Customer story - Lucky no. 12!

At age 46, David Giguère has 38 years of fishing under his belt. Four times a year, this hunting and fishing enthusiast makes his way to the Pourvoirie J.E. Goyette—a route he knows well. Nowadays, he’s creating memories with his children. Cabin number 12 feels like his very own! 

“I was 8 years old the first time I went fishing," recalled David. We reached him at his home in Val-des-Sources, where he was prepping to leave for his annual family fishing trip. David has always chosen the Pourvoirie J.E. GoyetteThis link will open in a new window—and cabin No. 12—where he stays at least four times a year. “I go in May when the fishing season opens. Then I go back with my father, my uncles and some friends at least twice, including for Father’s Day. My last trip of the year is in September, to hunt.” 

A beautiful drive! 

The drive from his home to the outfitter takes four hours. “That’s two hours less than when I was a kid,” said David, laughing. “Back then, they were just logging roads. It was a bumpy ride! We were often in first gear going up the hills. Today, it’s completely different. ” 

When he was little, they drove at night. “I woke up to find we were already alongside the Saint-Maurice River. It was magnificent.” He also recalls that on these road trips his father’s friend Denis, a lumberjack by trade, would tell stories about the log drive. “Denis didn't have any children. I was like his son. He was the one who taught me how to fish.” 

Amazing fishing  

David ‘s first trip to an outfitter is etched in his memory. “I remember so well the call of the loon early in the morning. Then going up a small river to reach Lac en Coeur.  And casting our lines and catching pike as soon as the spoons hit the water . . . one after another. It was crazy.” Beginner’s luck? “Maybe, but we’ve always had great catches at Goyette’s.” 

His trophy catches 

• Pike 30 in.
• Lake trout: 28 in.
• Speckled: 19 “and ¼” in.  

A family affair  

Although David takes a few trips just with “the boys,” one thing is sacred: “We spend a week there as a family every year—me, my wife, my children and any other family members who can come. We have a great time together, whether it’s out in a boat or around the campfire. “My daughter Amélie is 7. She’s been fishing since she was one. My son Logan is 5 and also fishes. We’ve been taking him with us in the spring for two years now.” 

A true paradise  

The Paradis family, owners of the outfitter, really live up to their name. “Guy and Caroline have created a paradise for families. In addition to installing trampolines and swings on the beach next to the lake, they’ve opened up access to the Okane River waterfall. They’ve also built lookout platforms offering a 180-degree panoramic view of the surrounding area.” 

Every opportunity is a good one! 

David starts preparing his fall hunt as early as May, checking his salt licks with every fishing trip. “I love the actual hunt as much as the stories told in the cabin before and after our outing—especially the ones that start with “I almost had” and “I should have.” 

David goes to the outfitter even in winter. “We go by snowmobile to check out our salt licks.” Now that’s dedication!  

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Written by Diane Laberge