up with my buddy Scott in Beaverton for a fish on Simcoe. Got out to one of our old spots and set up. We marked some fish and then it happened... got a laker on.... Finally got it through the hole. Not a big one but to big and greasy to take home. I also caught a tank of a whitefish, but didn't weigh or measure it. Scott caught a few nice whitefish and a nice laker as well but still to big to take home so it too was released.
It was a great day on the ice. We both took home our 2 whitefish limit and had some good laughs and conversation.
March 7, 2020
Went out on another solo trip today. Tried a couple of different spots and managed my 2 whitefish. Only got a picture of one on the ice as my phone died.
March 11, 2020
Met up with Keith in Beaverton for a fish on Simcoe. Got out to our spot and set up. We marked some fish, but the bite was very tough!! Scott made it out as well. The action wasn't really there so Scott trolled around in search of some active fish but didn't really find any. We were on fish but just couldn't get them to bite. Keith stayed put and Scott and I moved to an old spot 4 or 5 miles away. Prior to leaving I hooked my first of the day. The other spot didn't produce any fish at all nor did we mark any fish, so we moved back to the original spots. Scott once again moved and I managed to hook another fish. Not sure how I was the only guy to catch fish though. I also used my new to me fish finder that I bought from Keith. I'm hoping it will be a big help in the future as this one has GPS and the lakes navionics chip.
It was a great day on the ice with some good laughs and conversation.
The ice conditions were going and this was going to be my last trip of the season. Fantastic is all I can say!!
2021 Season
With so many thing going on I really didn't have time to keep my site updated, but did take pictures of our fishing adventures. Some of the more memorable adventures I'll add a story too, others just pictures.
2021 Summer Projects
One thing new.. Tracy gave the okay to get a new hut... I picked up a beauty Otter Resort thermal flip hut. So much room!! Can't wait to get out and try it!! I also made myself a live well out of an old small bar fridge. I needed something as I was continuously going for minnows. Works well so far!
January 5, 2021
January 6, 2021
Got out to a little lake in search of some of the stocked brook trout in this lake. In the parking lot I met up with another angler, who was heading in as well... She wasn't ready as yet so I headed in on my own. I got set up and the wait was on. A short time later Amy showed up and headed across the lake and set up there...
Nothing was biting so I called it a day in the early afternoon...... still a fun time!!
January 9, 2021
On the Bay of Qunite after some walleye.. All set up and the wait was on... All I got into was a nice sized pike, which went back to fight another day.. Still a nice sun set and afternoon on the ice...
January 11, 2021
Back on the bay.... Got another pike, but this time a couple of walleye and a couple of nice jumbo perch.. Off to a slow start but its all up from here!!
January 12, 2021
Back on the bay.... Tried a different area this time... no pike but a nice walleye and jumbo perch!
January 21, 2021
Tried a back lake that has been a pain in my side for some time. This lake is stocked with rainbows every year and I have yet to get a fish out of here!! I went and gave it yet another try and as you can see I once again came away fishless!!
January 24, 2021
Back on the bay.... with a good long time friend. This is first time fishing the bay in many years. We walked out not knowing the ice thickness... but next we would be out on the snow machine! We got set up on a spot we were told by a couple of guys on shore. We had a great day with some laughs about old times and how we were going to get them tomorrow! We came away with decent fish..
January 25, 2021
Not as good as the first day but we still came away with fish!
January 27, 2021
Sure a lot nicer with a snow machine!! On sooner and not of breath getting there and back to the truck!!
January 28, 2021
February 3, 2021
With Larry gone home, Skip and I headed out on the bay after some walleye. We both came back with one each!
February 9, 2021
Picture says it all!! That's why they call it fishing and not catching!
February 17, 2021
Finally out to Lake Simcoe after some whitefish and lake trout.. I met up with a friend and off we went to an old spot on our GPS. Set up and we caught some fish...
February 23, 2021
Back out on a solo trip this time...
February 25, 2021
Met up Scott a to try one of his spots... We got out and set up... Both Scott and I came away with fish.
March 7, 2021
Back out with Scott and his buddy... I brought along my honey, Tracy for a day on the ice.. All I know is Tracy hooked into a beauty Ling and she got it right to the hole and as I bent down to get the fish, off it came... She was one pissed off lady!!
March 9, 2021
Out with Keith once again... This was the last trip of the season.. Had a blast as usual!! Till next season!
2022
January 6, 2022
It was the start to a new season in the ice!! I went to a little lake I usually try the first of each season just to get my feet wet or cold.... I set up and was ready for the bite that never came... I packed up later in the day and headed off the ice... Still a nice morning out and the first time on the ice with many more to come!!
January 8, 2022
First time on my favorite spot on Quinte!! Plenty of ice but walked out to be safe!! Got to my spot and set up for a bit to make sure fish were around. Once that was established I set my hut up and started jigging...
Not many fish around but I did manage one nice fish to take home for my efforts of the afternoon! It was a nice afternoon on the ice with a great sunset!!
January 13, 2022
My good friend Larry made it up for a couple of days fishing...
First day out was well... FABULOUS!! We set up and couldn't keep the fish off!! We lost a few, missed a bunch and still came away with a two man limit of walleye!!
January 15, 2022
We were back out at it after a very windy day before....
Not as many this time due to a bit of a cold front but we still managed 5 fish for the day.. This time we were on the snow machine once again!!
January 18, 2022
Back out solo.... We finally got some snow on the ground!! I managed a couple of nice walleye this evening... One in at 28 inches. A beauty fish for sure!!
January 20, 2022
Larry was back for another go at it...
I think he got more than I did this time.... His 3 to my 2!!
January 22, 2022
A cold front had just finished and the bite was still off somewhat but we did manage to pick up a few more for future fish frys! We have been fishing this same area now for the past couple of years and it has yet to fail us!
January 23, 2022
It was a very slow day!! It sucked!! We were joined by a friend, Keith and his wife for the afternoon... Keith managed to haul up a couple of nice fish and I only managed a couple with one small one going back to grow. Larry didn't get hit at all... We think its getting near the end of the fish in our area... but we will be back out for another try!!
January 24, 2022
Managed a few more today but nothing spectacular. I did blow a hole in the sleds Y pipe... holy its loud!!
January 30, 2022
Lots of people out and about today but was able to set up on my spot as usual... Also out with a few friends. Keith and Adam who brought along his daughter. I only managed one but it was a nice one!
January 31, 2022
With the fish sort of the move I thought I'd try a different area... so I headed towards Trenton.. Not a sole out in the river area so I back peddled in between my area and Trenton.... Some guys out in this area so I thought I'd give it a try... I set up and marked fish right away... Mostly perch... I did manage a small walleye which I tossed back. Nice area though but the fish weren't active... Might be worth another try in the future but I'm starting to get the itch for some whitefish and Lake Simcoe, my other favorite lake!!!
February 5, 2022
Looking for some punishment and in hopes of winning a prize at a local fish derby, Larry and I returned to our little spot in hopes of getting some fish... It wasn't meant to be... No big fish money prize nor did we win any of the draw prizes.. oh well there is always be next year!! LOL
February 12, 2022
It was finally time to head to Lake Simcoe!! My birthday weekend away... Once again my lady, Tracy, treated me with a couple of great days away at our favorite little B&B in Beaverton.
We got a bit of a late start but still we hit the ice first thing Saturday afternoon for a few hours.. We got set up around some other huts but not on the exact spot I wanted to be... We gave it a good few hours and didn't even mark a fish! Off the ice and to our room for some relaxation and away from the stresses of life!! We ordered a pizza and wings for dinner, which was pretty good!!
In the morning we had ordered breakfast for 630am so we could get fishing early, but when it was a chilly minus 34, it was breakfast and back to bed for a bit. We woke back up at 9am... still damn cold we decided to just have a lazy day and went shopping... First stop... Trombley's tackle shop in Orillia!! So it was sort of fishing!! Anyway, a few other stops and we called it a fantastic day with lots of relaxation... after all that's why we went away.. fishing or no fishing!! Back to the room and we had a great meal for my birthday... fresh meat pies from a local British shop and salad... What could be better!! Monday, we had a beautiful breakfast and packed up for the trip back home... Its always nice to get away!! Until next time, which I hope isn't to far away!!
March 5, 2022
I went out to Simcoe solo.... I went out from Sibbald Point Provincial Park... but met up with a friend who was on the spot.. He had already lost a fish by the time I got there, which was around 8am. I moved a bit further away from Adam and set up for the day. A while later Adam went "trolling" around in search of fish. I stayed put and finally marked a small school and bang.. fish on!! My first whitefish of the 2022 season... It was nice to get a fish top side! A while later another small school came through... with more than one fish around they were aggressive and bang another fish on.. My second on the ice for the day.
Around 1 or so both of us were just about done for the day.. Adam moved to find another location and then was heading home.. I stuck it out for a bit longer to see how many I could bring top site... but after my two that was about it, so I packed up and headed off and for home... It was a fantastic day!!
March 14, 2022
I went out to Simcoe for the last day of my 2022 season. I went back to the same area I usually go too. A short time later I joined by a buddy and a friend of his. I was marking fish and lost a couple of them on a high hook that I didn't really have tied on properly. Next year will be different! I moved to another area that I had caught fish last year. I got set up without the hut up... it was such a nice day out!! I again marked fish again... and as I was chatting with Tracy on the phone I hooked a fish! Keith and George came over my way to a different area.. They finally came over beside me and also began marking fish. George caught a nice ling...
Well, it was getting near that time of day to pack up and head for home.. I had another great season on the ice between back lakes, the bay of quinte and of course lake simcoe... Simcoe, however, was a short lived season!! Now for some spring / summer maintenance.
