The 2008 fishing trip saw the return of some of the original "girls" from fishing trips of old.  And the metamorphic changes were stunning.  In place of cutesy little girls swinging sharpened, barbed hooks wildly around the boats, we were faced with "fanglers" or "fashion anglers" who not only caught more and bigger fish than the men, but who also drank up all the Captain Morgan rum!

The most outstanding fish of the weekend was a 19 pound northern pike, neatly cuffed by Amy Ford.  Not being familiar with the trip's long standing "all monster fish must be released unless you're in Tom's boat" policy, the mighty fish was caught, photographed, murdered, tossed in the bottom of the boat, re-photographed some hours later, then finally sliced up into meaty fillets by Brian.  We were unable to weigh the second largest pike of the trip as our weighing device would not register anything under one pound.  Nonetheless, what the pike lacked in size they compensated for in sheer numbers and aggressiveness.

The walleye fishing was tremendous, evidenced by the Olson boys' 27 fish total in the first hour of fishing which helped to win them the grand prize of a full sized cooler, awarded for superior fishing abilities.  The Olson boys second triumph was Peter's artistic bannock creation which was so obscene it defies explanation - please see attached photographic evidence.

We also had the pleasure of a newcomer this year - Abby Schneider who was astounded to find that she caught more fish in the first hour of fishing on Triveet Lake than she had caught in 25 years of effort on Fishing Lake!

Thanks to Leah and Brian we had an afternoon of team competitions, the fish tasting being my favourite.  Team Ford took that one with a visually revolting but delicious tasting plate of "szechwan walleye" which was a miraculous combination of peanut butter, ketchup and a few other condiments the judges were advised to remain ignorant of.  It was a remarkable result, especially considering Team Ford seriously considered throwing the unusual creation in the fire instead of taking a chance on poisoning the judges.

Sadly this year, the Gustafson boys and Skinnah were unable to attend - Colby was banned from the trip due to scholastic underachievement and Skinnah had to stay home to iron his wife's panties.  Better luck next year boys.

There is one last honorable mention.  Marty become the first person ever to sleep in on a fishing trip until the ungodly hour of 11:30 am, by which time the rest of us had slaughtered a boatful of fish and were well into the beer consumption.  He blamed it on lack of sleep but I think he is just weakening in his old age..

Until next year..
 

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7am is never too early to start

Team photo

Abby and the Pike

Biggest fish of the trip

That way

Fine fishing form

Chicks love rum

The Fords go home

Best camp kitchen

Marty's walleye

I'll sue your ass

Obscene bannock

Dad used to pick us up like this as kids

Navigating the beaver dam

What to do when fishing slows

The Pike Masters

Gentlemen..start your tongues

Tow job

Lake speeder

Walleye of the north