12
Jun
Oh Yes…There Is So Much More To See…
Posted by the fisherbabe, under Travels, fisherbabe
28
May
YAY…Its Gonna Be The Best Trip EVER!!!
Posted by the fisherbabe, under Travels, fisherbabeGOOD NEWS…We are leaving tomorrow to head out on our big trip to Canada. Lake Waskiaowaka is still frozen solid. The last time we heard there was still 24 inches of ice out there. That is A LOT. A CRAZY LOT.
Luckily, however, we found another lake to fish on and this could turn out to be the BEST fishing adventure of my life!!! I am so excited. We have decided to travel to a different lake and WOW is it gonna be awesome. Now…the first week in June of last year, there were about 27 Master Anglerson this new lake. For those of you who do not know what that means…its a Pike over 41 inches long. Since we will be the only people on this lake for this whole week…I am extremely excited at the prospects.
There are some set backs for this princess, however. There is no running water and I am
pretty damn sure the outhouse is not painted pink. However, I think that I can go without a shower for a week if it means that i am pulling some monsters out of that Lake.
I am very excited about this lake. There will be no wireless so you will all have to wait to see my photos of giant fish. 
Tight Lines and Happy Travels~
LIZZY aka The Fisherbabe
04
May
3 Weeks And Counting…
Posted by the fisherbabe, under fisherbabeI know it has been a while…and I have no excuse. But in 3 WEEKS…yes people 3 WEEKS…I am heading to Canada for my first big fishing trip of the year!!
My husband, father-in-law, sister-in-law, and myself are heading up to Manitoba to fish for some BIG, MEAN northern pike. Last year, my husband caught the biggest fish and it was in the 42-43 inch range. However, this year, I am primed to kick his a**…all in good fun, of course!!
Each trip, we have beads for the person who catches the biggest fish of the trip. We pass them around as each of us catches a bigger fish than the last. It is quite an exciting tradition!!! This year I am super excited to win those beads…I haven’t before and I can feel it…this is MY year!!
I usually start packing a couple of weeks before the trip to ensure that I do not forget anything important. We fly in to the lodge and so if we forget it…TOO BAD. That sucks…let me tell you. Last year, one of our members forgot his jeans…we laughed but it sucked
This year we are starting our fishing trip season at Lake Waskiaowaka with the fine folks at Dunlops Fly-In Fishing Lodge. You all can expect a great review upon my return. If they have internet…I will blog a few times if I can. I try to stay away from the computer though on trips as it takes away from the true feelings of Canada.
The site for the Lodge is http://dunlopfishing.ca/site/. I encourage you all to visit there to see what an absolutely lucky girl I am. I am so excited…I CAN’T WAIT!!!!
Happy Travels
~ LIZZY aka The Fisherbabe
20
Apr
Hello Old Friends…
Posted by the fisherbabe, under General, fisherbabeWOW…it took a long time to get my damn computer back!!! But I am so glad to have it now. My old desktop is SO SLOW it takes a couple of hours to post one post and I usually got so frustrated that I just stopped in the middle.
But I am back now…and ready to talk fish!!! I am headed to Canada in May to fish for some Northern and maybe some Walleye…so I can’t wait to get started on the packing and the many trips to Cabelas and my local tackle shop to find the great new lures…although I usually tend to favor the oldies but goodies.
Stay tuned for more on my trip and I just wanted to write to say I AM GLAD TO BE BACK ONLINE…FINALLY!!!!
~Tight Lines
LIZZY aka The Fisherbabe
02
Apr
The Fisherbabe Goes To Mexico…
Posted by the fisherbabe, under General, fisherbabe
After tearing up my house and racking my brains for 2 days straight, I finally called the Fishermom and asked meekly…”did I happen to leave my laptop in your closet?” Sadly, she confirmed my brain fart. Therefore, I have not blogged in a couple of days because I have no laptop to blog on and my home computer is slow. In fact, it is so slow that I have no words for how slow it is. Amazing…I know.HOWEVER, my adorable fisherhusband has allowed me access to his laptop until mine is UPSed back to me. So I can finally tell you all about my amazingly awesome MEXICAN CRUISE!!!
Well…I have to admit it was a rocky adventure. Literally, I got nauseous every single day on the ship…BUT that does not mean I did not have a great trip I guess the weather has been bad everywhere lately 
I guess the weather has been bad everywhere lately Every night we dressed up for dinner…which is different than my usual trip of throwing on as many clothes as possible as to stay warm on the boat…LOL ~ I can’t imagine this fancy dress in the middle of a lake in Canada
We sat off from Mobile, Alabama on Monday March 23rd. I went to the casino alot!! LOL ~ Unfortunately I did not get to do ANY fishing on this trip…and boy was I jealous of all the folks standing under the sign that said “DEEP SEA FISHING THIS WAY!!” I wanted to slip over into 
that line sooooo bad!!
I did manage to get close to a few fish though by talking my party into going on a mini submarine tour to Paraiso Reef in Cozumel. This photo is a good example of what we saw through the windows of the sub. Man I wanted to throw out a line though!!!
The sub ride was really an amazing adventure and although I usually do not take the excursions
and tours that the cruise ship offers this is one that I might actually recommend. However, you can get the same trip in town at playa del carmen for a bit cheaper than on the boat. Just do some research before you go.
While in Calica/Playa Del Carmen, I went to the TULUM ruins. These are ruins of an ancient Mayan Civilization and this tour was amazing and a bit spiritual if you can get into that kind of thing.
I admit that I did not really listen to the tour guide, Raul, because I was too busy playing the staring game with an awesome lizard I found on one of the walls… By the way…I totally won!!! LOL
These lizards were everywhere and they were really cool I saw them everytime I took a step and they were very fascinating. I think I ended up with at least a hundred photos and 2 ceramic friends to bring home
My neice and I went to the beach at Tulum…see this is us waving at you. The beach was truly 
the most amazing beach I have ever seen and when you look up from the water…you can see the ruins above…truly breathtaking!!!
the most amazing beach I have ever seen and when you look up from the water…you can see the ruins above…truly breathtaking!!!I am in the PINK…Suprise Suprise!!!
My niece took this picture on the last night of the cruise. What a time we had. I don’t have too much reviewing to tell you about a cruise. I mean they are fun…but they are not my choice vacation. I like to spend time in a place, getting to know the location and the locals. I like to really get lost in the culture and cruises do not allow for that type of vacation.
However, I had a blast with my fam and just wanted to share some of my pictures with you guys.
Stay tuned cause the next post will get back to the important stuff (aka FISHING). I am planning a post about knots soon…and I am doing some research on the Master Anglers of Manitoba so that I can give you guys the 411 on the lakes that are offering up the biggest MONSTERs of all!!!!
Happy Fishing and Tight Lines~
LIZZY aka The Fisherbabe
29
Mar
OKAY…How Bad Did You Miss Me???????
Posted by the fisherbabe, under fisherbabeHey Guys!!! I just got back from an amazing cruise to the Yucatan Penisula. I wasn”t able to post on the boat because I was SOOOO busy eating free ice cream 24 hours a day!!! I will be back home on Tuesday though so be sure and check back then for a new post!!!
Thanks for checking in and stopping by while I was gone…Can’t wait to post some awesome pictures and get back to planning for my awesome fishing trip in May!!!
Happy To Be Home ~
LIZZY aka The Fisherbabe
16
Mar
Top 5 Lures for Canadian Pike…
Posted by the fisherbabe, under Tackle Reviews, fisherbabeMy husband has been fishing for Canadian Pike for over 25 years. I just started. So when I finally decided to start fishing, and I mean seriously fishing, I asked him what he thought the top five lures for Canadian Pike really were. He gave me some examples and then, on my first fishing trip, I tested them out. I have to admit. Only one lure was really hot that first year…and many years after – The Orange Hammer!!! However, I caught Pike on each of the following lures and I find that they are, indeed, my top picks for Canadian Pike.
1. The Orange Hammer – (7/8 oz)If I could only take one lure to Canada with me for some serious Pike fishing, I would definately rely on the Orange Hammer. Now…keep in mind that this name has come from my family. If you go to Cabelas and ask for an Orange Hammer…they are going to look at you like you are crazy. This lure is in fact only sold Cabelas as the “hammered nickel and orange canadian casting spoon” and can be found at http://www.cabelas.com/.
I, along with my family, swear by this lure, and I always have at least 7 in my tackle box at all times. Along with Pike, this lure caught me well over 400 Walleye in Canada last year. It was amazing. Take my word for it.
This is also a lure that is not commonly acknowledged or used among Pike Fisherman…as a matter of fact, we often get smug smiles when we suggest this lure…but then guess who really brings in the Master Anglers and TROPHY PIKE….there has been more times than one that a Guide has asked my family what lure they were using when they caught their big pike!!! Also, this lure has worked on every lake that it has been tried on. There has been no variation for success due to the location of the lake.
2. The Cabela’s Generic -(7/8 oz)
This lure is no longer available for purchase at Cabelas. Therefore, I am giving you an incredible secret right here on fisherbabe.com. This lure is so amazing that my family will not part with their limited stock of the original lure. My husband even refused to give me one of these sacred lures for a wedding present. This is how amazing and how limited in supply this lure is.
Therefore, I had to learn to paint my own. This spoon can be made by taking a regular red and white Cabelas Canadian Casting Spoon and painting it the colors that make up the Generic Colored Spoon. These colors are Orange and Chartreuse. I made about 5 of these last year and they were very easy to make.
I started by painting the lure a white base coat. After this paint dried completely, I then taped the curved pattern of the original (red and white spoon) onto the lure and proceeded to paint the green and orange where the red and white was. I know this sounds confusing. If you would like specific instructions on making this lure please email me or comment and I will be more specific. Also take a look at the picture and you can see how the paint was placed on the lure and the curve of the pattern.
It is important to get this paint right as it is the movement of the spoon along with the pattern that really makes this lure a success. I have other lures that are painted differently with the same colors that did not catch any fish. Therefore, the pattern and coloring is very important.
I can tell you many stories of how this lure has been the only hot lure on a fishing trip. My husband and his father swear by this lure and have said many times that it is their go-to lure for Pike. It is also a lure that is not commonly known among other Pike fisherman and Guides in Canada.
3. The Silver Minnow (weedless) -The Silver Minnow is a go to lure for spots that really weedy. As you all may know, Pike like to lay in those shallow weedbeds to warm up in the spring. Therefore, when you fish during these times a weedless is often needed. This Silver Minnow is great for attraction because its silvery body is very noticeable in the sun and is very attractive. Also, it moves great through the weeds without getting caught.
This lure is based on a nearly 80 year old design and has been successful for that long in catching all kinds of fish. The lures 35 degree angle rocks the lure back and forth in a specific pattern that is unmatched for weedless lures. Its bright plating is very attractive to fish and its weedless design allows you to crank it through all kinds of cabbage!!!
4. Red Eyes – (1 oz)This lure comes in weedless as well as the regular treble hook model. It gives a variation to the Silver Minnow lure if you find that it may not be working as well as you would like. The distictive red beaded eyes are something different than other lures and offer a variation to the normal casting spoon.
The bigger spoons are good for deeper sitting pike in the late summer months. The colors that are good in this lure are the firetiger, the red and white, and the brass, however keep in mind that the lure colors that work well for this lure on one lake may not work as well on another.
5. The Lindy GatorBack Spoon -This lure is different because dozens of diamond shaped, multi faceted ridges cover much of the 4 1/2 inches of this lure. The front of the lure is a smooth surface and has a big eye that gives the appearance of a baitfish. This lure is very good for either casting or trolling and has been successful in many of the lakes that it has been tried. The colors that are good for Pike are Crimson Shad and Citrus Chub.
This lure can be found at http://www.lindyfishingtackle.com/
Please keep in mind that all of these lures have been used in Canada for Pike Fishing. It depends on the lake that you are fishing as to which will work better for you. I suggest having all of these lures in your tackle box at any time if you are heading to Canada to fish. These lures have over 25 years of use behind them and will catch you a lot of Pike. Although the orange hammer is by far my favorite (and a Lay family secret…SHHHH), I would bet my catch on any of the above lures.
Check back soon for a BIG picture of the Cabelas Generic. I promise to post it SOON!!!
Happy Fishing and Happy Lure Shopping ~
LIZZY aka The Fisherbabe
12
Mar
The Fishing Notebook…
Posted by the fisherbabe, under fisherbabeWhat…you may ask…exactly is a fishing notebook. Well ~ the obvious answer would be a notebook about fishing. The more specific answer is…”where Lizzy keeps all her research about all things fishing….”
A couple of years ago, when I began really getting into fishing, I wanted to research every camp and lodge available to me all around the world. I started looking at the internet and different fishing sites and ordering travel information, and then one day, I realized that I had about a thousand sites saved on my computer and no idea what any of them were. It was so confusing. I wanted to look up all the information I had gathered about Peacock Bass Fishing…but I had to sort through Pike Fishing sites to find it. What a MESS!!!
So I started my fishing notebook. I started first with a small notebook devoted to Canada fishing only. But as I started really finding out how much I love to travel and fish, I realized I would need more areas in which to write notes.
I have recently decided that I need a new fishing notebook. I realized I really did need much more space and I want to evolve it into not only a fishing notebook but also include information about places I would like to travel (and of course places to fish while there).
My new notebook will be divided by species of fish. That way when I want to fish for Peacock Bass I can just flip to that section of fish. I also think that I will subdivide each species by destination. This time I have decided to use a 3 ring binder so that I can insert loose paper where needed. This will make it easier to add pages when they are needed because a section or subsection has filled up. And believe me…There are so many places I want to fish those sections fill up pretty fast. I am also going to add a section on interesting new lures and gear. I always find that keeping notes on new items is handy when it comes time to replace something old or worn out.
For each lodge, camp or fishing location I write a short description that includes the camp name, name of the owners, cost of lodging and meals, cost of travel, address, phone number, website, the name of the body of water serviced, and any other information that I think is valuable. Its usally about a paragraph that I write but I always include all the information I would need to book the trip.
I am very excited about this new fishing notebook. It will take my fishing hobby to a whole new level and put all of my information at my fingertips in a place that is easy to sort through and is organized. It is so easy just to throw it in your suitcase and take along on trips in case that you end up someplace unexpected and want to throw in a line.
Well I am off to the store to purchase my binder, dividers and loose paper. This is a very exciting day!!!
Happy Organizing ~
LIZZY aka The Fisherbabe
06
Mar
North To Alaska…
Posted by the fisherbabe, under Fishing Trips and Reviews, fisherbabe
So in May of 2007 I traveled to Alaska for an adventure. The trip did not let me down. It was a great adventure. I have never seen so much wildlife on one trip in my life. It was pretty amazing to say the least, and I would HIGHLY recommend the trip to anyone who is interested in the outdoors and amazing natural beauty.
Anyways, what does this have to do with any present posting I may do? Well, today I was down in my basement sorting through some old tax documents (I know…ICK…but its that time of year) and guess what I came across?????? My old diary entries from that trip to Alaska. It was quite a lot of fun to sit down and read my entries because that trip was one of my first BIG adventures as a nature loving woman. I thought I would share some of it with here for todays post.
May 26, 2007: The flight was long or at least it seemed that way. Of course, I slept most of the trip so I can’t really say for sure…lol. I find sleeping while traveling is the best sleeping one can find. We ate at McDonalds for dinner. I know most would ask…Why McDonalds? But eating there always reminds me of vacations and always gets me excited for the rest of the trip.
May 27, 2007: We made our way to Denali today. Denali National Park is the most amazing thing I have ever seen and all we had today was a shallow view of the park. Just a glimpse really of what it will offer us. Saw some Dall Sheep on the mountain with our Binoculars…they were so far away and really small…but it was still cool. They were very high up. We checked into Lakeview Inn afterwards and it is a beautiful lodge. The view is amazing here. We ate at McDonalds again…and a little local pizza place in Healy…This makes a HAPPY LIZZY.
May 28, 2007: Today we went on a hike…and OMG…it was torturious. My legs were so on fire the whole way up…I am out of shape!!! It was so amazing at the top, though. We were about 20 feet away from some Dall Sheep and I got the most amazing pictures. That was so cool. PLUS we hiked up the Mountain so far the view was absolutely amazing. We ate at the inn for breakfast and ate at a local place called Salmon Bake for lunch and dinner in Denali.
May 29, 2007: Today we went on a bus tour of Denali. I saw GRIZZLIES right outside our bus. I took lots of video and photos of them. It was pretty amazing. The bears were so close. At one point, they walked right in front of the bus. Cody, Gregg, and Rikki went on a hike up to Mount Mckinley and so they did not see them. I was a lucky duck. We also saw moose and glaciers from far away.
May 30, 2007: Today we drove along the Denali Highway. It was the most amazing scenery. The mountains were beautiful and we saw a mosse and her calf…it was just barely walking straight so it must have been pretty young. The fishing wasn’t as good as we hoped but we are going to keep trying along the little streams and ponds we come across on the drives. We stayed at a really overpriced inn…but oh well…we did get to eat at a really amazing little cafe that was super fun!!!
May 31, 2007: Today we drove back through anchorage and headed onwards to Seward. We had a flat and had to switch out the rental car. What a mess…We left achorage after visiting the Alaska Fur Exchange…what an interesting little place. It is a little pricey but fun nonetheless. I think for souvenirs of this trip I might frame some of my photos. We saw a moose on the side of the road that was so close it was scary…but I think he fell in love with me a little…he started following me to our car!!!
This is the moose that loved me!! Isn’t he a cutie!!
June 1, 2007: Today was the Kenai Fjords Tour which I have been looking forward to for a while. The ocean was really rough though and I got seasick. I spent the majority of the tour on the bathroom floor of the boat. I wasn’t the only one…there were a lot of other sickies too Although, we had to turn around before hitting the major scenery, I saw some of the most amazing things I have ever seen despite my sickness and all the nasty grossness that was me on this trip was totally worth it. I saw whales, bald eagles, sea lions, puffins, and otters. It was so awesome…and afterwards we visited exit glacier. This was pretty cool too…but its receding so fast that it makes me sad. Global warming sucks!! We drove to Homer and are staying in Anchor Point at this cool little cabin. I would like to have a B&B here someday I think
Although, we had to turn around before hitting the major scenery, I saw some of the most amazing things I have ever seen despite my sickness and all the nasty grossness that was me on this trip was totally worth it. I saw whales, bald eagles, sea lions, puffins, and otters. It was so awesome…and afterwards we visited exit glacier. This was pretty cool too…but its receding so fast that it makes me sad. Global warming sucks!! We drove to Homer and are staying in Anchor Point at this cool little cabin. I would like to have a B&B here someday I think 
June 2, 2007: Today was Halibut Fishing!! 11 hours we spent on the ocean fishing and I loved it. I caught 5 fish overall. I kept 1 and that made me sad…I really don’t like to keep the fish I catch but I hear these are the freshest and best tasting halibut ever and I want to take some to my dad. Cody and I together caught 16 lbs worth that we are taking home. My biggest fish was 26 pounds but I did not keep that one. The guide was so awesome. I had so much fun. Rikki caught a 65 lb fish and boy was that exciting!!!
June 3, 2007: Cody, Gregg, and Rikki all went Salmon fishing this morning down in Homer but I elected to stay behind and do laundry and repack. Tomorrow we head out on a 3 day fly in trip to Salmon Fish at Alexander Creek and I wanted clean laundry before we go and do not have access to facilities. I cannot wait to fish for Salmon for 3 days. This should be great!!
That is the extent of my diary entries. I can tell you that Alexander Creek was disappointing…we missed the salmon spawn and therefore, did not catch but a few fish while we were there. I hear it occured about a few days after we left. The scenery was pretty amazing though and so all was not lost.
This trip was one of the best I have been on. Typing up these journal entries takes me back and I realize now how bad I want to visit Alaska again. I think I would move there if given the chance. I highly recommend this trip and hope you enjoyed my post!!!
Have Fun and Happy Hiking ~
LIZZY aka The Fisherbabe
17
Feb
A Great Article From Miss Rikki…One Of My All Time Favorite Fisherbabes!!
Posted by the fisherbabe, under From Miss Rikki, fisherbabe
Eat Healthy On Your Trip
By Miss Rikki
What should I take to eat on my fishing trip that will not perish yet be nutritious? This is a question any Fisherbabe has to deal with when they are about to embark on a weeklong journey to a secluded, no grocery store, uncivilized area. Maybe you are not traveling to a remote fishing spot, but are just wondering what would last on the boat. I have had several first-hand experiences dealing with this type of trip. Long hours riding in the car to reach the airport where the float plane and the WEIGHT LIMIT awaits requires foods that don’t need much maintenance and are sturdy.
Here are some suggestions on what to take in each of the 5 food groups:
Vegetables: Carrots (great for the boat!), broccoli, canned veggies such as green beans, grape tomatoes in their containers, english cucumbers
Fruits: Apples, oranges, raisins, grapefruitMeats: Any but they need to be kept cool-there is always fish in the lake if you come up short! Eggs hard-boiled before the trip will last.
Dairy: Unfortunately, no yogurt, cottage cheese or milk for the long hour trips. This can pose a problem for calcium, maybe supplement with calcium-Posture D Calcium at your local pharmacy. Whey protein from the dairy group is also missing. Protein powders are a good choice because they contain both whey protein and calcium in a form that will not perish.
Fats: Peanut butter, any type of nuts
Breads: Bagels-I suggest Western Bagel’s whole grain bagel that has an amazing nutrition label, 18 grams of protein in one bagel! Whole grain breads-Ezekial bread is tasty. Cereals (make note that milk is often unavailable) -Kashi cereals are nutritious and filling, Cinnabon Cinnamon Crunch is a cereal I recently discovered that is not full of sugars, no sodium and is whole grain!
Granola Bars Granola-doesn’t take much since it is high in calories.
Oatmeal – Another good, healthy option that can be made with just water. Remember, you can add any of your favorite fruits to the oatmeal to make it yummy and sweet!!
The food situation is frustrating when you don’t know what you can take and what you can’t. With these tips hopefully you will be on your way to an easy grocery store excursion! Good Luck and Good Eats!
