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• 10 Pre-Ice Fishing Tips With autumn coming to a close, ice fishing season is just around the corner. Now's the time to audit your gear and make sure your organized for first ice action. To help you get ready, here's a list of 10 things I do to get ready for the hard-water.

• A Beginners Guide to Ice Fishing Ice fishing is growing in popularity with each passing year, luring eager anglers to the sport with a passionate frenzy. Most become hooked with that first crank of the auger handle, igniting a life-long hobby and fascination with the "hard stuff." But what are the necessary requirements when it comes to outfitting yourself for a day on the ice?

• A Case for Quality Hooks As the saying goes, a chain is only as strong as its weakest link. The same logic can be applied to fishing tackle. Many of us won't hesitate to buy quality reels, rods, line or lures, but for some reason hooks often seem to get the short-end of our spending stick. Perhaps it's their simplicity or small-size that results in anglers avoiding investing the cash for quality hooks, but they're one of the most important pieces of fishing gear you'll own.

• A Case for Quality Nets To me there's nothing wrong with keeping the occasional fish for the table; however, most of my fish I release. Catch and release has been a mainstream practice for the past few decades. Most anglers are familiar with the basics of how to play, handle, and release a fish to ensure the best chances of post-release recovery. One tool that will keep catch-and-release procedures safe for you and the fish is a quality net.

• Adjusting Boat Control Unless and until a locational pattern on structures is found, the best approach generally involves boat position on edges (a little to the deep side of), while all sides and parallel presentations are tried. (In some situations in clearer water, these patterns may be made visually, by simply spotting the fish.)

• Alternate Species to Fish For in Ontario Every angler knows of the fine eating qualities of a walleye, the ferocious fighting abilities of a smallmouth bass, the brute force of a musky or the beauty and mystique of a brook trout. However, we pass up some great fishing opportunities by overlooking some of the nontraditional fish Ontario waters have to offer.

• An Introduction to Springtime Crappies We all as anglers have our special rites of spring. For some it involves floating roe down a tributary stream for early season steelies. Others enjoy the opportunity to lock horns with the ice out water wolves that slowly cruise the shallows. My early season angling is occupied by one specie and one specie only - and that is Mr. Crappie.

• Anchors Away! From the basic "cement-in-a-bucket" to the tried-and-true fluke or grapnel, anchors come in a wide variety of shapes and styles. No matter what size boat you skim across your favourite lake in, having an anchor on board assures safe boating, while also permitting the angler to have a controlled and drift-free fishing excursion.

• April 2001 Newsletter This issue contains: Spring Steelhead Primer, A Freebie from the MNR, The FishWitch Journal, Classifieds and Lodge Directory. To view or print the issue as a Adobe PDF file (290K) use this link: http://ontariofishing.net/news/april2001.pdf

• April 2002 Newsletter This issue contains: Turn Your Fishing Snapshots into Works of Art, Catch your own minnows, End Weighting Means Control, Downloadable Lodge Guide and 2002 Online Fishing Tournament.

• April 2003 Newsleter This issue contains: Discover the Joy of Small-Stream Trout, Boat Insurance Buying Tips, Featured Products Fish & Wildlife ID Cards & Videos.

• Are Dirty Little Muskies Really That Different? I've got a lot less experience on dirty water for muskies than I do clear water, but for the small amount of time I put in on dirty lakes compared to clear, my success rate is pretty good. If I dedicated equal time to each, I think I'd have just as many fish in the net from both by the end of the season.

• Artificial Intelligence Is it possible for man to create something smarter, possibly superior to humankind itself? In Stanley Kubrick�s �2001: A Space Odyssey�, HAL, a fabrication of bits and bytes, overran its makers. Alright, fair enough, that�s a science fiction reference, not breaking news on CNN. So let�s take it down a notch, to fishing. In an effort to make laboratory and factory creations look, feel, smell and taste like the real thing, manufacturers ceaselessly endeavor to duplicate nature.

• August 2001 Newsletter This issue contains: Knock on Docks for Bruiser Bass, Summer Whitefish, The Fishwitch Journal, *NEW MNR Regulations Lodge Classifieds. To view or print the issue as a Adobe PDF file (250K) use this link: http://ontariofishing.net/news/aug2001.pdf

• August 2002 Newsletter This issue contains: Dunk the Weeds for Sunshine Walleye, Football Jigs for Bass, Annual battle against purple invader.

• Autumn Pike There are few better ways to catch pike in cold-water than using big profile jigs, and giant tubes are a particularly productive bait.

• Back-To-Basics Pike The northern pike - or water wolf in some circles - is a predatory fish that holds a healthy appetite, both for chowing down and battling tough. It can reach formidable weights, but even those "small" in size are capable of torrid line peels and acrobatic jumps.

• Bait Buckets It�s been a great day on the water. You�ve enjoyed some time with friends, caught a few fish, and now you�re back on shore loading up the gear. You grab your bait bucket out of the boat and notice that there are a few minnows left. The natural thing seems to be to dump them back into the lake right?

• Baitcasting Blind � Learning to Use a Baitcaster I�m not sure exactly when it was that I thought I should give baitcast reels another chance. It may have been when my buddy J.P. Ostiguy slapped my spincast reel on his frog rod one hot summer afternoon fishing Bass on Constance Lake.

• Baitfish and Fall Trolling For Walleye and Muskie "You marking any bait?" is a popular question many anglers ask when talking about trolling for walleye or muskie. Finding baitfish schools being attacked by predators is an important angling skill for autumn trolling. I spoke with two well-known guides, a walleye expert and a muskie specialist, about fishing large pods of baitfish as a piece of fish-holding structure. What follows are some of their observations on the importance of baitfish and tips on autumn trolling strategies.

• Bass Fishing Lake Joseph The clear water of this pristine Muskoka lake combined with the low light situation and slight chop provided tailor made topwater conditions.

• Belly Boating The morning sun was still hidden behind the hillside as I moved slowly, 20 feet or so from shore. My belly boat made no wake and was so silent that I could hear a squirrel rummaging on the forest floor nearby. I glanced over my shoulder every now and then to see where I was going as my means of propulsion was the slow relaxing kick of my flipper clad feet.

• Biking For Bass It had been a stressful day and I wanted to unwind outside and be near water. I didn't have enough time to take my boat and go fishing, so I opted for the next best thing. I grabbed a few lures, strapped my fishing rod to my bike, and peddled to a few shoreline fishing spots along a bike path

• Biting Mad - Bugs and Fishing If you had to choose one thing most annoying during the fishing season many people would agree it�s a close toss-up between the dreaded mosquito and the pesky black fly. Between these two blood sucking insects many outings turn into a swat-fest. But there is help besides the commercial insect repellants that many people use.

• Boat Cleaning 101 A fishing boat covets a great deal of pride and joy for its owner. Not only does it hold the greatest investment in this sport we enjoy, but it also becomes our �floating office� each time we step in and push away from the dock.

• Boat Winterization Saves Headaches Next Spring I don't want to be the bearer of bad news, but it's that time again. The leaves are starting to change colour, there is frost in the air, and snow in the weather forecast. It's time to start thinking about winterizing you boat. With a little time and effort you can keep your boat from becoming a maintenance nightmare next spring.

• Breaking the Boat Out for Spring I honestly think there's a direct correlation between melting snow and the increasing need for anglers to get on the water. Just consider how many countless hours you, or your friends, have spent sharpening hooks, organizing and reorganizing your tackle box, and the cash you spend on pre-season shopping for supplies. But here's a question: how many of you take the time to properly prepare your boat for the upcoming season?

• Bruiser Bass on Soft Plastic Jerks By using the following techniques and tactics, knowing where to throw the bait, and by being willing to try something new, your bass angling success will increase greatly, and isn't that what every one of us is trying to accomplish?

• Bucktail Jigging For Weed Walleye When walleye head to the shade of the salad, or cruise along the edge of vegetation, a bucktail jig can be your greatest tool for seducing them to strike. Not only is the undulating hair a visual stimulant, but also the erratic cadence of the bait as it is ripped and jigged with vigor. Working bucktails is a different game than with regular jigs, but the technique speaks for itself with the big results you'll be rewarded with.

• Bucktail Jigs for Bass As the month of ghosts and goblins descends upon us, determining what trick or treat to toss for scary-sized bass becomes definite food for thought.

• Bucktail Jigs for Walleye When walleye head to the shade of the salad, or cruise along the edge of a breakline, a bucktail jig may be your best tool in the tackle box for seducing a strategic strike.

• Bucktail Spinnerbait Restoration, Repair and Modification Musky tackle takes a beating and I have yet to meet one angler who pampers their equipment. The fact is, baits wear down and eventually need maintenance to get them back into trophy-catching shape. This article will focus on repairing bucktail spinnerbaits, looking at: tying bucktail, replacing blades, hooks and wire bodies, and painting components. Let's start with the most complex, how-to tie bucktail.

• Capitalizing On Those Winter Crappies Crunch time has arrived for the ice-angling enthusiasts. With the walleye season shutting down shop across many of the lakes in Ontario, we can finally put all of our attention and effort into icing some slab crappies, at least for the next few weeks or so.

• Cashing In On Kawartha Walleye The Kawartha region of Southern Ontario rates as one of Canada's premier and most productive fisheries, and, although the angler to lake ratio can be high at times, the fishing is never short of phenomenal.

• Catch Your Own Minnows Tired of spending good money to some convenience store owner for minnows that you know will be belly up in two hours? Well here's an idea you're sure to like, catch your own! It is relatively easy to do and the cost is nominal especially when you consider the price of store bought minnows these days. Catching your own minnows gives you another activity to enjoy in the great outdoors.

• Catching Walleye during a Spring Mayfly Hatch Take a close look at a walleye's mouth and its teeth tell the story - they have evolved to feed on fish. Yet, walleye don't survive on fish alone. Ever the opportunists, these marble-eyed predators will snatch up meals whenever they get the chance, and there are few underwater appetizers as easy for them to eat as mayfly nymphs.

• Catching Walleye during a Summer Mayfly Hatch In an earlier article, I discussed how walleye can aggressively feed on mayfly nymphs as they're recovering from the stresses of spawning and the winter. Although, walleye binge-feeding tapers come summer, they still target nymphs when available. Catching walleye during summer mayfly hatches can be more difficult than in spring, but can still be accomplished.

• Chasin Walleyes More people want to know how to catch walleye than any other game fish. Also known as pickerel, they are often difficult to locate and land. The challenge they present makes fishing them successfully an angling accomplishment.

• Check your equipment before you head out After any winter season, but especially after the overly long winter, anglers are itching for some quality time on the water. But, after about six months of inactivity, many anglers forget what is needed to get themselves and their equipment into tiptop shape for opening day. Here are just a few tips in anticipation of the fishing season.

• Checking the Ice Fishing Wish List With the days growing colder and snow already falling in some parts of North America, ice fishing season looks like it will be upon us shortly. Time to lug out last seasons gear from the shed or basement, and organize it in anticipation of that first step out onto hard water.

• Choosing The Right Fishing Line The strongest, and most fragile link you have between yourself and a fish is undoubtedly your fishing line. Choosing an inferior product in order to save a few bucks, or picking the wrong style for the type of fishing you do, can lead to heartbreak when out on the water. So what are the best lines to choose and when should you use them? The following will hopefully explain the subtleties of the common "fishing line."

• Choosing the Right Lodge to Suit Your Needs For anglers of all ages, nothing beats the thrill of experiencing the wonders and opportunities that a fishing lodge has to offer. Whether you are searching for "limitless days of fish" or some "rest and relaxation," there is a lodge available that is right for you. But how do you choose the perfect lodge and what are the criteria to follow when making that all-important decision? Follow these tips and advice and be prepared to stumble upon your own wilderness utopia.

• Cold Fronts and Deep Weedlines for Largemouth Cold fronts will challenge your angling skills. This is mainly because fronts send most fish into a negative mood, and largemouth bass are no exception. To successfully fool largies, you need to learn to recognize what stage of a front you're fishing and match your presentation accordingly. In most cases, fishing deep water is the best strategy once a front has passed.

• Cold Water Pike Esox luscious. The Northern pike. The water wolf. Whatever the name, the attitude is the same; MEAN! The cold and ice only seem to add to the pike's cranky personality; it dares you to try and yank it through a hole and pull it out of its turf. In the winter, pike are active and not as finicky as other species of fish; they will readily hit your bait and will fight like a bear when hooked.

• Confidence on the Water Sit back and think for a minute about the specific spots that you fish; the lures that you use; and the techniques that you fish them with. Take a moment to ask yourself why you do the things that you do while you're fishing. In the end, all of the answers come back to one thing: confidence. You're on that body of water to catch fish and these are the techniques that you trust to help you connect with those fish.

• Crank Up That Next Smallie Crankbaits have a universal appeal when it comes to luring in smallmouth bass. Whether they represent a baitfish or crawdad to the opportunistic bass, the end result is always the same - another bass in the boat. Although crankbaits come in hundreds of styles and shapes, a select few can get the job done right when applied correctly. Utilize these tips and tricks the next time you hit the water, and have fun cranking in bass after bass.

• Crankbaits Summer Walleyes Waters such as the Great Lakes or large natural lakes like Wisconsin�s Lake Winnebago, feature immense areas of open water in the lake�s basin area and fishing walleyes over these vast areas has become increasingly popular over the years

• Cranks for Weed-Relating Largemouth These lures will work well, but sometimes shallow-running crankbaits deliver better catches around weeds. If you�re not tossing crankbaits around weeds, you�re missing out on a big-fish producer. Here�s what you need to know about this presentation in shallow water scenarios.

• Crappie Fishing There were already a few anglers jigging as I pulled my hut up to the community crappie hole. "How's the fishing?" I asked. "Slow. We haven't got any yet," answered one angler. I walked several yards away from the group, drilled a hole and settled into my hut.

• Crappies - the BIG Slabs! As spring slowly makes its appearance, thoughts of opening day crappie waken me from my hibernation and begin to make my pulse quicken. Although their name might be a turn-off, these wonderful little fish have everything an angler could want - they are fairly easy to catch, they're feisty on ultra-light equipment and they taste delicious in the pan.

• Creepy Crawlies The Ultimate Overlooked Baits for Icefishing - The first time I heard about using maggots for icefishing was in a story about how some hard-core ice anglers have been known to keep maggots in their mouths while fishing, to keep the bait warm and alive. While that may be a little too serious for some ice fishermen, maggots, as well as waxworms, mealworms and other such critters, what I affectionately refer to as "creepy crawlies," are an effective yet often overlooked bait for icefishing.

• De-Mystifying Fly Fishing I remember the first time I saw someone fly fishing. I think I was five years old. My father, my sister and I had back packed to a remote alpine lake. My trusty Zebco with the closed face push button casting reel, cork bobber and jar of Puatzke�s, among my gear I couldn�t live without. Positioned on a log vigilently eyeing my bobber for movement, a one-man raft paddled past, and in no time the occupant was making wild movements with the longest fishing pole ever.

• De-winterizing Your Boat Waking up your boat after a long hibernation is an anticipated chore we all eagerly await. There's no better feeling come spring than hearing the engine smoothly purr for the first time - ready to breathe life into another full season on the water.

• Dead-Bait Tactics for Hardwater Pike Snow-covered landscapes and frozen bodies of water have a deliberate way of changing a pike anglers' methods and routines. Gone are the oversized spinnerbaits, cranks and spoons - the familiar tools of warm weather fishing - and out come the tip ups and quick strike rigs. Match these up with a variety of dead baits, and you'll be well on your way to a season full of cold days and red-hot northern pike.

• December 2001 Newsletter This issue is all about ICE FISHING and contains: Preparing for Ice Fishing, High Percentage Spots for Early Ice 'Eyes, ICE, The Dragonfire Lure FishWitch Journal, Fishing Humour, Lodge Classifieds.

• December 2002 Newsletter This issue contains: Choosing the right fishing line, Preparing your gear for winter, Featured Fish Recipes.

• Deep Lake Trout Lake Trout during the summer can be found roaming deep flats on lakes chasing schools of cruising baitfish. During the lowlight hours of morning and evening often fish will come shallower or rise in the water column to feed but not near as shallow as they would during spring and fall. Weather your paddling in one of Ontario`s famous provincial parks or trolling in a deep cold northern Ontario lake catching the often illusive summer lake trout can be easy as finding deep water flats.

• Deep Trolling for Musky Trolling for musky is a productive tactic throughout the season, but it is in the fall when this method lives up to its reputation: big musky! As water bodies cool and fish put on the feed bag, trolling deep-diving crankbaits is an excellent technique for increasing your chances of landing a trophy. Understanding fall musky behavior, using a strategy to target deep fish, and having proper equipment are three critical components to fall fishing success.

• Deep-Water Jigging for Smallies The fall colours were in full effect, dotting the shoreline on a crisp, October morning. I was fishing for deep-water smallmouth around rocks and boulders in 20-30 feet of water. I jiggled my tube jig along, paused, and then felt a slight tick. I set the hook and the fight began. The three pound smallie bulldogged for a few minutes, but eventually got in net range and was landed. After the hook was popped out, the chunky specimen swam away strongly after being released.

• Different Lures I�ve had a lot of luck the last few years with Sebile�s lures; truly some innovative and different designs in a variety of lures. The Stick Shadd and Bonga Jerk incorporate rudders and weighting systems that offer very different actions

• Dirty Grips Come Clean Have the cork handles on your fishing rods started to show their age through wear and tear, dirty hands or even dirtier water?

• Does Size Really Matter? No matter what kind of fish an angler targets, deciding on the appropriate size of bait or lure to toss can often be a difficult decision. Whether it is fishing for largemouth bass, walleye, musky, or even perch, the question always comes up: "What size lure should I use?"

• Drift Socks The light at the end of the wind tunnel is an essential and functional angling tool called the drift sock � a wind and wave tamer that too few anglers use, but a �day saver� item that should be stock on each and every boat that plies the water.

• Drop Shotting Drop shotting is a technique that has put a bunch of fish in my boat every year but never was a go to style for me until I got the entire deal figured out.

• Dunk the Weeds for Sunshine Walleye Hot, penetrating sunshine and the sensitive eyes of the walleye can make for a frustrating and energy-draining day out on the water for the exuberant angler. Fish become scarce during these trying times and without the proper locations or techniques needed to find and catch these fish, a fisherman's moral can reach an all-time low. Green, healthy weeds, a handful of jigs and a technique called "dunking" are all that are needed to find success during these "dog days" of summer.

• Early Ice Pike n Pannies! First ice opportunities almost always has me chasing panfish and pike on the lower parts of the St. Mary�s River system.

• Early Season Longlining For Trout Temperature, Tackle and Techniques Your boat works around a small, rocky knob along the shoreline, and the warm, offshore breeze immediately dries up. With no more chop music on the hull, the only sounds are songbirds flitting in the naked hardwoods and melt water's crisp daytrip down the land and back into the lake. Shade from big cedars, pines and sharp overhangs has kept snow alive in brilliant patches amongst the black, grey and pink rock. Light jackets and sweaters instantly come off.

• Early Season Yellow Perch Understanding temperature is critical to the timing of the yellow perch arrival to annual spawning grounds in spring.

• Early Spring Crappie Immediately following ice crappie flock to protected, shallow water areas. These zones are teeming with forage and crappie will feed heartily for several weeks until the water�s warm enough for spawning, which occurs between late spring and early summer.

• Eastern Ontario Threesome Skootamatta, Big Gull and Kashwakamak Lakes. The heat of the September morning was stifling as I rumbled down the busy 417 Highway, the Ottawa landscape fading from view with my sight set westward. While my trusty aluminum followed closely behind - overburdened with rods, tackle and luggage - thoughts of feisty fish began to slowly dance within my head.

• Eating Your Catch - From Landing Net to Table There's nothing more fulfilling, both to the taste buds and the tummy, than that of freshly caught fish. Whether they are cooked over the open flames of a campfire, pan-fried in the kitchen, or baked on the BBQ, the tempting aromas and mouth-watering flavours are just rewards for a hard day spent on the water. Add to that the inherent health benefits that can be derived from regularly eating our finny friends, and you've got yourself a true winner for the dinner table

• End Weighting Means Control Control wins in NASCAR. The ability to draft and �trade paint� while jockeying for position. The dominance of one team over another. Control is an underlying force that breeds success in everything we do, fishing included. We see it in skilled fly anglers as they strip line and precariously place poppers in the pads. In seasoned jiggers, as they deftly tick lead across rocks and timber without snagging, yet remain able to decipher the slight nip of a walleye.

• Equipment 101 � Gear Ratios, Thrust, and Drift Socks Here is some advice for getting your head around reels, motors, and socks.

• Essential Boating Tools You should also always carry a towing kit for road side repairs. It should include extra trailer light bulbs and fuses, a spare tire, jack, chocks, and tools. Frequently check trailer tires for wear

• Exploring Ontario Exploring the news, people, places and things that Ontarians care about.

• Fall Lures for Musky If I have to put my money on one lure that will consistently catch muskies during the fall, the choice would be easy; the jerkbait would get the nod every day of the week. Follow these tips and techniques in your search for this "elusive" fish, and, whether you're looking for your first fish, or your one hundredth, the results will certainly amaze you.

• Fall Muskie Casting Fall is a transition period and as autumn leaves change colours, many anglers switch almost exclusively to trolling for muskies from late September to ice-up. Yet the fall still holds plenty of casting opportunities and it's the season for trophy fish. Casting in fall conditions is tough going; the trick is using effective baits for the cold water conditions. Here's an overview of some top fall casting baits with some tips from three Ontario, muskie anglers.

• Fall River Walleye Tactics It was mid October and I was river fishing for walleye. The shoreline trees still held some leaves, but plenty had fallen over the last couple of weeks. I bounced a jig off bottom and then felt a light tick. Setting the hook, a good-sized walleye was soon in the net and one of many I caught that day.

• Fall Time Means Plump Walleye As the leaves slowly begin to change colour and the nights become frosty, walleye anglers in the know begin to get their tackle ready in anticipation of guaranteed action. Fall is the number one period for catching LARGE walleye, especially those that push the scale down to double digits! By following a few simple rules, catching trophy walleye during the harvest moon can be as easy as 1-2-3, and let's face it, what can be better than that in the game of fishing?

• Fall Walleye Fishing Walleye fishing in the cooler weather of autumn is probably second best only to early spring, although there are anglers who would argue this point. Early season walleye fishing is great to say the least, but try a night in the fall when you shiver with cold and excitement as the line goes tight and the fish takes off for deeper water. Fall fishing is hard to beat for great action

• Feb. 2003 Newsletter This issue contains: Pounding the Panfish of Winter, Will Wegman (MNR) Interview, Featured Tackle Products.

• February 2001 Newsletter This issue contains: Ice fishing for perch, Ice fishing safety, The case of the missing minnow bucket and Classifieds. To view this issue as a website use this link: http://ontariofishing.net/news/newsfeb2001-1.html To view or print the issue as a Adobe PDF file (171K) use this link: http://ontariofishing.net/news/feb2001.pdf

• February 2002 Newsletter This issue contains: Choosing the Right Lodge to Suit Your Needs, Winter Whitefish, Spinnerbaits for Musky! Fishing Humor, Lodge Classifieds, Downloadable Lodge Guide.

• Feel the Bass Bite with the Right Jig Rod Advances in rod and line sensitivity and lighter and more balanced rods and reels have opened up new opportunities to further refine the ways we fish jigs.

• Fillet Knife Facts There's nothing more satisfying to an angler than enjoying a home-cooked meal of fresh caught fish. The aromas, the taste, and that prerequisite feeling of fullness should be icing on the cake to an otherwise productive day spent on the water. Now, actually catching those fish is always a hit and miss possibility. Using the right tools to prepare your catch, however, should essentially be a no-brainer.

• Find Fish Fast on a New Lake Nothing beats the thrill and excitement of launching your boat onto a brand-new lake. Everything looks so good as you start up the outboard, but where in the world should you start? No matter what species of fish you are after, by being prepared and following some rules, you can find fish fast and easily. (And that's about as fun as anything when it comes to fishing!)

• Finding Weedline Largemouth Bass Fishing for Largemouth Bass on deep weed lines is a very rewarding way fish and there are days that can yield dozens of largemouth well into the 3 pound mark, and other days were there is nothing less than 4 pounds being brought to the boat. These bass are healthy, strong and very, very hungry but the key to unlocking this potential hot bed of bass activity is figuring out the pattern for the day.

• Fish Fast First to Ice More Winter Walleye As anglers it's easy for us to fall into the pattern of ice fishing slowly for walleye. Granted, certain conditions demand lethargic presentations to get bites. Mid-winter doldrums, cold front weather systems and high fishing pressure are a few examples. Yet, fishing jigging baits at a faster pace can attract more aggressive walleye. With the right kinds of lures you can fish quickly, but add finesse moves when needed.

• Fish on the Plate If there's one thing I've discovered after spending all these years out on the water, it's that fresh fish sure tastes good. No matter what specie it is, be it bass, walleye or crappie, the tempting aroma and mouth-watering flavour they exhibit might be the closest thing to pure perfection that I can think of.

• Fishfinder These powerful tools allow a fisherman the resources to check depth, structure, fish locations, speed and temperature. Not only that, but marking productive waypoints and adding safety to your outing is a breeze with today�s GPS technology. Follow this guide and find out what the terms mean, and what a fish finder can ultimately do for you.

• Fishing and the Wind Put up your hand if you enjoy fishing in the wind? Hmm, not much of a response there. This comes as no surprise, as for the most part, anglers the world over absolutely abhor fishing in the wind. What other condition accounts for out-of-control drifts, crashing waves, bird nest lines and energy sapping chaos?

• Fishing Cover As a means to hide and escape predators, or as a spot to ambush prey, sunken logs, weed beds, rock piles, docks or artificial reefs provide shelter for fish and, for anglers, these spots are great places to try your luck.

• Fishing Resolutions for 2002 As the New Year is finally upon us, it is time, once again, to make some resolutions for the seasons ahead. Anglers may not be so inclined to lose weight or quit smoking, however, there are some fishing resolutions that will make each of us a more proficient and well-rounded fisherman.

• Fishing Rod Totes and Carrying Systems A common trait among anglers is the enthusiasm we share when it comes to buying rods. Rods for spinning, baitcasting and trolling applications. Rods for jigs, topwaters, cranks and worms. If truth were known, we really have more rods than we can shake a stick at!

• Fishing Superior�s North Shore Tributaries With the runs of salmon coming into the tributaries to spawn the food present is amazing which attracts hungry steelhead that then enter the river systems gorging themselves on roe, invertebrates and small minnows.

• Fishing the waters of Callander Bay Callander Bay is a bay approximately 3 miles wide by 4 miles long. It is well protected by a group of islands on the west end of the bay. The rest of Lake Nipissing is over 40 miles long. You are able to get out fishing in any weather by fishing around these islands.

• Fishing Thermoclines Many anglers will advise beginners to look for structure when seeking fish. This good advice but it should be followed with the word �however.� As well as orienting to underwater structure where food and shelter can be found, fish also have temperature comfort zones. Some fish prefer colder temperature and low light conditions while others prefer the warmth of the sun.

• Five Things To Try This Season Open water fishing is just around the corner! Before every new, open-water season starts, I normally set an informal list of things I want to try. Some items on the list quickly turn into time well spent, some don't, and others longer to bear fruit. At any rate, listed below are a few ideas that have really worked out well. With any luck, one or more might work for you, or get you thinking of a list of your own.

• Five Tips for Buying Boat Insurance Buying boat insurance can be challenging for any boater. That's because unlike auto insurance, boat insurance policies are not standardized-coverage can vary widely for the same boat depending on who sold the policy and how informed a buyer you are. But the smart boater can make the right insurance choices with these "Top Five Tips for Buying Boat Insurance".

• Flicker of a Difference One of the most satisfying parts of our careers has been being able to work closely with companies to research and develop new baits and equipment to help us and other anglers catch more walleyes. Nowhere has that been more satisfying than the work we�ve done with Berkley on the Flicker Shad line of crankbaits.

• Flippin' & Pitchin' Strategies for Untapped Bass To the novice angler, bass fishing can be a very complex, and intimidating game. Tackle store shelves are literally filled with a myriad of lures, which all have different applications, depending on the given situation. Two techniques, however, that are often under utilized, yet rate as proven big bass producers, are flippin' and pitchin'.

• Floating for Spring Steel Of the various methods employed to catch migratory rainbow trout, or steelhead, in the tributary rivers, creeks and streams that flow into the Great Lakes, float fishing is likely the most popular. Float fishing allows the angler to present a bait at any level of the water column, including in the prime fish-holding zone located within 18 inches or so of the bottom. But these areas also tend to snag hooks and sinkers.

• Fly Fusion Canada's leading national fly fishing magazine. Visit Fly Fusion online for more information.

• Fooling the Largemouth of Fall Hunting trophy largemouth can be one heck of an addictive sport. The pursuit demands patience, stamina, and the utmost in determination. And although wading through two and three-pounders is fun unto itself - it is sliding your net under that rare giant of a fish that truly makes this obsession worthwhile.

• Football Season is already underway Bass have been eating football � �roller� � jigs for years. In fact, the lures gained tremendous popularity in the early 90�s, but have since lost some identity. These days, most guys lump bass jigs together, labeling them �jigs & pigs�, not paying much attention to specific designs.

• From The Truck to The Fishing Hole and Back Some fishing gets better and better the later and later fall goes on. I'm not talking about the trips where you might pack an extra sweater or rain suit in the weeks after Labour Day. To me, late fall means trailering your boat on roads that may be snow-covered or icy, really cold weather and sometimes, really rough water.

• Fundamentals of Fluoro As the old adage goes, the weakest link between you and a fish falls squarely on the shoulders of your line. With a market saturated with choices, including monofilament, copolymer, and braid, shedding some light on the latest to join the fraternity � fluorocarbon � will help you become a more informed, and successful angler.

• Gear and Gadgets to Maximize Your Fishing Success Let's face it: fishing can be a tough game to figure out sometimes. With so many variables that can alter your success rate, be it weather, lure selection, fish activity, (or lack thereof) and mechanical failure, anything that can put the odds in your favour should never be overlooked.

• Gearing Up for the Season We know some of you have already been wetting a line and catching some walleyes this year; we�ve seen the Facebook posts and the Tweets � Don�t rub it in. Fact is, some of us are still in the preparation stages for the upcoming season (and a few are even still shoveling snow!). Hours have been spent checking rods and reels, changing crankbait hooks, and taking inventory on everything from spinner blades to jigs

• Get Glowing This Ice Season Glow baits are not new to fishing and color patterns have improved these baits in recent years. I concentrated on using new-generation glow baits the last two ice seasons and have noticed an increase in my overall catch. Fish see these baits easier and I'm convinced the glow features of small baits have helped me coax negative or neutral mood fish to bite.

• Get ready for the fishing season. The boat has been buffed to a glossy shine, and new accessories added to enhance this year’s angling experience. If you haven’t been fishing and you aren’t getting prepared, then GET WITH IT!

• Getting a Child Hooked on Fishing Angling is a sport that greatly enriches one's life. We can all still remember that first fish that tugged on our line, the spilt can of worms, or even the tadpoles dancing in the shallows. That infectious smile we wore all day - beaming with pride, joy and a sense of accomplishment. Taking a child fishing is a wonderful way to get a youngsters love for the outdoors started. By following a few simple rules, you can make the day one that the both of you will remember for many years to come

• Getting Started In Tournament Bass Fishing To many weekend and recreational anglers, tournament fishing means expensive entry fees, high-performance bass boats and high-caliber contestants. This, however, is not the case at all. Tournament fishing is a sport everyone can enjoy and, with so many to choose from nowadays, there is definitely a tournament out there which is right for you.

• Giant Early Season Smallmouth There are many different styles of bass fisherman, whether you are a seasoned tournament angler or the weekend warrior that fishes around the cottage, smallmouth fishing can become a complete addiction. Smallmouth bass have often been referred to as the hardest fighting freshwater fish pound for pound.

• Give Dull Lures a "Spit and Shine" Lurking deep in everyone's tackle box are lures that have seen better days. Each of these, however, can be brought back to life for pennies a piece, and will become the lures that outperform all others.

• Go on the Deadbait Diet for Trophy Pike! Most people�s New Year�s Resolution is losing twenty pounds. Once the ice is safe and the season opens, I�m normally out on the big bays and shoals trying to gain twenty pounds. Twenty pound-plus pike, that is. Early January produces more pike over 42 inches for me than all other months of the year combined. And I catch the majority of them fishing deadbait under tip-ups.

• Got Scent? There are many different commercial fish attractants. From aerosol cans to squeeze tubes and jars to jellies, tackle store shelves are literally soaked with a wide range of these products.

• Got the Cold Front Blues?" We've all had to face it at one time or another - waking up on the day of your fishing trip to a chill in the air and bluebird skies to boot. What you are experiencing is the passing of a cold front, a weather occurrence that can shut down fish, and cause severe headaches for an angler. Fishing will be tough - there's no two ways about it - but it is possible to put some fins in the boat if you are prepared to alter your delivery.

• Great Ice Fishing Gadgets Every year dozens of new ice fishing products hit the walls of tackle shops. Yet when it comes to getting gear for the hard-water season, you don't only have to shop in fishing stores. In fact, many of the staple pieces of gear I use for safety and comfort reasons I bought at camping and outdoor shops. Here are just a few of my personal favourites.

• Grubs - The forgotten friend The days when three layers of sunscreen just doesn�t cut it.It happens to all of us. A new lure comes out and it looks amazing. It has a beautiful finish, the action is tight and the price is right. We buy a couple of them and they sit in their plastic home with hundreds of other lures that will never be used.

• Hauling Baits for Panfish Spring to autumn, panfish occupy a range of habitats from shallow weed flats to deep, rocky structures. Casting has merits, but there�s plenty of trolling methods that will pull big panfish topside.

• High Percentage Spots for Early Ice 'Eyes Like a puppy staring out the window yearning for its owner, so it goes with walleye anglers awaiting first ice. They're weepy eyed, salivating, possibly drooling, and giddy when walkable ice finally forms. There's no secret as to why, either. The fishing's just that darn good.

• How to Find Largemouth Bass on a New Lake Occasionally your buddy and you decide to fish a new small body of water out of your home area. What is the best approach? Where do you fish? What lures do you use? What is the best presentation? Bass are the same coast to coast and they follow patterns they repeat over and over. Bass always need food, sanctuary, a comfort zone and a proper oxygen account

• How to fish for Crappie Black crappie, also called slabs, are usually small fish that can be taken in large numbers. The size of these fish goes from about three inches up to around ten, with a few that are twelve inches or over.

• How to Prepare a Shorelunch No fishing trip is complete without a shorelunch while out on the lake. Done right, it can be the best meal you will eat all year. Done wrong, however, and you'll leave feeling hungry and frustrated with the time you've wasted. As a full time fishing guide, I've prepared my share of shorelunches and have perfected the art of a well-executed and tasty meal for my guests. Use these tips to ensure that your next shorelunch is cooked to perfection and a memorable experience for everyone.

• Hypothermia If you are one of the many outdoor people who take advantage of the winter months, there is one thing all of us should be able to recognize and address: HYPOTHERMIA. Hypothermia occurs when the ability of the body to produce heat is less than the amount of body heat loss. Hypothermia affects the whole body. This happens when the body temperature drops below 95 degrees Fahrenheit. In the cold winter months clothing, proper foot wear, and head covering are absolute necessities.

• I Tried Fluorocarbon Leaders About this time last year, I decided to really start experimenting with fluorocarbon leaders. I wanted to see how well the stuff held up, and if there really were any noticeable advantages. I picked up a few spools from different manufacturers, and started tying them and fishing them right away. Once muskie season opens, that's all I fish for. But from ice-in until the end of June, I used my new leaders for everything from lakers to crappie, from four to eighty pound test.

• Ice There are amazingly attractive scenes to see during our Northern winter. One need only look out the window to feel the tranquil stillness of new fallen snow. You will find windows burnished with many complex designs and different forms of icicles on homes.

• Ice Fishing Crappie Tactics Fishing success relies on many factors, regardless of the species you�re after. Yet, when it comes to catching crappie through the ice, this particular species has a tendency to sometimes test an angler�s patience to the limits. I

• Ice Fishing for Perch To some people it is always a sad occasion to put the boat to bed, and bid farewell to the open-water season, knowing that it's a long time till the robin's make their return. Perch through the ice is one of life's great pleasures. For many seasoned ice anglers, it is a back to basics approach to fishing; standard and simple rigs, large schools of fish and delicious fillets for the dinner table. For the beginner, it means relatively easy fishing with the possibility of 50 or 100 fish days!

• Ice Fishing for Rainbow Trout Typically, I am a run and gun style of ice angler. I would much rather look for fish instead of waiting for fish to come to me. This is my strategy when I�m searching the hard water for almost any other species other than rainbows.

• Ice Fishing Gear There�s no doubt that the introduction of flashers and sounders designed specifically for the ice has led to an increased interest in ice fishing

• Ice Fishing Perch Pointers Targeting perch through the ice is one of my favourite types of hard-water action. Not only are perch relatively easy to catch and often eager to bite, they are one of the best tasting freshwater fish. To help boost your perch fishing results this ice season, here are some tips to put more jumbos on the ice.

• Ice Fishing Primer Winter "Hard Water" fishing in Ontario Province ice capped lakes and ponds is some of the finest in Canada. After frigid temperatures create safe ice conditions, you'll find hundreds of anglers dotting the frozen surfaces of waters where ice fishing is permitted new

• Ice More Fish One of the easiest ways to increase your ice fishing success is using a portable sonar unit, often called a fish-finder. A sonar displays depth, your lure and if fish are beneath you.

• Ice Out Trout You�re in your own little world, your eyes are focused. You wait patiently, yet posed to strike. As that little clear float drifts down the river, it rockets under and you set the hook. This is when you feel those head shakes that you have waited all winter for. It�s time for �ice out trout.�

• Ice Pike Party The more anglers in the group, the more water you can cover, and thus the easier it�s going to be to get a pattern dialed in for that day. So here�s my �formula� for organizing a fun and successful ice fishing Pike Party.

• Ice Safety Essentials: Myths and Self-Rescue Information Tragically, every year over 30 Canadians die in ice related incidents. When ice fishing this year, make sure you're prepared with the following information on common ice myths and self-rescue methods. Remember, ice is never 100% safe, so exercise caution at all times.

• Icing Rainbow Trout Every year thousands of rainbow trout are stocked in many lakes. Targeting these chrome-coloured fish makes for exciting ice angling. These worthy adversaries will test your angling skills, demanding finesse presentations at times and peeling line with bursts of speed once hooked. Not to mention they're darn tasty on the dinner table. Here�s where to find them and how to hook them this ice season.

• In Search Of Quality Fishing Rods We�ve all at one time or another been faced with disappointment following the purchase a conventional fishing rod. The information overview in this article is being offered in the hope that you can make an educated purchase in the future, walk away completely satisfied and feel you have some of the information that you require to make the purchase.

• In Search of the Yellow Perch Winter perch can be some of the most exciting fishing available to winter anglers. Although perch themselves do not grow big compared to a walleye or pike, the schools they roam in are. Big numbers of perch are present in lakes all across Ontario with easy access and high possession limits.

• In-Land Laker Takers Relatively big in size, hard fighting and great tasting lake trout can be fairly simple fish for any angler to catch. Many different lure options can be used for lakers through the ice. The following lure tips include my 4 favourite offerings for winter in-land lake trout.

• Inside: with Ministry of Natural Resource's Information Assistant Wil Wegma Wil Wegman states, "Its hard to argue against my wonderful wife's keen observation that my entire life seems to be focused around fishing". I talk fishing at work, I fish at least 100 times a year. I write about fishing as a freelance writer, I give fishing seminars as an angling instructor, and I am kept busy with fishing related subjects as the Conservation Director for the Ontario B.A.S.S. Federation. Basically, I sleep, breath and eat fishing".

• January 2002 Newsletter This issue contains: Fishing Resolutions for 2002, Artificial Intelligence, Lake Simcoe Lake Trout: Evidence of Natural Reproduction, Fishing Humour, Steelhead ProShop, Lodge Classifieds.

• January 2003 Newsletter This issue contains: Checking the Ice Fishing Wish List, Cold Water Pike, Featured Fish Recipes.

• Jerkbait Tactics for Deep Water Smallmouth Bass If you haven�t tried using soft-plastic jerkbaits for deep-water smallmouth bass, you�re missing out on a deadly tactic. It might seem unorthodox to work a bait running a foot below the surface in deep water, but it works. To survive, smallies need to be aware of their environment and for them to skyrocket 20 feet to hit a vulnerable baitfish frequently happens on many lakes � soft-jerkbaits are one way to capitalize on this trend.

• Jigging Early Summer Pike Yes, my pike box is full of the same large jerkbaits, big thumper spoons and wild looking spinnerbaits as yours probably is. And yes, hitting a big pike casting one of these classic lures is a rush when it happens. But bigger fish are in and out of shallower casting depths faster than most fishermen realize, and one of the best lures to catch them on a consistent basis is also the cheapest: the jig!

• Jigging for Pike in Spring Jigs catch just about anything that swims, but excel with certain fish - northern pike being one of them. Jigs are an excellent bait to work along bottom when pike are shallow in spring. Here's where to find spring pike and how to fool them with jigs at the start of the season.

• July 2001 Newsletter This issue contains: Gear and Gadgets, Crankbait Fishing for Walleye, The Fishwitch Journal, Lodge Classifieds, downloadable Lodge Guide, as well as a new Comic from Richard Stubler. To view or print the issue as a Adobe PDF file (175K) use this link: http://ontariofishing.net/news/july2001.pdf

• July 2002 Newsletter This issue contains: The Basic Lures for Lunker Largemouth, Ontario Family Fishing Weekend, Watch those fingers; hooks and teeth can hurt!

• June 2001 Newsletter This issue contains: When the walleye just wont bite, Where the walleye come from, The Fishwitch Journal, MNR to Restore Lake Trout, Classifieds As well as a new Comic section from Richard Stubler. To view or print the issue as a Adobe PDF file (250K) use this link: http://ontariofishing.net/news/june2001.pdf

• June 2002 Newsletter This issue contains: Vertical Jigging for Suspended Smallies, Salt Water Fishing in the Ottawa River, amBASSadors Cup To Return To Sparrow Lake and more!

• Justin Hoffman When the Walleye Just Won't Bite All of us have had tough days on the water - bad weather, equipment failure and fish that refuse to bite. Walleye fishing is often a game of chances, and when these fish shut down, you'll find yourself cursing all the way back to the launch ramp.

• Kayak Fishing Traditional kayaks are typically seen throughout Ontario on a regular basis but are more commonly used for paddling rather than fishing. Hobiecat is one company in particular that has taken kayak fishing to a new level.

• Keep Your Catch Fresh When Working the Ice Ice holds many wonders for those willing to auger through its outer crust. For some it is the lure of frantically running to an upright flag, unaware of the size of fish that tripped it below. Others find solace in the peace and serenity that a portable hut provides them on a snowy winters day. But if you're like me, the greatest treasure the ice conceals is the bountiful and tasty fish that swim beneath it, ready to be buttered and pan fried after a long day spent angling.

• Keep Your Catch Fresh When Working the Ice Ice holds many wonders for those willing to auger through its outer crust. For some it is the lure of frantically running to an upright flag, unaware of the size of fish that tripped it below. Others find solace in the peace and serenity that a portable hut provides them on a snowy winters day. But if you're like me, the greatest treasure the ice conceals is the bountiful and tasty fish that swim beneath it, ready to be buttered and pan fried after a long day spent angling.

• Knock on docks for bruiser bass - Finding bass on any given lake can often be a challenging task. With so many places to occupy in a body of water, anglers may spend more time looking for fish than actually fishing for them. Dock fishing is a sure-fire tactic to locate fish that can produce bass of braggin' proportions. Knowing which are the best docks to look for and what to throw under them will be the only knowledge necessary to prosper on these man-made structures.

• Lac Seul Fishing Lessons While casting shines on Lac Seul in summer, trolling reigns supreme in autumn. Our trolling runs ranged from short, 10 minute courses to hour-long routes. Speeds were between 2.5 and 3 miles per hour; water temperatures hovered around 58F.

• Lake Trout Fishing ake trout are definitely a true rarity. In fact they represent only 1% of all Ontario�s lakes. Since lake trout are a prized catch and my surrounding area (Sault Ste. Marie) has the highest concentration of lakes with populations of lake trout, I get the opportunity to fish these very plentiful fisheries.

• Lake Trout Fishing With lake trout season almost upon us, it's time to explore some tactics for catching them. Have you ever had the pleasure of landing one of these great fighting trout on a spinner rig?

• Land More Walleye with Quality Gear and Proper Fishing Practices Weather, fish mood, and ice conditions are a few examples of variables that anglers can�t control. On the flip side, some elements to success are completely within an angler�s influence, namely how one fishes and the gear they use. Focusing on these important factors is a surefire way to catch more walleye in winter.

• Largemouth bass in the Weeds The first bait that comes to mind would be a Flipping Jig and Trailer when fishing deep weed lines, try using a � oz jig for sparse weeds and up to 1 oz for dunking the thick stuff and this is where braided line can pay huge dividends since sometimes feel can be a problem; 65 pound Power Pro will give you both the sensitivity and the power to set hook and haul the fish out of the vegetation.

• Largemouth Bass on Plastics A few good places to look for bass include weedbeds gravel shoals with cover, drop-offs near the shoreline, and of course, under piers or docks. Bass will hole up anywhere they have both food and cover, even under moored boats

• Largemouth By The Light Of The Moon Working the nightshift in search of big bucketmouths can be a profitable and exciting endeavour for those anglers looking for a new twist in the bassin' game. Fishing under the moon comes with its own set of rules and techniques because once the sun sets, you really are smack down in the middle of the largemouth's playing field. Come and explore the graveyard shift and discover all the action that you've been missing

• Largies on Rocks - The Flipping Jig Solution Largemouth bass and green vegetation have become a unanimous equation for locating and catching fish. Toss in some docks, laydowns and slop, and the basics of the bassin' game are seemingly covered. Or are they?

• Last Chance Jumbos Soon, it�ll be rotten out there. Not rancid like spoiled produce, but soft and dark nonetheless. I�m talking about the ice. It�s thick and resolute now, but it won�t last forever, actually, scarcely longer than a few weeks, less in some areas. Fortunately, though, ice fishing�s swan song is a cheery tune; one fraught with foraging fish and wonderful weather. And lead vocals are belted out by my favorites, jumbo perch.

• Late fall and Where's the Bay of Quinte Walleye Each fall king-sized Walleye are suppose to return to the Bay of Quint on Lake Ontario�s Northern shore. The Walleye spend the summer cruising the depths of the lake, and with the on-set of winter, return to the rivers where they will spend the winter in preparation of the spring spawn.

• Late Fall Trolling Tradition So what makes trolling such a �traditional� pattern this time of year? It�s certainly not related to structure; on Lake of the Woods the best trolling spots tend to be steep rock drop-offs and walls near deep water where as on Green Bay the biggest muskies come from trolling large relatively featureless flats.

• Late Ice Opportunities Windy, minus twenty and whiteout snow squalls. This is what every ice fisherman puts themselves through during the winter months except for March and into early April for some parts of the province. This is when the weather is changing; the sun beams down with unbelievable heat and the fish are often on a feeding frenzy.

• Late Season Steelies The late fall is often looked upon as the slowest time for fishing as it is kind of a transition period. The warm water species have shut down until springtime and the ice-fishing season hasn't quite started yet. Even though it is technically still fall, the cold days of winter can definitely be felt in the air, which can scare away a lot of anglers who don't want to bundle up and battle the cold north winds.

• Late Summer Walleyes Consider the types of areas you fish throughout most of the summer. Typically they will be large, slow tapering flats, main lake basins or long points that offer lots of room for walleyes to roam and chase forage.

• Late Winter Walleye Through The Ice If you are feeling the mid-winter blahs of walleye fishing, and sense that the fish must hibernate during this slow period, take heart, as some of the best hard-water angling is just around the corner. Late winter walleye react in many different ways in comparison to earlier in the season, and their aggressive nature, typical holding areas, and plentiful numbers make this time of year your best bet to be out on the ice.

• Launching Your Boat - Tips, Tricks and Etiquette With the open water season finally upon us in all parts of North America, its time once again, to pull the cover off the boat and make that fateful trip down to the launch ramp - or does it have to be fateful venture? Launching a boat can be an enjoyable, easy and "fright-free" experience, and with a little pre-planning and paying attention to detail, you will relish the trip to the ramp, and in no time become a "master launcher."

• Live Bait for Muskies Live bait fishing is not often the first technique that pops into an angler�s head when thinking about muskie fishing. However, under certain conditions it can be the absolute best way to go, particularly in the cool water periods of early spring, late fall, or in severe cold front situations.

• Live-Bait and Hook-Selection Primer Since the inception of angling, live bait has been a hands-down winner. No matter what lure or fly you tie on your line, duplicating nature is a formidable task. Although an artificial lure might resemble and even act like the true prey of fish, the texture, taste, and movement of real food can seldom be beat.

• Local Lure Manufacturers I was one of many anglers wandering the isles at The Valley Fishing and Outdoors Show in Carp, Ontario in early April. I enjoy going to shows to check out the latest tackle in anticipation for the upcoming season. What really caught my eye this year were some of the Ontario-made, hand-poured plastic baits available. There was an array of baits in many of the booths. Tubes, worms, shads, craws and many others were available in various colour combinations and sizes.

• Local Lure Manufacturers Part 2 Last year I wrote an article for this newsletter on local lure makers. Since penning that piece, I've continued to look for even more great bait makers residing close to my home town. Here's the scoop on three Ottawa-area lure makers you might want to consider contacting to fill a void in your tackle box for the upcoming season.

• Make a Change this Bass Season With the season scant weeks away, an excitement is building for those that have a profound love for bass. I myself make no excuse for my affinity to these green and brown fish - a specie that can tug, tussle and splash with the best of them. But how many of us are in a rut when it comes to chasing this pugnacious adversary? For those that throw the same bait, to the same patch of pads, with that same ten-year-old spinning combo, then this fishing makeover is tailor-made for you.

• Make Some Fishing Resolutions With another year firmly upon us, non-committal promises to lose weight, quit smoking or eat healthier, quickly, and for the most part definitively, run out of steam. Although we struggle with these goals year after year, proposing and adhering to fishing resolutions will most certainly bring about the positive results you desire. (And they are not all that hard to stick with.)

• March 2001 Newsletter This issue contains: Ice Fishing For Walleye, The Fishing News Ceases Publication , One Way to Fillet a Pike and Classifieds To view or print the issue as a Adobe PDF file (160K) use this link: http://ontariofishing.net/news/mar2001.pdf

• March 2002 Newsletter Find Fish Fast on a New Lake, Rock Piles, Feed a musky a spoon! , Fishing Humor, Lodge Classifieds and more!

• March 2003 Newsletter This issue contains: Seven Tricks for Improving Your Bassin' Results, Last Chance Perch Jumbos, Featured Tackle Products - Len Thompson Spoons.

• May 2001 Newsletter This issue contains: Crappies, The Fishwitch Journal, The Stocker Wobbler, Record Crappie Caught, Classifieds. To view or print the issue as a Adobe PDF file (250K) use this link: http://ontariofishing.net/news/may2001.pdf

• May 2002 Newsletter This issue contains: Timely Tactics for 'Negative-Mood' Largemouth, Spoon Fed Pike, Panfish on Floats, Lodge Classifieds.

• May 2003 Newsletter This issue contains: Playing the "Size" Game With Musky, Throttling Back for the Spring Walleye Attack, Featured Products - Montauk Mikes Lure & Precision Attractants.

• Mid-Winter Walleyes As the sport of ice fishing has grown, another law of nature has become increasingly apparent � he who stays mobile on the ice catches the most fish. This has vaulted the ice fishing industry to such innovations as portable ice fishing shelters, durable gear sleds and fast-cutting power augers.

• Middle of the Road Walleyes Although rivers get a ton of attention in the early part of the walleye fishing season, there is an army of anglers that concentrate their efforts fishing natural lakes and mid-sized reservoirs this time of year.

• Min Kota's I-Pilot As someone who has been experimenting with blending different technologies to create accessible marine navigation solutions, I'm a big fan.

• Monster Pike So you have always wanted to catch a monster Northern Pike and you don't live north of the 45th parallel or have the money for an expensive northern fly in trip? Now, I don't mean fish of 10 or 15 pounds. We are talking specimens approaching 20 or even 30 pounds or more!

• Multi-Task Fishing Outfits Don't worry, this article has nothing to do with updating your boat wardrobe or shopping for fishing clothes! Outfits just refers to rod and reel combos. And in this case, each is worth carrying or investing in, because they're useful and really versatile, no matter where you fish or what you fish for. If you're into golf, these are the utility wedges. If you're a handyman, they're the multi-tools. What they lack in single-use perfection, they make up for in adaptability.

• Muskie Fishing Muskies will generally be living in the top 1/3 of the water column now (smaller pie to slice). While these fish can be spread out � and in the case of larger waters there�s a lot of area to search � in many cases they�re not so spread out.

• Muskie fishing at Night It�s often feast or famine; there are so many things to try; it can be very high speed; it�s always challenging and fun. And if they�re not bitin� you can always go swimmin�. Allow me to offer a quick 6-pack of solutions that often work for myself and others. To get to six, we�ll look at presentations that just might be something new to muskies� eyes.

• Muskie Fishing Cover Two Zones Edge fishing is common for all species of fish. Often, some of the better areas to target in a system that has them � are distinct breaklines from shallow to deep water.

• Muskies and Reefs Find A Place To Cast This Summer. I grew up calling them 'shoals' but everyone's got their own name for this kind underwater structure: humps, bumps, bars and of course, reefs. They're classic muskie spots and they're as unique as the lakes they're found in. No two are built exactly the same, but good ones just seem to be good ones no matter where you fish. There are also reefs that just never produce, sometimes within a few cast lengths of ones that consistently do.

• Muskies and Speed Like anything, it�s not always what the fish want, but very often muskie anglers simply aren�t going fast enough to trigger reactions from muskies. The idea is simply to make them (muskies) think they�ll have no choice if they don�t react now.

• Muskies on Top In the angling world the mighty muskie reigns supreme, conjuring up images of razor-sharp teeth, truly immense size and extraordinary power. For the avid anglers who are part of the muskie fraternity, fishing for these giants has become an obsessive trait that has literally turned into a way of life.

• Net Landing Fall Trophies With fall fishing in full swing, chances of landing a chunky trophy are better than ever. As water temperatures drop and anglers bundle up, hand-landing is less of an option and nets become crucial. Yet, having a net is not enough. Proper technique and communication are crucial to ensuring a quick landing and healthy recovery of released fish.

• Netting Musky Done right, it�s the most effective and safest (for angler and fish) way to land and release fish. The �safest� part is true � but based upon use of a quality, fish-friendly landing device, like the Frabill �Conservation Series� nets. (The net�s mesh must have a quality coating and large enough holding area at the base.) Play any fish with moderate-to-heavy pressure, to tire it out and prepare it for leading into the net

• New Spring, Same Old Stuff For Pike Is there anything better than having a thick, mad pike on the end of your line when the trees are just starting to bud? Compared to those eighteen inch winter rods, feeling that seven footer buck around is great. Some of the biggest pike of the year are catchable right now.

• Night Trolling for Walleye The green, red and white navigation lights from other boats slowly glided through the darkness, setting the ambiance for another night fishing adventure. Within a few minutes of starting a trolling run, I connected with a fierce and feisty walleye that hammered my shallow-running minnow bait. Through the flashlight beam the fish became visible.

• Night-Bite Winter Crappie The sun about to hit the tree tops. I was sitting on a great crappie lake, charging up my glow jig and waiting for the start of the night bite. It didn�t take long and the action was fast and furious for just under an hour. While many anglers focus on walleye, crappie are another species worth chasing at twilight. Here�s what you need to know about this productive technique to catch more paper-mouths.

• Northern Ontario Rainbow Trout With so many different species available in abundance to anglers of the north we can be easily described as “spoiled”. Not only does the Canadian Shield offer magnificent lakes but the rocky rivers of Superior boost a healthy population of hard fighting rainbow trout.

• Northern Ontario�s Steelhead Northern Ontario is blessed with world class walleye, pike, brook and lake trout fishing. The Canadian Shield offers the perfect habitat for our lakes to host generous populations of each species.

• November 2001 Newsletter This issue is all about ICE FISHING and contains: Ice Fishing Primer, Ice Fishing with Kids, Reflecting on the season, Fishing Humour, Lodge Classifieds, As well as a new Comic from Richard Stubler.

• November 2002 Newsletter This issue contains: Twitching Your Way to a Bass Bonanza, Spicing Up for Autumn Appetites, Boat Winterization Saves Headaches Next Spring, Featured Outdoor Products.

• October 2001 Newsletter This issue is our biggest ever and contains: Fall Walleye Fishing, Fall Bass Fishing, Fall Musky Fishing, FishWitch Journal, Lodge Classifieds, Classifieds, Downloadable Lodge Guide As well as a new Comic from Richard Stubler.

• October 2002 Newsletter This issue contains these great articles: Toss the Versatile 'Flipping Jig' for More and Bigger Bass, High Quality Ontario Maps Available, Bass & Slop.

• Open Water Muskies Fishing the “open water” or basically the middle of the lake (in many cases) for suspended summer muskies can be very effective. Like fishing after dark and fishing in big waves, there is little direct pressure (note a recurring theme here?) on these fish. Muskies will generally be living in the top 1/3 of the water column now (smaller pie to slice).

• Opening Day Muskie You Can Troll, Too! Trolling isn't just a fall technique for muskie. During the entire season, no matter what month it is, some spots are laid out for casting, some for trolling and some for both. Early in the summer, all species have a lot of options.

• Panfish Filleting Made Easy We all know how succulent a mess of walleye or pike can be, and the filleting protocol that goes along with prepping them. It has become common practice to keep a few of these larger predators for a meal, but many anglers overlook the culinary treats that a panfish can provide. That's a shame, as panfish are prolific and easily caught, with high or non-existent limits.

• Panfish Jig Details Hand-tied jigs are often deadly on panfish when working baits beneath floats. Bucktail and marabou are perhaps the two most popular materials. While chenille and various other types of feathers add more options in patterns. Undoubtedly the fish-catching ability of these baits lies in the life-like movements the materials convey underwater.

• Panfish on Floats: Spring, Summer and Fall Since then, our use of floats has matured, to say the least. But let�s first clarify some verbiage� Floats are sophisticated. Bobbers are Huck Finnish. Alright, that�s a taste over oversimplified and prudish. To clarify: Bobbers are those straightforward and old-fashioned buoyancy agents, which clip to the line and hold bait at a fixed depth. Floats are part of a greater tactic, entailing precision, finesse, and balance.

• Panfish Toolkit First and late ice offers incredible panfish action. Generally speaking though, these book-end phases of winter are also when ice quality and thickness is the least predictable. Your safety should always take priority over biting fish.

• Perch Fishing in Winter Most of the time when I am actually targeting yellow perch, I will routinely put in a full day on the ice punching dozens of holes searching for signs of a school.

• Perch Fishing in Winter Perch can be a funny bunch. Doesn�t it seem like you catch more of them when targeting other species instead of when you�re actually fishing for perch?

• Persuasive on Perch A curious lot, yellow perch often fall victim to soft-plastics. Minnows, tubes, and various buggy specimens in the 1.5- to 2-inch range are common baits. I�m a long-time fan of Berkley�s Atomic Teaser Tubes for jigging both suspending and bottom-hugging perch.

• Pike and Muskie Try Open Water Seasonal changes to lakes and rivers aren't normally consistent from one year to the next. Yes, lakes will freeze and thaw, and they'll also warm and cool. All of this is 100% guaranteed. In the fall, regardless of what the localized weather patterns have been, pike and muskies can be caught well off of the bottom, away from structure or using open water in any combination. Every type of water has factors that contribute to open water fishing.

• Plastics for Panfish Perch, crappie and sunfish can be tempted into slurping in soft-plastics whether aggressively feeding or inactive.

• Playing the Size Game With Musky Musky fishing is literally a game of size. Searching for the lifetime fish that stretches beyond the fifty-inch mark on the tape, or a 'ski that bottoms out the scale at thirty-pounds are targets we all strive for when out on the water. Lets face it - size does matter to a musky angler

• Polarized Glasses Quality polarized glasses are an absolute must for any good muskie or pike fisher. And, it goes well beyond fishing efficiency � to eye protection.

• Post-Spawn Pike Gators, snakes, lizards and jackfish are just a few of the words often used to describe the toothy northern pike. These predator fish are big, strong and have one heck of a bad attitude.

• Pounding bottom for Whitefish? For the first time in a long time there seems to be a changing of the guard when it comes to top producing lures when fishing for Whitefish.

• Pounding the Panfish of Winter Playing tug-of-war with panfish during the cold of winter can be a rewarding and exciting endeavor for anglers across Canada. Nothing beats the pull of the line or the taste in the pan when dealing with these scrappy adversaries. Whether it be crappie, perch or jumbo 'gills, finding and knowing how to catch them is the key for a season of constant action.

• Prepare Your Fishing Gear for the Winter As an angler, one of the things I least look forward to is preparing my fishing rods and tackle for storage over the long winter to come. Last year I put my gear in the basement and basically forgot about it. I guess I was hoping there would be one more fishing trip, unfortunately I had no such luck. One simple step is to re-spool your line. Fishing line deteriorates from exposure to the sun and constant stretching from hook sets, snags, and fighting fish all take there toll.

• Preparing for the Ice Fishing Season Cold man winter has begun to make his presence felt, and the hard water season will shortly be upon us. Ice fishing is a great way to continue angling through the winter months, and preparing early for the season opener will enable you to tackle anything you may encounter when on the ice. Follow these tips and advice, and get ready for an enjoyable and productive season on the hard stuff.

• Proactive muskie management Mandatory release (i.e. proactive regulations that require release of all fish, a majority of fish, certain size-structure ranges in a fish species�) is a popular management tool.

• Protecting your eyes on the water It all started when I kept catching glimpses of something on the edge of my vision. At first I dismissed it as being tired but as it continued I really started to think I was losing it.

• Puffing A few anglers will jig spinnerbaits (can work great), but in general, a speed is picked and the bait is cranked in. Regardless of skirt material, it�s best to �puff� a spinner on the way in.

• Pulling Largies Through the Ice Catching largemouth bass through the hardened surface of northern Ontario lakes is an exercise in fun, thrills and excitement. While most ice angler�s turn to panfish or walleye to whet their appetite, those that are searching for line-peeling pulls and hefty weights need look no further than old greenback himself.

• Putting The Boat to Bed As the days grow shorter and the chills begin to take hold, the sad task of preparing the boat for its yearly hibernation has once again arrived. Winterizing your pride and joy is a necessary step to protect your investment while in deep freeze, and will also see it running in tip-top shape once the season resumes.

• Return There is no doubt at all, that rumors of muskies strictly being loners is false. A good feeding area is a good feeding area � and they don�t necessarily take turns.

• Richard Sims - Articles, Pictures, More Richard Sims' personal site, featuring articles, pictures and his own personal profile.

• River Walleye This is one of the most anticipated events of the season to walleye anglers ... that first venture out on open water in several months. The rivers are flowing, the walleyes are staging for their spring spawning ritual, and anglers are more than ready to drop their jigs in the water and do battle with their favorite fish.

• River Walleyes Pinpointing walleye location in rivers during this time of year is tied very closely to water levels. High water levels and heavy current will put fish in much different locales than low, slow running water. Luckily, in most cases, even water levels can be predictable. While there are exceptions, typically rivers will be at their lowest levels as autumn begins

• Roadside Brook Trout What you're looking for may be practically in your own back yard.

• Rock Piles It's a beautiful, sunny afternoon. You're just out for a boat ride, to escape the heat perhaps. The fish finder is on, just in case. Suddenly, as you glance down, you spy what seems to be a large mound on the bottom. It was only there for a second but you are sure you saw it. Turning around you spend and hour looking for what you thought you saw. Finding it could mean good fishing. If you are boating on a lake in the Canadian Shield what you probably saw on your screen was a rock pile.

• Run and Gun Ice Lake Trout When winter wraps its cold grip over the landscape, a lot of underwater life slows down. Warm-water fish get lethargic. This is not the case for cold-water species, like lake trout. Lakers prefer frigid waters. They aggressively feed and are frequently on the move in winter. To succeed at finding and catching these silver, spotted fish, adopt a run-and-gun approach. For any angler, catching a few wintertime lake trout will surely shake off a case of the winter blues.

• Safety in the Outdoors The Invisible Nasties in Water. We�ve all been guilty of taking a sip of water from a clear-as-can-be stream while wading for trout, splashing lake water on the face after a long hike, or taking a cannonball off the end of a buddy�s dock, usually resulting in laughter and a mouthful of water. These are innocent enough actions, yet they can cause pain and misery � and it can all be blamed on microscopic parasites.

• Salt Water Fishing in the Ottawa River Pssst. Want to experience saltwater fishing without spending thousands to get there? If so, Hawkesbury, Ontario is the place for you. Reaching over twenty inches in length, the Alosa Sapidissima, a.k.a. American Shad averages between four and six pounds with the world record being just over eleven. Trust me when I say, "A six pound shad on the end of your line will definitely test your tackle." In regards to the fight, they've been compared to double-digit bass.

• Sault Ste. Marie Northern Ontario is world renowned for its fishing opportunities. Not only do the fish grow to trophy sized proportions but the numbers can be staggering. Sault Ste. Marie in particular offers a wide variety of species available in a countless number of lakes and rivers.

• Score a Touchdown with Football Jigs Jigs are renowned for their fish catching abilities. And if I was to hazard a guess, no other lure garners more water time than these weighted bait systems throughout the course of a season.

• Scoring Big Bass with Football Jigs The variety of jigs available at a tackle shop can be mind-numbing to anglers. Although their differences may appear trivial, jig heads are designed for specific fishing situations. The football jig is a bait that's often overlooked, but deadly on bass. Here's some advice on why and when you need to fish them.

• Scoring BIG on Summertime Smallies Summer smallmouth fishing is definitely one of life's greatest pleasures. Whether you are using a topwater plug or a tube jig, you always know that you're in-store for some aerial acrobatics and hard-fought pulls. Step up to the plate with the cousin of the largemouth this season, and look forward to memorable and exciting days on the water.

• Scrappiest Pound For Pound Scrappiest Pound For Pound Smallmouth bass are considered by many to be near if not atop the pound for pound list of scrappiest freshwater fish. Anyone who�s battled a big smallie knows what I�m talking about and for those who haven�t I suggest you get out there and give it a try.

• Searching Out Springtime 'Gills The spring heralds in new beginnings for those in the fishing fraternity. Making the change from ice gear to open water tackle and from portable huts to fishing boats feels like a time of renewal. And for many, taking that first cast for walleye or pike has become a rite of passage as the season unfolds before us. But what about the saucer-shaped 'gills that flood the shallows during this time, eager to bite and hard fighters to boot?

• Selecting Tackle When selecting tackle for a day fishing weed lines for Largemouth Bass my boat takes on a very different appearance, almost empty like. There are 5 rods in the boat, 4 flipping sticks and 1 heavy action 7� baitcaster for the senko unlike the other days when there are more than 20 rods in the boat.

• Selective Harvesting of Fish Catch and release fishing has become increasingly popular in recent years. This practice has obvious conservation benefits. However, there is nothing that can top off a great day�s fishing like a meal of fresh fish on shore or at home.

• September 2002 Newsletter This isuue contains Tempting the Big Walleye's of Fall, When the Predators Return� & Tomiko Lake.

• Serve Up Spoons for First-Ice Pan Fish First ice is an exciting time to fish. Panfish are often willing biters and relatively easy to locate during the initial weeks of freeze-up. Jigging spoons are a deadly bait for the start of the ice season. Other baits will take fish but it's exciting to hunt active fish using spoons before the mid-winter blues set in.

• Set Some Goals This Season Setting goals, what does this have to do with fishing? The answer: more than one might initially appreciate. Goals are milestones we seek to achieve and by setting goals and having a plan to reach them, success and getting better go hand-in-hand. Always wanted to fish a tournament, catch a muskie or learn to fly fish? Well, it's time to make these things happen.

• Setting Your Sights on a Trophy Everything in life seems to garner respect for being big. Big cars, big houses and of course, big wallets. The same can be said for fishing, where average-sized fish get nary a raised brow, yet oversized monsters are akin to hitting the lottery jackpot.

• Seven Tricks for Improving Your Bassin' Results Bass fishing is a game of highs and lows. Going from banner days on the water to empty live wells the next is a fact of life when chasing these challenging adversaries. There are, however, a number of tricks that can improve and elevate your bassin' game to the next level. Test these out on your next trip to the lake and watch your success jump in leaps and bounds. (With the Fishing Shows upon us, it might be the perfect time to pick up some of these items in anticipation of the coming season�)

• Shad-Feeding Smallmouth Tactics When shad school up in the summer over open, deep water areas, smallmouth bass won't be far behind. For anglers who may wonder, "Why aren't the smallies in the rocky shallows?" In many lakes I fish, the answer is often that the bronzebacks are chasing schools of shad. You can catch these roaming smallies with a variety of baits. Here's how.

• Shake Your Way to More Bass The "shaky head" phenomenon has walloped the bass angling community by storm, garnering this finesse-style of fishing plenty of water time. Although the technique is still in its infancy, the doors it can open (especially when targeting those hard-to-catch bass,) make the application a must-have for this upcoming season.

• Shallow Spring Brown The loosening of winters grip on the Great Lakes signifies one of the best times for boat and shore anglers alike to welcome spring with some brown trout action. Starting in mid to late March, brown trout start to show up in the shallows of the Great Lakes making themselves available to the savvy angler that recognizes the right places at the right times to enjoy this spring bounty.

• Sharing the Pleasures of Fishing with a Child Taking a child fishing is a wonderful way to get a youngsters love for the outdoors started. By following a few simple rules, you can make the day one that the both of you will remember for the rest of your lives.

• Shore Fishing Tips for Summer Walleye River walleye that are found in systems throughout the Great Lakes region are spoiled with world class walleye opportunities. Smelt are found throughout the Great Lakes which are a generous portion of a walleyes diet.

• Shore Fishing-Walk the Walk One of the hottest home-grown techniques!Rick O'Banion takes us through 'The Walk'. You won't believe what we caught! Trophy after trophy, all from shore!

• Smallmouth Bass - Recipe for Great Fishing Take an ultralight rod and reel. Attach a plastic bait with a spinner blade. Add a smallmouth bass and you've got a winning combination.

• Smallmouth Monsters Lake Erie is a lake that you often hear about, but many don�t try it out. I was one of those, always thinking that you needed a 20 foot boat or a battleship to brave the Great Lake waters and that couldn�t be any further from the truth.

• Smallmouth Vertical Jigging Tips There are certain days when a vertical jigging approach is the best way to catch the most and biggest smallmouth bass in a lake. In this article I'll share some tips to improve your success for this effective presentation. Whether you use tubes, drop-shot rigs or spoons, practicing your vertical presentation tactics during summer will ensure you're ready to catch fat, football sized bronze backs come autumn.

• Soft-Bottom Perch Ice Fishing A good perch bite is tough to beat during the ice fishing season. Aggressive and competitive, once you get a school of jumbos riled up you can often put a few on ice before they move on. Soft-bottom flats are a great spot to search out perch. Here are some tips on fishing these areas.

• Soft-Plastics For Bass You don't always need to flip pockets in heavy weeds to catch bass. In fact, one of my preferred options for uprooting largemouth from heavy cover is throwing soft-plastic topwaters. These baits can be rigged to be virtually weedless and their soft bodies make them more lifelike to bass than hard-plastic baits. Although flipping can be fun, there's nothing like a bucketmouth exploding at the surface, separating lilly pads and sending slop flying.

• Soft-Stickbait Tips for Smallmouth Bass There's nothing fancy in the design of a soft-plastic stickbait, but its fish-catching ability is far from ordinary. On days when finesse tactics are what's catching fish, a Senko or similar style stickbait is one of a handful of lures I'll rely on to coax smallies into biting. Here are some tips on fishing the simple but effective soft plastics known as stickbaits.

• Spicing Up for Autumn Appetites The next best venue is an established outside weedline, but only one that materializes off a large weed flat. Additionally, my top weedlines setup next to major drop-offs and incorporate a few weeded fingers. And as far as weed composition goes, nothing outshines deep coontail. Unlike cabbage and milfoil, coontail holds its characteristics � baitfish sanctuary, oxygen, shade, etc. � throughout the fall.

• SPINNERBAITS THE #1 YEAR ROUND TACTIC FOR BIG PIKE AND MUSKIES One of the questions that I am often asked by clients, and at shows, is "What pike or muskie bait is the overall most effective bait for all seasons?" There is no hesitation in my answer; it is without any doubt, the spinnerbait.

• Spinnerbaits Tricks for Largemouth Spinnerbaits put plenty of largies in my boat each season. A tried-and-true lure, they sometime produce catches for me on days when nothing else delivers. Much has been written about using these baits, in this piece I want to share four of my best spinnerbait strategies for landing more bucketmouths.

• Spinnerbaits: The Swiss Army Knife Of Lures There aren't many pieces of water in Ontario that don't have either smallmouth or pike in them. In a lot of cases, largemouth, walleyes and muskies are also available. Wouldn't it be nice if we had a single family of lures to cast and troll for all of the above? What if it solidly hooked the biters, came through all kinds of cover cleanly and was safe and easy for releasing fish?

• Spoon Fed Pike It seems that more and more emphasis is being put on the use of body baits. Tackle companies are spending more money developing the perfect swimming action, the perfect wobble, or rattle, or any number of other characteristics. The spoon seems to have fallen by the wayside in favour of Husky Jerks, Bombers, Torpedoes, and other similiar lures.

• Spoon Some Largies If spoons are the old time players in the game of fishing, flutter spoons are certainly the new kids on the block. Originally designed and developed to target Lake Forks� offshore Texas bass, the flutter spoon has become a hot commodity over the last few years.

• Spoons The vibrations and flash given off from a spoon entices some of my biggest fish throughout the year.

• SPOONS Give 'em something different I started experimenting with spoons for muskies in 1993, after having witnessed their effectiveness for big chinook salmon on several occasions. I asked my many of peers in both U.S. and Canada about using spoons for muskies, and each time pretty much got the same response� "Oh, they're great for pike, but muskies won't touch 'em." I found that a little hard to understand.

• Spring Bluegill Micro-Crankbait Tactics Come spring, many species of the sunfish family move to warm, shallow water to spawn. Bluegills are no exception, and targeting these scrappy fighters with ultra-light tackle is an amazing way to spend a sunny, spring afternoon. Several lures will fool bluegills come spring, but sight fishing with micro-sized crankbaits lets you precision fish schools and target the largest fish.

• Spring Crappie Cracking the code on early-season crappie relies on the golden rule of real-estate: location, location, location and when talking paper-mouths in spring, this means fishing the Three Cs: coves, creeks, and canals.

• Spring Musky Fishing Spring, the time for renewal, and the time for early musky fishing! At this time of the year musky are still lethargic due to colder water, and may be a little harder to find than in the summer. These are some tips that should make you more successful at the end of the day.

• Spring Pike Fishing Some of the best pike fishin'is early, just as the pike season opens. At this time of the year you will find pike feeding on smaller fish that are still holding in spawning areas such as rivers or river mouths. Search out the water that has warmed first, then look for darker coloured bottom flats or early weed growth.

• Spring Smallmouth in New York on Lake Erie The secret to consistently catch Smallmouth in numbers and size is to fish the break lines. Smallmouth bass are structure and depth oriented fish. Finding rocky contours that have perpendicular highs and lows in relation to the shoreline are very productive Smallmouth spots.

• Spring Steelhead Every angler tries it and often most give up. It�s slippery, damp, and often leaves you frustrated and fishless. Fishermen and women spend countless hours on the banks of Great Lake tributaries in search of spawning rainbow trout each spring. Mouths of rivers where steelhead begin to congregate in late winter become an open water hotspot at ice out.

• Spring Steelhead With the spring thaw only a few weeks away. Ontario steelhead bums like myself, are anxiously waiting for the rivers to open up enough to get a drift in.

• St. Francis Smallmouth Lake St. Francis is a significant body of water that hosts a variety of fish species, but is probably most famous for their large Smallmouth Bass. It was on St. Francis that Charles Sims and Nigel Touhey set a Canadian record in 2008 for the largest bag of Bass with a weight of 30.35lbs.

• Staying Current on River Walleye Finding walleye in rivers can be just as challenging, if not more, than locating them in lakes. This difficulty can make rivers a second choice when lakes are easily accessible. These neglected waters can sometimes contain more and less pressured fish to be caught by anglers wise on the ways river fishing. One key factor to locating fish in rivers is establishing productive current areas containing fast and slack water close to prime structures and cover.

• Storing Your Ice Fishing Gear Here's a quick checklist of things to do so your winter gear will be in top shape and ready when next winter rolls around.

• Suckers Don't Suck Suckers are right up there with Carp and Rock Bass as one of those "nuisance fish" that is shunned by most anglers. All too often on the riverbanks you'll hear, "Oh it's just a sucker" after a Steelheader's float disappears and their rod starts to buckle over. Suckers may not put on the same aerial display as a Steelhead or be as pleasing to the eye with their bland colouring, but Suckers aren't all bad, in fact when targeted with light gear they can make for quite the exciting day.

• Summer Muskies In Clear Water Even when conditions are perfect, clear water can be tough water to fish. It can be mentally and physically crippling when you�re fishing muskies on clear water and skies or winds are unfavourable. Darker, more fertile lakes and rivers are more forgiving than clear ones, and populations are almost always higher. �Plan B� is to simply pull off the water and try one once clear water begins wearing you down.

• Summer Pike Points Some are definitely better than others! Reading water and being able to carry out a logical fishing approach is the most important part of the process. You can have the sharpest hooks, make the perfect cast and work your lure correctly but if you're fishing dead water, not much will happen. On structure like points especially, making good use of lure depth and fishing angles is really important.

• Summer Whitefish The dog days of summer are here and it is time to change strategies for whitefish. Being a cold water fish, the whities need to hole-up in deeper, cooler water at this time of the season. They also become a bit slower in their feeding. This means that you have to offer the bait to the fish in a slightly different manner.

• Summertime Walleye If Ontario is best known for one fish it is without a doubt the delicious walleye. Trophy walleye fishing can be had at both ends of the province. In Southern Ontario, The Bay of Quinte is a world class trophy walleye producer that rivals any other trophy walleye waters North America has to offer.

• Swimbaits for Walleye If you�re looking to land big walleye and prefer casting over trolling, swimbaits are one of the best baits going to accomplish this goal. When other anglers are working small, twister tail jigs with a vertical finesse approach, casting a swimbait can boat you plenty of fish. This season give yourself an advantage, integrating swimbaits into your walleye repertoire. Here�s what you need to know about these productive baits

• Tackle Tips for Icing Winter Crappies When it comes to ice fishing, my number one quarry is the crappie. This specie can give an angler endless action throughout the day, a great fight on light gear, and of course, can provide a tasty meal at the end of a long stint spent on the ice. Targeting crappies certainly isn't considered rocket science, but there are certain techniques and baits that can greatly increase your odds for success.

• Tackling Trophy Muskies with Topwaters Topwater fishing for muskies is a technique that can deliver solid results, with the chance of hooking that trophy of a lifetime. Head out this year with a topwater bait in hand, and discover how exciting, and truly productive, this method can be.

• Tactics for More Muskie Those who do it best realize the goal of having the most release photos to show off. Let�s look at three possibly not-so-popular methods to hold a muskie�s tail.

• Tactics for Smallmouth Bass A lot of smallmouth baits range between 4 to 6 inches. Downsizing means using 1 to 3 inch long offerings. Downsizing also relates to bait thickness

• Take a Topwater Approach to Aerial Smallmouth Topwater fishing for smallmouth bass is truly a remarkable thing of beauty. Pound for pound these fish are freshwaters toughest customers. Couple that with the surface-shattering excitement of topwater fishing and you couldn't ask for a better combination. Try topwaters this year and discover how truly awesome this technique can be.

• Take Ice Fishing To The Next Level With ice fishing in full swing across Ontario, anglers are beginning to realize the importance of having the right tools for the job at hand. From portable huts that afford added mobility to powerful gas augers for efficient hole drilling, specialized equipment will put you on more fish - plain and simple.

• Taking Care of Your Catch The catch-and-release ethic is now a big part of fishing, not only in tournaments, but also fishing in general. Quite simply, it helps sustain the resource. But improper care and handling of fish by anglers can cause unintentional harm to fish.

• Team Ice Fishing Anglers often use the concept of team fishing during open water fishing. For example, musky partners vary lure types, speeds and retrieve styles used to increase their chances of landing a trophy; while bass anglers often toss a bait towards their partners hooked fish, attempting to catch any followers. The spirit of cooperation, communication and strategy should not disappear after you winterize your boat and move out on the ice.

• Tempting the Big Walleye's of Fall As the leaves begin to drop and the temperature starts to cool, the walleye begins a migration to typical areas in search of food to fatten-up for the upcoming winter. Fall time is synonymous with trophy time as these fish display size, strength and a willingness to bite. Locating and tempting these lunker fish can be a rewarding experience by trying the following tactics and techniques for hot action on those cool days of autumn.

• Ten Commandments of Topwater In terms of techniques, the art of topwatering is as thrilling as they get for the bassin� disciples. Visually, it elicits a water-churning excitement that often leaves the pulse in a frenzied state. (I liken it to Canada�s Wonderland on water.)

• Ten Tips For Flipping and Pitching If there are two techniques that have accounted for more and bigger largemouth in my boat over the years, they have to be flipping and pitching. Not only are these short-string tactics both finesse and heavy-handed, they are also a ton of fun to perfect and execute

• The Basic Lures for Lunker Largemouth For those anglers that have caught a severe case of the "bassin' bug," deciding on what lures and baits to choose can be a complicated and difficult decision. Breaking down the collection of baits into five significant and productive types will help all those new to bass fishing get a better handle on what to throw a largemouth's way. Stock your tackle box up with each of the following lures and watch how simplified the bassin' game can be and how your success rate will seemingly skyrocket.

• The Day of the Giants � a truly unique day July 12th�I call this the day of the giants. It was on the second day of a 3 day Musky film shoot with my good friend Aaron Shirley (Getting Hooked with Aaron & Barry) and awesome Muskie guide and friend Marc Thorpe. The Ottawa River is awesome fishery but can also be tough at times. The day proceeded not much unlike the other. It was hot, humid, little breeze and steady barometer at the time (bad weather was supposed to roll in later in the day).

• The Fish of a Thousand Casts Stories about muskie are the stuff of legend. Fish of a thousand casts. Anglers going a lifetime without ever hooking one. Phooey on that. Fact is, Kentucky anglers not only boat up to a dozen muskie a day with scorching regularity, but have a legitimate shot at bona-fide trophies pushing 50 inches and 40 pounds

• The FUNdamentals of a Fishing Log We have all had similar days on the water. Those when the fish refuse to bite, no matter what technique or bait we toss their way. Scratching our heads only brings greater discomfort, and we resign ourselves to believe that it must just be a "bad day" on the water. Situations such as these can be reversed - made possible by the art of patterning the fish. But before you can pattern, you first must learn to record, and that can easily be achieved by creating a fishing log.

• The Importance of Weeds When it comes to freshwater angling, weeds play an extremely important role in the livelihood of a fish. They provide shelter, oxygen, ambush points and a smorgasbord of baitfish - more than enough reasons to pay special attention to the green stuff when out for the day. Learn the true reasons why weeds are so special, and watch your catch rates grow in leaps and bounds

• The Joy of Fishing with the Kids Have you ever wondered why some fathers do not take the kids fishing with them? All that prime bonding time they could be spending together. Enjoying each other's company and developing a close friendship that will last a lifetime together.

• The Mistakes an Angler Makes Mistakes on the water can be a deal breaker when it comes to putting fish in the boat. Whether we subconsciously commit these errors, or tow the bad habits to the launch ramp each time out, they will become a detriment to your angling success. Recognizing our mistakes and how to overcome them will put you back in the drivers seat, leading to more fulfilling days and a significant increase in that bend of the rod.

• The Simple Rig For Smart Walleyes Float fishing through the ice is for anyone who has baked in the winter-thaw sun of an Ontario February or March. The technique really shines when the holes aren't freezing, and hanging bait in your favorite spots is a winner for walleyes schooling up on or around structure.

• The Skinny on Portable Ice Huts The bitter wind blew furiously, pelting me with unforgiving force, while sapping my warmth and enthusiasm. I struggled to clench my ultra light rod, my grip loosening as my glove raised a white flag to the invisible enemy we all call cold. Then, the snow started to fall. Not tranquil flakes Norman Rockwell might depict, but the ferocious, mean-spirited kind that only the Grinch could conjure up to spoil a deserving child's Christmas.

• The Surface is an Edge The surface of the water is an edge that predators learn to use. As they mature, they learn to use it more and more � the surface is often a place to target trophy specimens of all species.

• The Tackle Shop Choosing tackle is chiefly a matter of doing a little research. Buy what you need to get the job done, and have fun adding to your arsenal each time you visit the store. New products come out all the time, and that's the other fun part of fishing.

• The Ten Commandments of Topwatering The art of angling is built upon many different techniques and methods in order to catch fish. From tossing a crank, hopping a tube, or burning a spinnerbait, the options are wide open for the intuitive rod slinger. For those searching out heart-stopping action and high-energy thrills, however, tempting fish on the surface is a hands down winner, if only for the visual aspect of boiling water and the crashing of fish. Here are ten tips to get the most out of your topwater experience.

• The Urban Angle � Ottawa Although Ottawa may be a city where politics reign supreme, there�s no denying that the top-notch fishing opportunities are giving the suits a run for their money.

• the Walleye Game If you�ve been at this game long enough, you�ve no doubt learned that when it comes to being a great fisherman, one thing never changes � there are constantly changes.

• Three Foolproof Topwater Tactics for Smallmouth Bass This article concentrates on three foolproof topwater baits for smallmouth bass: prop baits, poppers and cigar-style lures. Each has a different action on the surface and all regularly fool smallmouth bass.

• Three Ice Fishing Jigs When it comes to buying ice jigs, anglers are faced with dozens of choices, including: colours, brand names, hook and jig sizes. One of the most basic features of an ice fishing jig is its style. There are three main types of ice fishing jigs: horizontal, vertical and 45 degree angle models. Each should take up some space in your tackle box, here's a look at why and when you should use them.

• Throttling Back for the Spring Attack Energies and ambitions have been suffocated since fall; back when turkey was served with mashed potatoes and �eyes were stacked on points like lumber. Those were Hallmark moments, the days after the leaves dropped but snow had yet to fall. Yeah, ice fishing provided a redeemable outlet, too, but spring is still spring. Putting the boat in; running your fingers through a mess of leeches, all black ones; cocking back the bail for the season�s maiden cast. That�s it. That�s the feeling.

• Tim AllardStealth Strategies for Shallow Water Panfish When targeting panfish in in shallow water the quieter you are, the better. Panfish, like bluegills and crappie, can be skittish to overhead noises and movement. Here are some tips to help with your hushed hunting.

• Tim AllardTips for Storing Your Ice Fishing Gear It can be tough to focus on properly putting away your ice fishing gear with open-water fast approaching, but an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure. Here's a quick checklist of things to do so your winter gear will be in top shape and ready when next winter rolls around.

• Timely Tactics for 'Negative-Mood' Largemouth Nothing can frustrate an angler more than targeting largemouth bass that are in a definite finicky mode. The more lures you throw at them, the more they seem to turn up their noses and silently mock your futile efforts. If fronts, dog days of summer or pressured fish are bringing you down, try these proven tactics in order to put more largemouth in the boat during these "tough times."

• Tinkering With the Lures of Ice and Snow Anglers are a believing bunch. Most of us are willing to take a lure straight from the package and tie it on our line, never once questioning whether it will catch fish like the manufacturer professes it to. The fact of the matter is, every lure on the market can be improved or tinkered with in order to improve its fish catching abilities, allowing the intuitive angler the freedom to catch more and bigger fish each time they head out.

• Tip-Up Upkeep One thing that's nice about a tip-up is they don't require a lot of maintenance. I think that's part of their appeal, that and they last a long time," says Eric Poster of HT Enterprises, Inc. Odds are if you're an ice angler you own tip-ups, and to many of us, they're a critical component to the hard-water season. Like fishing reels, underwater-style tip-ups require occasional maintenance to keep them in fish-catching shape.

• Tips for Drilling Ice Holes The auger let out a steady 2-cycle scream as it chewed through a foot and a half of ice. Chips and shards fell around my feet until the blades broke through. I hit the throttle and cleared out the slush, before walking a few yards and punching another hole. Behind me my partner followed, checking the depth of water with a Vexilar. In 10 minutes we had several holes drilled, cleaned and scanned for depth. Now, we were ready to fish.

• Tips for Ice Auger Operation and Maintenance Unless you enjoy chipping holes in the ice with an axe or a spud, you need an auger to ice fish. When out in the bitter-cold of winter, I find frustrations intensify and nothing is worse than having problems with your auger after getting to your favourite spot. After all, if you can't get through the ice, you can't fish. Whether you use a hand or a power one, here are some operation and maintenance tips on keeping your auger in top shape.

• Tips to Ice More Perch Part One Getting into steady action from a biting school of jumbos is every perchers dream. Ultimately, the more diverse of an angler the better prepared you'll be to handle whatever fish throw at you. Here are five important tips to keep in mind when the bite gets tough

• To Catch a King Chinook salmon begin staging at the mouths of Great Lake tributaries beginning in early august. They will then make their annual return up the rivers to spawn where each was previously born. King salmon will wait for the exact temperature and weather conditions to begin the process of running the river to actually spawn.

• Toad Rigging Tactics When conditions are right, I like nothing more than catching largemouth bass on soft-plastic top water baits. Whether you like hollow-bodied frogs or the slimmer profile of toads (also called swimming frogs), both are outstanding baits. In this article, I'll cover some tips for rigging and fishing toads to put more largemouth bass in your boat this season.

• TOMIKO LAKE Throughout the years my partner, Herb and I seem to fish smaller lakes. These small lakes draw us to them like a magnet to a piece of iron. One thing we found and like about small lakes are you can fish the whole lake in one day and find the honey holes on a weeks vacation. One lake we fish is about 15 miles from Sturgeon Falls called, Tomiko lake. The lake has an ideal population of smallmouth bass and northern pike.

• Tools and Traits for Properly Releasing Muskie Muskie fishing is one of the fastest growing areas in sport fishing today. Ask any long-time muskie angler if fishing pressure is increasing, or look at the growth of muskie lure manufacturers, and you'll be convinced that muskie fishing is on the rise. With more anglers pursuing these predators every year, the need for proper releasing techniques is crucial to ensure the survival of post-release fish and sustain the sport fishery.

• Top Lure Picks for Early Season Pike Fresh from the spawn, pike will be found in specific locations and can be caught with a variety of lures. At this time of year, the fishing can be fast and furious, and Mr. Pike is more than willing to entertain you with a game of tug-of-war. Jump-start your fishing season by tangling with the mighty "water wolf", and be prepared for some of the best fishing you can imagine

• Top Three Lure Choices for Catching Walleye Walleye are Canada's favourite and most popular species to fish for, and for good reason - they are plentiful, put up a decent tussle and taste delicious in the pan. There are literally hundreds of lures on the market to catch this fishes' attention, (and the curiosity of the angler), but there are a few tried and true methods that will always put a limit in the boat. Try this back-to-basics approach to walleye fishing and be prepared to have your rod pulled this year.

• Top Water Techniques for Muskies There is no such thing as waves too big for a surface lure to be effective in attracting potential strikes, as long as the lure will ride the waves.

• Toss the Versatile 'Flipping Jig' for More and Bigger Bass The flipping jig, or jig-and-pig as it is commonly called, is one of the simplest looking baits on the market that routinely accounts for huge stringers of bass year after year. For the majority of anglers, throwing the bait to the odd dock or tree is the extent of its usage. For those in the know, however, the sky is the limit when it comes to where and how to throw this versatile lure. Learn the ins and outs of the 'jig-and-pig,' and watch your catch rate grow in leaps and bounds.

• Tournament Tips - Learn from the Walleye Pros. Some of the thousands of Canadian anglers that chase walleyes every year pursue them for more than just enjoyment, relaxation, sport or even a meal. These anglers fish for money and glory in big-dollar professional walleye tournaments across North America. While these tournaments may not interest all walleye anglers, can the average recreational walleye angler learn something from these pros?

• Tricks of the Trade for Trailers Whether it is to pull a boat or transport an ATV, the majority of outdoor folk rely heavily on trailers to get their equipment from point A to B. Most of us know the reasoning behind ramp etiquette, as well as the importance of hitch strength and ball size. But what about the real nitty-gritty, the tricks of the trade that can only be gained through years of pulling on the road.

• Triggering Crappie Crappies are a great species to target through the ice. At times they can be challenging to find, but worth the effort once you locate a school of slabs. Often eager to investigate lures, crappie can be wary to hit baits and, even then, takes can be extremely subtle. Here are some hints on how-to trigger crappie into biting this ice season.

• Trusting Tip Ups In ice fishing a lot of the spotlight has recently focused on run-and-gun tactics with jigging rods. Yet in the shadow of this approach lurks a tried-and-true technique that fools hundreds of fish each season - tip-ups. Tip-ups are sometimes perceived as a secondary, or lesser, method for ice fishing. However, when properly used these presentations can be extremely successful, sometimes out-fishing jigging rods.

• Try Small Baits This Winter One of the neatest things about fishing has to be fishing lures! There are so many on the market. When you have success, part of the fun is definitely playing up the 'magic lure' idea. Of all the lures and tackle out there, one of the details I look at is size. Proven colours, shapes or designs can be really interesting to play with when they're offered in smaller versions.

• Tube Bait Tactics for Tough Smallies Most anglers across North America would agree - smallmouth can sometimes be darn finicky. Seeing a school of four and five-pounders ignoring our baits is an occurrence each of us has encountered while out on the water. For tough smallies, the one bait to reach for when you want guaranteed success is the tube-bait. This lure is renowned for it fish-catching abilities, yet, trying some different techniques and adapting this bait will have the smallies jumping in the boat this year.

• Turn Your Fishing Snapshots into Works of Art For the most part, anyone who fishes usually does so with a camera in tow. Capturing the beauty of a precise moment will ensure that you never forget the sheer enjoyment that you encountered while in the outdoors. (Plus a breathtaking photo can secure bragging rights when gleefully shown to your peers and family!) Come and explore the magic that the camera holds, and begin filling your photo album full of images that will make you proud.

• Turn Your Musky 'Follows' Into 'Takers Musky fishing can be a funny game. An angler can spend many hours beating the water to a froth, only to have a musky finally appear, lazily trailing the bait then slowly disappearing out of sight. Musky follows are a common occurrence when chasing this majestic beast, however, there are a few tricks that can be utilized to turn those curious fish into solid takers. Try these tips when out on your next hunt and get ready to land your fair share of braggin' size 'skies.

• Twitching Your Way to a Bass Bonanza Cast. Twitch, twitch, twitch�.pause. Fish on! Throwing twitchbaits to bass can lead to some exciting days on the water - and some big bass to boot. Twitchbaits mimic the natural look and action of a baitfish to a T, and therein lies the reason for their incredible fish-catching abilities. Try your hand at the following "twitch tactics," and reap the rewards that the bass gods will shine down on you.

• Upping Your Odds Overcoming bad habits and recognizing the mistakes you commit can help lead you to more fruitful days on the water. Now is the time to forge forward with new habits and break the bad ones of yesteryear.

• Using Drift Socks An essential and functional angling tool called the drift sock – a wind and wave tamer that too few anglers use, but a day saver item that should be stock on each and every boat that plies the water.

• Vertical Jigging for Suspended Smallies Retrieving baits and lures in a horizontal fashion is one of the most commonly utilized and effective techniques in fishing today. There are times, however, when a vertical approach may be your best bet when dealing with certain situations. Smallmouth that suspend in open water is one key period where vertical jigging a lure will outshine and out produce any other methods on the market.

• Vexilar Upkeep Eager to move, the angler quickly packed his gear, grabbed the rope to his portable hut, and walked over to another hole several feet away. Upon arrival, he turned, looking back to see that his flasher and a rod had fallen out of the sled. "The walk was only a few yards, what were the odds?" he thought. Is this angler you?

• Wake Up Some Bass Wake baits are taking the bass movement by storm, and for good reason. These tantalizing cranks give new meaning to the term "topwatering," and provide a niche factor for garnering strikes when other baits fail to make the grade. Come and uncover the wake craze - its one bait worth doing a background check on.

• Walleye and Bait Ask any fisherman that targets walleye and he will mention that "you can't catch them if you can't find them." Despite the body of water where you usually target walleyes go where their menu is being served. The walleye are near the top of the food chain, so find their favorite meal and you will find them

• Walleye and Bobbers Across Ontario, the walleye rates hands-down as the most sought after and favorite game fish. The techniques for catching these critters may be well-known and elementary, and include the ever popular jigging, trolling and bottom bouncing.

• Walleye Rigging When we approach a summer time situation where the walleye bite is leaning toward a live bait presentation, the first piece of gear we reach for is the bottom bouncer set-up.

• Walleye Season - Opener Jigging Tips With this year's open-water walleye season here (or soon to be), it's hard not to get excited. A multi-species angler, I have an affinity for early season walleye fishing as I'm sure many of you do. To help you get the most out of your time on the water, here are a few jigging tips to help you put more walleyes in your landing net.

• Walleye Trolling Secrets Classic walleye structures will hold fish on rivers. Islands around deep water and shoreline points rarely disappoint as they obstruct water flow and create current breaks. A hydro dam releasing water, a wing dam and a bridge are other zones that create current anomalies and regularly concentrate walleye in rivers.

• Walleye with live minnows? Many of you have probably fished for these beauties using live minnows and found that they didn't stay on the hook for long or died fairly quickly. Let's see if we can fix these problems.

• Walleye with live minnows? Many of you have probably fished for these beauties using live minnows and found that they didn't stay on the hook for long or died fairly quickly. Let's see if we can fix these problems.

• Walleyes in Precarious and Particular Places Walleyes and whales could never coexist. Well, first there�s that saltwater to freshwater issue, and then the fact that whales breathe air through a blowhole and walleyes take oxygen aquatically, through gills. Granted, both species spend time in wide open spaces � whales sucking plankton through their baleen and walleyes sucking flesh through their choppers � but their timecards differ considerably.

• Warm Water Muskies - Night Fishing It�s often feast or famine; there are so many things to try; it can be very high speed; it�s always challenging and fun. And if they�re not bitin� you can always go swimmin�.

• WATCH THOSE FINGERS; HOOKS AND TEETH CAN HURT! It only takes a quick peak into the mouth of a good-sized pike or muskie to quickly surmise that this is not a wise place to stick your digits if you wish for them to remain intact. Those spike-like teeth on the roof of their mouth can shred your knuckles in the blink of an eye, while the larger lower teeth can really do some serious damage. Trophy sized specimens may have teeth approaching two centimetres (3/4 inch) long, and should be shown extreme caution.

• Ways to Catch Pike! One of our most common game fish, the Northern Pike is taken best by casting. He'll hit your lure with a powerful dash, then make a "run" for the weeds

• When the Predators Return Boats crisscrossed it all summer long; personal watercraft here, tuber there. Weeds uprooted and shredded, fouling the surface like bees in a beverage. These disorderly but auspicious shoreline flats are playgrounds for people, and consequently vacated by gamefish.

• Winter Forktails and The Rubber Pipe Sixty seven feet below my boots, I started the hollow, plastic fake into its rhythm once again. Never darting or falling the same way twice, and rotating while at rest, it had already produced two big, wild trout in the first two holes I'd cut that morning, and the strike in hole number three caught me totally off guard, and I missed it.

• Winter Whitefish Whitefish spawn in mid-Nov; along the extensive sand, gravel and stony shoals. Each female randomly drops from 5-15 thousand eggs before returning to deeper water. The eggs hatch in late winter and the young fish form schools that travel the shoal areas in search of food.

• Work The Flats for Wandering Largemouth Flat fishing for largemouth bass can produce predictable and exciting action for anglers searching for fruitful days on the water. Not only do flats hold tremendous numbers of fish, they also hold a large number of trophies, hidden from prying eyes throughout this great expanse of "nothingness." Learning when to hit the flats, and what to use, will be your greatest strength when it comes to limiting out on the water with this tried and true technique.

• Working the Boat for Walleye Presentation is a key component when chasing walleye. If your lure or bait is not positioned at the correct angle, depth or speed, your chances for success are greatly diminished. Boat control is your greatest asset when it comes to presenting your bait accurately, yet it is a skill that requires the necessary equipment, as well as time spent on the water practicing. Follow these tactics to better your boat positioning, and reap the rewards of more walleye in the net.

• Yellow Perch After enduring the often too long winter I focus my attention on one thing and only one thing. I impatiently wait and watch the progress of the ice breaking up of the ice on main lakes all over Ontario. Not only will I get a chance to get the boat out after 5 very long painful months, I will get to have some of the most fun that I will have all year catching giant Yellow Perch

• You Better Believe Bait's Fun Fishing For Ciscoe They move through spots in big schools, and their strikes range from crisp little taps to all-out attacks. Catching one normally means you'll be busy with others for a while. They're good little fighters on panfish-weight fishing tackle, and they're excellent smoked, baked or even fried. They inhabit a huge range of lake types across Ontario, from tea-stained ones with mostly soft bottom to the classic, crystal clear and rocky. Lake herring/ciscoe and great fun.