Five more months! (http://i65.tinypic.com/dgts1e.jpg)(http://i68.tinypic.com/2a8kbhl.jpg)(http://i66.tinypic.com/vpaw4x.jpg)
160 Days until we're on this island paradise!!!
(http://i66.tinypic.com/24femf7.jpg)
Boy the pictures get the soul itching to go don't they?
I'm in Dominican Rep. Right now getting my a$$ sunburned and these pictures remind me where I'd rather be and can't wait to July!!!
June 16th can't come soon enough. I'll be at Alwaki for a week of heavenly bliss.Got lot's of new hardware to test that picked up at Sail in Ottawa.
88 days for me!
150 days...seems like forever.
86 - 87 for me... Maybe earlier to get boat up and supplies to island.
94 days, not wishing life to go by fast, but come on already! Life goes by too fast when we are there!
Seems like more than forever. . . Way too long to count.
Mainly because our group isn't going to visit Canada this year now that 3 of our crew live in Texas. 2 of the 3 have jobs and it's hard for them to get off long enough to make the distance traveled. Sigh. :'(
Quote from: SgtCrabby on February 21, 2018, 09:16:10 PM
Seems like more than forever. . . Way too long to count.
Mainly because our group isn't going to visit Canada this year now that 3 of our crew live in Texas. 2 of the 3 have jobs and it's hard for them to get off long enough to make the distance traveled. Sigh. :'(
WHAT? That can't be right. Not going? WTF does that mean?
And I may be wrong, but I think there is this thing called an airplane (maybe aeroplane...) that can transport people like me and you thousands of miles in just a few hours. Wait...yes...they are real...I now recall that I spend a lot of time on them (I try to bury that reality from my memory).
Fly to Pittsburgh...drive-up from there with your other groupie...and let the Texas workers work...it keeps the economy going... ;D
T-Bone is right! Two people works fine. Can't imagine not going.
The 2 of us retired guys are working to get a second trip this year past both spouses.
Then I'll have a meaningful countdown.
Trust me, I want to go!
@SgtCrabby , just tell your wife she can visit your family in Youngstown for a week. Maybe that will get her coming along your direction.
As for me, I have 143 days to go to trip #1 with Johns daughter and son-in-law. It appears there will be a second trip also.
Glad you're going, Nancy!
Quote from: Administrator on February 22, 2018, 01:12:43 PM
@SgtCrabby , just tell your wife she can visit your family in Youngstown for a week. Maybe that will get her coming along your direction.
As for me, I have 143 days to go to trip #1 with Johns daughter and son-in-law. It appears there will be a second trip also.
Good for you Nancy!
Quote from: SgtCrabby on February 22, 2018, 12:11:37 PM
The 2 of us retired guys are working to get a second trip this year past both spouses.
I'm confused; if you NOT taking a "first" trip, why would you have to get clearance for a "second" trip?
Airplanes...I'm telling you....they're sweet...
1st trip is our group is going to a lake in Tennessee this year.
We are also trying to expand the group with with a few cousins that live way south (southern Florida). Gotta get them hooked (pun intended) and then reel em in to Kipawa.
154 Days to Kipawa for us. Glad to hear Nancy’s going to make the trip!
It’s been a fishing filled week for me and very enjoyable. For starters, My group and I had our first pre trip meeting this Thursday. Great break from the crappy weather here in NW PA, to hang out and dream of rocking around in a boat at Kipawa. Two of the four of our group, have not been to Kipawa before. They are as fired up as the rest of us to get up there.
Then Yesterday, I had the good fortune to sip some cold ones with a fellow Forum member, Fishtildark. Turns out we only live an hour or so apart. I had an enjoyable afternoon sharing fishing stories with him and learning about FTD’s favorite Canadian fishing spot. Every person I’ve made direct contact with from this forum has been awesome. All of our common interests in fishing, seem to go a long way to assuring you’ll be around some good folks. Maybe......... I shouldn’t go here, but, maybe if people took their kids fishing or hunting more there would be less violence in our society, Enough politicking.
Winter here seems about over, when I look at the long range forecast. I’ll be getting my snowmobile into summer storage soon and the boat out ! Hope all of you have made it threw winter safe and sound.
Counting down at 102
Echoing Hodgey's words, had a great time shooting the bull about fishing and the experiences up north. Also, Meeting people in person does help confirm that impression that the people posting on this board truly do like helping each other. After hearing Hodgeys account of the treatment his group received on their first trip to Kipawa I am someday hoping to see T-Bone walk on water. :)
another quick subject.. I was having problems signing in "couldn't recognize URL" Deleted site from my favorites, did a new search and was able to sign in.. all the automatic updates don't always work the way they should so something to try if you have problems. FTD
108 days 17 Hours and some odd minutes till I rejoin my Coke Hamilton Group back at 3 Seasons for my season 20th ,June 16th -22 . I happily and also regrettably had to pass on last years trip to attend my older sons graduation from Macmaster University
Quote from: T-Bone on February 16, 2018, 03:28:05 PM
160 Days until we're on this island paradise!!!
(http://i66.tinypic.com/24femf7.jpg)
Great picture. You can even make out the two channels at the northeast end of Corbeau. Tks
Cheers
Smitty, that is one awesome picture!
Sure is. The more I look at it, and it's my new desktop now, the more I'm impressed with the lens that was used. Almost panoramic with real good depth of field. That furthest bit of water you can see is almost 6 miles away. Maybe T-Bone knows more about it?
Cheers
I pulled it off the Alwaki web site...it's one of their top banner images. I'm guessing drone...but I really have no idea. It is a cool pic for sure...
Quote from: T-Bone on March 08, 2018, 10:15:06 AM
I pulled it off the Alwaki web site...it's one of their top banner images. I'm guessing drone...but I really have no idea. It is a cool pic for sure...
Hi T!
142 more days until my boat will be making a ripple in that perfectly still water. ;D
Yeah buddy...and I'll be chasing you out to the fishin' hole... :)
While, given our current camp location, you folks have me itching for a bit of Kipawa time.....
Might have to load up the canoe this summer and take the girls on a little Kipawa adventure!
Take care everyone and have fun planning your next trip!
84 days until our trip to Smith Bay.
114 days - still in triple digits :-[
Wow... My countdown is low, first couple trips will be working/ Reno trips but much needed. As soon as ice is out and water level up I'll be running boat and supplies up.
We'll still get fishing and big dinners in as usual.
77 days and we will be traveling North to Kip
I haven't been seen by a professional yet, but I have self diagnosed myself, as having a terrible case of cabin fever. Please see symptom below and let me know if my fears are founded.
- Checked duration calculator numerous times, for number of days till Kipawa and it keeps saying the same 110 days
- I reread Cabelas Fishing sale flier 7 times
- Thinking grass mowing would be fun
- Practiced leech knabbing with breakfast sausage
- Wife says I'm making boat motor noises while I sleep, that don't include her
- Dug shorts out of closet today because it going above freezing
- Counted jig head supply and hand waxed each one
- Wondered if I shoveled snow off of back patio, if a fire would keep me warm enough to sit outside
- I sat under grow lamp pretending it was sun
- Sat by the fire, in my fireplace and wonder if we should start Christmas shopping
If you agree with my diagnoses, please send me a cure soon, I desperately need one!
Quote from: Hodgey1 on April 10, 2018, 07:47:33 AM
- Checked duration calculator numerous times, for number of days till Kipawa and it keeps saying the same 110 days
- I reread Cabelas Fishing sale flier 7 times
- Thinking grass mowing would be fun
- Practiced leech knabbing with breakfast sausage
- Wife says I'm making boat motor noises while I sleep, that don't include her
- Dug shorts out of closet today because it going above freezing
- Counted jig head supply and hand waxed each one
- Wondered if I shoveled snow off of back patio, if a fire would keep me warm enough to sit outside
- I sat under grow lamp pretending it was sun
- Sat by my fire in my fireplace and wonder if we should start Christmas shopping
If you agree with my diagnoses, please send me a cure soon, I desperately need one!
Whoo-buddy...you got it bad. I've done the best I can getting out of the 'cabin' lately. Went golfing on Good Friday...we only had light flurries on the 3rd hole. Took recent trips to Las Vegas, Phoenix, and the Caribbean...that certainly helped. Got out and did some "spring clean-up" yard work last weekend...and other than being sore on Monday, it was nice to be outside. Plan on golfing this weekend...and will likely gather my numerous fishing poles and reels and decide what I'm going to keep and what I'm going to donate (bet I have 30+ fishing poles...20+ reels). Other than that, keep looking at the calendar and taking the time in small bites; before you know it it's May...month of the opener on Kipawa. From there, true summer weather, gorgeous June, July 4th celebrations, and then packing for the the 2018 version of The Canada trip.
And Hodge...most immediately to look forward to...the Browns epic, franchise-changing, once-in-a-lifetime draft is coming on Thursday 4/27. Just look forward to that for now...take the rest of the time between now our reunion at Alwaki Lodge in similar small bites.
108...
Hodgey, that was great! 97 more long days!(http://i66.tinypic.com/vpaw4x.jpg)
94 days...
I can't wait also Hodgey, I am with ya!!! ... I got cabin fever bad also...
I put on a practice rubber weight on a bait caster and tried flipping it and "bonking" my dog on the head across the family room while he was sleeping on his pillow...
T-Bone, Browns.........Just shoot me.
Oarin, nice pic!
Greg, poor dog.
"Poor dog" haha, i said "Tried" - I am not very accurate - didn't even come close to the pillow.
He lifts his head, hearing the rubber practice weight bounce off the hardwood and looks at me like I am crazy and also has a look like "I am trying to sleep here". He slept on my lap for almost 4 hours tonight... the old phrase "what a dogs life" sure does apply.
A pretty awesome and well behaved dog for a rescue...
59 days..and counting days above freezing. hopefully the next month or so will be more normal and we wont need an auger in june. T bone, I feel for you with draft day coming. please just don't ruin Saquon Barkleys career by picking him.
everyone have a great day and to those Pa. fishermen a good trout opener, which is usually a social event.
66 long and long days
42 or less!! If ice is out and water level up.
Work week when there though, but fishing and fun thrown in.
92, and I think about it daily for longer than I should. Living is SC, I have been able to get out on the boat and fish a little bit. Mostly for Bluegills (Breem pronounced brim down here) and Catfish. Been a cold (for here) Spring so far, so I haven't been doing too good yet. But, I'd still rather be at Kip.
Mike
Quote from: Mike J on April 11, 2018, 11:44:37 AM
92, and I think about it daily for longer than I should. Living is SC, I have been able to get out on the boat and fish a little bit. Mostly for Bluegills (Breem pronounced brim down here) and Catfish. Been a cold (for here) Spring so far, so I haven't been doing too good yet. But, I'd still rather be at Kip.
Mike
Boy Mike, that's a serious trip to Kipawa for you. I am thinking my 500 miles aren't so bad.
Yeah, going to be a long one. I'm originally from Easton, PA and still have family nearby in NJ so I'll be stopping there for a few days on the way up and back. Had to plan the trip around my Grandfathers 90th birthday party on July 21. Going to that on the way home. Going to be a long one for my 9 year old for sure. It'll be worth it for sure.
Mike
Quote from: Mike J on April 11, 2018, 02:51:57 PM
Yeah, going to be a long one. I'm originally from Easton, PA and still have family nearby in NJ
Been to Easton many times as a child, my grandparents lived in Philipsburg and many family members still live in Nj. No better pizza in the whole world ! Oh, Ny too. ;D
@Mike J , I hear ya.
I'm in Texas and we also pronounce bream as brim. The rest of these folks on here are stuck waiting for their lakes to thaw. It is nice to be blessed with liquid water all winter long...
We're starting to plan our our summer fun at the camp and around the area....
Now that we have a bit of a home base started on the Mattawan land (don't worry, tons of work left) we're branching out again.
One trip on the radar is to return to the Hunter's Point area by canoe (start at Bearn road bridge).
We're hoping to take a few days and paddle around turtle island.
Likely in the End of July / early August time frame.
43 days until we head to Alwaki for a week. I've gone swimming every year I've been up...might take a little extra liquid courage this year! It will likely be the coldest water we've fished up there to date, if anyone has any cold water tips it would be greatly appreciated!
Quote from: Kyle Skelding on April 19, 2018, 09:55:36 AM
It will likely be the coldest water we've fished up there to date, if anyone has any cold water tips it would be greatly appreciated!
Slow down...fish nearer moving water...
A few years ago I had the best couple days on Kipawa, caught a lot and near current. All big walleye, well for Kipawa they were big. Year before slot sizes implemented.
Jighead with 4 inch Berkeley Power Minnow was the deal.
agree with T-Bone and CB. We have been going late May/start of June for 18+ years, and always do well near moving water. Does not have to be in the current, but at least near by.
36 days
Opener for me & Tina, can't wait! We'll be at Alwaki, I have a feeling it's going to be my home away from home this year!!
Really need to find a cabin on this lake!
@GregL how deep do you guys usually target for opener? We're there the first full week of June and its always a guess the first couple times out as to how deep they're hitting.
31 days to go. Alwaki on the radar
7 days for us HOPEFULLY!!
35 days to Alwaki for my daughter, son and I.
Kyle,
Opener they will still down around the 20 foot mark.
They don't start moving up into the 10 foot plus until a couple weeks after opener, water warms up a touch, and hatch starts.
Real subtle jigging this opener will be the ticket nothing to fast.
Some think the spawn is late but they started while the ice was still there.
Quote from: Kyle Skelding on April 26, 2018, 02:20:54 PM
@GregL how deep do you guys usually target for opener? We're there the first full week of June and its always a guess the first couple times out as to how deep they're hitting.
Hi Kyle,
Last year was our first opener, on Kip. to be honest we got them everywhere from 10-30'. Since it was our first time on the lake we were just getting our feet wet.
All this talk of the ice being out and the opener are not helping! I've been on the boat and fishing for a while now down here, but there is something special about spending a week on Kip! Come on July 12th!! Looking forward to the reports, as things get going.
Mike
Where are you staying Mike J (My friend Eric and my son and I will be at Alwaki from July 14 to 21)... and yes, all this discussion about ice out and opening weekend painful.. but I am glad our season here opens tomorrow! I might try and get out the next 5 days with luck.
57 days... whoohooo...
Greg
TBL July 12-19th with my 9 year old son.
Mike
Awesome - I took my son several years when he was young (around that age) - then he hit the "I'm to busy teens" and now he WANTS to go back and is looking forward to it as much as I am.
I might journey up to that end of the lake one day... hope to bump into you... Cheers!
Just a reminder
Order your leeches.
I just reserved mine for June 23.
36 days
58 more days until TBL out post with my son,Jon. Mike, maybe we'll see you there. Oarin.
6 days
Hope we do get to meet up with both of you. He's still got the attention span of a 9 year old, so I see we will be mixing in some swimming at picnic island with the fishing. However, the evening fishing is non-negotiable. He does like to fish, and we have been practicing on Bluegills, and big Catfish.
In the past, I've only bought leeches in the small containers. How many pounds should I get for the week? 1 or 2?
Mike
Quote from: Mike J on May 18, 2018, 08:05:23 AM
Hope we do get to meet up with both of you. He's still got the attention span of a 9 year old, so I see we will be mixing in some swimming at picnic island with the fishing. However, the evening fishing is non-negotiable. He does like to fish, and we have been practicing on Bluegills, and big Catfish.
In the past, I've only bought leeches in the small containers. How many pounds should I get for the week? 1 or 2?
Mike
Two people for one week, you should at least have one pound
1 day! Can't wait :D
5 More Days!!!!!
40 more days!!
16 days
26 days and counting to Alwaki!
38.5 days!
10 1/2 days !!!!!
We'll be at Smith Bay next Sat. June 16th!!! Can't wait. Hoping that the water has warmed up sufficiently for pickerel but still cool enough for some lakers. Glad to see/hear of some good fishing, albeit down in the south end. Not a lot of intel from the north. I presume we'll find the pickerel still tucked in the back bays, using some jigs and worm harnesses. Any other suggestions from the group??
Last week I was having good luck trolling the narrows north of Grindstone. We were also jigging them off the bottom as well. Jig and worm. Maybe look for some current in narrows.
Great advice Puckster but unfortunately, we'll be a long way from there!!! Either way, we'll look for some similar structure if thats the where they are likely to be holding. With your jigs, were you using a Twister Tail as well or just night crawler?
Quote from: Keeper64 on June 08, 2018, 08:34:48 AM
Great advice Puckster but unfortunately, we'll be a long way from there!!! Either way, we'll look for some similar structure if thats the where they are likely to be holding. With your jigs, were you using a Twister Tail as well or just night crawler?
Keeper64
My opinion is that if they are not in Smith Bay yet ,then to head up towards the Blue Barrels and beyond into the Sanctuary area
Keeper- We will be at 3 seasons that week so agree with you. also hope the black flies are on the downward slide!!!
JLG -I guess we'll see you at 3 Seasons again on the 16th .I had to take last year off to attend my sons grad from McMaster University .
Keeper64 - As Rhybak has said if the water temp is up Smith bay will be happening but Im sure your host will direct you either way . Will you be using their boats or your own ? Im sure we will cross paths out on the water .Good luck
Pike Mike: We took off last year too so looking forward to the trip. Bringing Mark and our grandson
Chaz who mentioned he hoped your group would be in.
Quote from: Keeper64 on June 08, 2018, 08:34:48 AM
Great advice Puckster but unfortunately, we'll be a long way from there!!! Either way, we'll look for some similar structure if thats the where they are likely to be holding. With your jigs, were you using a Twister Tail as well or just night crawler?
We used night crawlers. What I meant was look for moving water a good current.
Didn't count the # of days, but I'll be up there with the wife and kids July 21 to 28 in the area of Alwaki/Kipawa Lodges. Hope to meet some forum members while I'm there.
13 days for me at TBL!
We'll be on the road to Ogascanan two weeks from tomorrow!
21 days till Dumoine. Anyone info from somebody that has been there this season?
Quote from: RHYBAK on June 08, 2018, 08:45:13 AM
Quote from: Keeper64 on June 08, 2018, 08:34:48 AM
Great advice Puckster but unfortunately, we'll be a long way from there!!! Either way, we'll look for some similar structure if thats the where they are likely to be holding. With your jigs, were you using a Twister Tail as well or just night crawler?
Keeper64
My opinion is that if they are not in Smith Bay yet ,then to head up towards the Blue Barrels and beyond into the Sanctuary area
Thanks Rhybak. Good advice. We've tried that area in previous trips. Hoping to also hit the lakers during the afternoon trolling some spoons with some copper rigs. Just need to sort out what depths they be holding at.
Quote from: pike mike on June 08, 2018, 12:49:49 PM
JLG -I guess we'll see you at 3 Seasons again on the 16th .I had to take last year off to attend my sons grad from McMaster University .
Keeper64 - As Rhybak has said if the water temp is up Smith bay will be happening but Im sure your host will direct you either way . Will you be using their boats or your own ? Im sure we will cross paths out on the water .Good luck
I'm bringing my 16' Alumacraft w. Yamaha, but we're also renting two other boats. Group of 6 of us. Always a good time.....but I expect the bugs to be NASTY!! Good luck to you as well.
Leaving this Friday. :) Look out walleyes.
Heading to TBL in the morning! :)
Officially in the single digits, 9 days to Two Moon Lodge. And the camp has wifi. So I expect to see some trip reports by Sunday at the latest for those that will be up there this upcoming week:
@Dieselgirl @pike mike @JLG @Keeper64
putting the finishing touches on packing the truck and than hitting the road. Will report on return in a week. Sorry Big Chief but part of my vacation includes no phone for a week LOL!
Quote from: BigChief on June 15, 2018, 01:14:45 AM
Officially in the single digits, 9 days to Two Moon Lodge. And the camp has wifi. So I expect to see some trip reports by Sunday at the latest for those that will be up there this upcoming week: @Dieselgirl @pike mike @JLG @Keeper64
BigChief... Looks like you are on the lake the same time as my group.
We will be at 3Seasons
Look for the grey Lund Impact
Ten days ... have gone through my list twice..bring two newbies ( we can call them that now that we have 2 years under our belt :) Had to make some changes due to health and work issues and the Mullens have been outstanding to work with .
Quote from: RHYBAK on June 15, 2018, 08:42:11 AM
Quote from: BigChief on June 15, 2018, 01:14:45 AM
Officially in the single digits, 9 days to Two Moon Lodge. And the camp has wifi. So I expect to see some trip reports by Sunday at the latest for those that will be up there this upcoming week: @Dieselgirl @pike mike @JLG @Keeper64
BigChief... Looks like you are on the lake the same time as my group.
We will be at 3Seasons
Look for the grey Lund Impact
@RHYBAK I will keep a lookout. I will be in a blue Fishing Pontoon, so there is no way to miss me!
@JLG I meant that I can check wifi when I am up there so I better see your report on the Sunday after you get back!
4 more sleeps till we depart. Always enjoy heading up to the area, but this one will be a tough trip without my partner in crime.
Quote from: Nancy on July 10, 2018, 11:26:14 PM
4 more sleeps till we depart. Always enjoy heading up to the area, but this one will be a tough trip without my partner in crime.
It's good to hear that you are still going Nancy, I'm certain it will be difficult and enjoyable all at the same time.
55 DAYS TILL TRIP NUMBER TWO
Single digits here...leaving in 9 days.
Leaving in 3 days!
15 days, 19 hours, 59 minutes and 16 seconds, so say date calculator. :) Can't wait.
Three more days until the TBL outpost and peace and quiet!(http://i67.tinypic.com/3rkgi.jpg)
I'll wave as my son (Akron Zip) and I are pulling into the lodge and you are on your way out. Good luck!
(http://i66.tinypic.com/fjesth.jpg)
Go Zips! -1970.
There is just two of us coming Aug 4th for our first trip.
Maybe more next year.
I will be 21 days til Alwaki. Good luck to all. See some of you soon.
8 days to blast off !
;D
One more day!!!! 8)
Quote from: Hodgey1 on July 25, 2018, 08:57:24 PM
One more day!!!! 8)
Woohoo. Go get 'em killer. :)
Cheers
In a little over 24-hours we'll be making the turn north in Buffalo and heading for the Peace Bridge. I think I'm going to make it.... ;D
Good luck and a safe trip. Take lots of pictures.
One week from today I will be on Kipawa for my second trip up. This trip will be dramatically different since this will include my wife and not my fishing buddies. Way less beers, with more time spent relaxing particularly in the mornings with coffee on the deck and never getting up too early.
My wife and I did this trip about the same time last year and really enjoyed it, but not truly her thing. I was surprised how well she did enjoy it last year and she actually got into the fishing.
There will be plenty of fishing, but I’m guessing no trips out at first light. My plan is to spend every evening out fishing for walleye, but alternate earlier in the day times to touring and fishing. I hope to picnic at Canal bay one day, hit the beach by Turtle island and possibly find out where this camp with a liquor license that Puckster mentioned is? I hope on the off touring days to get back to Smittys maps and troll for some Lakers. I was really enjoying the laker fishing in July and now feel a little more confident about the technique. Anybody know when they start lowering the water?
I’m not sure my wife will be up for next September, so I must savor this trip and possibly have to settle next year for only one Kipawa getaway.
Is it too early for next year?
I didn't think so.
339 long days.
Four more sleeps, then I hope I can take it all in and sleep when I get home!
Brad