I received my Ontario fishing license today! I am planning to bring spoons, spinners, jigs, curly tails, and some cranks all of various sizes and colors...missing anything?

Also, I am wondering if I should go barbless...it doesn't appear to be a requirement but with all the catching and releasing it may be good for putting less stress on the fish...any thoughts? Thanks!

C-

Barbless is the way to go. Studies have shown that there is not a lot of difference in the amount of hooked fish getting off with or without barbs. Another advantage is if you happen to get a hook in yourself they are a lot easier to extract.
Our target fish was walleye but we caught numerous northerns as well. We did not fish for lake trout.
You can find some really good information about tackle and techniques on "Bow Narrows Blog". Bow Narrows Camp is on Red Lake (located just east of WCCP) and the owner is very knowledgeable. He has a list of preferred spinners for northerns/spoons for lakers, etc.
As far as the walleye tackle is concerned. We did not take any electronics along. I took up a couple of one quarter once inline sinkers with swivels to get my crankbaits down deeper while trolling/locating walleyes. Surprisingly I got snagged very little. Once located I switched to one eighth once jigs with a three inch tail and mostly vertically jigged them. If the wind was right I would drift slowly and vertical jig as well. We were up there in mid Aug. so the walleyes were anywhere between eight and twenty feet down. Obviously the fish will be shallower earlier in the year.
The fishing was excellent.
Enjoy your trip!

I don't do much fishing anymore but I've been barbless for quite a few years, both at home and when tripping. I love it. I only fish from my canoes so it's great not to have to take the fish out of the water to release them. It comes in especially handy on lures with multiple treble hooks that can be a real hassle (and danger) to remove from the fish.

I'm sure there are fish I've lost because of no barbs. But I'm also sure there are fish I've landed for the same reason because of easier hook penetration.

And like the previous poster said, I feel much more comfortable tripping without barbs knowing that if I end up with a hook buried in my finger (or dog) it will be a simple matter to just slip it out and continue with the trip.

Alan

WCPP fishing is one word-AWESOME! We also use barbless hooks. Mainly because it is easier to get out the net we use. We caught walleyes trolling with rapalas...fire tiger worked great and really any other bright bait. We did catch some jigging in May as well with gold/silver jigs. We bring a portable fish/depth finder which comes in handy. One thing about the lakes up there is you can be in an area you think is shallow or near a cliff and it is super deep. We use artificial minnows at times and those seem to do the trick as well. We have always caught plenty of fish anytime we fish there on any lake. In May last year we had fish twice daily. And still brought some home... The walleyes have large dorsal fins too which aren't much fun to take off, but we sacrifice to have bacon wrapped walleye over the campfire.

Everything's better with bacon!

I have crimped most of my barbed hooks down even thought I have never been anywhere that required it. I have found that if you keep your line tight, you will not lose very many fish. And much easier to remove hooks, especially treble hooks engulfed by trout (with their smaller mouths).

Thanks everyone!! I really appreciate all of your input! I am planning to go barbless but the area stores do not carry them...I may have to crimp my barbs...and yes, everything is better with bacon! Thanks again!

C-

quote Chross16: "Thanks everyone!! I really appreciate all of your input! I am planning to go barbless but the area stores do not carry them...I may have to crimp my barbs...and yes, everything is better with bacon! Thanks again!


C-"

A 4inch handfile works pretty well too and most fishing outlets carry them for $4 - $8 depending on how much you shop around -- you might find one cheaper online. Also, check with Harlan at Red Lake outfitters, he can let you know re: tackle for walleyes :)