Fishing 101 An open water approach BY TIM ALLARD MY FREE TIME is often spent wetting a line in search of a school of fish and, with luck, the odd trophy. Being on the water is rejuvenating, and trying to solve the ever-changing “where are the fish” puzzle makes every outing unique and a fun challenge. Over the years, I’ve introduced many friends to the sport. Almost always they have a blast, and when they don’t it’s usually because of bad weather or the fish just weren’t biting (it happens). It doesn’t cost a lot to get started in fishing and if you’re often out in a canoe or kayak, it’s easy to turn your tour into a troll. If you’ve never fished before, it’s a good idea to find a friend who’s already “hooked.” Ask him or her to take you along. Most anglers will share their insight and fishing tips; just don’t expect waypoints to their best spots. Let’s look at some things you need to get started, because there’s no shortage of fishing opportunities in the Ottawa area.
OPEN WATER APPROACH
Most anglers prefer to fish from a boat. (I’ll cover shoreline fishing in the magazine’s Summer/Fall issue). One big advantage of a boat is you’re able to cover a lot of water, and with luck find more fish. A 14-foot aluminum boat is a staple at many cottages and a great, basic outfit for fishing. Canoes and kayaks are good to fish from too, but can be tricky in waves or wind. Rod holders, an anchor, and cushion seats can help customize your outfit for comfort and convenience. Also remember to carry the proper safety equipment (e.g. extra paddle, life jackets, a throw bag, a bailer and a noise device like a whistle).
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WHAT’S OUT THERE
The Ottawa area is home to a variety of fish species. Small, scrappy panfish – rock bass, bluegills, sunfish, perch and crappie – are great to introduce children to fishing. Mostly found in shallow water and in good numbers, usually panfish are willing to bite. A small worm on a tiny hook, suspended below a small bobber, will fool them in most situations. Game fish, which are commonly targeted by serious anglers, include smallmouth and largemouth bass, walleye, pike and muskie. Trout species can be found in lakes within an hour’s drive of Ottawa. Other less sought-after game fish include catfish and carp.
GEAR AND TACKLE
Rods, reels, line and lures range from the basic to the specialized. Trying to sort out what to use can be a challenge, but your fishing friends will help. A 6½-foot, medium action spinning rod makes a good all-round rod. The medium action provides enough strength to land a big fish but also bends enough for the little ones. Match it with a reel spooled with six- to eight-pound test line. The rated test of a line is the amount of weight it can take before breaking, and six- to eight-pound line is a good choice for most game fish. When fishing with children, opt for a shorter rod to keep the combo’s weight down. My original outfit caught hundreds of fish, and although that specific combo is gone, I use a similar one to fish jigs (explained below). This rod and reel setup can cost around $100, with higheror lower-end models available too. When it comes to tackle and lures, the choices can seem endless when you factor in colours, sizes, styles and even smells or scents. However, there are some basics to get you started. My top three beginner baits are jigs, crankbaits and spinnerbaits. Jigs are hooks with weighted heads. To make them more appetizing to fish, they’re tipped with live bait or softplastic bodies. Plastics come in a variety of shapes, with minnow imitations or twister tails being popular choices. Jigs are great for fishing the bottom. Cast them out and reel them in, or let
them sink and then hop them along the bottom to imitate a scurrying minnow, insect or crayfish. Keep in mind that when you fish on the bottom, you risk getting snagged and you’ll occasionally lose a bait that won’t come free. Snags are one of the biggest problems for new anglers, but even professional anglers have to deal with them. If you don’t
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