fishbone

I'm back from a week at Camps Cove. I was very disappointed in the fishing. It was meager at best. Very low numbers and small to dink in size. This is definitely a very over fished lake. The guy in the next cabin fished other lakes (trailering) in the area because, as he said, "I never do well in Big Gull". Another cabin said my catch was as expected and fishing was better than last year.

There were large flies biting (not the dreaded black flies, but some kind of large brown jobs) during the afternoon, and the herds of skeeters at dusk.

Camps does 'nickle and dime' their customers. I'm surprised there wasn't a footage meter on the TP roll.

This trip was not worth the gas up and back, not to mention the cabin cost.

This was my first and last trip to Canada for fishing.......way over rated.

Any fishing reports on Big Gull Lake. I'm headed there in a few weeks. I'm jacked. Getting my fish-face on. LOL

If it's in my best interest, then I will decide. I don't need the Government to tell me that. I wear a seat belt not because of the law, but because I know it's a good idea. I have fished on Oneida Lake with a life jacket when it was very rough and dangerous becase I knew the danger, and not because the nanny state Government said I should have known better. I don't mean to be a rebel, but I am sick and tired of the State telling me what is good for me. I don't go out when the lake is nasty, because I know it's too dangerous for me. Common sense weighs heavy on my mind. If it was "in the best interest" of fisherman, why does the law only apply to people in under 21 foot boats apply? I know that smaller boats are easily in trouble in rough weather, but any person on any boat can go overboard when they're not careful. Next thing you know we'll have to wear a PFD when ice fishing. You can't legislate morality or stupidity. Jeremy

The most intelligent thing said here. Thanks.

Sounds like good advice.

Blood just started squirting out of both my eyes !!!!!!!!!!

Ontario Regs does not allow perch for bait.

I guess that's straight forward enough. Are sunnies ok for live bait?

What was the problem with the Perch in the pale?

Fishbones, one thing we use to do with the kids on shore at Camps Bay was put a small perch ( not many perch in the lake but a lot of sunnys/ bluegills) or sunfish on a big hook or quick strike rig under a large bobber. It was always a lot of fun with Northern's. Jim

Wow, that sounds pretty cool. There are enough Northerns buzzing around for that to provide action?

Hi again Fishbone, nothing big but they will hit you for a dock fee if you bring your own boat . Also a charge to plug in your electric motor battery, firewood for your camp fire etc. Personally I would rather have them charge more for the camp up front and not try and hit you for the little things. A pet peeve of mine is they give you a coupon for a free ice-cream cone when you fill up with gas . Well if you have a family or group , are you going to get one ice-cream cone? I guess I am a little to frugal but it is not like the old days.

When you are up there check out Kirk kove. It is east of there around the Pinical point . Nice people and nice place to stay. Don't get me wrong as you will have a GREAT time at Camps Bay but there are other places on the lake also. I have years of great memories at Camps Bay.

Look up " Ken Black "when you are there. He can give you all the information you could ever need about the lake. There will also be a lot of folks from PA. staying there also.

West Bay has a deep area as you enter from the east, down to about 28' . The rest of the bay is all under 12'deep. Lots of weeds and lots of fish. Good luck and if you have any other questions as you can read I love to talk about the place, Jim

Your comments are encouraging. I would like this to become a lake we return to each year. I hate hooking up with new places where the "screwed factor" looms, requiring reading between the lines of brochures. I was looking at the map again, yesterday, when I realized the depths were marked in meters. LOL That was a relief after thinking the Little Gull was too shallow to get around in. Thanks.

Ron

Hi fishbone, out family been going up to Big Gull for many many, years. It is a very nice lake. No black flies in July but you can set your watch to the mosquitoes around dark. It is best to head inside once you see the first one , it will get nasty very quickly. Although after a few hours they die down.

There is gas at Camps Bay and also Kirk Kove. Most rocks in the main lake are marked but when you are close to any shore it is best to use a electric. Heading west though the narrows stay left!!

Camp's bay has been fixed up nice in the last few years but the new owners will try and nickel and dime you to death. That is one reason we do not stay there any more. Also bring up as much beer and tobacco as you dare as the prices are outrages( $50 a case).I guess they have to pay for there socialized healthcare some how .

West bay is a good place to start fishing. That is though the narrows where it opens up. It is relatively shallow with a lot of weeds that hold all kinds of fish.Mid July they all should be hitting. Good luck, I am sure you will have a great time.

Thanks for the info. I received my Traksmap and can see many buoy markers for rock. The west lake looked interesting. I'm glad you confirmed what I thought would be some good water to try.

What did you mean about nickle/diming at Camps Bay? Once the cabin rent is paid, what else could be chargeable?

What about spitting on the knots when tying? Did you brush your teeth?

I have not fished for Walleye. Many suggestions for Big Gull Lake, where I'm headed this summer, call for a worm harness. I looked in BPS yesterday, but didn't see anything labeled as such. What are we talking about here. Thanks.

I just ordered a lake map from Trakmaps.com.

Thanks for the sound advice, aaaand I will take special pains not to resemble a Turkey.

The gas dock wouldn't be at Camp's, would it?

Sounds like the 2nd week of July should be fly free.

I will be targeting bass mostly.

Thanks for the tip on rocks. Are there pop-up boulders or just quick shoaling?

I just booked a week at Camp's on Big Gull lake. This will be my first fishing trip to Canada. Is anyone familiar with these cabins and the lake? I'm a bit nervous since it's a bit of travel (from Pa), time and money....hoping not to be disappointed.

When is the Black Fly season?