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    February 9, Words From The Wilderness    
Alan's Message

One Week remaining for REEL DEAL!

The deep freeze across the north seems to have lifted, at least momentarily. Warmer temperatures and snow are allowing some of us to come out of hibernation mode and possibly take some time to enjoy winter -beyond the comfort of central heating and down filled duvets. For some humour to melt away the winter blues check out this funny clip from the Rick Mercer Report.

 

For those of you already planning your summer adventures, and anxiously awaiting warmer temperatures I thought this would be a good time for a friendly reminder about the REEL DEAL discount. The deadline is fast approaching to save 10% off your 2013 Wilderness North adventure. For those of you who are ready to book, you have one week left (until Feb 15th) to take advantage of this great offer.

 

To help with your trip planning over the next few months as we count down to summer, Tyler and Scott have shared some great advice on essential gear. Tyler provides some tips on how to brave the elements by staying warm, dry, and comfortable regardless of what Mother Nature throws at you, while Scott shares the ins and outs of gunning for big pike on a fly rod.

 

As always, it's great to hear from you! 
Alan and KC at WN

 Sincerely,

Alan Cheeseman

 President, Wilderness North

1-888-465-3474

 alan@wildernessnorth.com

 

 

 

Quick Links To The Wilderness North Website

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Tyler's Thoughts
Gearing up for a Northern Canadian Adventure

Tyler Master CC Pic As I begin to plan for the approaching season at Strikers Point Lodge I remember how crucial it is to plan smart, pick right, and pack tight. When I look back on my own experiences guiding in remote locations, there were many times when I thought: "I wish I had that" or "I wish I had this". I can also recall many guests in my boat that felt the same. With that being said, I'm sure we can all agree that good planning is the key to any successful trip. I, myself, have begun amassing an arsenal of fishing equipment, outdoor clothing, proper footwear, and all the other essentials. Although I must plan for 4-5 months and most of you reading this are planning for perhaps 1 or 2 weeks, the critical items remain the same. Here's my advice on what to pack to stay warm, dry, and comfortable on your fly in adventure.

 

First off, let's remember that no matter what time of year you are travelling into the great Canadian northlands, you are bound to experience a variety of weather. For example, if you are travelling north in mid-July, you'll still want cold weather gear for those early morning boat rides and surprise rainstorms. When you're out on the water it's good to be prepared for anything that Mother Nature may send your way. I have often witnessed the needless suffering of fellow fishermen due to substandard base layering, footwear and outerwear. When you are underprepared you focus primarily on getting warm and miss out great fishing time -and we don't want that so we :p.

 

In regards to being comfortable, the first thing to consider is base layering. These are the items of clothing that go on right next to your skin. There is a major difference between long johns and proper base layer. Sure you can throw on any pair of long underwear, or thermal shirt and be warm... for a bit. 8 hours later in the boat, however, you'll wish you hadn't overlooked this aspect as those heavy long johns will become soggy with sweat and are icing themselves to your legs and back. There are several manufacturers producing high quality products with quick drying, moisture wicking, and high breathability properties. I avoid one piece suits altogether, they never keep me as warm as separate shirt and bottoms. A proper base layer wicks moisture away from the body, and passes it through to the next layer of clothing. Layering your socks following the same principles is the way to go. I like to wear a pair of knee high micro fleece wicking socks and a pair of wool wading socks over top. This keeps my feet warm and dry while wading in rivers for 10 hours a day in December. Simms and Under Armour offer a good range of base layering apparel and tend to be my top choice in this department.

 

One of the great benefits of smart layering is reducing bulkiness -providing unlimited mobility while staying warm and dry. So after your base layer, what's next? Again, depending on the day, this may fluctuate. If I am boating or wading, I prefer to wear 2 pair of fleece jogging pants. The first are XL, and the second are XXL. The difference in size allows one pair to fit tight and, the next to wrap around those. When the days get warmer in the afternoons, I like to go with one pair of fleece jogging pants and then a specialized wind cutting, quick drying pant. The North Face has a large selection of these types of pants. I follow the same premise for my upper body; a secondary wicking layer, such as a quarter zip micro fleece, followed by a warm fleece lined hoodie. Many outer layer shirts are made with UV repellant materials these days and can be great to wear on their own, later in the day.

 

Next on the list is footwear. I cannot stress enough how important it is to keep your feet warm and dry when venturing into the outdoors. One thing I always remember from my time at Wilderness North is how fast the weather can change. I have made the mistake of wearing only a pair of running shoes out on the boat based on my own weather predictions only to get caught in sporadic rain showers. Hands down, insulated rubber hunting boots are the most versatile footwear in the north and a must have for any Wilderness trip. Insulated rubber boots are useful all year long but are most valuable in the spring and fall. They provide excellent warmth and the ultimate in water resistance. I love my 16 inch Rocky Mudsox boots. They are rated with 1000 grams of insulation and are equipped with neoprene calf backs to allow for a tremendous amount of comfort and mobility. A great choice for long days in a boat, with minimal walking and physical exertion (they can be heavy). For more active days or when packing space is tight and you want something for all situations, I would recommend an ankle high waterproof hiking boot. Gore Tex boots are the way to go. I absolutely love my North Face Hydro seals. They are by far the lightest, most comfortable boot I have ever worn and completely waterproof. I also always have a pair of quick drying, drainable, water shoes for warmer days. Some models have excellent traction for both in the boat or for casual hiking. These shoes are key when the sun burns hot and the winds let up towards the middle of the season. There have been many days where I started out wearing my rubbers and ended in my water shoes.

 

Last but not least, let's discuss the benefits of a quality outer shell to protect everything. An outer shell is meant to be the final barrier between you and the elements. It should do three things; block the wind, block the rain, and keep you warm. If you were going to purchase only one item, this is where the biggest investment should be made. I have suffered too many wet and cold days in the past wishing I had bought a quality suit. Again, in my opinion, a quality suit is one that is 2 piece (bibs and jacket), made of Gore Tex with welded zippers on all pockets, has excellent freedom of movement, and is not bulky. I have recently purchased a Simms Pro Dry Gore Tex suit which more than meets my needs. There are many brand names out there that also offer high quality outer wear at an affordable price.

The last two items to consider are gloves and hats. I recommend having one pair of really warm gloves at all times -not full out winter mitts but something easy to put on and take off for boat rides or longer hikes. I always, however, carry a pair of half-fingered wool gloves in my pockets for the times when it is just too cold to fish with bare hands. Majority of the time I prefer wearing my fleece lined hood as opposed to a toque or beanie. A nice fleece toque, however, is always good to have packed.

 

Of course, every day in the far north is different and there will be days when you might be over dressed or feel over prepared. For this reason, a medium sized, high quality Seal-Line dry bag is recommended. Most are made from thick rubber and are very durable and protective. Having this bag will allow you to shed layers and keep them dry, or easily find them again if needed. If you've done much fishing in Northern Ontario you know, this could be momentarily. They also help keep the boat organized and are great for stashing drinks, snacks, cameras, GPS units, etc.

As I continue with my trip planning I look forward to sharing my advice with all of you and would be happy to answer any gear or tackle related questions you might have.

 

Looking forward to warmer temperatures in Canada,

Stay tuned!

Tyler Lancaster
By the Way...
Some of my favorite writing on fly fishing has more to do with the "why" of the sport than the "how to." The soon-to-be-released "Why I Fly Fish" by Chris Santella (who did a lot to show us the ultimate "wheres" of fly fishing through his books "Fifty Places to Fly Fish Before You Die" and "Fifty More Places to Fly Fish Before You Die") certainly cuts to the core of why people from all walks of life find themselves hopelessly addicted to standing in water waving a long stick. Each chapter features an elegant narrative. I find some of the specific quotes to be very interesting:"To me, the whole intoxication of fly fishing is sight fishing," said author Carl Hiaasen."Fishing gets me close to the very basic reason for what I'm on the planet for--to survive," said April Vokey. And golf legend Nick Price said, "I think the most telling similarity between golf and fly fishing is that with both sports, you're constantly learning, constantly trying to improve your methodology."In sum, it's an inspirational read. It might motivate the newbie who's wondering what this game is all about. But more importantly, perhaps, it reaffirms in the hearts of the committed angler some of the reasons why we're here in the first place. The book costs $19.95...»
  
Two-way radios are a great way to stay in touch when fishing. I've been using them more and more recently -part of that is safety related. I typically like to work my own stretch of river, but I like to have buddies around. If somebody takes a fall, the others can help. And then there are simple advantages like, "I left my spool of 5X in the truck, mind if I walk down and borrow some of yours?" or "Hey, the blue-winged olives are starting to hatch up here, keep your eyes peeled." My favorite scenario is sight fishing as a team: One angler in the water, and another on a high bank calling in the shots like a forward artillery observer, whispering into the ear piece of the caster (because I do think shouting spooks fish), "Next shot... three feet upstream, and two feet left of the last drift."I tested the new Motorola Talkabout MS355R radios and they are now my favorite of any I have used or reviewed for Field & Stream. The number one feature is that they're waterproof. Drop them in the river, and you don't have to worry. They also float, so you can find them after they fall in without going swimming yourself. They're not too heavy or bulky, though the electronics are indeed beefy, offering a 35-mile range in flat terrain. In the river canyons, I've been able to reach out for a mile or more, which is better than most options. And the rechargeable 3.6 volt batteries should last through a typical fishing day, even if you're a prolific chatter. I turned this set over to my 12-year-old son and his buddy, and let them do their worst. They're still crystal clear after being dropped on rocks, left in snow banks, and subjected to sub-freezing temperatures overnight. Another great feature is the price, just under $100 for the pair...»

One of my favorite quotes came from English literary critic Cyril Connolly, who said: "Literature is the art of writing something that will be read twice; journalism what will be grasped at once." I've fallen into a recent pattern of re-reading some of my favorite fly-fishing books. I'm finding that some of the books that got me going in the first place are even more profound and interesting the second (or third... or fourth) time around, especially now that I have many more river miles under my belt. "A River Runs Through It" is so clean, and so honest, I simply cannot read the last three paragraphs of that novella with dry eyes. My own affinity to flowing rivers grows stronger as I grow older myself, I have indeed discovered that "under the rocks are the words, and some of the words are theirs." I am indeed "haunted by waters." Every single day. "A River Runs Through It" should be mandatory reading, and not just as a point of entry to fly fishing. It should be revisited at least every other year. Thomas McGuane has arguably produced the most eloquent prose on fly-fishing culture ever. Ninety-two in the Shade is iconic. It's so real and relevant it reverberates like thunder claps over a gray saltwater flat. If you haven't read it, you must. Ted Leeson is perhaps my favorite writer of all. All his writing is stunning-both in the journalistic (read what he's done for Field & Stream) and literary contexts. I cannot help myself but to revisit The Habit of Rivers now and then. James Babb is also in his own league. Nobody turns a phrase like Babb. All of his stuff is magic. My favorite, River Music, is definitely worth a double or triple dip. There are, of course, many others worth reading twice or more. Robert Traver (John D. Voelker) hit a chord like no other with Trout Magic. And David James Duncan knocked it out of the park with The River Why....»

Fishing, to me, is as much about the people with whom you share the experience as it is about the fish themselves. I fished many times with the late, great Charlie Meyers, with whom I wrote "The Little Red Book of Fly Fishing." Looking back, I almost feel guilty now for taking some of those jaunts to the river almost for granted. To be sure, I was acutely aware of the honor at the time. But, man, what I would give to lace up the boots one more time with Charlie, so we could wade and talk. I try to think about the lessons he shared when we did fish together, every single time I set out to write a story about these things now. But as the years elapse, I can't help but wonder if I'm on the right track, and if he'd be proud of the work. I've been very fortunate to have shared some great times in beautiful natural places with some of the best anglers in the world. Hemingway would be a trip. That would either go really well, or be a total disaster. And Ben Franklin, though not noted as an angler, intrigues me beyond imagination. Anyone who figured out as much as he did would probably revolutionize fly fishing theory within a matter of a few casts....»
  
Some reels and rods are inevitably much improved, and I love the technical innovations. So what about the old stuff? In pondering this, I decided I could be perfectly happy fishing with the same things I was using 20 years ago. In fact, some of the "old stuff" doesn't seem old at all and still functions perfectly. Here are some examples: One is Abu Garcia's round-type baitcast reels. These were a great design decades ago and they still are. There have been various model tweaks over the years, but the fundamental design is unchanged. I still have and use both 5000- and 6000-series models, most often when pike or striper fishing.Similar reasoning applies to much of my fly tackle. I have a Fenwick HMG graphite 9-foot, 5-weight model that I built from a blank in the mid-1970s. The rod still feels very light in the hand and casts superbly. I would have no trouble using it for most of my modern trout fishing. I still lust for new rods and reels, just to try them out and see if they are indeed better. What it does mean, though, is that I might not be quite as quick to abandon old-tackle friends for new ones, no matter how much greener the grass looks. ...»
Scott's Words of Wisdom
Gunning for BIG Pike 

The more I fly fish, the more I love big pike. They are such an impressive looking fish. They are also very eager to take fly fishing presentations. In fact, one of my good fishing buddies has been keeping track of hookups with big pike for about 10-years. He's found that fly fishing accounts for more hookups than regular gear. Sometimes on a 2-1 ratio. And contrary to what most people think, a properly equipped fly angler can boat even the biggest pike in short order.

 The trick is having the right gear. Just like Tyler's well thought out message on outdoor clothing, the right fly gear will make your pike outing that much sweeter.

 

Here's the goods:

 First take your budget for fly gear and allocate about 50% towards the rod. This is the tool that makes most of the difference in casting large pike streamers and handling big fish. Look for a rod that comes with a substantial guarantee. Expect to pay anywhere from $250 - $700 for a good rod with a lifetime guarantee. (Let's put it this way, I wouldn't pay that much coin for a rod that didn't have a lifetime guarantee!) The reason for the price is that top quality graphite makes a huge difference in a skilled fly casters hand when it comes to casting long distances and handling big fish. Choose a rod in the 8- to 10-weight category. I use a 10-weight and even a 12 for really big pike and musky. These heavy rods are also suitable for saltwater applications, so the rod is good for tarpon, snook and small sharks.

 

Speaking of sharks, pike have teeth that are just as formidable. So you definitely need a bite leader. I have used common 12-inch wire leaders and they work fairly well. But the heavy swivels and snaps make casting more difficult. There are a number of good tie-able, braided-wire leaders out there. I use up to 40-pound test for my pike leaders. Have that bite leader connected to the fly line with a three-foot length of 30- or 40-pound monofilament like Maxima and your set. You just need a good-sized pike streamer. Something 6-inches long or so with added flash and something resembling eyes. Pike target the heads on baitfish so eyes help them zero in. My favorite colors are black, yellow, orange, and of course red and white. Some of my streamers have weed guards on the hooks and some have stinger hooks for those days when the pike are hitting short. Make sure you have a jaw-spreader and long-shank pliers for removing the hook. You want to return from your fishing trip with all of your digits.

 

At present my biggest northern pike is 46-inches. I've caught big pike right from the Northwest Territories to Northern Saskatchewan and Eastern Quebec. But Northern Ontario doesn't take a back seat to anyone and I hope to take a 50-incher soon. My goal is certainly possible in both the Albany and Ogoki systems so I'm hoping 2013 is my year. If you're also interested in gunning for big pike drop me a note and I'll point you in the right direction. Some of the biggest pike I've seen are lurking in Wilderness North waters.

 

Tight Lines,

Scott

Food for Thought
 
In the absence of posts from either Meryl or Krista this week, on account of the two of them representing Wilderness North at the Toronto Sport'sman Show this weekend, I thought I would keep the facebook discussions going with some great questions courtesy of blog posts listed in the By the Way column.
  
Most of the posts, and regular installments in the weekly newsletters, talk about why we fish and some of the things that have influenced us. For some of us it was a great book or author that struck a chord. As an avid reader and outdoor enthusiast I was wondering what fishing books or peices of literature you would consider to be classics and have read more than once? Although not related to fishing  one of my classics would be Lost Child in the Woods by Richard Louv. For others, it was a close friend or someone that we looked up to who introduced us to angling and the great outdoors. This brings me to my next question:
If you could fish with anyone deceased or still living who would it be and why?
The best answers and all new FaceBook likes will be entered in a draw to win cool prizes.
  

Friday Ice Fishing Double Feature

For anyone hitting the hard frozen water this weekend, here are two new vids to get you pumped for some drilling. First up we've got a "trout, trout, trout, monster trout!" Extra brownie points because these Russian anglers worked in some sweet victory music. Next up, one of the more bizarre ice fishing vids I've seen. If only it was this easy, right? Have a great weekend, and stay safe on the ice....»
  
Until next time,
Robert
Graham's Weather Outlook
Grfaham Saunders
Last time I was writing about a January thaw - several daily records were set and the duration rivalled anything in the instrument records of Armstrong, Geraldton, Nakina and other northern locations.

 January is almost always the coldest month in this part of the world. If one wants cold, perhaps "patience" is the key word. Temperatures became "normal" around mid-month, cold enough for most people, especially with windy conditions. Then, a week later, serious cold set in.

 In some ways it was convenient, -40 is -40, whether one speaks Fahrenheit or Celsius. Blame this on an Arctic vortex, a persistent large-scale low-pressure circulation pattern that produces a funnel of cold air that reaches thousands of miles/kilometres to the south. There was a break, but a similar pattern re-established late in January and has persisted into February with temperatures slowly heading towards a possible February thaw.

  

Graham Saunders

Wilderness North Weatherman Graham Saunders teaches weather at Lakehead University in Thunder Bay, and writes a weather column for the Thunder Bay Chronicle.