Fishing reports are written weekly throughout the open fishing season based on Fireside Lodge guests reports of their daily fishing experiences while fishing at Fireside Lodge
Hello from Fireside Lodge
in Northwest Ontario, Canada.
Weather this week was
variable never settling down. We would have quick hit storms move in and out
bringing at first cool air then it would switch to sunny and warm. Anything but
consistent, however it did not discourage Fireside Lodge Fishers. Everyone was
doing the rain dance in the boat. What’s the rain dance?? That’s when you try
to put on or take off your rain pants in the boat without taking your shoes off
first. Oh ya, now you remember how to do this dance don’t you?
Brent and Angie Bostic
from Hurricane, WV were back to Fireside Lodge for their 4th fishing
trip. DOA these two caught some Smallmouth and Brent just missed a Master
Anglers Smallmouth catching a 17.75-incher. First full day of fishing they
caught 19 Smallmouth Bass. Second day we had extreme winds that affected
everyone’s ability to just stay on the water, and to Brent and Angie’s credit
they were only one of two boats to stay out until supper and caught 6 Pike
& 3 Bass. Third day was fantastic as the caught 104 Northern Pike. Fourth
day was suppose to be a Smallmouth Bass day in Closs however the bass were not
cooperating so they started to fish for Muskie, had six nice follows and Brent
landed a nice 36-inch Musky. Fifth day still had the Smallmouth stumping them
catching 6, but did catch 24 Northern Pike. After asking for some direction we
discussed the Smallmouth Bass being in the weeds as opposed to the rocks, and
that was the strategy they were going to employ the next day. Well, things
improved as they caught 19 very nice size bass from 15 to 17.5-inches and Brent
caught a 36-inch Muskie on his popper with 8lb test. He also had a Muskie in
the mid 40-inch range take a swipe at his surface bait. Seventh day these two
found some BIG Smallmouth Bass in the weeds, and had fun catching their
favorite freshwater fish. A special happening occurred with Brent & Angie
when they seemingly both hooked a big Smallie at the same time and as each were
fighting their fish there lines crossed and soon to be found out they both had
the same Smallmouth hooked. After the joint landing the fish measured out to be
an 18.5-inch Master Anglers Award Smallmouth. WOW, that has never happened
before and since there was no precedent set with who’s fish it really was it
was decided by a unanimous vote that each should get a Master Anglers Award for
landing the fish however Angie will be listed first for two reasons. One being
that ladies go first and second her alphabetic initials put her first. Great
story and memory for their fishing log. Eighth day was a much slower day
catching 7 Smallmouth Bass and 4 Pike. Ninth day was fabulous having fun
catching 81 Northern Pike and the tenth and final day was a slower day but
after totaling their catches they caught 326 total fish which is averaging
almost 33 fish per day. I will take that over a 10 day run anytime. Thanks for
choosing Fireside Lodge and hope to see Brent & Angie in 2012.
Jim Tate and Bob Soloman
from Oshkosh & Sarona, WI were fishing at Fireside Lodge for their first
time referred to us by good friend and Fireside Lodge guest Al Wortz. These two
fellows literally had a rough first day as the winds were high and waves were
about 4 foot in the open water. Not good for the first time ever on a lake. For
the short day they managed to catch a few fish and learn some of the lake.
Second day these two made up for lost time having their best fishing day ever
as they caught over 70 Northern Pike having many doubles and Bob caught an
18-inch Master Anglers Award Trophy Smallmouth Bass. Third day was another
fabulous day catching a lot of Pike & Smallmouth Bass some being 16 to
17-inches and Bob came up with the biggest Pike of the day measuring a fat
36-inches. The fish were pretty hard on their lures so the had to replenish at
suppertime. Their fourth and final day was a knock out as they caught over 80
Northern Pike and Bob landed his first ever Muskie. Great finish to a fabulous
fishing trip for these two friends.
Long time return guests
Tim Bergen, sons, Joey, Adam, and nephew Tim Komenda from Orland Park and
Hickory Hills, IL were back fishing at Fireside Lodge. DOA Tim B had a huge
Muskie explode on his surface lure right at boat side. After fighting it for several
minutes and getting it half in the net the fish did a typical Muskie roll
flipping off the hook and waved goodbye with its tail. Also, Joey had a BIG
Musky hooked and after a brief fight it got off, but he did catch a nice
33-inch Pike. First full day was a great day fishing and catching as they
caught a bunch of nice Pike in the 26 to 32-inch range plus Adam caught a 29”
Musky and his first Master Anglers Award Smallmouth Bass measuring
18.25-inches, and Joey caught a huge 38-inch Muskie. Second day they mixed it
up a bit catching lots of numbers early in the day, 60 Pike between the two
boats. Later in the day while fishing for larger fish they caught a good number
of over 30-inch Pike, and Joey had another big Muskie on, but flipped out of
the net and got away. Third day in Adams words was “GREAT” as they caught
bigger Pike 30 to 34–inches and Tim Bergen cashed in on a fathers day gift
given to him from his kids as he caught a BIG 37-inch Northern Pike on a Polish
Pike. This was purchased for him from our tackle shop by Joe & Adam when
they wee 10 or 11 years old, as their tradition was to buy their dad his
fathers day gift from our tackle shop. Fourth and final day was a slower day
than the other three in that they would only catch a fish or two at each spot,
however after dinner Adam and Tim K went for a final go at a trophy fish and
while using top water baits Adam had a GIANT mid 40 inch Pike come up after his
bait, but did not make a hook up. Both were very pumped when returning to tell
us their story at the lodge. They left talking of returning next year after
college plans for Adam and Joe were settled, and all left making some GREAT
family fishing memories together.
Grandpa George Cavanuagh
From Palm City, FL Father and son Mike & Danny Houston from Jensen Beach,
FL Brady Marcum and Luke Lopiccolo from Ukiah, CA were all fishing at Fireside
Lodge for their first time. First day ever on our lake system this family had a
great fishing and catching day. They caught Smallmouth Bass & Northern Pike,
some bass being 17.5-inches and pike up to 29-inches. They mixed it up on
presentation and lure type using spinners, plastic, and surface baits. George
loves to see those Bass jump so he was using surface and trying to make them
jump. Second day was even better as they caught a lot of Northern Pike &
Smallmouth Bass and the most exciting moment was hearing Brady & Danny
express their top water experience with Danny catching 17 Smallmouth up to
17-inches and Brady landing 11 with one just missing a Master Anglers Award
measuring 17.75-inches. These were all on poppers and torpedo lures.
Third an final day had
them catching a lot more Smallmouth 12 to 17-inches and a few Pike, but the
biggest catch of all for this family was the memories mad between three generations
and I applaud Grandpa George for making all this happen. Go to our YoueTube
channel to see George catch a BIG Smallie.
Father and son Mike and
Andy Pritzl from Caledonia and Racine WI. Were back for their sixth time. DOA
was a windy day and got started by catching 6 Pike and a Smallmouth. First full
day was fabulous catching 96 Northern Pike and 6 Smallmouth Bass 16 to
17.5-inches. Second day was a good fishing day catching both Smallmouth Bass
and Northern Pike with Mike catching his personal best Pike measuring a fat
33-inches. Third and final day (boy a 3 day package goes fast) was similar to
the second catching a mix of nice Smallmouth and Pike and Mike had a huge fish
on he just could not get to the boat as it kept giving him very strong & violent
head shakes until it finally threw Mike’s lure. Disappointed? Yes! Was Mike
glad he had the opportunity to catch this fish? Double Yes!! Both Mike and Andy
did go home with the biggest catch any father and son could ever want, which
the memories made by spending this important time together that is very hard to
duplicate during our every day life. Congrats to both for their efforts to
spend quality time together.
Jerry and Wanda Miller
from Erwin, TN who have been long time guests since 1995 returned for the
second time this year. First day Jerry’s guiding abilities on Little Vermilion
Lake shinned through as Wanda and him had a great day catching fish landing 15+
Northern Pike and over 30 Smallmouth Bass with a lot being 15t o 17.5-inches.
Jerry also lost an over 40-inch Musky. Second day was BIG Smallmouth day as
they caught over 30 with only two under 15-inches, and Jerry caught the biggest
Smallmouth of his life landing a HUGE 20.25” Master Anglers Award Trophy. WOW,
what a fish!!!! Third day was another very good Smallmouth Bass day catching
less than 20 but all quality, landing 4 Master Anglers Trophy Smallmouth, Wanda
with one at 18-inches and Jerry with three, two being 19-inches and a third at
19.25”. When Wanda was catching her 18-inch Trophy Smallmouth they had a double
catch with Jerry landing a BIG 17.5” Smallmouth at the same time. Fourth day
was about 9 Pike and 15 Smallmouth with most Smallies between 14 and 17-inches.
Fifth day was a FABULOUS top-water day as 15-20 Smallmouth were caught and many
more entertained Jerry & Wanda as the Bass would slap at and hit their
surface baits so hard the lure would come completely out of the water. Sixth
day had Jerry and Wanda in before noon after catching a few fish. They decided
to just slowly pack and enjoy the rest of their last day sitting in their
cabin, watching the Hummingbirds and soaking up their last moments in our
Boreal Forest Wilderness Setting. Both made wonderful memories and decided to
return in 2011 during the same dates.
Rob Delamatre and Al
Fishhaber from Sandusky & Northwood, OH returned for their 7th
time. After the first day fishing I asked Rob how they did and at first he said
it was a slower day and continued to tell me they caught 25-30 Northern Pike.
Well, if that’s a slow day at Fireside Lodge that just shows what Al & Rob
are use to catching. Second day was everything but slow as they caught over 100
Northern Pike, and Rob tied into a BIG BOY landing a 45-inch Muskie on a
plastic tube. Fourth day was a very good day catching Northern Pike everywhere
they went, not having the numbers of the previous day, but all were nice size
fish and Rob did it again catching a big 38-inch Musky. I think Al’s guiding
fees just went up? Fifth day was a great day Muskie fishing having over 20
follows and Al landed a 39.5-inch thick fish. They also caught some big
Smallmouth Rob landing a 20” Trophy estimated at 6lbs. Last day was a mix of
fast action and fun catching about 40 Pike by 1:00 PM, and then they fished for
bigger toothy critters, having success everywhere they fished. Many fish over
30” were caught along with some nice 16-17.5” Smallmouth Bass. They left as
fast as they came, and before departing said they would call us in November to
make arrangements for 2011.
Three generations of
father/son George & Josh Carney and Grandpa Tom Miller all from Madison, WI
returned to Fireside Lodge for their7th consecutive year. Just
getting started on their DOA they caught some nice Pike before supper, two
biggest being 32 and 33-inches. First day these three caught enough fish to be
excited to tell their stories at suppertime. Second day was fabulous catching
well over 50 Pike and they caught a lot of over 30-inchers up to 36-inches.
Third day was interesting as we had waves of storms coming in and out of the
area and they would get some great action just before and as these waves of
weather came through. They caught some very good size Smallies of 16 to
17.5-inches, and Josh & George both caught Master Anglers Award Smallmouth
being 18-inches. Fourth day they caught a good number of fish always having
some action. Fifth day they caught a bunch of nice Pike. Sixth and final day
was a Musky / Smallmouth day and did they ever finish strong. First they caught
a lot of Smallmouth Bass some topping the 17 to 17.5-inch mark, and both George
and Josh caught Musky George’s being a Tiger Muskie at 28-inches and Josh
landed a BIG 38-inch Muskie. Great finish to another GREAT three generations
fishing trip.
Nick Thomas from Salem, VA
headed a group of brother Bill from Indianapolis, IN Ron Henley, Melvin Carter,
David Plunkett, & Greg Hudson from New Castle, Radford, & Pembroke, VA
who were returning for their third consecutive year except for Bill as it was
his first. First day fishing all caught fish and had a good day. The highlight
of this day was watching the excitement of Nick telling his story of an 18-inch
Master Anglers Award Smallmouth hitting his lure on the surface in an
explosion. He said it was the most exciting Smallmouth fight he ever had. Second
day was gangbusters for all with Greg and Marvin having the best day catching
127 fish with 123 being Northern Pike of all sizes and 4 Smallmouth Bass.
Marvin Landed his largest ever and first Master Anglers Award Smallie measuring
a HUGE 19.5-inches. This was fitting as it was Greg’s birthday and Marvin said
that Greg kept repeating that it was his best birthday ever. Third day had all
six catching lots and lots of fish mostly being Northern Pike but Ron and David
did catch a lot of Smallmouth and both landed Master Anglers Award Smallies
measuring over 18-inches. You could tell these guys caught a lot of Pike as
they were at my tackle shop buying a lot of replacement lures that got torn up
from catching fish. Fourth day was another good catching day for a lot of
Northern Pike, Smallmouth and a few Muskie. Nick and Bill also caught some
Z-Fish as they came in at 1:30 to refresh themselves with a good old fashion
afternoon nap. This group at the end of their fourth day caught so many fish
that injury reports started to filter in with Ron being on the probable list
for their last day with two fish thumbs. I’m sure Ron will just wrap them in
electrical tape and show up for their last day of fishing. The final day was a
very strong fishing for Greg & David as they caught between 40-50
Smallmouth each using every last Fluke they had. This last day was cut a little
short as we received torrential rains around suppertime that continued through
the evening. There was still one last die-hard that went out in this down pour
and I am sure you could guess that it was Ron. As he handed his wet money to me
to pay his balance Ron said he was going out fishing despite the heavy rain
because he was soaked to the bone anyway. He even waved the white flag but not
until he was totally soaked. All had a great trip and were talking about
returning in 2011.
Fran and Colleen Stack
from Lorain, OH returned for their 7th consecutive year and for
their first of two trips for 2010. First day on the water they caught 59 total
fish, 57 Northern Pike and Fran caught a 34.5-inch Muskie and Colleen landed a
35.5-inch Tiger Musky. Great first day. Second day had them catching some
Northern Pike and Smallmouth Bass. Third day was a portage for Muskie and
Smallmouth each landing a smaller Muskie and they caught some nice big
Smallies, Fran coming up with two Mater Anglers Award Smallmouth just over
18-inches. Fourth day was super fast action day as the caught 44 Northern Pike.
Fifth and final day had them catching 14 Northern Pike and 11 Smallmouth Bass,
and after supper while just trying to have fun catching some smaller Pike Fran
tied into what was estimated at a close to 40-inch Northern Pike. Colleen on
her second attempt to cradle this giant had the fish take of in a burst, tail
walking up the cradle and while shaking it’s head, mouth wide open, it shook
the hook and ran into Colleen’s forearm biting down and causing wounds on both
sides of her arm. Boy it’s getting rough out there! After some first aid they
both were on their way having a great fishing war story to tell everyone at
home. We will see Fran and Colleen again in September when they will be
returning for a second fishing adventure at Fireside Lodge in 2010.
Jim McCollum Sr, sons Jim
and Ryan and Jim Havlin all from Orland Hills, IL were back fishing at Fireside
Lodge for their fourth time. First day was unbelievable as they caught 96
Northern Pike. WOW!!!! Second day was a slower day but the third day picked up
catching about 20 Pike per boat. Fourth and final day had these guys catching
Northern Pike and some Smallmouth Bass all day long. Can’t beat consistent
action all day long, however Ryan was after the BIG BOY and was hoping to
accomplish this on their last evening fish. His words exactly were “Go Big or
Go Home”. Ryan said he had a great fishing trip even though the Big Fish eluded
him and guess what?? He went home, but not before making great memories
together as a group. Thanks for choosing Fireside Lodge and hope to see these
guys back in the future.
Make sure to go to our website listed below to see the 2010 Photos
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