2014 Episode Synopsis
Episode 242: Cree Lake Monster Pike
Today, the Mercury Marine Destination takes us up to Cree Lake Lodge in Northern Saskatchewan. Many lakes at Northern fly in lodges have big Pike, but this lake is exceptional. Lack of fishing pressure or the forage base, I am not sure what the magic recipe is, but something must be responsible, this lake has numbers of Pike, and some true monsters around every corner. Cree Lake Lodge is situated in the North East corner of Saskatchewan, and guests arrive in comfort aboard a large otter float plane. No crowded plane on this trip, lots of room to stretch out and enjoy the scenery. Guests enjoy a heated cabin with full amenities. Hot and cold running water and a private bathroom and shower in each cabin. www.creelakelodge.com (306) 344-4862.
One extra level of comfort was enjoyed this trip, Cree Lake runs the smooth riding 18 foot Crestliner Kodiak boats and 50 hp Mercury motors. No time wasted here from long slow runs around the lake, the Crestliner Mercury combo gets you comfortably around the lake, and much faster than most lodges that choose to think they save a little on fuel with smaller motors. The owner Brandon Schrieber has done his homework, and found the new Mercury 50 hp 4 stroke motors are even more fuel efficient than the smaller motors of other brands, and the lodge now enjoys the advantage of extra power and speed. Fuel is difficult to bring into remote locations, so no mistakes here. His philosophy is to keep you on the fish, move you to them quickly, and keep you happy. Charlie is certainly going back!! Charlie also noticed that unlike some lodges on big water, that have some of the best areas inaccessible on windy days. Cree Lake offered a wind protected run from area to area, even on windy days the islands and back cuts kept the run enjoyable.
This is no area to come to without proper equipment. If you are going to pay for a once in a lifetime, dream come true trip, bring equipment that can handle trophy fish. You will encounter several each day. Stories back at the dinner table have lengthy fights with 20+lb Pike and even larger Pike breaking free, and spooled reels from hefty Lake Trout, come prepared. Charlie brought up his favorite Pike gear, and caught several beautiful 50 inch - 30 lb Pike this episode. His standard go to casting gear for trophy Pike is the Okuma medium Heavy C3 rods and Okuma Komodo reels loaded with 50 lb test Seaguar Kanzen braid. The C3 rods are light in weight for all day comfort when casting, but have unbelievable power for hook sets and stopping power. The Okuma Komodo reels are small, light, and feature a smooth drag. Heavy duty aluminum gearing and shaft keep this reel extremely light at only 6.5 oz, and the 11 ball bearings will keep it smooth for years. Available in both 5.4:1 and 7.3:1 speeds, Charlie likes the faster 7.3:1 for quick line pick up and speeds to trigger hits from these speedy gators.
The Seaguar Kanzen braided lines have only been available for a couple of years now, but have quickly become a favorite. This tight braid is sensitive, tough, excellent knot strength and offer a no stretch hook set and control over large fish that makes it perfect for these monster Pike. 50 lb test is the choice for today. Having proven itself time and time again, the Freedom swim bait heads (Hydra) have been a big fish producer. Freedom prides itself on quality and the outstanding characteristic of all the Freedom jigheads, is that the hooks are interchangeable. Damage one hook, and replace it in seconds with a new hook, or simply change hook designs and styles as conditions determine. Not only is this a great design, they just outright work! Charlie wants a large gap on the hook to accommodate the plastic shad used, and perfect is the 8/0 Mustad Big Mouth Tube hook. So, with a flick and turn, the hook is replaced. What is most noticeable, the hits are not directed at the shad, but the Freedom head almost every time! Since the hook is not moulded into a lead head, the hook has independent freedom to move, so with the shad swimming naturally, the Freedom Head is also 'shimmying' back and forth, looking incredibly lifelike, and this presentation is constantly engulfed.
To battle against these aggressive hits, and so constant re-tying is not needed, Charlie uses the Tuf-Leader. A braided stainless steel wire leader made by Western Filament. This wire is easy to tie with any knot, flexible, hard to kink, and even has a spectra core for added durability. It held up to the abuse without ever needing to be re-tied. All simply part of bringing the right equipment for this dream trip. No one wants to come home from the trip talking about the trophy lost, this is all about the fish of a lifetime being caught!! One valuable piece of equipment that sometimes is over looked is quality eyewear. Quality sunglasses not only protect your eyes from damaging UV rays, but cut the glare on the water and offer a view around you, including seeing fish to cast at, and the Maui Jim sunglasses Charlie was using, definitely gave an advantage for sight casting to the shadows for monsters lying in wait. Sunglasses are smart to wear at most times in the boat, and will protect your eyes from flying hooks. Even on dark days, an amber or rose lens colour can brighten up the surroundings to help you see better. Make sure the glasses are polarized, that is what helps to cut the glare on the water.
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