When it comes to catching large mouth bass in northern Ontario, there are several effective baits and techniques you can try. Here are a few tips and things to keep in mind that I have learned over the years: Good Luck!

1. Use live bait: Large mouth bass are often attracted to live bait such as minnows, nightcrawlers, or leeches. These baits can be effective when fished on a jig or under a Bobber.
2. Try artificial lures: If you prefer using artificial lures, consider using soft plastics such as worms, crawfish imitations, or creature baits. These lures can be rigged weedless and fished around weed beds, fallen trees, or other structures where bass may be hiding.
3. Experiment with top water lures: Top water lures such as poppers, frogs, or buzz baits can be effective during early morning or late evening when the water is calm. These lures mimic the sound and action of prey on the surface and can attract aggressive strikes from bass.
4. Fish near cover: Large mouth bass like to hide near cover such as weed beds, rocks, logs, or submerged trees. When fishing, try to cast near these structures and retrieve your bait slowly, allowing it to mimic natural movement.
5. Pay attention to the water temperature: Large mouth bass are most active when the water temperature is between 60 and 80 degrees Fahrenheit. When the water is colder or warmer, they may be less active and harder to catch.
6. Vary your retrieve: When fishing with lures, try varying your retrieve speed and technique until you find what works best. Sometimes a slow, steady retrieve is most effective, while other times a fast, erratic retrieve can trigger a strike.

Let me know how many of you remember these old songs. I would like to hear from you. Truth be told, I can remember them all. Have a great day. GW

One day I had lunch with some old friends.  Jim, a short,

balding golfer type, about 80-years old, came along with them; all in all, it was a pleasant bunch.

When the menus were presented, my friends and I ordered salads, sandwiches,

and soups, except for Jim who said, “A large piece of home-made apple pie, heated please.”

 I wasn’t sure my ears heard him right, and the others were aghast, When Jim continued, completely unabashed….”along with two large scoops of vanilla ice cream.”

 We tried to act quite nonchalantly as if people did this all the time, but when our orders were brought out, I didn’t enjoy eating mine. I couldn’t take my eyes off of Jim as I watched him savouring each bite of his pie a-la-mode. The other guys just grinned in disbelief as they silently ate their lunches.

 The next time I went out to eat, I called Jim and invited him to join me. I lunched on a white meat tuna sandwich, while he ordered a chocolate parfait. Since I was chuckling, he wanted to know if he amused me.

 I answered, “Yes, you certainly do, but you also confuse me. How come you always order such rich desserts, while I feel like I must be sensible in my food choices?”

 He laughed and said “I’m tasting all that is possible for me to taste.

I try to eat the food I need and do the things I should in order to stay healthy, but life’s too short, my friend. I hate missing out on something good. This year I realized how old I was. (He grinned)  I’ve never been this old before, so, while I’m still here, I’ve decided it’s time to try all those things that, for years, I’ve been ignoring.”

 He continued, “I haven’t smelled all the flowers yet. There are too many trout streams I haven’t fished. There are more fudge sundaes to wolf down and kites to be flown overhead.

“There are too many golf courses I haven’t played. I’ve not laughed at all the jokes.  I’ve missed a lot of sporting events and potato chips and cokes.

“I want to wade again in water and feel ocean spray on my face.

I want to sit in a country church once more and thank God for His grace.

“I want peanut butter every day spread on my morning toast.

 I want untimed long-distance calls to the one I love the most.

 “I haven’t cried at all the movies yet or walked in the morning rain.

I need to feel the wind on my face. I want to be in love again.

“So, if I choose to have dessert, instead of having dinner, then should I die before nightfall, I’d say I died a winner because I missed out on nothing. I filled my heart’s desire.

 I had that final piece of pie before my life expired.”

 With that, I called the waitress over… “I’ve changed my mind,

 ” I said. “I want what he’s having, only add some more whipped cream!”

I took this picture last fall coming in from a day of fishing. Sure is pretty out there.

It won’t be long before I will be cleaning the dust off my pole. Looking forward to it!

Click on the image to enlarge it.

Took this picture of a Pileated Woodpecker at our birdfeeder the other day. He was chowing down on some suet we put out for them. They are nice to watch.