Thursday, March 18, 2010

Idea for ballast in high winds

Lighter is better except in high winds. I keep some empty gallon jugs on board to fill as ballast when conditions get nasty. Each gallon is 8.3 pounds. If you wipe out, the water jugs won't take your boat to the bottom as rocks or other heavier-than-water ballast will. In the Boundary Waters the wind can appear unexpectedly, and that accounts for most of the deaths there - a sudden wind or storm when a party is crossing a lake. So carry the empty water jugs. Four or five will stabilize a small, lightweight canoe.

Tuesday, March 9, 2010

Things You Need For Your Mancation. On Sale Now!

NRS sale looks good. If anyone orders anything, I want a pair of gloves. Maybe we could all go in together and split shipping?


On Sale: $13.75
http://www.nrsweb.com/shop/product.asp?pfid=2430&deptid=2256

On Sale: $18.95 - $24.95
http://www.nrsweb.com/shop/product.asp?pfid=2973&deptid=2256

Canoe Algonquin Outfitters

http://www.canoealgonquin.com/index.html

Thursday, March 4, 2010

Google route map


View AlgonquinTrip - August 2010 in a larger map

Principle Fish of Algonquin Park

Speckled (Brook) Trout - Specks are among the most sought after game fish in North America. Extremely sensitive to pollution, the range of speckled trout has narrowed considerably in recent years. Algonquin Park is indeed fortunate to have strong naturally reproducing brood stocks of these beautiful fish in its interior lakes. Found in both streams and lakes, speckled trout are widespread throughout the park. Trout season opens on the last Saturday in April and closes on September 30, with the best fishing in May or June. They can be taken on fly or spinning tackle with lures like small spoons, spinners and flies. Expert fly fishermen enjoy success in streams all season long.

Lake Trout - The "laker" is possibly the most widespread fish in Algonquin Park. Many people think that the only way to catch them is to troll deep with specialized tackle but during May and June lakers can be taken at or near the surface with spinning or even fly equipment. The best method is trolling spoon lures along rocky shorelines or over shoals. As the water warms, the laker goes deep, specialized tackle is required and only 10% of a lake is likely to be productive. The season is the same as for brook trout.

Smallmouth Bass - The Smallmouth was not one of the original piscine inhabitants of Algonquin Park. Introduced at the turn of the century, "smallies" are found in more easily accessible lakes than trout, often with road access. Bass season opens on the last Saturday in June and continues through November. The Smallmouth is a surface or near-surface feeder and can be caught on light tackle throughout the season. One of the most exciting methods of fishing for bass is with a fly rod and popping bug.

Walleye (Yellow Pickerel) - Walleye are also a relatively recent addition to the Algonquin fishery. They are found only in the northern part of the park, in lakes near our Brent base, on Cedar Lake, and downstream from there in the Petawawa River system, in lakes like Radiant. The season opens on the third Saturday in May and continues through November, with the best fishing in late May and early June. Yellowish jigs and lures seem to be the most effective.