(my arms must be too short)
Fred

Attendance:  9th year
Beverage of choice:  Labatt's Genuine Draft

Well, another year goes by and another successful fishing trip.  It was the smallest group to date, but the show must go on.  We had a little rain on Sunday but it wasn't too bad.  It was sunny most of the time and the temperatures were almost perfect.  The first few days may have been a little too warm, but it soon cooled off.  The original camp at Bisco was built many years ago, and the gang at Sudbury Aviation must have decided to rebuild.  We had the luxury of staying in a brand new camp.  This was the first time we had a two-bedroom unit without any bunk beds.  No one had to deal with climbing up a ladder to get into bed.

Also, this was the first year that we had a conventional gas stove.  If we had known a little earlier, we could have been baking cookies in the oven!  The camp also had a new sauna of which we took advantage almost every day.  It was easy to get dehydrated with all of the sauna and beer drinking activity.  There were a couple of sea kayaks around so if you got a little bored with the fishing, you could always go for a ride in one of them.

The fishing was generally pretty good.  The lake had a good supply of both pike and pickerel.  We were able to find enough fish for our late night fish frys and Ben's famous Steamed Fish dinner.  It was a little difficult in determining patterns since we seemed to be catching them at different times of the day, using different baits, and using both trolling and still-fishing techniques.  Eric tried out his new fish finder which proved to be invaluable since my transponder didn't seem to be transponding.  Well, since I have had it for almost eight years, I guess I should be happy.  Conversation in the boat was lively with topics such as new fishing regulations, Toronto's outside workers union strike, water tank heaters and maintenance, gardening, Fred's universal super remote, etc.  Sometimes, I think this is one of the best reasons to come on the fishing trip.

A pellet gun seemed to make its way on the trip so a shooting contest was staged.  I won by hitting four targets with five shots.  Must have been my lucky day.  And no one lost an eye (although we think that there may have been a few strange riccochets)!  A few beers along with a loaded firearm always makes for a good time.

We caught fish everyday, but cleaning them at night was a little uncomfortable with the swarm of mosquitoes that descended upon you when you started working.  They were pretty tenacious and would look for any patch of skin available that wasn't covered with some kind of repellent.  We ate well, had a few laughs, caught a few fish, and drank a few beer.  I don't think there is anything more we could have asked for, except maybe for less mosquitoes at night.

The trip seemed to be over in a flash.  The company was excellent --- a nicer bunch of guys you won't find.  I don't know what I did right to stumble into this group.  Another year gone and more fond memories to add.  Whether we look for the elusive Golden walleye, or the liquid gold of our beverage of choice, Andrew will keep digging away....

Until next year,

Fred

PS.  Andrew, I promise to show you the magic trick next year!