A New Standard for Bass Camps
Back Lakes Odyssey
Clear Water Tactics

A New Standard for Bass Camps
Bill Rivers, Ontario Fisherman

A new trend is showing itself in remote fishing camps, and nowhere is that more evident than at Stanton Air’s fly-in outposts. No longer are bass camps the crude, crowded, rundown and rustic tin-roofed shacks that some outfitters once promoted as outposts. Stanton Air’s newest fly-in bass camps completely dismiss the notion that remote fishing camps tend to be cramped and uncomfortable, bunk-bed dorms for slovenly guys more interested in catching fish than personal comfort.

With the opening of new outposts at Wolf / West Victoria and Redboat Lakes last summer, the re-design and refurbishing of the Snake and Boleau Lakes camps, Stanton Air has elevated Southern Ontario bass camps to a new level of comfort and convenience more often seen in cottage country. And while not exactly fully serviced with city utilities, today’s bass camps have many conveniences and design features previously unknown at Ontario bass camps.

A summer pursuit, bass fishing and intense summer heat go hand in hand. Where once there were hot tin roofs, a few small windows and inadequate light and ventilation, the new Stanton Air camps have many large, screened windows throughout. Even on stifling hot days - up to 114 °F during our July 2002 trip – the cabin provided a welcome retreat and allowed a bit of a breeze to flow through the spacious, screened porch. On more temperate days, mornings and evenings, the front deck afforded plenty of leg room and a great view of the lake.

The old-style, one-room "mini-camps" have been replaced by cottages with separate, spacious bedrooms, a dining area, sitting room and a fully equipped kitchen. The traditional Coleman lantern hanging from the rafter has been replaced by a half-dozen propane lights, bar fridges by full-size refrigerators (with freezer compartment), counter top burners by modern propane stoves with ovens that actually work, and there’s a big propane BBQ at the ready. Needless to say, the quality and variety of meals (and our enjoyment of them) was so much better.

Having had the opportunity to visit and fish at most of Southern Ontario’s fly-in bass camps, from tent camps to cottages - I had experienced and endured some rather uncomfortable camps. No more ! Fly-in bass anglers can now expect – and get – not only great remote bass fishing, but also modern accommodations as well when they visit the upgraded Stanton Air bass camps. No longer need one worry about the suitability of such outposts for the wife or kids - fly-in bass outposts have entered the modern era !