The results after the first day showed Vic in the lead for lake trout, with a very respectable 15 lb., 34 ¼" prize. The biggest jack of the day was brought in by Cameron, at 13 lb. and 43 ¼" in length (talk about your snakes!). We all gained new respect for Vic's storytelling ability, because that night Vic told his story to each one of us separately, and then a couple of times to the group! And like a true fisherman, it got a little better with each telling. You have all heard about when a secret is whispered around a circle of people, and the end result is completely different than the beginning? Well, Vic has the unique ability (dare I say gift?) to accomplish that feat all by himself! I am surprised the trout didn't lose a pound or two because of having been caught so many times in such a short period of time! One thing Vic always neglected to include was the fact that that was the only fish he had caught all day, either jack or trout, so he had to make sure he got some mileage out of it. Oh yeah, one more important fact. He caught it on a hook he borrowed from Gene. Apparently last year he caught his pool winner on a hook he also borrowed from Gene. I'm hoping Gene doesn't lend him any next year.

I can t forget to relate one little incident. On our way back to camp the first day, we were traveling with the rookies. Vic was in the boat with Pat and George, while Mario, Aaron and Darrin were in another boat. We had just crossed the main sandbar separating the lake we frequently fished and were about to head home. We all looked at Vic and said "Which way?" Vic looked at Gene and asked "Didn't you say you had a map? I don't pay much attention to where we go because I never drive the boat."

Everybody just started laughing and we headed off in what turned out to be the right direction. Both Gene and I had paid fairly close attention this trip, and it felt good to have a certain degree of familiarity with the surroundings this trip. Now I don't profess to be a guide of Don's caliber, that will take years of getting lost and finding my way home before that happens, if ever. I think Gene just wants me to get lost and not find my way back.

It is a good thing we stuck close because Pat ran out of gas about halfway back to camp. Vic claimed it was due to his huge trout being dragged beside the boat while they trolled; that affected the gas consumption

Gene pulled out his spare can and we were soon on our way again, after another laugh at Vic's expense. This time we watched him puzzle over how the spout went back in the gas can; I later learned most Saskatchewan farmers don't use gas cans. Why bother when there are so many five gallon grease pails and short lengths of siphon hose or funnels made out of old oil cans around? All part of that reduce, reuse & recycle philosophy I have heard so much about. What a pleasure to be fishing with such an environmentally concerned bunch!

One of the highlights of my trip occurred that night, when Vic and I teamed up against Don and Doug for a game of Kaiser. On the way up I had casually mentioned I was still mystified by the game, so Vic offered to show me the ropes. I agreed once it became clear that there was no money involved, not that I have ever been fleeced before, goodness no.

I must admit that through a combination of Vic's skill and my luck, we managed to sweep our opponents, and Vic admirably contained his critis…, I mean advice for the most part. I must admit I had felt a little intimidated after watching how Doug's son Gary got "advised" to death last year while playing Kaiser. I guess the gentlemen decided to take it easy on me, at least for this trip. I know I only scratched the tip of the iceberg on the finer points of the game, because the other three spent the evening seemingly knowing exactly what was in my hand, sometimes throwing down all the cards half way through a round and stating how many tricks they took, while I sat there trying to look intelligent (o.k., maybe not).

Luckily Vic was more than up to the challenge of showing me the ropes, and our cards were unbelievably good, which never hurts either. Don & Doug seemed to take it all in stride, knowing that 3 hands means little in the grand scheme of things, but Vic took great delight in our victory. Vic even asked if I was considering moving to Goodsoil as the Kaiser playing population was dwindling. I'll have to get back to you on that one Vic.