Its just a few days to permit time! I think over the last six months, I've probably read nearly every post on the forum. From trip reports to fishing reports to gear -- this has been a great resource, thank you to everyone.

This is where we are and I'd like to get some feedback from more experienced paddlers. We're a couple young 65 year old guys who have been to the BWCA, four kids - 20, 19, 17 and 15 - who will be first timers. We're going to get a tow to American point, then base camp in the Ester/Hanson/SAK depending upon how crowded the area is beginning of August. This gives up plenty of day trip options. It won't be the best time of year for fishing, but we'll be okay. Besides, there should be blueberries for picking.

Fishing tackle: Taildancers, Williams Wablers / Doctor Spoons / Little Cleos, slip bobbers (lighted), Zulu plastics, jigs, Rapalas & topwaters.

For bait: leeches (if available) or crawlers. And I've got a Hummingbird Helix 5 to help find offshore structure.

Okay guys - what am I missing?

Work from your checklist.

You've got a checklist, right?

Edit: And maps.

I never go to the BWCA without a couple #3, and #4 Mepps Comet Minnows. We mostly use the Silver blade with the shad minnow. We have brought a gold with the perch style minnow and did okay. My BWCA Partner and I mostly do loops so we move everyday and one of us always Trolls with these. Usually catches the most fish on our way from point a to point b for the day. You can also cast and retrieve these near running water. I think I have caught every species we get in the BWCA on this lure(even pulled a laker on Little Trout lake off EP44 with them).

Since this is in the trip planning section I'd agree with the checklists. Tents, tarp, licenses, etc. Good location, easy to get to with that tow. Bring a spare paddle. Look over different outfitter lists and cross those with yours. Packing your own food or getting from outfitter? Paddling out or getting ride back too?

If you have fishing specifics ask those in the fishing section as I know of a few that only look there.

fishinfool71: "I never go to the BWCA without a couple #3, and #4 Mepps Comet Minnows. We mostly use the Silver blade with the shad minnow. We have brought a gold with the perch style minnow and did okay. My BWCA Partner and I mostly do loops so we move everyday and one of us always Trolls with these. Usually catches the most fish on our way from point a to point b for the day. You can also cast and retrieve these near running water. I think I have caught every species we get in the BWCA on this lure(even pulled a laker on Little Trout lake off EP44 with them).



"

Interesting, I actually have these in my box for some reason and have never caught anything on them. I'll try them on Iron the end of May

Checklists are a great tool and mine has become very detailed over the years.

I'd probably be most concerned about the first timers, even if you are packing everything for them except what they are wearing. And a little guidance there might be good. Knowing the rules and what to expect.

Have fun. It should be a good trip for you guys.

I would pick a lake to explore everyday. In that area, you can have a lot of fun exploring a new lake anytime you want with little effort. Especially if you’re bringing a depth finder.

I would also add a Whopper Plopper/Berkley Choppo to your arsenal. It’s a top water lure that I have caught almost every species using.

Tony