For the past several years, Aikens Lake Wilderness Lodge has been a proud partner in Cabela's "World's Foremost Outfitters" program. Having been accepted into the program brought instant credibility to the "Aikens Experience". We pride ourselves on giving our guests a great trip not only on the water, but off of it as well. It's all about customer service. We were proud to have Cabela's agree with us and give us their support. To have the backing of such a large player in the industry such as Cabela's is an incredible feather in the cap for any organization. It is an honor to host such an event.

The "Signature Event" series for Cabela's is a relatively new and expanding format. Essentially, these events are organized for, and can only be booked by, the top Cabela's CLUB Visa card holders. Cabela's has always been a very loyal company, and these exclusive "Signature Events" is one of the ways that Cabela's rewards its most loyal customers. Trips include hunting trips as well as an expanding fishing trip list. The idea of including a "Canadian Fly-In Walleye Trip" was originally borne in the fall of 2010. All of the 2011 Signature Events were rolled out in January of this year and the Aikens Lake trip was one of the first to sell out! The trip united avid anglers from all over the US. In fact, no pairings came from the same state and there was representation from all 4 corners of the US. The group consisted of couples, father/son combos, and fishing buddies. Despite the geographical differences, everyone shared a similar interest in the outdoors and the group gelled quickly. Shorelunches were immediately filled with stories and laughter. You would never have guessed that all these people didn't know each other prior to this event! During shorelunches, fishing pro Richie Boggs and professional guide Todd Andrist gave fishing seminars to all the participants. Some already had a vast knowledge of walleye fishing as they had fished tournaments in the Midwest. Other people were completely new to not only walleye fishing, but fishing in general! The seminars focused on jig fishing to start, and on the 2nd day the topics broadened into spinner-rigging and trolling.

The walleye fishing was fantastic during the trip. All the mid-summer reefs were hot and fish of all sizes were being reeled in. Jigging was the main technique, although bottom-bouncing and some deep trolling also worked very well. Lots of Century Club days were achieved, as well as several Master Anglers. The largest walleye of the group was a 28-1/2". Jeremiah caught the biggest pike of the trip with a 40" pike that took a gold spoon trolled along South Shore. Just about everyone caught the biggest walleye of their lives on this trip! The four night trip was very special. It was interesting to note that it was the first time for each of the participants to go to a Canadian fly-in lodge. The experience of touching down on the water in a float plane was special for everyone. The calmness and serenity of the boreal forest was a literal breath of fresh air. To a man (and woman!), this trip was a complete success. We would like to thank Cabela's for allowing us to introduce our little piece of the world to such a great group of enthusiasts! The 2012 Signature Event is being planned as we speak. If you are part of the Cabela's CLUB, don't delay when that pamphlet hits your mailbox this winter because it is sure to sell out even faster next year!

Cabela's "Signature Event" a huge success