Smallies on the Move

By Steve Cegielski, Operations Manager
Quality Bass fishing is moving north. The Canadian northern range for the Smallmouth Bass is about 100-150 miles north of the US border. That range has expanded northward over the past few decades.

I’ve fished Lac Seul regularly over the past 12 years and have seen an influx in Smallie numbers on each returning trip. Warmer and shorter winters has allowed the Smallmouth Bass to survive and reproduce in waters that previously held no Bass.

Our trips to Lac Seul we target Walleye and Pike, but over the years we’ve accidentally picked up the odd Bass while jigging or trolling. The first few years maybe one or two for the whole group, but over the years the numbers and quality smallies have now got me packing bass gear for the trip north.

Last year was the first time I actually targeted bass for a day. Numbers weren’t great, but wow, I never get sick of tackle busting 15-18” smallies. For now the smallies are expanding their range north, but a few hard winters in a row could bring the range back to southward in a hurry.

Even thought Canada is known for its superior walleye and northern pike fisheries, southern Canada can offer some fantastic Bass fishing. Check out http://www.allcanada.com/ to search out that perfect Canadian Bass adventure.

New Boat Regulations For Canada

by Rodney Schlafer, Show Director - In 2009 Canada made it mandatory that all pleasure boat operators complete a boater’s safety exam and obtain a Pleasure Craft Operator Card in order to operate a boat. Lots of questions have been asked whether non-residents need to have a card. The short answer is no, however they must complete a checklist if renting a Canadian registered pleasure craft. I found this information on boatersexam.com
Frequently Asked Questions
Below are some common questions about all aspects of Canadian safe boating laws and regulations
Q. What if I don’t live in Canada, but boat there?
A. Non-residents only need to obtain a Pleasure Craft Operator Card if they are operating their powered boat in Canadian waters for more than 45 consecutive days or if the boat they are operating is registered or licensed in Canada (this includes rented boats). Boater Education Cards or equivalent certifications are recognized in Canada. Proper identification should be kept on board at all times to provide proof of residency.
Q. What about horsepower restriction for children?
A. AgePower Restrictions
Under 12 years of age, and not directly supervised, CAN operate vessels with under 10 hp.
Between 12 years and under 16 years of age, and not directly supervised, CAN operate vessels with under 40 hp.
Under 16 years of age - Not allowed to operate a PWC (jet ski)
16 years of age and over - No power restrictions

Q. What if I rent a powerboat or PWC?
A. Currently, a Pleasure Craft Operator Card is not required in order to operate a rented watercraft. Instead, it is sufficient for a renter to complete a rental safety checklist. Take note however that some companies have made it their corporate policy to require renters to have their Pleasure Craft Operator Card.
You can download the check list at

Planning Family Trip to Canada

By: Jennifer Young, General Manager

Every other year, I take my family to Canada. My kids are 13,11,and 8 years old, and they love the trips! Brian went with my dad, Dave Hutchison, last year, so he is making this an annual trip.

We will be writing an article for one of the All-Canada Show publications, and it will be a lot of fun. We will be deciding the destination within the next few weeks, and then the anticipation will really begin. More to follow.....

Manitoba Greenbacks

Joel Prunty, media manager – Last fall I traveled with the All-Canada Show to Manitoba on a moose hunt with Cabela’s Television. The timing of our hunt was perfect and the moose were rutting-hard which resulted in some trophy bulls being taken early.

The next few days I spent walleye fishing with moose guide Danny Kemball of Powerview, Manitoba on Dogskin Lake. Danny loved walleye fishing and spent most of his free time chasing Greenbacks on the southern end of Lake Winnipeg. Besides the unusual color, Greenbacks are know for their above average size and ability to get huge, with many over 30 inches.

I was reminded of these greenbacks with a great article by Chris Niskanen the outdoor editor for the St Paul Pioneer Press who wrote about ice fishing for giant Greenbacks…check it out

If you love to chase big walleye look at adding Greenbacks and Lake Winnipeg to your travels. Good Luck!

Spring Bear

By: Steve Cegielski, Operations Manager
Spring hunting oppurtunities are limited in the states to turkey hunting and shed antler hunting. Hunting fanatics look for every excuse in the books to break out the rifle or bow to challenge our hunting instincts year round. How about going north for a spring bear hunt. Some Canadian Provinces offer spring bear hunts. Time is ticking...time to book that bear hunt. Spring might have sprung in the states but Canadian have to wait until mid-May to early June before winter is gone. Most spring bear hunts take place in late May or early June. Spring bears tend to be lighter weight, but their hides are less rubbed and shine from a long winter nap. Sure it's great to shoot a 500 pound bear, but as we all know the skull measurement is all that counts in the record books. After you've booked that spring bear hunt check out our website http://www.allcanada.com/ Clicking on the hunting button offer tons of Canadian hunting tips and info including packing lists used by All-Canada staff. Have a great hunt and be sure to send me your photos.

Ice Roads not just for truckers

By Rodney Schlafer, Show Director - Many people might not know remote fishing lodges in Canada depend on the Ice roads to bring in supplies such as fuel, building supplies and non-perishable food items which are too costly to bring in by plane. Although it saves them money by driving in the supplies it is not without hard work hardship and danger.

One outfitter I spoke to says they will travel over 14 hours to go just a few hundred miles because of the conditions of the road. Many Ice Roads are used by transport trucks to serve remote communities. It also can be hairy driving on the lakes, you have to make sure you do not go too fast or you can cause a wave under the ice causing the ice to heave. The early thaw could have some scrambling to get in and out in a hurry.

Here are some pictures from Thunderbird lodge and outposts web blog of the ice road into wrong lake.




http://worldclasshuntingfishing.blogspot.com/

Planning the All-Canada Show for next year

Jennifer Young, General Manager - It is always fun to start planning next year. The shows went well in 2010, and we had some tight turns (shows back to back). We had a great group of staff from truck drivers, to sales, to office, to seminars on the road this year. The photo is of the Chicago show held at Pheasant Run in St Charles, IL. We will be posting our 2011 show dates and locations on www.allcanada.com by the end of the week.

Thanks for all of you who attended the shows. We are looking forward to seeing you next year.

Happy St Patricks Day

Joel Prunty, Media Manager - The weather here in Wisconsin is best described as “summer like”. When I was young and foolish we would have paid to have a St Patrick’s Day like today. Back then, the day was a all-day party and being outside would have only made it better.

My St Patrick’s Days now are much tamer; tonight I will feast on corned beef and cabbage with Irish soda bread, followed by a trip to the couch.

Not many people recognize my last name as being Irish, but Prunty is just that. All my grandparents were Irish although my Grandpa Hutch denied that his family ever resided on the Green Isle. I heard an Irish joke today that reminded me of Grandpa Hutch…many Irish suffer from Irish Alzheimer’s…they’ve forgotten everything but their grudges!

Enjoy the day.

Walleye #1 2010

By: Steve Cegielski, Operations Manager
Winter 2010 is officially over in many ways. The All-Canada Show route is a distant memory with talk of 2011 shows being discussed around the office. Also the winter weather as let its grip on Wisconsin slip away….spring is here. Spring means only one thing….walleye fishing. With the early spring the rivers all across Wisconsin are going to be free of ice at least 2 weeks early. Got the boat out last weekend and the official start to the fishing season of 2010 was yesterday. Weather was perfect on the Fox River, but a stiff north wind slowed the walleye action. Not a great start, but did land the first walleye of the new year. I hate to start out to strong…..would rather build momentum until I head north to Canada -- walleye fishing paradise. Hopefully I can tune my fishing skills a couple walleyes this spring and head into Canada ready for the action. Time to plan that adventure before time slips away.

ICE OUT EARLY???? - by Rodney Schlafer Show Director

That is the question. The past two spring’s ice has gone out later than average. This year it feels like spring is here and it appears it is going to be an early ice out for most of central Canada. That means only good things to spring fisherman. Some of my best fishing has taken place in the early spring just after the ice off. I saw an article on CKDR radio website out of Dryden Ontario. Showing the temps from across Northwestern Ontario, setting record highs.

http://ckdr.net/news/index.php#20749

Temperatures for Sunday March 14, 2010:
Dryden hit 13.9 degrees.
Red Lake was 15.1 Sunday
Atikokan was 16.7
Sioux Lookout 13.9
Ear falls 14.4

These temps are in Celsius…if you want an easy conversion for Fahrenheit just double the Celsius number and add 30…this is a fairly close conversion. For example Red Lake’s temp this weekend was 60 Fahrenheit. The above photo was taken at Tomahawk Resort in Sioux Narrows Ontario on March 14th...the ice has a way to go but they have a couple inches of slush on top of the ice.

With little snow cover, warm temps and rain, ice could be off as predicted by some as early as mid April in Northwestern Ontario. My fingers are crossed as I am planning on my annual spring trip the first week in May.

Spring Fever

It seems all of the people in the Midwest are getting Spring Fever. We have enjoyed the snow and the cold, and now we are ready for Spring. When it hits 50 degrees, we don't want to see freezing again until next winter.

Canada is calling. The sunny days, the big fish, the quite lakes, and the big sky.

We are planning our Canadian fishing trips and reminiscing over past trips.

This year will be a great time to travel to Canada. Everybody wants to go fishing up there. We can't wait.

Passport required to visit Canada

Passport required in 2010 for those 16 and older.

As of June 2009 all travelers to Canada are now required to present a passport to re-enter the United States. If you are traveling by automobile, a less expensive passport card is also available. This requirement does not affect children under 16 crossing by land; they can continue to enter with an original birth certificate.
A passport card cost only $45 verses $100 for the traditional passport book, but can only be used for land crossings into Canada or Mexico. Both passports are valid 10 years for adults and simplify border crossing and the process is simple. All you need is a birth certificate and valid driver’s license to apply.
A passport is an internationally recognized travel document that verifies the identity and nationality of the bearer. Only the U.S. Department of State has the authority to grant, issue or verify United States passports. The Department of State designates the United States Postal Service to accept passport applications on its behalf.
Applying for a U.S. Passport – You need to apply in person if you are applying for a U.S. passport for the first time; if your expired U.S. passport is not in your possession; if your previous U.S. passport has expired and was issued more than 15 years ago; or if your previous U.S. passport was issued when you are under 16 your currently valid U.S. passport has been lost of stolen.
What you need - You’ll need a certified birth certificate (needs a raised, embossed, highlighted or multi-colored seal) from county or state government (not a hospital document). AND a current, valid Driver's license, Government ID State ID or military ID

For complete details on how to apply for a passport … go to http://www.allcanadashow.com/html/showFeatures/Passportrequirements.php

Advenutres in the Making

The month of March is a “wake-up” call to all anglers and hunters who haven’t purchased their 2010 adventure. Wait any longer and you run the risk of not getting preferred dates or a preferred lake.

Worse yet…if you don’t get moving your plans might just fall apart completely. It’s hard to image a year without a shorelunch, or the call of a loon, or even a black fly bite.

Our advice, get started today planning (or finalizing plans) for your Canadian adventure by utilizing www.allcanada.com . We feature almost 300 of Canada’s BEST fishing and hunting destinations including Google mapping for easy shopping. Good Luck!