Feb 13

2012 Calgary Boat and Sportsman Show

 

Patrick Babcock of Cree River Lodge shares fishing stories at the Calgary Boat and Sportsman show

And that’s a rap!

The 2012 Calgary boat and Sportsman show has come and gone again with the show being held this past weekend at the BMO Center in Calgary. I attended the show again this year and was very happy I went down. I was there more for the people then the boats this year. I have a great boat that works well for my style of fishing! I went down this year to meet a few fishing friends from out of province.

I was able to meet some new fishing fanatics from Northern Saskatchewan, these boys are fishing for the big Pike and Walleye that inhabit their local lake. Patrick Babcock of Cree River Lodge was kind enough to stand and trade fishing stories for over ten minutes. We were mostly talking about his fine resort located just south of the North West Territories border in White Fox Saskatchewan. I stood at his booth and eye balled all the images he had laid out on the table, most of which brought my mouth to open wide with awe. The fish are jaw dropping, heart pumping-drag burning specimens of life that will leave you wanting more.

Every year countless northerns in to 30 to 40 inch range are caught and released. Monster northerns in the 40 -50 inch range are not uncommon. A legitimate shot at battling giant Pike over 45 inches makes for awesome fishing everyday at the Cree River Lodge. Patrick also explained that golden Walleye in the 2 to 4lb range are abundant and are easily caught on simple rigging. “During the month of August we have some of our best Walleye fishing right off the dock at the lodge. There is also Artic Grayling in the lake, so guests can also bring their fly rod and have a go at these feisty high flying fish”.

I noticed a few pictures of Robyn Regehr of the Calgary Flames holding a massive pike with a large smile on his face. No wonder he was smiling, you should have seen his catch. Hopefully one day I will have enough funds in my bank account to take the trip up to northern Saskatchewan for a tussle with the heavyweights of Cree River Lodge.

I would like to thank Patrick for taking the time out of his day to stand and chat with me. Hopefully this year you will see my face in one of those pictures. Have a look and see what I am talking about on Patrick’s website seen here www.creeriverlodge.ca

Feb 06

My Three Year Old Catches Her First Trout

Paige catches her first Bow River Brown Trout

Paige’s first Brown Trout

After sitting around for the better part of Saturday we decided Sunday we were going to get out and get active. A walk in the dog park was in order for both the dog and the kids alike. Why not get outside in plus twelve degree bliss. This weather has been unreal here in Alberta and what a great way to spend a day outdoors. Of course I had to bring my fishing rod with me, the river runs right by the east side of the dog park and why would I miss an opportunity to wet a line. What true fisherman would leave his gear at home and walk beside a river that just begs him to fish. That would be insane would it not?

A short drive down Deerfoot Trail and off to the Southland Dog Park we go with the fishing gear in tow. Once we arrived I thought every dog owner in Calgary was walking their dog today. The parking lot was packed and cars and trucks were spilling out onto the road that leads into the parking lot. Continue reading

Jan 13

Gift Card Give Away From Empire Covers

Boat cover image from empire coversHere is your chance to win a 100.00 gift certificate from EmpireCovers.com. Empire Covers supplies boat, car, truck and many other products to keep your vehicle/boat protected from the elements. Many anglers store their boats outdoors during the winter months when the water is a frozen slab of ice. This is where the boat cover comes in! Handy for protecting your expensive investment from the elements, or if you have that prized possession in the garage and only drive it in the summer months, then a car cover is just what you need to protect that show car finish from dust and dirt.

If you are like many folks who do not have a garage to store your vehicle in, then your ride is left outside in the driveway exposed. When your car, truck, station wagon, van, or SUV sits parked outdoors, there are a number of elements that can scratch, dent, or dull its paint and finish. Dust can become abrasive and scratch your vehicle. Bird droppings can stick to your car’s paint, making it difficult to remove without damage. Over time, wind, rain and snow can wear away your paint’s finish and make it look dull. And trees can drop acorns, sap, and pollen, all of which can stain, dent, or scratch your car. With an outdoor car cover, you can protect your trusted vehicle from these and other elements that threaten it when it’s parked outside. Alas, premium vehicles cover from EmpireCovers.Com. Empire also supplies snowmobile covers, motorcycle covers, and so many more covers to keep any toy protected and safe from Mother Nature.

So here is the trivia question to the contest. What is the all-time best selling lure in the Rapala lineup? The first person to answer this trivia question correctly will win the 100.00 gift certificate at www.empirecovers.com.

Please post a comment on this Blog post with the correct answer.

Good luck to everyone.