BWCA - A Month In A Canoe & Hammock

So much happens on my long trips. This one is pushing the exploration a bit further. I show you how I make my way through all types of terrain in order to reach a lake which no one knows anything about. I did all my research of it from satellite views, topography maps, as well BWCA maps. I am confidant this lake will be worth the trouble of making my way there. However sometimes when you reach these far out lakes, sometimes you find out that it is only 7feet deep with no fish. Wish me luck! I've encountered many bear and moose while on these trips as I was lucky to get a few on video. The problems that arise along the way are a HUGE part of what I love when out this far and being totally responsible for yourself. Finding odd ways to fix things is one of many things out here which builds my confidence in life. Also I can now confidently bring in a few large northern pike over 20lbs on each trip …sadly I loose some as well.

[@shugemery]

Enjoyed your exploits very much. You are hard core feller.

[@MichealGrabosch]

Thank you very much! I have never been so passionate about anything in my life.

[@TheChadWork2001]

Your connection with GOD is renewed out there. GOD video Michael.

[@MichealGrabosch]

I am so close with God out there being away from every distraction. After 2 weeks or more is when the connection really sets in! I can not help but pray and thank him for all that I have all throughout the day while traveling up there

[@longwildernesswalks]

THIS is what I've been looking for. A true challenge on a path that is rarely ever traveled. What an adventure! Thank you so much for sharing!

[@MichealGrabosch]

Thank you so much. Stay tuned. As the years go on, these trips should only get a lot more challenging. In a few days i have a new video to post of a long trip from September grouse hunting with a bow out there, finding sheds and much more

[@longwildernesswalks]

@@MichealGrabosch You've got my sub! Looking forward to it!

[@danwadas8723]

Hey Mike, I was one of the two guys you talked to on day one at the portage from Lake One to Lake Two that had seen your videos. Glad to see you made it out relatively in one piece and only a second hole in your ass. In a 57 min video you only managed to bitch about the mosquitos twice by my count. Impressive. We thought they were god awful - non existent on the water but terrible at camp and portages. Enjoyed the video!

[@MichealGrabosch]

Hi there! I'm so glad to have met you passing. The mosquito net I wore is my suggestion. I soaked it in persevering before this trip;) Hope you had a good experience minus the bugs:) I love Sept in bwca the most. No bugs and trees are all colors.

[@theunclejesusshow8260]

Dayum, That Pike went right into the Beaver Lodge Sticks

[@theunclejesusshow8260]

Oh Dam ,thigh cramps out there.Woe. Yeah, I heard that grouse. Dayum, I see that Black Bear.

[@muskyman26]

That would have been someone’s greatest bwca memory if you showed up out of no where and needed someone to unhook your arse 😂😂😂

[@MichealGrabosch]

Haha. Idk. I smell pretty bad to be that close to after p.m.a routes

[@nickpeterson2577]

such a cool video

[@MichealGrabosch]

Thank you so much for the support. Given enough from people with a few more videos, I might try to make videos as a job going much deeper into bwca and canada.

[@escapewithjay]

Awesome man! I cant wait for you to make Starlight, I have to admit I am very tempted to try it. This kind of adventure is what get me going! Great job on the video man, Im a fan

[@MichealGrabosch]

Thank you so so much for subscribing and watching the videos. I hope you enjoy them and I hope that I am lucky enough to go on quite a few more.

[@escapewithjay]

@@MichealGrabosch Looking forward to it! I normally kayak and film my trips on rivers. As a MN native I needed to make it to BWCA so I went last year for the first time and loved it. All I can think of since is going in deeper and being more isolated

[@gordaro2828]

Hell yeah, man! Great stuff keep it going! I live in B.C. So pretty much everywhere is a camping spot. Good luck with the skulls! ✌

[@MichealGrabosch]

I am coming that way next year. Crossing over into quetico to get lost for a month:)

[@itsbob2609]

Wow… I’m a bit exhausted just watching that. I’ve just retired from tent camping off a motorcycle (got to fn old for it) and am now in a hammock travelling by kayak. So I’ve been watching lots of videos to learn tricks and tips and such. Have watched numerous from Quetico and BWCA. Enjoyed every one….BUT yours is at a different level dude. You are one determined, dedicated explorer. Tip I’ve learned from your video…I sure wasted a lot of my youth.😎 Gonna look up more of your vids and subscribe. Thanks for the entertainment Mike.

[@MichealGrabosch]

Thank you so much! I plan on going much deeper into quetico and alaska in the future for these trips. As well get better at recording them. ...If I'm lucky enough to live a long life, there should be much better ones to come. Thanks for subscribing.

[@strangebrew0105]

Dude! This video is amazing. Always dreamt of doing a pma, but this video really shows HOW much work is required. We’ll done!

[@MichealGrabosch]

Thank you. My goal was to try and capture what it involves a bit vs. my older videos.

[@strangebrew0105]

@@MichealGraboschnice fish(s) by the way omg!

[@schindct]

Looks like an amazing trip. Thank you for sharing and for the words of wisdom at the end. Hopefully I will get back up there next year!

[@MichealGrabosch]

Thank you. I hope you do get back out there next year. It's a wonderful place.

[@schindct]

@@MichealGrabosch I hope the hook puncture healed up alright lol

[@MichealGrabosch]

@schindct it did luckily. 2 weeks in, and it hurt a bit. I was wondering the best way to approach someone at a campsite and asking if they would mind looking at my ass. Lol

[@cameronbugge2372]

I’ve taken 15 bwca trips and only one of them solo on a short basecamp. I have been planning a longer solo for next year and your video is inspiring and helpful in my journey to take a very similar trip. The bwca content is great and what I live for here on KZbin

[@MichealGrabosch]

Thank you so much! I hope to be able to explore bwca and quetico more as the years go by. Maybe even make decent money making these videos each year as I get better at it and editing. If so, I'd be up there a lotttt more than two 20-30 day trips:)

[@cameronbugge2372]

@@MichealGrabosch how do you make the time?? I’m entrenched in work 23 years old and starting a career

[@MichealGrabosch]

@cameronbugge2372 no kids and 17 yrs at ups = 8 weeks vacation I take a year.

[@cameronbugge2372]

@@MichealGrabosch I’m a mailman with no kids! I just started though so I don’t get that much vacation until I’m a regular carrier. See ya in the street! Keep saving that pto and keep making KZbin vids brother!

[@Lfgoutdoors]

I Enjoyed watching your experience this morning. I’m going for ten days august 30th the anticipation has increased tenfold hah.

[@MichealGrabosch]

Thank you. I hope you will have an amazing experience.

[@anthonyacciani7853]

Excellent video man 👍🏼 we’re hitting Alice this year. Can’t wait.

[@MichealGrabosch]

Thank you so much for the support! I'm trying to do this video thing full time one day exploring bwca and quetico. Have a new video coming out Sunday and 2 - month long trips this year. Stay tuned and like/comment/share would help a lot getting some sponsors:)

[@dragonbob2924]

This is a great video. You've got to gear up heavier for those big pike. I would say a lighter musky setup would be in order. Really helps in turning their heads.

[@MichealGrabosch]

Thanks so much! Every year I keep increasing tackle for the xl northerns I want to target. Never done muskie. I used 12 lb test mono with a 9 inch leader. What would you suggest?

[@dragonbob2924]

@MichealGrabosch heavy swimbait rod, heavy baitcasting reel, 50lb braid mainline, 30lb steel leader. They aren't lineshy. Only caveat is you couldn't use it for anything else except maybe trolling laketrout.

[@jasondauenbaugh9060]

I took care of the vosburgh lodge over the winter 15 years ago. One of the best views overlooking moose lake. The Ely web cam is on the back deck .. the people up north are fantastic..

[@MichealGrabosch]

Agreed. People up here appreciate life in a different light for sure.

[@theunclejesusshow8260]

Good Show 👍 👍 👍HugeWalleye

[@2782Bugger]

Great video!

[@MichealGrabosch]

Thanks!

[@KyleOfTheNorth]

Nice vid dude 😊 BWCA is my favorite place.

[@MichealGrabosch]

Thank you very much! Check out some of the others if you get time. Every year, I will have 2 - 3 new ones at least

[@Tastewithnewdrinks]

Great video, keep going.😍

[@MichealGrabosch]

Thank you! Will be making a new video after my late Sept trip. Will involve mostly moose shed hunting and grouse hunting with my packable longbow.

[@Bucksenator]

I’m going to have to rewatch this …. It was late when I did so the first time… but I couldn’t figure out how we went from almost making it to starlight which I really wanted to see and instead talking about getting to amber lake… I just have fallen asleep for a minute or ten !!

[@MichealGrabosch]

I bushwacked a trail as far as I could until I had no other option but to abandon my route due to too many downed trees as well as a cluff side i could not haul my gear down. I then went back to Quartz Lake to camp and remade a new route to Starlight. This new route was my very last option to make it there. I made it to the small lake right before Blinker Lake & decided to finish the trip some other yr as i had 3 weeks left in the trip. I didn't want to be too exhausted & not be able to enjoy the rest of my trip. Next year, it should be no problem as I know 100& the route to take and do not need to explore options anymore. 2 weeks I head back up there for a long grouse hunting trip where I pack my longbow. * Stay tuned for a good video of it*

[@pandaoxo3917]

Great video I like the content

[@MichealGrabosch]

Thanks, I appreciate it

[@L2FlyMN]

Ham string cramps are extremely painful & disabling 😖 I learned early on, don’t skimp on bringing a landing net!!!! Had a guy catch a pike that was huge, pulled the canoe, before it got fed up & with one final thrash, snapped the 20lb line as if it were 4lb test. Measured from the front cross brace to the rear cross brace. It pulled the canoe as if it had an electric motor driving it! We were in aww when it surfaced! 😲😲😲 I also learned that a telescopic rod is a waste of money. Broke after a 7lb pike.

[@MichealGrabosch]

Especially solo, a net to me can be a huge nuisance. I started out using one yrs ago but after the 3rd time spending half an hour getting a lure and fish out of the net due to the fish flopping in it, I stopped using it. Pissed me off even more when I saw a fish jump out of the water teasing me while I was busy detailing the net. Now I just make sure they are super worn down before I try to handle them in the boat. Those big Pike have a lot of power, as you stated! 😀

[@urbanangler7672]

Thanks for sharing your epic adventure! You caught and lost some monster fish. My memories are still haunted by a huge bwca pike that snapped my line over 5 years ago...

[@MichealGrabosch]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@bobbanker4830]

You need to get back out soon because we need to see more of your videos. Well done!

[@MichealGrabosch]

Thank you very much! I will tell my wife your suggestion. ❤️

[@davidwilson7322]

Awesome video. Question: looks like you used a lot of large spoons. Any hints on how you fish them? Straight retrieve? Trolling? Suggestion: it would be cool if you interspersed pictures of paper maps as you travel. Not showing your fishing areas but it would be cool to see your routes in that PMA. That looked brutal! Big fan

[@MichealGrabosch]

Thank you SO much. There will be plenty of future videos on here to watch as well, all my old ones. Thanks for the advice. I'll add in a few map locations next time and where I'm headed. The video was orig 2.5 hrs long and had to cut out a lot of video otherwise it may get boring at times. I target only trophies. In doing so, you do not get many fish at all. I use 4"spoons trolling a lot. In this trip, I paddled over 120 hours trolling. 530a.m. till about 10 and then 430 till 9 about every day. Sometimes, I went over 10 hours paddling with not one fish. It takes a lot of skill as for location picks, lure, depth, speed, etc. But mostly devoting time and a LOT of energy.

[@bmave29]

Dude, Awesome trip! You're doing an injustice to those bass by not profiling them for everyone to see! Its rare to see bass that big this far north. Probably not so rare when no one fishes them out I guess. Some pretty awesome walleye too. 10lbs is bigger than Ive ever caught. This makes me want to sell my bass tracker and buy a We-no-nah.

[@MichealGrabosch]

Thank you! Where a canoe takes you 3+ days away from the nearest road is where all those footballs/bass are found

[@MavrikWillowbough]

Roman Schno? Happy trails!

[@MichealGrabosch]

Roman Schno? Always on a happy trail out in bwca... even if I am making the trail for the first time;)

[@FansyTheFamous]

Epic trip! Thank you for sharing it. Just got my first solo canoe - hoping to get out on a solo trip still this year.

[@MichealGrabosch]

Solo trips are the best! Over a few years, you will notice huge progression in what you are capable of. Hope you have a great time and are prepared for everything. (Spend a fortune on a well put together med kit)

[@golfish8589]

​@@MichealGraboschwhat canoe were you paddling?

[@MichealGrabosch]

@@golfish8589 I have an Aurora made by wenonah. I convert it into a solo when I'm not going with my wife. It's a very rare boat to see out there.

[@golfish8589]

​@@MichealGrabosch I purchased a Prism last year. Fished and paddled for 4 days. I never took my butt out of the seat once. It felt sketchy

[@MichealGrabosch]

@golfish8589 I have paddled a prism among many. An Aurora is where it is at 100%. In some of my videos, you'll see me stand up and walk around in it completely safe

[@SydneyGrabosch]

You're so amazing! Your wife is a lucky woman 😉😂

[@MichealGrabosch]

Thank you. I'd say she knows what I'm worth. Keeps me in check though everyday of my life.

[@terrygrabosch4882]

She is an amazing woman and they love each other to the moon and back 💕

[@DS-md7jn]

Really enjoyed the video, no disrespect you need to use a little bit heavier pound test or braided line and a little bit lighter on the drag to bring in those big boys.

[@MichealGrabosch]

Thank you! And None taken! I just have heard so many old-timers say how 12 lb test will bring in 30lb northerns. Which I have done but am being suggested what you said a lot. I will try it next trip. The only thing is, my 3 weeks+ trip, larger line drawback, is a lot less line on the reel for the trip.

[@DS-md7jn]

@@MichealGrabosch if you go with a braided higher poundage line I bet you would be surprised how much you can get on your spool. Good luck I'll look forward to the next video.

[@MichealGrabosch]

@DS-md7jn thank you. Should be in june:)

[@bluwtrgypsy]

Nice video. You might want to carry electrolytes with you to add to water. Should help with cramps.

[@MichealGrabosch]

thank you so so much! Great idea. Like a powder to add to the water?

[@bluwtrgypsy]

powder, yes. Good luck@@MichealGrabosch

[@petryman1]

Thanks for a great video! Curious what kind of hammock you're using?

[@MichealGrabosch]

Sun year 78×118 $53. I have tried dozens of brands. I like this one best so far.

[@exploringwoodsman]

I'm wondering about something, but first and foremost, thanks for taking the time to record and edit your adventure. I know it takes a tremendous amount of time and effort. Now what I'm curious about is your camera setup which I believe was attached to the stern. When you picked up the canoe for portage and flipped it over, it seemed like the camera swung down as though it was on a tether and maintained a ground on the bottom and sky on the top view. If you don't mind, what was the setup? My first thought was a 360 degree camera, but I just don't know.

[@MichealGrabosch]

Thank you for subscribing & watching the videos. It took yrs to get used to editing videos. And a month long, I must've had over 50 hrs on video I mushed down to this video. I use the plug in the stern. From that, I put a 6" screw through it facing up. Then I use a gopro pole that has on the bottom a fitting hole for the screw. I don't know why it does, but I'm thankful it does. Haha. After that, I tape the shit out of it so it stays still. Cross hatch and all. The gopro is voice activated and flips automatically the video when flipped upside down. I leave the far end of the pole loose so it can slide down when carrying it. Great observation on your part. Never had anyone ask

[@MichealGrabosch]

My next trip coming up in late sept., I will take a video of how I do it and post it on here for ya

[@exploringwoodsman]

Great to know. Thanks again. @@MichealGrabosch

[@TheChadWork2001]

Michael what camera do you use and how are you attaching it to the canoe? How many batteries did you take? Can you recharge them out there? Or did you just bring a bunch of batteries?

[@MichealGrabosch]

I use a gopro 10, I believe. I use a lens on it that costs another $100 called the max lens. It captures a lot more, but the lens can easily get scratched. So make sure it's covered when not in use. I rigged the camera up on a pole. I will show how on my next trip in 1 month at the end of the video which I'll make of it. It involves putting a large bolt reverse through the plug in the back of the canoe, sinking a pole with a fitting on top of it, and then bracing it in all directions with duct tape to the canoe. So I wouldn't advise it unless you're using your own canoe.

[@billmarsh7760]

Thanks so much for your videos. I've been binging them all day. Please may I ask, is that boat the same Aurora from other videos? Also, how did you refit it for solo? The company makes it seem like it's strictly tandem, but you seem to have worked some resin magic on yours. Could you please elaborate? Many thanks, for it all.

[@MichealGrabosch]

It is indeed. I put the solo seat in, as well paddle it backwards. It is by far my favorite canoe for the long trips I do. Also I love love how wide it is. I watched a lot of KZbin videos of placing in a seat and tried out many different spot and heights for it before setting it in. I take out the seat and put in the tandem when I take my wife. I could suggest a good youtube video later:)

[@billmarsh7760]

@@MichealGrabosch Yes please! Suggest away. I'm always interested to see what people have done on their own, beyond what is "possible."

[@MichealGrabosch]

This is the video I took most the information on how to from kzbin.info/www/bejne/bXyliYpvZ6qYmM0si=FQBvmwo79_r2CZxq

[@billmarsh7760]

@@MichealGrabosch Thanks so much for your sharing the knowledge gained from your travels. It is gold.

[@billmarsh7760]

@@MichealGrabosch One last question: would you say the Aurora is stable enough to stand up in and cast a fly rod? I'm looking at a new boat for fishing. Thanks again.

[@theunclejesusshow8260]

No, don't want to know what you eat. How do you keep the Grizzlies and Black Bears away . I have had Black Bears follow me out while I was fishing a few times. Another time 1 stood up and hoofed at me for a few minutes, Arms dangling wide Eyed. Didn't stop till I was a few hundred yards away

[@MichealGrabosch]

Luckily, there are no brown bears around there. I have run into many Black bears with no problems. They seem just to be curious about us at most.

[@zzlee14]

A drone would make scouting easier maybe . :)

[@MichealGrabosch]

I wish! But if you're caught with a drone out here by rangers, it's like a $10,000 fine.

[@seanhoefferle4076]

How was the fishing in starlight?

[@MichealGrabosch]

Either really good or the lake is a few feet deep, and it's horrible waste of time getting there. P.M.A secrets... One has to travel there to find out for themselves 😉

[@sillyrednewby]

Oh my gosh! My boyfriend and I were there last week at Western Lake and he got a treble hook stuck in his hand! Had to pull it out himself with his BARE HANDS. lol It was insane. Sorry about your bum! Loving this video. :) That was my first time in the BWCA (my bf's been there a bunch) and I loved it so much.

[@MichealGrabosch]

What needs to be done out there gets done. There are not many other options. Forces a person to have to suck up a lot more than they normally would back home when hitting a hard spot in life. I cried out like a little girl when I was pulling my hook out. Hope your man sounded more like a man than I did out there. Haha

[@sillyrednewby]

@@MichealGrabosch That's the truth! And he SANG AT THE TOP OF HIS LUNGS. 😂Then we kept fishing. OBVIOUSLY. 😂

[@mikelehrer9719]

What brand of double paddle do you use?

[@MichealGrabosch]

Wilderness Systems Origin Recreation/Touring Kayak Paddle The xl one. It is a bit expensive, but when you're that far out, you want to have faith in your paddle that it won't break. This one I do:)

[@mikelehrer9719]

Thanks! I'll check it out

[@DRazz86]

What canoe model do you have?

[@MichealGrabosch]

It is an Aurora made by Wenonah. It's pretty rare to find one. But it is a tandem canoe that I convert into a solo canoe & revert back when I take my wife with me.

[@DRazz86]

@@MichealGrabosch oh ok that makes sense now. I was just thinking that the canoe looked very roomy to be a single person. Thank you. Great video!! I love the fishing content mixed with the adventure.

[@MichealGrabosch]

@danielraza7678 thank you. God willing, I hope to have many more to come.

[@umairkhan3825]

why do you collect bones ? what for?

[@MichealGrabosch]

My wife. She has a love for skulls, as well me making things for her with other bones.

[@umairkhan3825]

@@MichealGrabosch I wish you may have more 💀☠. STAY SAFE & ENJOY.

[@user-th5ng6ud9i]

Northern Lake Insula and beyond is insane! you can make it in a day if you're hauling and its worth it. (55:56-55:59) we call those the Hawaiian Islands of the BWCA

[@MichealGrabosch]

In a few years, I'm sure I will be slowing down a bit. Thanks for watching:)

[@wilharrison8883]

Never can understand people catching and releasing 80 fish a day. You should eat the first one or two you pull up and leave the rest to their habitat.

[@MichealGrabosch]

I'm sure you can understand it. Just maybe not agree with it. It is a thrilling sport for most like me. I understand where you are coming from. But I guess I just do not care as much as you do about pissing off the fish. Idk . . . Maybe the fish enjoy it. Like tug of war with a small dog. Haha

[@whitehondarider22]

🤣🤣🤣

[@theunclejesusshow8260]

Hahaha Yeah, How many stabs with a hachet or knife would it take to kill an attacking Bear or Moose 🫎🐻🪓🤣

[@michaelandrjeski2041]

One if it were well placed