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The Draw of Kayak Fishing
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Staff reviews on The Total Fishing Manual (Canadian Edition) and more!
Mike Zilkowsky shares his thoughts on the growing trend of kayak fishing.
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Don’t Overlook Rip Rap Banks
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Collector’s Corner A look at legendary Canadian tackle maker Lucky Strike Bait Works
12 #AppsForAnglers Fishing Pics Chicks from 30 Fishin’ The Chive
The General Keeps on Truckin’ Chevy pro Larry “The General” Nixon has been making his living on the water for 37 years
Tips on an often overlooked area on lakes that just might land you fish!
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iFish Picks
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Stopping Invasive Species Tips for anglers to do their part in stopping the spread of invasive species in our waters
California Jalapeño Trout Recipe
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iFish #Hashtags
A note from the Editor...
iFish Magazine ™ - Volume 2, Issue 2 Summer 2014 EDITORS Randy Chamzuk, Marcel Schoenhardt DESIGN Marcel Schoenhardt CONTRIBUTIONS Stephanie Wakelin, Cody Osborne, Mike Zilkowsky, Jody White, Phil Rowley, Patrick Daradick, Lawrence Taylor, Rachel Moffatt
Try to Fly I’ve been traveling around western Canada since I was a young boy. I can’t recall how many times I’ve been standing next to a river wishing I knew how to fly fish. For some reason, I just never took it up, even though I love to fish. Perhaps it seemed complicated, took too much time to learn, or maybe just
iFish Magazine™ is published by: QDI Group of Companies 9320 49th St. Edmonton, AB T6B 2L7 Tel (780) 466-2535
the cost of building up a new inventory of gear. Whatever it was, I always had an excuse. This spring, we launched rivers & streams into our iFish Alberta App and this latest issue of the magazine has a deep focus on Fly Fishing. I must say that it has stirred up something inside me and I am going to do it, for real this time. I encourage you to as well.
COPYRIGHT INFORMATION All Contents copyrighted. All rights reserved. Reproduction of any material without prior written consent from the publisher is strictly prohibited. Printed in Canada. iFish Magazine™ is not responsible for researching the accuracy of the contents published in iFish Magazine™. Readers are advised that the use of the information contained within is at their own risk and neither party assumes any risk or liability for it.
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GET PUBLISHED! Want a Product Reviewed? Got a Great Article to Share? Take some Awesome Photos? Send them to contribute@iFishMagazine.com
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By Mike Zilkowsky Chances are in the past few years you have seen more than a few anglers fishing out of kayaks. With a closer view, you will see that these anglers are rigged up and ready to give any fish a run for its money. Over the past few years, kayak fishing has become the fastest growing area of the fishing industry. More manufacturers are jumping on board and we are starting to see kayaks that are built as pure fishing machines. Let me explain why this has become such a popular way to fish.
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THE DRAWS OF KAYAK FISHING An angler can get a fishing kayak, paddle and personal floatation device (PFD) for around $500 on the bottom end. Average prices for a fishing kayak, good paddle and good PFD will be closer to $1,500, with the top end being closer to $3,000. While the high end kayaks are out of reach for a lot of anglers; an investment of $1,500 will get you into a great fishing kayak, a lightweight paddle and a PFD designed for kayak fishing. Fishing kayaks come in two styles, the traditional sit-in kayak and the sit-on-top kayak. Both have advantages and disadvantages. More and more though, anglers are favoring the sit-on-top kayak for the limitless possibilities of rigging options and stability. They say “necessity is the mother of invention” and let me tell you, invention has favored the fishing kayak! Newer hull designs provide more stability than ever before and continued advancements in seat designs allow anglers to comfortably be on the water for 1012+ hours. No longer do anglers have to drive around looking for a boat launch. They simply unload their kayak from their vehicle, throw their gear aboard and head out fishing. With new plastic materials being used for the hulls and integrated skid plates on the stern, these kayaks can be dragged through the bush or across the ground to the launch. Add on a kayak cart and you have an easy method to transport your kayak across that crowded, paved, parking lot and avoid the wait at the launch. Another advantage of kayak fishing is the ability to load your kayak onto any vehicle and head out. Whether you are loading up kayaks on your truck, minivan or small car
there is no need to upgrade your current vehicle. Innovations in kayak paddles have lead to the creation of super lightweight paddles made from incredibly durable materials. Today’s paddles are constructed from carbon fiber and fiberglass, weighing 25-32 ounces and ranging in size from 185 cm to 250 cm. With options like ergonomic bent shafts, lure retrieval hooks and integrated measuring devices anglers can match the paddle for their paddling type and application. Trust me when I say that the change has been great. My first paddle was a basic aluminum paddle with plastic blades but I’m now on the kayak with an adjustable length carbon fiber paddle that has an ergo shaft and foam core. I can barely tell that I have anything in my hands when I am out on the water fishing. Gone are the days of a life jacket that is one size fits all. With numerous PFD manufacturers out there, the PFD is now selected based on comfort, size, gender and intended use. Companies are now constantly listening to their prostaff and consumers for creative input. PFD’s of today are designed to replace the old bulky, bright orange lifejackets with sleek, well-designed, comfortable jackets that anglers will actually wear for the entire day on the water. Kayak fishing specific PFD’s now come with mesh lower backs for comfort, multiple pockets for gear and new foam technology to reduce the bulk. Add in the fact that most now have 7-9 adjustment buckles and multiple gear pockets and it is easy to see why anglers are comfortable wearing these all day on the water.
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THE DRAWS OF KAYAK FISHING I could get into the specific accessories used by kayak anglers for outfitting their kayaks, but it varies based on personal preference, is particular to species and a whole article unto itself. One thing is for certain, kayak manufacturers are constantly striving to improve their designs and incorporate angler’s needs like built in rod holders, sonar and transducer mounts and integrated tackle storage.
About the Author ::: Mike Zilkowsky is an average, ordinary, everyday Alberta fisherman. Only he does it from a kayak in a province where most people fish from an expensive powerboat. www.facebook.com/pikeyaker | https://pikeyaker.wordpress.com
We are now seeing that more and more stores in Canada and the US stocking fishing kayaks and making it easier for anglers to access a wide price point of kayaking equipment. Add to that, the introduction of kayak specific fishing rods that float and come with tethering features. Now that anglers are realizing they can fish waters that were inaccessible before while getting a little exercise, there is a constant increase in the popularity of the sport and kayak-specific tournaments to take part in like the annual Eastslope Kayak Fishing Classic held in Alberta each June open to anglers in solo manpowered water crafts. If having the ability to fish any body of water, anywhere, anytime sounds like something you might be interested in, stop by your local retailer and check out the newest fishing kayaks. Hopefully, we will see you out paddling on the water.
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iHunt Alberta has arrived! Last hunting season, we successfully released our iHunt Alberta app, providing hunters in Alberta with a complete mobile hunting guide without the need for a cell or wifi connection! We were very excited for the launch of this app - the first of many in our iHunt Series of Apps. We plan on releasing more provinces and states in the future. The app features a familiar interface for any iFish user, meaning there’s very little learning involved with this intuitive, easy-to-use app. Some features available in iHunt Alberta include; Hunting Regulations and Seasons, WMU maps and legal descriptions and even which Alberta Conservation Association hunting sites are available in each WMU (an exclusive feature). We continue to thank you all for your support and enthusiasm for our apps!
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By Lawrence Taylor Bass anglers often fly wide open right past one of the best locations on almost any lake, and it’s so easy to see that even non-fishermen know where to find it. It’s riprap, those rocks and chunks of concrete stacked along shore to prevent erosion, and there are a bunch of reasons bass love it. Riprap creates a great spawning site for shad during the late spring, and produces the algae these baitfish feed on during summer and fall. Other forage such as crawfish and aquatic insects also makes their homes in the rocks. Just the food factor alone makes riprap a productive bass fishing hotspot. “What’s neat about riprap is that bass use it multiple times throughout the year,” said Alabama guide and tournament angler jimmy Mason. “I start fishing riprap in winter and catch bass off of it throughout the year with the exception of the hottest summer days.” Mason guides anglers on Guntersville and Wilson Lakes, and said that he may spend less time fishing riprap on his home lakes than when fishing a tournament on a less familiar bodyof water. That’s because each stretch of riprap features only a few hotspots, and once these sweet spots are located they can be quickly fished.
Mason placed 2nd and 4th in two Weekend Series, North Alabama Division, tournaments last year at Guntersville and Wheeler lakes, and he mined riprap areas in both tournaments. He weighed in a limit of almost 29 pounds at the Wheeler event and logged a bass weighing 8.94 pounds at Guntersville. “At the Guntersville tournament I started on what is probably the least productive riprap bridge area, but I didn’t have the competition there like the other stretches of riprap,” he said. “I caught all of my fish on a Flash Mob Jr. with Mud Minnows, and in the next tournament (at Wheeler), three of the five bass I weighed came on the same thing.” Mason knew the riprap areas like his own back yard at these tournaments. When fishing an unfamiliar stretch, however, he first idles along the entire length and checks it out with his electronics to identify potential sweet spots. He pays special attention to areas with a steeper grade than the rest, as well as larger-than-average boulders, points, corners and other “different” structure. Mason says that bass pull away from the edges of riprap and start schooling and holding in deeper water when water
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DON’T OVERLOOK RIPRAP BANKS temperatures rise above 70 degrees, but come back in fall as the temps hit 75 and falling. “Once the bass spawn and the shad spawn is over, I become much more deep-water oriented,” he said. The shad spawn is a key time to focus on riprap. All of the cracks and crevices in the structure make for a perfect spawning areas for the baitfish. Because shad spawn in the early morning, he’s sure to make riprap his first stop. When the sun hits the water the spawn is pretty much done for the day, so he’s quick to move to other areas or pull off the bank to deeper water. Three lures excel during the shad spawn on riprap banks. Mason says that a wacky rigged 5-inch YUM Dinger in Watermelon Red or Bream is a key bait. Not only does it allow him to thoroughly fish an area slowly, but the rig’s attitude in the water keeps it from slipping into the rocks and snagging. He selects the Watermelon Red color if the water is clear, and Bream if there’s some stain to it.
in Foxy Shad or Foxy Momma, depending on water color,” he said, “or a 5/16-ounce Bed Bug with the smallest size Craw Papi as a trailer.” At times, all other lures take a backseat to the Flash Mob Jr. Mason throws the rig from fall until the fish are ready to get on beds in the springtime. He rigs it with YUM Mud Minnows or the new 2 ½-inch Money Minnows. Of note: Mason says that in the Tennessee River impoundments he fishes most, riprap comes into play during the actual spawn. Many marinas and bays are protected by stretches of riprap, and bass find the calm waters on the inside of these bays perfect for building nests. “In our area when you’re fishing for bedded fish you can’t see them,” he said. “Those areas protected by riprap are highpercentage areas for bedded bass.” Mason’s lure selection for these bedded bass is the same 5-inch YUM Dinger he throws for post-spawn fish on riprap.
He also throws a ½-ounce Booyah Blade double willow leaf spinnerbait in Snow White or White Chartreuse, again selecting color patterns depending on water clarity, Snow White in clear water and White Chartreuse in stained. He says he knows when he’s in the right areas when he feels the shad hitting the bait on the retrieve, or sees shad following the bait to the boat.
“You’ve fooled those shad into believing your spinnerbait blades are other shad and they’re trying to spawn with them,” he said. “When you see that, you’re fixin’ to get into them.” His final lure is an XCalibur Xcs100 square lip crankbait. Later he adds a small topwater popper like the Zell Pop to his arsenal. Then, when fall kicks in and brings cooler waters, he may throw a shaky head with a 6- or 4-inch Mighty Worm. “In wintertime, it’s the 4 ½-inch Suspending Rattlin’ Rogue
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Want your photo featured? Tag your Instragram pics with #AppsForAnglers and we’ll re-post the best ones! iFish Magazine : : : 12
Tips for taking a great fish photo! Try to fill the whole frame, avoid using zoom To get the best color of the fish, take it right after being caught, with no dirt or blood on the fish Make sure your hands are wet and use both hands, make sure you don’t squeeze it’s stomach Hold the fish horizontally, supporting near its head with one hand and the other near its tail Extend yours out in front of you, hold the head slightly closer to the camera, this makes the fish appear larger Face toward the sun, take off sunglasses & smile
Want your photo featured? Tag your Instragram pics with #AppsForAnglers and we’ll re-post the best ones! iFish Magazine : : : 13
By Patrick Daradick
This Canadian fishing tackle manufacturer began exactly 85 years ago in the city Of Peterborough, Ontario. A feat that has been achieved by a dedicated family who has persevered many obstacles, like World war ll and the overseas competition, during the amazing life of Lucky Strike Bait Works. The founder of this successful company was Mr. Frank Edgar; nicknamed “Red” or “Rusty.” He and his wife were both raised on Sherbrooke Street in Peterborough. After a venture to work for Fisher Bodies in Detroit, Frank found himself unable to find work during the depression and returned to Peterborough. The family settled into his wife Elsie’s widowed father’s home on Sherbrooke Street. Frank found work in the tool room of a local dairy as a machine manufacturer for 35 cents an hour. Then, in 1929, also 85 years ago, son Bill was born into the family.
Frank was an ardent fisherman, living along the banks of the Otonabee River with access to the bountiful surrounding waters such as Rice Lake and the Trent River. Rusty said “I always liked fishing and I ran out of plugs. We didn’t have the money to buy them, so it was either make your own or quit fishing. I made a small wood lathe out of bed angle irons, had it in an old garage at the back of the house. My wife suggested I make my own plugs. I did out of one her old broom handles. I caught four fish in one day, each from five to seven pounds. A friend saw them and asked where I got my bait, so I told him and he bought one off of me for 50cents.” And so a business was born. Encouraged, Frank started selling his wood plugs in the local pool hall and barbershop. “People bought them. They caught fish with them, ” he recalled. With broomsticks difficult to carve, Frank’s first plugs were heavy and basic so he changed to cedar - using old fence rails
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for material. Frank’s big break came when a representative from Direct Factory Sales of Toronto, Ontario – the largest wholesaler of fishing tackle in Canada at the time – noticed a display of his lures in the barbershop. The fellow contacted Frank to inquire if a large order of plugs was possible.
Frank’s idea was to design lures and lure boxes to attract and lure the fisherman andhis marketing technics were successful.
Franks says “I thought he meant, say a 25 or 30 dozenlot, and I said ‘sure’. He told me to send him 10,000 plugs in three months time to catch the seasonal demands. I quit the separator job and began making plugs full time.”
In 1939 Frank awoke from a sleep one night to complete a lure design that ended up being a trademark invention. Called the “Submarine Bait,” this idea was to place a valve on the bottom of this plastic plug. With thevalve closed, the lure would float, and once opened to allow water inside, the lure would sink. The lure turned out to be a great success.
The first order of 10,000 plugs was all for one specific plug;
Lucky Strike would add many lures, wood, plastic and metal,
a metal-lipped, three inch lure later named the Little Scamp Minnow. This was the lure that launched the company.
to their inventory through the years. In the late 1930’s Lucky Strike designed another brand of lures, sold as the BetterLuck brand. A move that enhanced sales, this allowed them to sell to various stores without conflict.
The first company was at 505 Sherbrooke Street, behind the family home. Frank’s wife, Elsie, became the company bookkeeper and was in charge of the financial end. With the Scamp Minnow gaining popularity, Frank began to add new lures to his inventory. It was time to legally incorporate the business and name the company. The name Lucky Strike was chosen via a public contest. Frank was a great inventor of many lure designs and styles, but he also possessed the flair to market his lures. Unlike other lure companies he always seemed to produce a box style with each lure design invented. These boxes were as attractive as the lures themselves.
In 1950, Frank’s son Bill Edgar joined the company. Within a short time, Bill, who was learned in the tool and die trade, took up the reins as General Works Manager. This allowed Rusty to spend more time fishing and experimenting with Lucky Strike lures. When Frank passed away in 1979, the family business was well entrenched and was passed on to very capable hands. Frank’s son, Bill, and his wife Cora, assumed the helm of the business. Today, Bill and his wife Cora have retired from a lifelong family dream and their daughter and son-in-law, Mary and Kim Rhodes, are the general managers of the Lucky Strike Bait Works. The next generation continues with the Rhodes’ son, Dustin, taking an active role in the business. Bill and Cora’s youngest daughter, Diana, also works diligently for the company. Vintage Lucky Strike lures are one of more sought after lures today for collectors of antique fishing gear. With the numerous designs and lure boxes they are cherished in any collection.
Patrick is an avid collector of vintage fishing lures, having been at it for over 24 years. You can learn more about him, and his collection, at www.ontariolures.com.
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The Total Fishing Manual - Canadian Edition Book Review Cover-to-cover, the new Canadian Edition of The Total Fishing Manual, from the publishers of Field & Stream, is jam-packed with 333 hard-core fishing tips. Divided into three categories of Tools, Techniques and Tactics, authors Joe Cremele and Brad Fenson, showcase stunning photography and illustrations when discussing conventional freshwater, fly and even some saltwater fishing. The book opens with the 15 Greatest Lures Of All Time, followed by 15 of the most innovative new lures to land trophy fish. Speaking of which, name your species and you’ll find tips in this book like catching trout on pink popcorn, adding flavor to a salmon lure, tagteaming winter perch, and our favorite, becoming a walleye puppet master. Available in hard and soft copy at outdoor stores, Walmart and major bookstores. If you divert your spending from fishing tackle, rods and reels anywhere else, choose The Total Fishing Manual Canadian Edition!
Rage Fish Attractants – Liquid Mayhem Product Review
Rapala Rattlin’ Minnow Spoon - Product Review
Canadian newcomers Rage Fish Attractants Inc. have launched Liquid Mayhem in three new flavors. Testing this product ourselves, we noticed the rich aroma of the real ingredients of crawfish (bass), minnows/garlic (walleye) and panfish (pike/musky). Applied to soft plastics, hard baits, spoons and even feather trailers on spinners, Liquid Mayhem lasted 5 casts longer than traditional chemical attractants and can be trolled confidently knowing a scent trail is being created for up to 15 minutes. From the 2-ounce tubes pours the reddish, longlasting sticky matrix so it’s recommend you have a towel on board to keep your hands and reels tidy.
The newly improved Rapala Rattlin’ Minnow Spoon now comes in nine attractive color patterns with 3D eyes. Its weedless design is great for luring pike and bass in weeded cover thanks to the wide gap VMC® black nickel single hook and weed guard. Added to this must-have lure is the internal rattle chamber which omits a wounded baitfish sound from the 3 ¼” body weighing 1/2oz. The Rattlin’ Minnow has an irregular sweeping action, similar to the Scatter Rap, which landed big walleye when trolled. Retailing at $8.99, the Rattlin’ Minnow Spoon is a welcome re-addition to your tackle boxes.
Have a product you’d like us to review? Get in touch via email at contribute@ifishmagazine.com
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Improvements, Updates and What’s Yet to Come... Trending Topics :::
@Marchand07: “@iFishAlberta The iFish App is great for all types of fishing enthusiasts. It’s as good as being able to use LIVE BAIT!!!” @Dalecamp723m: “@iFishSask you gotta use this app sweet for keeping you informed an up to date on your local lakes.”
We’ve taken over our social media with weekly trending topics. We frequent #TroutTuesday #WalleyeWednesday & #FishinFridays each week across our Facebook, Twitter & Instagram. Much like a brag board for users, send in your photos through any of our social media’s & we will repost in accordance to the trends! And really, what’s better than bragging your catches? #AWESOME.
Most active lakes in Canada ::: Where’s everyone’s favorite fishing holes across Canada? These lakes have the most Views, HotSpots and Lake Feedbacks; making them the most active lakes in our iFish Series.
@sikfoto: “I use iFish Ontario. Incredible in depth app @appsforanglers” @the.crappie.kid: “You guys got the best app ever! iFish Illinois FTW @appsforanglers”
Bob Izumi: “What a fantastic tool! This is a must have app for any angler.”
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Early season fly fishing strategies from Phil Rowley, and everything you need for your stillwater fly bag! PLUS! Our favorite fly fishing lures for this summer Photo by Florian Maldoner
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Early Season Fly Strategies By Phil Rowley It’s always darkest before the dawn, at least that’s the way it seems as a new stillwater season approaches. Anxious fly fishers scour the web, local tackle shops, close and distant friends for any signs of ice off. The gossip this frenzy creates rivals that of Hollywood at times, or so it appears. Some years the anxiety seems a little worse than others. Mother Nature often refuses to release her winter grip and reports of sizeable snowfalls and dense ice abound, Tunkwa Lake for instance at the time of writing still had over twenty inches of ice. Some seasons I have been fortunate to get onto an interior lake early and feel the charge of the first Rainbow of the season. We still have to contend with shoreline ice but the effort is well worth it. Five pound fish hooked in less than five feet of water are excitable and tough to manage. Fly fishers yearn for these types of problems! Immediately after ice off the water temperature hovers in the low forties and is generally too cold to instigate any hatches. Trapped by winter stratification trout are prisoners of the shallows making them an ideal quarry for the fly fisher
Often sluggish from their winter sojourn pre turnover trout often need to be shaken into biting. It is during these times anglers should prey upon a trout’s naturally aggressive disposition. Patterns should be a bit on the glitzy side and animated through material choice and presentation. Two of the primary food sources available to trout at this time are leeches and water boatman. Leeches are year round food source most fly fishers are familiar with but water boatman are not always considered an early spring option. Water boatman are one of the few active food sources and coupled with their air breathing lifestyle are prisoners of the shallows too. A combination pre turnover trout find hard to resist. Early season water boatman are in the latter stages of their one-year life cycle. Mating in the previous fall the females have laid their eggs and will soon be replaced by their prodigy.
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When it comes to material selection for water boatmen and leeches the focus should be on the brighter side of the dial. Crystal Chenille is an excellent material for both. Maroon, peacock, brown and olive are great colors for leech and boatman designs.
The Black Beaver and Tan is a great early season pattern
Try twisting different colors together to create further distinctive looks. Peacock and maroon is a great leech combination while a blend of silver and pearlescent simulates the trapped air bubble water boatman carry around on their sub surface jaunts. Another interesting option is the use of Krystal Flash dubbing loops. A body created through a combination of Krystal Flash and dubbing appears to have an inner glow offering a subtle but attractive appeal. The trick to this method is controlling the Krystal Flash while creating the dubbing loop. Use the left hand (for right handed tiers) to separate the strands; typically two of differing colors, until the loop is formed and a dubbing hook or twister is inserted. At the risk of self-promotion take a look at my new book,
Fly Patterns for Stillwaters for further explanation. My version of the popular Dazzle Leech and Krystal Boatman utilize this tying technique. Other materials worthy of consideration include Super Floss, rubber hackle and Sili Legs. These materials have a life of their own and provide a saucy wiggle to many flies including dragon nymphs, water boatman, generic nymphs and yes, even leeches. Large Girdle Bugs, Yuk Bugs and other rubber legged river offerings have often worked wonders on early season trout. Don’t forget the value of gold, silver and copper beads either. The flash and action they provide to flies year round pays big dividends and practically no leech pattern should be without them. Natural materials to include in this synthetic concoction include soft hackles such as pheasant rump, grouse and guinea along with everyone’s stillwater favorite, marabou. Rabbit and fox aren’t bad choices either. Try sprinkling a touch of Angel Hair in the tail for further attractive shimmer. The pre turnover season is brief, typically less than 2 weeks. Once the ice has left the lake the waters soon warm to the same level and turnover occurs. Chironomids and other emergences begin with somewhat predictable regularity. The loud and obnoxious patterns take a back seat to more suggestive and subtle designs. But by planning for this brief intro to a new season we can maximize the beginning we have all been yearning for.
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Stillwater Kit Bag By Phil Rowley
Variables are part of a stillwater fly fishers life, some they control, some they do not. Fly fishers have no control
compartments, pockets and sections to house a wide array of gear. Compartmentalized bags allow fly fishers to sort
over environmental variables such as water temperature, barometric pressure and wind. Equipment on the other hand is controllable. From personal experience focusing what can be controlled better prepares an angler for what cannot. Fly fishers confident in their equipment from a quality, performance and availability point of view are better prepared for Mother Nature’s curveballs, able to focus on the challenge at hand. Rods and reels are a natural. However, on any given day or outing it is the little things or details as they are so often referred to that make the difference. In equipment terms this means a well stocked organized kit bag. The stillwater water nerve center if you will.
and store equipment in a logical easy to find fashion. Angler discipline is required to make sure items are put back in their place. This is not always easy during the course of a day and often contents become disheveled. Look for a bag with good strong zipper systems. A reliable set of zippers ensures items stay on board from the car or boat or during a walk through the woods to the shoreline. Be wary of bags that have pockets that zip around 90 degree corners.
The first stop on any kit bag tour is the kit bag itself. A suitable kit bag must be portable and compact with enough
These can be challenging to close once loaded and in some instances cause the zippers to split. A shoulder strap is another handy feature as this allows rods, landing nets, coolers and kit bag to be portaged in one trip. A trait all men are familiar with. Water resistance is paramount, especially if the kit bag is also home to camera equipment.
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Most quality gear bags are waterproof or some come with waterproof covers in the event of a damp day, if fly fishing during torrential rain is your thing chose a water proof bag.
line is ideal for working deep reaches, stripping leeches and dragon patterns over the shoals or crawling buoyant flies over sunken weeds and debris.
At first glance there appears to be lots of room in an empty kit bag. One might ask, “How am I going to fill this thing?” Don’t worry it doesn’t take long. There are six main categories to consider when outfitting a gear bag; reel spools/lines, leaders and tippet, accessories, fly boxes, safety and comfort and finally miscellaneous items.
Leaders and tippet the critical connection between fly and angler and are sometimes overlooked. Depending upon leader set up preference carry butt material for long leader setups or braided loops. I use both types of leader connection depending on the line and presentation. For example, for a floating line long leader system I always begin with 2-3 feet of .025”to .030” butt section and add a tapered leader and tippet for length. Carry a good selection of tapered leaders from 9 to 15 feet.
The number of extra spools and lines fly fishers stash in their bag depends upon time of the year, physical make up of the lake, number of fly rods and a dash of personal preference. I prefer two rods strung and ready, typically a floating line, with or without indicator, and a clear intermediate. Experience has taught me 2 rods are best, especially when fishing with more than one person. In addition to the rigged rods include an additional floating line. A second floating line can be particularly handy during a chironomid emergence. Where regulations allow, an angler can work two floating lines, one with and indicator and one without. Working down the depth chart a traditional intermediate would be next. Depending upon the manufacture these sink slower than most clear intermediates which tend to sink a type 2 rate. Intermediates are the perfect choice for creeping scuds, leeches or damsel nymphs over shoals or along shorelines. A clear tip line is also an excellent addition. This line is ideal for deep, long leader nymphing, as well as working flies through the shallows. Clear tip lines offer a different retrieve angle that can be all the difference. A selection of full sinking lines, typically type 3 and 6, rounds out line selection. The type 6
Never leave home without a good selection of leaders and tippet.
Breaking strains should vary from 3X down through 5X depending upon conditions. As a general rule the clearer the water the finer the leader and tippet. Tippet spools should match leader strength in both fluorocarbon and co-polymer. Fluorocarbon is the preferred choice for clear conditions and sunk flies. Co-polymer tippet is fine for stained waters and dry fly presentations as it does not drag flies beneath the surface. This is often the case with fluorocarbon. Accessories are the catch basin for many items in a well stocked kit bag. Thermometers are a critical tool as water temperature dictates fish activity and feeding as well as insect emergences. Knowing the preferred temperature range of rainbow trout (55F-65F) allows fly fishers to eliminate non productive water. Using a traditional thermometer on a string, anglers can vertically probe the water and locate fish. When it comes to nippers have good pair or even better two. Personally this is an accessory I lose often, either in the rubble of the boat or accidentally over the side. Placing nippers on a retractor and attaching them on the shirt or jacket is advised. Hemostats or forceps crimp barbs, remove hooks from fish and friends, transfer fly lines even set indicator depth. A bell sinker also works for fine tuning indicator depth. If possible look for a pair with cutters and other handy add-ons. To transfer a fly line using forceps reel the leader back to the reel. Clamp on the forceps between the stripping guide and the reel preventing the leader from snaking back through the guides. Cut the leader and replace the spool. Reattach the leader to the new line and you are ready to go. No more adventures standing in a boat feeding line through rod guides. A clothes peg also
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works. Knot tyers for forming nail knots are handy if attaching leaders or butt sections to a fly line is a preferred set up. In our indicator world carry a good selection of sizes, types and colors. Corkies and yarn are personal favourites. Yarn indicators cast easily and work well in shallow clear waters where the splat and look of a corky may spook wary trout. When using floating lines in windy conditions weight is often needed to aid presentation. Include a selection of split shot or nontoxic putty. Barrel swivels are another option. A small bag of #12-#16 swivels should suffice. Other accessories include floatant, leader sinkant and line cleaner. Use both paste and powder floatant. Apply paste floatant prior to casting. Dry fly powders are a desiccant that quickly dry sunk or trout slobbered flies. Sinkant degreases leaders and tippet, a necessary step when fishing dry flies on calm clear days. Throat pumps are a valuable accessory but should only be used on fish larger than 14 inches and if the angler is comfortable doing so. A vial or white tray allows for clear inspection of the contents guiding fly selection and determining feeding depth. Bottom dwelling contents would suggest presenting patterns just above the weeds. Conversely, emergers and adults would indicate fish are cruising near the surface.
Accessories tend to be small but critical to an enjoyable day on the water.
After years of experimenting I prefer smaller fly boxes that store easily in the kit bag. Use a label maker to identify the contents so time isn’t wasted looking for a favourite pattern. Clear compartmentalized boxes are ideal for dry flies as they tend not to squash hackle. Choose a sorting system that makes sense, I tend to group mine by food type; chironomids, caddis and mayflies, leeches, dragons and damsels, scuds,
boatman and backswimmers and dry flies. These groupings were in a state of flux but in recent years have remained steady and reliable. Safety and comfort items typically have nothing directly to do with fishing but everything with an enjoyable day on the water. Polarized sunglasses are probably the one exception. In addition to providing eye protection from errant flies polarized sunglasses are critical to penetrating the sun’s glare and seeing into the water. Underwater obstructions, weed beds, drop offs, migrating invertebrates and cruising fish are easily seen. Keep the glasses in a protective case when not in use and make a regular habit of cleaning the lens. Sunscreen and lip balm are recommended kit bag additions, especially for the fair skinned. Band-Aids manage small nicks and cuts as well as providing fore finger relief from line burns caused by fleeing trout. A small bottle of Aspirin, Advil or Tylenol handles any dehydration headaches that pop up. A roll of toilet paper in a Ziploc bag is a welcome sight for obvious reasons. Finally, keep a small towel in the bag for wiping wet hands. On cool days letting hands dry through evaporation leads to frigid digits in short order. With every storage system there are a few items that slide neatly into the miscellaneous category. Never leave the shore without a camera. A DSLR or small point and shoot system adds to the experience providing lasting memories. Include a pen and note pad in a plastic bag to record detailed notes of the day’s experiences and observations. This habit reduces the learning curve as important items are not forgotten. Keep track of everything, including weather patterns, diet analysis, hatches, successful patterns, structure types, leader set ups, presentation techniques and any general observations. This information is key to a fly fishers growth and development. Last but not least don’t forget the fishing license. A well thought out and stocked kit bag plays a pivotal but often unrecognized role fly fishing stillwaters. Knowing it is complete and stocked provides an anchor to rely on. There are enough uncontrollable aspects to a day’s fishing. Having something in the fly fishers favour keeps some of these variables at bay enabling angler focus and concentration.
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BEHOLD. THE LONGEST SPLIT SECOND IN THE UNIVERSE. The big one? Or the one that got away? What you do with your wrist in the next fraction of a second decides it. Tick, tock.
ONLY WHOLESALE SPORTS IS AS OBSESSED WITH FISHING AS YOU ARE. AND WE HAVE THE PEOPLE AND GEAR TO PROVE IT. FIND YOUR LOCAL STORE AT WHOLESALESPORTS.COM
NYMPHS
DRY FLIES
Gut Bomb Blood Worm
Prince Nymph
Elk Hair Caddis
Try fishing Chironomids two different ways - with an indicator or ‘naked’. Attach a small foam strike indicator to your leader while using a fully floating line and leave the correct distance for your presentation below the surface. Anglers can also cast their lines without an indicator and slowly retrieve their line in.
A great fly for scouting fish especially when used in a dual nymph dropper rig where regulations permit. Tie your rig with a fluorocarbon tippet material to help line sink quickly. If you require a faster sink rate add a small split shot.
Invented by the legendary Montana guide and fly tier Al Troth, the elk hair used in this pattern is highly visible and durable. Strategies for Elk Hair Caddis include dead drifting under bank side vegetation and ‘skittering’ or ‘skating’ the fly by gently shaking the rod tip to create uniform “waves” into your fly-line.
STREAMERS
Mosquito Dry Fly
Wooly Bugger
Muddler Minnow
If you find yourself being swarmed by these insects, consider it time to tie on a mosquito dry fly. Cast this pattern either dead drifted or ‘skittered’ across the surface and select sizes and tippets accordingly.
The Wooly Bugger is generally fished close to or on the bottom. Experiment with different weights to achieve the right sinking speed or you can also dread-drift, swing, bottom-bounce or fast strip this fly pattern.
Great for trout fishing, this pattern can be fished several ways including floated like a grasshopper, stripped through deep pools and across the water’s surface like a mouse or as a damselfly nymph. Use a Black Muddler for dark water or low-light conditions.
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PREP TIME 30 minutes COOK TIME 20 minutes SERVINGS 4 fish packets DIFFICULTY LEVEL Medium WHAT YOU’LL NEED
DIRECTIONS Preheat a grill for medium heat, and place the rack 3 inches over the coals
1
In a medium bowl, mix together the green onions, cilantro, jalapeno pepper, bell pepper, mango, olive oil, lime juice, garlic salt, and black pepper; set aside.
2
4 Whole Trout, cleaned 4 Medium green onions, chopped 1/2 cup Peeled, diced, ripe mango 1 bunch cilantro, chopped 3 Medium fresh jalapeno peppers, chopped 1/4 cup Extra-Virgin olive oile
Lightly coat 4 squares of foil with olive oil or cooking spray. Place fish diagonally on the foil, and stuff each with ¼ of the mango stuffing. If it doesn’t all fit inside the fish, then just place the remainder on top of the fish. Fold the corners of the foil over the head and tail of the first then fold the remaining corners over the body.
3
4
Cook the packets on both sides for about 20 minutes total, until the fish has cooked and flakes easily
1/2 cup Bell Peppers, diced 2 tbsp lime juice To Taste Garlic Salt & Black Pepper
Plenty of Options! This recipe is great for any type of fish! A recommended garnish for the dish includes spinach salad or coleslaw. Not a fan of jalapenos? Try olives instead!
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Rainbow Trout Also Known As: Oncorhynchus mykiss, rainbow, bows, trout, redband
About Rainbow Trout
World Record Rainbow Trout
48lbs 0oz
Rainbow Trout are olive green with heavy black spotting, silver sides with a redish stripe along its side from gill to tail, and a light belly. Rainbow Trout that are found in the Great Lakes are silver with dark spots and do not have the pink stripe.
Lake Diefenbaker, SK; September 2009 (courtesy of IGFA) US Record Rainbow Trout
33lbs 1oz Kootenai River, Montana; 1997
Tips for Catching Rainbows Rainbows actively feed in the morning (from dawn until mid morning) and early evening (dusk to dawn).
Average length: 2.5 - 11� Average weight: 0.11 - 8.8 lbs
In lakes, try chironomid pupas, scud flies and leach patterns when on the fly and spinners, small plugs and jigs.
Can withstand fluctuating water temperatures from 32F to over 80F Rainbows live on average between six to ten years Most landlocked Rainbows spawn during the first half of the year, from January to July Found in moderately deep, cool lakes with adequate shallows, and in shallow rivers with gravel bottoms
For rivers and streams try deeper runs, tailouts and currents near over-hanging trees where insects are often blown or fall into the water and bows let current bring food to them. Add these flies to successful lures: Elk hair emergers, blue winged olives, wooly buggers, coachmens and prince nymphs. Popular bait includes powerbait, deli shrimp, dew worms and salmon eggs.
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THE GENERAL KEEPS ON TRUCKIN’
“The kids these days don’t know how good they’ve got it. We used to have to use paper maps and trees as landmarks to stay on a spot”
Chevy pro Larry “The General” Nixon has been making his living on the water for 37 years – the last 17 of them on the highest-paying tournament circuit in bass fishing, the Walmart FLW Tour. At 63 years old, Nixon is far from resting on his laurels and coasting to the end of his career. As recently as 2012, he won an FLW Tour event on Lake St. Clair and he’s currently sitting in 38th place in the 2014 FLW Tour Kellogg’s Angler of the Year standings, just three spots out of the top 35 and qualifying for the Forrest Wood Cup. “I think I’ve got a real good chance to make the Forrest Wood Cup again,” said Nixon. “Pickwick and Kentucky Lake are both on the Tennessee River, and I consider fishing the deep ledges of the TVA one of my strong suits.” The 2014 Forrest Wood Cup is scheduled for Aug. 14-17 on Lake Murray in South Carolina. Nixon placed 38th when the Cup was held on Murray in 2008, the worst finish of his career. Nevertheless, the Bee Branch, Arkansas native remains optimistic about his chances this year. “Lake Murray is a great lake. It’s full of fish, and it will be hot and tough in August. I like my chances anywhere we go in the summertime. “The Forrest Wood Cup is absolutely the most draining tournament you’ll ever fish,” Nixon continued. “All of the meetings, media obligations and things that you have to do after you fish make it hard to get any sleep. I just have not been able to string four days together to win one yet.”
That’s certainly not for a lack of trying. Nixon has qualified for the Forrest Wood Cup 14 times, a considerable achievement when one considers that only 20 percent of all FLW Tour pros have ever qualified for the Cup once. “To me it’s a pretty huge accomplishment,” said Nixon. “It’s hard to make the Cup every year and qualifying for 14 of them is big. Along with that, I’ve also fished in 25 Bassmaster Classics. That’s a pretty strong career for someone who’s been fishing for 37 years. “I think that my biggest accomplishments are that I’ve been able to maintain my success over 37 years, and that I’ve built some relationships with some really good sponsors. Chevrolet and Evinrude have been with me forever. Sure I’ve won big tournaments and earned more than 3 million dollars, but it’s really hard to keep the same sponsors. To be able to keep working with people and companies that I love for as long as I have is incredible.” Nixon’s long term success is even more amazing when the evolution of the sport is taken into account. 1977 was Nixon’s first year fishing bass tournaments, when 85-horsepower was the standard outboard rating and only one year after Ranger Boats introduced the first 20-foot bass boat.
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THE GENERAL KEEPS ON TRUCKIN’
“When I feel like I cannot compete anymore is when I’ll hang up my rods.”
“There’s no doubt the biggest change I’ve seen in fishing has been the electronics,” mused Nixon. “Lowrance has Downscan and Sidescan and things I still don’t understand. The kids these days don’t know how good they’ve got it. We used to have to use paper maps and trees as landmarks to stay on a spot. The purses have also really increased since FLW changed the game in 1996. We’re to the point now where I never thought the sport would be.” Despite the changes in fishing, Nixon has adapted to remain a top-tier pro. “Now I can’t compete in every tournament like I used to, but I’m fishing very well right now and as long as I don’t have to get up and fish when it’s 39 degrees and raining, I’ve got a chance.
“The biggest edge that I’ve found is just staying on the water,” explained Nixon. “There were some years where I didn’t fish as much in-between events and I found out that isn’t good. Now, I try to get on the water every day or every other day, even if it’s only for four hours or so. Catching fish is habit forming and it helps me to stay mentally sharp. “I’ve dreamt of winning the Forrest Wood Cup and going out on top, but I just don’t want to quit,” finished Nixon. “When I feel like I cannot compete anymore is when I’ll hang up my rods.”
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By Rachel Moffatt
There has been a lot of talk in the last few years about invasive species. Some may be wondering what exactly is an invasive species? And why should we care? The term “invasive species” is used to describe a species of plant, animal, insect, or fish that has become established in an ecosystem other than that of its native range. Such organisms can wreck havoc on the native plants and animals endemic to the areas they invade. They often have no natural predators or controls in their adopted environments and can spread quickly, taking over space and resources that native species need to survive. Native plants, animals and fish often struggle, and even fail, to compete with these new arrivals and the biodiversity of the environment under siege is seriously threatened. As anglers we have the occasion to be more directly involved with the aquatic environment than the average citizen. We pay attention to the details of our natural surroundings and to the changes in the habitats of the fish we seek. We can be on the forefront of the fight against these invaders, or, due to lack of diligence, bad habits, or ignorance about them, we can be the cause of their further spread. Most invasive species were in introduced by accident, or due to a lack of foresight, as in the case of the Sea Lamprey and Alewife that spread via the opening and construction
on the Welland Canal. Accidental introductions also include Zebra Mussels, Spiny Waterfleas and Round Gobys. These animals were brought to North America in the ballast water of ocean going vessels. At the time, the vessels were allowed to exchange their ballast in inland waters. Any hitchhikers on board were then also deposited in the water. Zebra Mussels were first spotted in Lake St. Clair in 1988 and the Spiny Waterflea in 1982. The Round Goby was found in North America in 1990. Since these incursions were traced to ballast water exchange, new ballast water management strategies have been put into place so that crews must exchange water while still at sea, to prevent further infestations of invasive species. Unfortunately, not all introductions were accidental. Bait buckets have been blamed for many an invasion, when anglers empty their unused bait into waterbodies other than from which it was harvested. The introduction of the Rusty Crayfish is a prime example of this happening. Native to the Ohio river valley, the Rusty Crayfish is larger and more aggressive than the crayfish in it’s assumed habitats and it outcompetes them for food and breeding space. The crayfish is also devastating to native aquatic plant life. It was brought into Ontario waters by anglers and then consequently released. It was first spotted in the Kawartha lakes region in the early 1960’s.
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STOPPING THE SPREAD OF INVASIVE SPECIES
Anglers are key in this effort as we are often in the environments most threatened by invasion and it is our habits and behaviour that can play a crucial role in containing the spread. If anglers, citizens, and governments work together, we can stop the potentially devastating spread of alien species and prevent untold damage to the environments that support our fisheries. Adult Male Round Goby in full spawning colour Some of the things anglers can to help stop the spread of
Another invader that is literally at the gates of the Great Lakes are the four species of Asian Carp set to stage what would be a devastating incursion into an area that currently supports a globally unique ecosystem and countless human livelihoods. The four species are Silver Carp, Black Carp, Grass Carp, and Bighead Carp. The image that most people have of Asian Carp, jumping out of the water at the sound of an approaching boat, are Silver Carp. They currently infest the Mississippi river system. Some of the carp, such as the Grass Carp were originally used in the American states for aquatic weed control. When the ponds they were contained in flooded during storms, they escaped into local waterways and began to breed. Currently, Grass Carp are still used in aquaculture in some states but they are legally required to be sterilized to prevent any further escapees from breeding in the wild. However, some Grass carp recently captured by the United States Geologic Survey in the Sandusky river showed that they had spent their entire life cycles in that river. They had been born there, therefore fertile fish are in the river. In 2013 two Grass Carp were caught by sport anglers in the Grand River in Southern Ontario. Tests proved that these fish were sterile pond escapees that had most likely crossed Lake Erie from the U.S side and swam up the river, an Erie tributary. The Grand River is a slow flowing and muddy river, and it offers the Asian Carp the perfect conditions for breeding. It is being carefully monitored by government agencies for further signs of Asian Carp being present.
aquatic invasive species are the following:
1
Clean and dry all marine equipment. Remove visible mud, plants and animals from boats and trailers.
2
NEVER empty a bait bucket into a body of water unless it was harvested from that same water
3 4
Abide by all laws regarding the transportation of live fish
Never release unwanted pet fish, amphibians, or reptiles into the wild. Return them to a pet store or an animal shelter.
5
Report any sighting of an animal that does not belong to your local ministry or department of natural resources.
6
Learn to identify invasive species threatening your local area and be on the look out for them
Rachel Moffatt is an angler and writer from Port Dover, Ontario. She enjoys steelheading and fishing for panfish and is a WFN Top Ambassador. She is vigilant about protecting the environment from further effects from
While governments on both sides of the border attempt to stem the tide of invading species, and control the damage caused by the ones already here, arguably the most effective defense against them is to educate the public about them, how to recognize them and how to prevent their spread.
invasive species and stopping the spread of invasive plants and animals. Her blog can be found at http://www. worldfishingnetwork.com/ and she can be found on National Pro Staff at http://www.nationalprostaff.com/ users/6542/Rachel+Moffatt
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Whatever day of the week it is, we have a hashtag for that! Except the weekends; those are strictly for fishing! Over the past few months we’ve been collecting user-submitted photos across Canada & the USA each day through our various social media accounts. We re-post & re-tweet submissions, so if you would like to join in on the fun send in your photos through any of our Twitter or Facebook accounts! Here’s some of our favorites...
Alabama – “5 ½ spot from Holt Lake, Alabama” Submitted by Twitter User @ Drewwilson13
Saskatchewan – “My buddy Jeremy Page with his monster pike!” Submitted by Facebook User Dustin Hanson
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(1) Ontario – “Trout Tuesdays!! #Reelforsteel” Submitted by Twitter User @WalknwadeHill
(2) British Columbia – “Great Central Lake for Trout Tuesday” Submitted by Facebook User Braeden Klaver
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Ontario – Submitted by Facebook User Brodie Golem Alberta – “How’s this for Walleye Wednesday?” Submitted by Facebook User Roland Garbutt
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(1) USA – “#tbt circa 2009”
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Submitted by Twitter User @meatmissle8 (2) Michigan – “Summer 2013 in SW Michigan” Submitted by Twitter User @Kings_of_Catch
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(1) Saskatchewan – “I LOVE Saskatchewan” Submitted by FB User Joseph Ian Hyde
(2) Alberta – Submitted by Twitter User @Ryanfish_fisher
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