BWCA 2012- An Ugly Start

Well, it's time to fish or cut bait, as far as my BWCA trip preparation goes.  I've still got some time, and this photo shows my progress today- the mission was basically to find items on my packing list.  Things have been busy lately, to say the least, so I haven't been my normal- and over-prepared self.  I went for a grab and go fishing opener and that went fine, but, with a longer BWCA trip, the grab and go option isn't on the table, especially when you're the menu planner and food buyer, although I wouldn't want it any other way.  I have a few new menu ideas this year and I can't wait to see how it works.  I like to eat well when I'm in the BWCA, and I usually bring a fair amount of food home with me.  About 20 years ago, after a trip where we resorted to eating boiled rock bass, I've learned that I'd rather bring a little extra than run short.

Roscoe, our basset hound, couldn't resist the excitement of getting ready for a Boundary Waters trip.  He made a rare trip into the garage tonight to see what was going on.  

Minnesota Fishing Opener 2012- A Foggy Start

Hey, is that an island off to the right?  It was a foggy start to the Minnesota open water season this year, and in more ways than one.  This photo was taken on our way from the shack out "the spot".  One quick walleye had us optimistic, but after a quick start, it was close to an hour until walleye # 2.  We were on the water by 5:30 and fished most of the day, with only one walleye per angler to show for our efforts.  We made it through plans A, B, C, D, E, F, and G by lunch time and ran through a few more letters after lunch, while also going back to give a few others a second chance.  Other than very slow fishing, the weather was great, and the company was better.

This is "The Shack".  My good friend Jason has hosted me more times than I can count.  No electricity except for a generator, no running water, but just about as comfortable as living can be.

Minnesota Fishing Opener 2012

Opener 2010- rented cabin/lake trout mission.

Fishing opener 2012 is near.  My great debate for the past several years has been whether to focus on walleye or lake trout.  I have very little lake trout experience, but I know that this is the time of year to target that species if you want results.  Lakers are generally shallower now, and theoretically easier to catch. As far as I'm concerned, with normally terrible weather on the opener, and the safe bet of a warm cabin, I normally opt for walleye on opening weekend- Thanks Jason!

BWCA Food Pack

My brother Tom started using this configuration for a food pack over 20 years ago- with this exact garbage can.  After more than 20 years, the garbage can has never failed to keep food dry, even when hanging in a rain storm, or lying in the bottom of a canoe.  The can is typically carried just as shown here- inside of a #4 Duluth Pack, with one or two cooler bags on top of it, and the camp tarp between the garbage can and the straps of the Duluth Pack, to provide padding.  With a #4 pack, there is still room for a lot more gear, other than what has been mentioned here.  It keeps the critters out too.