Episode #397 North Lake Bluefin Tuna

Today the Destination takes us to North Lake on beautiful Prince Edward Island.

After a very scenic and comfortable drive out in the RAM,  Charlie and Terri join up with Tony’s Tuna Fishing.  The hard fighting Giant Bluefin Tuna are the target today, and Captain Tony MacDonald has brother Captain Bradley along, so it’s double the trouble for the Tuna!  The day starts by catching the bait, and only the best are kept to tempt these monsters.  It sure doesn’t take long for the rods to bend!!  True big game fishing at home in Canada!!   Bluefin Tuna this week on….Fishful Thinking.

Species:  Bluefin Tuna

Tackle for Bluefin Tuna:

-  Seaguar Blue Label 100% Fluorocarbon Leader Material

-  Daiwa Tanacom power assist reels with automatic stop feature

-  Seaguar Threadlock high Impact braided lines

-  Viking 100% waterproof jackets, pants and Bibs

-  100% protection from UV A, B, and C with REVO sunglasses

-  Heavy duty stainless steel ball bearing swivels

-  Viking - Comfort Lite boots

-  RAM 2500 with 6.7 litre Cummins Diesel engine

Technique:  Long lines and kite fishing for Bluefin Tuna. These fish can be extremely spooky and line shy.  Even cleaning the leaders every hour can make the difference. Long lines are used and even a kite to present the baits to the fish away from the boat.  Long lines tackle a deeper bite, the kite for incredible surface hits.

Special Thanks:  Tony’s Tuna fishing with Captain Tony MacDonald

Fishing for Giant Bluefin Tuna from North lake Prince Edward Island

Fishing or Prince Edward Island family vacations - 2 bedroom cabins with all the amenities of home

About Charlie Wray

Charlie Wray has been host of the very popular TV show, Fishful Thinking, since 1990. Part of the success behind the show has been the very informative format. Perfect for both the novice and experienced angler, Fishful Thinking provides entertaining insight for all audiences...read more

Episode #396 Hooked on Lake Trout & Untouched Walleye

Today the Destination takes us up Cree Lake in Northern Saskatchewan

Pike maybe the most popular species at fly-in lodges, and a dream come true when the giants are roaming.  But don’t forget to check out your other options as well…  When the big Lake Trout feel like you’ve hooked a ‘dump truck’, you may be sold for life on these incredible fighters. And don’t forget about the Walleye… Often ignored on these trips, target them specifically and it might be one of the highlights of the week!!! A way to get a better hook up, and untouched Walleye, this week on …Fishful Thinking

Species:  Lake Trout

Tackle for Lake Trout:

-  50 lb test Seaguar 100% Fluorocarbon leaders

-  Daiwa Saltist line counter reels with 6.1:1 gear ratio

-  Seaguar Threadlock – 16 strand 50 lb test High Impact Braided Lines

-  Daiwa Great Lake rods with Chrome plated stainless steel guides

Technique:  Bottom bouncing with Flatfish.  Close isn’t close enough some days, it is the bottom contact that triggers the strike. Be prepared for a few snags, but it might be the only way to trigger a hit.

 Species:  Walleye

Tackle for Walleye:

-  Daiwa Ballistic LT - light and tough spinning reels

-  20 lb. test Seaguar Smackdown performance braided lines

-  Freedom 1/8 oz Marabou Swing Jig with Changeable hook

-  3 inch grubs with Bait Fuel by -  Set The Hook

-  100% protection from UV A, B, and C with REVO sunglasses

-   Mercury 60 hp 4-stroke outboard motor

Technique: Finesse fishing for Walleye with 1/8 oz Freedom Marabou jigs.  A slow, almost painfully slow drop in the current is what it takes to fool monster Walleye.  When it is extremely light, it floats and bounces in the current more naturally than a faster fall, looking extremely realistic.

Special Thanks:  Family owned and operated – Cree Lake Lodge

A home away from home in Northern Saskatchewan  - Specializing in Trophy Lake Trout and Pike on remote waters

About Charlie Wray

Charlie Wray has been host of the very popular TV show, Fishful Thinking, since 1990. Part of the success behind the show has been the very informative format. Perfect for both the novice and experienced angler, Fishful Thinking provides entertaining insight for all audiences...read more

Episode #395 A Trick or Two for Bass

Today the Destination takes us over to the Land O’Lakes area in Eastern Ontario.

Charlie once again joins up with Buddy Chris McMillan for a fun day on the water.  Smallmouth Bass on a deep - clear water lake is the challenge today, and so is deciding on what the preferred approach maybe?  Always best to let the fish decide, so throw a variety of presentations at them and adjust from there. Wacky rigged worms are always a favourite, and so is one of Charlie’s highly guarded secrets…that was until now!!  A trick or two for Bass, this week on …Fishful Thinking

Species:  Smallmouth Bass

Tackle for Bass:

-  Daiwa Tatula spinning rods with X45 Bias Graphite construction

-  20 lb. test Seaguar Smackdown performance braided lines

-  Daiwa Ballistic LT - light and tough spinning reels

-  Seaguar 15 lb. test Fluoro Premier leader material

-  Set The Hook – 5 inch Spike worms with Bait Fuel

-  Minn Kota Ulterra Trolling motor with Spot Lock

-  Set The Hook 2 ½ inch tubes with Bait Fuel

-  Humminbird Fishfinders with Mega Side Imaging plus

- 100% protection from UV A, B, and C with REVO sunglasses

- 19 ft Princecraft Hudson 190 BT

- Mercury 90 hp 4 stroke tiller outboard motor

- RAM 2500 with 6.7 litre Cummins Diesel engine

Technique:  A variety of methods for deep water Smallmouth Bass. Always let the fish decide! When fishing with 2 people, use different methods until one shows it is the favourite for the moment.  When that slows, start all over again.

 Special Thanks:  Minn Kota Ulterra trolling motor

About Charlie Wray

Charlie Wray has been host of the very popular TV show, Fishful Thinking, since 1990. Part of the success behind the show has been the very informative format. Perfect for both the novice and experienced angler, Fishful Thinking provides entertaining insight for all audiences...read more

Episode #394 It’s Like Candy for Pike

Today Charlie is up to Cree Lake in Northern Saskatchewan.
Northern Fly-in lodges are well known for great fishing, and Cree Lake Lodge is home to the best Pike fishing Charlie has ever experienced. Everyone wants to catch giant fish, but sometimes traditional methods aren’t the best, but you can do more. Finesse fishing can really put the odds in your favour, but you need to balance your tackle properly, and this little finesse presentation has been responsible for some of the largest Pike Charlie has ever caught! It’s almost like Candy for Pike, some true giants this week on ….Fishful Thinking!!

Species:  Northern Pike

Tackle for Pike:

- Daiwa Ballistic LT light and tough spinning reels

-  20 lb test Seaguar Smackdown performance braided lines

-  Daiwa Tatula 2-piece spinning rods with X45 Bias Graphite construction

-  Knot 2 Kinky - Nickel Titanium leader wire

-  Freedom 1/8 oz Marabou Swing Jig with Changeable hook

-  Set The Hook -  Flat Sided Shad with Bait Fuel

-  Viking 100% waterproof jackets, pants and bibs

-  100% protection from UV A, B, and C with REVO sunglasses

-  Comfort lite boots by Viking

-   Mercury 60 hp 4-stroke outboard motor

Technique: Sight fishing a finesse 1/8 oz Freedom Marabou jig for giant Pike. Not only do you need to stay quiet and not move suddenly in the boat, but quality sunglasses like the Revo brand will help you see deeper and more shadows than cheaper brands.  Quality eyewear is part of your essential equipment, much like your best rod and reel.

Special Thanks:  Family owned and operated – Cree Lake Lodge

A home away from home in Northern Saskatchewan, specializing in Trophy Lake Trout and Pike on remote waters

About Charlie Wray

Charlie Wray has been host of the very popular TV show, Fishful Thinking, since 1990. Part of the success behind the show has been the very informative format. Perfect for both the novice and experienced angler, Fishful Thinking provides entertaining insight for all audiences...read more

Episode #393 Big Water – Big Fish

Today the Destination takes us up to Georgian Bay in Central Ontario.

Big waters produce big fish, so be ready to cover large areas.  But where do you start?  Structure and bait are always a key.  Smallmouth Bass are the target today and they sure love surface baits, and then later in the show, Muskie can be a challenge but thinking outside the box can help you strike it rich!!  A surface bait that simply rings the dinner bell, and a modification that is sure to grab your attention!  Big water – Big fish….. this week on Fishful Thinking

Species:  Smallmouth Bass

Tackle for Smallmouth Bass:

- 15 lb test Seaguar 100% Fluorocarbon leaders

- Clacking Topwater - 4 ½ inch Freedom Mischief Minnow

- Seaguar Smackdown high performance braided lines

- 100% protection from UV A, B, and C with REVO sunglasses

- Minn Kota Ulterra trolling motor with Spot lock feature

- Humminbird Helix fishfinders with Mega Side Imaging plus

- Princecraft Xpedition 200

- Mercury 225 hp 4-stroke motor

- RAM 2500 with 6.7 litre Cummins Diesel engine

Technique:  Finding structure with the Humminbird side imaging and exciting the fish with a noisy and flashy surface lure.  Don’t leave an area quickly after catching a fish when the action stops, allow the fish time to settle back into their routine and start feeding again.  Too many folks are quick to leave a great area.

Species:  Muskie

Tackle for Muskie:

- Daiwa Lexa 400 Heavy Duty reels with Power Handle

- 130 lb. test Seaguar Abrazx Muskie and Pike Leader

- Daiwa ProRex Muskie Rods with Winn Grips

- Minn Kota Ulterra trolling motor with Spot lock feature

- Humminbird Helix fishfinders with Mega Side Imaging plus

- Princecraft Xpedition 200

- Mercury 225 hp 4-stroke motor

- RAM 2500 with 6.7 litre Cummins Diesel engine

Technique:  Thinking outside the box for Muskie by modifying a surface lure with weights.  This presentation gives them a lure and action they haven’t seen before.  Extremely important on heavily fished areas.

Special Thanks: Humminbird Side Imaging.

About Charlie Wray

Charlie Wray has been host of the very popular TV show, Fishful Thinking, since 1990. Part of the success behind the show has been the very informative format. Perfect for both the novice and experienced angler, Fishful Thinking provides entertaining insight for all audiences...read more

Episode #392 Jig & Spinners for Northern Walleye

Today the Mercury Marine Destination takes us up to Cochrane in Northern Ontario.

The end of the road for this trip is Cochrane Air Services, and then a fly-in to a private lake you have all to yourself. Even small lakes can be a challenge, but the old saying that 90% of the fish are in 10% of the water is often true, and a few helpful aids can sure help you find the magic areas.  Walleye are the target today and attention to details can make a huge difference. Some lures have been forgotten for the latest fade, but they still work!! A new twist to an old favourite… this week on …Fishful Thinking.

Species:  Northern Walleye

Tackle for Walleye:

- Seaguar TactX - 4 strand camo braided lines

- Daiwa Ballistic LT light and tough spinning reels

- 12 lb test Knot 2 Kinky Nickle Titanium leader wire

- Daiwa Tatula 2 piece rods with X45 Bias Graphite Construction

- 100% protection from UV A, B, and C with REVO sunglasses

- 3-inch grubs with Bait Fuel by Set The Hook

- With tilt and extendable handle, the Minn Kota Traxxix trolling motor

- Viking cut resistant NBR palm coated gloves

- Humminbird Helix 5 Portable fishfinder with GPS

- Viking 100% waterproof jackets, pants and bibs

Special Thanks:  Cochrane Air Services in Northern Ontario

Specializing in Walleye and Pike with Cabins on remote, lightly fished lakes

Technique:  Take your favourite jig and grub combo and add a clip-on spinner and arm to it, turning it into a small version of a spinnerbait. The spinner blade adds vibration and allows you to work it either with a straight retrieve, or a slow fall.  Extremely effective in stained Northern waters.

About Charlie Wray

Charlie Wray has been host of the very popular TV show, Fishful Thinking, since 1990. Part of the success behind the show has been the very informative format. Perfect for both the novice and experienced angler, Fishful Thinking provides entertaining insight for all audiences...read more

Episode #391 Old Reliable for Pike

Today the Mercury Marine Destination takes us up to Cree Lake in Northern Saskatchewan.

An old saying goes not all lures are created equal, the same goes for fishing locations.  Cree Lake lodge is home to several of the largest Pike Charlie has ever caught, and the more you fish an area the more you learn it, even with remote fly ins.  Be prepared when that fish you’ve been dreaming of shows up.  Lines need to be checked regularly, strong tooth resistant leaders that are fish friendly, and hooks that are ready when that fish of a lifetime gives you a chance.  Old reliable for Pike, this week on….Fishful Thinking

Species: Northern Pike

Tackle for Northern Pike:

- Daiwa Tatula 300 with the T – Wing system

- 40 lb test Seaguar TactX - 4 strand Camo braided lines

- Daiwa Rebellion rods with High Volume Fibre Graphite Technology

- Viking cut resistant NBR palm coated gloves

- Freedom Hydra Jigheads with swing hook action

- Viking 100% waterproof jackets, pants, and bibs

- 130 lb. test Seaguar Abrazx Muskie and Pike Leader

- 100% protection from UV A, B, and C with REVO sunglasses

- Viking - Comfort Lite boots

- Mercury 60 hp 4-stroke outboard motor

Special Thanks:  Cree Lake Lodge

Family owned and operated in Northern Saskatchewan

Specializing in Trophy Lake Trout and Pike on remote waters

Technique:  Swimbaits on the Freedom Hydra jigheads. The Freedom jigheads have swing hook action, meaning the hook is on a quick-change loop and not imbedded into the head.  This allows the plastic swimbait and Freedom head to move independently giving a very realistic presentation.  Best to use a swimbait with an aggressive paddletail for maximum movement.

About Charlie Wray

Charlie Wray has been host of the very popular TV show, Fishful Thinking, since 1990. Part of the success behind the show has been the very informative format. Perfect for both the novice and experienced angler, Fishful Thinking provides entertaining insight for all audiences...read more

Episode #390 Fishing the Basement for Lake Trout

Today the Mercury Marine Destination takes us out onto Lake Ontario.

It’s a beautiful day today and time to head out in the Princecraft.  Lake Trout are the target today, and fishing can be fast.  Downriggers are without a doubt the best tool for fishing deep, but with these bottom hugging fish, snags can become a problem.  Charlie has a system that not only saves your downrigger from snags, but excites the lakers at the same time.  Even a lure that stays out of the snags at slower speeds! Pay attention to your trolling speed and depth, and it can simply be one after another.  Scraping the bottom for Lake Trout, this week on ……Fishful Thinking.

Species:  Lake Trout

Tackle for Bass:

- Freedom Herring cutbait trolling lure

- Daiwa Saltist line counter reel with 6.1:1 gear ratio

- 20 lb test Seaguar Abrazx 100% Fluorocarbon fishing lines

- Daiwa Accu-depth medium heavy downrigger rods

- 25 lb test Seaguar STS Salmon Fluorocarbon leaders

- Cannon Optimum Downriggers, track system and adjustable rod holders

- Smooth Moves Shock Absorbing Seat Suspensions

- Humminbird Helix 10 Fishfinders with GPS

- Revo Sunglasses with 100% protection from UV A, B, and C

- Lure speed and temperature with Fish Hawk Electronics

- Princecraft Xpedition 200

- Mercury 225 and 9.9 hp four stroke Pro Kicker motors

Special Thanks:  Cannon Downriggers

Technique:  Using a jet diver on a dropper line to bounce along the bottom, keeping your downrigger weight a safe distance from the bottom in snag filled areas.

About Charlie Wray

Charlie Wray has been host of the very popular TV show, Fishful Thinking, since 1990. Part of the success behind the show has been the very informative format. Perfect for both the novice and experienced angler, Fishful Thinking provides entertaining insight for all audiences...read more

Episode #389 New Lake Tactics

Today Charlie is fishing the Land O’Lakes area in Eastern Ontario.

The RAM comes in handy on a launch that isn’t much more than a rocky beach, as Charlie and friend Chris McMillan tackle a lake they have never fished before. There is a method of approach to a new lake, and attention to your electronics is more important than ever. Quickly change baits and find the flavour of the moment.  Targeting a species that is often ignored can be the key to opening up a fishing paradise.  Put it all together with a few tricks, and you can have the time of your life!  New Lake tactics, this week on…Fishful Thinking

Species:  Smallmouth Bass

Tackle for Bass:

- 100% protection from UV A, B, and C with REVO sunglasses

-  20 lb. test Seaguar Smackdown performance braided lines

-  Daiwa Tatula spinning rods with X45 Bias Graphite construction

-  Daiwa Ballistic LT - light and tough spinning reels

-  15 lb. test Seaguar Fluoro Premier leader material

-  Set The Hook – 5 inch Spike worms with Bait Fuel

-  100% waterproof jackets, pants, and bibs by Viking

-  Minn Kota Ulterra Trolling motor with power lift and deploy

-  Humminbird Fishfinders with Mega Side Imaging plus

-  19 ft. Princecraft Hudson 190 BT

-  Mercury 90 hp 4 stroke tiller outboard motor

-  RAM 2500 with 6.7 litre Cummins Diesel engine

Special Thanks: Humminbird Fishfinders with Mega Side Imaging Plus

Technique:  How to find fish on a new lake you have never been on before.

About Charlie Wray

Charlie Wray has been host of the very popular TV show, Fishful Thinking, since 1990. Part of the success behind the show has been the very informative format. Perfect for both the novice and experienced angler, Fishful Thinking provides entertaining insight for all audiences...read more

Episode #388 Balanced for Success St. Clair Muskie

Today the destination takes us over to Lake St. Clair in South Western Ontario.

After an early morning run down the highway in the RAM, Muskie are the target today as Charlie and Terri join up with Captain Jim Fleming of Drifter 2 Charters.  Planer boards are used for this shallow water fishery, and line counter reels are used to run multiple lines.  But with weeds always a problem, a helpful way of rigging can keep the baits free of debris.  Not all lures are created equal, but Jim has his own special way of making them produce more hits.  Balanced for success, this week on …Fishful Thinking.

Species:  Muskie

Tackle for Muskie:

- Daiwa Lexa 400 Line counter reels with power handles

- 50 lb test Seaguar Smackdown performance braided fishing lines

- Daiwa 7 foot Sealine rods

- 80 lb. test Seaguar 100% Fluorocarbon leader material

-  Heavy duty Ball bearing swivels with welded rings

-  200 lb test  Seaguar Threadlock High Impact braided lines

-  100% protection from UV A, B, and C with REVO sunglasses

-  Double hooks

-  Viking cut resistant NBR palm coated gloves

-  RAM 2500 with 6.7 litre Cummins Diesel engine

Special Thanks:  Drifter 2 charters with Captain Jim Fleming

Muskie fishing on Lake St. Clair on a fully equipped, all tackle supplied Charter boat.

Technique:  Tuning the lures to make them walk and dance to entice more hits.

About Charlie Wray

Charlie Wray has been host of the very popular TV show, Fishful Thinking, since 1990. Part of the success behind the show has been the very informative format. Perfect for both the novice and experienced angler, Fishful Thinking provides entertaining insight for all audiences...read more