More “Back in the Day”………

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Aboard the “Rowdy”…Bill Balcom’s rig.  The only boat I ever fished in back then with a full stereo system.  I probably have written about fishing with John (red shirt).  He was often enraged when his reel would backlash and had the unique distinction of fighting a musky while being half submerged.   If you can picture the bottom of two shoes hooked on the edge of the boat, you’ve pretty much figured it out.

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Well, just more fish pictures.  This was back when my waist size was 34.  Apparently something happened between then and now.  I still have that yellow floater coat……at least it still fits!

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Another John and Bill photo.  We only ever musky fished and hardly ever kept any fish.  Not sure why we decided to keep these pike (I’m sure they would all be in the slot, and illegal, today).

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I include the above photo of Bernice and Tom (Jacobs) only because I’ve never seen anyone who could sport a hat like Tom, and get away with it.  Another musky angler from North Shore Lodge days.

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I’m not sure what this photo is about, but it looks like someone (me?) is getting towed home by fellow guide Albert Skye.  I know some might find it hard to believe, but hitting rocks back then was not out of my realm of possibility.

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My favorite lure back in the day was a Suick…..and I wasn’t as “gun shy” about hooks as I am now (note my hand and all those hooks!!….crazy!) 

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One more shot of the entire “Hamm” group from Minneapolis.  Over the years I’ve run into the odd member at sport shows.  They were a pretty wild group and I often wonder what became of them.  Maybe they will see this.

Anyways, it was fun reminiscing over some of these classics.  Interesting to note that some of these same boats that I rode around in way back then are now serving time at VBL.   A testament to  the quality of Alumarine boats……..if only they could talk!

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3 thoughts on “More “Back in the Day”………”

  2. Andy
    Reply

    Every time I go out in one of the VBL Alumarine boats it talks to me. Gord should know that they don’t say kind things about his fish killing days. They have been more than forthcoming on sharing the top secret spots of the perchmaster and other guests.
    Back in the day, when Gord’s guests would complain about the number of fish he was harvesting, he would toss them a stick of dynamite and smirk while saying, “What are you going to do….fish or bitch?”
    Gord has reformed his ways and would prefer that all guests fish hookless and only fish in 3′ of water or less. I can tell you that my partner the Professor fished almost a half day one year with a lure and no hooks. To this day, it remains a mystery as to how the bait lost its hooks. Just like “Rowdy” Bill Balcom’s backlash rage he let loose with some colorful language after no hookups on several vicious hits. He decided to sharpen hooks after the about the 4’th hit only to discover that there was nothing to sharpen. Nothing like the good ‘ole days.

  3. Perchmaster
    Reply

    Old time shots! Gotta love them.
    Goes to show at one time Gord could guide and catch musky.
    It is nice to know some things don’t change and Gord still needs a tow every year

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This is a first class resort located on Vermillion Bay on Eagle Lake. The cabins are very clean and well kept. The boats are new with new motors and are in great shape. The owner will also clean your fish for you after your day on the water. Make no mistake the fishing on Eagle Lake is world class.

The Lodge is owned by Gord and Susanne Bastable who will make you feel welcome and before you know it you feel like family. They are the best of hosts. The atmosphere is low key and laid back leading to a great vacation.

This is my 19th year of enjoying the hospitality of the lodge and i can’t think of going anywhere else on Eagle Lake.

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