Fishing with the Jackfish
Fireside Lodge
Fireside Lodge
Fireside Lodge is located in Souix Lookout, Ontario, on Little Vermilion Lake. It is a drive too Lodge making it less expensive than a fly in or train in lodge, yet it still has the amazing fishing you would expect from a fly in or train in lodge.
One of the reasons we like this Lodge so much is because from Little Vermillion Lake, there are eight other lakes accessible. Four are accessible by land portages which range from easy to slightly difficult. The other four lakes are reached by creek under most water conditions. Other water conditions will demand a little more effort.
For those who find adventure in exploring the wilderness, nature opens it's doors to the natural beauty of the Canadian Shield. Right from the front door of FIRESIDE LODGE, you can experience the wildlife surroundings with its untouched splendor.
Eagle nests are plentiful on this lake system. It is a great sight to see these magnificent birds soar through the sky, or swoop down to catch a fish. Photographs of their young, in the nest, are a great addition to any photo album. Birdwatchers will be also inspired by the other many species that inhabit the area. To name a few; Cape May Warbler, Northern Waterthrush, Boreal Chickadee, Red-eyed Vireo and Grey Jay.
A day trip in a canoe will provie a tranquil tour of the waters and shorelines. A portage over to the other side of the lake will bring you to Twin Falls to enjoy the sound of the rushing water and wonderful photo opportunity. We can help you plan your day, and provide a well marked map and equipment.
Little Vermilion is the largest in an eleven lake system. Approximately sixteen miles long, Little Vermillion is a long narrow body of water with a lower and upper section. These spring-fed waters are deep and cold with numerous bays, reefs, and deep weed beds that have created excellent fish-holding structures. The lake forage consists of whitefish, cisco, suckers, perch, various minnow life, and crayfish. With the combination of all these factors, the unpressured-waters of Little Vermilion offers our guests some of the best sportfishing Canada has to offer; year after year.
Closs Lake: land portage is easy. Muskie and Smallmouth Bass dominate here. Very large Smallmouth Bass are caught each year: up to and over 5 pounds. Two people in six hours have caught 50 Bass; over half being between 16 and 20 inches. Muskie at Closs Lake is also plentiful with action at times to the tune of 13 boated in one days' effort. What about size? Muskie from 25 to over 30 pounds was recorded.
Cedarbough Lake. This lake is accessible most of the season by floating through a small creek. Cedarbough is a very deep, cold-water lake that harbours big Smallmouth Bass, Muskie, Northern Pike, and Whitefish. Smallmouth Bass up to and over 5 pounds. Muskie fishing can be very fast at times. One guest boated 13 Muskie in one day. Northern Pike range up to over 20 pounds and Muskie are up to and over 30 pounds.
Ontario Northern Pike
Terry Lake: land portage is slightly difficult. Action for Northern Pike is extremely fast. There are no monsters here, but the action on light tackle is very exciting for all. Each year guests record catches of over 50 Pike in four hours or less. The three best catches were all over 100 Pike!
George Lake: land portage is slightly difficult. This is our smallest portage lake, but what it lacks in size is made up for in its beauty and fishing quality. You can expect to catch only Northern Pike, but good size Pike. This lake has been rarely fished, and needs much more exploring.
Booger Lake: land portage is slightly difficult. Only Northern Pike roam these waters. This long narrow beautiful lake will give any Pike fisherperson a thrill. Northern Pike will range between 3 to 8 pounds and can offer a lot of fast action, best recorded was 165 caught in 8 hours between three people.
Muskie Muskie Muskie
Maskinonge - Hooch - Cloudlet. These three lakes are referred to as Muskie Sanctuaries. They are connected to Little Vermilion Lake via a creek system, and were closed some 60+ years before being reopened in 1993. Smallmouth Bass, Northern Pike, and Muskie inhabit these waters. The fishing our guests have experienced in these three lakes can be described in one word: FABULOUS! Just about everyone fishing in these lakes has experienced the fishing day or catch of their lifetime. Many have had both. Smallmouth Bass between 4 to 5 pounds are very common. Northern Pike and Muskie ranging between 38 to 42" are frequently caught.
2013 Ontario Fishing Season: May 18th to September 7th
Special Seasons and Regulations
Muskie season opens June 15th.
Closs Lake opens June 15th.
Maskinonge, Hooch, and Cloudlet Lakes open June 15th.
Maskinonge, Hooch, Cloudlet Lakes, and all portage lakes are catch-and-release only.
Maskinonge, Hooch, and Cloudlet Lakes are barbless, one hook only & artificial lures only.
All guests fish under Conservation Regulations only
Remember "The Future of Fishing is in Your Hands."
Come and explore the wilderness where moose, bear and wolves roam free. Witness the inventiveness of a beaver building a dam to provie its livelihood. Observe creatures such as minks and otters, working and surviving the only way they know how.
Experience the splendor of nature's "night show", the Northern Lights, right from the deck of your cabin or the front porch of the lodge. As the lights in the sky begin their subtle dance of color, you'll watch in amazement of the beauty. Then the dance explodes into a light show of streaks of color and shooting beams of light. As the show comes to an end, you stand and wonder what you just saw, and look forward, with hope, of seeing it again!
Fireside Lodge provides a change of atmosphere from your everday life. Photographers will appreciate the natural surroundings and the wildlife that our area has to offer. For the exercise enthusiast, our two miles of quiet scenic road are excellent for jogging or hiking.
The Lodge as built in 1904. It provides a homey meeting place for friends, new and old, to gather and enjoy each other's company, or to just sit quietly and savour the moment. A bag of freshly popped corn will hit the spot while sitting by the large fireplace. The more active will take on the challenge of a game of pool or ping-pong. Books, puzzles, and board games are here to fill some quiet time. The spacious screened-in porch allows you to enjoy our fantastic Canadian sunsets. You will enjoy hearty home-cooked meals in our dining room and a friendly atmosphere where you can share the stories of the day.
You can contact Fireside Lodge by calling: 800-545-0815
Fireside Lodge
Box 218
Sioux Lookout
Ontario, Canada
P8T 1A3
www.firesidelodge.com
Fireside Lodge Video
Fishing Costa Rica with Mar1 Sport Fishing
Quepos, Costa Rica
It is what you could consider, a truly amazing fishery. If you are looking for your next record catch, this is the place to come for your World Record attempt on hundreds of species. With more than 70 current IGFA world-record fish from Costa Rica waters, including 17 all-tackle recognitions, your ultimate fishing vacation is waiting for you right in the Quepos-Manuel Antonio area. Charter boats of all sizes and amenities can easily be arranged for you during your visit, so don't miss out on the big one! Quepos Costa Rica is where you NEED to plan your next Costa Rica Fishing Charter
Costa Rica Fishing Charters - Offshore Fishing
Costa Rica Fishing Charters offers amazing offshore fishing opportunity for Pacific Sailfish, Blue, Black and Striped Marlin, Yellow Fin Tuna, Dorado (Mahi-Mahi) and Wahoo to top the list. All of these amazing Offshore Game fish are abundant here and are awaiting your arrival. Quepos Fishing Charters include not only getting the chance to fight some of these amazing offshore fish, but as well as the chance to see some other great creatures like, Dolphins , Whales and sea turtles. The Dolphins here in Quepos are truly amazing and when you see a huge school, it is a gift, as there is usually a lot of Yellow Fin Tuna under those Dolphins as they feed and play.
Costa Rica fishing charters - In shore Fishing:
Costa Rica offers amazing in shore fishing Charter opportunities that are just as amazing as the offshore action. The In shore Fish you can expect to catch on your Costa Rica Fishing Charter is Rooster fish, Snapper, Jack Crevalle, King Mackerel, Wahoo and Barracuda to name a few. Theses Costa Rica Fishing Charters are really overlooked by people as they plan their Costa Rica Fishing Holiday, as they are usually looking for that Huge Marlin or other Costa Rica Offshore Fish to add to the list of caught species.
Costa Rica Fishing Charters - Fly Fishing and Fresh Water:
Costa Rica Fishing Charters also offers great Fly Fishing and fresh water fishing adventures on the many fresh water rivers located here in Costa Rica. Costa Rica Fishing also gives you the opportunity to do some lake fishing while you are here in Costa Rica.
Offshore Fly fishing for Marlin, Sailfish, Yellow fin Tuna, what ever your target, we are here to help. Costa Rica Fishing Holidays that could include fishing in the Pacific, then off to the Caribbean to fish for Tarpon, than back up into the mountains for a day of lake fishing. What More could you ask for?
Mar 1 sportfishing is a Canadian owned company located in Quepos, Costa Rica. You can book with them by calling: 011-506-6077-9687 or in Canada or USA call: 1-360-566-2339.
Fishing Quepos, Costa Rica
Fishing in Costa Rica has way more options for fisherman than most realize. Costa Rica has what you could consider a truly amazing fishery.
World Records Caught Fishing Costa Rica
If you are looking for your next record catch this is the place to come for you World Record Attempt on hundreds of species. With more than 70 current IGFA world-record fish from Costa Rican waters, including 17 all-tackle recognitions, your ultimate fishing vacation is waiting for you right in the Quepos-Manuel Antonio area.
Offshore Fishing Costa Rica
Offshore Fishing in Costa Rica is in my opinion one of the most exciting things to do in Costa Rica. The amazing variety of offshore fish that can be caught, usually 15 - 30 miles from shore, is truly amazing.
Offshore Fishing
If you ever wanted to catch a massive Blue Black or Striped Marlin, then Costa Rica is a good place for your next Vacation. The numbers of bill fish in the waters off Costa Rica is the reason that most travel here, and is definitely what keeps most anglers coming back to Costa Rica.
Blue Marlin
The largest and most sought after game-fish. Those lucky enough to fight and land one of these monsters will have a fisherman’s tale worth listening too. Famous for its strength and acrobatic jumps, a Marlin fight can last for hours. Blue Marlin are the most common of all Marlin found in Costa Rica’s waters, though Black Marlin and even the occasional Striped Marlin are hooked often enough. While normally in the 150-500 lb. range, several have been lucky enough to fight Marlin over 900 lbs.
DESCRIPTION: Blue Marlin are easily distinguishable by their bright royal or cobalt blue coloring on top with silver sides and a white underbelly. The most obvious feature of the Blue Marlin is their upper jaw, which is elongated into a spear shaped point. Their dorsal fin is pointed along with the pectoral and anal fins. They have no spots on their fins or backs.
FEEDING HABITS: Blue Marlin typically feed on squid, small tuna, Dorado and various other off-shore species. Marlin are famous for loving to feed on juvenile mahi-mahis that they find along garbage flows and currents. They use their elongated upper jaws to stun their prey, not spear it, by whipping their bodies with incredible speed and power. Once the fish is stunned or killed by the initial blow the Marlin feed at their leisure
SIZE: The average size of Blue Marlin is 150-500 lbs. Females are almost always larger than males. Unlike Black Marlin who can top out in the 1,500 lb. range, Blue Marlin keep growing their entire lives. The IGFA record is 1,402 lbs, but Blues have been caught to the tune of 1,649 lbs and 1,805 lbs (not IGFA records due to rule infractions).
WHERE FOUND IN COSTA RICA: Blue Marlin are found all along the Pacific Coast of Costa Rica. They are a pelagic and migratory species which means they live near the surface in deep, off-shore waters. They typically are found in warmer tropical waters between 70-85 degrees, which Costa Rica has year round. To reach the Marlin you typically will have to make a run out to the continental shelf, which can take 30 minutes to an hour depending on where you leave from.
BEST MONTHS: Blue Marlin can and have been caught year round in Costa Rica. Typically the best months for Blue Marlin in the Southern and Central Pacific regions of Costa Rica (Jaco, Manuel Antonio, & Osa Peninsula) are late October through January. Most years there is usually a 'second run' of Marlin between May and early July. Blue Marlin are found in the northwestern part of Costa Rica from May to September when the bite then moves back down south along the coast.
Black Marlin
The Black Marlin is very similar to the Blue Marlin and can be found in the same 70-85 degree tropical waters. Although they are found in the same areas and feed on the same bait fish, the Black Marlin typically weighs just a bit more than the Blues. Black Marlin are very dense, round fish and can reach up to 15 feet in length. Like the Blue Marlin, the females are the largest with males ranging in the 200-500 lb.
DESCRIPTION: Black Marlin are differentiated from other Marlin by their robust bodies and large heads. Typically a Black Marlin's body depth is greater than the height of its dorsal fin. As they name implies Black Marlin are much darker in color than Blue Marlin and have noticeable black backs and sides. Like the Blues, they too have the elongated spear shaped upper jaw.
FEEDING HABITS: Black Marlin also like to feed on squid, small Tuna, Dorado and various other off-shore species. They are also known to be opportunistic feeders and have been caught with snappers, groupers and different members of the jack family.
SIZE: The average size of Black Marlin is usually just a bit bigger than the blues and is in the range of 200-500 lbs. Like the Blue Marlin, females are almost always larger than males. Although the largest Marlin ever caught was a Blue, more Blacks are 1,000 lbs or more than Blues.
WHERE FOUND IN COSTA RICA: Black Marlin are found all along the Pacific Coast of Costa Rica. Unlike the Blue Marlin which is found in every ocean, Black Marlin are only found in the Pacific and Indian Oceans. They are also found in warm tropical waters, but can be found much closer to shore than Blue Marlin which makes them easier to find and fish for. It is common to find Black Marlin along shallow reefs or islands, which Costa Rica has plenty of.
BEST MONTHS: Black Marlin can and have been caught year round in Costa Rica. They can usually be found in warmer water than the Blues which means they usually arrive a little later than them. The best months along the Southern and Central Pacific is December-February with July and August offering a good second season. In the Northwest region of Guanacaste they are typically found from April to September.
Pacific Sailfish
An extremely acrobatic and fast fish, the sailfish is a staple of sport fishing in Costa Rica. Once hooked, a Sailfish will spend half of the fight out of the water twisting and turning as you try to maintain tension on the line. Found in huge numbers all over the country, this trophy fish is on the wish list of almost every angler. Sailfish are so abundant here that it is not uncommon to get two hooked at the same time.
DESCRIPTION: As the name implies, the most outstanding feature about the Sailfish is their sail shaped dorsal fin. The collapsible fin is extended when swimming to help this speedy, narrow fish turn. Generally cobalt or navy blue in color, some Sailfish have spots and will show stripes when hunting. Another member of the billfish group, the upper jaw extends two to three times the length of the bottom jaw to form a spear used to stun fish when hunting.
FEEDING HABITS: Sailfish like to feed on Squid, small Dorado, and various other types of pelagic fish. Blessed with terrific speed, they use their elongated upper jaw to stun their prey in powerful blows. Sailfish can swim up to 50 knots and generally live alone or in small groups of 2-3 individuals.
SIZE: Adult Sailfish generally range from 7-10 feet in length. Juveniles grow very quickly and can grow 4-5 feet in one year. Most Sailfish weigh between 65-100 pounds, though sails over 100 lbs are not uncommon.
WHERE FOUND IN COSTA RICA: Sailfish are found in warm, tropical waters all over the world. Most often they are fished for on the Pacific Ocean, but they can also be found on Costa Rica's Caribbean Coast in the Gulf of Mexico. Although they do occasionally range into shallow waters, they are most often found in deep water past the continental shelf.
BEST MONTHS: Sailfish can and are caught every month of the year here in Costa Rica. Typically the best months for sails in the Southern and Central Pacific regions of Costa Rica (Jaco, Manuel Antonio, & Osa Peninsula) are late November to April. They are so abundant that having double digit hook ups is a relatively common feat in the high season. The best numbers of sailfish in the Guanacaste region of Costa Rica are found from May-November. On the Caribbean Coast fishing is best when the in the dry months of August - October and then again from January to April.
Dorado
Dorado are colorful and acrobatic fish. They are a favorite game fish all over the Americas. While small Dorado's can be found in-shore around islands and by river mouths, the big, hard-fighting bulls are found off-shore. Once hooked, high leaps and lengthy tail walks are a common sight. A colorful and delicious fish, landing a Dorado is a bonus because you get a great fight and even better meal out of it. Dorado over 50 lbs are frequently caught here.
Other Names:
Mahi Mahi, Dolphin fish, Dorado
Physical Description:
The body of the Dolphin is quite slender but fairly deep, with a noticeable tapering from head to tail. The male of the species is distinguished from the female by its high, vertical head. The anal fin has approximately 30 soft rays and stretches over half of the length of the body. The distinctive dorsal fin is long, covering almost three-fourths of the body, and has around 60 soft rays. The caudal fin is deeply forked and contains no spines. -- A blaze of blue and yellow or deep green and yellow when in the water, and sometimes shows dark vertical stripes as well when excited. It also has small dark spots on sides and the dorsal fin extends nearly from head to tail. The head is very blunt in males (bulls); rounded in females (cows).
Range:
While the greatest concentrations of dolphin are believed to be in the Indian Ocean and the western Pacific, they are found worldwide in tropical and subtropical waters and warm water currents including all offshore waters of Florida, the Bahamas and the Caribbean.
Feeding Habits:
Dolphin are known as voracious predators. While their favorite prey is the Flying Fish, they also consume Squid, Shrimp, Crustaceans and even smaller Dolphin. Using a keen sense of eyesight the dolphin locates most food near clumps of floating vegetation and objects.
Sporting Qualities:
The Dolphin is considered one of the top offshore game fish and is highly targeted by anglers around the world. It is famous for its leaps and flips over the surface when hooked. Because of their speed and agility, Dolphin provide for an exciting catch as they run long and jump often.
Habitat:
Dolphin are a warm-water fish, usually found in deep waters, close to the surface. While sometimes found in coastal waters, they often concentrate in the open ocean, around floating objects such as buoys, driftwood and seaweed clusters. They are considered to be the most surface-oriented of all big-game fish
Yellow Fin Tuna
One of the strongest fish in the sea, once hooked, you’ll see why people refer to Tuna as a ‘ball of muscle’. Though not known for its jumping ability, the hard and constant runs will test anybody’s strength. The fight may wear you out, but once landed, this makes for a great meal when you get back to your hotel. While the most commonly hooked Tuna are ‘football’ sized, several Yellow Fin upwards of 200-300 lbs have been landed here.
Yellow Fin Tuna DESCRIPTION:
The body of the Yellow Fin Tuna is tapered at both ends and appears conical like an American football. The color on their backs ranges from a dark blue or brown to yellow. Because Yellow Fin Tuna and Big Eye Tuna appear so similar, the main way to tell them apart is the pectoral fins. In Yellow Fin Tuna, the pectoral fins do not extend past the anal fin while in the Big Eye Tuna, they easily do.
Yellow Fin Tuna FEEDING HABITS:
Tuna feed on squid, Crustaceans, and various juvenile fishes. They have incredible power and bursts of speed produced by their crescent shaped tails. They generally travel in large schools, often times with Dolphins, and most often are hooked by jigging.
Yellow Fin Tuna SIZE:
Yellow Fin Tuna grow very quickly and generally way about 8 pounds by the time they are 18 months old. Big Tuna are typically four years old or older with the biggest fish being over 10 years old. The vast majority of the Tuna caught in Costa Rica are 'footballs' ranging from 8-20 pounds, but catching Yellow Fin in the range of 100 - 200 lbs happens every year.
WHERE FOUND IN COSTA RICA:
Yellow Fin Tuna can be found anywhere in the Pacific Ocean from Peru to California. They typical like waters between 74 and 82 degrees. They are found all along the Pacific Coast and even out in the Caribbean Sea.
Yellow Fin Tuna BEST MONTHS:
Yellow Fin Tuna can be caught every month of the year here in Costa Rica, but since they travel in large schools, some months are definitely better than others. They are one of the game fish that has better numbers in the green season, or low season, with the best months typically being from May to October. Peak months are generally June – August.
Wahoo
Without much of an argument, anglers and experts agree the Wahoo is the fastest fish in the ocean. Even though they are found all over the country, they usually travel alone, so catching one is always a pleasant surprise. With fast, scorching runs the only thing that is better than the fight, is the fish itself. Because of its elusiveness, the Wahoo is a true delicacy among fisherman. Trolling with live bait is your best bet when trying to catch this speedy, intelligent fish.
Physical Description : Long slender body marked with zebra-like stripes of white and deep blue or black. Mouth is elongated and narrow, and equipped with razor-sharp teeth.
Range: Wahoo are present in the Atlantic, Pacific and Indian Oceans in clear, tropical and subtropical waters. Heavy seasonal concentrations occur off the Pacific coasts of Panama, Costa Rica and Baja California in the summer. Offshore of all Florida coasts, especially the Keys, but for more plentiful in the Bahamas and many Caribbean Islands.
Feeding Habits: While the Wahoo is perfectly capable of biting chunks out of large fish, it primarily feeds on whole small fishes, such as sardines, scads, mackerel and squid. They are frequently solitary feeders, but they may sometimes be found in small, loose groups. Wahoo are sub-surface hunters that hang several feet below the surface and shoot up to attack prey with tremendous speed. Although they feed at all times, they tend to be more active in the morning and evening hours.
Sporting Qualities: May strike surface bait in spectacular, grey hounding fashion, but seldom jumps after being hooked. Wild fight is characterized by several sizzling runs, usually at or near the surface. One of the fastest of all game fish.
Habitat:Roams the deep blue water, but anglers can find them by working drop-offs, seamounts, weed lines and other favorable feeding locations.
Mar 1 Sport Fishing has top quality fishing boats for all of your fishing needs. Quepos fishing Charters Fleet is available on line for Quepos,Pez Vela Marina, Los Suenos and all of Costa Rica. Charter boats available for:
Anywhere in Costa Rica.
Quepos Fishing Rates
Quepos Fishing Charters offers great rates to match the amazing service Mar 1 Sport Fishing offers. Fishing Charters Prices are all for the boat and not per person.
Prices also in most cases do not include fishing licences, or tipping for the Crew the day of fishing.
Call 011-506-6077-9687
Canada or USA 1-360-566-2339
Cell: 1-403-501-9351
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