All-Canada Show Podcast #1

The All-Canada Show is here to help you plan and book your next fishing and/or hunting trip to Canada. Listen to the podcast and learn how to receive great giveawys. We will be airing the next podcast on November 13th.

Live Bait – To much / Not enough?

By: Steve Cegielski, All Canada Show, Operations Manager
Have you ever stood in a bait shop in Canada wondering how much live bait to buy for your week of fishing at the outpost? You don’t want to over buy and waste, but you also would rather have a couple dozen extra rather than run short early in the week.

Many factors go into the bait puzzle – number of fishermen, type of fishing, time of year, and bait storage. I would never recommend taking just one type of live bait – you never know the feeding habits until your there and it’s to late.

I’ve found when “mix fishing” (fishing for multiple species – pike, walleye, lake trout) 40 doz. Minnows, 2lb leech’s, and 10doz crawlers will keep 6 fishermen happy for a week on the water. I’ve found that minnows tend to work best in spring and leeches in the late summer with crawlers staying consistent thru out the year.

Even before purchasing bait you have to have a plan of transport or all above ideas will go to waste. We’ve all seen the guy who buys ten doz. Minnows along with a Styrofoam bucket in hopes of reaching the outpost camp with minnows – not going to happen.

Timing is of the utmost importance when transporting minnows. Don’t buy minnows the night before a long trip into an outpost – the only advantage is that they will be easier to catch in the bucket the next day. I like to make the bait shop the last stop on our way out of town.

Find a bait shop that will put your minnows into clear plastic bags and able to pump air into the bags prior to tying shut. Place the minnow bags into the cooler and surround with ice. You should be able to fit 25 doz minnows into a standard Colman cooler. Shut the lid and don’t open until at camp – GO!!!

Once at camp I bring along a 30 gallon plastic barrel with drilled holes and door opening to house the minnows for the week. The only trick is to get the barrel deep enough into the water – down to the cold water. About 5- 6 feet is all that’s required on a Canadian Lake in the middle of summer. Toss a few rocks into the barrel, tie a line to the dock and watch it sink. If careful in handling you will loose less than 5% of the minnows.

Housing leeches at camp is easier. Take 2 one-gallon milk jugs – poke small nail size holes into one – leaving the bottom two inches of the jug hole free. Cut the other jug in half keeping the handle end. Once at camp use the half jug as funnel to pour the leeches into the other jug with holes – tie a line to jug handle and watch it sink. The milk container allows for easy distribution the next morning and leftovers from the day can be easily put back into jug with the funnel – no wasting bait. The funnel can also serve a double function – boat bailer after a rainstorm.

It’s Canada, so if bait plans go wrong - stiff minnows and sun dried leeches and crawlers might still fool Canadian walleyes.

Don't Forget Your Card

Joel Prunty, Media Manager - U.S. residents 18 and older are required to purchase a Outdoors Card to fish in Ontario. You may have purchased the card last year – which is good for three years – if you did, do not forget to bring it along on this years trip.

If you have never had an Outdoors Card, you can purchase a "Non-Canadian Resident Temporary Fishing Outdoors Card and Application" from one of more than 1,800 licence issuers across the province. The Non-Canadian Resident Temporary Fishing Outdoors Card and Application does not include the fishing licence tag. The fishing licence tag will be a separate paper permit.

Spring Bear

By: Steve Cegielski, Operations Manager
Good Luck to all the bear hunters headed to Canada in the next few weeks. Spring is a special time in the bush, everything is coming alive. Spring bear hunting gives the hunter another excuse to feed the addiction - pursuing big game.

With the early spring and ice off being a few weeks early the bear baits should be well established. Most outfitters will have multiple baits for each group of hunters. Don’t get impatient and jump baits daily….wait out that big bruin.

Even with the early warm spring weather temperatures can fluctuate greatly this time of year in Canada. On one spring bear hunt in early June I arrived wishing I had shorts and t-shirts, but by weeks end insulated layering was required.

Remember to size the bear before harvesting….all bears will look big at first glance, but remember to use known objects as a way to size up your bear…..log lengths, barrel heights, and ear to head ratio. Of course we are all looking for that trophy of a lifetime, but before you even arrive at camp decide what kind of bear your looking for and stick to your plan. If your happy to come home with no less than a color phase bear than that’s the plan. But remember don’t pass a bear on the first day that you’d shoot on the last day.

As I mention how all things come alive in the spring….I also meant eagle sized mosquitos. But, if you’re prepared with the proper face masks and clothing you’ll enjoy the sweet hum of the mosquitoes, knowing that they can’t break your first line of defense.

Definitely make your hunt a combination adventure and don’t forget or overlook the fabulous fishing in the spring. You’ll most likely be one of the first guests of the year, and the walleye should be hungry after spawning.

Potatoes Cleared for Crossing Border

Joel Prunty, media manager - When you drive across the Canadian border this summer on your fishing adventure you will not see a dumpster full of potatoes. It was always unclear as to the risk potatoes posed, but we have been notified by NOTO (Northern Ontario Tourist Outfitters’ Association) that this summer American guests will NOT have to leave their potatoes at the border, nor register them when they come to fish in Canada.
Here are the conditions by which potatoes may cross the Canadian border:
* Guests are limited to 10 lbs or less per person
* Potatoes must be commercially packaged (in the original package from the store) and the potatoes should be US grade No. 1.

We have confirmed this through discussions with the Fort Frances border crossing (Canadian Border Services Agency CBSA) as well as the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA).
Enjoy that shorelunch with the potatoes of your choice!

Wolf River Expo

By: Steve Cegielski, Operations Manager
Shows are finally done for another year. I know your thinking, haven’t All-Canada Shows been done for months? Yes, but that doesn’t mean my show schedule ended. A sister company to All-Canada Show was created a few years ago….Wolf River Expo. Wolf River Expo provides booths, tables, and chairs to other events after our busy All-Canada Show circuit is complete. I’ve been in show mode from January 1st until the middle of May. I now look at the show season as being 21 shows long. Yes, I’m glad to be done. The equipment can now assume its summer resting position in the warehouse, and I can get on with other summer tasks around the office, and warehouse.

Wolf River Expo provides high quality equipment, prompt service and competitive pricing. Check out our website if we can help organize any event in the future http://www.wolfriverexpo.com/.

Events completed just in time to plan my Canadian excursion for this summer. Hope to see you heading north this summer.

Wet Week in Northwest Ontario

Joel Prunty, media manager – Just when operators in Northwest Ontario were worried about dangerous fire conditions across the region a week of rain has diminished the risk. Up until now the spring had been very dry and the province had been fighting scattered fires in April.

Overall water levels in Northwest Ontario have been low as well and the precipitation should set the stage for a terrific walleye opener May 15th. Bill Pryndik at Golden Hook Camp near Red Lake has had pike fisherman in camp already and indicated things are really picking up with fish in the 40 inch range being caught.

The All-Canada Show’s Rod Schlafer stayed with them last Saturday and he and Bill found some time to do some casting. Several pike in the 36 to 38 inch range were caught – the first fish of the year for the All-Canada team!

Can’t wait to get started myself!

Take a Kid Hunting

By: Steve Cegielski, All Canada Show - Operations Manager




We all need to involve kids in our outdoor passions. It's a proven fact that kids not introduced to the outdoor world of hunting and fishing will never develop a love for the sport.
I had a great chance this spring to take my boys Ben and Max turkey hunting like we do every spring. I just like to enjoy the spring mornings with the boys in the woods, and sometimes we get lucky and harvest a turkey.
I followed up that great day in the turkey woods with my boys with a following weekend turkey adventure with the Pelisek boys, Alex and Andrew. Alex held the gun this time, and Andrew got to see his big brother's turkey hunt all unfold from the camo tent. Awesome.... I know I personally have inflicted the hunting disease on all four boys for a lifetime of adventures.
Get your kids involved in your fishing and hunting Canadian trips. How about a grandkid tagging along on a Canadian bear hunt, or showing your kids the thill of enjoying a day fishing on a Canadian Lake....walleyes until their arms are tired.
Check out AllCanada.com to book that special trip that they'll never forget.

Incredible CANADA

Joel Prunty, media manager – I just returned from Regina, Saskatchewan from a meeting of the Tourism Saskatchewan Marketing Advisory Council upon which I am a member. Part of the meeting involved a review of their advertising campaign for 2010.

These advertising materials included a direct mailer, lure pieces, full-page ads and a video, plus www.sasktourism.com…much of which spotlighted fishing and hunting. I’ve been in this business for 20-years and I am still captivated by a well told story of the Canadian wilderness including pristine lakes, the living sky, majestic moose and incredible fishing opportunities.

Canada is so vast and so remote every angler and hunter needs to get out there and experience this unique destination over and over and over again. Is your adventure planned for 2010? If not, get started by visiting the official site of the All-Canada Show AllCanada.com. Enjoy your travels.

GET ORGANIZED

Joel Prunty, media manager - In a few short weeks thousands of anglers will head to Canada on fishing adventures. According to our research, most of you will primarily fish for walleye (72%) and your most likely secondary fish will be either northern pike, lake trout and smallmouth bass.

A big part of any successful adventure begins with an itinerary. An itinerary clearly communicates the key elements of your trip to everyone in your group and loved ones back home. Here is the key information the All-Canada Show includes in our itinerary:
• Complete details on lodge destination including contact info
• Cost of package including deposits paid
• Incidental costs each person is expected to pay
• List of key documents each person should bring
• Contact information on each person on trip
• Departure and travel details

Likely you have more information on your group and adventure to include, but this will get you started. Our website AllCanada.com has an itinerary for to get you started here is a link our ITINERARY. If you have any good ideas on how to improve this form post a comment. Have a great adventure!

Don't Forget Your Card

Joel Prunty, Media Manager - U.S. residents 18 and older are required to purchase a Outdoors Card to fish in Ontario. You may have purchased the card last year – which is good for three years – if you did do not forget to bring it along on this years trip.

If you have never had an Outdoors Card, you can purchase a "Non-Canadian Resident Temporary Fishing Outdoors Card and Application" from one of more than 1,800 licence issuers across the province. The Non-Canadian Resident Temporary Fishing Outdoors Card and Application does not include the fishing licence tag. The fishing licence tag will be a separate paper permit.

The temporary Outdoors Card and paper licence are effective immediately. Your plastic Outdoors Card will be mailed to you by year end, and is valid for three calendar years (including the year of purchase).

Non-Canadian resident hunters can also fish under the authority of their Outdoor Card (hunting version) with the appropriate fishing licence tag.

You can also get more information on the Outdoors Card by calling the Outdoors Card Centre at 1-800-387-7011. This toll-free number works from all of North America, from Monday to Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. (Eastern Time). Or visit the Ontario MNR website.

Canada Bound

By: Steve Cegielski All-Canada Show Operations Manager
It’s the time of year I call the “lull.” Inland fishing is still closed, I’m tired of the river, and my Canadian trip is still a few months away. I can’t stop thinking about that first Canadian walleye. Our office discussions revolve around trips that we’ve all taken, past adventure stories that will live on forever. Over the past 28 years All-Canada Show staffers have taken over 150 Canadian hunting and fishing trips….every type of trip imaginable. Everyone has their favorite type of Canadian adventure. We all share the common bond to Canada, but each see the perfect trip differently. Some enjoy the remoteness of a outpost, while others relish in the service of an american plan lodge.
There are so many variable to the perfect Canadian trip to discuss with your group that sometimes fisherman get overwhelmed and give up. Don’t give up…just break down your trip priorities by answering three simple questions and act. Fly-In, Boat-In, and Drive-In should be your first decision -- affects price most drastically. Then your level of service desired….American Plan, Housekeeping or an Outpost trip. Lastly what’s your favorite speicies of fish….Walleye, Pike, Smallmouth Bass, Muskie etc.
You can answer all those questions quickly and AllCanada.com can help you search out the camps that best fit your dream Canadian adventure. Make 2010 the year you act on your Canadian adventure….just plan the adventure and you’ll find fellow anglers to help fish.

Gear Up for Walleye Opener

Jennifer Young - General Manager, In a few short weeks the inland walleye fishing season will open in much of Canada…which means your Canadian fishing adventure can’t be far away. The All-Canada Show is extremely proud of our partnership with Cabela’s and The Worlds Foremost Outfitter is running an online walleye opener special.

Visit Cabeas.com today because there’s no better time than the present to get ready for the 2010 fishing season – good luck!

Vacation Prize Winners Drawn

The All-Canada Show has drawn our 2010 Vacation Prize Winners and letters have been sent to 11 lucky show attendees. A winner for each show receives a fabulous trip for two to Canadian lodge. If you attended a show this year check your mail box to see if you might be a winner. Here is a list of the great lodges winners will visit:
St. Louis – Camp Quetico - Atikokan, ON
Chicago – Temple Bay Lodge, Eagle Lake, ON
Indianapolis - Pipestone Lodge, Emo ON
Milwaukee – Cat Island Lodge – Ear Falls, ON
Madison– Evergreen Lodge, Eagle Lake, ON
Green Bay – Indianhead Lodge, Sioux Narrows, ON
Minneapolis – Whitefish Bay Camp , Lake of the Woods, ON
Sioux Falls - Big North Lodge, Minaki, ON
Des Moines– Separation Lake Lodge – Kenora, ON
Omaha – Goldsand Lake Lodge – Lynn Lake, MB
Dallas - Aiken’s Lake Wilderness Lodge – Winnipeg, MB

Canada fishing opener will be HOT

Norm McCreight, All-Canada Show spokesperson - It wasn't long ago that I was heading north to Winnipeg thru North Dakota and Minnesota admiring their snow cover. Every year the flood waters of the Red River Valley seem to haunt us. This year they had lots of snow, but nothing compared to the past. Right now the river has ceased rising and flooding isn't going to happen…great news.

NW Ontario ice-out is going to be early…in fact the Fort Francis Times is reporting Rainy Lake could set an all-time record for early ice-out, so ice will be all gone well before normal. This is a far cry from last year’s late ice-out.

Yesterday my friend Stan and I went for a run to the east side of Manitoba. The rivers are open and have been open for a while and the lakes have candled and are ready to go as soon as the wind blows. Northwestern Ontario is in the same shape.

This spring though looks like one of those no brainers…the fishing should be HOT everywhere. Early ice-out means an early spawn and quicker spawning period. We can have a true spring opener with walleye and northern in a consistent pattern just like I say in my seminars. My first three trips will be in Northwestern Ontario; two in lakes and one river system. I’ll use soft baits for the walleye and faster plugs and spoon for the pike. I’ll probably start off with medium size baits.

A slow presentation is my preferred starting point and then I’ll speed it up and see what the fish react to the best, and that should get me results quickly. All my reels are back from the repair shop all cleaned and ready to go. Next up though is our annual turkey hunt…gobble, gobble, gobble!!!

FREE E-Newsletter

Joel Prunty, media manager – Four times a year the All-Canada Show sends out an E-newsletter to our opt-in list of over 25,000 avid anglers and hunters. These updates contain feature articles on Canadian adventures, timely tips on planning an adventure, how to chose a destination, Updated information on the All-Canada Show, plus informational links.

Right now we are preparing the spring E-newsletter that will go out at the end of April. To receive your FREE edition go to our website www.allcanada.com and sign-up on our home page.

If you are interested in planning a Canadian adventure AllCanada.com has everything you need to make it successful including the ability to advance search over 300 destinations.

Duct Tapes saves the day!

Joel Prunty, Media Manager - We found this article in Nestor Falls Fly-in Outposts March newsletter…During a private "fly-in" fishing excursion in the Alaskan wilderness a chartered pilot and fishermen left a cooler and bait in their bushplane while fishing. A nearby bear smelled the food and bait and decided to tear their plane apart to get at it.

The pilot used his radio and had another pilot bring him 2 new tires, 3 cases of duct tape, and a supply of sheet plastic. He patched the plane together, and FLEW IT HOME!

Now Dave Beaushene, owner of Nestor Falls Fly-in Outposts says he won’t second guess all the fisherman packing Duct Tape this summer!

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!

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.