Looling Back

Well I see that Andy and I came at last place in the boat rankings, and I can't argue. We did not win many pots but we caught a lot of fish, got along great with each other and had a lot of laughs. Andy said that this was his favorite trip yet. Looking forward to next year but no yet recovered from this year.

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The Chutes

Great trip

Another trip has come and gone, Ithink we all had a good week, agood enjoyable week with family and friends. I hope the camp is still there next year so we can do it again.

Boat Spotlight Confidence List Review

The final pre-trip list looked like this:

Gin is Toxic
Eye to Eye
Camp Director
Boy Was He Pissed
Almost Heaven
Teach a Kid to Fish

By my calculations, the final results should look like this

Gin is Toxic - There was 192 dollars in the fish pot this year and this boat took home 64 dollars (or 1/3) of it, including Big Walleye AND Big Pike for the week. This is not disputable....but I am sure someone (Trent) will have a dispute.

Almost Heaven - I don't have the log book in front of me but it seems like I was handing someone in this boat 12 dollars about every other day.

Boy was he Pissed - Ended the week with three and a half pots if I am not mistaken and stringers full of BS. Also, I am pretty sure this boat didn't clean a fish all week. That is some skill right there.

Teach a Kid to Fish - This was the surprise boat for me this week. They caught a lot of fish and caught some nice fish. Theron had a 26 inch walleye (ended up with two 13 inchers) and won two pike pots if I am not mistaken. They had a good week.

Camp Director - This boat started out on fire with Trent boating 3, 24 inch plus fish on the first day and Uncle Bob winning a Pike pot early in the week. Things fizzled out from there as Trent didn't win any fish pots and Bob never added to his winnings. Total pots won - 1

Eye to Eye - This boat never quite reached the expectations put on it. Troy and Andy were both in the running for fish pots almost every day but just couldn't get it done. Troy laid down for a nap one day with two fish pots and woke up an hour later with none. I think this boat won half a fish pot.

The camp director has the official book and I am sure each boat knows how many pots they won so please set the record straight in the comments.

What a Trip!

Thanks everyone for a great trip. A great time with a really great group of guys. It was nice to climb into my own bed but today I am ready to go back.

Recap:

Estimated Walleye over 24 inches - 8
Estimated Walleye over 30 inches - 1 :)
Broken Rods - 2
Lost Rods - 1 (Recovered)
Lost Nets - 2 (Both Recovered)
Hook Barbs Buried in skin - 2
Smoked out Hamburger Cooker - 1
Boats Paddled Back to Camp - 1
Pairs of Sunglasses lost - 2

Feel free to add to this list...Boat Reviews and Awards coming soon...

well its almost here

As we take care of the last jobs and say our last goodbyes the chutes is still rumbling by the caben to keep it company until we get there

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Boy. Trent must be busy.

Between not being prepared and the rumors of grocery list eff ups, the camp may be accepting nominations for co-camp director on Monday night.

*Fingers tapping on desk, Staring at clock*

Headed that way...

About to leave the house to pick up pepperoni rolls, have lunch with Jane, and head for Ohio. I have to leave in plenty of time to hear Dillon complain and try to steal my stuff and sell it, give Cody time to say so long to all his imaginary girlfriends, Bernie time to grumble. Here's hoping we all have a great time and catch lots of fish, most of all be safe! See you in a bit.

And so it begins...

The slowest day of the year. New yard is seeded and covered with straw. Work til noon, then mow, shower, check off all the things on my list, take my oldest daughter to girl scout camp and hit the road. I will not have a chance for a nap today so don't figure on me driving the first leg. I will take the second shift.

Chuuuutes

Good luck guys, have a safe trip and catch lots of fish, we left you plenty.

Back in the pink

I need to thank Wawa Walleye for mentioning Suzy. I instantly remembered where I left the shirt. I also found the missing salve I've been looking for. Damn rash....

Less than 24 hours...

Tic....Tock.....Tic.............Tock...............Tic.............................Tock!!!!!!

This is shaping up!

A trip without the orange hat or the pink shirt??? This is awesome. I may just leave the sunglasses at home. I have made it through another day here working the ends of my fingers to the bone.

5 hours tomorrow and I am going to leave here only to come back about 6 hours later to the exact same exit off I-77. It just doesn't make any sense but it will be the happiest waste of 3 hours of road time ever.

Reel Maverick Prepares for Butt Kicking and Name Taking...

Reel Maverick is in the process of getting his mind right for this trip. In his game last night, he pitched two innings, had five strikeouts and gave up 1 run. He had a double with 2 RBI and an outfield assist cutting down a runner at second base.

I am beginning to wonder if it won't be necessary for him to take it a little easier on all of us. Maybe if we are lucky, the fishing won't come as easy as baseball.

Nice game, Connor. Good Luck tonight. See you tomorrow evening. No stuffed animals, you can sleep with your ball glove. ;)

The Shirt

Finally starting packing a bag last night. Can't seem to locate my lucky pink shirt. I know many of you have been envious of it for years. I'm hoping no one kidnapped it last year. Will make another search for it today.

Last full day of work...

Today is my last full day of work before the trip. Troy has been on vacation all week, Trent and Bernie are teachers. Cody, Connor, and Andy are students. Dad finished up yesterday. Theron finishes up today at noon. Bob and Aaron are retired. Larry is laid off. It makes me sad that I am the last one working. Somebody has to keep this economy going I guess.

35 hours.

Like a kid at Chrismas...

I'm packed. I'm ready to go. I'm watching the clock tick down. All I want is to see Morgantown in the rear view mirror.

I made it back from the Store

I bought everything on my list for $265.50.

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Just when I thought...

I was going to have a nice relaxing, slow-paced wait until the trip, the guys show up to tear out my english garden and drop 3 tons of dirt, seed and straw. I'll let you know Thursday if I am able to still go. :)

On the upside, I really just needed to cut my hair and I'd be ready to go...until now.

Hot Dogs and coffee are in my possession.

Everything I am taking (minus my tackle and rods) weighs 44lbs and is packed in one bag.

My Favorite Things...

Raindrops on tin roofs and screen doors a slammin,
The sound of the chutes and the takeoff and landing,
All of the boxes of snack cakes we bring,
These are a few of my favorite things.

Bob with his hair jigs and Trent’s ears all crusty,
Beer battered walleye and stories a plenty,
Giving the year’s first nightcrawler a fling,
These are few of my favorite things.

When the Amish Gripe.
When there’s no bite.
When the bugs are bad…
I try to remember my favorite things,
And then I don’t feel so sad.

Pliers with tethers and Gin by the cap full.
Showing the colors of chips being helpful,
Rookies bright faces on first chutes sighting,
These are a few of my favorite things.

Boats tied together to see who’s is biggest
Aaron for once goes the week fish pot winless,
Moose in the weedbeds and glimpses of mink,
These are a few of my favorite things.

Troy and Andy at the mouth of the river,
A swig on a cold day sure staves off the shiver,
Hearing the drag on my reel make that zing
These are a few of my favorite things.

When the heat comes,
When the week’s done,
When I pack my bag,
I try to remember my favorite things
And then I don’t feel so bad.

OK, We can go now

Our bags are packed and we are ready to go. Patty and I are going to buy the food this morning. FYI I did all of the laundry for this trip. Patty is living like a queen around here!

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Listening to Jimmy....

Well I have been drunk now for over two weeks,
I've passed out and I've rallied and I've sprung a few leaks,
But I've go to stop wishin,
Gotta go fishin,
I'm down to rock bottom again,
Just a few friends,
Just a few friends...

These next two and a half days are going to wear on me.

Tractor is a go;

I talked with richard tonight at five o'clock, the tractor is going special delivery by rodney to the chutes tomorrow. the fridge isn;t fixed, but there is lots of ice. with the tractor we can move boats and haul ice.see all of you thursday evening, remember your passports or ID for the youngsters.

Chutes Report...

Got an email from Frank and he said they had a good week, caught lots of fish, fished both up above and down below. Fished for Pike up above mainly. Saw a moose with her calf and a Bull Moose. (Ladies, avert your eyes) Had a bear in camp the first day.

And the news you have all been waiting to hear....there is no Tractor at camp. This is a pretty big deal, in my opinion. He needs to have Rodney get something there before Friday. We have 5 guys at or near retirement age and two others under 14. I don't think this is terribly much to ask before we hand him 10 Grand.

Weather Summary and Bug Report...

Hot the first two days (Low 80's).
Closer to normal temps the rest of the week. (75-78)

Biggest threat of rain seems to be Sunday (60%)

Sunday also seems like the only day for lightning to run us off the water.

Bug report says high for Black Flies and Medium for Mosquitos. I would venture a guess with the hot weather they have had this past week that those two will be reversed for our week.

See you all in a few days.

Food and beverage

All of you younger campers are gittinng worked up over nothing , in my thirty eight years at camp no one has went hungry or died of thirst , relax we are ok on the food and beverages , We can work out the small details on the way to WaWa. See all pof you thursday at six-thirty.

White Fang No More

I called this morning and cancelled the motel rooms at White Fang. I guess it is official, we are driving straight through. Hey, quick question. How many hand held CBs do we have for this trip. I found an old one that I had, do I need to take it? I am not even sure if it still works or not.
Don't forget your fitted sheets and bug spray. See ya on Thursday.

Here's a good tip!!

I have my boat cooler packed with assorted dry goods but the best thing in there is a canvas bag big enough to hold the contents. After getting off the plane, every thing goes into the bag and the cooler gets stocked for the boat ride. Might be one of my brightest ideas. Also I regret to inform my fellow campers that "the hat" is missing. I've still got a few more days to search for it.

Give me the athority

As far as needing an extra meal, let me know and I will put another meal on the menu, since I'm buying most of the food anyway. Patty can help me come up with something, but be warned she's gonna want to throw a veggie in there. I'm probably going shopping on Monday so let me know.

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The Man Cave is Resting

Unless the camp director changes his mind, I think the man cave is resting until after we return from the north. A lot got talked about, but as far as I know, only one thing got decided. We are meeting at fishfinder's on Thursday at 6:30 pm.

We still don't know what to do about the Friday night meal or how to do the fish pot money but we are leaving Thursday. it is unclear whether or not we will have a tractor, water or a toilet. Trent mentioned nothing about picking up the worms, I hope he remembers to do that.

Just for you Bernie..."All my bags are packed, I'm ready to go..."

I am a haircut and 3 1/2 days of work away from being 100% ready.

Alright, I'll say it...

Other than the fact we feel like it is jinxed, is there any other reason not to take 129 up to Foleyet? Seems like the 45 minutes to an hour we would save would be valuable. Obviously, I don't care which way we go but the conversation is worth having.

It was like I was already there...

We went to see the Indians play the Blue Jays last night. Great game. It got started with the Canadian national anthem and ended with us sending the cunucks back home in dramatic fashion. Talked to a couple of guys that came down from the north to see their Jays take a beating. It was nice to talk to some people who pronounce about, "aboot" and end all of their sentences with "eh?"

It was like I was already there. I got 50 singles with my money withdrawal so nobody else needs to add that to their list.

It is so close I can smell It.

If you care.

I know most of you don't have jobs so this is not exciting for you but tomorrow is my last day of work, before our trip. Sounds like I will see most of you guys Saturday out at Dad's working on the man cave.

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2011 departure time ?

Texas Bob spoke with Richard tonight, we can fly in Friday, actually at noon, this means we will get an extra day at camp . We will need to leave thursday evening between seven and eight o'clock or even earlier , it takes about sixteen hours to drive to Foleyet, I can leave anytime , need some input from the rest of you , regardless i am still going.

Fahrenheit/Celcius Conversion Chart

Fahrenheit/Celcius Conversion Chart

Click on the link above if you don't want to do the math

Boat Spotlight: S.S. Gin is Toxic

In honor of us being a week out, I thought I'd post this a day early. A little treat. That and you might need a little extra time to take it all in. Enjoy...

You might be wondering how the guy who had been doing all the reviews on these boats can impartially write his own boat's review.

He can't. Watch. I'll show you.

No stars need to align, no superstitions need to be adhered to, no magic potion needs to be sprinkled on us, we are just due.

A lot of trips have passed since Dad started going in 1976 and me in 1982. In that time a TON of fish have been boated and great times have been easy to come by. There has just been something missing...

Dad had a stretch of years fishing with Bob when huge question marks were raised about his fish catching ability. In recent years he has found his groove again and not only been catching more fish but seeming to put his boat partner on big fish. He is a steady fisherman, a good boat captain, and hopefully a good worm and beer getter. He has a lot to do with the challenges for this boat but none of the challenges are his directly.

His Anchorman has talked the talk for a long time and while catching a lot of fish, hasn't seen a ton of money come his way as an adult. This is another case of just plain-old being due. There are not issues with fish catching, netting, anchor work or anything else for that matter, he just needs to find that big fish. Finding the focus for that big fish may be the challenge. Never has an anchorman had so much responsibility.

I need to balance the continuous effort to cast that orange hat off Dad's head (I saw Aaron C. do it before so I think I have a good grasp on how), ration his Gin intake, ensure proper hydration, probably have to make his sandwiches, stock the cooler, fill the gas...etc. A lot of these are normal activities for an anchorman but it is the Orange hat and Gin that are the real challenges. Do I keep the Gin from him before dinner so we can fish in the evening or do I give him a little before dinner and after? There is a fine balance that needs achieved so we can fish early each morning and each evening after dinner. I may develop some sort of table to keep tabs on it. There aren't enough sunglasses on the planet for me to stare at that orange hat all week so there may need to be some sort of covert op post-gin where I can swap it out with a different hat.

If I can get these things accomplished, the possibilities are just endless for the amount of fish we might catch. But the 24 inch and up fish have eluded us for quite a while (some of us longer than others) and this is the year that changes...in a big way. The domination predicted for Gin is Toxic in 2011 will make Trent's 2009 look like a day at the bluegill pond.

Troy and Andy finally have some competition. In fact, for the first time throughout this process, they aren't at the top of the list. NEW LEADA!

Final Confidence List:

Gin is Toxic
Eye to Eye
Camp Director
Boy Was He Pissed
Almost Heaven
Teach a Kid to Fish

So there it is boys. Do with it what you will. I would steer clear of the Gin is Toxic boat on wagering day because with the amount of money sure to be placed on that boat, the payout is sure to be minimal.

I don't want to alarm anyone....

But when was the last time we had to run the wood burner all night? Now, keep in mind, this is a little premature, but the low On Monday and Tuesday of our week is forecasted to be 38 degrees....not Celsius.

Our first day of fishing is supposed to be a repeat of 2009. 6 feet from the sun.

Thursday Edit: OK...So maybe they don't have it nailed down just yet...

You might think these two forecasts are for different countries but they are in fact for the same location.

Hints from Heloise (Cabin etiquette for the new guys)

• Do not turn the kitchen sink on when someone is in the shower. Hottttt


• When baiting a mouse trap with peanut butter, do not double dip. Something to do about germs.


• Close the cabin door when entering or leaving the cabin in the early morning or after dark. Buzzzzzzzzzz.


• Do not put used cooking oil in the cupboard above the stove in an open container. Some people are naturally curious.


• Say you like the food even if it sucks. They may have slaved all day over a hot stove.


• Take a turn at washing the dishes. It's the only way I know to get rid of the worm guts that get stuck under your fingernails. Don't forget to rinse.


• If the blue poker chips change to green, it's time to go to bed.


• If you hear a loud thump that shakes the cabin in the middle of the night, it's OK to roll over and go back to sleep. He's alright....


• When you return to the cabin after fishing in the evening, do not be alarmed at the fellow sitting in the corner in shorts with an unbuttoned shirt or possibly no shirt at all. No that is not really an opossum hanging around his neck. He may be asleep, but you really need to resist the urge to run you fingers through the fur. He doesn't like to be touched. Well, maybe Cody could get away with it.

Outdoors Card...

Only Theron (and PITAIT if he chooses to buy a license) will need an outdoors card if I am not mistaken. Yeah Theron, they are going to take you for an extra ten bucks at Youngs.

Duty free is open 24/7

Youngs is open 7 to 7. 7 days a week.

Finding a hot hamburg may prove to be difficult unless we find lunch in Foleyet.

What did you guys do for lunch on the way up last year?

The Back Cabin...

I think we should decide it by geographical distance to Camp. The four people who live the furthest away should be in the back cabin. It just so happens that I have calculated those exact distances and I have listed them below.

Morgantown - 840 miles
Woodsfield - 863 miles
Gilmore - 802 miles
Gnadenhutten - 791 miles
Bolivar - 765 miles
Wadsworth - 724 miles

The only downside as I see it is that Cody gets a top bunk. Bernie usually likes to be on top of Larry, but I am sure they can work that out.

That's Better....

For Reference 25* C is 77ish degrees, as a general rule add or subtract 2 degrees F for every degree C (Actually it is 1.8 but I'd hate for anyone to have to use a calculator...or abacus).

I've Made It

Although I've had some technical difficulties I've managed to FINALLY get on this blog. It's good to hear you all think you all have a chance at fisherman of the week. That will make it more fun for me to beat you all.

Under 10....

Now that our Thursday departure is a definite maybe, our countdown is officially under 10 days. It is really time to get serious about this trip. Theron and I got Reel Maverick to the water's edge last night with a spinning rod in his hand. He's got the hang of it. We didn't simulate the pulling of the anchor rope but he will figure that out soon enough.

I've got a few more things to throw in the duffel but for the most part, I am packed and ready to go.

Did we figure on an extra dinner or are we just going to add a fish night to the mix? There will be a lot of extra hot dogs so if Fishfinder wants to add a couple more packages of hotdog buns to his list that is an option.

9+ days until departure.

6 more days of work. (Assuming I'll be able to stay all day on leaving day)

I am going to once again refrain from posting the fly-in day weather. I'd hate to have to pay for a cabin for you guys again while I sleep in the van.

I am just a haircut and a bank stop from being ready to go....mentally I'm already there.

Departure time

I spoke with Richard this evenibg, looks like we may be leaving Thursday night. He is going to call me and let me know what time we need to be there Friday afternoon,should have more info tomorrow. No rain in tuscarawas county, dry and dusty, need a lot of BV to cut the dust. Looks like Thursday and Saturday are Mancave work days.Fish Finder brought out his chop saw this afternoon , will save a lot of time when the walls start going up. I have all my stuff packed except my clothes, will not take to long to pack a clean pair of socks and a toothbrush.

OH BROTHER, WHERE ART THOU......

Aaron, it has dawned on me that we will be the only brothers paired up in a boat this year. This trip will seem more like a father and son outing. I have to include Larry and Cody in this group as well as Larry is considered to be Cody's Grandpa. Worse than that is that Cody claims Bob as his uncle. Could it be they are all related in some round about way? Being the odd men out, we will probably have to sit off by ourselves during dinners. On a lighter note, I just got finishsed cleaning up a downed tree between the shop and the house from yesterday's storm. Larry and Cody came over and helped. We of course got another inch of rain and some marble sized hail. Starting to gather things together for the trip. Starting to get that Christmas spirit you talk about.

Hot Dogs...

I was all set to come on here and post that Sandy's sister is contributing the hot dogs for this trip so we can take them off the grocery list. Then I looked at the grocery list here at Dad's and the hot dogs were no where to be found. I will look at the rest of the list to see what else has been left off. Thus begins my campaign for co-camp director. I will bring the hot dogs, no need to add them to the list now.

ONE HIT WONDERS

I'm a little confused on why Ryan is giving reviews on our boats. It's a little like listening to Keith Oberman give reviews on NFL players and their teams. Don't you think one should play the game first. There is however an old tale about him catching a nice walleye at the moose stand many moons ago. I believe this is my eleventh trip and I haven't seen any thing on his stringer that could be called outstanding. This fish I've heard about must have been caught in the previous century. He predicts a bad week for the Haines Brothers this year. Ryan knows as well as all others who have been there that a bad week is still a good week when you're at the Chutes with friends and family. Hope everyone gets a pot winner.

Things Are Coming Together

As the date of our departure approaches, my excitement continues to increase. Things are really starting to come together. The Man Cave is starting to take shape, the worms have been ordered, the beer has been bought. Now, I need to find some time to get my reels lined and rods in the case. I am going to try and keep my clothes at a minimum.

I have talked to a couple of people who have returned from Canada already and they said they had a great year. The fish should be jumping in the boat. Theron and Connor might actually have a chance of winning a fish pot.

Lastly, is anyone actually believe a word Ryan has posted about the boat reviews? I can't wait to hear his review. One thing is for sure, I won't read it while I'm eating for fear of choking. Take care all and keep the posts coming.

This is going to be a perfect trip...

First forecast for fly-in day : Sunny and 77 degrees. That is a perfect day. I am sure it won't change at all between now and then.

I am going to hold off on the bug report for the time being. It isn't something you want to see.

Connor and Trent...

Some good info at the following link starting at around the 9 1/2 minute mark of the video. Pitching jigs for walleye. The Next Bite

By the way, for those of you who have watched much of Keith Kavejecz and Gary Parsons, if I hear them tell me one more time about the semi-standup jig that took them two years to design, I might scream.http://www.blogger.com/img/blank.gif

Boat Spotlight: S.S. Teach a Kid to Fish

If you give a kid a fish, you feed him for a day. If you teach a kid to fish, he'll throw every set of pliers you own in the river.

Which is why we are putting Connor with his Grandpa on Day 1.

This boat has some real challenges ahead of it. It isn't without some things going for it though, either.

Connor is as rookie as rookie gets and with that comes quite a bit of historical fortune. I am really excited he is going on this trip and even more excited I will be around to see his face when the first 30+ inch pike comes to the top of the water. At some point during the week, he will catch a pot winner, all his Dad has to do is not screw it up with the net. One thing I know for sure, is that Connor will figure out how to get the fish to bite and then perfect it with each cast. He might do it in a stealth-like manner but he will do it nonetheless.

Theron is a first time returnee and could very well be the quickest a guy has gone from just keeping all of his tools in the boat to Boat Captain. There is a lot to learn on that first day: The motor, the depth finder, trolling speed, the anchor, tying lures on, taking fish off, making sandwiches, the list just goes on and on...what more could be expected of the guy other than keeping his son dry and catching a few fish in the process. A pot winner just seems totally out of the question.

But what happens when Connor does catch one, he gets it up to the boat and Theron, in the midst of all the other responsibilities has forgotten to untangle the net from the rods. While he works to get the net loose, Connor is reeling against the drag and the fish breaks him off. Oh, Theron will hear about it the rest of the week. Connor is not the type to pat his Dad on the back and say, "It's OK fella, we'll get 'em next time." It will haunt Theron until he has a chance to redeem himself.

Speaking of redeeming himself. I hear he is bringing extra pliers. We are going to count the number he brings on the first night of camp and again before we leave just to see if 2006 taught him anything. Wow. Has it really been 5 years since Theron was up there last? The MNR takes our fish and Theron doesn't go back for 5 years. I would be pissed too if I donated two sets of pliers to their waters and they still had the nerve to take all my fish.

Welcome Connor and welcome back Theron. As a welcoming gift, I am going to put you at the bottom so it will be easy to find your boat in the list. Prove me wrong, nothing would make me happier.

Confidence List:

S.S. Eye to Eye
S.S. Camp Director
S.S. Boy Was He Pissed
S.S. Almost Heaven
S.S. Teach A Kid To Fish

Two More Weeks and just one more boat spotlight...It doesn't look like there is any space in between any of these to put another boat. Only space at the top and at the bottom...we'll have to wait and see.