Looking for reports from Lake Simco

[MillDoo]

Thinking about going to Simco this weekend. Any reports would be appreciated.

[Ultraman]

Im going there this weekend also.

[MonsterShanty04]

Hope to be fishing by noon or so on Thursday. Then we'll fish all day on Friday. If you're not heading there until Sat. and want the fishing report, pm me and I'll give you my cell number. We will be fishing out of gilford. good luck!

[ERGOMAN]

First trip to simcoe last weekend, should have brought the quads and shanties but believed the hut operator. We ended up with about 20 nice perch for a day and a half of fishing. Didnt catch one fish in the huts, fished gilford side of cooks bay. (time for the rant)

I'LL NEVER RENT A HUT AGAIN, TAKE YOUR QUAD OR CAN DRIVE YOURSELF ON THE ICE-THE GUY TOTALLY MIS REPRESENTED WHAT OUR EXPERIENCE WOULD BE. these huts are green.

-said he would move us if no fish were hitting, refused even though were were in 12' and limits were 1/4mile out in 30'.
-said he'd drill any extra holes we needed, drilled 2 after several requests (thats where we got the 20) adn said i could drill them if i wanted more, then took the drill and left after 2.
-refused to bring a scoop out after asking all morning, had to use our hands to get the 30mph blown snow out of the holes all day long. didnt even clean the holes from the day before.
-we didnt get a fish out of his huts, since one hut down the row had 2 perch he surmised we didnt know how to fish adn said so several times.
-reserved a sleeper hut a month ago adn confirmed twice over the month, he double booked and gave to someone else, didnt return my 2 calls the week before we left until 2 hours before i was supposed to arrive then said i didnt confirm the sleeper, sorry gave it to someone else.

THIS WAS A TOTAL MESS-GUYS NEXT TO US HAD A SIMILAR EXPERIENCE WITH A DIFFERENT OPERATOR LAST YEAR AND BROUGHT THIER QUADS/SHANTIES, I ASKED THE OPERATOR IF I SHOULD BRING MY STUFF THE WEEK BEFORE BUT HE DIDNT RETURN MY CALLS. ALSO GOT STOPPED AT IMMIGRATION FOR AN HOUR ON THE WAY IN, NO REASON GIVEN, SEARCHED MY TRUCK AND WERE RUDE. MAY NEVER GO TO CANADA AGAIN, WEVE GOT PLENTY OF GREAT FISHING IN MICHIGAN WITHIN 6 HOURS AWAY.

guys were getting plenty of fish in 30-50' of water, but had thier quads adn tools. I've been going to mitchells bay with some crappy treatment but mostly positive for the last 5 years, first and last time at simcoe unless im on my own. Looked in the $480 sleeper, its two huts bolted together with wood planks to sit/sleep on at night, no stove or portapotty as stated a month earlier, what a joke. Thank god we found a clean apartment for $120 (canadian or US, no exchange), much better than the box.
oh yeah, no exchange for U.S. money with the hut operator, party store, apartment or pizza place we visited.

[Splitshot]

The name of this place isn't "Ice Cabins of Gilford" or something like that is it? If it is, consider there are some Canadians who hate Americans and it shows.

This is not a blanket statement as I know some great Canadians. I'm just courious because I had a friend who told a similar story about the guy mentioned above last year.

[trainwreck]

We had a similar experence a couple years ago at pefferlaw motel. The package we got included a room,three meals a day and a hut. The room was absolutly filthy,the huts were strait out in front of the resort (not where the fish were being caught)and the restraunt didnt open till 8.00am but the van to take you to your hut left at 7.00am. So we went out without breakfast that we paid for, the bag lunches they brought out to the hut sucked and the dinner was just okay. The guys in the room next to ours had quads and went out another half mile and got two buckets of nice fish but the guy wouldnt take us out there the second day. There was no trash can in the room and when we asked about one the lady said they didnt put them in the rooms so people wouldnt clean fish in the rooms and to just leave trash on the counter and housekeeping would clean it up .It sat there the whole time we were there. I wouldnt stay in that pigsty again if it was free.

[ERGOMAN]

thats right splitshot

[hypox]

Well, I went last weekend and will agree on the statement about the hut operators. This was my first time to Simcoe and was going with Floyd Hales based off reports from last year from a few members. I can tell you that the Hut was very nice. The service was average at best, and the fishing sucked. I almost think that the service we got was based on being "American". Those huts just seem like they place them in an OK spot and if the fish are there then you catch them, if they are not then you don't catch fish.

Basically, we rented an over-night bugalow. I think it was 8 x 16. As far as the hut goes it was pretty nice. 4 of us stayed there and it was very comfortable, roomy, warm, ect. When I booked the hut I asked if we could drive out there or take a snowmobile. They said no, you have to ride out with us. I said OK, well, I guess I'll just take my portable shanty and walk around to find the fish if there are not any. They said you can't take a portable and there will be fish, not to worry. They want you to stay with the shanty for insurance reasons and that they will do what it takes to get you on fish. Well, after being talked out of driving, bringing a snowmobile and even a portable shanty and walking, we still stayed there. That was a mistake. When they came around and you asked them where the fish were they would say that they aren't biting anywhere. Then after the day another guy would tell you that one hut limited out, when you asked them what one it was, no one ever knew. Seemed like they were playing games to make us feel like we would get into them sooner or later. I can tell you there was no way they were going to move us. Then the next day one of the guys says hay you want me to put some holes around for you to move around and catch some fish? We say sure sounds good. So, he walks about 30 yards behind the hut and punches 4 holes right in a row for 4 people and leaves. Less than impressive again. I guess I just don't understand how that is moving around? Needless to say we never even caught a fish out of one of those holes.

So, to end it all. We are going to leave at 4:00pm Sunday. Now keep in mind we have been on the ice for 55 hours and while it was fun to get away from the grind, we didn't ever get into any fish like we thought we would so we are really ready to go. The rest of the huts were full of people that did an 8 hour trip. We had talked to a few of them and all of them we talked to were Canadians. Now we are standing with ALL of our gear packed (and there was a lot) in front of our hut waiting to go at 3:50. We see at about 4:05 all the Bombardiers heading out to take us back and what do you know. They stop and pick up all the other people and take them back. Some were out waiting and some were not. Keep in mind these are people that just payed like $40 to go out for the day and fish. We gave these guys $600 and they make us stand on the ice waiting to get picked up for over 45 minutes when they knew that we were driving back to Michigan that night.

I can tell you if I ever go back, I'll do a lot of things different. One of them will be that I won't stay with Floyd Hales.

[Frozenfish]

Well I must have been really lucky on the guy we booked. We went with Simcoe Fishing Adventures out of Cooks Bay. It was a great time and a great expierence. We went with a group of 7 people and only fished one day. First off we were all extremely hung over and didn't show up until 8am after getting lost and then having to get our fishing licenses. So by the time we got out to the huts it was 9-9:30. Rick is the operator, he was great. Soon as we got back he had all of our gear pack in his truck and ready to take out for us. All we had to do was jump in the transportation and go. Went out 1.3 miles according to Rick at about 25 FOW. We split into 2 groups, one shanty had 4 and the other 3. The shanty with 4 started hitting fish right away. Our shanty was 50 yards away and we caught 5 right off the bat and then nothing. So we sat there until about 12:30 and then decided to give Rick on a call on his cell phone (which he had left posted inside of the shanty). He came right out and moved us to another shanty. Again helped us pack all of our stuff up and ready to go in 5 mins. Soon as we hit the other shanty we were on the fish. It was non-stop action for the rest of the day. I have never seen so many perch in my life. You could pull them away from the dinks and try to get the hogs to bite, unreal. So the shanty with 4 guys probably caught 300 or so fish and kept around 80 or so. Our shanty produced 40-50 keepers and probably caught around 200. All in all I thought it was a great trip. Sure not everyone caught their limits but it was constant action and enough for a great fish fry. I would recommend Simcoe Fishing Adventures to anyone. Here is the website - http://www.simcoefishingadventures.com/Rick also goes by Whitey. Great guy!!!

[gsepan]

I've fished in the green huts b4 and have had the pleasure to deal with Peter the owner of Ice Cabins. True, we didn't catch a lot of fish out of his sleeper but he still provided excellent service. All we did was move about 50 yards away and found fish. Not limits but between the 4 of us we took home over 170 fish. This year we rented his on shore cabin and it was fine... Going again this weekend... Will post up results upon our return. We bring our gear now and get away from the crowds and noise (towards the south end of the bay) and that seems to be the ticket. 2 guys...2 limits of fish. I agree, you'll catch more out of the huts then in... Pete's a good guy and moves his huts during the week. Weekends are the busy time and he doesn't move them... Remember,,, he has other clients to tend to so you have to be patient and he'll get to you. I'm by no means a spokesperson for his operation but myself and others haven't had a problem. And no... Pete don't hate Americans he loves the business... I think if that was the case, he'd be out of a job. Tight-lines ya'll The word of the day is Jumbies!!! Catch the word...

[Splitshot]

You can overlook a lot of things if your catching fish. Maybe he has bad days and good days, but if your in business you shouldn't let the bad days show.

Then again perhaps the ones you were in were not "Ice Cabins of Gilford"?

If it is the same guy you should direct him to this thread.

Good luck!

[Lunker]

I agree Splitshot! Excellent posts! This is one of the most valuable posts on here..

[FishinJoe]

I was there 2 weeks ago for the first time and we did it on our own. We stayed in Pefferlaw and fished like 10 miles out in 40 fow. lots of fish caught. I did best just going where no one is around for at least a mile and sit right there.

Joe

[pilatusbahn]

I dont want to ruin your trip, but you may not have been dealing with Peter but his idiot brother Mickey.
We stayed at a local hotel but had auger problems. Peter helped us out, told us to fish 50 yards off of his huts and we banged 50 in a couple of hours. For us thats pretty good. For others it may not be. But we got enough for a fish fry.
Our only problem, other than the auger, was that they were out of bait and Peter told us to go to his shanties and talk with his brother. Here is the idiot-Mickey. He is sitting in a shack with 3 punk kids and when we knock and open the door-out comes a cloud of smoke (not cigaretters) and he says "I'm on a union break give me 30 minutes" so we drill our holes get set up and then he just takes off without saying anything. We drive a quad up and he says "What do you need, I've been waiting here for 10 minutes now" but we bought our bait and then fished.
This was the ONLY Canadian who wasnt polite or helpful. Drove out by the yellow huts and got help for 3 or 4 guys and caught 40-50 more later in the day.
Sorry you had a bad experience but "Yes, being portable is the ONLY way to fish Simcoe." You have to follow the fish to catch them. Most ranged about 8" but brought home 2 MONSTERS (1-12.5" 1-13.75") Pilatus 3/1/05

[FishinJoe]

Most range about 8? I don't want to sound like a smart***** here and it was my first trip there but ours averaged 10 or 11, no joke I have no reason to lie. How far were you guys out and where were you out of?

Joe

[gsepan]

Because I’m a nice guy and can take a knife in the back once in a while I m going to post what I found in a form that made for some interesting reading, did you know I hate Americans?.,..



Yesterday, 03:16 PM
ERGOMAN
Tracker
Join Date: Jan 2001
Location: BELLEVILLE MI
Posts: 126

simcoe

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

My Reply

I’m not in the habit of responding to reports of unhappy guests in my huts but after reading ERGOMAN”s I had to.


First trip to simcoe last weekend, should have brought the quads and shanties but believed the hut operator. We ended up with about 20 nice perch for a day and a half of fishing. Didnt catch one fish in the huts, fished gilford side of cooks bay. (time for the rant)

I tell everyone to bring everything they can and use the hut as there base camp and enjoy the outdoors..

I'LL NEVER RENT A HUT AGAIN, TAKE YOUR QUAD OR CAN DRIVE YOURSELF ON THE ICE-THE GUY TOTALLY MIS REPRESENTED WHAT OUR EXPERIENCE WOULD BE. these huts are green.

Yes my huts are green….and if you remember I told you you can drive on the ice..

-said he would move us if no fish were hitting, refused even though were were in 12' and limits were 1/4mile out in 30'.

I never refuse any request from anyone. If you where so sure the fish where in 30 ft of water. why didn’t you say something to me…as I always do I would of gave you a ride in the argo to where you think the fish where,,,
And Just to let you know,you did better the most that day anywhere on the lake…

-said he'd drill any extra holes we needed, drilled 2 after several requests (thats where we got the 20) adn said i could drill them if i wanted more, then took the drill and left after 2.

No several requests for holes…your not my only custumer to drill holes for
You forgot to mention that I did drill 3 holes for you…do you remember how you where talking to me like your poop didnt stink?...wonder if you remember ordering me to drill you 5 holes around the hut when there where only 3 of you…im sure you remember that…..

-refused to bring a scoop out after asking all morning, had to use our hands to get the 30mph blown snow out of the holes all day long. didnt even clean the holes from the day before.

Next time when you fish out side you might want to bring your Own scoop…your kinda sounding like a baby and the holes inside the hut where perfect as well as your hut was nice and warm,,,

-we didnt get a fish out of his huts, since one hut down the row had 2 perch he surmised we didnt know how to fish adn said so several times.

Based on what I was seeing how you guys where fishing, after i gave you some lessens you started doing pretty good. you where fishing off the bottom as apposed just over the weed beds .

-reserved a sleeper hut a month ago adn confirmed twice over the month, he double booked and gave to someone else, didnt return my 2 calls the week before we left until 2 hours before i was supposed to arrive then said i didnt confirm the sleeper, sorry gave it to someone

That was your problem that you caused yourself, right from the get go you didn’t know what you wanted and I tried to get you to confirm your reservations…..and you didn’t….

guys were getting plenty of fish in 30-50' of water, but had thier quads adn tools. I've been going to mitchells bay with some crappy treatment but mostly positive for the last 5 years, first and last time at simcoe unless im on my own. Looked in the $480 sleeper, its two huts bolted together with wood planks to sit/sleep on at night, no stove or portapotty as stated a month earlier, what a joke. Thank god we found a clean apartment for $120 (canadian or US, no exchange), much better than the box.
oh yeah, no exchange for U.S. money with the hut operator, party store, apartment or pizza place we visited.

My sleeper is the best on cooks bay please get it right ERGOMAN…its 4 huts bolted together, and if you would of lookd better you would of seen the pull down cooking stove. I guess you didn’t see the wood stove as well or you just trying to make me look bad?..your the only one to date that hasn’t loved it

Have a look at in on my website guys and tell me what you think…www.icecabins.com


One last thing and this is for Splitshot…you make me sick…..i don’t like Americans…..what kind of sick statement is that to make…???

Dude why the heck would I start to report ice reports on my website Nov 01?...do you think it might be for guys like you that have a long way to come…Im offended by your comment.


ERGOMAN in my opinion is nothing more then a whiner with no real beef,,I even opend other huts for him..


No offense to anyone, I just get tried of people representing themself’s not in good faith as I got the feeling from this guy from the start,,I new he would stab me in the back….but that’s ok,,,,hasent been the first time,,,

Peter...

[stealydawn]

Be humble and friendly. I was with Gespan on a trip last winter and I have to agree, Peter is a hard working individual and tries to make everyone feel comfortable and welcome. I guess some people, rub some people the wrong way! I have recomended Ice Cabins, in the past. going this weekend with Gespan again, but not using the huts. We'll beee mooobile for juuumbies :D

[ERGOMAN]

MOST OF MY INTERACTION WERE NOT WITH PETER, SOME WERE, AT THIS POINT I DONT CARE, BUT I DONT MAKE THIS STUFF UP.

I’m not in the habit of responding to reports of unhappy guests in my huts but after reading ERGOMAN”s I had to.
THIS WILL BE MY ONLY RESPONSE TO THIS THREAD, YOU KNOW THE TRUTH PETER, AND I PUT IT HERE INSTEAD OF YOU SITE CAUSE PEOPLE HAVE OFF DAYS


First trip to simcoe last weekend, should have brought the quads and shanties but believed the hut operator. We ended up with about 20 nice perch for a day and a half of fishing. Didnt catch one fish in the huts, fished gilford side of cooks bay. (time for the rant)

I tell everyone to bring everything they can and use the hut as there base camp and enjoy the outdoors..
YOU DIDNT RETURN SEVERAL CALLS WITH DETAILED QUESTIONS, YOU DIDNT RESPOND TO SEVERAL EMAILS WITH SPECIFIC QUESTIONS, SAID IF THE FISH WERE BITING YOU'D BE ON THEM

I'LL NEVER RENT A HUT AGAIN, TAKE YOUR QUAD OR CAN DRIVE YOURSELF ON THE ICE-THE GUY TOTALLY MIS REPRESENTED WHAT OUR EXPERIENCE WOULD BE. these huts are green.

Yes my huts are green….and if you remember I told you you can drive on the ice..

-said he would move us if no fish were hitting, refused even though were were in 12' and limits were 1/4mile out in 30'.

I never refuse any request from anyone. If you where so sure the fish where in 30 ft of water. why didn’t you say something to me…as I always do I would of gave you a ride in the argo to where you think the fish where,,,
And Just to let you know,you did better the most that day anywhere on the lake..
THE GUYS WITH ME ASKED SATURDAY, I ASKED FRIDAY--THE RESPONSE WAS THAT THE FISH WERE HERE OR MAYBE I JUST DONT KNOW HOW TO FISH

-said he'd drill any extra holes we needed, drilled 2 after several requests (thats where we got the 20) adn said i could drill them if i wanted more, then took the drill and left after 2.

No several requests for holes…your not my only custumer to drill holes for
You forgot to mention that I did drill 3 holes for you…do you remember how you where talking to me like your poop didnt stink?...wonder if you remember ordering me to drill you 5 holes around the hut when there where only 3 of you…im sure you remember that…..
ABSOLUTELY, YOU DID DRILL THREE, WE HAD ASKED FRIDAY AND WERE TOLD THAT ITS FRIDAY AND GETTING LATE (2 HRS BEFORE DARK) AND THAT HE'D GET TO IT TOMORROW, YOU DID AT ABOUT 10:30 AFTER WE ARRIVED AT 7:15, SORRY IF MY TONE WAS LESS THAN RESPECTFUL I ASSUMED DRILLING SOME HOLES WOULDNT BE AS BIG OF A DEAL AS IT WAS.MY POOP DOES STINK BUT THATS ANOTHER STORY.

-refused to bring a scoop out after asking all morning, had to use our hands to get the 30mph blown snow out of the holes all day long. didnt even clean the holes from the day before.

Next time when you fish out side you might want to bring your Own scoop…your kinda sounding like a baby and the holes inside the hut where perfect as well as your hut was nice and warm,,,
SO WE DIDNT BRING A SCOOP, WE ASKED LITERALLY ALL DAY, THE PROBLEM WITH THE NICE WARM HUT WAS THERE WERE NO FISH CAUGHT

-we didnt get a fish out of his huts, since one hut down the row had 2 perch he surmised we didnt know how to fish adn said so several times.

Based on what I was seeing how you guys where fishing, after i gave you some lessens you started doing pretty good. you where fishing off the bottom as apposed just over the weed beds .
I HAD A VEX ON AND FISH ON THE ICE AND YOUR "YOU HAVE TO KEEP THE LURE OUT OF THE WEEDS" WASNT EXACTLY THE TURNING POINT IN THE DAY.

-reserved a sleeper hut a month ago adn confirmed twice over the month, he double booked and gave to someone else, didnt return my 2 calls the week before we left until 2 hours before i was supposed to arrive then said i didnt confirm the sleeper, sorry gave it to someone

That was your problem that you caused yourself, right from the get go you didn’t know what you wanted and I tried to get you to confirm your reservations…..and you didn’t….
WRONG AND YOU KNOW IT, DIDNT RETURN TWO CALLS PLACED THE WEEK BEFORE, CONFIRMED THE DATE AT LEAST TWICE AND ONLY CHANGED THAT 3 GUYS WERE GOING INSTEAD OF FIVE. CALLED MY WIFE AT HOME AND TOLD HER WE DIDNT HAVE THE SLEEPER 2 HOURS FROM TORONTO, SHE HAD TO CALL ME, GUYS IN THE SLEEPER TOLD ME THEY HAD IT RESERVED 2-3WEEKS AGO.

guys were getting plenty of fish in 30-50' of water, but had thier quads adn tools. I've been going to mitchells bay with some crappy treatment but mostly positive for the last 5 years, first and last time at simcoe unless im on my own. Looked in the $480 sleeper, its two huts bolted together with wood planks to sit/sleep on at night, no stove or portapotty as stated a month earlier, what a joke. Thank god we found a clean apartment for $120 (canadian or US, no exchange), much better than the box.
oh yeah, no exchange for U.S. money with the hut operator, party store, apartment or pizza place we visited.

My sleeper is the best on cooks bay please get it right ERGOMAN…its 4 huts bolted together, and if you would of lookd better you would of seen the pull down cooking stove. I guess you didn’t see the wood stove as well or you just trying to make me look bad?..your the only one to date that hasn’t loved it,
COULD EASILY BE WRONG ON THE CONTENTS OF THE SLEEPER ONLY PEEKED INSIDE, WITHOUT STEPPING IN, HAD NOT HAD THE BEST EXPERIENCE AND WASNT LOOKING FOR POSITIVES AT THAT POINT. WASNT WHAT I EXPECTED FOR $480 BUT I DONT HAVE A COMPARISON

Have a look at in on my website guys and tell me what you think…www.icecabins.com


One last thing and this is for Splitshot…you make me sick…..i don’t like Americans…..what kind of sick statement is that to make…???

Dude why the heck would I start to report ice reports on my website Nov 01?...do you think it might be for guys like you that have a long way to come…Im offended by your comment.


ERGOMAN in my opinion is nothing more then a whiner with no real beef,,I even opend other huts for him..


No offense to anyone, I just get tried of people representing themself’s not in good faith as I got the feeling from this guy from the start,,I new he would stab me in the back….but that’s ok,,,,hasent been the first time,,,

LIKE I SAID, I DIDNT PUT THIS ON YOUR SITE, ACTUALLY DONT USUALLY TAKE THE TIME TO TELL PEOPLE ABOUT THIS TYPE OF THING, NOT SURE HOW TELLING YOU FOR A MONTH WHAT ACCOMODATIONS I WANT, SHOWING UP ON TIME AND BEING PRETTY DARN FLEXIBLE IS STABBING YOU IN THE BACK OR NOT ACTING IN GOOD FAITH. IF OTHERS HAVE HAD GREAT EXPERIENCES THEN MORE POWER TO THEM, MINE WASNT

[Splitshot]

Peter, Peter, Peter!

I don’t think it is any secret that there are some Canadians that dislike, yes even hate Americans starting at the top of your food chain. What was the name of your last Prime Minister?

I could go on a rant and list reasons for that statement, but in this case however, I think your own words do a better job than anything I could say.

Last year when I was thinking about going to Simco I asked a few friends who have fished there many times about where to go etc. If you look at Ergoman’s post, you will see he did not mention the your company name, I did. Ergoman just confirmed it. Perhaps all the other guys who had bad experiences at Simco are all babies who’s poop doesn’t stink and who could use a few fishing lessons too, eh?

Looks like perhaps some of the people you hire might not be too friendly. I didn’t know your name only your company name. Instead of being so defensive you would be better off looking into the allegations and trying to fix the problem.

You said; “Dude why the heck would I start to report ice reports on my website Nov 01?...do you think it might be for guys like you that have a long way to come…?”

Um, how about for the money?

I don’t usually give advice, but if the truth makes you sick, take a pill, Dude!

[cbm]

we are the apartment mentioned in the previous post
Cooks Bay Marina in Gilford on Lake Simcoe
charges $125.oo Cad for 4 people in our apartments
at no time did Ergoman pay in US dollars,
check your credit card statement before posting incorrect information
this is our first season and our clients have all been Americans
it has been a pleasure doing business with you.

[Trippin' Dipsies]

You know this thread confirms what I truly believe... most American's want everything just handed to them with the least amount of work. When has the outdoors become a sport of instant gratification? Have you all been watching too much of the OLN Channel where you pull out your VISA and get an instant limit or that Booner Buck?

More and more I read these Simcoe threads where guys who have just started fishing there & who’ve done absolutely no work (other than lurking websites) to deserve a thing do the most complaining.

Our crew has been going there for over 10 years utilizing a lot of hard work to know what, when, and where to fish there. Now-a-days most of information is just handed over to the mass millions on the web because today’s sportsmen have this unconscionable need for recognition for their achievements (FYI…it’s no great feat to do well at Simcoe, so stop patting yourself on your back).

So here’s an idea… if you don’t like Simcoe and want to badmouth Canadians- stay out of their country. Go to Fairhaven on a Saturday afternoon with the 1000 other fishermen and snowmobile racers, witness all the trash on the ice, and have something stolen from your truck…. now that’s the American way.

[PencilPlugger]

More and more I read these Simcoe threads where guys who have just started fishing there & who’ve done absolutely no work (other than lurking websites) to deserve a thing do the most complaining.

Don't most of us who hire a hut operator (or a guide on any lake for that matter) do so for THEIR expertise and everyday experience? Not everyone has 10 years of experience fishing Simcoe so we don't have the years of knowledge to draw upon. We have a choice of going it alone to a strange body of water or hiring an "expert" to assist us in catching fish. Most of the complaints that I've seen have had to do with customer service issues rather than the amount/quality of fish caught.

And I see ALOT more bashing of Americans from the Simcoe locals on their message boards than the other way around.

[stormsearch]

If I ever rented a hut, I don't expect to catch my limit of jumbo's. I would never expect a hut operator drag his shanty around all day to try and find fish. I would only rent a hut with the hope of catching good fish, staying warm, fishing with others close by and having transportation to and fro. But I would expect the hut to be located in a general area of where there is good fishing.

From what I read, it looks like people want a guided service with a semi-portable hut. This is not going to happen. A hut is not that easy to move around, the operator has many huts to attend. A guide is somebody you get on the back of his machine and go out on the lake, not to a hut. Most people that goes to these huts are not even dressed to fish outside of them.

Having said that, I'm an American who takes his own and I guide myself around the lake. I've fished for alot of years there, but the catching is not always guaranteed. If you want to keep 5 - 7" fish, yeah limits are easy, but taking home a limit of over 8" jumbos is not guaranteed, even with moving to the latest hot spots. Guiding yourself or hiring a guide, your chances are bettern than sitting in a hut.

It is just like hunting, people drink all night, sit over a bait pile in a hut the next day and complain about deer numbers - lazy fisherman - lazy hunters.

[JimmyontheSpot]

I've been going to Simcoe for about 6 or 7 years now. I've never done a hut. Perch like to move around, and you have to follow them to get your limit. And in a hut you're not going to do much of that. If the bit is slow by 10:30 -11:00, we'll even load up and drive to a new spot. Once you find the fish, there's nothing like pulling up a bucket full of Simcoe hogs.

I read alot of post where guys are satisfied with 10-15 fish. If you move around a lot to find the fish, you'll start expecting 35-40 fish a day.

Good luck guys. I'll be up there this weekend.

[Splitshot]

More often than not when there is a thread gets heated the same thing happens. Some people start feeling uneasy when there is conflict. and they start complaining about it and saying things like: “Why can’t we just all get along?”

In my opinion if you make reservations to fish any lake and the operator tells you they are catching fish and his huts are positioned in the general area that is what you should expect. In this case the bite was a long way from the 12' depths. Should the operator move the hut when conditions change and if he doesn’t should something be said?

I’m not talking about moving it 50', but when it is obvious the fish are moving to a deeper section of the lake say a quarter mile away or more, I think it is the operator’s obligation. If you are paying someone hundreds of dollars for their expert advice and relying on their local knowledge and then they put you in a location far from where the main bite is, I think you have a bitch and if someone asks for information, I think a good member should relay their personal experience.

After weighing both sides each person can then decide what he should do. This is not an issue about someone getting mad because they didn’t catch fish. I have fished with Ergoman a couple of times a few years ago and I know he is no rookie. I would say he is a seasoned angler and I am a pretty good judge of someone’s fishing skills. I also think it would be way out of character for him to bash someone for no reason.

This should not turn into a Canadian vs American issue either. I am the one who brought that issue up, and in retrospect perhaps it wasn’t necessary and added nothing to the discussion. Then again, it might be an issue that lots of people have feelings about but don’t want to talk about it because it is not politically correct. Just read through some of the past threads about Americans being targeted for fishing violations, parking violations, traffic violations etc. etc. etc..

In any event, the real question is; “What should you expect when you pay someone to help you fish in an area you are unfamiliar with?” After all on his web-site Peter states” World Famous Lake Simcoe welcomes you to a ice fishing experience that’s out of this world”!

[gsepan]

I guess I shouldn't have taken it to heart but I've dealt with Peter and his crew and have had good times using his services. I've recommended him on this site and when the bashing begun, I took it as a blow to my integrity too... Stupid me... Just call me Mr. Butt-in-ski... Maybe Ergoman had different expectations of what fishing out of a rental hut was all about and maybe he feels he's been wronged, I don't know because I wasn't there. I do know Pete moves his huts based on reports he's hearing from his customers... here today gone tomorrow is the old adage and there are never guarantees when it comes to fishing or else it would be called "catching" instead. Hell... I wish everyone who visits Lake Simcoe brings home some fish and fond memories but again there is no guarantees. If Peter had a "Off" day, I think he would be man enough to compansate the effected parties involved but he is standing by his guns on this one. Wether he's right or wrong, I'm not one to say as again... I wasn't there... Just like to hear both sides prior to making a judgement. A few years ago without the advent of the internet only a handful of people would have heard about this but with today's technology, litterly thousands might read this thread. I know it's become popular knowlege on the Simcoe board as well as on Peter's and he knows how this could effect his business. Any smart businessman would go above the call to satisfy his/her customers. Maybe it's time to close the thread, bury the hatchet and chalk it up to a learning experience. Next trip, try it on your own... chase those buggers down and put a whoopin on'um. The huts are for people that are new to Simcoe or don't want the hassle of bringing all the gear.


Peace...

G

[Splitshot]

Gsepan,

I don’t know why you are taking this personal. I believe that you have been treated differently and people can both sides. Peter also has the opportunity to give his side which he did, but I can’t figure out if you posted it or he did. I went to his website and saw what he wrote but I guess he decided to remove his posts. I think it was a wise thing for him to do.

I don’t think this thread should be closed because the information contained may still be useful to other members still planning on going to Simcoe.

Personally I think Peter should contact Ergoman directly and maybe they can resolve their issues. That is just a suggestion. If he has questions for me I would be happy to discuss it with him. He has my e-mail.

[gsepan]

Splitshot,

Peter asked me to post his reply because he's under the assumption that he has to pay to become a member of this site. I think he's a little confused on that... As far as I'm aware this is a free site unless you want to become a sponsoring member which intitles a few more added goodies. I just copied and pasted his response into this thread off of his sight. Someone posted the link to this thread on the Simcoe board and I think thats how he got wind of the negitive feedback.

I've been dealing with Peter for a few years now and consider him to be a Canadian Friend and with friends, you want to stick up for them if someone has negitive things to say. Im not saying peter is totally right or Ergoman is totally right. I've seen some of the emails back and forth before they were deleted from his website and Ergoman did ask if he could bring gear and from the looks of it Pete never gave him an answer back regarding those questions. Perhaps they will settle thier differences...

I guess this was a learning curve for all and your absolutly correct... The tread should stay active and be added to as others form opinions on services provided from our Canadian neighbors.... That's the beauty about this site is all the information that is shared by fellow hunters and fishermen.

Now on a lighter note... I wish we had another catagory for lakes and rivers outside Michigan. No real choice on where to post Items concerning fishing in Canada or other states.

[Splitshot]

Peter can join for free. If he wants extra picture space or more space for private messages he has to pay $10.00 a year. If he wants to advertise his business then he has to work out the details with Steve.

I'm not sure what it costs, but from the people I know that advertise it's a great deal.

If you want to discuss rivers outside of MI, use the cold water forum. If the river is a warm water fishery use the warm water forum.

By the way I totally understand sticking up for friends. In the end I still think Peter should contact Ron and work it out.

[kingfisher 11]

To both parties involved in this disagreement this next situation may not be the same as yours but, we had this kind of dissagreement at our deer camp in Sask a few years ago. I was taught a quick lesson many years ago about guides. Respect them, dont' be arrogant and you will get the treatment you deserve.

Just after we left camp up there another crew came in. One of my party stayed after because he had to fly out the next day. We drove so we left early. One of the guys who just arrvied had said to the owner outfitter something that was not so nice. Actually belittled the owner which was and Indian. Much of the week he did this and complained. Needless to say he did not get special treatment. As a owner of an outfit you really don't want this guy back, matter of fact you don't WANT this guy back. So the guide did his basic guiding and did what he could but did not go the extra mile. The other two members in camp were pleasant. They ended up going home with the two of biggest deer of the year. Still, when this guy got back to the states he went all over the web bad mouthing the outfitter.

I talked with the outfitter later, he was very business like when he described his week. But you know when he finished he had one thing to say.... Unfortunatley the outfitters have no reference of the hunters who come in. Many times the guys who can afford hunts like this are real arrogant jerks. We have to deal with them. We will do the extras with a guy who works hard, does not question us and shows respect. This specific outfitter never had problems with any of his other hunters during that season and all left happy.

I knew this before my hunts up there. Had a bad experience in MT in "94". learned right away you need to learn these rules if you want a good hunt. Most importantly those guides can make a difference on whether you see animals or spend a week on an expensive sight seeing tour.

[Banditto]

I just wanted to coin in before this thread gets closed or deleted.

I have been to Simcoe probably 4 times along with the guys I go with have been there probably a dozen.

What I have about Simcoe is nothing but good feelings. The people there in fact not only treat us with respect but almost overly so. A great example is when talking to locals (even with an adolecent boys) they seem so overly interested in where we are from, how we are doing, what we do at home, etc. that you almost have to excuse yourself to get away.

And for hut rentals. We use a particular hut service but use them as a base camp. Some years the fishing is awful for everybody. Some years it is crazy. We didn't go this year due to time constraints plus I have heard that the fishing is marginal this year. Maybe next we will go. Would I use a hut? Probably. And I have a touring snowmobile plus several portables.

And the local restaraunts at the upper end are fantastic.

To me it is a little vacation. I mean, I can buy perch at my local fish market if I really was in it for the meat. I just like fishing...

[cbm]

cooks bay marina owes a hugh thank you to our american clients
with out you we would not be in the icefishing apartment rental business
and yes we do give exchange on the US dollar