Friday, February 27, 2009

Fly Fishing Excerpts from Fireside Lodges 2008 Fishing Reports

From Fireside Lodge Fishing News Report 5/31 to 6/7 2008

At Fireside Lodge for their first time was Dan and Tim Garry, Dave Caldwell, Rich Knapper, Rod Dennison, John Molnar, Jim Drainer, Roland Reed from Willoughby, Mt Gilead, Cayahoga Fall, Hudson, Kirtland, Geneva, and Madison, Ohio and Dan Smierciak from Gainesville, FL. After arriving the head organizer, Dan, had expressed that their group has been to several fishing lodges on a search mission for a lodge to come back to year after year. Here for a short three days they got right to fishing. Most were either fly fishers or starting to fly fish for their first time. Results ended up great for this group as Dan ended up with 24 Northern Pike fly fishing, landing a big brute measuring 38 inches, 2 Smallmouth Bass and two Moose Antlers. The moose antlers Dan went diving for in the frigid waters. Brother Tim was right behind Dan with 20 Northern Pike and one Muskie, John had 18 Northern Pike and one Smallmouth Bass, Roland caught 8 Northern Pike including a 36 incher and 4 Smallmouth Bass, and Dan Smierciak was the real story as he was just learning to Fly fish on his first day, and he managed to catch a total of 10 Northern Pike while fly fishing. All had a fantastic time at Fireside Lodge and before departing Dan and Tim left a deposit for the groups return trip in 2009. Mission accomplished.

From Fireside Lodge Fishing News Report 6/14 to 6/21 2008

Fore the fourth consecutive year Jerry Amer, Bill and Adam Calhoon, and Glenn Babka from Columbus, Ohio were at Fireside Lodge to enjoy our premium Smallmouth Bass fishery. Here for four days, these four made the most of their fishing time. First day father and son Bill and Adam caught well over 50 Smallmouth Bass and 50% were fly-fishing. The next day as a group they caught 90-100 Northern Pike along with some Smallmouth, and 3 Master Anglers Award Smallies measuring 2 at 18-inches and one GIANT 19-incher all on flies. 60% of the Northern Pike were on the fly rod. WOW!!!!! The third day they caught the heck out of Smallmouth Bass, Jerry caught 33, Adam 25, Bill and Glen combined for over 50, all fly fishing. The last day was the most remarkable as Jerry and Bill caught 20-plus Smallmouth Bass and 20-plus Northern Pike, Jerry catching 6 and Bill 1 Maser Anglers Award Smallies between 18-20-inches. Bill also caught a Muskie fly-fishing. Glen and Adam caught 25 Smallmouth and 11 Northern Pike landing 3 Master Anglers Award Smallmouth between 18 to 18.75 inches. Fabulous day fly-fishing, and an outstanding four-day fishing trip. After looking at the photos I encourage you to look at some of the bronze beauties on our website below on our Current Photo 2008 page. The photos should be posted in about 10 days. They reserved their dates for 2009 before leaving, and I am sure were planning tactics and flies on there return trip home.

From Fireside Lodge Fishing News Report 6/28 to 7/5 2008

Long time guest of Fireside Lodge Michael and Linda Lapresi from Tucker, GA were back to enjoy our Canadian Wilderness Fishing. These two had a TERRIFIC fishing trip as they not only caught a bunch of fish, 30-40 a day during their 5 day trip, but they also enjoyed the atmosphere and wilderness we have at Fireside Lodge. Very first day they caught over 40 Smallmouth, all big, and each caught a Master Angler Award Smallmouth. This was done on all top water, with Mike catching all his fly-fishing with a Popper and Linda using a Torpedo. This set the pace for the rest of their stay. One day after having such fabulous surface action on Big Smallmouth Mike turned to me and said that the fishing was so good that it seemed illegal. One day they decided to Pike fish and they caught many, and Linda said at supper it was her best Northern Pike fishing ever. Both left landing Master Anglers Award Smallmouth all at 18-inches and Mike caught three on the fly rod, all 18-inches. GREAT FUN, GREAT FISHING, and most of all a wonderful getaway for Mike and Linda. A final quote from Mike was “Alan & Audrey…Linda and I had a fantastic time last week…the fly fishing for smallmouth was tremendous and more than I had hoped for…”

From Fireside Lodge Fishing News Report 7/5 to 7/7/12 2008

Returning for their fifth year were Steve Jensen from Springfield, MO and Jon Harrison from Georgetown, TX. One of their goals this trip was to catch more Pike Fly Fishing. Well, they got it done on the first day as the landed 35 and missed others. Second day they had a hot bite on Smallmouth until about noon when a cold front with rain came in a shut things down. The third day they went back to Northern Pike fishing, and again caught a lot of Pike on the fly and Steve caught something never thought possible on a Fly Rod. Steve actually hooked a clam. Knowing that Clams live on the bottom and do not react fast this is a fishing feat that only the best Fly Fishers can accomplish. Fourth day these two were determined to catch a Musky while fly fishing, however this great predator eluded there fly presentation, however they did catch a good number of Smallmouth while trying. Their fifth and final day before noon, when a severe storm and cold from hit, they caught a lot of Smallmouth to end a great Fly Fishing week. Jon and Steve enjoy it all, the sport of fly fishing, fly tying, the wilderness and wildlife, and the camaraderie and conversation amongst two friends, and other Fireside Lodge guests. Both had a FABULOUS trip and reserved dates for 2009 before leaving.

From Fireside Lodge Fishing News Report 7/5 to 7/7/12 2008

Returning for their sixth time was Mike and Dee Hummel from Urbandale, IA. These two had another fabulous stay at Fireside Lodge. Mike got the ball rolling on the evening of arrival as he caught two Master Anglers Award Smallmouth while Fly Fishing, measuring 18 and 18.5-inches. They did well every day catching Smallmouth Bass. Mike caught all of his while Fly Fishing and Dee caught a few this way but most of her fish were caught using jigging techniques. Well, her techniques got her more than she bargained for, as she hooked and landed a HUGE 39.5-inch very heavy Northern Pike with no leader, 6lb test line, and a hair jig. WOW! What a catch by Dee. You have to look at this photo on our website below. Both had a great time enjoying the surroundings, the dinning room atmosphere at supper time, and the wildlife that flourishes in our area. They had such a great time they reserved their dates for next year before departing.

Friday, February 20, 2009

Non-Resident Canadian Outdoors Card Information

What is a non-Canadian resident Outdoors Card?

A non-Canadian resident Outdoors Card is a plastic, wallet-sized card issued by the Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources and used for identification and administrative purposes.


Is a non-Canadian resident Outdoors Card a fishing licence?

No. For non-Canadian residents, a complete and valid licence to fish in Ontario consists of:

a non-Canadian resident Outdoors Card (plastic) or a Non-Canadian Resident Temporary Outdoors Card and Application (paper)
PLUS
a valid non-Canadian resident fishing licence tag carried as a separate document.

An Outdoors Card alone is NOT a fishing licence.


Who needs to purchase a non-Canadian resident Outdoors Card and fishing licence tag to fish in Ontario?

Anyone who lives outside of Canada is considered a non-resident for the purposes of fishing licence regulations. Most non-residents need a fishing licence to fish in Ontario. Specifically:

Non-residents 18 years of age and over must purchase a fishing licence.
Non-residents under 18 years of age may fish without a licence if accompanied by an adult (resident or non-resident) who has an Ontario recreational fishing licence. Any fish caught are part of the catch and possession limit of the adult who holds the licence. As another option, non-residents under 18 years may purchase a licence and any fish caught apply to the catch and possession limits of that licence.
Non-residents 65 years of age or older are not exempt from licencing requirements.

NOTE: Non-residents of Canada camping on Crown land in Northwestern Ontario (Zones 2, 4, 6 and Zone 5 except in the border waters area) must observe Conservation Licence limits except for in the border waters area (see Licences for Provincial and International Border Waters).

For non-resident groups of children (at least five people under the age of 18 years accompanied by a licenced adult) there is a special Licence for Members of an Organized Camp. This licence is available from Ministry of Natural Resources offices and ServiceOntario offices.


Where can I purchase a non-Canadian resident Outdoors Card and fishing licence tag?

Non-Canadian resident anglers may purchase a fishing licence that is effective immediately at more than 1,800 locations throughout the province. Licences are often available from tourist outfitters' camps and lodges, summer camps, and sporting goods stores or bait dealers. In smaller communities, they may be available at general stores or other retail establishments. A range of licences is offered to suit individual needs.

Non-Canadian resident fishing licences are also available through the mail by calling the Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources at 1-800-667-1940.


What should I do if my non-Canadian resident Outdoors Card is lost, stolen or destroyed?

If your non-Canadian resident Outdoors Card or any part of your licence is lost, stolen or destroyed, call the Outdoors Card Centre at 1-800-387-7011 to arrange for a replacement. In some circumstances there may be a replacement fee.


How can I get more information about the Outdoors Card?

The staff at the Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources' Outdoors Card Centre would be pleased to answer your questions.

You may reach the Outdoors Card Centre (toll free) at 1-800-387-7011 from anywhere in North America.

The hours of operation of the Outdoors Card Centre are Monday to Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. (Eastern Time).


What else should I know about my Outdoors Card?

Here are other important things to keep in mind:

You must notify the Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources of any address or name change within 10 days of the change. You can do this by calling the Outdoors Card Centre at 1-800-387-7011 toll free from anywhere in North America. You can also notify us of an address change by visiting our Outdoors Card website.
You must carry your Outdoors Card and fishing licence tag on your person whenever you are fishing. If a Conservation Officer asks to see your Outdoors Card, the law states you must show it.
Your Outdoors Card is not transferable to another person - it provides privileges to you alone.
You may legally apply for one Outdoors Card only. It is an offence to attempt to obtain more than one card. It is also an offence to provide false information on a card application.
If you have applied for an Outdoors Card and have not received it by the end of the calendar year, please call the Outdoors Card Centre at 1-800-387-7011.

US Passport Information and Requirements

Special Report:
US Passport Information and Requirements for returning to the United States Of America.
All United States citizens 16 years old or older will be required to have a Passport, or other special documents as stated below, when returning to the United States Of America. The information below was attained from a US government website.


There will be a new
requirement for United States citizens to produce
a passport when re-entering the United States,
effective June 1, 2009. We suggest that if you do
not already have one, apply for a passport now to
be sure not to get caught in a timely circumstance.


IMPORTANT TRAVEL DOCUMENT INFORMATION


This information is the latest to date, Dec 30, 2008, found on the U.S. Department
of State website. http://travel.state.gov/travel/cbpmc/cbpmc_2223.html Please
check the mentioned websites to stay current with the information.
To avoid any question, apply for your passport now if you
do not have one.
LAND AND SEA TRAVEL
The following summarizes information available on the Department of Homeland Security’s
website. .
CURRENTLY: U.S. citizens need to present either (a) a passport, passport card*
(scheduled to be in full production beginning in July 2008), or WHTI-compliant document;
or (b) a government-issued photo ID, such as a driver's license, along with proof of
citizenship, such as a birth certificate.
LATER: On June 1, 2009, the U.S. government will implement the full requirements of
the land and sea phase of WHTI. The proposed rules require most U.S. citizens entering
the United States at sea or land ports of entry to have a passport, passport card, or WHTI-
compliant document.
CHILDREN: U.S. citizen children under the age of 16 will be able to present the original or
copy of their birth certificate, or other proof of citizenship such as a naturalization
certificate or citizenship card. Groups of U.S. citizen children ages 16 through 18, when
traveling with a school or religious group, social organization, or sports team, will be able
to enter under adult supervision with originals or copies of their birth certificates or other
proof of citizenship.

*U.S. citizens can also apply for a U.S. Passport Card, which facilitates entry and expedites
document processing at U.S. land and sea ports-of-entry when arriving from Canada,
Mexico, the Caribbean and Bermuda. The card may not be used to travel by air. Otherwise,
it carries the rights and privileges of the U.S. passport book and is adjudicated to the exact
same standards.


AIR TRAVEL
All persons traveling by air outside of the United States are required to present a
passport or other valid travel document to enter or re-enter the United States.