Thanks Smitty and fellas. Just returning here to civilization after a week in the remote of NW Ontario. Seven days chasing giant lakers, several 100km's on the Bravo and dozens of holes through 3-4 foot thick ice and I'm whipped. Quick turn-around at home here too and back to play.
Len... overall "decent" review on the reel I hope to get to you soon with that.
Do not currently subscribe to anything but was made aware of the small picture in OC through a buddy at OFNC. Saw it and simply thought it's cool. God knows those char make for the pictures, not the ugly mugs holding them.
Some might remember Bren's contest as well and her char picture. Turns out there was nothing in the rules stating FB votes could not be paid for by the finalists at any such sites where this can be done. Naive, Bren nor I was aware that this could even happen but, once the two leaders appeared (and it was said verified) to be doing this, it wasn't a contest we felt ethically right in wanting to go any further with. Sadly, Bren had the momentum and had taken the lead when all went weird yet, we both announced that any sudden jumps by 100's of votes within minutes, and it would be sabotage... Until that point things went really well though. Of 2600 legitimate voters from across James Bay mostly, but many here at home and including the fishing websites as well, all were kind and courteous. Only two locals chose to throw punches, but being that I block them at FB and was busy up north, Brenda handled that quick and easy without me. End of the day though, because she ran an honest race, those providing the contest and prize will surely look after her down the road. It absolutely blew me away how loved and remembered she is by friends, co-workers, her social groups and especially those who she as provided and cared for and grew up with in her communities. Past and present patients as well dropping messages of thanks to her, and even to myself while I was in Attawapiskat. She humbles me but with this said, I haven't yet said my thanks to those who supported her through me, or me through her depending how you look at it.
![Laughing :lol:](./images/smilies/icon/lol.gif)
So thanks again any Fish-Hawkers friendly to that cause. There will be more on going fishing up in the Arctic in our future, I do believe.
The winter has flown by. Ice fishing took a backseat to northern work and family, but oddly I managed 20 days out. The lakers got crushed this year... plenty proof of that. Didn't matter where.... This January popped a great big fat stocker on a valley lake in January and, quite possibly caught the most incredible looking valley fish too. This past week up north the greys averaged 17.5 pounds, a 36.5 incher being my smallest. Couldn't come near my PB ice fish though, and quite a slow bite overall. Would like to report more and probably will in time but the coming weeks looking insane.
Again, thanks for taking interest in the the reports old and new. Have hung the hat here a long time now and good to know there's still some friendly to my fishing life.
![Very Happy :D](./images/smilies/icon/biggrin.gif)