Season's Greetings!

As the holidays are drawing near, what are you thinking of? Decking the halls or how good that walleye you caught tasted? I love the holidays but wouldn't it be nice ...

Despite record hot temperatures, the 2012 fishing season was great. It was the season for pike and muskie. With record numbers and sizes coming in. Just check out Will and Rick's catch below and the other great catches of 2012 on facebook, while you're there don't forget to 'like us'.

We were lucky to have Andri join us again this year. He brings customer service to a new level and our guests continually comment how pleasant he is to have around. We have indeed enjoyed having him. But, unfortunately, it looks like 2012 was Andri's last season with us. It's not looking good for him to get another visa to return in 2013 but we've got a few months yet, before the final decision is made.

Barry enjoyed his first season and is looking forward to seeing many of you again in the 2013 season.

Are you booked for the 2013 fishing season?

If you are already booked in for the 2013 fishing season that's great and we're looking forward to seeing you. To ensure that you receive 2012 prices please be sure to send in your deposit before the new year to confirm your booking. You can make your deposit by sending in a cheque or calling 1-888-231-1199 with a visa or mastercard number. If you haven't booked yet, get in touch soon as space is getting limited.

50HP motor upgrade

Last spring we upgraded the motor on one of the Lund Outfitter upgrade boats to a 50 HP motor with a built in trolling option. Everyone who took it out, LOVED it. Its higher horse power gave the boat great get up and go and it trolls beautifully. We're going to monitor your thoughts about it again this summer and if everyone still loves it we'll consider upgrading another Lund Outfitter. If you're interested in upgrading to this great motor, send me a message and I'll check its availability.

Fly fishing on the Whalesback

Are you interested in fly fishing? Want to give it a go? Flymart.ca is Canada's premier online fly fishing store. It's owner and operator lives right around the corner in Massey and would be happy to share some tips about fly fishing on the Spanish River or Whalesback Channel. Check out this walleye caught on the Spanish River just outside Flymart and the bass caught on the lower Spanish River.

Your opinion counts!

In an attempt to make your stay more enjoyable, we are considering turning our lodge into a restaurant and would like to know what you think. As most of you know, we currently offer set meal plans to our Evening Meal and American Plan guests. The restaurant will be open to all our guests as well as the public and will be able to offer you a menu to choose from and dinner when you want it. Breakfast and lunch will remain the same (for now) for our American plan guests. Do you think this is a good idea? If so, click here to let me know by sending an email. If you don't think a restaurant is a good idea and think things should stay as they are, click here to let me know. Thanks very much for taking the time to let us know your thoughts. We value your opinion greatly!

Insurance

The boat and motor insurance has brought our guests piece of mind over the last few years. Last season alone it saved you over $2000. We would like to let you know that we have restructured the cost of the insurance to more accurately reflect the value of the boat it covers. Starting May 2013 the boat and motor insurance will be:

$29.95 for all 16' boats
$39.95 for the 17' Lund Outfitter upgrades with 30HP motors
$49.95 for the 17' Lund Outfitter with the 50HP motor with built in trolling option
$49.95 for the Rebel

If you would like to add the insurance to your booking, click here. If you're interested in finding out more about it, click here.

2013 Tradeshows

Unfortunately, we're going to miss seeing a lot of you at the tradeshows this winter. We're expecting our 3rd baby - yikes! - right around the time of the Columbus and Cincinnati shows so I'm forcing James to stay close to home. Depending on how everything goes, there is a possibility that he will attend the Toronto Sportsman show if they have any last minute booths avaiable. If James does attend the Toronto show I'll be sure to post it on our Facebook fan page. Stay tuned.

New Dock

Our dock has done us well over the years but the time has come to say goodbye. If all goes according to plan by spring we'll have a new, longer dock. Although I don't think James is looking forward to the work it will take to build it, we are very much looking forward to sharing it with everyone.

Wishing you all the best for a wonderful holiday season and the happiest of New Year's to come!

Hallowe'en

Freddy, aka James, had a blast scaring everyone at the Haunted Harbour this year, which had an overall theme of psychos and serial killers. The event was a huge success with approximately 700 people coming through over three nights. All proceeds go to the Spanish Horticultural Society, who are the main event organizers and our local doctor is the mastermind behind the ghoulish transformation of our grounds. Next year, it's a zombie invasion! Check out our Hallowe'en album on our Facebook page.

Outdoor Cards

If you purchased an Outdoors Card but haven't yet received the actual card you need to call the Outdoors Card Centre at 1-800-387-7011. You should call at least 6 weeks prior to your trip. You should have your temporary card (paper slip) handy as you may need some of the details on it.

US Passports Required

US citizens visiting the Harbour will require a valid passport or passport card to reenter the US. For more information about the passport card click here.

Proof of competency
All boat operators now require proof of competency. You don't need to have a boat operators' licence - but if you have one be sure to bring it with you. When you rent a boat all you need is a signed boat safety checklist.

When James or Shorty goes over your boat with you, they'll also go over the checklist and have you sign it. You'll need to keep your copy with you on the boat and produce it if required.