2012 Esnagami Times

Dear Guests & Fellow Anglers,

Happy New Year!! The 2012 Season is now in the record books. Here are a few stories, highlights and insights from the season.

FISHING TRENDS:

Twenty-four years may seem like a long time to spend fishing on one lake. It does however, provide the opportunity to put together some solid trends when it comes to fishing. One trend in particular that stands out is the attention garnered by THE GREAT NORTHERN PIKE, a once neglected fish. It is hard to believe that at one time Pike were considered a “nuisance” fish, and were often thrown on the shore to “rid” a water system of them. Fortunately anglers soon realized the attributes of this top predator . A toothy, aggressive and hard hitting attack, was an experience to be had that was next to none. Add in the fact that Pike can grow to such sizes that handling these toothy critters is not unlike wrestling with an alligator. An interesting trend has developed in the past 10 years or so for many of Esnagami’s die-hard Walleye aficionados. We see many more of these anglers catching a couple of shore lunch “Eyes”, then spending the rest of the day casting for Pike .. .in hopes of hooking “the big one.”

The 2012 season’s statistics of our now long running, trophy Catch and Release program definitely reflects this. At one time 60 % of the total fish entered into the release program were Walleye. The total number of 24″ or longer Walleye and 30″ or longer Pike entered in 2012’s record books was impressive. The final tally was over 600. This marks the 8th season in a row with total numbers exceeding this mark. What is very interesting is that now Pike make up 75% of the big fish recorded in the program. This is not a coincidence, as fishing for Pike with traditional “5 of diamonds” and “Dare Devil” spoons has expanded to using specialized rods and reels, countless muskysized baits, plastics, spinners and spoons. “Fly-fishing” For Pike has also gained in popularity, and this focused group of anglers account for many of the top end fish each season.

This set the stage for some serious competition in the 2012 Trophy Pike category. Early in the season, Val Bernardi and his group of seasoned Esnagami anglers got right down to the business of catching big Pike. Val and his angling buddy Rob Giardulli, have won free trips back to the lodge in past years by catching the biggest fish in both Pike and Walleye categories. This season the “Bernardi” gang caught numerous 30″ plus Pike with three topping the 40″ mark. Rob’s best was a 43″ “heavy shouldered” fish. Rob’s son and first time guest Michael, also landed several big fish with his best being a 40″ Pike. Val earned top honours for the week though, and as it turned out, for the majority of the summer, with his impressive 45″ monster Pike. It would seem that this fish would be a sure winner for the free trip for biggest Pike but … as Val well knows, Pike 46 – 48″ have been more of the top end fish the last several years. Thus began a weekly dialogue between Val and myself, with me re-assuring him that he was still on top. Enter the “Davsion” party, who always join us in the last week of the season. This group is focused on trophy fishing and have caught their fair share of the “big ones”. And so … it was on one of the final days of the 2012 season, that Val heard the news …

Don Davison hooked and landed a huge 46 3/4″ Pike, his fish of a lifetime and the biggest Pike of the 2012 season. Even though Val’s 45 incher did not take top spot, his fish along with over 30 other Pike in the 40″ + range caught and released this season, definitely show the success in the 24 year running release program. Although Pike seems to be stealing the spotlight, Walleyes are still the “bread and butter” fish at Esnagami. 2012 provided excellent Walleye fishing throughout the entire season.

One trend we did notice was the unbelievable numbers of 2 lb to 4 lb (18″-22″) Walleye caught. Just ask the “Gwizdala” and “Wang” parties who together, landed over 400 Walleye between them, in just one evening of fishing an Esnagami hotspot. Although most anglers did well in the numbers game, Keith Jolliff, another long time Esnagami guest, entered several trophy fish as well. Keith’s trophy tally for the week saw 2 Pike … one at 31″ and his largest at 41 ‘A” along with two big Walleye. One was 26″ and the other a fat 29″ Walleye which garnered him the “Master Angler” in both categories for that week, as well as the biggest Walleye of the season.

Congratulations to both Don Davison for his 46 3/4″ trophy Pike and Keith for his 29″ trophy Walleye in taking top honours for the biggest fish of 2012. Each receives an all expense paid return trip to Esnagami.

CATCH & RELEASE CONTEST DRAW

We also draw 4 ballots For a Free trip from the rest of the 600 qualifying Catch and Release entries. The winners for 2012 are:

1. David Lavin 35 1/4″ Pike
2. Lee Lightheart 35 1/4″ Pike
3. Ron Steffen 26″ Walleye
4. Josh Wells 34 1/4″ Pike

Congratulations and a huge Thank you to all of our guests that have embraced Esnagami’s conservation approach to fishery management ..

For a complete breakdown of each weeks’ “catches and camp highlights,” check out Sue’s Blog on Esnagamrs Facebook site (look in “earlier in 2012-). A list of qualifying Catch and Release entries as well as the Top 10 leader board entries can be seen on the lrophy Gallery” page of Esnagami’s web site: www.esnagami.com

ESNAGAMI RIVER CAMP

We are pleased to now offer packages to the Esnagami River Outpost Camp. This lake and river system offers excellent fishing for both Brook Trout and Walleye. Upgrades to the cabins now make this rustic adventure very comfortable. Trips can be booked to stay exclusively at the river camp or combine it with a stay at the lodge. Please inquire for further information.

ESNAGAMI LODGE on T.V.

We were excited to welcome back both ‘The Wilderness Journal Outdoor Show” and lhe New Fly Fisher Show” this past summer. Many of you have enjoyed watching hosts Kyle and Tina Randall’s Wilderness Journal shows over the past 10 years. This summer they filmed 2 new exciting episodes. The first is set down the Esnagami River titled ‘Tremendous Trout.” The title is quite fitting, as we navigated the rapids to a fantastic day of Brook Trout fishing. The second show was filmed in July. The episode features a fun and fishfilled family experience, with grandparents, parents and children. Check out www.wildernessjournal.com for show Show” arrived in August with a mission to catch some of Esnagami’s big Pike on the fly rod. We put Bill’s casting arm and fly rod equipment to the ultimate test, landing several trophy Pike. To see this exciting show, go to www.thenewflyfisher.com for scheduling and programming information in your area ..

CAMP DOG

For those who haven’t already heard, we had to say a tearful good-bye to our wonderful Lab Arrow. We had 14 great years with her and in August she let us know that it was “her” time. We feel lucky to have had such an amazing dog for feeling a void for many months, we knew that we were ready for another dog. On December 27th, we picked up an 8 week old Chocolate Lab who we have named “River.” She has some pretty big paws to fill and we are looking forward to bringing her to the lodge this summer. As we enter into the new year, we would like to say a SINCERE THANK-YOU to all the guests that visited us in 2012. We hope to see you again this up-coming season.

2013 SPORT SHOW SCHEDULE