BWCA 2018: "F" Stands for Fishing

We're back! Here is our trip video... all 1:45 of it! We always have fun on our adventures and documenting them for you. We hope you enjoy watching as much as we enjoy making them! Thanks for watching and don't forget to subscribe!

[@IceAngler]

About this time of year (April) I start watching my usual bwca videos. This series is ALWAYS part of that list.

[@jasonway4135]

Hope this reaches you all. I’ve sincerely enjoyed your videos. They helped me catch some fish last year in the BWCA and will be going back again this year. Would love to see a return to your videos!

[@stevehisey389]

The "Click and Clack " of the BWCA. Very entertaining banter.

[@rogmeri]

why no videos guys miss seeing you guys out on the water just keep watching the old ones never gets old

[@bigspank662]

You guys are addictive. I need more.

[@mstarksoUpperLipOutdoors]

Thanks man! We just got out of the woods and have a tone of video to edit. So, hopefully very soon.

[@timschwarze8209]

Just finished watching it....loved it....we brought our 4 kids right from the beginning...either 3 months or 9 months if they were born in August...they are now in their 30's and still love it.

[@mstarksoUpperLipOutdoors]

Tim Schwarze thanks for watching! Bringing kids that young is really ambitious. I think my wife would have a nervous breakdown if we did that! But, they will have the BWCA as a part of who they are. I can’t wait to share with my kiddos.

[@timschwarze8209]

Oh you are right it was work. Think of packing out a weeks worth of dirty diapers for two young kids in 80 degree weather. The first dumpster we could find was heaven sent.

[@Tastewithnewdrinks]

Great fishing vlog.😍

[@nickpampuch1305]

I've been waiting months for this video lol. I really wish you guys did more trips.

[@mstarksoUpperLipOutdoors]

Me too. Perhaps in the years to come we will have two - one with just Ry and I and another with the kiddos. We'll see - time is always at a premium in the summer... maybe a winter trip?

[@Birdknowsbest]

I winter camp in the bwca with my snowtrekker canvas tent. Im in the cities too. Hit me up if you ever want to check out winter camping.

[@timschwarze8209]

I have looked forward to your annual trip and you sharing it with us. We used to go up to the BWCA two or three times a year for 22 years. Now we are out in the PNW and so live vicariously through your videos. Thanks for sharing.

[@mstarksoUpperLipOutdoors]

Tim Schwarze appreciate your viewership. Hopefully, you can make a trip soon.

[@mcmuffin007]

Great work, Gents! This was like a full feature film. One thing that blows my mind...you guys have so many things you’ve done to make your trips better/easier i.e. anchors, live wells, camp chairs etc. How in the heck do you guys not have seat backs for your canoes? I’m absolutely amazed. Regardless, thanks for letting us into this part of your lives.

[@mstarksoUpperLipOutdoors]

Hey, thanks for watching! Funny you should mention 'seat backs'. I was really close to buying one for this trip. I've never used one, but had a sore back a week prior to departure and was a little worried that would spoil our trip. The back felt better in a few days so I skipped the purchase. Traditionally, no one has had any sore back issues because of paddling in our groups, although, several sore backs from heavy canoes, packs and hard ground. But, nevertheless, I may make that purchase for next year's 'improvements'.

[@hootiesfilms6446]

I was thinking the same thing. I've made about 10 trips to the BWCA now and bought a canoe chair for the 2nd trip, worth every penny to be able to lean back and recline while fishing for hours. I wouldn't go without one. GCI outdoor seatbacker at Amazon for $33.

[@mstarksoUpperLipOutdoors]

Funny, Ryan was looking on Amazon for one on our drive back home from our last trip. Maybe we’ll have some installed by our July trip?

[@mickey533]

Outstanding! I'm headed there next week.

[@aschmitt36schmitt97]

These videos are awesome. It's cool to watch your guy's system get refined over the years. The Bwca is such a cool place.

[@mstarksoUpperLipOutdoors]

Thanks for watching! Agreed, so unique and valuable.

[@jimbobwee1732]

Nice video Mark. Seen them all over the years. Heading up this afternoon to Ely, and then into BWCA tomorrow for 4 nights with a buddy, his two kids, and my son (2nd annual trip). The kids love the trip, and will have memories for a lifetime. Lots of fishing, exploring,teaching, etc....Maybe I'll work up the nerve to publish my video!

[@mstarksoUpperLipOutdoors]

Jimbobwee thanks for watching! Teach them well - leave no trace! Let me know if you do put a video up, I love watching subs’ vids.

[@kellymohan3284]

Another great video. So glad you’re taking the time to record so much. You, your family, and the rest of the world will enjoy watching for a long time. Well done!

[@mstarksoUpperLipOutdoors]

Kelly Mohan thanks, Kelly! We enjoy making and watching them. It’s fun! Thank you for watching and, if you haven’t already, please subscribe. We plan on making more videos this year.

[@beersyb1033]

I have been waiting also for your new video. Very good as always. Thanks and make more trips.

[@mstarksoUpperLipOutdoors]

Beersy B we’re working on it! Thanks for watching and don’t forget to subscribe!

[@troyjohn8871]

Good friends and good times. Appreciate you all sharing your journey.

[@mstarksoUpperLipOutdoors]

Thanks for watching! If you like our content, please like and subscribe, Troy!

[@curtisconaway2726]

I hate to say it but, maybe your awesome videos have hampered your fishing success - at least on the hot rock....while we were there, we fished it most nights, and watched a group paddle by on their way to the hot rock singing "hot rock baby" and then one guy asked if they had enough whiskey for the night lol

[@mstarksoUpperLipOutdoors]

Curtis Conaway sadly, I think you’re right. We’ve run into several parties who’ve come just for the fishing on our little lake because of our video. But, on the bright side campers are having fun - we will most likely find a new lake to explore in the coming years and will keep it on the DL. Thanks for watching, Curtis and don’t forget to subscribe! P.s. did you have any luck and have enough booze?

[@mstarksoUpperLipOutdoors]

Curtis Conaway and we have been seeing trash (egg shells, peanut shells, and even cigarette butts on the hot rock.

[@curtisconaway2726]

Upper Lip Outdoors yes had enough booze, but not so much luck on the rock. We spotted about 100 dead leeches on the rock one day after a group of 4-5 guys were there. Anyway thanks for the great vids. Sad we have to wait another year for another

[@markmeneau6540]

Very nice!

[@mstarksoUpperLipOutdoors]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@tmeado4387]

Another fantastic trip!! Throughly enjoyed the video. Good to know that there’s nothing like stroganoff in the morning....LOL. Tell Phelps to keep his pants on.

[@mstarksoUpperLipOutdoors]

T Meado haha! I could barely breathe because I was laughing so hard when he said that - I cut the clip short. I’ll relay that message to him... it was awkward at the time. 😉

[@topsecretadventures8570]

Great job , and you didn't run out of Booze this year !

[@mstarksoUpperLipOutdoors]

Top Secert Adventures it was close! Thanks for watching!

[@shawnvanlandingham5481]

Enjoy the footage! We use the same entry point as you two all the time, although we usually catch all we need without a portage. Last year I had just left when you were heading in...be heading back up again.

[@mstarksoUpperLipOutdoors]

It’s a great spot. Sawbill has some great fishing, doesn’t it? We’ve gotten into ‘em pretty good there before. We hope to do 3 trips this year, only one from Sawbill. Next time, say “hi” when you see us. Thanks for watching!

[@SchmutzieOutdoors]

These BWCA vids are fantastic! Used to do the Moose Lake to Lake One loop back in the 70s. Took 40 years off and then decided I have to come back. Huge difference between then and now is the kayaks. Holy shit man, never used to see them. Now it's all kayaks...and you guys with the 17 ft Alumacraft. A portage measured in rods meant one rod = one canoe length. What does a rod mean now? Anyway, I've decided Crescent Lake is the place for me. Close enough to the BWCA to get the full flavor but I can still camp out of my car. I see you're using Sawbill to Smoke to Burnt. On the outside chance you didn't already know it you can use Baker Lake (via 170- The Grade) as put-in and come up to Burnt from the south. Great stuff fellas, thanks for posting these trip vids. Mike from Chicago.

[@mstarksoUpperLipOutdoors]

Thanks for watching, Mike! Yeah, the kayaks... *shakes head*. I’ve seen a couple paddle boards, too. Have never used the Baker entry, we pick up the permit at the outfitters. If I remember correctly, there’s two portages to Burnt that way, too, but one is 190 rods. Anyway, I’ve never been to Crescent, you’ll have to let me know how that is. We’re doing two trips this year and are looking for a new route.

[@henrydudley5947]

This year on our trip me and my first mate perfected the art of passing flasks on the paddle. It takes more time but it looks cool if anyones watching you ;)

[@mstarksoUpperLipOutdoors]

Yeah, certainly some visual flair when doing that. We've had our misses with the 'ol flask toss (see our 2012 video... kzbin.info/www/bejne/p5jHgnx9YpySiLsm21s ). Thanks for watching! If you like our vids please give a 'thumbs up' and subscribe!

[@denisejacoby8336]

What did you all use for bait? someone had the hot hand out there.. makes me wonder if a lil of that sumtin sumtin ( booze) got on that lure. HAHAHA

[@topsecretadventures8570]

22:02 when someone say's what do you think? I say thought's lol . watching for a second time

[@CN-zi7cr]

Upper Lip!! I am a widower looking for a good time in the BWCA. I have been over 50 times. If you are planning a trip I'd love to tag along.. If you need a new route I have a few. I'd love to meet new friends and enjoy the Bdub with new friends.

[@wildernessfam7983]

I've been watching your videos for a couple years, have always gotten me pumped before each summer's adventure. Have fun with the kids - you have to get the next generation going, so they can carry our heavy loads when we're old. This summer I'm taking my 15-year-old on an epic loop through the border lakes...but I've taken our kids to Ensign, Ogish, Lake 2 and Insula. The trip is definitely different with kiddos, but super fun. Check out the video on my channel of us jumping off "The Rock" on Insula - it's a great lake for kids. Sandy beaches for swimming, blueberries, and great fishing. We still bring vodka, you might need more if you bring kids. Cheers, and thanks!

[@mstarksoUpperLipOutdoors]

Thanks for watching! We’re really excited to share the area with the kids, but, it will make it different. So, we’re going to do two trips! Winning!

[@wildernessfam7983]

Upper Lip Outdoors - I’m having the girls paddle in with a food refresh to meet us at the end of the trip. Best of both worlds - guy’s trip, then family time! Have fun!

[@jasonjohnson7195]

The second guy did a real shot!

[@mstarksoUpperLipOutdoors]

Delicious! Thanks for watching!

[@slowfaller]

Gonna need a new video soon! Hope all is well

[@brenthanson8629]

Great videos! I like watching while I await my own trips. What type of GoPro and phone stands are you using?

[@mstarksoUpperLipOutdoors]

Just generic grippers and thing we find on Amazon. Don’t go too cheap, you’ll be disappointed.

[@muskyman26]

Congrats on 300 subs!

[@mstarksoUpperLipOutdoors]

Thanks, man! Just saw that. Thanks for your help!

[@muskyman26]

Always! Honestly the best outdoor duo I’ve watched, and I’ve watched more KZbin than anyone. But I’ll never say stroganoff without a smile again.

[@mstarksoUpperLipOutdoors]

Haha! The other day, Ryan sent me a text that simply read, “Stroganoff”.

[@tommylyons3765]

What do you guys have against bass? fun top water fishing and good eatin!

[@mstarksoUpperLipOutdoors]

Tommy Lyons they take too many leaches! 😉 All kidding aside, they are fun to catch and fight, but we prefer walleye in the belly. If we were on a lake that didn’t have walleye, we’d eat the bass. We have before. Thanks for watching and don’t forget to subscribe!

[@zabby8888]

you go ahead eat all the bass

[@Mike5914]

What are you using to record? iPhone maybe? Waterproof case? Just checking (maybe you said in a previous video I just haven’t found it yet). I enjoy your videos. Hoping to get back to bwca this year. Thanks guys!

[@mstarksoUpperLipOutdoors]

In this video, we used a GoPro Hero 5 and two iPhone 7s. All are water resistant. In the 2019 video, I added a Cannon DSLR to the lineup - big difference in sound and picture - however it’s far from water resistant. Thanks for watching!

[@Mike5914]

Upper Lip Outdoors thanks guys keep up the good work!

[@country3608]

Yum 😋

[@claytonhaske]

when would you say would be the best time to go fishing at the bwca? I have went in early june the past 2 times, but was wondering if there are better times to go for better smallmouth fishing.

[@mstarksoUpperLipOutdoors]

Thanks for watching! Lake trout - May, walleye - early June, Smallmouth - mid July.

[@andrewjacobson7802]

Are smallies considered a rough fish in the BWCA? Awesome trip!

[@mstarksoUpperLipOutdoors]

Andrew Jacobson they are to us. Take too many leaches. In fact, they aren’t even native to that area. All kidding aside, they can be really fun!

[@mstarksoUpperLipOutdoors]

Andrew Jacobson thanks for watching and don’t forget to subscribe!

[@andrewjacobson7802]

Already done!

[@brandondeyo2574]

I would like to know what it is that you are using for a live well?

[@mstarksoUpperLipOutdoors]

A fish basket suspended in the water column. Thanks for watching!

[@youstopthat8591]

Umm... actually "F" is for friends that do stuff together!

[@mstarksoUpperLipOutdoors]

Yes! Thanks for watching!

[@rolyatflow]

How many leeches do you typically go through in a day? Planning for my trip in May...

[@mstarksoUpperLipOutdoors]

We go through about 1 pound. May might be a bit early for leeches - but that depends on the water temperature. Good luck!

[@rolyatflow]

@@mstarksoUpperLipOutdoors Yes, it will be the last weekend in may, we come out June 1. Base camping on Shell Lake. What would you recommend in place of leeches?

[@mstarksoUpperLipOutdoors]

For walleyes, I’d still bring leeches, but also some Gulp minnows to jig and/or Lindy rig. Also, can’t go wrong with a crank bait. Ya know, in case the leeches are ineffective. That early the ‘eyes are typically in current - at the base of rapids. Leeches can work there (see 2012 trip on Koma). That trip was over Memorial Day week. The water was high and we sat at the base of an outlet, anchored, and slip rigged w/leeches. About 3hrs later we had 40 in the boat. But, that year was a bit warmer and it has rained a lot the days prior.

[@saykhamsot1748]

What are you guys using for bait?

[@mstarksoUpperLipOutdoors]

Slip bobber and pink jig with a leech. Thanks for watching!

[@matthewnoll8936]

How many dozen leeches do you guys bring for a trip?

[@mstarksoUpperLipOutdoors]

Matthew Noll we brought 1lb this trip. Thanks for watching and don’t forget to subscribe!

[@northernmastery3513]

Is this on Canada or the USA

[@mstarksoUpperLipOutdoors]

This trip video was in Minnesota, USA. thanks for watching!

[@bradydickelman1311]

You guys need to invest in some thermacells for mosquitos!

[@mstarksoUpperLipOutdoors]

Brady Dickelman way ahead of you. We bring in 2. One for the toilet and one for under the tarp. We generally don’t bring them on the canoe, however. So, maybe we’ll start that for the evening bite. Thanks for watching and don’t forget to subscribe!

[@cannonstrength]

Do you guys live in Lonsdale?

[@mstarksoUpperLipOutdoors]

Ryan does. Thanks for watching!

[@cannonstrength]

@@mstarksoUpperLipOutdoors Cool, I am in Northfield and have family in Lonsdale.

[@DingleBerry88]

What the hell lake are you guys on that there are that many people?

[@mstarksoUpperLipOutdoors]

We didn’t see that many folks, but the evidence was all over the place.

[@toddcorl]

So what happened with your videos?

[@muskyman26]

You guys got a P.O. Box yet. So people can send you goodies?

[@mstarksoUpperLipOutdoors]

Goodies?! Very soon we will have one. Hopefully some swag before the year is over, too. We’ll see.

[@muskyman26]

Ya goodies as in people love to send you tubers stuff to try or give away to subs or what not

[@mstarksoUpperLipOutdoors]

I gotcha. We’re getting things more organized and should have one in a couple weeks.

[@michellelyons2878]

Shore lunch suckssssssss. I swear on my life try zatarains crispy southern fish batter. Yu will never use that garbage flour shore lunch again. Serious grab a box. It won’t disappoint. Great videos gentlemen

[@mstarksoUpperLipOutdoors]

I’ll have to give that a try! I think I’ve got some walleye in the freezer. Thanks for watching!