Canadian Growers Thread - Canucks Represent!

Amarok

bad mother chucker
Staff member
Moderator
I say save your money on your gear
.....and invest in knowledge.

In both growing and fishing, I take pleasure in seeing how I match up with those who have bigger budgets. I generally feel my results compare favorably. There are a lot of positive actions that don't require money.

I have a friend with every expensive toy for fishing and he is also extremely competitive. I like to do well, but if I get outfished it's just another day. This guy gets bugged, but tries to hide it if anyone is doing better than him.
I've never "kept score" but would estimate I probably outfish him 60% of the time. I truly believe it's because while he's looking at catalogues, I'm looking to tweak all the little things that really make a difference.

I hope this doesn't sound cocky, I'm honestly just trying to share ideas.
 

Psychobilly

🧀Muenster
I hope you find something you enjoy in there.
Oh yeah, DOA and a shitload of others. I just typed that list in 2 minutes off the top of my head, it could have been 10x longer.

I accidentally fell into running a club in 94-95 and was booking music as part of the gig. I saw 15+ bands some weeks. Then those connections had me on guest lists for years after, so I could talk obscure to unknown, but amazing acts for way longer than anyone would want to listen. ;) :ROFLMAO:

If you are ever bored and looking for something you've never heard of to check out, let me know and I'll see what I can pull from my old brain.

If you like great lyricists and storytellers, check out Mike Plume from that list. He was based out of Edmonton for years, was working in Nashville as a songwriter for a while, and is just super talented. A jaded old road dog friend of mine who is a very sought after front of house guy retired after years on the road. He told me a few times the only guy he would ever tour with was Plume, as his songs never got old.

I'll check those out bro :) I do like a good lyrical wordsmith! A lot of bands I listen to are bands that use Horror Movies as that is an interest of mine, but I'm also into other things too; My playlists run through styles of music from "I enjoy the sounds they made and respect the skill level of production" like Lords of Acid, or KMFDM, to "Well the lyrics on this and the dirty style of recording I respect" to Outlaw Country, Metal, and, of course, Psychobilly LOL.

I do like strange hard to put a label on it stuff too, and I also like old Ska and .... I have lists that play through Irish Folk Music to Rap and on to Danzig and old Blues so I'm pretty open minded about musical taste. Not a huge fan of Disco, but I've just never been into that is all. Maybe if I had cocaine or something LOL. I also like Funk and other styles where the Bass player is a shining part of the sound but any person where I feel like they're doing something I'm into I go for :)
 

Psychobilly

🧀Muenster
.....and invest in knowledge.

In both growing and fishing, I take pleasure in seeing how I match up with those who have bigger budgets. I generally feel my results compare favorably. There are a lot of positive actions that don't require money.

I have a friend with every expensive toy for fishing and he is also extremely competitive. I like to do well, but if I get outfished it's just another day. This guy gets bugged, but tries to hide it if anyone is doing better than him.
I've never "kept score" but would estimate I probably outfish him 60% of the time. I truly believe it's because while he's looking at catalogues, I'm looking to tweak all the little things that really make a difference.

I hope this doesn't sound cocky, I'm honestly just trying to share ideas.

I actually have a meme that I've stolen as a joke now and then about "Talking to myself at the River because sometimes I need expert advice" LOL, but yeah the Wife is easier the better Angler between the two of us like 80% of the time. Now for finding Catfish, and landing larger ones, I can hold my own but you put her and I in a boat going after Salmon and Trout? She'll whip my ass so bad it's ridiculous LOL. I don't get too hung up on it either though as I just enjoy fishing. And I also see the correlation of Fishing and Growing when on a budget. so far we haven't had to buy any weed this year and we still have a decent amount left that should last until we crop out again, and for me I'm happy with that.

I mean, you can easily spend thousands of dollars on the very best of everything, but I've not personally met the fish that is like "Oh look at that Fluorocarbon leader! And that 500 dollar lure! I'm biting that!"..... 50 bucks and some live bait will nail that fish too LOL. I once said on Facebook to someone who was surprised at their actual hunk of fish catching a Largemouth Bass "Don't take this the wrong way....But Bass don't actually survive on 500 dollar lures....".

I do look at stuff online, but I spend more time on wanting my knots tied properly than what I'm tying on them.
 

Amarok

bad mother chucker
Staff member
Moderator
Fluorocarbon leader
Braid and fluoro are must-haves for me 99% of the time(ultralight fishing the only exception), but almost everything I target has sharp teeth. Braid for strength and feel(I love the lack of stretch) and fluoro for abrasion/bite resistance and stealth.

The fishing store guy said don't buy fluoro leader material, buy fluorocarbon line, it's the same thing but a fraction of the cost. I've been doing that for a few years, and a spool of fluoro lasts forever when you're only using 12-18 inches at a time. I have 4, 10, 15, 25, 50 and 60 pound.
 

Psychobilly

🧀Muenster
Braid and fluoro are must-haves for me 99% of the time(ultralight fishing the only exception), but almost everything I target has sharp teeth. Braid for strength and feel(I love the lack of stretch) and fluoro for abrasion/bite resistance and stealth.

The fishing store guy said don't buy fluoro leader material, buy fluorocarbon line, it's the same thing but a fraction of the cost. I've been doing that for a few years, and a spool of fluoro lasts forever when you're only using 12-18 inches at a time. I have 4, 10, 15, 25, 50 and 60 pound.

Personally I feel like which line, would be based on what I'm trying to do. If a fish is in fact being line shy, Fluorocarbon is probably the only thing that'll work. But for Circle Hooks the stretch of Mono isn't as much of an issue because the Hook has to Pivot, which is why you don't "set" the hook on those right away, cause I've done that rookie mistake when I was first using them and pulled the whole thing right out of the fish's mouth LOL.

For me I don't use braid somewhat because of the cost, and somewhat because I'd worry about the rocks and busted chunks of concrete that are all over the bottom of the River and sometimes the Lakes too, but again it would depend on what I was doing; If I'm using a J Hooke and trying to land a Musky I'd be totally fine using braid and even a steel wire leader for that cause I have to make sure that hook is set right and..... Actually the species of Gar I'd probably try the same just because that hook has to penetrate through bone and the hook set would matter a lot more than with a Circle Hook where stretch is totally fine.

But for like dudes who are just starting out on a budget and don't have a lot of cash to drop right away, I generally tell them just to use Mono and whatever affordable options they have, but still pay extra for good hooks.

I think another time I'd go to braid, is when current moves the line too much. Now for a Catfish I'd add extra weight to keep it down instead of switching lines, but for lures and the like the smaller diameter braid offers would be a reason enough for me.

Honestly I see the point of using Braid or Fluorocarbon, but when I first started up I wouldn't even consider it because I was kinda dumb and didn't use leaders LOL, I legit just used mainline for a while; I didn't trust knots and I keep my drag pretty tight and hadn't learned the Palomar knot yet hahaha! That should give you a good chuckle there LOL "I can't tie a knot so I don't trust knots and so I'll use only one for the hook" LOL.
 

Amarok

bad mother chucker
Staff member
Moderator
If you ever wondered if Canadians are truly hockey-mad:
I got a text from my kid last night, who isn't even a big fan. They were with about 18,000 other people who went and sat in Edmonton's arena to watch the hockey game that took place in Calgary, on the big screen. I guess it was a hell of a party.
 

Amarok

bad mother chucker
Staff member
Moderator
For me I don't use braid somewhat because of the cost, and somewhat because I'd worry about the rocks and busted chunks of concrete that are all over the bottom of the River
For me, I use braid because of the cost and because of the rocks and other debris.

River fishing around here means plenty of snags. I used to lose a lot of rigs with mono. Plus, when I was trying to pull a snag loose, I was loading the mono, so when the line snapped it would shoot back at me, with hooks and weights coming at my face at high speed. (Often only part of the rig would break off, leaving the rest to be a missile)

Braid is so strong that generally the snag breaks loose or the hook straightens before the line snaps. I almost never lose gear(or precious fishing time while retying). On the very rare occasions when I do break off, the lack of stretch means no spring-loaded hazard flying toward me.

Also, braid lasts forever, while I found mono tends to rot.

If you want to save some cash. Cabelas house brand of braid is decent and reasonably cheap. Also, you can use heavy mono or similar as backing so you don't use so much braid. If you find you rarely get more than halfway into your line, spool up halfway with heavy mono or similar, and then the rest with braid. The backing-mono will last, as it is protected by the layers of braid.
 

Frimpong

🔥Freak Genetics🔥
For me, I use braid because of the cost and because of the rocks and other debris.

River fishing around here means plenty of snags. I used to lose a lot of rigs with mono. Plus, when I was trying to pull a snag loose, I was loading the mono, so when the line snapped it would shoot back at me, with hooks and weights coming at my face at high speed. (Often only part of the rig would break off, leaving the rest to be a missile)

Braid is so strong that generally the snag breaks loose or the hook straightens before the line snaps. I almost never lose gear(or precious fishing time while retying). On the very rare occasions when I do break off, the lack of stretch means no spring-loaded hazard flying toward me.

Also, braid lasts forever, while I found mono tends to rot.

If you want to save some cash. Cabelas house brand of braid is decent and reasonably cheap. Also, you can use heavy mono or similar as backing so you don't use so much braid. If you find you rarely get more than halfway into your line, spool up halfway with heavy mono or similar, and then the rest with braid. The backing-mono will last, as it is protected by the layers of braid.
I love braid. It really is amazing stuff. There are a few disadvantages but all in all just incredible. I fish smallmouth mostly in my reservoir nearby and use 10 lb braid. It's almost like I'm cheating. ?
 

Amarok

bad mother chucker
Staff member
Moderator
There are a few disadvantages but all in all just incredible
The only significant issue I've had is when using downriggers. The standard clips don't grip braid very well, so the line was always popping loose. Considering years can pass without me using downriggers, it isn't a big deal for me.
 

Frimpong

🔥Freak Genetics🔥
The only significant issue I've had is when using downriggers. The standard clips don't grip braid very well, so the line was always popping loose. Considering years can pass without me using downriggers, it isn't a big deal for me.
Yeah if I'm fishin Stripers, I'll switch over to mono . I noticed it can fray on me especially if bluefish are around , and from the rocks .
 

Psychobilly

🧀Muenster
For me, I use braid because of the cost and because of the rocks and other debris.

River fishing around here means plenty of snags. I used to lose a lot of rigs with mono. Plus, when I was trying to pull a snag loose, I was loading the mono, so when the line snapped it would shoot back at me, with hooks and weights coming at my face at high speed. (Often only part of the rig would break off, leaving the rest to be a missile)

Braid is so strong that generally the snag breaks loose or the hook straightens before the line snaps. I almost never lose gear(or precious fishing time while retying). On the very rare occasions when I do break off, the lack of stretch means no spring-loaded hazard flying toward me.

Also, braid lasts forever, while I found mono tends to rot.

If you want to save some cash. Cabelas house brand of braid is decent and reasonably cheap. Also, you can use heavy mono or similar as backing so you don't use so much braid. If you find you rarely get more than halfway into your line, spool up halfway with heavy mono or similar, and then the rest with braid. The backing-mono will last, as it is protected by the layers of braid.

If I was fishing in an area where I had an open expanse of water I'd have no problem using braid. In fact that Fathom 15 I've got..... Bro it has a the holes to tie line directly into the spool so you don't even have to worry about braid "slipping" so I've thought about getting some like 100 pound braid on that thing at least once before.

Now personally the reason I use heavy Mono is that I'm generally going after Catfish, and you can cut a piece of braid just rubbing it on their mouths. For a Flathead Catfish for example, I stick with pure Mono, as the snags are less likely to saw through Mono than the Braid (Mind you, I'm talking about a fish that doesn't have Sand Paper teeth, but re curved little needles not unlike an Anaconda for teeth, and they live in snags) and some people do use Braid fishing for them, though it's generally with a "topshot" of heavy mono because they'll drag the line right into the nearest snag and start spinning and cut it.

The "snap back" of having the line break and sling shot back at you does happen of course LOL, I've had those Matrix moments when you dodge your main line come flying out so I know exactly what you mean there! Braid's ability to not stretch of course helps that, but a chunk of broken concrete with steel re-bar sticking out cuts through line pretty quickly, but Mono has a decent abrasion resistance in that case. I personally really like Slime Line s it's UV reactive and glows with a blacklight so you (And any boats going by) can see it really well, which is nice, and I've tested that line quite a bit and just love it myself.

Braid has it's uses of course, and a lot of guys I know use it for just about everything (Being able to put a lot of line on the spool, and being able to get a solid hookset of course because it doesn't stretch does have advantages) and I may very well end up getting some myself to experiment with (I would like to catch a Musky one day and I feel like I'd use Braid for that).

I love braid. It really is amazing stuff. There are a few disadvantages but all in all just incredible. I fish smallmouth mostly in my reservoir nearby and use 10 lb braid. It's almost like I'm cheating. ?

Yeah if I was targeting Bass I'd be all over the Braid too cause that super important hook set you can really give it with no stretch. I USED to think braid was dumb but I also used to think all weed was the same LOL. I'd like to think I'm a different person from those days haha.

Yeah if I'm fishin Stripers, I'll switch over to mono . I noticed it can fray on me especially if bluefish are around , and from the rocks .

Yeah I've had a Channel Cat at about 10 or 11 pounds peel 40 pound Big Game Mono like a Banana! Crazy shit when you consider how thick that line really is haha! I have had a single Circle Hook literally be bent from that too.

I personally feel like the type of line you're using depends on what you're doing, and how you like to fish personally, and I don't feel any ill will towards someone who's doing it different than I do; At the end of the day, we're gonna use what we like that best suites the way we fish.
But yeah I've been thinking about getting some heavy Braid just to see the difference. The ability to feel everything on that line...... I do like that; I use my finger on the line to sort of "feel" what is happening and if anything is checking my bait out, and with Braided line that from what I've heard, is a lot easier.

I've also read that for Braid you can set the drag to 1/3 the breaking strength instead of the "1/5" they say for Mono. That would be fun too I think LOL.
 

Amarok

bad mother chucker
Staff member
Moderator
Damn it!!!

He's a miserable old prick and he's the coach of The Enemy and I want to hate him sooooo much!

But they always have to run a story about him and his boy Chris and I'm reminded of what actually matters.

 

"Toule

Vegging
I know you spent time in Quebec, but just as an FYI, thinking of Quebec as representative of all of Canada is like going to Hawaii and thinking that is what the US is like.

Out here it's beef, preferably cooked over proper carcinogenic smoke, with baked spuds on the side ;).
For music, check out Spirit of the West, Mike Plume, Captain Tractor, the Arrogant Worms, k d lang, Disciples of Power, the smalls, SNFU, Mike McDonald, Junior Gone Wild, etc, etc.

B.C. is a very different culture from the Prairie Provinces. Quebec is literally a distinct society, per our constitution. Atlantic Canada has Cape Breton, Newfoundland, PEI, Labrador, and more, all unique and wonderful.

If you get a chance to get to any of those places, you will see that you've only begun to know Canada.
?
A little further knowledge on Canadians :)
 

Psychobilly

🧀Muenster
Okay, @Frosty78 , @Ramjet159 and the rest of you upside down folks, it is time.

After years of crossbreeding I have created the ultimate battle hybrid for world domination. With you attacking from the south and us from the north, all on our mighty steeds, we will meet on the equator for a joint and to discuss our plans for the future of the planet.

View attachment 131592
Aussie Bullwinkle ?
 
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