Catfish Caravan to Canada

[DTro]

Well it’s done. I’ve marked my calendar and booked my room with Stu up at Cats on the Red.

I’ve read and heard too many firsthand stories to let it go any further, I need to make the trip. From 200 fish days to stripping out quality reels, to being so sore you don’t want to fish anymore, the stories are endless.

Unfortunately I’ve had to sacrifice my annual Sturgeon trip this year to make it work, but I have a feeling I won’t be disappointed.

It’s going to be a LONG 3 months!

[aanderud]

Should be a blast. I think we're down to 11 weeks minus 2 hours til we hit the road

[Lowblazah]

oh boy...there goes any shot of top 5 KOTC Channels for me.

Or does that not count because its outside of MN?

[DTro]

As much as I would like to.....no they will not count.

A defined boundary has been added to the official KOTC rules.

[fishinJohn]

You won't be dissapointed but you will be jaded. I hope you bring back some good videos.

[hanson]

I remember that one year when a bunch of FM guys went up and the bite was off... wayyyyy off.

Ooops, did I just say that.

[aanderud]

I remember that one year when a bunch of FM guys went up and the bite was off... wayyyyy off.

Ooops, did I just say that.

It'll take much more than that to jinx us, Chris.

[DTro]

Remember that one week a group of guys went up Sturgeon fishing in a snowstorm

Pretty hard to base on trip on what happened last time. Just have to go and and have fun right?

I'm pretty sure I won't have any issues crossing the border though.

[DARK30]

Been up to Stu's playground twice. Its well worth the trip! I think the fish averaged around 18-20 lbs both times.

[aanderud]

That is a heck of an average, considering I've never caught a channel that big period!

I'm stoked. Ready to rock and roll. Can't wait.

[peder]

I have a trip set up for mid May. I hope it's not flooding.

[aanderud]

From what I've seen and heard, the flooding should be done by May. Who knows, a lot will depend on the rains, but that seems about right. Even in '97 when I was up there for school and it flooded, I believe things were calmed down by the time mid-May came around.

[Shack]

Hey when you guys going on this?

[Lowblazah]

I heard they canceled because of the flooding.

[Shack]

I thought was the down south trip. With no responces I would assume the Catfish Caravan to Canada is a no go then?

[DTro]

Both my trips to MO and the one to Canada were canceled due to high water/flooding. Kind of ironic considering the water levels here

I haven’t ruled out a trip North yet though.

It doesn’t take much to twist my stick man like arm.

[Ed Carlson]

The best cat fishing is far from over up North.

It is going strong now, consider the season a month later then normal due to high water and colder run off.

My favorite is late summer and fall..(But anytime will do)...fall is sumo's on parade up North. The size of the cats last fall well into October was phenomenal.

Don't pass up a chance if you can go..it's nothing like any catfishing you have ever seen... anywhere.

[phishnerd]

Hey Ed-

The last thing I remember from our trip to Stu's was collapsing in the bottom of the boat @ 3am on the 3rd night from exaustion. And you saying "Come on, one just one more..." Fishing those shoots was insane. Those piggies can really stack up into quite a hawg pile! Can't believe you tail-hooked not one but two cats during the trip. I still have the picture of that master on my fly rod on the braggin' board at work. I really need to get my pass port ASAP so I can get up there this year. Those rods you showed me look awesome. Me thinks I may need one or two of those in my arsenal...

[MinnesnowtaWild]

I would really like to make it up there for some big Channels. Is a boat necessary or does one have a good shot from shore like on the Minnesota River?

[Ed Carlson]

Ah..."Phishnerd"..Uh..Huh...I got you now bud. Kinda-sorta Fitting too.....LOL!

I hear you are now in the Kitty Game, my Kitty spies are keep'n tabs on ya.

You bet we need to do a trip latter this summer/fall and get on the night shift again. I need to start curling some sand bags to get back in shape first.

I see there sold out of the #2 Boss Rods right now on Catfish Connection. I want a couple of them sticks. But never fear...I know "Da-Man", I bet I can call Big Jim and get us hooked up with a couple #2's and a couple #3's.

Chris you should hook up with Dark30 over there and fish, great guy, I think you two would hit it off. Dark30 is a river rat and has a lot of tricks up his flannel sleeves for Flattys too.

Yup...North we should go...I'm craving ><,sUMo,> tonnage bud.

[Ed Carlson]

MinnesnowtaWild...You can do well from shore in some areas with the right rigging.

Buff up on big kitty float/Cork'n tactics and it should keep you on sumo's up there once Stu and the crew keys you into the right areas to fish. The giant carp up there are awesome too by the way.

You will be amazed at how shallow lots and lots of huge #30 class channel cats are and float rigs are the best presentation for these fish. And Man-Oh-Man...is it ever a BLAST!

Bring waders, and if you have one maybe a Belly Boat.

I want to get Chris V AKA "Phishnerd" ...in a Belly boat and his 10 Weight fly rod after the sumo's next trip....so I can film him being towed down river by Miss Sumo. LOL!!!

[phishnerd]

I want to get Chris V AKA "Phishnerd" ...in a Belly boat and his 10 Weight fly rod after the sumo's next trip....so I can film him being towed down river by Miss Sumo. LOL!!!

I'm totally game for that as long as you promise to come and pick me up at Lake Winnie Might have to up grade to some thruster fins. I'd probably look real similar to the jug from "JAWS!"

[Ed Carlson]

I'm game to try it...but....you first.

LOL!

For many reasons, this is a great year to play with that presentation option. We should see sustained high water levels and by latter summer slower flow. So da "Cork'n flats" and that other key areas down stream a bit, should be prime for sumo power floating.

[DTro]

I still haven't ruled out a trip up there yet

[Wiskers]

Well DTRO, I envy you guys, I have not been up to Stu's since 2005... SIGH... It used to be several times a year I would head up there and now nothing..

I miss that trip very badly.

Just remember, it is addicting!!!!

There is no counciling for this!!!!

It is like eating a pringles, you can't stop at just one!!!!!!!!