Boundary Waters Quetico Forum :: Fishing Forum :: Fishing Questions
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izzy |
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Bass Master |
quote PikeMonger: "Westcoast, Close, they're actually called the fish of 10,000 casts. Yeah I agree you would have a tough time catching one in the BWCA. If you do fish for muskies at one point, having a lot of people would help (doesn't matter too much if they're young or inexperienced at fishing) as your typically looking for reaction strikes. It doesn't take much finesse to use bucktails or some other musky lures, just keep at a fast speed for those reaction strikes. When fishing for musky more covered water=more chances of catching a fish, so it can be better to have some more people fishing. |
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Amok |
quote WestCoast1: "Lazypaw, Northern have lots of sharp nasty teeth too, just be careful of the "Y" bones when you are eating them! Oh, and the razor gill on both. THEY HURT! |
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PikeMonger |
One more bit of advice about Northerns. It may be a good idea to pick up a pair of fish grips to hold their jaw open while you remove the hook. These especially come in handy when you are fishing with lures that have trebble hooks. Northerns love to shake their heads when you least expect it and the last thing you want is one of those hooks lodged into your hand. I always release the tension on the reel once the fish is netted so that the hooks are no longer spring loaded. Very Important!!!! Here is a good inexpensive set that works well. The nice thing about them is that they have a wider area that clamps down on the fish's mouth. More expensive models that I've used are very narrow and tend to puncture right through their jaws. These float too!!!! http://www.cabelas.com/cabelas/en/templates/links/link.jsp?id=0012971013780a&type=product&cmCat=SEARCH_all&returnPage=search-results1.jsp&Ntk=Products&QueryText=fish+grip&sort=all&N=0&Nty=1&hasJS=true&_dyncharset=ISO-8859-1&_DARGS=%2Fcabelas%2Fen%2Fcommon%2Fsearch%2Fsearch-box.jsp.form23 |
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ShakestheClown |
quote Amok: "Northern have lots of sharp nasty teeth too, just be careful of the "Y" bones when you are eating them! Oh, and the razor gill on both. THEY HURT!" Just remind your scouts that the mouth of a northern can be a nasty place, if they aren't careful. Here's a great boning tutorial on how to remove the Y bone from a northern. I've been using this technique for about 15 years, and have yet to have a bone in my meal of northern. Removing Y bone from northern |
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jb in the wild |
Big Northerns will hit large soft baits and they last awhile. With all the boyz it's hard to bring in alot of shiners for all of them. Steel leader is a must cause even the small ones have some sharp teeth and will cut a line in a heartbeat. You won't catch anything else with the leader on but that's the price you pay. Most fish are leader shy, Northern are a very aggressive fish and will hit just about anything. Hope this helps. JB |
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arctic |
quote WestCoast1: "Willys53, Easy there. Franken has turned out to be a pretty decent senator, unlike what was feared. Certainly, if someone like Reagan could emerge from Hollyweird, so could Franken. |
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PikeMonger |
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Pikey |
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WestCoast1 |
They have been warned! The fishing tip is how I fish trout here. Thanks for the tips. |
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MooseLk1 |
Have you considered taking your Scouts through Northern Tier National High Adventure? Northern Tier is one of three National High Adventure programs (the others are Philmont and Sea Base). We've taken our Scouts through Northern Tier both on canoe trips and in the winter (Okpik). They have done a great job delivering the program to the kids before, during, and after their voyage experience. Part of their method is providing a trained staff member during the trip called an "Interpreter" who will mentor your Scouts on the skills they will use and deliver the Scouting program. Usually they have opens in the summer, even if you have not called in on the April 1st reservation date. Here's the availability sheet: http://bit.ly/d4H5Ht FYI, had success getting a date that was not listed as available by calling (218-365-4811). You might want to check out their booklet by the late Bob Cary (Fishing merit badge author and program supporter "Tips for fishing from Canoe": http://bit.ly/98PjnI If you have Scouts who have already gone to Philmont and Sea Base they can also receive the "Triple Crown Award" after their Northern Tier voyage. http://www.holry.org/triplecrownaward.php |
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WestCoast1 |
Yes I have, that's how I found the BWCA. We were scheduled to go to Philmont this year but not enough boys wanted to go. The one thing BSA does not have going for it is cost Vs. quality of gear that outfitters offer for BWCA. My son really wants to go to Sea Base but that starts at $1000+ without extras like air fair. Someone else here asked if we were driving or flying, no way am I going that far with 7 boys! We just got back from Moab Utah (Arches National Park, Colorado River Whitewater Rafting, and on the way home Great Basin National Park in Nevada). 16 hours in a car was more than I'll ever want to to again... |
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mr.barley |
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lundojam |
You'll have a blast. If I were you, I'd start in right now hyping smallmouth bass as the premier fish in canoe country. They are much easier to catch than walleyes (usually), they taste great, and they fight like mad. Walleyes can cause some real headaches for even the most experienced fishermen, so if I were fishing with young people who I wanted to have success, I would modify expectations. OK, I know, that's not what you asked. Review this board using the search feature to get the skinny on walleyes. I like a slip bobber and a leech. |
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WestCoast1 |
I'm in Citrus Heights, a suburb east of Sacramento. Where are you and what is a "wing night"? Dbldppr1250, Thanks for the fishing regs info, seems strange that we can't have as many limits as we have kids though (?), not that we'd kill that many. We'll just be taking a few for dinners. lundojam, We have small mouth here, not that I don't like them, we just want to target a species that we can't fish for here and that has a reputation for being awesome table fair! fishguts, I am screening outfitters as I type. I just today got an awesome package from Canadian Waters. I am also talking with Cliff Wold. Both are out of Ely. |
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fishguts |
Check out Jordan's Outfitters in Ely, Mark the Owner is a great guy and they do a wonderful job. Great Equipment at reasonable rates and great service......I'm in Brookings Oregon, about a 7 hour drive north of you. |
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WestCoast1 |
We will be planning our route based on fishing. Our main target fish will be Walleye but we also want to catch Pike and Musky. None of us have ever been to the BWCA so any advice on lakes, routes, and fishing gear is appreciated. Thanks, Steve |
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Dbldppr1250 |
I usually have our only leader's license, and with 7 kids fishing and 1 limit, we still have enough fish for dinner. There are so many good routes - check the trip reports for easier portaging (or fewer), and fishing. You can read many reports detailing the good fishing. In this fishing forum you'll see that most successful walleye hunters are using live bait. My kids and I have yet to try that, but we do well with rapalas and rattletraps. we catch lots of pike on Splash and Ensign, but it's crowded. When are you going? |
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WestCoast1 |
Thanks, I will check them out. Sure is a competitive business isn't it! overthehill, I have been on their site! I have heard Walleye is an awesome eating fish. |
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wishiwasthere |
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Jeriatric |
I am aware of only 3 or 4 of us on this site that hail from the Golden State. It would be nice to someday have enough for our own wing night. |
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Hiker325 |
I have to chime in here and add that if you want/need to add northern and smallies to the list instead of just walleye, I strongly recommend topwater baits in 15' or less. The surface strike is exciting for everyone, and my fishing parties have ALWAYS had success this way. Use plastic frogs, poppers, or walk-the-dog baits. They all work. Swimbaits rigged for shallow running are also good. |
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WestCoast1 |
Water off a ducks back bro! Steve |
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PikeMonger |
I would definitely cross Musky off your list. Even if there were more lakes in the BWCA that had them your chances of catching a musky are very slim. They call the musky "A fish of a thousand casts" because they are very elusive and very hard to catch even for the musky savvy angler. To think you can just go out with a group of boys and start catching this species of fish is well... a bit naive. Not saying that you wouldn't accidentally land one - happens all the time, but to target this species is very difficult. Some guys can go weeks without landing a single fish. Your best bet is to target Northern Pike and Small Mouth Bass - as others have mentioned. Much easier to catch and you will have a great time doing so as both fish put up a battle. Good luck!!! |
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WestCoast1 |
I'm not knocking NT but from my research it is more expensive with a lot of extra costs. I'm no expert though and, anyone, feel free to correct me. Being 1800 miles away makes it tuff to fully evaluate so I can only go with what I've found out. I do like the idea of a guide (Interpreter) but not at the cost of one of the boys not going. I haven't seen anything on the "program" side off NT though, Philmont clearly spells theirs out. I was of the impression that once you plot a course you’re on your own. I'm open minded though, if any of you have done the BSA Northern Tier please feel free to chime in. PikeMonger, Bummer of a report but consistent with what I've been told. I hope to slop luck into one. Thanks, Steve |
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overthehill |
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snakecharmer |
quote WestCoast1: "seems strange that we can't have as many limits as we have kids though (?), not that we'd kill that many. We'll just be taking a few for dinners." Nonresidents under age 16 can purchase a nonresident license and then can possess their own limit of fish. |
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Jeriatric |
I live in Coarsegold, east of Fresno and on the way to the south gate of Yosemite National Park. By pure coincidence, so does Willys53, also on this site. Wing Night is the name given to local and regional gatherings of board members. I guess they ate chicken wings at the first one. This weekend was the First Annual Wing Night for the entire membership. As a Californian, I could not easily attend. In the future, I may make the effort, easy or not (I am retired and could make a multipurpose trip). |
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Dbldppr1250 |
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cowdoc |
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WestCoast1 |
quote cowdoc: "If the young ones want to buy a license, make sure they have their SS# along." Great tip, I would have never thought to add that to my information sheet... |
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WestCoast1 |
quote wishiwasthere: "boy scout leader from Californians? Good luck." You don't think Californian's can handle it? |
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fishguts |
Don't take the kidding too seriously, these Midwest guys really have no clue! The West is the Best!.....except of course the Canoe Country. |
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lazypaw |
1: Search for the TGO Method of live bait fishing for walleye. Maybe add on a slip bobber. Takes some patients that kids may struggle with. 2: For Pike take shiny things that the kids can cast and real in. 3: Don't discount the small mouth like Lundojam said. If that is what is biting go with it. This trip will be a blast. Be careful the BWCA will get into your blood and you will have to go back every year forever. |
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WestCoast1 |
I have nothing against smallys and will throw them in a frying pan if need be. I'm looking forward to a freshwater fish that can bite you back-so are the boys! I'll search for that walleye method. |
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willys53 |
The 53 Willys I had was a pickup. I used it here as a ranch truck. It was a good truck till something broke and you had to spend hours on the computer trying to find that part!! On the fishing end, this forum is full of people with a lot more local experience than I have. Every time I read it I will learn something new! Larry |
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PikeMonger |
Hope you guys have a great time. |
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WestCoast1 |
Harsh??? Not at all, if anything you confirmed what I have already been told. I would much rather someone tell me the truth then a "fish story". I'm coming a long way with boys that will be looking at me when they aren't catching something that I told them was there! I 100% appreciate yours, and the others honesty. Thanks, Steve |
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heavycanoe |
quote Sierra1: "WestCoast1, I always liked that t-shirt that said something like "my governor can beat up your governor" I guess maybe California can say the same thing. how about a cage fight? Pay per view proceeds go to the BS troop. |
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Amok |
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Sierra1 |
Don't forget we elected Jesse Ventura...... |
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willys53 |
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heavycanoe |
Have fun and if you can get the y bones out of the northern as an earlier post gave directions IMHO I find that they are almost as good eating as a walleye and much better than a smallie. You might not think so as they are a little slimy, but if you can get them filleted and skinned and battered up they are surprisingly good eating. |
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WestCoast1 |
I have shown the kids photos of the teeth muskys and northern's have so any "memory enhancement exercises" will be fully on them. And we'll have a first aid kit... |
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WestCoast1 |
quote mr.barley: "I believe East Pike is the only BW lake that contains muskies." Bummer, I was looking forward to catching one. Walleye will be on the menu though! |
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fishguts |
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willys53 |
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WestCoast1 |
Nice to know I'm not the only one from the "Land of Fruits and Nuts" (although Minnesota did elect Al Franken to the Senate so they obviously have their share of nuts too...)! Ever sense I took over our troops HAT program I have targeted things the boys may only do once in their life times. Given that we have a lot we can do here makes it a tuff sell sometimes which is why I have such a small group. Thanks for the offer of the gear but I think we have that under control, I would like to know what you take for particular species though. So is that 53 a Jeep, wagon, or a pickup? I love Willys trucks! Thanks, Steve |
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MooseLk1 |
I am not sure what you mean by this as the price for a reputable quality outfitter vs. Northern Tier is very close in price. As far as gear, most of it was new. When we were told about used gear being sold we found out many outfitters buy it. The biggest difference is Northern Tier delivers a program, it is not an outfitter. Philmont Scout Ranch, like Northern Tier is a program. Instead of going to Philmont you could go backpacking next door to the ranch in Carson National Forest. However, why would you do this? It's because you go to Philmont for the program! |