fishpro

"If I hold this fish up like this, I wonder how big of a shark I could photoshop in"

Good idea, do you have any idea how many brookies those damn bull trout eat??!!

I just picked up some hooks to tie on for a trip up to Northern BC next summer, and the ones I picked up have the turned-up eye on them. I thought they would be good since they're commonly used for tying salmon patterns, but I heard that the straight or down-turned eye hooks can result in better hook ups. Is there any truth to this? Would I be better off getting some hooks that don't have the turned-up eye? Thanks

Also be careful because it can slip no matter how tightly you spool it on. What you need to do is tie the braid onto the spool and then put down a layer or duct tape or electrical tape. The reason is that the braid doesn't stretch and therefore can't cling to the spool.

I see nothing wrong with it, just keep in mind that the colour can sometimes leak from the backing and get onto your reel and rod handle.

It's hard to say either way, with a lot of companies it can appear they must be making a ton, but they really aren't. An example is fishing lodges, prices are super high but 5 or 6 years ago a survey was done on over 70 lodges in the NWT and only two made a profit one year. The costs to run a business may be higher than we think. On the other hand, if the shuttle companies are truly making a ton of money on their shuttles, then good for them. They've found a great business to be in and have been successful. I personally don't see anything wrong with that.

I would seriously consider doing a trip for pike. Mikisew Sport Fishing is good for self guided trips, or there are a bunch of all inclusive lodges in Saskatchewan as well. While you're at it try for lakers on the fly, believe it or not a 9wt is almost too light for a 15lb laker!

Thanks! I'll have to look into that one

Now that looks painful, gotta wonder if his friends set him up!

I realize many people here will think I'm crazy for this, but does anybody know when any Polar Bear Plunge events are being held this winter in Alberta? I want to do one and can find lots of stuff on google about past events but can't find any on upcoming events.

A large outboard jet is always a good idea, and I'd recommend considering a boat that rides a little deeper in the water, as I hear the more water you push and bigger of waves you create as you motor past wading fishermen the better... Note: This is not directed at any jet boater or group of jet boaters, but rather just a joke. Not meant to be offensive in any way.

Thanks for the suggestion, but unfortunately I'm in Ontario at the moment. Otherwise I would definitely go to it.

Although I realize it's best to take lessons first, how bad of an idea would it be simply pick up a combo? I'm asking since I may have a chance to pick one up at a really affordable price sometime soon. I realize I should test it out with various lines before buying a line, but for finding a rod for skagit style would I be alright by getting something that isn't overly fast as well as a reel to balance it and then learn from there?

Thank you to all of you for your input! It's definitely something I want to get into at some point, and it seems very clear that I should be trying out a lot of stuff before actually purchasing a set up. Also thank you to KnotLikely for the offer to try test some rods, but I'm actually living in Ontario now.

Sorry if this has already been discussed a bunch, but I'm looking for some info on spey fishing as I would like to make a trip to northern BC to target both steelhead and salmon. What all should I be considering in making a purchase? I'm guessing a 9 or 10 weight would be best for this, does the length matter? What difference is there between a 13 foot rod and a 15 foot rod? Would I be safe to simply purchase a reel that balances and a line in the grain window for the rod, or should I be testing some reels and lines before buying? Thank you in advance!

Unreal report and pictures, looks like a trip of a lifetime. Great work!

Does anyone know of anywhere I could go to get the laces and knobs repaired on my Korker Guide Series boots with the BOA lace system? I ordered warranty parts online and tried repairing them myself but that was just a ton of hassle with no progress. I seem to recall hearing that one of the shops does these repairs. Thanks in advance.

Yeah I did, the fish were sitting quite shallow and I was able to pick my targets at time. I would often see a fish cruising and all I had to do was place my fly 6-8 ahead of the fish, then as soon as it moved the fish was after it. I've never had pike fishing like it. This fish was particularly exciting to hook though. We had come up to a sandy underwater point and at first glance I saw two fish about 4-5 lbs sitting on the edge. As I was casting to them I saw a larger fish, probably 10-12 lbs, so I redirected my cast and landed it in front of him, further up on the point. I was letting the fly sink and as I was about to start stripping the guide yelled "there's a bigger fish, cast farther and to the right!" So I pulled as hard as I could to get my fly out of the water before the other fish could charge it, made one false cast, and then landed my fly, only to have my guide say "perfect". As I started to strip in I saw this large figure move towards my fly and strike. Fish on!

Caught this guy on a big streamer last Wednesday up at Frontier Fishing Lodge on Great Slave Lake. Had a crazy day with over 50 fish landed and probably 20 fish that were 3 feet or bigger! Perhaps this may explain why pike are sometimes called gators...

I'll vouch for the book as well, I bought it last year and built a net for myself. It's a fun project to take on as well!

$225 on 33

$150 on 33

I have one and have caught lots of fish with it. It's a good powerful fast rod that casts nicely, but it's very tip heavy. So you need a heavy reel to balance it which will make it feel like a 7 or 8 weight combo, or if you don't have it balanced it will strain your wrist all day.

$175 on #22, I need some more places to hunt big bulls.

The worst part about Calgary weather is listening to people comlain about it. Get outside and make the most of it! I've had some incredible days of fishing when it's blizzarding outside.