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T.J. & Monique Quesnel
The
Ontario Fishing Network
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published 12 times a year on or near the beginning of every month. Our
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wonderfully diverse province of Ontario.
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 Make Some Fishing Resolutions
By Justin Hoffman
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.)
Here's my top ten list of
fishy things to try this year. They are all guaranteed to broaden
the mind, awaken the soul, and most of all, conjure up a whole whack
of yearly fun.
1. Fish a New Species
Chasing the same specie of fish can become a bit bland over
time. We already know how to catch them, so the exercise can often
become repetitive and slightly boring.
Choose one fish this coming season
that you have never caught. It could be a carp, gar, sturgeon or
crappie, or anything else that swims. Going after something new will
bring added excitement and an increase in fishing proficiency. It
will also give you something different and unique to add to the
photo album.
2. Pick Up a Fly Rod
How many of you have never picked up a fly rod? Although
growing in popularity, it still remains a sport with a stifled
participation. Fly fishing can bring a new dimension to the sport of
angling, challenging you to learn a new and fascinating technique,
different water and a cunning quarry. Combos can be relatively
inexpensive to buy, and there are many clubs, fly shops and guides
that are more than willing to show a newbie the finer aspects of the
sport.
3. Help Out a Cause
Putting something back into the sport we all love is a
win-win situation. It can take very little of your time and
commitment, but the results can often lead to a very pronounced
difference. Give your support this year to a stream rehabilitation
effort, a fish ladder project or a kid's day event. The only way for
our fishery to sustain and improve itself is if we all lend a
helping hand.
 4. Hit an Urban Centre
With many tuned in to the "grass is greener" syndrome, folk
are still willing to guzzle gas and eat up hours by fishing areas
miles and miles away. Silly really, when some great spots to fish
can be found right in our own backyards.
Make it a goal to give those urban
areas a try this season. Ride your bike, take the transit or walk to
some of these favoured spots - many of them can cough up some great
catches.
Ottawa Info :
http://www.mnr.gov.on.ca/MNR/fishing/ottawa/urbanfishhome.htm
Toronto Info :
http://www.mnr.gov.on.ca/MNR/fishing/urban_toronto.html
5. Learn a New Technique
Make it a goal this year to master a new fishing technique.
Not only will this give you an enhanced tool for catching your
favourite species, but it will also
 broaden your prowess when it
comes to the fishing game. Some invaluable techniques that are worth
a look might be dropshotting, flipping or pitching, precision
trolling or Carolina-rigging.
6. Take a Spouse, Partner
or Child Out
Introduce someone special to the sport you all love.
Whether it is a wife, girlfriend, husband, boyfriend or child,
showing them why fishing is so important, and how fun it is, can be
just the thing to get them hooked too. Many want to see what all the
fuss is about, but are afraid to ask. So put the invite out yourself
- and see who comes along for the ride.
7. Try the Ice
Ice fishing is growing in leaps and bounds, but there are
still folk who have yet to give it a try. Make getting out on the
ice a resolution
 this season. There are plenty of inexpensive
outfitters that can set you up in a hut and put you on fish, not to
mention fellow anglers that would be more than willing to show you
the ropes. Ice fishing brings a new dimension to angling, while also
allowing you to dramatically extend you fishing season. Best of all
- it is heaps of fun!
8. Join a Fishing Club
Fishing clubs offer a meeting place to share ideas, learn
new information and connect with fellow anglers, all in the name of
fun. Not only can you befriend new fishing partners, but also
involve yourself in organized tournaments, seminars and outings.
There are many clubs to be found throughout urban areas that are
more than happy to have new members join. Give one a try this year.
9. Take in a Sportsman
Show
Sportsman Shows can fill a cold winter's day with
excitement, all for less than the price of heading out for dinner.
Seeing what new gear is available, taking in the many seminars,
picking up some gear, and meeting old friends is a tradition I have
kept with for many years now. To me, it has become a rite of winter
and spring.
So make it a resolution to search
one out this year - you'll be glad you did.
Fish & Boat Show : Feb.15 - 18, International Centre, Mississauga
Ottawa Boat, Sportsmen's and Cottage Show : Feb. 21 - 24. Landsdowne
Park
Toronto Sportsmen's Show : March 12 - 16, Exhibition Place
Sudbury Sportsman Show : April 4 - 6, Garson Arena
Valley Fishing and Outdoors Show : April 11 - 13, Carp Arena, Carp
10. Try a New Lake
Make it your goal to venture on to a new lake this year. We
all have our favourite spots, but with over 250, 000 honey holes
waiting to be discovered, don't you owe it to yourself to wade into
something new? You'd be surprised at how many are just around the
corner.
I hope you'll give a few of these resolutions a try this year. They
can only enhance your love for fishing, and there's no greater
benefit than that. Here's to a prosperous and fish-filled 2008!
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