My First Canadian Fishing Adventure/Tips?

[Ten Horse Johnson]

Bring a fly swatter...bring it in the boat for when then ankle biter black flies appear. Murder them as needed.

Bring some foam weather stripping with adhesive on one side. Put a strip on the side of the boat (inside, maybe 12-18 inches) and hang some extra jigs and lures from it. Good to have them at the ready when you need to re-tie. Much easier than having to open and close a tackle tray ( and therefore risk spilling jigs all over the floor of your boat). Someone in a group before us added this to the boats we used in our fly in and it was very handy...but you may want to verify that this is ok with the outfitter.

If anchors are not provided, bring a durable mesh sack and load it with round rocks. I got two such sacks at REI and double bagged them. If you double bag them and use rounded, not jagged, rocks, these should last a while. Single sack and or rocks with sharp edges will tear easilly.

I personally like having several marker buoyies in the boat. I like driving around humps and marking the edges in several places before fishing it. That's just me, though.

[Ten Horse Johnson]

And I almost forgot...bring a roll of toilet paper. Others have mentioned sealed waterproof bags. If you plan to venture far away from camp, throw the toilet paper in there. Sometimes the previous night's beer and fried walleye wants out, and it's often preferable to go to shore and use the woods rather than spend an uncomfortable half hour (or more) driving back to camp.

[Mohleye]

Sounds like you have it covered. Listen to Pooch.

I would not switch to braid if you are used to mono. It has advantages and disadvantages, but stick with what you know.

[wallydave]

The first trip can be a true learning experiance! I wish I had known about Walleye Central before my first trip! After all of the pointers and tips so far, I would like to remind you as others have done. Take some time each day to reflect on the whole trip. Embrace the Canadian experiance, the quiet, the adventure, overcoming some of the challenges, laugh with the group, make some memories all of these things will help make the trip for you!
One word of caution! This trip may be your first, but if you get "hooked", it might not be your last!

[HeHooksHimself]

Here is my take, have some udder butter or heavy duty hand cream. At the end of the week, especially at your age (you said you were 61), will be cracked and have various hook and fin pokes. Make sure you have plenty of band aids and something to cut barbed treble hook point when you hook your fingers together (You might be able to tell by my name that I have some experience here) A little lydocain to numb the fingers doesnt hurt either. Remember, other than smallies Canadian fish have teeth so don't stick your fingers in their mouths and watch out for till plates on walleye.

I am a big fan of the rubber net. The way the pike spin in a nylon net can make it seem like hours to get them unhooked, a picture taken and back in the water while still gillin'.

Cigars- jeez i could not stand running out of cigars when I am there.

Some kind of weight to sink your beers if the MNR plane lands on your lake. That can get pricey.

Peanuts in the shell- a must while trolling.

I agree with the advice about toilet paper. After sacrificing several t-shirts through the years, I always have a roll of tp with me. And don't forget your camera so you can take a picture of your partner when he borrows your roll of toilet paper so you can make fun of him.

Make sure your knives are sharp, that way when you cut your finger while cleaning fish the would can be repaired with Duct tape, don't forget the duct tape.

A magazine or two for helping you get rid of yesterday's meal quicker in the outhouse- works for me.

Make sure you have the bailing bucket in the boat- you are too old to pee off the boat without making a mess.

I am at work right now so I will have plenty of time to think of other things and I'll get back to you.

[Sanderv]

Originally Posted by Sportdog

Camp operates on generator power. Does Canada operate on 120/240 volt system like the US? I do plan on taking a good supply of batteries. I think that we should take some of those two way radios for sharing fishing information with the other boats also.

Yes, Canada uses same alternating current voltage as the U.S. I've been to that camp before and it is pretty nice having electricity for recharging things.

[erieangler]

Don't forget your pfd and a couple throwables to use for seat cusions. A few hand tools for unexpected repairs . A small pair of bolt cutters in the event a fish hooks you. enjoy your trip

[Ten Horse Johnson]

In addition to the bailing bucket (cut milk carton does the job), get a large sponge. Gets the remaining water that can't be scooped. Recommend one per boat.

[Sportdog]

The response has been so great I've started a notepad that I list each recomendation. By the time it's finished I believe I will be well prepared with all the help from you gentlemen. Thanks so much!

[camp chef]

For drive in camps like you are going to,I have a tupperware container that I bring on all Candaian trips. These are things that may or may not be needed. steak knives,grill tools, rubber bands, extra cans of veggies,hot sauce, cork screw, tape, pens and paper, skeeter spray,aluminum foil,cards,cocktail picks,antacid, beer coozies, stick matchs, garbage bags,freezer bags etc.mouse traps,candles,shoe laces,etc. Most things stay in the box even when not in Canada.