Captain's Journal
CAPTAINS JOURNAL.TIMESTWOCHARTERS.COM
French River Ontario 2010!
Just back from my annual outing to the lower French River in the northeastern Georgian Bay
area of Ontario. We've been back at the French River Lodge (www.frenchriverlodge.com)
every May since the mid-90's, and 19 times dating back to the mid 80's. Again this year, I
was joined by 5 friends from N. Carolina, Kentucky and Indiana.
What can I say.....simply AWESOME!! Unbelievably, 75 plus every day, no bugs, and our
only rain was about 2 hrs of T-storms Monday (which nicely coincided with our lunch time)
and overnight our last night there. Warm enough to keep the windows open 24/7; and
it sure did make for some nice nights sitting on the porch, having a cold one!
French River really is more like a lake where we fish it, with countless islands, bays, shoals,
etc. And get this...the water level was TEN FEET below last year!! Rocks that we zipped
over last year were now 6 feet out of the water! Quite the eye opener to see rocks where
we hadn't even known they were. Camp owner, Anne, attributed this to very low snowfall
and a very dry spring to date. Levels were at an 80 year low for late May.
But, the good news was that the fishing was still SMOKING! Overall, we got 347 northerns
in 3.5 days of fishing, and released them all. Of those 24 were greater than 22"; with our
biggest this year just over 29" long (about 7-8lbs). We also caught 5 walleye which we usually
don't get (we have those here!); a 23" muskie and over 20 nice bass. Plus all the other hits,
misses and follows typical of northern pike fishing.
This is my brother with a typical French River pike......
This is my friend Kris, with one of our better pike.....
Also took some fish including this nice smallmouth casting 2" ZMAN chattersticks, the
same baits that have been so good for us here on Lake Erie the last couple years.
(Lure is barely visible in the fish's mouth)
We also got to see 2 young moose swimming across a bay, then climb up a rock face. They
move pretty well for being such a big animal.
Normally, our best method is casting red/white spoons, but this year, they wanted oranges
and yellows; and several members of our group had awesome action using topwater baits
like Zara spooks, Jitterbugs and buzzbait.
This has always been a great trip...and this year was no exception. I get to do a lot
of great things every year, but the French River has always been my favorite! Can't
wait to go back!!
**
Hoping to get the boat in the slip this weekend, weather permitting! I hear they got some
walleye this week....I'll keep you posted!
area of Ontario. We've been back at the French River Lodge (www.frenchriverlodge.com)
every May since the mid-90's, and 19 times dating back to the mid 80's. Again this year, I
was joined by 5 friends from N. Carolina, Kentucky and Indiana.
What can I say.....simply AWESOME!! Unbelievably, 75 plus every day, no bugs, and our
only rain was about 2 hrs of T-storms Monday (which nicely coincided with our lunch time)
and overnight our last night there. Warm enough to keep the windows open 24/7; and
it sure did make for some nice nights sitting on the porch, having a cold one!
French River really is more like a lake where we fish it, with countless islands, bays, shoals,
etc. And get this...the water level was TEN FEET below last year!! Rocks that we zipped
over last year were now 6 feet out of the water! Quite the eye opener to see rocks where
we hadn't even known they were. Camp owner, Anne, attributed this to very low snowfall
and a very dry spring to date. Levels were at an 80 year low for late May.
But, the good news was that the fishing was still SMOKING! Overall, we got 347 northerns
in 3.5 days of fishing, and released them all. Of those 24 were greater than 22"; with our
biggest this year just over 29" long (about 7-8lbs). We also caught 5 walleye which we usually
don't get (we have those here!); a 23" muskie and over 20 nice bass. Plus all the other hits,
misses and follows typical of northern pike fishing.
This is my brother with a typical French River pike......
This is my friend Kris, with one of our better pike.....
Also took some fish including this nice smallmouth casting 2" ZMAN chattersticks, the
same baits that have been so good for us here on Lake Erie the last couple years.
(Lure is barely visible in the fish's mouth)
We also got to see 2 young moose swimming across a bay, then climb up a rock face. They
move pretty well for being such a big animal.
Normally, our best method is casting red/white spoons, but this year, they wanted oranges
and yellows; and several members of our group had awesome action using topwater baits
like Zara spooks, Jitterbugs and buzzbait.
This has always been a great trip...and this year was no exception. I get to do a lot
of great things every year, but the French River has always been my favorite! Can't
wait to go back!!
**
Hoping to get the boat in the slip this weekend, weather permitting! I hear they got some
walleye this week....I'll keep you posted!
Z Man Fishing Products
We are pleased to announce that we have been granted Pro-staff status with Z-man
Fishing for 2010!!
Amoung other products, Z Man produces the Original Chatterstick which has been a very
good bait on Lake Erie the last few seasons. There were plenty of days where we ran
Chattersticks in complement with our Dreamweaver spoon program, or days when we ran
all Chattersticks, depending on the walleye's frame of mind.
We also used the Z-Man Elaztech baits with some success on the redfish we caught last
month with Capt. John of Affinity Charters. You can see the bait/head sticking out of the
mouth of one big red Jack is holding.
You can check out the full Z-man line at www.zmanfishing.com.
Fishing for 2010!!
Amoung other products, Z Man produces the Original Chatterstick which has been a very
good bait on Lake Erie the last few seasons. There were plenty of days where we ran
Chattersticks in complement with our Dreamweaver spoon program, or days when we ran
all Chattersticks, depending on the walleye's frame of mind.
We also used the Z-Man Elaztech baits with some success on the redfish we caught last
month with Capt. John of Affinity Charters. You can see the bait/head sticking out of the
mouth of one big red Jack is holding.
You can check out the full Z-man line at www.zmanfishing.com.
Brief Chautauqua Lake Update
Brief fishing report....
My brother rented a cottage over on Chautauqua Lake this past weekend, so our friend
Doug, my son Jack and I headed over Saturday afternoon to join him. Got a couple of
hours in trying to find some perch...had spotty action, although some of the others in
camp did fairly well.
Sunday, with impending weather issues, we pulled the boat, but still headed over to
do some fishing from shore at Long Point. Much to the delight of my son, the sunfish
were big and very active....we figure between the four of us we land about 100 in just
under 2 hours. Handful of perch.
My brother rented a cottage over on Chautauqua Lake this past weekend, so our friend
Doug, my son Jack and I headed over Saturday afternoon to join him. Got a couple of
hours in trying to find some perch...had spotty action, although some of the others in
camp did fairly well.
Sunday, with impending weather issues, we pulled the boat, but still headed over to
do some fishing from shore at Long Point. Much to the delight of my son, the sunfish
were big and very active....we figure between the four of us we land about 100 in just
under 2 hours. Handful of perch.
Periodic Wilson Updates/Blog subscription
During the month of May we hope to be able to give you periodic updates on the
salmon fishing on Western Lake Ontario via our friend Capt. Bud Marsh of
Alibi Charters. We are also trying to work out the dates for us to get up
there too! Be sure to check back!!
***
Don't forget that you can subscribe to our blogs and receive automatic updates to your
email address every time we post a new blog! Simply enter your email address in the
"subscribe" box in the bottom left hand corner of our blog page, click on the word blog,
then on the word subscribe and you should be all set! What a great way to keep up on
all of our reports!
salmon fishing on Western Lake Ontario via our friend Capt. Bud Marsh of
Alibi Charters. We are also trying to work out the dates for us to get up
there too! Be sure to check back!!
***
Don't forget that you can subscribe to our blogs and receive automatic updates to your
email address every time we post a new blog! Simply enter your email address in the
"subscribe" box in the bottom left hand corner of our blog page, click on the word blog,
then on the word subscribe and you should be all set! What a great way to keep up on
all of our reports!
Kiawah Island, South Carolina
We've been hanging out down south on Kiawah Island, South Carolina, (just south of
Charleston) and had a blast! Sun, sand and a few beverages sure does take away the
stress!
Weather was awesome as the only rain we had was overnight one night, and of course
we got to enjoy lots of southern cuisine including scallops, shrimp, collard greens and
she crab soup! Plus, we stopped in for a cool one at my favorite local spot, Tommy Condon's
in downtown Charleston. It's all good, for sure!
From the fishing perspective the highlight was definitely a charter that I took with my son
last Monday with Capt. John Ward of Affinity Charters. This was the 5th year we've been
fishing with him, and we had another awesome day!
This year, we were fishing the "skinny water" which was salt water marsh creeks not much
wider than the 17' flats boat we were in. We worked our way in on the rising tide, and whacked
the redfish. We got 22 fish total, 6 over 10lbs and probably another 4 or 5 over 8 lbs.
We used 3 types of live bait rigs: one with a slip sinker, circle hook and a minnow off the bottom;
another with the same setup but suspended with a rattle float; and a third line with a Z-man
elaztic bait tipped with a minnow. (Z-Man is the originator of the chatter baits that have been
so successful for us here on Lake Erie.) Rods were regular spinning rods with Quantum
reels loaded with braided line.
If any of you ever happen to be down that way, I would HIGHLY recommend some fishing time
with Capt. Ward!
Charleston) and had a blast! Sun, sand and a few beverages sure does take away the
stress!
Weather was awesome as the only rain we had was overnight one night, and of course
we got to enjoy lots of southern cuisine including scallops, shrimp, collard greens and
she crab soup! Plus, we stopped in for a cool one at my favorite local spot, Tommy Condon's
in downtown Charleston. It's all good, for sure!
From the fishing perspective the highlight was definitely a charter that I took with my son
last Monday with Capt. John Ward of Affinity Charters. This was the 5th year we've been
fishing with him, and we had another awesome day!
This year, we were fishing the "skinny water" which was salt water marsh creeks not much
wider than the 17' flats boat we were in. We worked our way in on the rising tide, and whacked
the redfish. We got 22 fish total, 6 over 10lbs and probably another 4 or 5 over 8 lbs.
We used 3 types of live bait rigs: one with a slip sinker, circle hook and a minnow off the bottom;
another with the same setup but suspended with a rattle float; and a third line with a Z-man
elaztic bait tipped with a minnow. (Z-Man is the originator of the chatter baits that have been
so successful for us here on Lake Erie.) Rods were regular spinning rods with Quantum
reels loaded with braided line.
If any of you ever happen to be down that way, I would HIGHLY recommend some fishing time
with Capt. Ward!
Weather/Show Updates/Fishing
Wow, wasn't today great? In my neck of the woods, temps ranged from 73 at my house (by
Lake Erie) to nearly 80 over by Chautauqua Lake. Awesome! If I never saw another flake
of snow, it would not bother me.
Thank you to all of you that stopped by our booth at the LOTSA show in Lockport, the Hamburg
Show or at the Mayville Steelhead show. We really appreciate the opportunity to talk to you about
fishing. That really got the juices flowing!
Also, thank you to those that commented on our blogs. We really appreciate the kind words.
From day 1 years ago now with the old "salmon searches" the Lake Erie Salmon and Trout
Association used to do, right up until today, I am a firm believer that getting the word out is not
a bad thing. Hopefully what I post is helpful to you.
***
The great weather today got my son eager to get over to Chautauqua Lake for perch. We only
fished from shore, and unfortunately the fish weren't too cooperative. As I told him, don't forget,
its only April 2!
Looking forward, we'll be doing some fishing in South Carolina, Wilson NY, and Ontario in the next
2 months before we settle in for our Lake Erie walleye. Stay tuned for updates on all of these
adventures! We're hoping to have regular updates for you in the month of May from Wilson!
John
Lake Erie) to nearly 80 over by Chautauqua Lake. Awesome! If I never saw another flake
of snow, it would not bother me.
Thank you to all of you that stopped by our booth at the LOTSA show in Lockport, the Hamburg
Show or at the Mayville Steelhead show. We really appreciate the opportunity to talk to you about
fishing. That really got the juices flowing!
Also, thank you to those that commented on our blogs. We really appreciate the kind words.
From day 1 years ago now with the old "salmon searches" the Lake Erie Salmon and Trout
Association used to do, right up until today, I am a firm believer that getting the word out is not
a bad thing. Hopefully what I post is helpful to you.
***
The great weather today got my son eager to get over to Chautauqua Lake for perch. We only
fished from shore, and unfortunately the fish weren't too cooperative. As I told him, don't forget,
its only April 2!
Looking forward, we'll be doing some fishing in South Carolina, Wilson NY, and Ontario in the next
2 months before we settle in for our Lake Erie walleye. Stay tuned for updates on all of these
adventures! We're hoping to have regular updates for you in the month of May from Wilson!
John
Mayville NY Steelhead Fishing Expo
We'll be at teh Chautauqua Suites Steelhead Expo this weekend in Mayville, NY (Chautauqua Lake area). $5.00
for Men; women and children are free. Stop in, enjoy the show and say hello!
Hamburg NY Outdoor Expo
Just a quick note....
This weekend is the Hamburg NY Sports and Outdoor Expo at the Hamburg Fairgrounds. We'll be
there with Capt. Bud (Alibi Sportfishing) in the Main Exhibition Hall. It promises to be a very busy
show, so please be sure to stop by our booth and say hello!
And, next weekend (March 20/21), Bud and I will be in Mayville, NY (along Chautauqua Lake)
at the Chautauqua Suites Hotel for the Steelhead Expo. This is a great smaller show for all of
you that are steelhead enthusiasts!
Hope to see you at one of these events.....
John
This weekend is the Hamburg NY Sports and Outdoor Expo at the Hamburg Fairgrounds. We'll be
there with Capt. Bud (Alibi Sportfishing) in the Main Exhibition Hall. It promises to be a very busy
show, so please be sure to stop by our booth and say hello!
And, next weekend (March 20/21), Bud and I will be in Mayville, NY (along Chautauqua Lake)
at the Chautauqua Suites Hotel for the Steelhead Expo. This is a great smaller show for all of
you that are steelhead enthusiasts!
Hope to see you at one of these events.....
John
Catchin' Up a Bit
I'm not a hunter, nor a hard water fisherman, so I'm biding my time until it gets warm again! In the
meantime, just thought we'd catch up a bit....
CONGRATULATIONS to our team member and mate, Gary who has recently completed and passed
his Captain's Test! Way to go, Captain Gary!!
We recently talked to our friends over at Dreamweaver Lures, and as usual, they have plenty of exciting
new colors coming out in 2010. On Lake Erie, the WD series spoons have become our number one
walleye spoon, and we believe made a big difference between success and failure on many days last
summer!
Be sure to check our their products at www.dreamweaverlures.com; or click on the picture below:
Remember our first show of the year is the LOTSA Fishing Show in Lockport, NY on February 28th! We'll
be there with Capt. Bud (Alibi Charters) and Capt. Gary; and we're looking forward to seeing some of
our old friends!
Think warm!
John
meantime, just thought we'd catch up a bit....
CONGRATULATIONS to our team member and mate, Gary who has recently completed and passed
his Captain's Test! Way to go, Captain Gary!!
We recently talked to our friends over at Dreamweaver Lures, and as usual, they have plenty of exciting
new colors coming out in 2010. On Lake Erie, the WD series spoons have become our number one
walleye spoon, and we believe made a big difference between success and failure on many days last
summer!
Be sure to check our their products at www.dreamweaverlures.com; or click on the picture below:
Remember our first show of the year is the LOTSA Fishing Show in Lockport, NY on February 28th! We'll
be there with Capt. Bud (Alibi Charters) and Capt. Gary; and we're looking forward to seeing some of
our old friends!
Think warm!
John
Happy New Year!
Greetings! I hope you all had a great Holiday Season!
We are pleased to announce that once again, in 2010, we will be on the Dreamweaver Lures Pro-
staff!! Their spoons have been awesome for walleye, and turned around more than 1 day for us
last year. Be sure to check out all their great products at www.dreamweaverlures.com.
We also are currently planning on attending the following fishing/outdoors shows....be sure to stop by
and say hello!
We are pleased to announce that once again, in 2010, we will be on the Dreamweaver Lures Pro-
staff!! Their spoons have been awesome for walleye, and turned around more than 1 day for us
last year. Be sure to check out all their great products at www.dreamweaverlures.com.
We also are currently planning on attending the following fishing/outdoors shows....be sure to stop by
and say hello!
On February 28th, I will have my booth at the Lake Ontario Trout and Salmon Association fishing
show in Lockport, NY (suburb of Buffalo). You can check this out at www.lotsa.org.
On March 11th -14th, Captain Bud Marsh (Alibi Sportfishing Charters) and I will have a booth at the
Western New York Outdoor and Travel Expo in Hamburg, NY (also a suburb of Buffalo).
On March 20 & 21, I will have a booth at the “Future of Steelhead Fishing Expo” held in Mayville, NY
(on Chautauqua Lake).
Please check back as we will update this post.....
