Here's Hoping...

my upcoming trip to the deep, beautiful, bass-full south leaves me holding fish after fish after fish after fish... I will blog my travels like always...so stay tuned my friends... I may just be a bass babe yet!!! Happy Fishin' LIZZY aka The Fisherbabe

Beaver Lake...Tournaments...and ME...

Don't get any ideas...I don't fish tournaments BUT I do go to them apparently!!! Remember the trip to Beaver Lake I have been planning with the Fisherbrother and Fishermommy??? I found out tonight that it is the SAME weekend as the FLW tournament on Beaver Lake...wth...LOL. Only I could make unintentional plans THAT awesome...LOL!!!

My brother and I talked tonight and decided that we still want to go...so I asked around about whether it is socially acceptable to fish on a lake while there is a tourney going on...and found out that IT IS!!! But no worries...We totally plan to give way to the Pros and get the hell out of their way if so needed :)

BUT I will admit...I am SOOOO excited to fish for stripers in this incredible lake, watch the weigh ins, and possibly meet some friends that I have made over twitter, facebook, and through blogging!!! AND...of course...BLOG ALL ABOUT IT!!! I am so excited about the wonderful weekend that seems to be looming ahead!!! My camera is TOTALLY ready...I just can't WAIT!!!!

So any last minute recommendations on great Striper Lures for this lake...because me catching a huge a** Striper is my #1 goal...although meeting friends might tie for #1!!! Give me your favs for Stripers or this lake and I will try them out and report back!!!

O.M.G. I JUST CANNOT WAIT...HOLY beep!!!! LOL... ;) Maybe I should leave my spinner earring at home and go for diamonds and soft plastics this time...LOL...I hear Stripers are particular about the jewelry you wear...LOL ;)

Sooooooooooooooooooo EXCITED...can't say that enough!!!! :)

Oh yeah...you think a few Pros will let me take a picture with them??? Holy cow...I better fix my hair that day...and wear my pink fishin shirt...LOL ;)

Happy Fishing Friends ~

LIZZy aka The Fisherbabe

All Is Right In Lizzyland...

and this is why I love PLANO...LOOK at how big this tacklebox is!!! YES...I finally got my PLANO 9606 courtesy of a lovely friend who suprised me with it in the mail!!! Thank you...you know who you are!!!!

I cannot lie...as I transfered my little lures to the new box, I almost cried at the relief I felt to be putting my prized tackle into my most trusted box. Only truly passionate anglers can understand this feeling...LOL...or maybe I am just wierd...

Now all my little treasures are safely snuggled in their new home and we can all breathe a sigh of relief... ;)

NOW...a little sneek peek at an upcoming blog post...Can you spot the different reel in the case below????

Here is a hint...It is shiny and lovely and AMAZING and has been on my list for years and I have finally gotten one from the best Fisherdaddy-in-law EVER!!!!

Happy Weekend EVERYONE...and enjoy this lovely weather!!!!

FISH ON!!

LIZZY aka The Fisherbabe

There's Trouble in LIZZYLAND...

and it ALL has to do with my U.S. Tacklebox. Now...you might not know this about me BUT...I have 2 tackleboxes that are each dedicated to fishing in one specific country...LOL ;) The reasons for this method are simple...different locations, different fish, and different sizes call for different tackle, and I don't want to have to re-design and change out my lure and tackle selections every time I go fishing. Sooooo...I have a U.S. tacklebox and a Canadian tacklebox. Trust me...the system works...LOL ;)

Now...you might ask...if this system is so perfect, what trouble could it possibly cause poor old Lizzy??? LOL...well...call me picky, call me wierd, call me OCD, but I hate my U.S. box. HATE IT!!!! I was just re-organizing it for my upcoming trip to Beaver Lake, and O.m.G!!!!! There is no room, the compartments are too small to fit most lures, there are absolutely no compartments for tool storage, AND my extra stow-a-way boxes are difficult to maneuver into (and out of) the bottom. It is just the worst!!!!

Now, I always use Plano hip-roof tackleboxes because the compartments are large, there are lots of them, and the fold out trays make putting things into the bottom super easy!! My Canadian box is a Plano 9606, and it ROCKS!!! But, for some reason when I bought my U.S. box, I went momentarily stupid and purchased another brand. What the hell was I thinking???? This box sucks!!!

For the record, I just want to put it out there that PLANO does NOT pay me or compensate me in any manner for using or reviewing their products. I choose to use Plano products because they are strong, durable, and trustworthy. I choose to review Plano products because I want my friends to know that they can trust that they will get a dependable product from a company that still truly cares about the products they make AND the people who purchase them.

Anyways...now I am stuck with a tacklebox that I HATE, and let me tell you that is seriously enough to ruin a lot of the fun of getting all the tackle and lures together...having the wrong gear can be SOOOOOO frustrating. I was really considering just going out and purchasing another Plano 9606 today so that I could spend the evening drinking a beer, organizing my tacklebox, shopping for more lures online, and daydreaming about catching massive stripers. However, none of my local retailers seem to have this item in stock or they just do not carry it at this time.

So now we have a severly disappointed Fisherbabe, and a tacklebox that I want to take out back for a little "office space" therapy...

Ugh... ;)

Here's hoping your Sunday is ROCKIN enough for the both of us ;)

Happy Fishing ~

LIZZY aka The Fisherbabe

A Little Winter Planning...

for a fishing trip is one of the most EXCITING things to do because...as YOU all KNOW...I seriously look forward to my spring pike trip ALL WINTER LONG!!! I have been going to Canada to fish for TROPHY PIKE for a few years now, and one of my favorite parts is all the prep and planning that occurs before FINALLY GOING on the trip!!! Plus all that PRE-Spring Dreaming helps to kick the Winter Blues AZZZZZZZZZZZZZ... ;)

When I first started going on these trips (aka my first trip), I didn't partake in any of the planning...I just left it up to the boys. But then I realized...O.M.G. planning is A TON of fun!!! Plus, it totally builds up excitement for the ROCKIN' trip ahead!!! PLUS...you get to look forward to AND think about the trip for MONTHS!!! Can we say UBER-EXCITED by the time the trip actually comes around???? That night before we leave is like Christmas morning times...ummmm...let me find the right words....ummmmmm...INFINITY!!! Oh YeAh... :)

Soooooooo...as I was sitting here researching a few lakes and lodges today, I thought maybe you guys would like to know how a trip's all planned and how it's all done here in Fisherbabe land...

First of all...and this is the one of the most important parts...take a pad and a pen, sit down, (ALONE), and really think about what is most important to YOU when you book a fishing trip!!! Ask yourself this question, "If I were booking a trip...just for ME alone, and no one else would be coming along, what would I want from that trip?" Now...most big fishing adventures call for more than one angler, and this is for a couple of reasons. First of all, the price is usually group based. Secondly, for safety reasons, you need more than one man in a boat...especially on lakes that you are unfamiliar with...and SUPER especially if you don't employ a guide. Plus...if you decide to go the no-guide route...for safety reasons, you really need more than one boat, as well. BUT...even though you won't get everything your way...knowing what you want and expect out of a great fishing adventure helps ensure that you get a least a couple of your needs met and that the trip is enjoyable!!

Also...speaking of fishing trip buddies...make sure you plan with friends or family that you can count on!! Nothing would suck worse than to have people commit, getting your hopes up, saving your cash, and then having someone drop out at when it's time to pay or worse when you've already paid and the deposit is non-refundable...YUCK!!! So...trust = NOT overrated in this situation!!

Once you have decided that you want to take a trip, narrow down the locations you want to fish and immediately begin researching your options and TAKE NOTES!! Research the possibile destinations, the local cultures, the lodges, the lakes, THE FISHING, ect. Make sure you research the fishing possibilities of the lake and do not just focus on the lodge. A great lodge does not necessarily mean a great lake and sometimes...well...a great, luxurious lodge that has been highly marketed can mean LOTS of guests over the course of the fishing season which can lead to less fish caught overall, more competition on the lake for the best spots, and a generally lower quality experience. This is, obviously, not always the case...but it can definitely impact your experience.

Once you have narrowed your options and chosen a location grab that list you made in at the beginning because this is where it truly comes in handy. Look at the list of what you need and want out of your trip. You might consider an outpost camp if luxurious accomodations are not a factor. They are sometimes quite rough and tough to stay at BUT can be a little less expensive AND have better fishing. It is suprising how many anglers WILL NOT stay at a lodge unless it is cushy and luxe or how many will NOT fly in...which means less people fish the outposts and that equals less pressure on the lake. Trust me...this is a good thing...DO NOT underestimate this factor!!

The lodges are great sources of information but remember they are partial to filling the lodge and making money...LOL!! You most likely will NOT get the most UNBIASED information about the lake from the owners of the lodge because they stand to gain monetarily from your visit. This is where Blogs, Magazine Articles, Websites, and Outdoor Shows really come in handy. Keep an eye and ear out for any tips, tricks, or recommendations from these sources. And if the author has an email...EMAIL them a few questions!! I guarantee they will not mind and you will not be sorry you made the extra effort!! First hand experiences are the true GEMS of researching and planning your adventures!!!

Once you have decided on a lodge and a lake, BUY A MAP!! Do this as soon as you book...even if you are a year out!! The more time you have to look at the map, the more spots you can locate for potential fishing AND for that potential trophy!!! I cannot STRESS enough the IMPORTANCE of buying a MAP ASAP!!!! So just DO IT!!!

Use the map of the lake to pinpoint prime locations for the fish you are hunting. Make sure you take the time to do your research on the fish you are targeting. Dig in and find patterns, food sources, spawning habits, water depth for the time of year, and so forth. This is very valuable information, and you can use it in conjunction with the map to pinpoint the BEST, most EFFECTIVE spots on the lake before you leave which will save you from wasting time on this task upon arrival at the lake. THIS MEANS more time SPENT FISHING!!!!

Once you have gotten to this part...you can sit back and relax. I ususally spend the rest of my time prior to the trip glancing over the map a few times, making packing lists, organizing my tackle, making sure I have all the MOST IMPORTANT lures, and purchasing all those SECRET lures so that I can outfish the boys...LOL ;)

All of these things make the winter pass in a lovely way and before you know it your trip will be just around the corner AND guess what...YOU WILL BE TOTALLY PREPARED!!! Talk about a STRESS FREE vacation!!!!! To me...the planning is a VERY IMPORTANT part of the fun!!!! Well...that and the shopping for secret lures...LOL ;)

So...GO GO GO plan that awesome extreme vacation and get your adventure on, PEOPLE!!!! I mean what are you waiting for...you only have ONE LIFE TO LIVE!!!!

Happy Planning LOVELIES ~

LIZZY aka The Fisherbabe

I'M TALKING ALL CANADA HERE PEOPLE...

and it's that time of year AGAIN!!! YAYYYYYY YIPPPPPEEEE JOY JOY!!!! On Monday I am heading to the big O...now...get your mind out of the gutter...this big O is OMAHA!!!! The big city...LOL ;)

And the reason I am heading to this big city??? THE ALL CANADA SHOW!!!! Now...I love this show!! It's my favorite sports show of the year. This is partly due to the fabulous company, the awesome lodges, and the cool pictures of trophy fish!!! However...it is also partly due to the fact that they ALWAYS sell beer...and not just any beer...SUPER YUMMY CANADIAN BEER...like Labatts...YUM :)

I must admit...there is really nothing better than walking around, looking at fish, talking to fisherpeople, killin' some wildlife on video games, and drinking beer all at the same time...it's just a FABULOUS TIME!!!!!

...and mine is this coming week!!! YES FINALLY...I can almost hear the PIKE calling my name...and THIS YEAR...I am trying to heavily influence the fisherhubs to re-visit the secret, FANTASTIC honeyhole from a couple years past. I've just heard that they have opened this outpost to the public, and I want to fish it one more time before it gets tired and less AWESOME!!!!

Here are some of the lodges, outfitters, and outdoor companies that will be present at the show:

MANITOBA

BOLTON LAKE LODGE - WINNIPEG, MB(204) 254-0025(Y)(800) 665-5321(T) DOGSKIN LAKE LODGE & OUTPOSTS - ATIKAKI PROVINCIAL PARK, MB(715) 955-4110(S)(715) 986-3030(W)(888) 364-7546(T) ELK ISLAND LODGE ON GODS LAKE - TYNDALL, MB(204) 775-9070(Y)(888) 559-6633(T) JACKSONS LODGE & OUTPOSTS - LAC DU BONNET, MB(204) 345-8322 KITCHI ISLAND OUTPOSTS - WINNIPEG, MB(204) 661-5748(Y)(866) 604-0567(T) TRAVEL MANITOBA - WINNIPEG, MB(204) 927-7818

ONTARIO

BALL LAKE LODGE - GRASSY NARROWS, ON(807) 925-9990(S)(807) 925-9968(W) CAMP QUETICO INC - ATIKOKAN, ON(807) 929-2266 CEDAR POINT LODGE - WALDHOF, ON(807) 227-2066(Y)(888) 722-4610(T) CEDAR POINT RESORT - PERRAULT FALLS, ON(807) 529-6542(S)(763) 807-4624(W) GOLDEN HOOK CAMP - RED LAKE, ON(807) 727-2708(Y)(800) 810-1479(T) LOST BAY RESORT AND OUTPOST - PERRAULT FALLS, ON(262) 532-9097(Y)(888) 884-8870(T) NIELSENS FLY IN LODGE - NESTOR FALLS, ON(807) 226-1234(S)(218) 547-3800(W)(800) 653-5946(T) OBABIKON BAY - SLEEMAN, ON(807) 488-5815(S)(618) 322-4759(W) PEFFLEYS CANADIAN WILDERNESS CAMP - PERRAULT FALLS, ON(807) 222-3184(S)(574) 220-9936(W)(888) 713-1250(T) PINE SUNSET LODGE - DINORWIC, ON(807) 938-6621(S)(920) 897-4212(W)(888) 897-4212(T) SUNNYSIDE CAMP - KEEWATIN, ON(888) 270-3090(S)(815) 222-0014(W) SYDNEY LAKE LODGE - MINAKI, ON(807) 727-3111(S)(807) 662-7171(W)(800) 437-9937(T) THADDEUS LAKE LODGE - DRYDEN, ON(807) 529-3377 THUNDERHOOK FLY-INS - ARMSTRONG, ON(807) 583-2106(S)(218) 780-2278(W) WHITE PINE LODGE - SIOUX NARROWS, ON(807) 226-5267(Y)(877) 325-4274(T) WHITEFISH BAY CAMP - NESTOR FALLS, ON(807) 226-1211(S)(218) 827-3162(W)(877) 226-1211(T) WILLIAMS LAKE LODGE - DRYDEN, ON(807) 529-3031(S)(262) 736-4044(W) WOMAN RIVER CAMP - EAR FALLS, ON(807) 222-2068(Y)(866) 347-4972(T)

SASKATCHEWAN

REINDEER LAKE TROUT CAMP - SOUTHEND, SK(306) 758-2296(Y)(800) 272-6359(T)

YUKON

INCONNU LODGE - WHITEHORSE, YK(250) 860-4187

Not to mention one of the sponsors is the lovely Cabelas :)

OH OH OH...I have NEVER wanted a weekend to pass more quickly...COME ON MONDAY!!!

...hmmmmmmmm...this just may be a FABULOUS reason for new shoes!!! ;)

Happy Weekend All ~

LIZZY aka THE (very excited) FISHERBABE

**for more information on this awesome show, please visit http://www.allcanada.com/!!!

Did YOU Win???

The winners of the Tailknottr BIG PRIZE are...drumrollllllll please!!!!

Jeffrey and Bassman_Euge!! Congrats guys and enjoy your new little tool!!!! Be sure to email me your addresses at fisherbabestaff@fisherbabe.com so that we can get these out to you as soon as possible!!!!

YAY for FREE STUFF!!!!

Happy Friday EVERYONE!!!!

LIZZY aka The Fisherbabe