Dick and Rick

Dick and Rick came this spring. They came together because the Bjorem family and the Laukkanen family both lost Jane on Boxing Day 2023.  Jane was an incredible person. Not only was she Dick's wife for 63 years, she was also Rick's mother.  She was also like a mother to me.  Jane was also a grandmother and not just to her grandkids, but to my kids as well.  It is hard for me to do this blog post, but yet I know Jane is in a better place.  Rick and Dick caught 37 brook trout over the three days.  The numbers I forget, but they each caught one five pounds or better.  Over the years, the Bjorem family must have 50-80 brook trout over five pounds with many being in the 6-8 pound range.  But it is not always about the fish.  The conversations, the trials and tribulations, water spouts, blown motors, how we treat each other, respect for nature, respect for each other, and last but not least, our conversations about the Lord. We are all appointed but once to die, and to those of us who are still living, enjoy life to the fullest because we never know when the Lord will take us home.  Until that day comes, let us honour and remember the dead, who they were and what they believed in.  And to those who believe in the Lord, we will always have hope.  May the Lord bless you Dick, Rick and family.  We feel your pain and loss.  But Jane will live on in the memories of us that knew her, including my children.  The Laukkanen family loves the Bjorem family and we will soldier on without our valiant Jane.  Be strong Dick, you are not alone.  Look forward to our next meeting.  Love your extended family.  

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Dave and Joe came and it was an early spring. they caught 62 brookies over 3 days. Dave got a 27 incher with a 14 inch girth good for 7 pounds plus.  Joe also caught a big one that was 24.5 inches about 5.5 pounds that is his personal best. Dave has 2 brookies with me that were 27 inches.  This is 2 years in a row that Dave has caught a 27 inch book trout with me. I have only seen four 27 inch brook trout caught and Dave has 2 of them. They were great to guide and I look forward to seeing them next year. May the Lord bless them as the Lord is in control and guides our days. Take care see you soon.

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1st Timers

Phil and Dawn came fishing for the first time with Hardcore.  They struggled for the first few days.  Oh my goodness, the last day was the best.  They ended up with 19 brook trout over three days.  They each caught one over five pounds.  Dawn also caught a 9-pound lake trout that she fought perfectly and landed.  After this happened, Dawn was catching some brook trout but was complaining that the drag wasn’t working properly.  I did not believe her and neither did her husband Phil especially after I checked her drag and it seemed to be working fine.  She ended up missing a big brook trout because of this problem.  If there is one thing I learned with Phil and Dawn, it not about how you start, but how you finish.  They started weak but ended strong. Congratulations to Phil and Dawn for figuring it out.  May God bless you and your family.  

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Best First Timers

Next comes Willy and Amos these two guys are Michigan rednecks for sure.  They are the x generation of the Bjorem family.  These two guys come out of nowhere to me, but they were booked because they knew Dick.  Willy and Amos caught 69 brookies over 3 days.  They also caught 7 whitefish and 5 lakers.  These two guys know how to fish but they also have common sense and respect for their elders. Willy and Amos caught 69 brookies on their first trip here which is also a new record.  Willy and Amos were the best first group that I ever had.  Somebody must have guided them as to what to do and expect.  These two boys have earned my respect as hardcore approved.  Willy has a new record as well.  He caught a Trophy brookie without his drag making any sound at all.  Willy caught a 6lber in 2 minutes without his drag.  This was no surprise as they were well-spoken by their elders.  Keep on rocking in the free world. To Willy and Amos may God bless you both in your families.  Hopefully we will see each other next spring.

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101 and Done

Okay now it is Ricks turn to shine and carry the torch.  Rick is the son of Dick and Jane.  Rick also comes prepared and ready to rock and roll.  He also chose to bring along a good partner in “caster Dave”.  These two guys smashed a record for most fish over 3 days.  Not only did they boat 101 Brookies over 3 days, but they also caught a 27.5-inch brook trout 3 times over 3 days. Rick caught it twice and Dave caught it once.  This fish was 7lbs.  Rick also caught one that was 21 inches long but had girth of 16 inches.  This fish was 6 lbs 11 oz.  Rick and Dave are true fishermen and pros as you do not set records and standards unless you put in the work and effort.  It is so bizarre that Dick and Jane had their worst year ever and yet Rick and Dave come and set records. That is because us children are to learn from our parents and add our own knowledge into the mix. Rick out fished Dave by a few fish and caught the biggest fish twice but Dave also caught the 27.5-inch brookie and they share the longest brook trout ever in my boat. Now here comes reality.  Rick has caught a brook trout that was 25 inches but had girth and that fish was 7.5 lbs.  To Rick and Dave, you guys were awesome and you earned the title.

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Second Chance

Well, it was Dick and Jane again and the numbers were way down from the past.  But hey, at 84 years old what else would you expect. They only caught 5 fish over 3 days, but what a three days it was.  We had a late spring, and the daily temperatures were single digits. The fishing was very tough as the water and air was so cold.  Dick and Jane went out every day and gave it their best even though they were not getting many bites.  If you want to catch a fish, first you have to get a bite.  If you want to get a bite, first you need a line in the water.  If you want a line in the water, it had better be a good line to catch the big one.  These people are always ready to go and get the job done.  Dick every night goes over the rods and reels and makes sure before bed that their gear is ready to rock and roll the next day.  This is because Dick was a Tournament Fisherman who fished for money.  He understood and knew that if you wanted to catch fish you needed the right gear.  Dick also knows if you are going to compete with a partner in a contest make sure your partner is the best.  And in life it seems like Dick and Jane have set the example as they enjoy life to the very end, will always support each other and fulfill their vows to each other. These people have spent so much time with me and my family that they are family too.  God has blessed me so much that he gave me two moms and dads and my children have an extra grandma and grampa. If there is one thing that we can agree on is that we will see each other in heaven as all Christians will have eternal life. Blessed are those who learn that the fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom. God is so amazing that he brings his people together over the love of fish. To Dick and Jane, I shout out. KEEP ON ROCKING IN THE FREE WORLD. To the younger generation take my advice, don’t ever give up, and listen to your parents and your elders as they can help you.

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50 - 50

Well, this post is long overdue. The year 2023 for Hardcore started with Daniel and Jacob helping Dad get ready for this season. This included checking ice conditions and fishing as well.  As usual, I took my boys up to Virgin for our spring fling and just have fun. We also did some ice fishing while checking ice conditions for Dick and Jane. Daniel caught this big bad boy who was a 22 incher and an even five-pounder. If you think my boy would have been happier to have caught this fish that is because his personal best is a 27-inch male with a 16-inch girth that was 9lbs.

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