Spring 2015 by Real Fishing

Canada Post Mail Product Agreement No. 40015689

VOLUME 21 • ISSUE 2 Just $3.95

SPRING 2015

DISPLAY UNTIL JULY 15, 2015

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he all-new FS multi-species series from Ranger ®. Permeated by nearly four dozen pioneering features, this is a revolutionary leap forward in total performance and fishability. Inside and out, the designs are so advanced that, while we didn’t change everything – for the world of fishing – everything has changed. Highlights include a deeper wider interior, more fuel capacity, larger livewells, integrated tool holders, a skid-resistant floor that’s soft, cool and dries faster than carpet, a flush-mounted keel protector*, patent-pending Power Ventilation Rod Storage™, huge rod capacities, room for the largest back-mounted electronics, vertical rod holders, and much more! Experience the unparalleled ride and water-crushing strength of every exclusive FS hull. Touting 19, 20, and 21 foot models, these designs are performance engineered to do more than raise the bar – They’re Setting A Whole New Standard.

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Contents Features 30 STEALTH STEELHEAD REVISITED Super-light leaders, miniscule hooks and tiny floats were once the definition of stealth tackle for steelhead – but not anymore. Advancements in gear have changed the face of stealthy steelheading and put the odds in the angler’s favour. By Dan Robson

39 EXPERIENCING TEMAGAMI Adventurer Jim Baird and a group of friends spend a few days canoeing, camping, sightseeing and fishing on Lake Temagami. By Jim Baird

55 BULLS AND WHITES OF JASPER NATIONAL PARK Along with its world renowned scenery, Jasper Parks offers some first class bull trout and whitefish fishing. By Mark Forabosco

47 MAGNIFICENT SEVEN MUSKIE LURES A look at seven “must-have” lures for any serious musky hunter’s tackle box. By Charles Weiss

Spring 2015 Volume 21, Issue 2 Editor Jerry Hughes Art Production Rossi Piedimonte Design Publisher Fred Delsey National Advertising Izumi Outdoors Tel: (905) 632-8679

20 THE WATER’S EDGE

President Wayne Izumi

By Dave Taylor

Contributors Jim Baird, Patrick Daradick, Mark Forabosco, Bob Izumi, Wayne Izumi, Steve May, Dan Robson, Dave Taylor, Todd Timleck, Charles Weiss Real Fishing is published by Izumi Outdoors Inc. 940 Sheldon Court Burlington, ON L7L 5K6 Tel: (905) 632-8679 Fax: (905) 632-2833 Privacy Policy: Occasionally, we make our subscriber list available to carefully screened companies whose products and services might be of interest to our subscribers. If you prefer to have your name removed from this list and not receive these mailings, please write to us at the above address.

We welcome manuscripts, but will not be held responsible for loss of manuscripts, photos or other materials. Published four times each year: January (Winter) April (Spring) July (Summer) October (Fall) One year subscription is $9.95. For USA add $10 all others add $30. Subscriptions: Real Fishing 940 Sheldon Court, Burlington ON L7L 5K6 Subscription inquiries Please call: 1-877-474-4141 or visit www.realfishing.com

22 THE VINTAGE TACKLE BOX

Columns

By Patrick Daradick

24 REAL FISHING FISH FACTS Yellow Perch

6 OPENING LINES

26 BEST FISHING TIMES

By Jerry Hughes

Doug Hannon’s moon phase calendar

10 SPORTSMEN’S ALMANAC News, trivia, event listings and more from the world of fishing

14 WHAT’S NEW The latest in fishing tackle, gear and accessories

16 FISHING By Bob Izumi

18 FLY FISHING By Steve May

Canada Post Publications Mail Sales Product Agreement No. 40015689 Customer Account No. 2723816 GST Registration No. R102546504

60 TALES FROM THE ROAD The trials and tribulations of life as a professional angler By Bob Izumi

Postmaster: Please return front cover/label only of undeliverables to: Real Fishing 940 Sheldon Court, Burlington ON L7L 5K6 Contents copyrighted. All rights reserved. Reproduction of any material without prior written permission from the publisher is strictly prohibited. Printed in Canada

On the cover: SPRING STEELHEAD Photo by Izumi Outdoors

28 THE HOT BITE

64 WHAT’S COOKING 66 ART OF ANGLING

opening lines By Jerry Hughes

Decisions As I write this column we’re finally seeing a break in the frigid weather we’ve endured for the past couple of months. The sky is bluer, the sun is higher and there’s a feeling in the air that spring will soon be here. There’s also a feeling in my gut that it’s time to start getting my open water fishing gear ready. I’m sure most of you are feeling the same thing. The anticipation of that first soft water outing of the year is something that just never gets old. If you fish a lot, you probably already know exactly where you’ll be going and what species you’ll be targeting once the water – and season – opens in your area. If you have a number of options of species and waters to choose from, you might be waiting to see how the spring progresses before you decide. If you only get out fishing for a few trips a year, you may be in the process of finalizing the details of a summer fishing getaway. Wherever you live, however you fish, one of the first decisions you’ll likely make is how you’re going to kick off the new season. This issue of Real Fishing looks at a number of fishing options for the upcoming year, starting with Dan Robson’s insightful article on stealth and steelheading. Dan raises a few questions about what constitutes “stealth” and he shows how today’s steelhead anglers can increase their landing rates without sacrificing bites by upsizing, rather than downsizing, their gear. If you are planning a fishing trip this year you’ll want to check out Jim Baird’s article, Experiencing Temagami, and Mark Forabosco’s piece, Bulls and Whites 6 Real Fishing – Spring 2015

of Jasper National Park for a couple of trip possibilities. Jim and a group of friends spent a long weekend canoeing, fishing, hiking and sightseeing on Lake Temagami and his article gives a great overview of how this type of trip can provide a wonderful outdoor experience on a limited budget. Mark’s trip to Jasper started as a visit with family and ended up with him fulfilling a dream of scratching a couple of species from his fisherman’s bucket list. Jasper offers a completely different fishing experience for anglers from Ontario and its many amenities and activities make it an ideal family destination. In his Fishing column, Bob Izumi talks about the importance of timing your spring fishing trips and offers a few tips on how to be sure you’re in the right place at the right time. Steve May explores the ins and outs of fishing emerger flies in his Fly Fishing column and Charles Weiss reveals the pro’s picks of the top seven muskie baits, and how to use them, in his Magnificent Seven Muskie Lures article. We look at one of the favourite spring species, the yellow perch, in our Fish Facts column and offer some safe boating tips

from the Canada Safe Boating Council in their Early Spring Fishing article. There’s a lot more in this issue and I hope that at least some of it will help you with a few of the fishing decisions you’ll have to make this year. As for me, the little creek near my house has started to break up and I’ve already decided that I’ll be making my first steelhead trip within the next few days… ?

CATCH OF THE DAY.

Hang Time 8 Real Fishing â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Spring 2015

Flying fish are pretty common in the waters off of Florida, but you donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t run into flying sharks very often. During a day of shark fishing in the Sunshine State this past January, Bob Izumi and his crew came across an area where several sharks were spotted jumping out of the water. Fortunately the camera was close at hand and this beast hung in the air just long enough to allow a quick photo.

Spring 2015 â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Real Fishing 9

REAL FISHING GOES DIGITAL Real Fishing magazine is now available in a digital version for readers who prefer to have the magazine on their iPhone, tablet, Kindle reader or other device. Through an association with Magzter, you can purchase single copies or subscriptions with just a few mouse clicks and never have to wait for the post office to deliver your magazine again. In fact, digital copies will be available up to two weeks before the printed copies make it through the mail system. Of course we will continue to print and ship hard copies of Real Fishing to readers who would rather have it that way and, if you are already a subscriber, your magazine will continue to be delivered as usual. You can check all the details on our website at http://realfishing.com/magazine/ and click the “Digital Version” link, or you can get started by visiting Magzter at www.magzter.com and typing “Bob Izumi’s Real Fishing Magazine” into the search bar.

SAIL OUTDOORS LOSES CEO The management and employees of SAIL Outdoors Inc. were stunned and saddened to learn of the passing of their Chief Executive Officer and Chairman of the Board, Mr. Tony Mignacca, in early February. Aged 56, Mr. Mignacca had been CEO and Chairman of the Board of SAIL Outdoors since 2005. He also sat on the boards of directors of Transat, the Canadian Sportfishing Industry Association (CSIA) and La Vie en Rose among others. Despite heavy hearts, the management and employees of SAIL will maintain the normal course of the company's operations, still taking inspiration from the vision that Tony Mignacca had for SAIL. The entire SAIL team offers its sincerest condolences to Mr. Mignacca’s family and friends.

EVENTS Calendar KIDS, COPS AND CANADIAN TIRE FISHING DAYS Year ’round youth oriented fishing events. Various dates and locations. 905-632-8679 www.kidsandcops.ca

TRENTON KIWANIS WALLEYE WORLD

CSFL BASSMANIA TOURNAMENTS

May 2 - 3 Bay of Quinte Trenton, ON www.kiwaniswalleyeworld.com/v2

June - August Various locations in Ontario www.csfl.ca

SOUTHERN ALBERTA WALLEYE TRAIL ORILLIA PERCH FESTIVAL April 18 - May 9 Lakes Simcoe & Couchiching Orillia, ON www.orillia.com

BLUEWATER ANGLERS SALMON DERBY May 1 - May 10 Lake Huron Point Edward, ON www.bluewateranglers.com

10 Real Fishing – Spring 2015

May - September Various dates and locations in Alberta www.sawt.ca

SASKATCHEWAN WALLEYE TRAIL May - September Various dates and locations in Saskatchewan www.saskwalleyetrail.ca

ANGLER & YOUNG ANGLER TOURNAMENTS June - August Various dates and locations in Canada and the United States. http://www.angleryoungangler.com/

NATIONAL FISHING WEEK July 4 - 12 License-free fishing days across Canada www.catchfishing.com

RENEGADE BASS TOUR July - August Various locations in Ontario www.renegadebass.com

TOP BASS TOURNAMENTS June - August Various locations in Ontario www.top-bass.ca

12TH ANNUAL KIDS' FISH ART CONTEST WINNERS ANNOUNCED Each fall, Ontario students are invited to enter the Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry’s, Kids' Fish Art Contest, a free contest letting youngsters show off their artistic talents while learning about Ontario's native fish and their habitats. In 2014, students were required to submit an artwork along with a short essay on one of the eligible fish species – bowfin or splake. There were 410 entries from across the province in three categories: grades 4 to 6; grades 7 to 9 and grades 10 to 12. One winner was selected from each category and each winner will have their art featured on a version of the 2015 Young Angler's Licence. In addition, winners also received classroom supplies donated by Staedtler-Mars and a complete set of fishing gear donated by Lucky Strike Bait Works. Congratulations to Aaminah Kidwai from Mississauga, winner of the grade 4 to 6 category; Olivia Symons from Kingsville, winner of the grade 7 to 9 category, and Charisse Fung from Markham, winner of the grade 10 to 12 category and the overall winner. As the overall winner, Charisse will also receive a three-day fishing excursion provided by Pine Portage Lodge and a day of fishing with Canadian Sportfishing television show host Italo Labignan. For information on the 2015 Kid’s Fish Art Contest visit www.ontario.ca and enter Kid’s Fish Art Contest into the search bar.

Aaminah Kidwai won the grade 4 to 6 category with his rendition of a bowfin. (above top) Olivia Symons’s winning entry in the grade 7 to 9 category. (above middle) Charisse Fung’s depiction of a bowfin earned top spot in the grade 10 to 12 category as well as being selected as the overall contest winner. (left)

Spring 2015 – Real Fishing 11

READER’S PHOTOS

Send us a photo of your best catch and you could see your picture in a future issue of Real Fishing Magazine! Send photos to: Real Fishing, 940 Sheldon Court, Burlington, ON L7L 5K6 Rick McCrory Montreal QC Largemouth Bass

Andrew Wheeler Columbia, SC Smallmouth Bass

Derek Strub Elora, ON Walleye

Charles Weiss Toronto, ON Pike

John Mirco Brantford, ON Muskellunge

12 Real Fishing – Spring 2015

Catch BOB on the Tube! BOB IZUMI’S REAL FISHING SHOW SCHEDULE Grand Bahamas Mahi-Mahi Ontario’s Sunset Country Ice Fishing Montauk Shark Tournament Kesagami Monster Pike Topwater Smallmouth on Lake Erie Prince Edward County World Class Walleye Video Game Lakers/Smallmouth on Lake Ontario Craganmor Resort on Georgian Bay Lights Out Salmon/Spooning Smallmouth Good Ole Days at Kesagami SnoBear Jamboree Lodge 88 – Planes, Trains and a Boat Late Season Bladebaits/Belleville Bassin’

April 4 April 11 April 18 April 25 May 2 May 9 May 16 May 23 May 30 June 6 June 13 June 20 June 27

STATION LISTING & AIRING TIMES* MARKET

PROV./STATE

STATION

DATE & AIR TIMES

Atlantic Canada

Global (CIHF)

Saturday 8:00 am

Calgary

Global (CICT)

Saturday 10:30 am

Edmonton

Global (CITV)

Saturday 10:30 pm

Ontario

Global (CIII)

Saturday 8:30 am

Quebec

Global (CKMI)

Saturday 8:30 am

Regina

Global (CFRE)

Saturday 7:30 am

Saskatoon

Global (CFSK)

Saturday 7:30 am

Vancouver

Global (CHAN)

Saturday 10:30 am

Winnipeg

Global (CKND)

Saturday 7:30 am

Canada/USA

WFN

Check www.wfn.tv for dates and times

* Station listings, airtimes and show descriptions are subject to change. Please refer to your local television listings for the latest show schedules.

What’s

NEW

2015

CRAPPIE BUSTERS Johnson’s new line of Crappie Buster soft baits and attractants make an unbeatable team when you’re targeting crappies and other panfish. The two-inch Shad Tail features a shad shape with a straight, finesse, single tail that quivers with the slightest rod tip movement. The Shad Tube has super thin tentacles that move with a lifelike swimming action and the Crappie Buster Tube offer the classic tube profile with a shorter head and longer tentacles that provide 20% more action than standard tube lures. All of the baits have hollow bodies that are designed to be filled with Crappie Busters Shad Scales attractant, a gel that is loaded with reflective “scales” and shad scent.

www.johnsonfishing.com

DRAGONFLY® FISHFINDERS AND WI-FISH FLIR Systems has introduced seven new models in Raymarine’s Dragonfly sonar lineup. The new Dragonfly range offers anglers advanced, wide-spectrum CHIRP DownVision™ sonar technology for photo-like images of fish and underwater objects, superior color displays and wireless mobile device integration. With widescreen sizes from four to seven-inches, GPS equipped Dragonfly models support Navionics charts, C-MAP by Jeppesen, and Raymarine LightHouse charts. Dragonfly models are also available bundled with C-MAP Essentials or Navionics Gold maps on microSD. In addition, the new Wi-Fish™ sonar for mobile devices joins the Dragonfly range. Wi-Fish™ is a black box wireless sonar designed to work exclusively with smartphones and tablets, letting fisherman access CHIRP DownVision™ from anywhere on board. Using Raymarine’s Wi-Fish™ mobile app, fishermen can view, pause, and rewind sonar imagery, making it easy to record their favorite fishing spots and share with friends online.

www.raymarine.com/dragonfly

COSTA INTRODUCES NEW STYLES Costa’s new Cortez and Rooster designs are built of nearly indestructible co-injected molded nylon with sturdy integral hinges. A hypoallergenic rubberized interior lining and nose pads keep the sunglasses comfortably in place all day long. Both can be customized with any of Costa’s patented, color enhancing polarized 580™ lenses in either glass or impact resistant polycarbonate. With a linear venting system to alleviate lens fogging and open slots on the temple tips to accept a retainer cord, Cortez and Rooster sunglasses offer all day long comfort and convenience.

www.costadelmar.com 14 Real Fishing – Spring 2015

We welcome submissions from manufacturers and distibutors for our New Products section. Products that appear in this section have not necessarily been tested or endorsed by the staff at Real Fishing. Submissions can be sent to: Editor, Real Fishing Magazine, 940 Sheldon Court, Burlington, ON L7L 5K6

TORO’S TIMECUTTER® ZERO-TURN TRACTORS Homeowners now have a conventional tractor alternative with Toro’s new TimeCutter SW Series zero-turn tractors. The new models combine the maneuverability and time-savings of a zero-turn mower with the familiar ease of a steering wheel and speed control pedal, much like a car or tractor. The new TimeCutter SW Series feature the Smart Park™ braking system that automatically stops the mower deck and sets the parking brake when the user gets off the mower, and a tilting steering column that makes it easy to get on and off the mower. TimeCutter SW Series tractors are available with 32", 42" and 50” four-inch-deep steel decks, or 42” and 50” fabricated decks. All come standard with a hitch for added versatility.

www.toro.com/z

BARBEQUE WITHOUT BURNING Grate Chef’s new Flare Down is an all-natural, 100% food safe spray that quickly and safely neutralizes outdoor barbecue grill grease flare-ups. No more trying to use water or letting the food burn, Flare Down puts the fire out without ruining the flavor of the food. For use on any grill - gas or charcoal - Flare Down is completely non-toxic, does not leave any taste or odor on the food, is FDA-approved and is made in the USA.

www.gratechef.com

NEW IKE SIGNATURE RODS FROM ABU GARCIA® The new Ike Signature Series of rods from Abu Garcia is the result of three-years of intensive research and development with Elite Series Pro, Mike Iaconelli. The series of 15 different models, 10 casting and 5 spinning, feature Fuji reels seats, stainless steel guides with Zirconium inserts and Mike’s unmistakable cosmetics. The spinning rods and five of the casting rods are constructed of 36-ton high modulus graphite. The other five casting rods are built with a unique, high strain glass (HSG) composite and feature a parabolic action that has been created specifically for crankbait fishing.

www.abugarcia.com Spring 2015 – Real Fishing 15

fishing

Bob Izumi is the host of The Real Fishing Show.

By Bob Izumi

Timing Is Everything You’ve all heard the saying, “timing is everything”. This winter has been exceptionally cold, like it was last year, and there’s no question that this spring is going to be a lot like last year’s. The early fishing seasons will likely be delayed and the timing of some of your fishing excursions could be slightly off if you don’t take this into consideration. Timing can be everything to a successful fishing outing. I don’t know how many times we’ve gone to catch some walleyes on the opener and found that they were still spawning. In other years they’ve been completely done and were already transitioning between their spawning areas and where they spend the summer. It’s that post-spawn period when finding them can be tricky and that’s when you really want to cover the water. For instance, if the water’s warming up you might try dragging bottom bouncers or walking sinkers with crawler harnesses or live bait rigs over the flats in front of a rivermouth. In a cooler year those walleyes might still be recuperating in some of the deeper holes or bends in the river and you might have to drop a jig right on their nose to get them to bite. Obviously, knowing what stage the fish are in is critical to being able to find and catch them. There are so many windows of opportunity when it comes to spring fishing. Some of them are large while others can be very small. For instance, the big catfish that we catch in some of the tributaries of the Great Lakes come in to spawn in late March or during the first part of April. They may only be in those rivers for a very short window of a few weeks before they’re back out on the lake. During that window the fishing can be outstanding but if your timing is off you could miss them completely. Steelhead are another fish where timing can make all the difference. In fact, on some of the smaller Great Lakes tributaries the 16 Real Fishing – Spring 2015

main run can happen over a day or two. These fish start staging off the rivermouths while the streams are still frozen, waiting for the chance to head upstream to spawn. As soon as the first big thaw breaks the creeks open, and the resulting floodwaters start to drop, the majority of the fish will rush upstream to get to the prime areas. If you’re there when this first run happens you can literally sit on a hole or run and catch fish all day without moving. If you’re a day or two late, you can still catch fish, but you won’t get the numbers and you’ll have to work a lot harder for them. It’s amazing how fish will adapt to the climate and weather conditions they are faced with. Fish don’t care what the calendar says, they act based on their natural

instincts. A good example is the perch derby that’s held out of the town of Orillia for three weeks from late April until early May on lakes Simcoe and Couchiching. In most normal years, thousands of perch funnel through the narrows between the two lakes during their spawning run and just as many people show up to try and catch them. But, if the spring is late in arriving the fish won’t be in the narrows area in any great numbers until the late part of the derby. On the other hand, if it’s an early spring the perch may have already have moved on by time the derby opens. There are always some fish around during the derby, but the best action depends on you being there when the conditions are ideal for the fish. With all of the information that’s available now through regional fishing forums and websites, it’s a good idea to surf the internet to see if people are catching fish in the normal way or if the delayed season has changed things. An even better idea is to get on the water as soon as you can and see what’s going on for yourself. Keep an open mind and be ready to move around to find the fish if they aren’t where you usually catch them. Most of all, have fun on the water and stay safe this season. ?

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fly fishing By Stephen May

Emergers Many people are confused by some of the unique language used in fly fishing and “emergers” is one of the terms that puzzled me in my early fly fishing days. This word seemed to be associated with the “special club” of seasoned fly anglers and is one you should understand if you want to catch a bunch of trout with fly tackle! An emerger is an insect that is transitioning from a nymph to a winged adult. Mayflies, caddis flies and stoneflies all “emerge”. This transition is a somewhat mysterious and magical process but there is no mystery in the fact that these changing bugs are very vulnerable to being eaten by fish. This is a perfect situation for matching the hatch with flies that imitate what the fish are eating. The nice thing about emergers is that they are always changing so there is no set “look” for the perfect fly. What you are imitating is a bug that has swum up from the bottom and is trying to crawl through the surface film to shed its nymph skin, reveal its

18 Real Fishing – Spring 2015

new wings and fly away as an adult insect. This is an incredible process that can take a bit of time. There are loose bits, legs mixed with wings and air bubbles all mixed in. This may be why shaggy, ugly flies can be so effective. While this is all unfolding, trout know that an easy meal is at hand. They greedily scarf down emergers when they are available. Even when there is not a lot of hatching on the water, trout know an opportunity when they see it, so crippled and broken bugs are good imitations to have on the end of your tippet as they can work at any time. Emergers are often fished as dry flies that float low in the surface film, where many

bugs struggle to break free. Patterns like the Klinkhammer Special and Harrop Emerger have portions above and below the water that imitate this stage of bug well. I use something called an Ugly Emerger. It is not a beautiful dry fly or a slick nymph imitation, but an ugly intentional mess of deer hair and rabbit fur. It certainly looks much better in a fish’s jaw! Imitating emergers for a particular hatch is something that is fun to do. Many of the options blend a nymph with dry fly. Some people try to pick a point in time in the transition and imitate it in minute detail. While these flies are cool to look at, I’ve found that a mess of fluff on a hook that has the approximate size, colour, some sparkle and moving bits is usually much more effective. When fishing just below the surface, traditional soft hackle wet flies are super imitations of emerging insects. They can be greased to float in the surface film or fished just below. These flies can be dead drifted or slowly swung across the current. They are certainly something to try when the fishing gets tough. The nice thing about emergers is that they are sought after by fish and not fully understood by anglers. This is an opportunity to become “part of the club” and fool some educated fish with something that is not 100% “by the book”. The freedom and sense of discovery linked to fishing these patterns is something that I love about fly fishing. ?

Dave Taylor is a well known photographer and naturalist from Mississauga, Ontario

water’s edge By Dave Taylor

The Great Horned Owl It is not particularly wise, despite what children’s books say, nor is it somehow connected to a magical world where it can foretell events. It is, however, our most common owl and our largest. Bubo virginianus, literally the Owl of Virginia, was one of the first American owls described back in the early 1600s. Today we know it as the great horned owl but even this is misleading as it does not have horns but merely feather tufts on the top of its head. Just about wherever you fish you will likely be in the territory of a great horned owl. They will happily nest in a stand of cottonwoods along a prairie river or deep in a boreal forest. They will nest in farm lands and city parks, mountain valleys and deserts. They will use cliff ledges, tree hollows or even large cactus. Their range extends from

20 Real Fishing – Spring 2015

Alaska to the Patagonia in South America and from coast to coast in North America, absent only from the tundra. In North America they are one of the first birds to nest in winter. As I write this, in early February, the local owls are already on nests - or soon will be. Up to 4 eggs are laid but, after about a month, when the young hatch, the first owlet will often force its siblings out of the nest if the parents are not able to provide enough food for their brood. In good years most survive but good years are rare. At six to eight-weeks the youngsters fledge, but this is the time when they are most vulnerable. When they leave the nest they cannot fly and any owlet that winds up on the ground may be taken by a predator. Land too low in a tree in the boreal forest and mosquitos may weaken them. The parents will try to bring them food but it is still a precarious time of their lives. The young are left on their own when they are about five-months old. Male owls begin to call in November. They are letting other owls know that this is their territory. A female, if she is impressed with the male’s area, will accept him as a mate. They will then stay together until late summer when they will both leave their territory to search for food. They are not thought to be monogamous and pair bonds seem to last only for the breeding season.

The great horned owl is our largest owl but there can be quite a range in their size: from about 1 ½ to 5 ½-pounds. They look larger than they really are. They have primary feathers that do not link up the same way as most birds’ flight feathers do and as a result their flight is very quiet. No telltale “whoosh” of a wing. Even a chickadee makes a greater noise when it takes off than on owl does. The silence of their flight is extraordinary. Their ears are offset on the sides of their head and this allows them to locate prey by sound alone. This is especially useful in the

winter when their prey may be hiding beneath the snow. Their eyesight is good during the day but is especially well developed for night. They cannot see well on a pitch dark night but with just a few stars out they are able to hunt very effectively. Prey ranges from small rodents to rabbits and hares, mink, skunks, opossums, birds, reptiles and amphibians. If you are out fishing and you hear crows cawing, or see them circling a tree, look for an owl. Crows hate owls and will mob them whenever they come across one. The owls will swoop in on sleeping crows at night, unseen and unheard so the hatred is understandable. ?

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DRYNAMIC

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the vintage tackle box

Patrick Daradick has been collecting vintage fishing tackle for over 25-years and is a specialist in Ontario made tackle. He enjoys sharing his passion and knowledge and can be contacted online at www.ontariolures.com or by phone at 613-398-7245.

By Patrick Daradick

The Wilson Jobbers Salesman Case When you go back in time to see how fishing tackle manufacturers sold their wares, it’s quite fascinating. The majority would advertise their lures, reels or fishing rods in magazines and they would often promote their free fishing catalogues so customers could view all of the selections offered for the year. They never had the large super stores you visit today and, if there was a tackle store in your area, the selection would depend on what particular company’s salesman had dropped by to display products. Many smaller tackle makers would advertise for Jobbers in magazines, basically someone to help promote their inventions or sell their fishing lures. Sometimes they would offer Jobbers free products to enhance their interest, along with paying commission on what they would sell to the tackle stores. Jobbers would be given salesman’s display cases showing all the available fishing lures made by the company. The display case shown in this article is by Hugh S.C. Wilson, 214 Front Street East, Toronto, Ontario. This case dates back to the late 1940s and belonged to a gentleman who would travel along the route from Ontario to British Columbia.

22 Real Fishing – Spring 2015

Hugh said that his uncle, after returning from the war, found work scarce and decided to become a salesman. He loaded his car up with this salesman’s case along with many others that did not pertain to fishing tackle. He sold just about everything, from pens to tea. Hugh Wilson fishing tackle was quite interesting as just about all of his tackle was designed with Monel metal. Monel metal is primarily composed of nickel and copper

with smaller amounts of iron, manganese, carbon and silicone. It is stronger than pure nickel and basically resistant to corrosion, even if it was used in salt water. No other tackle manufacturer was using this metal during this time period and the fact that it was corrosion free helped in the sales. As you can see in the photos, all of the Wilson metal lures were unique. The Monel minnow was offered in six styles including a small spin size, the Monel skip minnow and, for getting to the bottom, the weighted Monel minnow. The Monel Mickey was offered in four styles and the Monel Leaf came in five styles. The Wilson Preventor Junior and the Wilson Lead Head were designed to get your lure the bottom. The large Wilson Preventor permitted running two or three widely spread lines from one boat. These were all very unique inventions for this era in time. The Wilson salesman’s case, and any other similar cases, are extremely rare. They are an instant collection of a particular maker’s offerings that showcase many interesting fishing lures and include full written details on them. The Wilson lures are quite unique and this little case has seen more small town tackle stores from Ontario to British Columbia than any man could visit in a lifetime! ?

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real fishing fish facts

Yellow Perch Perca flavescens

Yellow flanks highlighted by dark, vertical bars are the unmistakable trademarks of one of the most popular and recognizable sport fish in Canada; the yellow perch. These fish are relatively small, averaging between 4 and 10-inches in length, and they have an elongated, oval shaped body. Perch have two separate dorsal fins, the first is tall and rounded with 13 to 15 strong spines while the second is smaller and has 1 or 2 spines at the leading edge followed by 12 to 15 softer rays. The tail is slightly forked and has rounded tips. Scales cover most of the body except for the fins and a small area on the gill plate. The lateral line is complete and unbroken. The most distinguishing feature of the yellow perch is its color pattern. The back ranges from bright green to olive, the flanks are yellowish-green to yellow and the belly is light grey to milky-white. A number of dark, tapered bars run down the flanks of the perch, giving it a vertically striped appearance. Spawning males are more brilliantly colored with brighter yellow sides, darker bars, and lower fins that may appear bright orange or red. Yellow perch are common across most of Canada and the central and eastern United States. In Canada they can be found in Nova Scotia, west across New Brunswick and through western Quebec, as far north as James Bay. Perch are found throughout

24 Real Fishing – Spring 2015

Ontario as far north as the Albany River, across most of Manitoba except the extreme northeastern portion, throughout Saskatchewan as far north as Great Slave Lake, and across Alberta as far west as the foothills of the Rocky Mountains. They can also be found in some regions of southern British Columbia. Perch are adaptable to a wide range of habitats and can be found in lakes, ponds and rivers throughout their range. They are most abundant in clear water environments with moderate amounts of vegetation although they can adapt and thrive in more turbid conditions. Lakes lacking sufficient weed growth generally do not support large perch populations. It has been determined that the perch’s preferred water temperature is 68ºF and they will flourish in water ranging from 66ºF to 77ºF. Yellow perch spawn in the spring, usually between mid-April and early May, in water temperatures of between 44º and 54ºF. Spawning takes place at night and into the early morning, generally over soft bottomed areas with weeds, submerged brush or fallen timber, although they will occasionally use sand or gravelly areas. Perch do not build nests for spawning. Instead, the females extrude eggs in a transparent, jelly-like tube which may be up to seven-feet long and weigh as much as two-pounds. The egg mass is semi-buoyant and will drift until it adheres to weeds or the bottom. The eggs hatch within eight to 10-days under normal conditions but can take over 20-days if water temperatures remain in the low 40ºF range. Neither male nor female perch guard the eggs or the fry. Perch are an important species in Canada as both a commercial and a recreational fish. In the early part of the 1900s the commercial

DID YOU KNOW? Yellow perch are one of the most important sportfish species in Canada and are sought after by both recreational and commercial fishers.

FAST FACTS Colour: Bright green to olive or black on the back, yellowish-green to yellow on the flanks and light grey to milky-white on the belly. A series of dark, tapered bars run down the sides giving the perch a vertically striped appearance. Size: The average perch ranges from 4 to 10inches in length and weighs under a pound although larger fish are fairly common. Life Span: Yellow perch commonly live for 7 to 10-years. Habitat: Perch are most abundant in lakes, ponds and rivers with clear water and moderate amounts of vegetation. Spawning: Spawning takes place in the spring, in water temperatures of between 44º and 54ºF. Perch spawn over soft bottomed areas with weeds, submerged brush or fallen timber.

RECORD The all-tackle world record perch as listed by the IGFA, stands at 4-pounds, 3-ounces for a fish caught in New Jersey way back in 1865.

fishery was unrestricted and the harvest went through several boom and bust cycles. In 1934, 72.1 million pounds of perch were caught by commercial fishers; by 1948 the catch had dropped to 3.2 million pounds then rebounded to 27 million pounds in 1968. With quotas now in place the annual catch has stabilized at around 5 million pounds per year. Recreational anglers target yellow perch throughout the year. Although they do not fight hard and they do not grow very large, perch are plentiful and are one of the best tasting of all sport fish. Perch are aggressive feeders and will hit a variety of live and artificial baits. Their tendency to flourish in warm, shallow water makes them easily accessible to both boat and shore anglers. The combination of being easy to catch and delicious on the table are undoubtedly the main reasons for their popularity. ?

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26 Real Fishing – Spring 2015

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Good Time

M AY

TUESDAY

Excellent Time

12:30 - 2:30 12:54 - 2:54 6:57 - 8:27 7:21 - 8:51

JUNE

Best Fishing Times 2015

DOUG HANNON’S

To order your copy of Doug Hannon’s 2015 Moon Clock Calculator please visit www.moontimes.com or send $9.95 (USD) plus $3.75 (USD) for shipping & handling to: Moon Clock, Department RE, PO Box 28460, Atlanta, GA 30358

SUNDAY

am pm am pm

27 am pm am pm

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What could be better than getting out and enjoying some open water fishing after a long, cold winter? That’s easy catching a pike like this on your first trip of the season! That’s what we call getting a good start on the year!

28 Real Fishing – Spring 2015

296 OTHER

MODELS IN STORE

BELOEIL - BROSSARD - BURLINGTON - CAMBRIDGE - ETOBICOKE - LAVAL - OSHAWA OTTAWA - QUEBEC - VAUGHAN

STEALTH STEELHEAD REVISITED By Dan Robson

30 Real Fishing – Spring 2015

It was obvious by the bend in the rod that he was into a good fish. The reel’s drag groaned in protest as the hot steelhead turned and headed downstream, using all of the powerful current to its advantage. I was curious so I stopped to watch. It was clear the fish was in the driver’s seat and there wasn’t a lot the fisherman could do about it. He leaned back on the rod and did something with his left hand that I could only assume was tightening the drag in a desperate effort to slow the fish down. Then there was a splash and that was it. The line was limp and the fisherman’s head hung low. Afterwards we sat together and talked steelhead. When we compared set-ups I was taken back in time, back to when I was just young, throwing tiny spinners on super-light mono to entice fish so big they had no business being on the end of my line. Long, limp rods, light line and small hooks - that’s how it was done back in the day and it was how

this guy was still doing it. He was just as surprised by my setup as I was of his. My 10-pound line to his six; my six-pound leader to his two; my size eight hook to his size 14. Everything I was using went against everything he knew about steelheading. Everything he knew about steelheading could essentially be summed up in one

word: stealth. Stealth plays a major role in successful steelheading. Fish leave the comfort of big water for the confined spaces of the tributaries. In these tributaries they are at their most vulnerable and letting their guard down could mean trouble. They are conscious of everything going on around them.

Spring 2015 – Real Fishing 31

Steelhead are wary adversaries and, when jammed into the small rivers of the Great Lakes, can be tough to say the least. Throughout the ‘80s and into the ‘90s anyone consistently catching Great Lakes steelhead did so with ultra-light gear. The term ‘noodle’ was given to the long, limp rods because that’s exactly what they felt like in your hand; a wet noodle. It was common to see leader lines as light as two-pound test and the rods needed to be long and soft to protect that super light line, essentially giant shock absorbers. Lures were tiny and terminal gear, like hooks and split shot sinkers, even more so, for fear that anything large would do nothing more than spook skittish fish. Think of today’s panfishing gear and, in some cases, even smaller. If you wanted to catch fish you needed to be sure that those fish were going to see nothing other than what you wanted them to see. Accomplishing stealth led to one major compromise - strength. The ultra-light gear did indeed lead to multiple hookups, but also to heartbreak as the tiny hooks and light lines often lacked the strength needed to handle big, powerful fish. The stealth gear needed to hook fish often proved as no

Steelhead can be extremely aggressive at times. This one hit a small tube jig after being previously hooked on a roe bag and a pink worm.

32 Real Fishing – Spring 2015

match for their sheer strength. Steelheading on Great Lake tributaries has since evolved. Stealth is just as important now as it was back then, but what constitutes stealth has changed dramatically. The fish themselves haven’t changed, but how we perceive them has. They are not as skittish or as easily spooked as we had originally given them credit for. In fact, at times steelhead can be quite aggressive. A major stepping stone in the evolution of steelheading was the introduction of fluorocarbon leader material. It’s been around since the late ‘70s but was used primarily in very small fly fishing circles and, more notably, in saltwater applications. But then steelheaders began to take notice and realized that maybe their saltwater counterparts were on to something. That is when the face of steelheading began to change. Soon those two-pound test monofilament leaders were being replaced with six-pound test fluorocarbon leaders. Stronger and more abrasion resistant, yet thin and nearly invisible thanks to its refractive index being almost identical to that of water, steelheaders could now get away with running heavier leads, and ultimately landing more fish. Fish could now be easily turned without fear of blowing up the leader. Today I run nothing less than a six-pound fluorocarbon leader for any of my Great Lakes applications, even in crystal clear water. I’ve experimented over the years with different strengths of fluorocarbon and find no difference, as far as visibility is concerned, in anything lighter than that. My hook-up ratio doesn’t change but my landing ratio is considerably higher when running six-pound test or more. My steelheading started at a young age and my gear evolved over the years, some aspects faster than others. At one point when I was trying to perfect float fishing I had some serious trouble landing any good sized fish. Hooking up wasn’t a problem, and I was able to land the three to fourpound fish with relative ease, but anything bigger and I ran into trouble. The problem was that the hook always popped out when I applied a little pressure. By this time I had gained enough confidence in my setup that

I was sure nothing would break, which is why I knew I could apply pressure and turn the fish when I needed to, but the hook popping out had me questioning just how efficient my hook-set was. I went through an entire fall season like this, struggling to land the bigger fish, and losing my confidence daily.

Fluorocarbon leaders have had a major impact on stealthy steelheading.

The following fall a fishing buddy noticed my problem first-hand. He had already landed a couple of fish close to the double digit mark, while watching me struggle. But it wasn’t my hook-set that he noticed, it was my hook size. Size 12 and 14 single egg hooks were standard issue when fishing roe bags and were the hooks that my small box was full of. The size eight hook that he handed me looked huge, but who was I to argue - his productive day was incentive enough for me to give it a shot. His theory was that bigger fish required bigger hooks in order to get proper penetration, and his theory was right. The bigger hook did indeed seem to hang onto the fish better, and my landing rate went from a mediocre 25% to over 90%. The bigger hooks helped land the bigger fish, but what happens later in the season, when the fish are settling into their winter slumber and are a lot less aggressive? By late November the fall rains have slowed, the rivers have cleared, and the fish that occupy them have seen just about everything a fisherman can through at them, many of them being stung by those very presentations. Conditions are tougher and fish are smarter. Now it’s time to go back to the small hooks, back to stealth. Or is it? I took a fall season to do some experimenting with hook sizes and to try to get a solid answer to the question. After running everything from tiny size 14 hooks all the way up to size six over the course of roughly two months, I discovered that not only were the big fish not spooked

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Larger, stronger hooks can help increase your landing percentage without spooking steelhead.

by the hooks, neither were the small fish. And my hook-up rate did not suffer at all with bigger hooks. Fish, no matter what size, did not shy away from them. What did change from hook to hook was my landing ratio. Size six, eight and even 10 hooks all had good penetration on the bigger fish, while sizes 12 and 14 seemed to lack that penetration and popped free much easier. Because of this little experiment I now carry nothing smaller than size 10 hooks, and I usually use those only in crystal clear water conditions. My catch rate has not been affected at all since switching to the bigger hooks. It didn’t stop at hooks. My tiny 1/64 and 1/32-ounce jigs that were a huge producer for me during the winter months have, for the most part, being replaced with much bigger, bulkier 1/8 and ¼-ounce versions. In the spring my spinners, spoons and

crankbaits were all up-sized with similar results. In one year my entire outlook on the stealth aspect of steelheading had changed. Our West Coast counterparts have a very different idea of what constitutes stealth, and often their light gear is heavier than anything we would use in the Great Lakes tributaries. Most of what we do here in the Great Lakes is an adaptation of a West Coast technique. Jigs, pink worms, beads, the list goes on and on. All work just as well here as they do there for one simple reason: steelhead are steelhead. Taking that into account, there are some differences when comparing the two regions - the biggest being the rivers that they take up temporary residence in. Rivers here can be much smaller, offering the fish a lot less cover and a lot less comfort. River size is a major factor affecting how heavy, or how light, your equipment should be.

We don’t need to abandon everything we used to think about steelhead but, if fish behavior from east to west go hand in hand, would it be so outrageous to think that we could get away with similar gear? Even on the smaller Great Lakes streams it is conceivable to run bigger floats, bigger weights, bigger hooks and heavier line. Let the time of year and the conditions dictate the equipment instead of basing it all on what we think we know about steelhead. Aggressive spring steelhead will smash a ¼-ounce jig presented on eight-pound fluorocarbon leader line, so why run anything smaller? Use the largest gear you can get away with for the situation. If you notice

you’re not catching fish, downsize until you do. Basing your equipment on the time of year and on the specific conditions will only benefit you. I think back to my early days of steelheading and I remember the long, draggedout battles with big fish. I remember praying that the fish didn’t decide to turn and take off downstream, or even worse, head for the brush pile at the tail of the pool. If it did there was no chance in turning it around. It really is where steelhead got their reputation. I was once told, “Anyone can hook a steelhead; the challenge is in landing them.” Steelhead haven’t changed, they’re still the strong, smart, crazy fish they were 25-years ago. The difference is that now we have better tools to tame them with. ?

34 Real Fishing – Spring 2015

EARLY SPRING FISHING Make Sure Both You and Your Boat are Prepared Most anglers yearn for spring when the ice has receded from the lake and they can get back on the water to visit favourite fishing holes. If you are like most and start your fishing early, here are a few tips to make sure that you don’t get caught by an unexpected breakdown or emergency on the water.

Start by reloading all of your safety equipment onto the boat, making sure that each piece is in proper working order and that all powered equipment has fresh batteries. You can minimize the chance of getting stranded out on the water by ensuring that all systems on the boat are mechanically sound and that the gas tank is full with fresh gas before heading out. If you have a boat with external gas tanks, having a spare full tank on hand is a sound practice. In spring the weather can change quickly, so be sure to check the (marine) forecast before you go and be familiar with you and your boat’s weather limitations. And don’t be fooled by balmy spring breezes into dressing in light clothing. The water is still very cold and has a large influence on the air tem36 Real Fishing – Spring 2015

perature above it, so be prepared with warm thermal protective clothing so you won’t be cutting your time on the water short. A key piece of safety equipment is a marine radio or, where service is reliable, a cell phone to call for assistance. This time of year there are fewer boats on the water to render assistance if you need it. And before departing, tell a reliable person where you are going, when you expect to return and the number to call if you do not return as scheduled. As you head out, be sure to wear your lifejacket. The water is cold and the shock you may experience with an unexpected fall could hamper your ability to swim or even simply catch your breath. A lifejacket will give you the necessary time to sort things out and the time to rescue yourself. Plus, with

the number of styles available today (some specifically designed for anglers) there really is no reason not to wear one. If you do end up in the water, have a way to get back into your boat unassisted. It can be as simple as tying a four or five-foot loop of rope to a cleat and leaving it coiled just inside the boat. Make sure that you can reach it from the water to use it as a step to get back into your boat. Spring is a great season for fishing and, with a little preparation, you can enjoy it safely so you can concentrate on what’s important. For more safe boating tips, visit The Canadian Safe Boating Council online at www.csbc.ca.

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EXPERIENCING

TEMAGAMI By Jim Baird

We head out under steel grey clouds and splashes of deep blue sky, pushing along Lake Temagamiâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Northeastern Arm in 15-horsepower aluminum boats. Despite the moderate speed provided by the motorboats rented from Lakeland Airways in Temagami, it would be a long haul to reach our desired campsite 30-kilometers away. Lake Temagami is huge.

Spring 2015 â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Real Fishing 39

The canoe I’m towing doesn’t prevent me from maxing out the throttle since I attached the tow rope to a bridle rig, enabling me to pull the canoe from the keel line at the bow. On the long boat ride we enjoy cruising through the lake’s crystal clear water as we take in the rugged beauty of the Canadian Shield landscape. We made sure to leave Lakeland’s dock with a detailed navigational map, a must if you’re not intimately familiar with the lake. Our fleet of three boats is accompanied by three dogs and three couples, the latter of which include myself and significant other Tori; my cousin Brad and his partner Mary, and our friends Derek and Sarah. We came with hopes of reeling in some of the many species of monster fish that Lake Temagami offers, and our enthusiasm was heightened as my results from fishing another lake in the Temagami Region a couple weeks earlier had proved fruitful. Walleye, smallmouth bass, pike, whitefish and lake trout lurk in the water under our hulls. Brook trout and the rare Aurora trout can also be caught in the 720,000 hectare Temagami region, which encompasses about 2,400 kilometers of interconnected rivers and lakes and is the largest canoe route system in the world. Lake Temagami itself has 4,828 kilometers of

shoreline and a spattering of 1,200 islands. The possibilities in the region are limitless, and Lake Temagami is the focal point of this renowned wilderness area. We are visiting the lake to fish, but have a larger picture in mind. We want to camp on Temagami’s crown land shorelines, climb some of its vantage points, relax fireside on its tranquil shores and walk the majestic old-growth forests for which the area is famous. In fact, Temagami is home to nearly 50% of all remaining old-growth pine forests in the world. We aren't very far into our two-hour boat ride to camp when I’m pulled over by the OPP. They check to make sure we have all our safety equipment close at hand and in good working order. Big fines can be handed out if you don’t have a buoyant heaving line, bailer, waterproof flashlight, PFDs, whistle, anchor, distress signal, and paddles or oars. Fortunately, all were supplied with our boat rental. The officers ask if I have my boating license, which I foolishly forgot to bring. Luckily I learn that when renting, you don’t need one. It’s the Civic Holiday long weekend so, needless to say, it’s a time when increased traffic on the lake can cause increased safety risks, and the OPP usually patrol the water. On top of our necessary boat safety

Lake Temagami has 4,828 kilometers of shoreline and 1,200 islands to explore.

40 Real Fishing – Spring 2015

equipment, we make sure to bring good camping gear along so we’re comfortable on our three nights out. A good tarp is never a bad idea should it rain, and nylon is the material to go with. Also, sturdy tents with good waterproofing are worth the extra money because they can save a camping trip in the event of heavy rainfall. With the added room provided by the motorboats we are able to bring comfortable camping chairs along with coolers, ice and a goodsized Swede saw for gathering firewood. Of course we also have lots of cooking oil and Fish Crisp, as we were hoping to enjoy some delicious fish dinners. Corn on the cob can be an excellent addition to a fresh fish dinner while camping, but make sure you buy it with the husks still on. Corn keeps well, doesn’t bruise easily and preparation is a piece of cake. With the corn still in the husk, soak it in the lake for about threehours and then place the ears directly on hot coals. Rotate a couple times until the outer layer of husk starts to char and they’re ready to eat! The steamed corn is deliciously crunchy, juicy and can have a savoury hint of smokiness to it. On top of food and gear, a decent first aid kit is always one of the first things that I assemble before heading out on a trip like this. In the days to come, we’d be glad we brought one along.

Photo by Mary Pawelek

Despite the relatively small amount of fishing we did that day we still have enough fish for a decent fry, and I made a beer batter out of pancake mix. Pancake mix is a great substitute if you don’t have any beer batter. You can also make your own beer batter if you prefer. All it takes is one-cup of all-purpose flour, 3 tablespoons of baking powder and a little salt and black pepper. Mix the ingredients with a beer of your choice and you’ll have plenty to batter a few fillets. A golden-brown piece of fresh beerbattered fish is sure to entice even the most squeamish fish eater!

From left to right, Brad, Derek, Sarah, Jim Baird, Tori and Mary relax after setting up camp.

42 Real Fishing – Spring 2015

ed hotdogs fuels us for the long, old-growth loop trail we hike that brings us past some massive white pine trees, some that stand 15stories tall and which are over 300-years old. Still in awe at the size of the pines, we all take a much-needed dip after the hike before heading back toward camp. On the way, we stop to gas up and get some more ice and worms at Loon Lodge, which is adjacent to the eastern side of Temagami Island. The lodge is situated at the end of Lake Temagami Access Rd. (also known as Temagami Mine Rd.) where there is a public boat launch. If you’re not renting a boat, this is a great place to launch as it bypasses the 20-kilometer boat ride down the Northeast Arm. Stopping to fish on the way back to camp, Brad finally nails a walleye off the same shoal we fished that morning, using a green jighead with googly eyes and a yellow twister tail grub. Photo by Tori Farquharson

Despite it being the long weekend, we don’t see a lot of other boats on the lake. However, when we finally reach the bay we want to camp in, it seems the handful of decent sites are occupied. We’re feeling pretty worried as we drive back and forth, looking for a place to camp, until we finally find a great spot that isn’t marked on any maps. It’s not the best place for swimming but there are several nice flat areas for tents and a beautiful stone terrace with gorgeous views of the bay. And, on top of our natural terrace is a perfectly built fireplace. It’s a plus that the site is not heavily used because there is an abundance of firewood in close reach. By the time we get set up and settled into our campsite, we don’t get the chance to take too many casts before nightfall. Come morning, Brad and I try bottom bouncing jigheads tipped with grubs or worms for walleye but the fishing is not going well. We try worms with just a hook and a splitshot too, as we fish 15 to 30-foot deep water off a shoal. Tails between our legs we head back to camp, shamefully admitting we hadn’t caught anything. After enjoying some pancakes with freshly picked wild blueberries we round up the group for a short boat ride and rigorous climb to the magnificent lookout at High Rock Island. The view is spectacular and we hang out for a while, photographing and taking it all in. We are far from the first to enjoy the view at this well-known spot; the lookout is an ancient Ojibway vision quest site. Back in the boats, we are heading to the old growth trails on Temagami Island. We stop and fish at a few promising looking spots on the way, catching and releasing a couple of decent bass. A lunch of fire-roast-

I lay the battered fillets into the hot oil and my mouth waters in anticipation as they immediately begin to sizzle. Things are going very nicely - good friends all around and a beautiful red tinge hanging in the sky right after sunset. Then things get bad. When I hold the frying pan handle the stove tips and scalding hot cooking oil dumps all over my left hand. Contrary to my own health, I manage to re-center the pan on the stove and save the golden brown fillets before they fall in the dirt. I shake the sizzling oil off my hand and immediately submerge it into a cooler full of ice. The burn is undoubtedly bad. I can't take my hand out of the cooler for long without being struck with almost unbearable pain. Luckily the fish is saved and everyone hungrily eats a good portion, commenting on how delicious it is. It’s pretty darn good, I think to myself as I shovel some into my mouth with my good hand. Derek tells me it’s the best beer-battered fish he’s ever had. “Thanks a lot, Derek,” I say with sincerity. “But you’d have to have a lot of nerve to complain about it.”

Photo by Mary Pawelek

I keep my hand in ice while taking a couple Aspirin from the first aid kit. I further help reduce the pain with a steady flow of cold beers. Some time passes and the moon has a rare golden hue to it as it rises in the western sky, its rays dancing on the water. Mary and Tori take out their cameras and capture some beautiful night pics. It’s a nice distraction, but it’s obvious everyone is worried about my hand. At least I get out of the nightly routine of trekking into the woods to hang our food bags out of the reach of bears!

respectable fish. In search of lake trout, we troll back to camp with triple swivel rigs at about 60-feet deep. Brad has a small spoon on and I go with a #2 in-line spinner as I find small spinners let me get deeper with this method. My blisters have grown substantially throughout the day and my hand is looking particularly grotesque. I’m worried that my big plans in the near future will have to be

cancelled due to the burns and I think trolling is a good way to give my hand a rest. I’ve been successful with this lake trout fishing method several times during the dog days of summer, but today proves unfruitful as we arrive back at camp lake trout-less. I’m climbing out of the boat to tie up when Derek and Sarah show us a respectable stringer full of good keeper-sized smallmouth. Brad and I are impressed.

DON’T JUST GO

FISHING HUNTING ,

Hot oil is great for cooking fish but not so great for human hands!

Photo by Mary Pawelek

UNDERWATER

In the morning the blisters have grown and are starting to look pretty nasty, but I’m not going to let that stop me from hooking into a pike! We start pitching wacky rigged soft stickbaits along dropoffs and into rocky cover. Brad and I are fishing together and doing all right with bass, but things are still pretty slow all around. We blame the heat wave we’ve been having for the lethargy of the fish. The weather cools slightly in the late afternoon, and I hook into a nice pike using a #3 Fire Tiger patterned willowleaf spinner. Not long after, I bring in a beautiful smallmouth on the same lure. Brad’s luck is improving too and he nets a couple of

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Photo by Tori Farquharson

“Caught ‘em all on worms,” Derek boasts. The girls hang out at camp, atop our natural rock terrace, while the guys head back out to take advantage of the evening bite. Derek and I fish with worms, Brad with a wacky rig. Brad tosses his bait close to the rocky shoreline and I watch his line sink and sink and sink. Then it goes tight and wham! He sets the hook into a feisty smallie. I stand ready with the net and, as the chunky bronzeback swims by the boat, I place the net immediately in front of it, letting the fish swim into the net before bringing the two-pounder into the boat. After that, Derek and I change to wacky rigs. “I had no idea it would be so deep there,” Brad remarks. I’m also surprised that his bait went down so deep. He likely caught the fish at 44 Real Fishing – Spring 2015

about 20-feet in an area where I thought there would be only five-feet of water. We shouldn’t have been surprised though. Temagami is an Ojibway word meaning “deep water by the shore” and the lake stands true to its name. It turns out there are places where it drops to 100-feet deep only 20-feet from shore. As darkness falls we build our fire high and cook our fish three different ways: beerbattered, dry-rubbed and pan-fried, and wrapped in tinfoil with butter and seasoning and cooked in the coals. After our feast we sang a few songs - our choir possibly brought on by the consumption of adult beverages. And before turning in we enjoy a little romance with our significant others while stargazing up at the night sky on the tranquil summer night. After our morning swim on our last day we break camp, leaving little trace of our stay. The day is hot and sunny once again, and I wish the 30-kilometer ride back to our vehicles would last longer. My plan is to leave Tori and the group in Temagami, then head north to Cochran, Ontario, to begin a three-week long solo canoe trip down the infamous Kesagami River to James Bay, but the throbbing pain in my badly blistered fingers is telling me to change my plans. While returning our boats, I show the people at Lakeland Airways my burns and they literally fall silent and turn green. After packing up I congratulate everyone on a great trip and hug Tori good-bye. Then I jump in my truck and head north alone, toward the Arctic watershed. ?

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Written and illustrated by Charles Weiss

Magnificent Seven Muskie Lures

Finding time to head out muskie fishing can be challenging when things like bad weather, family and work commitments, and any number of other reasons get in the way. When you finally do get on the water, you want to be sure you are armed with the right gear to get the job done. By matching the proper gear and tactics to the best lures, muskie hunters can catch the biggest of these tooth-filled predators, fish so big that getting one boatside really can be considered a danger to your heart rate! Like the seven hills on and about which Rome was built, if you add these seven types of lures to your tackle box you can reduce your time on the water and make less than the proverbial 10,000 casts to hook a big one.

Spring 2015 â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Real Fishing 47

S U R FA C E L U R E S Sound is more important than colour with surface lures. Go beyond the typical, calm water casting of this lure and try it when there is a nice foot or higher chop on the water. On pressured water a lot of lures are presented to the fish over and over again so try and make your surface lure stand out. A single prop surface lure can be modified by unscrewing the prop screws that attach to the head. This results in less line twist, makes a different sound and runs more easily through weeds. A steady retrieve is a good way to call in a big fish. If you see a muskie following, try adding a burst of speed as this can often trigger a strike. This lure is great for surface figure eights at boatside to entice following muskies, just keep it going around and around until the fish either hits or leaves.

Pro Tip “It helps to have the right weather - specifically a warming trend with relatively high humidity. And of course they’re great at sunset and just before a front rolls in.” Andy Pappas / Vicious Fishes Guide Service

CRANKBAITS There are literally hundreds of different muskie crankbaits of different brands, sizes and colours. The key is to find the one for the right condition. Early in the season something small and shallow running might be a good choice. By the time the leaves are turning colour a large, eight-inch or longer jointed crankbait will probably be the best way to go. Matching the bait’s colour to a local prey fish pattern - like shad, sucker, shiner or yellow perch - can be extremely effective in getting strikes. Your casting retrieve speed or trolling speed should be slightly slower in the cool water periods than it is in the summer. If the fishing is slow, try deeper, open water areas that are near your usual summer fishing areas.

Pro Tip “Troll them high in the water column during the fall, by that I mean above whatever vegetation remains. Muskies will venture onto feeding flats on lakes or rivers on the lookout for perch or suckers. Since flats get quite large in size, trolling is the most effective way to cover the water. Lots of flats that I work in this way range in depth from 7 to 12- feet” Hedrik Wachelka / Ottawa, Muskies Canada

48 Real Fishing – Spring 2015

EXPERIENCE

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DOUBLE BLADE B U C K TA I L S P I N N E R S To get late summer or early fall muskies to bite, try casting or trolling a double-blade inline bucktail spinner. They are a straightforward,“crank and reel” kind of lure. At boatside you can sometimes coax a following muskie by turning your retrieve into a figure-eight. Usually a fish will strike as you are going into or out of a turn.

Pro Tip “I have been pleased with the success these lures have had in the fall. Usually I fish them around remnant green aquatic vegetation in shallower water, usually less than eight-feet or so, and keep the pace of the retrieve slightly slower than in summer.” Hedrik Wachelka / Ottawa Muskies Canada

SPOONS Spoons are not just a lure for northern pike, they are a good choice for muskies too. Add a swivel above the leader and to where the lure connects to help prevent line twist. A five to six-inch long spoon with a narrow body that resembles a salmon spoon, but is made of thicker metal, is the ideal style. The retrieve can be varied, from a straight reeling style to a jerkbait type retrieve with a start and stop rhythm. An erratic, fast darting action is preferred but don’t be afraid to experiment. Racing it along the surface is another method that gets the attention of muskies. Your imagination will be the only limit to your retrieve style. Try spoons along submerged weed edges but if the action is slow consider trying the deeper water, away from the weed edge.

Pro Tip

SPINNERBAITS

“You have to keep them (spoons) in the two to two and a half-mile per hour range or they will twist your line into a knot. Good heavy swivels are a must as are leaders that use twin swivels. Monofilament line works better than braided or Dacron for running spoons.”

Covering the water by casting or trolling with spinning blades that target active and aggressive muskies is a smart way to fish. From the middle of the summer through to the fall season this method is hard to beat in terms of efficiency and productivity. Try along submerged weedlines, gravel rip rap and sandbars, and don’t be afraid to go as shallow as four-feet. You can cover more water by trolling with 50 to 100-feet of line behind the boat than you can by casting, especially when you’re fishing expansive flats. Consider shortening the line and increasing your boat speed to make the blades burst out of the water. This can attract and trigger any feeding muskies in the area.

Pro Tip “Troll flats and edges on shallow cover elements of structure, like along weedlines and other breaks of this type, especially in early fall. They (spinnerbaits) can be counted down and used to fish the base and through weed edges, as well as around rock piles and bridge abutments. This is a bait that is loud underwater and can be banged and dragged through pieces of cover.” Hedrik Wachelka / Ottawa Muskies Canada

50 Real Fishing – Spring 2015

Steve Wickens / Kawartha Muskie Angler

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GLIDE BAITS These lures demand an extra level of attention from the angler during the retrieve. For the best results they should be retrieved with a constant series of twitches and taps of the rod tip while it is pointed down at the water. This creates a zigzag forward motion, similar to a “walk the dog” retrieve, only under the surface of the water. The quick “tap-tap-tap” of the rod tip imparts an action and rhythm that mimics the short, darting pattern of a small panfish. Should you see the large shape of a following muskie, keep the retrieve going - don’t hesitate or stop. When the fish strikes, wait until you feel weight and then set the hook. Use a slower retrieve in the colder fall months and remember to keep the lure faltering and looking like an easy meal. Try this method over shallow or deep water.

Pro Tip “Glide baits are not only great casting baits, but they are amazing trolling baits. You can’t troll fast enough to blow out the action.” Steve Wickens / Kawartha Muskie Angler

JERKBAITS Jerkbaits are similar to glide baits in that they require you to point the rod tip down and use a constant stop-and-pull (jerk) retrieve. Some designs are weighted and will rise very slowly after a pull. Experiment with the length of the pauses and pulls as well as the frequency. Sometimes letting the lure float completely to the surface will trigger a muskie that wouldn’t chase down the bait. Trial and error is the only way to determine the best retrieve on any given day. Jerkbaits are best fished on a long rod, between seven and eight-feet, with a medium to heavy action.

Pro Tip “During the fall I always cast them. They’re very flexible in their application and their buoyancy allows them to be popped around shallow weed and wood, while long/steady pulls allow them to be driven deeper around rock structure or suspended bait.” Andy Pappas / Vicious Fishes Guide Service

This list does not cover every muskie bait out there, but if you are serious about getting bit you should consider keeping these lures in active rotation. They have proven their worth on waters throughout the muskie’s range and if you use them you’ll soon find them as valuable as seven aces up your sleeve. ?

52 Real Fishing – Spring 2015

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BULLS AND WHITES OF JASPER NATIONAL PARK By Mark Forabosco

As a writer, I would be the first to tell you just how powerful words can be and, under the right conditions, just how strong an impression they can make on an open mind. But from my viewpoint, at that notable moment in time, my page was blank. As one individual, I realized just how small we are in the grand scheme of things. I closed my eyes and the only sound was that of rushing water; a powerful torrent born of melting ice from the Columbia ice fields that feeds into the mighty Athabasca River.

Spring 2015 â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Real Fishing 55

A cold morning wind stretched out across the valley, putting a chill deep into my bones and forcing me to pull my collar up to fight off a shiver, even though it was early August. I opened my eyes and there were no traffic jams, no sirens, and no giant billboards telling me what I should buy. Just mountains, their tops bleached white, touching the sky and covered with melting ice that turned into long tears streaming down their sides until they joined the river below. I dipped my hand into the frigid water and drank. Below my feet lay a blanket of stones, centuries old and worn smooth by the powerful currents that have covered them every spring for the last 10,000-years. This place was a combination of raw beauty and power rolled into one, a place that was surely touched by the hand of God. I had come to Jasper to reconnect with family who I hadn’t seen in far too long. But since I was here I thought it would only be reasonable that I try and wet a line for whatever swam in these sanguine waters.

with. So in a sense, after 40-years of living the life of a fisherman, I was once again starting from scratch and that kind of sounded like fun! Classical scholar Erasmus, in his book, “The Praise of Folly” wrote, “What is the life of mortals but a sort of comedy where he who plays the role of a king dressed in scarlet one night is then destined to play the role of the patched flunky the next.” The longer that first uneventful morning wore on without a strike the more that verse kept repeating itself in my head. I had a map in hand of all the lakes and nearby rivers, but I was really out of my element - as was proven by my empty creel. Fortunately, one of my cousins pointed me in the direction of the local tackle shop where, with some helpful hints from the salespeople and the purchase of proper tackle, I gained some insight about

the fish that called these waters home. Bull trout, the official fish of Alberta, reign supreme here. They are fairly spread out across many of the rivers and lakes that are located within Jasper’s borders. Bulls are a protected species and fishing for them is strictly catch and release only. Aggressive by nature, and opportunistic feeders, they will slam spoons, body baits or flies with reckless abandon. I discovered that the provincial record weighs almost 18-pounds, but stories circulate of fish that have been caught and released that pushed the scale past the 25-pound mark. In my opinion they are one of the most beautifully marked and coloured members of the char family. The other fish that I had on my radar was the Rocky Mountain whitefish. These stunning fish are most partial to hitting drifted, weighted flies. One method favoured by the local spinning alumni to fish flies, is to use a coat hanger rig. They cut a coat hanger, bend it in a half moon shape and then bend the top of the wire into a small, closed circle. From there they tie a three-foot piece of line to a three-way swivel. Then the line from the reel is tied to the swivel. The rig is finished by tying another piece of line 12 to 16-inches in length to the swivel, and tying a fly to the other end. This novel idea is a perfect setup for drifting in the fast currents and it is almost 100% snag proof. Rocky Mountain whitefish can reach up to fivepounds, but anything over four is considered a real trophy. The nice thing about whitefish is that if you can find one you are in for an exciting day as they tend to school in large numbers.

Something Different Ontario has a most enviable reputation as far as great fisheries goes. Here, any angler with perseverance and know-how has a reasonable chance to land trout and walleye up to and over 15-pounds, muskellunge and King salmon that can break the 35-pound barrier - and that’s just scratching the surface. But in this case I was presented with a most unique and glorious opportunity to try and catch fish that I had only heard about from old stories handed down from my father and to partake in angling techniques and presentations that I had no familiarity 56 Real Fishing – Spring 2015

Bull trout will slam spoons, body baits or flies with reckless abandon.

almost grudgingly giving ground only after I applied heavy pressure. After a couple of tense minutes I slid my hand under the belly of my first bull trout. Though its colouring was not as bright or gaudy as a speckled trout’s, to me it was just as beautiful. This fish was about 18-inches long yet the satisfaction I felt was equal to the time that I landed my first 15-pound rainbow. Shortly thereafter I came to a fully intact elk skeleton and took notice of two sets of fairly large bear tracks. I reviewed the situation and decided it was time to relocate to other waters! The coat hanger rig is I made my way down to a spot just outa local favourite used for drifting flies on side the edge of town, where the Whirlpool spinning gear. River connects to the Athabasca. I hadn’t taken more than a dozen casts when I Luckless Angler No More! thought that I had gotten hung up on a rock. I followed the sign that read, Maligne All of a sudden I felt the rock began to Canyon. It wasn’t as if I had dibs on a mag- move, then powerful headshakes. The fish ical hotspot, just a recollection of stories my headed for a downed tree and I put on as father had shared with me in my youth much pressure as I dared, trying to turn my about fishing the crystal clear Maligne unseen opponent. Finally, after what seemed River. My plan was simple - put on some like forever, a large shadow loomed closer. I hard miles following the trail along the river gently beached and unhooked a respectable and try my luck for bull trout in the slow bull of about six-pounds. As I eased it back water sections, deep holes and back eddies. into the water it coughed up a whitefish Ancient cedars cast long shadows across about 11-inches long. After a minute the fish the deep pool as I let loose with a cast. As swam off and I packed up for lunch, with a the five of diamonds spoon twisted and smile a mile wide. Bull trout are shaped simturned with a provocative action, behind it ilarly to lake trout and they can feed on very I could see a dark form following. I missed large forage, so don’t be afraid to go with the initial strike right at the edge of shore bigger baits. Remember that whitefish are and was feeling more sombre by the second. the main prey of bull trout and they equal Taking a deep breath and thinking that I the size of some of the lures that we use in had just missed an easy “gimme”, I half- Ontario for muskies and pike. heartedly cast back to the original spot. Armed with a renewed sense of confiTwo cranks of the reel handle later my rod dence, the following morning I decided to arched over and the fish dove down to the strike out and try my luck for Rocky bottom, trying to hold its position, slowly, Mountain whitefish but it didn’t take long before I was once again eating The author with a respectable humble pie. I thought my game bull trout of about six-pounds. plan was pretty fail proof don’t camp out on any one place for too long and cover as much area as possible until I connected with some whitefish. So far though, they were proving to be quite elusive. I packed up and drove back through town, along the edge of the Athabasca, trying my luck at every feeder stream. Eventually I made my way down to the Snake River where I met a husband and wife who 58 Real Fishing – Spring 2015

were drifting with flies in front of the bridge. They patiently answered my novice questions and pointed out a popular spot just spitting distance away. With my fly and my snagless coat hanger rig set to go, I cast out and crossed my fingers for luck. It wasn’t long before I felt a gentle tap, swept up my rod, and the fish was on. After a spirited fight made up of short runs, twists and turns, I brought my first whitefish to the shoreline. A quick photo and release and I was ready to continue. By the day’s end I had landed over a dozen whites, keeping one pushing the four-pound mark for the smoker. For the next three-days the fishing remained consistent for whitefish with another half dozen bull trout added to the mix. Upon reflection of my time in Jasper, what surprised me the most was how little angling pressure this park actually receives. During my four-day adventure the only other anglers I saw were the local couple that I spoke of earlier. Most of the visitors who come to the park have other forms of recreation in mind, and that suits me just fine!

Jasper’s Greatest Lake Maligne Lake is a trout angler’s utopia. This aquamarine coloured lake, which measures just over 14-miles in length, has thriving populations of rainbow and brook trout. In fact, the Alberta record rainbow came from this body of water and weighed in officially at just over 20-pounds. If that isn’t enough, this same lake produced Alberta’s largest documented brook trout that weighed just shy of 13-pounds. My cousin’s husband, Ray Gibbons, was kind enough to take me out one afternoon on the Maligne. No gas outboard motors are permitted here so Ray, showing the true ingenious creativity of a passionate trout angler, found a way to improvise. It wasn’t the standard bass or walleye boat that most of us have become accustomed to. In fact, his sturdy ship ran strictly on the power of six 12-volt batteries, which was perfect for a day’s trolling. There are a number of options that exist for fishing Maligne Lake. One method is to keep a vigilant eye open for rising trout and fly fish for them from a canoe or kayak. Another, which has proven very successful for Ray in the past, is slow trolling with a sinking fly. Lastly, paddle trolling with a spoon or small crankbait and experimenting with shallow to deep diving baits until

you find the proper depth and start to connect with fish. Even if the bite is off you’ll never get bored. The scenery is breathtaking and it’s not out of the ordinary to see mountain goats or bears loafing about on the sides of the mountains that surround this peaceful water. If you’re looking for a real challenge, try fly fishing Talbot Lake for northern pike. Averaging eight to 10-feet in depth, sightcasting with large streamer flies gets a tip of the hat from many locals. A number of pike up to 10-pounds are landed every year but bigger ones do exist. The largest Talbot Northern on record weighed in close to 27-pounds.

but had heard from reliable sources that it had muskies up to 40-pounds. Her reply was direct and to the point. “So, what are we supposed to do while you’re off chasing muskies?” In a place like Jasper there are many family activities, from horseback riding along mountain trails to white water rafting trips and, of course, wetting a line for dad. It’s a win-win for the whole family. I had a strong desire to try something different, I guess you could call it a fisherman’s bucket list, to catch a species of fish that I had never caught before, in an environment much more distinctive than what I was used to. Looking back on my experience in Jasper, memories were made that will be fondly recollected many years from now. If you’re interested in taking a western angling adventure I would suggest going

online and looking up wwwfishonlinejasper.com. This site has all the information regarding fishing the park. It also has a list of which rivers and lakes are open. This is important because some waters have different seasons. Artificial lures are allowed, no live bait or lead, barbless hooks only, and a daily limit of two fish. With regards to gear, you don’t need to bring the kitchen sink. Just pack a vest with some of the lures already mentioned, a fly rod with sinking line or a standard spinning rod and reel with eight to 10-pound test line and you’re off to make an angling memory. Oh yes, I almost forgot, for those who like to wade, bring a pair of neoprene waders. I would also suggest a pair of long johns and thick socks - that mountain water is ice cold even in the middle of summer! ?

Ray Gibbons with a Maligne Lake rainbow trout.

Everybody Wins Like the rest of my angling brethren, I try to plan my holidays with a particular species of fish in mind. But, with a spouse and children, that’s not always possible. In fact, just this past summer my wife asked why I wanted to rent a cabin at a certain lake, and what kind of beach it had. I told her that I had no knowledge of any beach, Spring 2015 – Real Fishing 59

Tales from the Road By Bob Izumi

There’s a handful of things in life that I really like to do and one of them definitely is eating. My wife Sandy and I were lucky enough to attend Air Canada enRoute’s, Canada’s Best New Restaurants event at the Gardiner Museum in Toronto.

Photo by Nelson Tam

The Gardiner Museum is an interesting building that is devoted entirely to ceramic art. It is the only museum of its kind in Canada and was a cool place for an event like this. There were food stations set up and the top-10 new restaurants were all invited to serve some of their signature food. I hadn’t eaten anything that night and when I first got there I was thinking, “Oh boy, I sure hope there’s enough food!” Well, I wasn’t disappointed. There were some incredible food tastings and after visiting about five different stations I was already full. I was definitely slowing down by the time I got to the last one. Wolf in the Fog restaurant, from Tofino in British Columbia, won this year’s event but as far as I’m concerned they were all winners. It was definitely a highlight of this winter for me! There’s been a lot of high winds this winter and in one particular windy storm one of our 35-foot blue spruce trees, that we had planted some 20-years ago, blew down. Luckily it was in the back of a cluster of trees so we don’t really need to

60 Real Fishing – Spring 2015

replace it. On a positive note, it gave us a beautiful, and very large, Christmas tree for the house. My wife has always wanted a big one for the front foyer of the house and this tree could be custom cut to any length so it was perfect for the holidays. Next on the agenda was getting over to Cambridge for the grand opening of a new Sail store on behalf of Columbia Sportswear. People were lined up to get in and once the doors opened the store was flooded with customers. It’s great to see a Canadian outdoors company like Sail doing so well. Then I had a number of meetings with sponsors to go over some prototypes and samples of products that are in development. It’s so hard for a person like me to keep some of these products under wraps but there are non-disclosure agreements in place and I certainly don’t want to let any secrets out. After that I did some work for the upcoming television season, shooting tips and doing voiceovers. There’s always a lot of things to do to get the new TV series polished off before it goes to the networks for airing. Wolf in the Fog, from Tofino, British Columbia, was voted Canada’s Best New Restaurant.

In the first week of December, my son Darren, our friend Cole Chantler and I went to the annual Ranger Product Knowledge boat tour in Flippin’, Arkansas. I’ve gone to the Ranger plant a number of times over the years and I’m still amazed at their incredible craftsmanship and how they build their boats. It’s no wonder they’re the number-

Not everyone was thrilled to meet Bob at the Sail store opening in Cambridge

one bass boat manufacturer in the world. Once we were back in Ontario my son and I spoke at the Hamilton Bassmaster’s monthly club meeting. It was great seeing some familiar tournament fishing faces in the crowd and it was awesome to just talk about tournaments with hard-core anglers. During the Christmas holidays we caught up with friends and family and there was way too much eating, as usual. Then, in first week of January, I was back doing post production work on the TV show. We wanted to get everything finished before we got on the road to Florida with the Ranger in tow. Even though I drive between 75,000 and 100,000 kilometers a year I have to admit that I still like to drive. Some people wouldn’t like that type of lifestyle but I find that when I get on the open road I can actually unwind. I can only do a certain amount of work when I’m driving so I’m sort of forced to take it easy and collect my thoughts. Here’s one of the coolest things I learned on the trip to Florida. We had stopped at a gas station in Kentucky to fill up the truck and I wanted to pay at the pump with my credit card. If you travel in the US you’ll probably know what I’m talking about - if you try to use your credit card to pay at the pump it asks you to enter your zip code. As

Canadians, we have postal codes, not zip codes, and they won’t work when you try to pay at the pump. This has been a problem for over a decade for me. Imagine trying to fill your boat or truck, but you don’t know if it’s going to take $50, $60 or $80 worth of gas so you prepay the highest amount you think you’ll need. If you forget to get the proper receipt, in some case they’ll charge you for the full amount you prepaid for even if you pumped less gas. In some cases they’ll re-adjust it for you, but it depends on the system they’re on. It’s a real pain. So I walked into the gas station to either give them my credit card or make a prepayment on it without knowing exactly how much gas it would take to fill up. The girl who was working said that she had heard that you could use the numbers from your postal code and add “00” on the end, instead of entering a zip code. She came back out to the pump with me to try it so I swiped my card and, when it asked for the

zip code, I used the three numbers from my postal code, added two zeros and bang, it went through! Ever since then I have tried this in multiple states and have not had my card refused once. After more than a decade of being frustrated and not filling my vehicles up completely, I finally have an efficient way of using my credit card to prepay for fuel and things on the road! So that’s my big tip in this Tales from the Road column. Once we got to Florida the weather was up and down. For every warm day we got it seemed like we’d get three or four colder days. The Florida strain of largemouth bass are very fickle when it comes to cool water conditions and that’s my excuse for some of the tough fishing days we had. We fished Lake Okeechobee for a number of days and our biggest fish was just six-pounds. We didn’t have any of those real stellar days where we’d catch big numbers of large bass. When we got a couple of warmer days in a row the fishing would start to pick up but

then another front would come through and slow things down again. Brent McNamee, from BoaterExam.com, joined us for a couple of days on Okeechobee and we caught some largemouth by using Sebile Action First Lipless Seeker crankbaits in some of the canals. We also got a few fish by flipping and casting swimbaits, but for the most part the fishing was pretty challenging. In between the bass fishing we went over to Stuart, Florida, to meet up with Paul Michele from Navionics. Paul is an extremely hard-core saltwater fisherman who has won saltwater tournaments for a number of species. He is really tuned in to the shark fishing over there at this time of year. For a number of years he’s told me about the spinner sharks that migrate through that part of Florida and it was great to finally get out with him. My friend, Rick McCrory, was also with us on this part of the trip so he, my wife

PASSIONATE ABOUT FISHING SINCE 1983.

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Spring 2015 – Real Fishing 61

Sandy and I all headed over to get out with Paul for a day. All I can say is, “Wow!” We landed nine blacktip and spinner sharks that were all in the 70 to 100-plus pound range and we lost as many more. For you folks that have never done any of this type of fishing, it is an amazing adrenaline rush. We could see sharks jumping out of the water. Once we set up a drift above them and got a good chum slick going it was game on! All of a sudden you’d hear the clicker on the reel go “click, click, click” as a shark grabbed the bait and started to swim off with it. You’d grab the rod, tighten up the line, set the hook and hold on. After experiencing some mediocre bass fishing, getting out on this trip definitely took the edge off and gave us all a good fish fix. Then we were off to Orlando to meet up with some family members for a little bit of fun, golfing and fishing. Whenever I’m in the Orlando area I like to hit one of my favourite restaurants, Amura. It is a Japanese sushi and steak house that is to die for. I’ve never had a bad meal there and the food is always incredible.

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62 Real Fishing – Spring 2015

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My friend, Terry McClymont, joined us for a couple of days in Florida. Terry is an Air Canada Captain who lives in Kenora and I’ve known him for a long time. He was asking me about the Okeechobee fishing and the next thing you know he was down there in the boat with us for a day of fishing. The next day he joined another friend of ours, Bill Chambers from North Bay, in Bill’s boat while Sandy and I were in ours. We had some pretty good fishing throwing the Berkley Rib Shad in the California colour on a weighted, 3/0 belly hook around some of the lily pads and flats. Our biggest bass was around five-pounds. The irony is that the fishing was just starting to pick up the day before we had to fly back home. On a side note, I’ve got a funny story to tell you about Terry. Last fall I was on an Air Canada flight to Ottawa when the flight attendant announced, “Your Captain today is Terry McClymont.” I was laughing and asked the flight attendant if she could give him a message. She said that I could write a note to him so I got one of my son’s business cards and wrote, “Terry, please get me to Ottawa safely. Bob”, then handed her the card. When we were deplaning in Ottawa Terry and the other pilot were waiting for me at the front of the plane. It was pretty funny because the first thing I said to Terry was, “Boy that was a rough landing.” He pointed to the other pilot and said, “Oh, he landed the plane!” I wasn’t even off the plane and I had already put my foot in my mouth!

When I got back from Florida I attended the Spring Fishing and Boat Show’s annual industry breakfast and Canadian Angler Hall of Fame awards and inductions. This year Dr. John Casselman was inducted to the Hall of Fame; Saskatchewan MP Gary Breitkreuz was presented with the Rick Amsbury Award for Excellence and the Jock River Fish Embayment Creation Project was awarded the Conservation Project of the Year award. The next day I was back at the show to do a seminar. It was a packed crowd and I met a lot of enthusiastic anglers. The next evening the show’s founders, Andy and Vita Pallotta, had a roast for Big Jim McLaughlin. They asked if I would speak at the event and I joked that, if we’re going to “roast” Big Jim there would be plenty to go around! Jim has been a friend for many years, since way before I started the TV series, and I gladly accepted. The following week I did two evenings of seminars in Vaughn for the fishing department staff from three of Sail’s stores. The first thing that blew my mind was how hard core the people in the room were. They all fished – from fanatical steelheaders to bass anglers to multi-species anglers. The other thing was their enthusiasm for both the sport of fishing and for what they do for a living. It was really cool to see a lot of likeminded people all in one room.

Dr. John Casselman (left), Bob Izumi and Gary Breitkreuz at the Spring Fishing and Boat Show’s, Canadian Angler Hall of Fame award ceremony.

That same week I also took some prize winners from the Sail Cambridge store, Todd Leach and his son, Kyle, out for a day of ice fishing on Lake Simcoe. John Whyte from the Lake Simcoe Message Board, John Mirco from Pure Fishing, and my tool and die connection, Roy Adams, all joined us. I’ve got an old saying that goes, “You’re

only as good as who you surround yourself with,” and John Whyte is one of the best when it comes to fishing on Lake Simcoe. For not being a guide, he spends more time on the water than anybody I know. John has been catching some exceptionally large lake trout this winter and he wanted to take us out to one of his spots to see if we could get a few trout and whitefish. Todd Leach with a hefty Lake Simcoe lake trout.

John jumped into the SnoBear with us first thing in the morning and gave Todd and Kyle a quick seminar on how to read the Lowrance electronics and how to work

the Sebile Vibrato lure we would be using. It’s a pretty funky looking, two-treble hooked jigging spoon that puts out an incredible amount of flash and vibration. As John was showing them how to work the lure, he hooked up with a whitefish and has it on for a short time before losing it. Within 10-minutes, Todd Leach hooked up with a very heavy fish that we knew was a lake trout. When he landed it, it ended up being a decent one that weighed about 12pounds. His son Kyle got a decent whitefish and then, at the end of the day, Todd hooked up with another whitefish. This father/son team had never ice fished before in their lives and they were definitely 10-feet off the ground after our outing. Some sad news – while we were in Florida we got word that a friend of mine, Tony Mignacca, had passed away suddenly. Tony was the CEO and founder of the Sail retail chain and had been involved in the sporting goods retail business for most of his life. In the four-years that I got to know

Kyle Leach caught this whitefish on his first ice fishing trip.

Tony I really admired his honesty and knowledge about the Canadian retail scene. He was as passionate about the business as he was about fishing and that’s one of the reasons I admired him. As I wrap this up this Tales column I’m ready to head to the airport to fly back to Florida to hit the waters of Lake Okeechobee for another shot at those big largemouth bass. Stay tuned... ?

Spring 2015 – Real Fishing 63

What’s COOKING Braised Short Ribs with Orzo Rapine and Roast Tomatoes

This recipe also works perfectly in a slow cooker. Feel free to add your own personal touches such as porcini mushrooms for a woodsy rich flavour, or chipotle peppers for that Tex-Mex flair. INGREDIENTS

DIRECTIONS

SHORT RIBS

5 ½ cup 1 cup 1 cup 1 cup 2 cups 250 grams 1 ½ cups 2 to 3 cups 2 cups 1 bunch 1 To taste

1 ½” thick, bone-in short ribs canola oil pearl onions, peeled medium diced celery medium diced carrots button mushrooms bacon, coarsely chopped tomato paste full-bodied red wine beef stock fresh thyme, bay leaf Sea salt

ORZO RAPINE AND ROAST TOMATOES

500 grams 1 bunch 1 pint 3 cloves 4 tbsp 1 tsp

orzo rapine, coarsely chopped sweet cherry tomatoes chopped garlic extra virgin olive oil crushed chillies (optional)

64 Real Fishing – Spring 2015

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F.

Cover the casserole dish and place in the preheated oven for 3-hours. Remove cover during the last half hour, meat should be tender to touch.

Season short ribs generously with salt. Add canola oil to a large sauté pot and bring to high heat. Add half of the short ribs and allow to brown on each side (approximately 4-minutes per side). Remove from pot and repeat with remaining ribs. Place browned ribs aside. Reserving the oil in the pan, add bacon and sauté for 3 minutes on high, then add mushrooms, onions, celery and carrots. Continue sautéing for 4-minutes or until vegetables are browned. Add tomato paste and continue cooking for 4 more minutes. Gently add wine, beef stock, fresh thyme and bay leaf then bring to simmer and allow to reduce slightly. Place browned ribs in a deep casserole pan and cover with the simmered ingredients.

ORZO RAPINE AND ROAST TOMATOES

In large sauté pan add olive oil, tomatoes, garlic. If you want a bit of heat, add the crushed chillies. Sauté for 2-minutes on high. Add rapine and continue to sauté for an additional 8-minutes. Season to taste and set aside. Cook orzo according to package directions, drain and fold together with rapine and tomato mixture. To serve, arrange orzo on a plate, place ribs on top and drizzle with a scoop of the braising liquid.

Special thanks to Chef Todd Timleck from Lifestyles catering for providing this recipe.

When you pack Izumi wines, you can afford to be selective. COME AND GET IT. Our wines are only available direct — either in person or by delivery from our vineyard in Niagara-on-the-Lake, Ontario. It’s taken 14 years to get it right, to perfect the craft of making wine that is drinkable, accessible, and affordable. It all happens here in our Big Red Barn. Our modern-rustic space houses our cellar and is part tasting room, part clubhouse. There’s no pretension or mystery here. All that we know, we’re ready to share with you, to delight the novice wine lover and the veteran oenophile alike. Visit us or order ahead for your next big trip and for each purchase of an Izumi wine, Between the Lines will donate $1 to the Fishing Forever Foundation, a non-profit organization committed to the preservation of Canada’s fishing resources.

C Contact ontact us tto o book y your our winery ttour. our. Mention this ad free and rreceive eceive a fr ee tasting of our Izumi wines:

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Pigeon Lake Leaping Muskie

Artist:

Charles Weiss

Medium:

Acrylic on canvas

Contact:

www.charlesweissart.com

66 Real Fishing – Spring 2015

“This art was inspired by visits to the far west corner of Ontario’s Pigeon Lake, near Nogies creek in the Kawarthas. A lot of cattails, a migratory redwing blackbird and of course the mighty muskellunge of Pigeon Lake were the inspirations needed to make this composition really exciting.” – Charles Weiss