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Fishing
and Fitness
Fishing can be tough on the body. Fighting waves, working
motors, standing upright, and firing off repeated casts can easily put
strain on overworked limbs, joints, and muscles. Injury is the
worst-case scenario, but for the most part, a lack of comfort and the
ability to power through a day on the water will both be greatly
diminished. Bottom line is – fitness can enhance your fishing
experience, hands down. Feb. 2012
Grubs:
The forgotten Friend
One of the biggest misconceptions in angling is that those bright sunny
days will either drive fish deep, or into cover. While often true, rules
don’t apply to all fish, as a matter of fact, probably not even half.
When you think you have things figured out, they will always throw a
curveball. Some of my best fishing days in recent memory have come on
the days where the sweat evaporates before it leaves your pores. 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.
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.
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. Caring for and cleaning your boat not only adds value to your
purchase by protection and restoration, but can also stop the spread of
invasive species, which can be serious business. But, if you’re like me
– a clean boat just gives you that happy feeling when out casting a
line.
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.
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.
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.
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.)
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.
SHORELUNCH
101
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.
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.
Multi-Task
Fishing Outfits (all about fishing rods)
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. These are the best of the
'second best at everything' category, and they're great to have.
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.
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.
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?
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. If truth were told, pannies are my number one choice
when it comes to a plateful of fish. They may run small, but they pack a
big punch in the taste department.
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
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.
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.
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.
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.
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!)
Keeping
Minnows in Fish-Catching Condition
As anglers many of us are guilty of anxiously rushing to our favorite spot
for a day of fishing. The thrill of anticipation is one of the things I
enjoy most about fishing; however, it's disheartening when your
pre-fishing haste is because you're trying to get to the water before all
your minnows go belly-up. Healthy, live bait can be crucial to fishing
success, especially in tough conditions or when targeting finicky feeders
like walleye. Here are some tips on transporting minnows and how-to keep
them in fish-catching condition.
Night
Fishing Primer
Fishing under the cover of darkness has long been a strategy for walleye
and crappie anglers. Recently, night fishing is becoming popular on water
bodies that receive a lot of day fishing pressure and boat traffic.
Angling in the moonlight is not for everyone, it requires more planning,
adequate lighting gear, and extra safety precautions.
The Beauty
of Tying Bucktails
Bucktail jigs are extremely effective, but underutilized, baits for many
game fish. These jigs not only catch fish, but are easy to make. To begin
making your own jigs, you will need to invest in proper tools and tying
materials. Below are the tying basics to start saving a few dollars, and
cashing in on bucktails.
Start an
'Outdoor Journal' now!
It is nearing ice-fishing season, a certain excitement fills the air. This
excitement enters my thoughts, clogging my mind of it's daily routine,
hindering my level of functionality, umm, shall we say it's now similar
to, "Yes teacher?!?" "No, I wasn't daydreaming."
The Do's
and Don'ts of Trolling
Trolling can be one of the most productive ways to scour a lake for fish.
However, for those that believe it's simply a matter of tossing out a lure
and cranking up the motor, it can also be one of the worst. Like
everything in fishing, the art of trolling takes specific knowledge and
techniques in order to catch our aquatic friends on a consistent basis.
Adhere to the following fundamentals, and watch your trolling prowess grow
in leaps and bounds.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Watch
those Fingers!
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.
Sight
Fishing 101" By Justin Hoffman
Nothing can get the heart pumping or the nerves shaking as much as seeing
a chunky bass slowly swim up to your chosen bait, engulfing it in one fell
swoop. Sight fishing is a productive and versatile technique that requires
a set of trained eyes, as well as a concentrated mental focus. Come and
join me as I explain how to go about spotting fish well before you cast to
them - it may sound backwards, but the astonishing results certainly won't
lie.
Downrigger-less Depth Control Options
On tiny or remote lakes especially, packing in even the smallest portable
downrigger isn't always feasible. If you need to get your bait down
thirty, forty even fifty feet, what do you do? With a handful of basic
rigging options and boat control techniques, you can work deeper than you
might think, putting your presentation right in the thick of things.
Documenting Pays Dividends
Your sister likely kept it under lock
and key and buried beneath the mattress. Scribed in it, were the pieces to
the puzzle of her life, some chronological and factual, others whimsical
and emotional. Whatever its contents, though, they mattered.
Coping With
Cold Fronts
A general lack of fishing success can occur for a number of different
reasons. Common excuses can range from "the water was too dirty" to "the
fish were all sleeping," with hundreds more available to protect our thin
skin. Putting the blame on a cold front is a valid reason for
fishless days, and in the case of this weather-related occurrence, the
odds are often stacked against you from the minute your first cast is
taken.
Closing the
Deal: Hooking Light Biters
At some point in everyone's angling experience we have been out-fished by
someone. The reasons vary but one major factor for success is how well you
can detect subtle strikes. This skill is particularly important when ice
fishing. Perch, walleye, crappie and trout are all guilty, at times, of
being light biters during the hard-water season. Here are some tips to
help you hone your sensitivity to strikes.
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