Looking back on this year’s trip to Tazin Lake Lodge and, similar to previous years, it wasn’t long enough. We’d seen big fish, had a few adventures and spent time with good people.

While most of our time is spent filming for Tazin TV, Dan Amundson and I also had 5 days with Thomas Allen creating a couple segments for In Fisherman TV. Showing someone this lake for the first time never gets old. The sights, sounds and, of course, big fish.

TV shows are nothing new for us, but filming one that will air nationally on a number of the big networks (Outdoor, Sportsman, WFN, Sportsman Canada, Camo TV, etc) involved a little different approach. The pressure to ensure that each fish was in focus, the audio was solid, everything was in frame and the lighting was right, was intense at times. In the outdoor world, you don’t always get a second chance to get the shot. In fact, Jim Shockey once called it the hardest job in the world, since you have a lot of money and time invested in a trip like this and you may only get one chance, so if you miss the shot, you might be looking for a new line of work.

We also purchased new camera gear and put it through it’s first real test. Any time you’re trying new equipment, there’s a bit of trepidation when it comes to situations like this. We had an arsenal of R series Canon’s employed and had to use them in a way that they would prefer, which was slightly different than how we’d normally film. Not necessarily a big deal, but something to be aware of each time you hit the record button.

Thankfully, we got it done. Tazin is good for multiple opportunities, but we didn’t need ’em. Thomas got some great lakers, including a personal best and even hooked into a couple of trophy pike.

Thomas Allen lifting a pike for a picture

We spent a few of the days with guide Rylan Parrot, while Dan followed in a camera boat. No question that it’s great to be at a location like Tazin no matter what, but I felt bad that Dan spent two whole days by himself just slowly driving along side of us filming and taking pictures. But such is life in the outdoor filming world.

As if the fish knew the script, everything went according to plan. We just needed some nice trout and a couple nice pike and we were able to get what we needed on camera. When we film at Tazin, we always have to be mindful of paying guests who are there to catch some of Tazin’s giants, so we give them space on the lake and access to some of the better spots. Thankfully, its a big lake and Thomas was able to bend the rod on some tanks during his time at the lodge.

We recorded two podcasts during his trip, one with Sporting Journal Radio and one with his “In-Fisherman Storyline Podcast.” (we’ll update this link to our episode once it’s available.) The latter episode will be coming out later this year, while our show for SJR is available now. It’s not just a sit down interview either, we actually recorded it on camera, in a boat, jigging for lake trout at Tazin as the sun was setting. You couldn’t ask for a better podcast studio! Watch it here: (Our time with Thomas starts at 13:58)

We also filmed a new season of Tazin TV while we were there so you’ll get a bunch of new content coming to the Tazin Lake Lodge YouTube channel. If you haven’t subscribed yet, do it now!

We’re thankful for the opportunity to have In-Fisherman at the lodge and appreciate them coming up and capturing the wild and scenic experience at Tazin Lake Lodge!

What: Trophy Lake Trout and Northern Pike. Lake trout at world-record size have been caught there and pike over 50″.
Where: Northwest Saskatchewan, between Lake Athabasca and the Northwest Territories
When: Season opens June 14 and closes September 12.
How: You’re picked up in Fort McMurray in an amphibious Caravan and flown to the lodge. You can book flights to Fort McMurray from any international airport or drive there like we do, but its about a 2-day drive from Minnesota.
Rates: Visit their website for rates and available dates.