by Allison Reimer
Gary Gellhaus, part of a large, enthusiastic group of fishermen from Alberta, was confident that even if he was unable to return, he would never forget his fishing trip to North Knife Lake Lodge. His anticipation of huge northern pike and lake trout had been fulfilled beyond expectations.
North Knife Lake Lodge - Near where the big fish live!
A master trout was common on this day – everyone had reeled in a big guy. As they headed in for lunch and with the shore in sight, Glen (the guide) suddenly slowed the boat. His fish finder was indicating 12 feet of water and a massive fish!
Jason Edey snatched up his rod and casted towards the general area. Almost immediately he got a snag and he tugged impatiently to free it as Glen circled the boat back to free his line. When they got near his line, Jason suddenly realized there were bubbles coming from his snagged lure.
“Oh! I got a fish!”
The battle ensued as he fought to reel the Manitoba monster to the side of the boat. When the fish was finally close enough, Glen deftly netted it and hoisted it up for a quick measure to ensure its Master Angler length of 39 inches. A swift picture before release and the beast went back to his watery bed.
Gary could honestly say he’d never been to a place quite like this.
“Webber’s beats all the British Columbia salmon fishing resorts hands down!” he exclaimed.
His buddies nodded in agreement as they relaxed in the lounge. A mixture of family and friends made a great combination for an exciting and relaxing fishing holiday.
Gary had the catch of the trip.
“There’s tons of action and a great atmosphere,” he continued. “I was so excited to reel in that 42-inch lake trout on our last loop through Trophy Bay. I knew that blue and red wiggler I bought in the Webber’s tackle shop would catch me something good!”
Gary’s friend Sheldon Schiffner agreed that it was an impressive catch. Only minutes afterwards in the same boat, on the same bay, he’d caught his own trophy lake trout of 38 inches.
“Our guides were fantastic,” said Sheldon. “The staff here are the most personable I’ve experienced. We know we aren’t just another paycheck to them. They sincerely want to make our stay memorable.”
“Not to mention the best fishing ever,” Gary added as he glanced around the cozy furnishings.
“And the food!” Jason pitched in as he sipped his drink and dealt another round. “That sweet and sour trout was fantastic. 5-Star cuisine.”
There was a rumble of agreement around the poker table.
“I’m definitely coming back,” said Barry McGillivray. “My kids would have a blast!”
After a few games of poker and access to an all-night bar they kicked it back in the hot tub to relax after a long and enjoyable day of fishing. An incredible fishing adventure was had by all over the week, and they all felt…
It was over too quickly.
I’m sure most of you who have fished since an early age can vividly remember your first encounter with those underwater swimmers at the end of your fishing line. The childhood or mid-teen memories of casting a lure for the first time or going to that secret spot with Mom, Dad or Grandpa in search of the big one.
