What are your "traditions" on your Canada walleye trip?

[btmbncr]

My late father hated to throw the first walleye back(unless it was a dink),He said it caused bad Ju Ju with the rest of the fish.No can eat anything in the boat until walleyes are caught.You must take coffee along in the boat to insure a good bite.Walleyes over 6 lbs can be induced to bite by drinking coffee and having a chocolate chip cookie.He loved Lake of the Woods,Lake Seul,Berry Lake and the English River by Halley's Camp.He was a big walleye magnet.

[Ten Horse Johnson]

Those of you who drive highway 53 in Minnesota towards International Falls will probably know of the big walleye statue right by the turn-off to Lake Kabetogama. That walleye has a saddle on it, and you can climb up some steps and actually sit in it like you're riding the walleye. We stop there on the way back, and whoever catches the biggest walleye will pose for a picture atop the giant walleye. Yes, it's kinda dumb, but it won't die. We'll stop even if its raining.

One year, there was a tie for biggest walleye, so the two co-champions (both in their late 50's/early 60's) got on the one-man saddle together and rode the walleye with glee. Pretty fruity looking - I can only imagine what the passers by thought. I still crack a chuckle thinking about that.

[wallydave]

On my first trip to Ontario I bought a wide brimmed hat at the hardware store in Ear Falls. Ever since that is the first day, first fish hat. Its getting pretty faded but it will be going fishin,g again this year! My wife will buy a fish themed t shirt for me too! The latest one is on top of the pile to be packed!

[Jiggin_Rob]

Pray to the walleye gods the night before departure around a firering burning in my back yard...

[Bob_Loblaw]

Stopping at Tim Horton's in Dryden (usually at about 4am) has become a delicious tradition on the trip up to Savant Lake!

[Lovetofish]

On the return drive we stop in Grand Marais for Sven & Ole's. After a week of fish the kids want pizza.

[wallydave]

We used to stop at the VC every trip north on the 105. A shame it burned. Now we stop at Dutchies for Cuban cigars, Kokanee, and licenses. We stop again on the way home for dry ice. Nice folks, originally from Iowa, now living the dream!!

[LOW1]

The Great Chicken Contest. Immediately before departure one Canadian Looney is conspicuosly placed in a sun visor bracket of the travel vehicle. This is the prize money for whoever spots the first live chicken on the trip. (There are fewer visible live chickens out there than you think - recent winners have frequently come from small "flocks" spotted in towns. Just don't go into the otherwise great hardware store in Cloquet on Highway 33 - the darn place sells live chickens in early spring.)

[beerman69]

I like the Chicken Game on the drive up. Sounds like something that would keep my 12 year old sun busy on our 16 hour drive to Cochrane Air Services!!

PS...He is soooo excited!

[jimirjr]

WEIRD ONE but.... first trip up years ago, first day fishing was wiped out by torrential rain and wind. Ended up sitting it out in the houseboat. SO... being the camp chef, I cooked up MEATLOAF and HOT BREAD, VEGGIES etc.... for dinner. Skies cleared about 7:30 pm and We got out to fish a bit and Buddy gets a 44" PIKE, I get a 25" Walleye, My other Buddy gets a 5lb Smallie, all within a half hour...
NEEDLESS to say, our first nite meal ALWAYS consists of MEATLOAF, BREAD and VEGGIES!