As long as I can remember days spent at camp were a constant during the summer months. This holds a special place for me as I know most of you can relate. The never ending opportunities for activities and leisure lead to a busy or relaxing day; it’s always your choice. My personal favourite past time was, and I think always will be, heading out fishing on that special lake or river that you know intimately. There are no pressures or expectations while on the water and any tug on your line is a bonus.
Opportunities for fishing are endless; shorelines, docks, nearby break walls and using one of the many vessel’s available; canoes, kayaks and motor boats to pursue your game. Looking back, most of my childhood time was spent casting off anything that could reach fishable waters. I would never know what to expect or catch and usually came home with a bounty of pike, bass and pan fish. Some of the best days out are the simplest ones.
Hopping in the aluminum boat for the day with a meal packed always gave me a sense of excitement. Opportunities are only limited to your imagination and unfortunately, the size of waves on the lake. Heading to new places and throwing your favourite styles of baits and presentations with success never gets old. Some of my preferred summer baits include Spinnerbaits (Booyah, Strike King), Jerkbaits (Rapala’s X-raps & Husky Jerks), Spoons (Little Cleo’s & Dare Devils), Inline Spinners (Mepp’s and Vibrex), Soft Plastics (tubes, Senko’s & Gulp minnows) and live bait on a standard jig. These techniques are sure to provide you with countless bites and many quality fish over the years.
The best part about fishing at camp is that there are no pressures surrounding you; it’s just you, your fishing partner and your chosen body of water. Nothing beats sitting back and taking it all it all in. Every once and a while we need to step back and thoroughly enjoy the natural environment; living in northern Ontario is a blessing all on its own.
I know that with the end of every work week there is an opportunity to head to camp, go camping or just hit the water. All of the stress and weight of the work week will be lifted upon arrival. How much better can it be than being joined by your family, loved ones or a group of close friends enjoying a hot, sunny, summer weekend.
I know where I will be this weekend and I hope you take a break from it all and start packing your gear. See you on the water; I’ll be the one with a smile on his face.
A tradition always forging memories