2014 Episode Synopsis


Episode 255: Pike Dream Come True

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. The 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 roomy float planes. 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.

Today, Charlie is faced with two different situations, like any fishing, the big boys have a favorite lure one day, and the next they can be fussy and only respond to a finesse presentation, be flexible, it can pay off big! First it was the flash of the Northland Live Forage spoons that did the trick. Fishing clear waters can be a challenge, but this spoon when matched up with an invisible but incredibly abrasion resistant Seaguar 100 lb test fluorocarbon leader, it really did the trick. The secret here is that the Seaguar Fluorocarbon resin has almost the same refraction index as water, so while it looks like thick mono out of the water, in the water it is virtually invisible, the fish simply can’t see it. With the incredible crushing power of the monster Pike, a Mustad 3X treble held up without even a bend or a twist, not even damage from net abuse. Something as simple as a hook upgrade can make a huge difference when dealing with trophy fish. After all, this is what decides to hook and hold, or bend and lose your monster catch. Once a hook’s strength looks compromised, Charlie is quick to replace them with his trustworthy Mustad 3X trebles. These are not only extremely strong, but thin, not thick and heavy. Thick and heavy would lend to changing the lures action.

When the fish decided to play coy a little more the next day, it was time to downsize to a Roostertail spinner and excite the bite with a Northland’s Impulse Swim’n Grub. The scented grub proved to be the winning addition. Large Pike even followed the spinner to boat side, and with the spinner dead in the water, the jiggling scented grub was nose rubbed by the giant Pike, and then immediately sucked out of sight. Something you would need to see, to believe! A good pair of Maui Jim Sunglasses made the whole ordeal possible, seeing the follow and the take!

One extra level of comfort was enjoyed this trip, Cree Lake runs the smooth riding 18 foot Crestliner Kodiak boats and 60 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 60 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. Even with light spinners to finesse the Pike, the silky smooth Okuma Cedros baitcasting reels are a beautiful creation, and worked wonderfully matched to a Citrix Baitcasting rod. Many baitcasters struggle to cast light lures, this one did a tremendous job, and the 30 lb test Seaguar Kanzen braid held up incredibly well for such a thin line, no wear at all. For the spoons, Charlie used 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 when needed. 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 was the choice for the spoons and the C3/Komodo combo.

No one wants to be uncomfortable, and when you are in the far north, it can go from sunny and warm, to cold and wet in minutes and back again the entire day. Dress in layers and be prepared. Charlie loves the Viking rainwear, the coats and bibs are standard equipment. Even when the jacket comes off, Charlie leaves on the bibs to protect from the constant boat side splashing and slimy tail slaps during the day, keeping his clothes clean underneath. The new Viking Evolution jackets are a thin, lightweight, 100 % waterproof, wind block jacket that offers a perfect layer under the Viking Tempest Raincoat, for a warm comfortable combo on even the coldest day. Even the lightweight Bekina boots are part of Charlie’s perfect element battling attire. These polyurethane boots are light and comfortable on warm days, warm on cool days, and ready for any rainstorm or even leaving the boat for shore lunch without worry of getting wet. Proper equipment is not only rods and reels; it is everything to make your day enjoyable and successful.

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