tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19022029673402498712024-03-13T08:47:12.279-07:00HolidayHarborBrucehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17222911457992040732noreply@blogger.comBlogger18125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1902202967340249871.post-76446553380391650262009-02-19T13:31:00.000-08:002009-02-19T13:44:59.585-08:00<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_AsnAoSFpINw/SZ3Qvkk0hwI/AAAAAAAAAPU/oyh9VIWC77E/s1600-h/Mark%27s+2+pike.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5304625451802855170" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 129px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_AsnAoSFpINw/SZ3Qvkk0hwI/AAAAAAAAAPU/oyh9VIWC77E/s200/Mark%27s+2+pike.jpg" border="0" /></a> Pike fishing has been in fashion for many years as evidenced by this dated photo. Note the youthful look, the eager smile and the assortment of gear that always accompanies the avid hard water angler. These fish, handled with the traditional eyeball grasp, will soon become some darn good table fare.<br /><br /><div><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_AsnAoSFpINw/SZ3QkzmpfUI/AAAAAAAAAPM/wMjfoYngFVo/s1600-h/Scot%27s+Pike%231.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5304625266858491202" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 150px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 200px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_AsnAoSFpINw/SZ3QkzmpfUI/AAAAAAAAAPM/wMjfoYngFVo/s200/Scot%27s+Pike%231.jpg" border="0" /></a> Scott shows off a typical Holiday Harbor pike in front of shanty #3. Equipped with a wood stove and benches, these shantys are a welcome respite from the icy, cold wind. This fish was released soon after this photo to grow even larger for the next catch. It's alway a thrill to hear the cry of "Flag!" and watch the rush to the tip up to discover what lies beneath the ice.<br /><br /><div><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_AsnAoSFpINw/SZ3QJZURbQI/AAAAAAAAAPE/DuDtXdX6gdk/s1600-h/John+and+Chris+Pike+002.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5304624795945626882" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 112px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 200px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_AsnAoSFpINw/SZ3QJZURbQI/AAAAAAAAAPE/DuDtXdX6gdk/s200/John+and+Chris+Pike+002.jpg" border="0" /></a> Fathers and sons (as well as wives, daughters and others) can all enjoy the sport of ice fishing. These guests enjoyed a "bluebird" day with bright skies and plenty of action on several tip ups.<br /><br /><br /><div><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_AsnAoSFpINw/SZ3P5RWcUkI/AAAAAAAAAO8/-czOF-uXV3U/s1600-h/drillin-chillin.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5304624518929338946" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 150px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_AsnAoSFpINw/SZ3P5RWcUkI/AAAAAAAAAO8/-czOF-uXV3U/s200/drillin-chillin.jpg" border="0" /></a> Many folks like to get set up well before daylight; eager for the "early bite". Others like to stay on the ice until the last rays of sun have disappeared. Early or late, the time spent on the ice is always enjoyable and one to remember for a long time.<br /><br /><br /><br /><div></div></div></div></div>Brucehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17222911457992040732noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1902202967340249871.post-21810987473327542472008-12-15T11:37:00.000-08:002008-12-15T11:56:49.794-08:00The approach of winter<div align="center"> </div><div align="center">Winter brings a variety of activities to the North Country, but for many of us, it means one thing: Ice Fishing!</div><div align="center"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_AsnAoSFpINw/SUa0QY4kbSI/AAAAAAAAAO0/ooSX-mMrG0Q/s1600-h/gill-n-perch.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5280105806789111074" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 150px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_AsnAoSFpINw/SUa0QY4kbSI/AAAAAAAAAO0/ooSX-mMrG0Q/s200/gill-n-perch.jpg" border="0" /></a>Panfish like these yellow perch and bluegill, make great table fare. The popularity of fishing for these scrappy, smaller fish is growing each year with tournaments and national teams heading to Lake Champlain for some of the best ice fishing in the east. </div><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div align="center"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_AsnAoSFpINw/SUa0QDwGZxI/AAAAAAAAAOs/tduf15Vsngc/s1600-h/Eyes+in+the+hole.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5280105801116444434" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 154px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_AsnAoSFpINw/SUa0QDwGZxI/AAAAAAAAAOs/tduf15Vsngc/s200/Eyes+in+the+hole.jpg" border="0" /></a>Although the walleye population is not what it once was, restoration projects by groups like the Lake Champlain Walleye Association are helping this great game fish make a comeback in Lake Champlain. It's a thrill to see those "eyes" coming to the hole and a great treat to enjoy catching these wily fish. <br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div align="center"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_AsnAoSFpINw/SUazfCh_Q9I/AAAAAAAAAOk/72k670ozcKA/s1600-h/Artur%27s+Pike4.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5280104958975230930" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 150px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_AsnAoSFpINw/SUazfCh_Q9I/AAAAAAAAAOk/72k670ozcKA/s200/Artur%27s+Pike4.JPG" border="0" /></a>Considered a "trash fish" for many years, the northern pike is easily the most sought after species using tip ups in the northern tier of Lake Champlain. Knowing how to dress these fine fish and eliminate the Y bones, makes for some of the finest eating fish in all the lake. If you want to give it a try, contact Bruce at Holiday Harbor for more info.<br /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5280104024348344562" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 150px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_AsnAoSFpINw/SUayooxkwPI/AAAAAAAAAOc/T-FTnWKweXM/s200/Murphy+Group+2.jpg" border="0" /><br />These guys know what it's all about: a fine day of ice fishing with family and friends and a chance to land a good pike or two in the bargain. It's all here at Holiday Harbor. Why not give it a try?<br /><br /><div align="center"> </div><div align="center"> </div></div><div align="center"><br /><br /><div align="center"></div><br /><br /><div align="center"></div><br /><br /><div align="center"></div><br /><br /><div align="center"></div><br /><br /><div align="center"></div><br /><br /><div align="center"></div><br /><br /><div align="center"></div><br /><br /><div align="center"></div><br /><br /><div align="center"></div><br /><br /><br /><div align="center"></div><br /><br /><br /><div align="center"><br /></div><br /><br /><br /><br /></div></div>Brucehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17222911457992040732noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1902202967340249871.post-40005912326813669772008-10-10T08:03:00.000-07:002008-10-10T08:59:59.250-07:00Vermont robes itself in splendor.<div align="center"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_AsnAoSFpINw/SO95FW1bzpI/AAAAAAAAAK4/H5JrNy5-rcc/s1600-h/Oil+Painting.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5255552423100665490" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_AsnAoSFpINw/SO95FW1bzpI/AAAAAAAAAK4/H5JrNy5-rcc/s200/Oil+Painting.jpg" border="0" /></a> Early fall shows its colors in the swamps and wetlands first. The tawny grasses and bare trees are in sharp contrast to the emerging colors.<br /></div><div align="center"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_AsnAoSFpINw/SO943P2IppI/AAAAAAAAAKw/EE0lcrHwMAI/s1600-h/fallfence.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5255552180706387602" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_AsnAoSFpINw/SO943P2IppI/AAAAAAAAAKw/EE0lcrHwMAI/s200/fallfence.jpg" border="0" /></a> Fence lines and hedgerows point the way to long travelled entrys and exits to farms and fields.<br /><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_AsnAoSFpINw/SO94ny2iVRI/AAAAAAAAAKo/kq0uBY8yBSs/s1600-h/fall.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5255551915225404690" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_AsnAoSFpINw/SO94ny2iVRI/AAAAAAAAAKo/kq0uBY8yBSs/s200/fall.jpg" border="0" /></a> Lake Champlain has its own magestic beauty as the exposed shorelines separate the colorful trees from the sparkling water.<br /><br /><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_AsnAoSFpINw/SO94ZJ1m_mI/AAAAAAAAAKg/BXN7zS9R_oc/s1600-h/Colorful+Road.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5255551663697493602" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_AsnAoSFpINw/SO94ZJ1m_mI/AAAAAAAAAKg/BXN7zS9R_oc/s200/Colorful+Road.jpg" border="0" /></a> Almost every road becomes a riot of color and texture. Each tree has a speciality to display at this time of year.<br /><br /><br /><br /><div><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_AsnAoSFpINw/SO9vAxa_UJI/AAAAAAAAAKY/-ZPK--Cd-YQ/s1600-h/Fall+reflection.bmp"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5255541349221879954" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_AsnAoSFpINw/SO9vAxa_UJI/AAAAAAAAAKY/-ZPK--Cd-YQ/s200/Fall+reflection.bmp" border="0" /></a> Some of the most dramatic views involve reflections of color. Autumn is also a time of reflection for all of us at Holiday Harbor as we give thanks for a prosperous summer and look ahead to another exciting ice fishing season. Enjoy the colors!</div><div> </div><div align="left">Again, a tip of the hat to brother Mark, for several of these terrific shots! Thanks, bro.<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /></div><div></div><br /></div>Brucehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17222911457992040732noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1902202967340249871.post-3476651990661550992008-09-17T11:37:00.000-07:002008-09-17T18:15:19.872-07:00Fins, Feathers and Fur<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_AsnAoSFpINw/SNGoEF4tU8I/AAAAAAAAAJw/VPgNrQOaAHY/s1600-h/Calsmallie2.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5247159829116310466" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_AsnAoSFpINw/SNGoEF4tU8I/AAAAAAAAAJw/VPgNrQOaAHY/s200/Calsmallie2.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br />Fat smallies are found both deep and shallow in early to mid fall. As the water temps begin to drop, both live bait and artificials work well on these hungry, foraging brown backs.<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_AsnAoSFpINw/SNGnhPqX6wI/AAAAAAAAAJI/VboonJsABWQ/s1600-h/EarlyMorningDoe.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5247159230445120258" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_AsnAoSFpINw/SNGnhPqX6wI/AAAAAAAAAJI/VboonJsABWQ/s200/EarlyMorningDoe.JPG" border="0" /></a> </div><div>All wildlife begins to stir as the cool nights and changing leaves remind all of us of this beautiful season in Vermont and also what lies ahead in the coming days.</div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_AsnAoSFpINw/SNGnhpwHPxI/AAAAAAAAAJQ/5KAp0c8vErs/s1600-h/RandyB.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5247159237448515346" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_AsnAoSFpINw/SNGnhpwHPxI/AAAAAAAAAJQ/5KAp0c8vErs/s200/RandyB.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_AsnAoSFpINw/SNGnh8B2qqI/AAAAAAAAAJY/2miqi1aHvXM/s1600-h/Paul+Bonamassa+003.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5247159242354764450" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_AsnAoSFpINw/SNGnh8B2qqI/AAAAAAAAAJY/2miqi1aHvXM/s200/Paul+Bonamassa+003.jpg" border="0" /></a> </div><div>Largemouth in great numbers are caught each fall - both in the weeds and off points and drop offs. Some nice fish are still being caught right off the dock and up and down the shorelines of the Alburgh Passage.</div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_AsnAoSFpINw/SNGniPD9q5I/AAAAAAAAAJg/odrJEBix2W0/s1600-h/Other+fish+001.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5247159247463885714" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_AsnAoSFpINw/SNGniPD9q5I/AAAAAAAAAJg/odrJEBix2W0/s200/Other+fish+001.jpg" border="0" /></a>Big pike are smashing anything shiny that comes by. Several fishermen target these toothy beasts at this time of year. One father and son trip (usually only bass fishermen) ended their trip with "the best day of fishing we've ever had!" - broken rods, burned out reels and several pike in the 10lb class. It's hard to stop when the action is this hot.</div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_AsnAoSFpINw/SNGniWVdX7I/AAAAAAAAAJo/aQTeYzjmXTE/s1600-h/Other+fish+007.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5247159249416314802" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_AsnAoSFpINw/SNGniWVdX7I/AAAAAAAAAJo/aQTeYzjmXTE/s200/Other+fish+007.jpg" border="0" /></a> Selective harvesting allows for a nice meal of fresh fish. These beauties will make a couple of nice suppers for Leo and company.<br /></div><br /><br /><div></div><br /><br /><div></div><br /><br /><div></div>Brucehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17222911457992040732noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1902202967340249871.post-69974547539876257662008-07-10T05:10:00.000-07:002008-12-09T21:34:05.959-08:00The pictures tell the story<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_AsnAoSFpINw/SHX-LAkaTxI/AAAAAAAAAIA/3uuPpb_ZJqc/s1600-h/Fox+on+the+run.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5221358808090693394" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_AsnAoSFpINw/SHX-LAkaTxI/AAAAAAAAAIA/3uuPpb_ZJqc/s200/Fox+on+the+run.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_AsnAoSFpINw/SHX-LUXSVNI/AAAAAAAAAII/wp6Xu_lK4i0/s1600-h/Diehlbass.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5221358813404353746" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_AsnAoSFpINw/SHX-LUXSVNI/AAAAAAAAAII/wp6Xu_lK4i0/s200/Diehlbass.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_AsnAoSFpINw/SHX-LlaZTWI/AAAAAAAAAIQ/JDitxD4tIqw/s1600-h/Larggie1.bmp"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5221358817980796258" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_AsnAoSFpINw/SHX-LlaZTWI/AAAAAAAAAIQ/JDitxD4tIqw/s200/Larggie1.bmp" border="0" /></a><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_AsnAoSFpINw/SHX-MDmzOII/AAAAAAAAAIY/JRI-e-aCVew/s1600-h/Setting+sun.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5221358826085890178" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_AsnAoSFpINw/SHX-MDmzOII/AAAAAAAAAIY/JRI-e-aCVew/s200/Setting+sun.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div>Happy fishermen and plenty of fish make for smiles and good times at Holiday Harbor. Summer means rest and relaxation for folks who come to the Lake Champlain Islands for a break. The peace and quiet of rural Vermont blends with the terrific fishing right off the dock or in a nearby cove. After a good day on the the lake, many guests say they've not slept this well in years! Fresh air, good company, great fishing and clean, comfortable rooms all add up to an affordable vacation that's not too far from home. </div>Brucehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17222911457992040732noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1902202967340249871.post-54410919675115708542008-06-21T15:17:00.000-07:002008-12-09T21:34:06.977-08:00<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_AsnAoSFpINw/SF2AJD209ZI/AAAAAAAAAHw/9up2SPun8Yk/s1600-h/Leo%27s+Pike.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5214464836707349906" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_AsnAoSFpINw/SF2AJD209ZI/AAAAAAAAAHw/9up2SPun8Yk/s200/Leo%27s+Pike.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><div><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_AsnAoSFpINw/SF1-jJhDTkI/AAAAAAAAAHQ/5nr_1iiw3dg/s1600-h/Bill%27s+Bass.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5214463085879971394" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_AsnAoSFpINw/SF1-jJhDTkI/AAAAAAAAAHQ/5nr_1iiw3dg/s200/Bill%27s+Bass.jpg" border="0" /></a> Whoever said it's all about the fishing was absolutely right! These fat largemouth bass are just some of the early season bass that have come to the boat. Largemouth bass can be caught in the nearby waters like the Alburgh Passage, Carry Bay, Pelot's Bay and Macomb Bay.<br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_AsnAoSFpINw/SF1-jaLJQnI/AAAAAAAAAHY/sQmfDcCMWBE/s1600-h/Guenzrllarge.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5214463090351489650" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_AsnAoSFpINw/SF1-jaLJQnI/AAAAAAAAAHY/sQmfDcCMWBE/s200/Guenzrllarge.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_AsnAoSFpINw/SF1-jfP_kCI/AAAAAAAAAHg/4uaaAS5yKnc/s1600-h/Mark%27s+sm.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5214463091714002978" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_AsnAoSFpINw/SF1-jfP_kCI/AAAAAAAAAHg/4uaaAS5yKnc/s200/Mark%27s+sm.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_AsnAoSFpINw/SF1-jkGYRMI/AAAAAAAAAHo/prUOrf3z5o0/s1600-h/Ron%27sSmallie2.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5214463093015856322" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_AsnAoSFpINw/SF1-jkGYRMI/AAAAAAAAAHo/prUOrf3z5o0/s200/Ron%27sSmallie2.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><div>Fiesty smallmouth bass are coming in good numbers, too. Most fishermen are suprized by the healthy action and clean condition of the fish. As the smallies complete their spawning and return to the deep water humps and reefs, most anglers target the daily movement of these fighters as roam back and forth from deep water to shallow. </div><div> </div><div> </div><div>Northern Pike are found on the outside weed lines, waiting to ambush bait fish. They fall easy prey to big lures and flashy spinners.</div><br /><div></div><br /><div></div></div>Brucehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17222911457992040732noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1902202967340249871.post-84171021909680544742008-05-29T10:00:00.000-07:002008-12-09T21:34:08.802-08:00Let the Games begin!<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_AsnAoSFpINw/SD7kmKPlHzI/AAAAAAAAAGo/5VBfxwJJYpE/s1600-h/Apple+blossoms.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5205849563522735922" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_AsnAoSFpINw/SD7kmKPlHzI/AAAAAAAAAGo/5VBfxwJJYpE/s200/Apple+blossoms.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_AsnAoSFpINw/SD7kmqPlH0I/AAAAAAAAAGw/6fR5NItIlWY/s1600-h/fishing+boat.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5205849572112670530" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_AsnAoSFpINw/SD7kmqPlH0I/AAAAAAAAAGw/6fR5NItIlWY/s200/fishing+boat.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_AsnAoSFpINw/SD7km6PlH1I/AAAAAAAAAG4/LCk0f1SejVA/s1600-h/Hawk+on+the+wing2.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5205849576407637842" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_AsnAoSFpINw/SD7km6PlH1I/AAAAAAAAAG4/LCk0f1SejVA/s200/Hawk+on+the+wing2.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_AsnAoSFpINw/SD7knKPlH2I/AAAAAAAAAHA/XAoG1vxm4II/s1600-h/Young+moose.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5205849580702605154" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_AsnAoSFpINw/SD7knKPlH2I/AAAAAAAAAHA/XAoG1vxm4II/s200/Young+moose.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_AsnAoSFpINw/SD7knaPlH3I/AAAAAAAAAHI/p7cfVSBBVIw/s1600-h/SunsetSailboat.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5205849584997572466" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_AsnAoSFpINw/SD7knaPlH3I/AAAAAAAAAHI/p7cfVSBBVIw/s200/SunsetSailboat.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_AsnAoSFpINw/SD7i7aPlHuI/AAAAAAAAAGA/alKcFp90t2o/s1600-h/Ronnie08.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5205847729571700450" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_AsnAoSFpINw/SD7i7aPlHuI/AAAAAAAAAGA/alKcFp90t2o/s200/Ronnie08.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_AsnAoSFpINw/SD7i8aPlHvI/AAAAAAAAAGI/sd7XASg3zuc/s1600-h/Ron%27sSmallie1%5D.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5205847746751569650" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_AsnAoSFpINw/SD7i8aPlHvI/AAAAAAAAAGI/sd7XASg3zuc/s200/Ron%27sSmallie1%5D.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_AsnAoSFpINw/SD7i86PlHwI/AAAAAAAAAGQ/WwkLRGr9LE0/s1600-h/Leo%27s+Pike.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5205847755341504258" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_AsnAoSFpINw/SD7i86PlHwI/AAAAAAAAAGQ/WwkLRGr9LE0/s200/Leo%27s+Pike.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_AsnAoSFpINw/SD7i9KPlHxI/AAAAAAAAAGY/fdEITvjWLWA/s1600-h/smallie2.bmp"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5205847759636471570" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_AsnAoSFpINw/SD7i9KPlHxI/AAAAAAAAAGY/fdEITvjWLWA/s200/smallie2.bmp" border="0" /></a><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_AsnAoSFpINw/SD7i9qPlHyI/AAAAAAAAAGg/q8lFGQ4OEZQ/s1600-h/Bill%27s+Bass.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5205847768226406178" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_AsnAoSFpINw/SD7i9qPlHyI/AAAAAAAAAGg/q8lFGQ4OEZQ/s200/Bill%27s+Bass.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><div>A nice run of warm, fair weather greeted fishermen in mid May with air temps in the 70's and water temps approaching the magic 55 degrees here in the Alburgh Passage. Both large and smallmouth bass, northern pike and even the occasional walleye and salmon chased the variety of offerings.</div><br /><br /><div></div><br /><br /><div></div></div><br /><p></p><br /><p></p><br /><p>We're happy to welcome friends (both old and new) back to Holiday Harbor for another fishing season. The lake and fishery seem healthy and the scenery is always changing. Thanks to my brother, Mark, for providing some of these nice shots of life in and around Holiday Harbor.</p><br /><p></p><br /><p></p><br /><p></p><br /><p></p>Brucehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17222911457992040732noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1902202967340249871.post-88298613382256068912008-05-10T05:12:00.001-07:002008-12-09T21:34:09.281-08:00Early Season Salmon<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_AsnAoSFpINw/SCWR6fvqz8I/AAAAAAAAAFg/R8QnQ0RE5OE/s1600-h/AnBradon1.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5198721779008982978" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_AsnAoSFpINw/SCWR6fvqz8I/AAAAAAAAAFg/R8QnQ0RE5OE/s200/AnBradon1.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_AsnAoSFpINw/SCWR6_vqz9I/AAAAAAAAAFo/02dygh7ImOU/s1600-h/AnBradon2.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5198721787598917586" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_AsnAoSFpINw/SCWR6_vqz9I/AAAAAAAAAFo/02dygh7ImOU/s200/AnBradon2.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_AsnAoSFpINw/SCWR7fvqz-I/AAAAAAAAAFw/-RD0JRNNAk0/s1600-h/AnBradon3.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5198721796188852194" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_AsnAoSFpINw/SCWR7fvqz-I/AAAAAAAAAFw/-RD0JRNNAk0/s200/AnBradon3.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_AsnAoSFpINw/SCWR7vvqz_I/AAAAAAAAAF4/uxPOsOR7CVw/s1600-h/AnBradon4.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5198721800483819506" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_AsnAoSFpINw/SCWR7vvqz_I/AAAAAAAAAF4/uxPOsOR7CVw/s200/AnBradon4.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div></div><br />Captain Tony Bushway has been putting his clients on fish all spring as evidenced by these fine catches of Atlantic Salmon. Capt. Tony leaves from Apple Island Marina in South Hero. You can experience some of this exciting fishing by contacting him at (802) 654-9282 or email at <a href="mailto:anbradonfishingcharters@yahoo.com">anbradonfishingcharters@yahoo.com</a> These fish are real acrobats; fun to catch and great table fare.Brucehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17222911457992040732noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1902202967340249871.post-63956959715205433492008-05-10T04:58:00.000-07:002008-12-09T21:34:10.111-08:00Dandelions and Apple Blossoms<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_AsnAoSFpINw/SCWQAvvqz6I/AAAAAAAAAFQ/_iXFBgX8Q7M/s1600-h/Docks+going+in.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5198719687359909794" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_AsnAoSFpINw/SCWQAvvqz6I/AAAAAAAAAFQ/_iXFBgX8Q7M/s200/Docks+going+in.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_AsnAoSFpINw/SCWQA_vqz7I/AAAAAAAAAFY/-xlmiUc4zUQ/s1600-h/Docks+going+in+2.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5198719691654877106" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_AsnAoSFpINw/SCWQA_vqz7I/AAAAAAAAAFY/-xlmiUc4zUQ/s200/Docks+going+in+2.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_AsnAoSFpINw/SCWPOvvqz4I/AAAAAAAAAFA/e1imuu_h50M/s1600-h/DockLakeshoreFall07+004.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5198718828366450562" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_AsnAoSFpINw/SCWPOvvqz4I/AAAAAAAAAFA/e1imuu_h50M/s200/DockLakeshoreFall07+004.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_AsnAoSFpINw/SCWPOvvqz5I/AAAAAAAAAFI/rjiudlJP14k/s1600-h/Docksinspring.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5198718828366450578" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_AsnAoSFpINw/SCWPOvvqz5I/AAAAAAAAAFI/rjiudlJP14k/s200/Docksinspring.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><div>Early spring is preparation time for the approaching fishing season. High water in the Champlain Basin helps to flush out the low lying areas and swamps as fish move in to spawn primarily guided by changing water temperatures. These photos show last fall's water levels compared with this spring.</div><br />Docks, which have been safely stored on the shore away from the dangerous ice break-up, are hoisted back into the water. When the water recedes, they will be reattached to the cement foundation anchors using chains.</div><br /><p></p><br /><p></p>Brucehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17222911457992040732noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1902202967340249871.post-87056535589116152792008-04-15T05:09:00.000-07:002008-12-09T21:34:10.384-08:00April - the in between month<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_AsnAoSFpINw/SASegrm1MvI/AAAAAAAAAE4/Lpa-xagwIgY/s1600-h/Boats+await.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5189446954936251122" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_AsnAoSFpINw/SASegrm1MvI/AAAAAAAAAE4/Lpa-xagwIgY/s200/Boats+await.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_AsnAoSFpINw/SASbqLm1MuI/AAAAAAAAAEw/bqNiNUv6NnA/s1600-h/Roof+Glacier.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5189443819610125026" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_AsnAoSFpINw/SASbqLm1MuI/AAAAAAAAAEw/bqNiNUv6NnA/s200/Roof+Glacier.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><div></div></div><br /><br /><p>Melting snow in the mountains creates dramatic changes here in the Champlain Valley. Rivers unlock their frozen secrets and the rush of open water is heard everywhere. Lake Champlain refills once again as the level of the lake reaches 100' above sea level all the while emptying north via the Richelieu River into the great St. Lawrence Seaway.</p><br /><p></p><br /><p></p><span></span>Open water enthusiasts ready their boats for another exciting season on the lake.<br /><br /><p></p><br /><br /><p></p>Brucehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17222911457992040732noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1902202967340249871.post-6592491289834938622008-03-31T08:01:00.000-07:002008-12-09T21:34:11.269-08:00The Ice of March<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_AsnAoSFpINw/R_EAJETqPTI/AAAAAAAAAEI/cWmzchV_vn8/s1600-h/A+spring+fish+fry.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5183924801855175986" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_AsnAoSFpINw/R_EAJETqPTI/AAAAAAAAAEI/cWmzchV_vn8/s200/A+spring+fish+fry.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_AsnAoSFpINw/R_EAKETqPUI/AAAAAAAAAEQ/EZiAb1I4yk4/s1600-h/Big+Bait-big+fish.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5183924819035045186" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_AsnAoSFpINw/R_EAKETqPUI/AAAAAAAAAEQ/EZiAb1I4yk4/s200/Big+Bait-big+fish.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_AsnAoSFpINw/R_EAKkTqPVI/AAAAAAAAAEY/lLL9svOmEXM/s1600-h/Flinn+and+Tango.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5183924827624979794" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_AsnAoSFpINw/R_EAKkTqPVI/AAAAAAAAAEY/lLL9svOmEXM/s200/Flinn+and+Tango.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_AsnAoSFpINw/R_EALETqPWI/AAAAAAAAAEg/ZCEydYgbCes/s1600-h/Joe%27s+Pike.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5183924836214914402" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_AsnAoSFpINw/R_EALETqPWI/AAAAAAAAAEg/ZCEydYgbCes/s200/Joe%27s+Pike.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_AsnAoSFpINw/R_EALkTqPXI/AAAAAAAAAEo/1THyPZo_Eh8/s1600-h/Sam%232.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5183924844804849010" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_AsnAoSFpINw/R_EALkTqPXI/AAAAAAAAAEo/1THyPZo_Eh8/s200/Sam%232.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div></div><br /><div></div><br /><div>The last weekend in March promised good pike action and believe me, it was true to it's reputation. After a slow start with fish grabbing the bait and dropping it on the return, we began to sink the hooks and landed nearly 30 fish for the day. Besides some good pike in the 4-6lb range, we tusseled with a few in the 7-8lb class and even pulled in some big bowfin. A few crappies, sunnies and perch rounded out the day.</div><br /><div></div><br /><div>We're setting up closer and closer to the marsh where the big hen pike are cruising in as they begin their spring spawn run. Most of the fish were returned to the water and the ones we did harvest for a fish fry were all clean and healthy looking ones both inside and out.</div><br /><div></div><br /><div>Ice conditions continue to hold up well here in the Alburgh Passage. The channel is opening up out in the middle where the current flows strongest, but the inside bays are still well locked in. Even the shorelines are stable; plenty of 4 wheelers still find good access and can travel up and down the bays. I fished for crappies yesterday and counted 38 cranks with the hand auger to get through the solid ice pack. That translates to about 16" of good ice still in the bay. With temps holding below freezing most nights this week, we'll be ice fishing again this weekend for sure!</div><br /><div></div><br /><div></div>Brucehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17222911457992040732noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1902202967340249871.post-35984382478788686852008-03-20T18:03:00.000-07:002008-12-09T21:34:12.044-08:00Late day on the Ice<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_AsnAoSFpINw/R-MKLkTqPPI/AAAAAAAAADo/b6h9v-9EQNY/s1600-h/Andy2.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5179995190247177458" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_AsnAoSFpINw/R-MKLkTqPPI/AAAAAAAAADo/b6h9v-9EQNY/s200/Andy2.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_AsnAoSFpINw/R-MKL0TqPQI/AAAAAAAAADw/A15DSZbsQ7c/s1600-h/JW3.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5179995194542144770" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_AsnAoSFpINw/R-MKL0TqPQI/AAAAAAAAADw/A15DSZbsQ7c/s200/JW3.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_AsnAoSFpINw/R-MKL0TqPRI/AAAAAAAAAD4/9Gy3S2EVtOo/s1600-h/Andy3.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5179995194542144786" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_AsnAoSFpINw/R-MKL0TqPRI/AAAAAAAAAD4/9Gy3S2EVtOo/s200/Andy3.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_AsnAoSFpINw/R-MKL0TqPSI/AAAAAAAAAEA/CZ190Xbo-qQ/s1600-h/JW2.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5179995194542144802" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_AsnAoSFpINw/R-MKL0TqPSI/AAAAAAAAAEA/CZ190Xbo-qQ/s200/JW2.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div>Andy and Jason found a weed edge on a deep water breakline as the pike began moving from the channel into the head of the bay. Flags were flying all day. These photos are just some of the highlights.</div><br /><div></div><br /><div></div>Brucehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17222911457992040732noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1902202967340249871.post-14502220400267774852008-03-17T10:11:00.000-07:002008-12-09T21:34:13.031-08:00More pike on the ice<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_AsnAoSFpINw/R96pAUJe16I/AAAAAAAAACQ/XUiz6c7jKJU/s1600-h/John9lbpike.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5178762444396222370" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_AsnAoSFpINw/R96pAUJe16I/AAAAAAAAACQ/XUiz6c7jKJU/s200/John9lbpike.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_AsnAoSFpINw/R96pAkJe17I/AAAAAAAAACY/-bXwsS_VPd4/s1600-h/John+and+Chris+Pike+002.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5178762448691189682" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_AsnAoSFpINw/R96pAkJe17I/AAAAAAAAACY/-bXwsS_VPd4/s200/John+and+Chris+Pike+002.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_AsnAoSFpINw/R96pAkJe18I/AAAAAAAAACg/SAxYxU5LHik/s1600-h/Tim%27s+pike.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5178762448691189698" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_AsnAoSFpINw/R96pAkJe18I/AAAAAAAAACg/SAxYxU5LHik/s200/Tim%27s+pike.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_AsnAoSFpINw/R96pBEJe19I/AAAAAAAAACo/_v1WIZqMoTo/s1600-h/Dan%27s+latepike.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5178762457281124306" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_AsnAoSFpINw/R96pBEJe19I/AAAAAAAAACo/_v1WIZqMoTo/s200/Dan%27s+latepike.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_AsnAoSFpINw/R96pBkJe1-I/AAAAAAAAACw/IbiwbRiDZ3g/s1600-h/John9lbpike2.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5178762465871058914" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_AsnAoSFpINw/R96pBkJe1-I/AAAAAAAAACw/IbiwbRiDZ3g/s200/John9lbpike2.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div>As promised, here are some more shots of this week's pike. The Worcester crew knows how to follow Toad's advice!</div>Brucehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17222911457992040732noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1902202967340249871.post-65846532732607030372008-03-17T09:42:00.000-07:002008-12-09T21:34:13.954-08:00Mid March Pike<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_AsnAoSFpINw/R96jS0Je11I/AAAAAAAAABo/ghqZbBMkDBw/s1600-h/Murphy+Group+2.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5178756165154035538" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_AsnAoSFpINw/R96jS0Je11I/AAAAAAAAABo/ghqZbBMkDBw/s200/Murphy+Group+2.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_AsnAoSFpINw/R96jTkJe12I/AAAAAAAAABw/uhDkTRT-0Tk/s1600-h/Murphy+Group4.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5178756178038937442" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_AsnAoSFpINw/R96jTkJe12I/AAAAAAAAABw/uhDkTRT-0Tk/s200/Murphy+Group4.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_AsnAoSFpINw/R96jUEJe13I/AAAAAAAAAB4/o8C1Mm8-7SY/s1600-h/Murphy+Group1.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5178756186628872050" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_AsnAoSFpINw/R96jUEJe13I/AAAAAAAAAB4/o8C1Mm8-7SY/s200/Murphy+Group1.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_AsnAoSFpINw/R96jUUJe14I/AAAAAAAAACA/4nOCIaqpIAw/s1600-h/Artur%27s+Pike4.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5178756190923839362" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_AsnAoSFpINw/R96jUUJe14I/AAAAAAAAACA/4nOCIaqpIAw/s200/Artur%27s+Pike4.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_AsnAoSFpINw/R96jU0Je15I/AAAAAAAAACI/VmahBnbiqJU/s1600-h/Artur%27s+Pike3.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5178756199513773970" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_AsnAoSFpINw/R96jU0Je15I/AAAAAAAAACI/VmahBnbiqJU/s200/Artur%27s+Pike3.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div>This week saw several groups with great success on the ice. At least 18" of solid, stable ice makes it possible to continue to drive out to the bay just south of Holiday Harbor. Macomb (locally called Paquette's Bay) is the classic spring pike bay: deep water edge sloping into plenty of weeds with lots of baitfish and a small creek feeding the back of the bay. The Whitaker/Murphy group iced over 60 fish in 2 days, The Worcester gang landed several pike, some upwards of 9lbs., and the boys from Long Island will be eating some fresh fish all week.</div><br /><div></div><br /><div>Weather continues to be colder than normal especially at night, dipping down into the single numbers. I heard the ice popping and expanding this morning which means we're adding a few inches over the next few days. Most fishermen know that conditions can turn quickly,though, especially with the wind and rain of early spring in the north country. Right now it looks like about 2 more weeks of good ice. Best bet for big fish!</div>Brucehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17222911457992040732noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1902202967340249871.post-45800179195784788842008-03-14T10:21:00.000-07:002008-12-09T21:34:14.380-08:00Where are the panfish?<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_AsnAoSFpINw/R9q1rUJe1yI/AAAAAAAAABQ/GXzSX-wKFcg/s1600-h/gill-n-perch.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5177650477363287842" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_AsnAoSFpINw/R9q1rUJe1yI/AAAAAAAAABQ/GXzSX-wKFcg/s320/gill-n-perch.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_AsnAoSFpINw/R9q1r0Je1zI/AAAAAAAAABY/rjU1h477ILg/s1600-h/perch.bmp"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5177650485953222450" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_AsnAoSFpINw/R9q1r0Je1zI/AAAAAAAAABY/rjU1h477ILg/s320/perch.bmp" border="0" /></a><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_AsnAoSFpINw/R9q1sUJe10I/AAAAAAAAABg/En5ljze7OOo/s1600-h/sunnyday.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5177650494543157058" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_AsnAoSFpINw/R9q1sUJe10I/AAAAAAAAABg/En5ljze7OOo/s320/sunnyday.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><div>All up and down the lake, fishermen are wondering what has happened to the panfish: sunnies, crappie, bluegill and yellow perch seem to be moving in different circles. The usual spots are not producing the sizes and numbers of fish and everyone seems to have an opinion about why.</div><br /><br /><div></div><br /><br /><div>There has been no noticable die-off of panfish, so the mystery continues on into open water fishing. On the flip-side, northern pike fishing has been excellent.</div><br /><br /><div></div><br /><br /><div></div>Brucehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17222911457992040732noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1902202967340249871.post-56693041884898132002008-03-11T06:39:00.000-07:002008-12-09T21:34:14.853-08:00Ice storm pike<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_AsnAoSFpINw/R9aO5kJe1wI/AAAAAAAAABA/tKDFrf8V7LY/s1600-h/Scot%27s+Pike%231.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5176481941316097794" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_AsnAoSFpINw/R9aO5kJe1wI/AAAAAAAAABA/tKDFrf8V7LY/s320/Scot%27s+Pike%231.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_AsnAoSFpINw/R9aO6UJe1xI/AAAAAAAAABI/-hpcrR12OEM/s1600-h/Pat%27s+Pike%232.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5176481954200999698" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_AsnAoSFpINw/R9aO6UJe1xI/AAAAAAAAABI/-hpcrR12OEM/s320/Pat%27s+Pike%232.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_AsnAoSFpINw/R9aOJUJe1vI/AAAAAAAAAA4/ZUh8_D5uCKg/s1600-h/Iced+tipup.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5176481112387409650" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_AsnAoSFpINw/R9aOJUJe1vI/AAAAAAAAAA4/ZUh8_D5uCKg/s320/Iced+tipup.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><div>The weekend of March 7/8 saw a real mixture of weather on the Alburgh Passage. A sunny start gave way to rain, then ice began to form all up and down the line of the front. By the end of the weekend, all the fishermen, gear and fish were encased with about 1/2 inches of ice.</div><br /><div>Several nice pike came to the hole, including these healthy fish.</div><br /><div></div><br /><br /><div></div><br /><br /><div></div></div>Brucehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17222911457992040732noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1902202967340249871.post-39880697605931665472008-03-09T11:45:00.000-07:002008-12-09T21:34:14.864-08:00What fishermen have to say<a name="3247613008250792086"></a><br /><a href="http://augersled.blogspot.com/2008/02/lake-champlain-north-hero-vt_01.html">Lake Champlain – North Hero, VT</a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_i-wb-b897t0/R6im_lRV33I/AAAAAAAAAYQ/2oJSFcciRr4/s1600-h/DSC03084.JPG"></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_i-wb-b897t0/R6im2VRV32I/AAAAAAAAAYI/5t4Olbfk_as/s1600-h/DSC03082.JPG"></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_i-wb-b897t0/R6imtlRV31I/AAAAAAAAAYA/2BTmYOockLQ/s1600-h/DSC03085.JPG"></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_i-wb-b897t0/R6imllRV30I/AAAAAAAAAX4/Xj3QyGBppOw/s1600-h/DSC03081.JPG"></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_i-wb-b897t0/R6imeVRV3zI/AAAAAAAAAXw/jNKibv1LgIo/s1600-h/DSC03087.JPG"></a>Day 1: After a 5 hour drive Thursday night, we were in North Hero around 11pm.North Hero is a large island in a small chain that make up the “Grand Isles” . We were roughly 7 miles from the Canadian border. For us, it was about 260 miles. The name of the motel we stayed at was the “Holiday Harbor Motel”.We woke up at 5am, the bait shop/motel lobby opened at 6am. One hour to suit up and ready our gear was more than enough time. Walking in to the bait shop patrons are greeted with Vermont’s Northern Pike State Record. I believe it was 38lbs and change. A monster. What a great bait shop. The array of bait alone is enough to make your head spin. Available bait was as followed: Sm, Med, Lg, Xlg, XXLg, and XLPike Shiners, and Suckers. After buying a coffee, we walked out with roughly $40 in bait.The shanty we rented was closest to the motel and was only about a 10 minute walk. Not a problem.After punching out 20 holes (Champlain in VT &NY allows 15 tip-ups p/p) we began to setup. We ran an X type configuration with 5 traps facing outward in each direction from the shanty. One row running towards the shore, one out deep, and one to the R and one to the L. As half of the traps were set, Andy landed a nice Largemouth. After the remaining traps were set, I landed my first Northern thru the ice (pictured).Just after 9am a front moved in and it began snowing which continued throughout the day. Around the 9am window, as soon as the pressure dropped and the front moved in across the Lake, the flags began to pop. It’s the first time I’ve ever witnessed this in real time. The immediate pressure drop and storm had a direct and immediate effect on the fishing.We started hitting the fish pretty good. At one point we had a double header (both with Pike at once). Running steel leaders is a must. All hook sets were workable. There was one minor surgery that took place but I ended up getting the worst of it, see pic of what a Northern’s teeth can do. I should note that I was also using large needle nose pliers!After lunch I walked back and picked up another dozen XL shiners*.Throughout the day, I ended up catching 3 more with a total of 4 Northern’s and I managed to pull up a small Perch inside the shanty using a Swedish Pimple.Andy also caught a few nice ones. We kept commenting in how shocking it was to continually pull up these large fish. Every fish we caught was bigger than any fish we’ve ever pulled thru the ice in the past 20 years. Within about 2 hours of fishing I broke my personal best. What a day.* I should note, the state of Vermont now requires anyone who has purchased live bait to carry a bait permit (issued at purchase). Bait is only permitted for use for up to 48 hours. Bait was not allowed to leave the lake. We left a few shiners out on the ice and they actually made it thru the night.<br />Posted by Augersled at <a class="timestamp-link" title="permanent link" href="http://augersled.blogspot.com/2008/02/lake-champlain-north-hero-vt_01.html" rel="bookmark">2/01/2008</a><br />We woke a bit later, 6am. It’s still dark almost until 6:30. We picked up 2 dozen XL shiners and set out to the shanty. We were lucky, the temperature held overnight and we only needed to chip away a thin layer of ice, no drilling needed. Today was a bit clearer but still overcast. The snow over the ice made for some slick conditions. Bruce actually made it out both days in his truck (yes, everyone drives out to the shanties) to restock our wood supply.We ended up with more action, do in part that the shiners were so big that they continually set off flags. Some of the XL Pike shiners were the size of my open hand. Huge. By days end I picked up another 6 Northern’s. Andy also caught his limit. In all, we landed 19 Northern Pike in 2 days. I personally put 10 on the ice. I still can’t believe it. It was a long day and just before I strapped on my headlamp to head out and pull the traps, I landed my largest fish ever thru the ice, (pic of me smiling/kneeling). Our scale was frozen dead with drained batteries so we weren’t sure how heavy it was. I was guessing close to 10lbs. It was a beauty. Every fish but one had amazing colors. The water appeared crystal clear and the fish were all perfect. Some had blue and even purple coloring mixed in to the green and yellow. One fish (see video clip) had some sort of sore or blister on it’s side. Every Northern Pike that we caught was successfully released.We checked out around 9am and headed home. Rt 2, 89, and 93 were covered with speed traps.A special thanks to Bruce Batchelder of Holiday Harbor Motel. Bruce runs a very clean motel and bait/tackle shop. Bruce is also local to the area and very knowledgeable about the northern part of Lake Champlain. He’s not one to keep tactics and locations to himself. If you’re interested in pulling up some nice Pike, check out Holiday Harbor Motel in North Hero, VT.Info: http://www.holidayharbormotelvt.com/Holiday Harbor Motel, North Hero, VT 1-802-372-4077 <br />Posted by Augersled at <a class="timestamp-link" title="permanent link" href="http://augersled.blogspot.com/2008/02/lake-champlain-north-hero-vt_02.html" rel="bookmark">2/02/2008</a>Brucehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17222911457992040732noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1902202967340249871.post-10233987012660922012008-03-05T14:12:00.000-08:002008-12-09T21:34:15.585-08:00Late Season Pike on the ice.<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_AsnAoSFpINw/R88ciIJvUBI/AAAAAAAAAAM/m5zxKDO_r0g/s1600-h/DanFirminPike08.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5174385869501452306" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_AsnAoSFpINw/R88ciIJvUBI/AAAAAAAAAAM/m5zxKDO_r0g/s320/DanFirminPike08.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_AsnAoSFpINw/R88ci4JvUCI/AAAAAAAAAAU/QKvaEPS0YMM/s1600-h/Jeff%27s+pike.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5174385882386354210" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_AsnAoSFpINw/R88ci4JvUCI/AAAAAAAAAAU/QKvaEPS0YMM/s320/Jeff%27s+pike.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_AsnAoSFpINw/R88cjYJvUDI/AAAAAAAAAAc/eJwy5aYK8ek/s1600-h/Matt%27s+Pike%232.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5174385890976288818" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_AsnAoSFpINw/R88cjYJvUDI/AAAAAAAAAAc/eJwy5aYK8ek/s320/Matt%27s+Pike%232.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_AsnAoSFpINw/R88cj4JvUEI/AAAAAAAAAAk/6KO20UlK_Ko/s1600-h/The+late+bite+at+Holiday+Harbor.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5174385899566223426" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_AsnAoSFpINw/R88cj4JvUEI/AAAAAAAAAAk/6KO20UlK_Ko/s320/The+late+bite+at+Holiday+Harbor.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div>Ice fishing at Holiday Harbor continues through the end of March with large pike being caught every week. Fishermen from Vermont and around New England are icing pike ranging from 5-15lbs.</div>Brucehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17222911457992040732noreply@blogger.com0