June 7 2010-More Big Pike Pics

Here are a few more pics of " The Big Pike "

June 7 2010-Big,Big,Big Pike

It's time to go fishing and try to catch that elusive big Pike! First fish on the menu was this cute little Smallmouth Bass. And then along came another cute Smallmouth Bass. At least this one was a bit bigger.

Next up, a Pike! Not quite the monster I was hoping for, but a Pike none the less.

Saving the best for last, a monster!

This Big,Big,Big Pike measured 42" and weighed approximately 21 lb 9 oz. It was caught on 8 lb test line on a Red and White # 4 Mepps. This fish followed the lure right up to the side of the boat and just as I was ready to take it out of the water it hit. And it hit hard and the battle was on! Finally Joanne got the net in the water and it was ours. No, it ripped right through net and was gone. But no, it wasn't gone. I still had it hooked and after another brief battle it was back into the net and safely on the boat. This beautiful looking Pike was on the boat at 11:55 and back in the water by 11:57. We stood and watched in awe as it slowly swam away unharmed. Now that was Fun. Good net job Joanne!

June 1 2010-Ottawa Trip-Part 2

We arrived in Ottawa and got right down to business. First a couple of drinks together with Campbell at his new table and chairs. Second order of the day, a little running around the deck.

Third, a game of ball. Poppa is starting to get a little pooped.

Fourth, it's time for "Catch the Bubbles."

Finally, a bed time story and Poppa is off to bed after an exhausting day of playing with Campbell!

June 1 2010-Ottawa Trip (Part 1)

We are heading out to Ottawa today to visit with Mel, Jason, and our little man Campbell. We decided to go through Algonquin Park and came across a few critters. The first critter we saw was this cow moose.

Then we came face to face with this mean looking black bear.

Next was this very aggressive snapping turtle trying to attack the photographer. (Me)
Just before leaving the Park we saw Mr. Bull Moose.

Then of course the last critter we saw was this two legged one called a Happy Shopper!

May 30 2010-Finally, A Pike!

It was a very hot day in Muskoka today, so we decided to go out and do a little evening fishing. Joanne started off with catching a very nice Smallmouth. This fish was 16 " and weighed around the 2lb mark. Finally, a Pike! Shortly after Joanne's catch, I hooked into this 27 1/2" Pike. I was beginning to think there were no more Pike left in the lake.

Heading back to the dock we fished a couple of areas known for Pike. Oops, another Bass.

And another Bass. This was a nice 17 1/2" Smallie. It weighed just over 2 1/2 lb.

Back at the dock-----a Rock Bass!

May 26 2010-Still No Pike

Joanne had to work today, so Rick and I went out for a few hours to try our luck at finding some Pike. We fished the bay for a while and had no success. Out to the main lake we went. Still no luck. Back into the bay to head home. Suddenly our luck changed. Caught this nice Smallie along the shoreline. The very next cast I caught another nice Smallie. I caught four more smaller Bass before getting back to the dock.

Back at the dock a mother Merganzer came by for a visit with her 12 chicks.

Flowers are doing well!

May 25 2010-Where Are the Pike?

Down to the dock for a couple of hours of evening fishing. Here is Joanne looking to see if there are any Pike out there. No Pike yet. Just a cute little Smallie!

What's this? It's not a Bass. It's not a Pike. It's a Pickerel!

Joanne caught this really nice 23" Pickerel. It weighed 4 lb 4 oz and was released back into the water. Nice fish Joanne!

We have different flowers on the Walkabout this year. Instead of Petunias, we decided to try a combination of Scaevola ( Fan Flower ) and Impatiens.

May 19 2010-Lets Go Fishing

Lets go fishing! It's time to leave the dock and go get those Northern Pike. First fish of the morning was not a Pike. Another Smallmouth Bass. This Bass was caught on Joanne's new rod and her new Bomber lure. This out of season beauty was about 16" long and weighed a little over 2 lb.

Next fish of the morning was another 16" Bass. This one was caught on a big #5 Mepps!

Joanne has a big one on! Is this a big Pike?

No. It's a huge Snapping Turtle.

May 16 2010-Pike Season is Now Open

Pike season is now open and it's time to go down to the dock and see if there are any monster fish to be caught. Within the first couple of minutes the bobber went down. I set the hook and the battle begins. First pike of the year is 26" long and weighs around 4lb. Joanne decides she wants to catch a fish as well. First the cast. And what a cast!

Now the waiting begins.

She didn't have to wait very long and her bobber went down and the fight begins!

Nice fish. A Smallmouth Bass that measured 15 1/2". Since Bass is not in season, a quick photo and the fish was quickly released unharmed.
We continued to fish for another couple of hours, but there were no more bites. We'll be back!

May 4 2010-First Fish off the Dock

After docking the boat, we started putting up the top and sides and found out we had three broken zippers and a few seams coming apart. So we gathered all the pieces up and headed home to make the neccessary repairs. Joanne used to make and repair boat tops untill just a couple of years ago. Here she is showing her skills as she makes all the problems go away!

Back to the boat later that evening and get all the sides and top on. Good job Joanne!

Joanne got a new fishing rod for her Birthday and we still had a little time to kill before heading home. Time for a few practice casts.

Guess what? First fish off the dock!

May 4 2010-The Walkabout is in the Water

It's the happy time of the year and the Walkabout is all loaded up and ready to hit the Lake! Once again Udo is supplying the much needed assistance. ( And the Vehicle ) We are on the road and on the way!

A very successful launch! No problems putting the boat in the water and no problems starting the motor. Udo and I are on the way to the new dock. Wave at the camera!

A little cruise around the bay and here we come!

We're Home! Thanks Udo!