Got my first look at the BWCA/Quetico area back in 1979. My father in law let me join his group of buddies from Crawfordsville, IN for their annual week long trip in June to Don Beland's on Moose Lake.

We stayed in a lake side cabin. We rented a boat and fished for walleye, pike and smallies on Moose and Basswood lakes.  Had a super time. Couldn't wait to eat a walleye shorelunch.

I was raised near the shoreline in Connecticut. I spent a lot of my youth fishing for bluefish, shark, striped bass, and flounder. I loved pulling up lobsters from my brothers lobster pots and digging for clams .. .and camping out on the surrounding island beaches.

Well, I really took to freshwater fishing in the Northwoods. Sure the fish were smaller but with light action rods, I was hooked. The scenery was unbelievable and I couldn't get enough of it.

I just had to get away from the crowds so I started to rent a canoe and fish on the Canadian side of Basswood. Then I had to get away even farther into Quetico and eventually began to basecamp in the Kawnipi area.  I now frequent the Brent/Comnee area. Whew, nothing better than fishing and camping for 10 days in the Q.

34 years later I still go up to Quetico. I have only missed 2 trips due to family weddings. It is certainly a "piece of heaven."

Have come into the Q via PP, Saganagons, LLC and fly-ins from Clay Lake. This year a QJ'er has steered me over to come in from the north with a BeaverHouse entry. Planning for my 1st fall trip into Badwater/Bentpine area. Can't wait.

Hopefully when I retire in 7 years I will have more time to spend canoeing and fishing. I would like to take 3 to 4 week trips into the Q instead of my normal 10 days. I would also like to try WCPP and perhaps a Arctic river trip. Also on my bucket list is an Alaskan coast kayak trip and if my knees are not gone ... hiking the entire 2,200 mile Appalachian Trail.

I appreciate all the QJ'ers who regularly contribute their thoughts and recommendations in this forum. The info I have gathered on this site has made me a better fisherman, canoeist and camper.