| In this issue:
Our
Fishing
Video Site is up and running. If you have hi-speed
internet access
click
here to see some great short fishing video clips
|
Marten River Lodge
- Located in Ontario's picturesque near
north, 1/2 an hour north of North Bay and at the southern edge
of the Temagami old growth forest. We are the perfect spot for
your fishing or hunting expedition and we're great for just
plain family fun and relaxation. The kids will have plenty to do
on our tennis/sports court and our beach. The optional American
Plan will make your vacation complete.
Midnorth Outpost Camps
- We have fly-in remote fishing & hunting
outpost camps, located half way between Elliot Lake and Chapleau.
Choose from several lakes that offer fishing for Walleye,
Northern Pike, Lake Trout, Brook Trout,
White Fish, Bass, & Perch. We als have a variety of hunting
options available.
Red Pine Wilderness
Lodge - Our 8 guest cottages set
amidst towering, red
pine trees on a 7 acre
island is the place for your special remote fishing trip or
wilderness family holiday. We are the Gateway to two huge parks:
The Obabika Waterway Park and The Lady Evelyn/Smoothwater
Wilderness Park. We offer the serious angler Northeastern
Ontario's finest Walleye (Pickerel), Great Northern Pike,
Smallmouth Bass, Whitefish and Perch fishing. Don't forget about
the 3 species of Trout that also call this area "home".
Auld Reekie Lodge
- Whether you pamper yourself with our
full meal plan and the ultimate in comfort in one of our 6
luxury suites, or stay in a fully equipped 4 star cottage where
you can cook your own meals, at Auld
Reekie Lodge we feel
we've got everything you're looking for and more. Auld
Reekie Lodge, as
featured on the Canadian Sportsfishing Show, is a true escape in
the beauty of Northern Ontario's wilderness.
Lake Herridge Lodge
- A mere
54 miles north of North Bay is
Lake Herridge
Lodge, a family oriented fishing and hunting camp set in the
scenic tranquillity of the Temagami Wilderness Forest. The
Temagami area has long been known for it's bountiful crystal
clear waters. Combine this with comfort of our well maintained
cottages, the attention to detail and the option of American
Plan dining and you have to look no further than
Lake
Herridge Lodge for the
perfect getaway.
Cedar Shores Resort
- Located North of Thunder Bay, close
to East Lake Nipigon. Excellent walleye/pickerel, northern pike,
trout fishing, ice fishing, partridge , small game hunting,
moose, moose tags (bow and rifle), bear, cabins, motel, camping,
reasonable rates, weekend packages bait/ice available,
boat/motor rentals, licenses , sauna, swimming.
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|
"Choosing the
Right Trolling Motor"
By Justin Hoffman
Trolling motors have long revolutionized the sport
of fishing. Anglers in-the-know can now have total control over
their craft at all times, allowing them to fish precise areas and
spots that seemed only a dream in the past. With this added control
comes one definite plus - more fish in the boat. Jump on the
trolling motor bandwagon, and figure out which one is the right pick
for you and your boat.
Talking Thrust
Electric trolling motors deal with "pounds of thrust" when
describing their power ratings. When choosing what pound thrust is
needed to move your boat, a number of criteria must first be
considered. How heavy is the boat, gear and people? Do you fish in
adverse conditions, such as high winds and rough water? And lastly,
what is the length of the boat? The following chart will show the
suggested size of motor needed in comparison to your boats length:
| Boat Length in Feet |
Pounds of Thrust
Required |
| 12 |
30 |
| 13 |
30 |
| 14 |
32 |
| 15 |
36 |
| 16 |
40 |
| 17 |
50 |
| 18 |
55 |
| 19 |
65 |
| 20 |
74 |
| 21 |
74 |
| 22 |
101 |
This chart is meant to convey "normal fishing
conditions." If you fish in rough water or current areas, moving up
to the next thrust level would be advantageous. Also, if you store a
lot of heavy gear, or have more than one fishing partner usually in
the boat, moving to the next level is also advised. Whatever you do,
don't scrimp on choosing your motor. Many professionals believe that
the best rule of thumb is to buy the biggest motor you can afford,
all within reason of course. Running a motor that is under rated for
your boat will only lead to headaches, and sub-par days of
struggling while out on the water. (Buying a motor that overpowers
and dwarfs your craft can also pose many problems, so choose wisely
and do your homework before getting out your wallet.)
Powering It Up
Electric trolling motors come in three different power systems -
12-,24- or 36-volts. A 12-volt trolling motor will run off a single
12-volt deep cycle battery, while a 24-volt runs off of two
batteries and a 36-volt off of three. Although the 12-volt system is
the easiest to maintain and the cheapest, it lacks the staying power
and thrust that the other two provide. A 24- or 36-volt system will
allow the angler to fish longer periods out on the water, as they
draw lower amps while providing increased thrust for more power.
Whatever system you choose, their are certain "pros"
and "cons" attributed to each, and a boat dealership or marina can
address each of these more thoroughly. One key to remember is this:
for boats 16 feet and less, high-thrust 12-volt models are adequate.
If your boat length falls between 16 and 18 feet, consider
purchasing a 12/24-volt or 24-volt system. Any craft over 18 feet
will need a high-thrust 24- or 36-volt trolling motor.
Make sure you purchase the best battery you can
afford, and make sure it is a deep-cycle for maximum power and
longevity.
Bow or Transom Mount?
There are two different kinds of trolling motors available to
the consumer - one that clamps on the front and another that clamps
onto the back. A bow-mounted motor provides easier maneuverability
and much better control in comparison to the transom mount. Unless
you intend to only use the motor for straight trolling, or to fish
lakes and rivers with an "electric motor only" rule, my advice is to
go with the bow mount. For all the different types of fishing
techniques and out-of-the-way areas you'll encounter in your boat,
the bow mount will outshine the transom in nearly every situation.
Hand or Foot Control?
Choosing between a hand and foot-controlled bow mount can be a
tough decision to make. Although both have their merits and
drawbacks, trying each version and finding which is most comfortable
to use is probably your best bet. The following list outlines a few
advantages and disadvantages for both:
| |
Advantages |
Disadvantages |
| Foot Control |
Hands-free usage |
More clutter on deck (pedal) |
| |
Easy to use |
More parts to break |
| |
Can be used anywhere in boat
|
|
| Hand Control |
No clutter on deck |
Hand not always on your rod |
| |
Can only be used from bow |
|
Although I have personally never used a
hand-controlled trolling motor, I do have many friends that swear by
them. Using a bow-mount motor allows me a totally hands-free fishing
experience, which I believe outweighs the merits of the hands-on
version. Ultimately, the choice is yours to make. Talk to a number
of folks that run each and see what they like and dislike about the
one they are running. Remember, once you get accustomed to a certain
style it will be very hard to make the switch to the other, so be
sure to try both out before making your purchase.
Trolling motors add a completely new dimension to
fishing. Perfecting boat control, fishing inaccessible areas and
maintaining a silent approach will ensure added enjoyment and more
fish for the angler willing to experiment. Shop around, take each
style for a test drive, and pay attention to detail - and be
prepared for some banner days on your local lake.
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