Winter 2015 by Real Fishing

Canada Post Mail Product Agreement No. 40015689

VOLUME 21 • ISSUE 1 Just $3.95

WINTER 2015

DISPLAY UNTIL APRIL 15, 2015

DROPSHOTTING ON ICE

Get the choice of champions behind you. The tournament-proven, direct-injected Mercury® OptiMax® Pro XS™ gets you to the fish first, lets you fish longer, and gets you to the weigh-in on time. That’s the power of the fastest engine on the water. For outstanding acceleration and top speed, nothing beats it. That’s why more pros want Mercury behind them. Including more than 80 percent of the past decade’s Bassmaster Classic champions and Anglers of the Year. Mercury behind you, the world before you. Visit your Mercury Dealer or mercurymarine.com.

©Mercury Marine

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.

The New Ranger

Multi-Species Series…

™ Remote Drain Plug

8 1/2 Foot Rod Capacity

Digital Switching*

Front Deck Rod Boot

Soft Touch Floor

More Tackle Storage

Tool Holders

* 621 & 620 FS

TM/® are trademarks/registered trademarks of Ranger Boats, LLC or suppliers. © Copyright MMXIV Fishing Holdings, LLC d/b/a Ranger® Boats R-4111

For The Name Of Your Nearest Ranger Dealer, Call:

1-800-373-BOAT (2628)

Contents Features 30 APPLYING TODAY’S TECHNOLOGY A Modern System for Ice Fishing A look at the advancements in ice fishing equipment and how they make it possible for anglers to be more efficient and more successful than ever before. By Tom Gruenwald

38 SLOW DOWN FOR POST-SPAWN WALLEYE A stealthy approach to dealing with the walleye’s post-spawn lockjaw. By Wes David

46 AN ANGLER’S MECCA From world records to antique tackle, the 25,000 square foot Freshwater Fishing Hall of Fame is the keeper of all things fishing, and a visit here should be near the top of any angler’s bucket list. By Craig Ritchie

53 DOUBLE DIPPING ON ICE The dropshot technique has proven its worth for deep water fishing in the warm months - here’s how to apply it to the hard water season. By Steve May

Winter 2015 Volume 21, Issue 1 Editor Jerry Hughes Art Production Rossi Piedimonte Design Publisher Fred Delsey National Advertising Izumi Outdoors Tel: (905) 632-8679 President Wayne Izumi Contributors Patrick Daradick, Wes David, Tom Gruenwald, Bob Izumi, Wayne Izumi, Steve May, Craig Ritchie, Dave Taylor, Tim Tibbitts, April White 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

Columns

6 OPENING LINES

24 REAL FISHING FISH FACTS

By Jerry Hughes

Brook Trout

10 SPORTSMEN’S ALMANAC

26 BEST FISHING TIMES

News, trivia, event listings and more from the world of fishing

28 THE HOT BITE 14 WHAT’S NEW The latest in fishing tackle, gear and accessories

By Bob Izumi

18 FLY FISHING By Steve May

20 THE WATER’S EDGE By Dave Taylor

22 THE VINTAGE TACKLE BOX By Patrick Daradick

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

64 WHAT’S COOKING

66 ART OF ANGLING

18 SUNSET COUNTRY PIKE Photo by Izumi Outdoors

16 FISHING

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

On the cover:

Doug Hannon’s moon phase calendar

opening lines By Jerry Hughes

To Tech or Not to Tech There’s no escaping the onslaught of technology these days. From cell phones in everyone’s pocket to internet enabled televisions; from computer driven social networks to apps for everything, it sometimes seems as if our world revolves around our devices. Whether that’s good, bad or in-between is all in how you see it, but there’s no denying that it’s here to stay and it will only become more a part of our lives as time goes on. Fishing isn’t immune and there have been huge advancements in mapping technologies, GPS systems and sonar over the past few years. Now you can even get updateable charts on your cell phone through the new Boating app from Navionics. The access to information we have today is incredible and has definitely changed the way a lot of us fish. And it’s not just our electronics that have been advanced by technology. Things like our outboard motors, the rods, reels, lines and baits we fish with, our off-road vehicles and our ice fishing equipment have all been touched. All of it has given us the ability to be more efficient in our quest for the next great catch. Of course all the technology in the world won’t actually catch fish for us. Knowing how to use it properly, and how to incorporate it into a fishing strategy, is essential to turning blips on a screen into fish on the line. In this issue of Real Fishing, HT Enterprises’ Tom Gruenwald takes a look at how utilizing today’s technology can turn ice fishing from a hit and miss affair into a more sophisticated and systematic game. In his article, Applying Today’s Technology, Tom offers a wealth of information that you can 6 Real Fishing – Winter 2015

use to make your ice fishing trips more efficient and more productive this season. On the other side of the technology coin, Steve May’s article, Double Dipping on Ice, harkens back to the old days, when the difference between the great ice anglers and the rest of the pack was more a case of the angler’s skill in rigging and presentation than with the size of his screen or the number of devices he employed. In his article, Steve shares a modified dropshotting approach to ice fishing that can be tuned for whichever species you are targeting and that can double your chances of success on the ice. Somewhere in the middle of high and low-tech fishing is Wes David’s story on tracking and catching post-spawn walleyes. In Slow Down for Post-Spawn Walleye, Wes makes use of GPS, sonar and underwater cameras to zero in on his quarry before utilizing a slow and methodical fishing style to seal the deal. This combined approach consistently produces for Wes and it will do the same for you wherever you fish for finicky, early-season walleyes. To really get a feel for how technology has changed the face of fishing you’ll want to check out Craig Ritchie’s feature story, An Angler’s Mecca, about his visit to the

Freshwater Fishing Hall of Fame. Famous for its extensive list of freshwater fishing records, the Hall of Fame is much more than just a collection of big fish awards. With tens of thousands of fishing related items on display, from fishing’s earliest days up until today, it could better be described as a museum of fishing history. Whether you fish high-tech or low is a matter of personal preference. Whichever way your taste runs, we hope this issue of Real Fishing will give you some ideas to apply to your style of fishing this year. ?

SEASON’S END Nothing lasts forever, and that’s especially true of the open water fishing season in Canada. We thought this photo perfectly captured the feeling that many anglers get when Old Man Winter makes his first appearance of the year.

8 Real Fishing – Winter 2015

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

NEW SAIL STORE OPENS IN CAMBRIDGE Southwestern Ontario anglers have a new tackle mecca as Sail, the Canadian Outdoors Superstore, has opened a new location in Cambridge. On November 26 Bob Izumi was on hand for the grand opening of the store, located at 150 Holiday Inn Drive, as part of his recently announced partnership with Sail. “I am excited to be a part of the Sail family”, said Bob Izumi, coowner of Izumi Outdoors Inc. and host of The Real Fishing television and radio shows. “Sail carries a full range of top quality products for anglers; from hooks, lines and lures to the latest in fishing electronics and accessories. Whether I'm fishing a tournament, taping a show or just going fishing, it’s a one-stop shop for everything I need for a day on the water.” Bob will act as the official advisor to Sail’s fishing department employees and will work with the Sail team to engage Canadian fishing enthusiasts on a variety of media platforms, including the Real Fishing website and magazine as well as Real Fishing’s FaceBook and Twitter pages.

ONTARIO LICENSE-FREE FISHING DAYS From February 14 to 16, 2015, Canadian residents can fish in Ontario waters without the otherwise mandatory fishing version of the outdoors card. The Ontario Government designates two periods throughout the year as license-free, February 14-16, 2015 and July 4-12, 2015. Anglers fishing without a license must fish under the Conservation fishing license limits as set out in the Ontario Recreational Fishing Regulations Summary. With the exception of the licensing requirement, all other Ontario fishing regulations, fees and limits continue to apply during license-free days. During all other time periods, Canadian residents between the ages of 18 and 64 years must purchase a valid fishing license to legally fish in Ontario.

10 Real Fishing – Winter 2015

EVENTS Calendar MONTREAL BOAT AND WATER SPORTS SHOW February 5 - 8, 2015 Place Bonaventure Montreal, Quebec, www.salondubateau.com

OTTAWA BOAT & SPORTSMEN’S SHOW February 19 - 22, 2015 EY Centre Ottawa, ON obss.sportshows.ca

TORONTO SPORTSMEN’S SHOW

CANADIAN ICE FISHING CHAMPIONSHIP

February 5 - 8, 2015 Direct Energy Centre, Exhibition Place Toronto, ON tss.sportshows.ca

February 20 - 22, 2015 Lake Simcoe Brechin, ON www.cifc.org

SPRING FISHING AND BOAT SHOW KIDS, COPS AND CANADIAN TIRE FISHING DAYS Youth oriented fishing events Various dates and locations www.kidsandcops.ca

TORONTO INTERNATIONAL BOAT SHOW January 10 - 18, 2015 Direct Energy Centre, Exhibition Place Toronto, ON www.torontoboatshow.com/2015

February 13 - 16, 2015 International Centre Mississauga, ON www.springfishingandboatshow.com

BARRIE ICE FISHING TOURNAMENT February 14, 2015 Lake Simcoe, Kempenfelt Bay Barrie, ON www.simcoehomebuilders.com

ONTARIO FAMILY FISHING WEEKEND February 14 - 16, 2015 License-free fishing in Ontario www.ontariofamilyfishing.com

VANCOUVER INTERNATIONAL BOAT SHOW

MID-CANADA BOAT SHOW March 5 - 8, 2015 RBC Convention Centre Winnipeg, MB www.midcanadaboatshow.com

BC BOAT & SPORTSMEN'S SHOW / BC HUNTING SHOW 2015 March 6 - 8, 2015 Tradex Abbotsford, BC www.masterpromotions.ca

WAWA ICE FISHING DERBY March 6 - 8, 2015 Wawa, Hawk and Manitowik Lakes Wawa, ON www.wawaicefishingderby.com

January 21 - 25, 2015 BC Place and Granville Island Vancouver, BC V6B 4Y8 www.vancouverboatshow.ca/2015

HALIFAX INTERNATIONAL BOAT SHOW

EDMONTON BOAT & SPORTSMEN’S SHOW

February 19 - 22, 2015 Exhibition Park Halifax, NS www.masterpromotions.ca

March 12 - 15, 2015 Edmonton Expo Centre, Northlands Edmonton, AB ebss.sportshows.ca

CALGARY BOAT & SPORTSMEN’S SHOW

MONTREAL HUNTING, FISHING AND CAMPING SHOW

QUEBEC CITY HUNTING, FISHING, CAMPING AND BOAT SHOWS

February 5 - 8, 2015 BMO Centre, Stampede Park Calgary, AB cbss.sportshows.ca

February 19 - 22, 2015 Place Bonaventure, Montreal, QC mhfcs.sportshows.ca

March 12 - 15, 2015 Center of ExpoCité Quebec City, QC qchfcs.sportshows.ca

MONCTON BOAT SHOW March 27 - 29, 2015 Moncton Coliseum Moncton, NB www.masterpromotions.ca

Winter 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 Daniel Watson Davenport Fl Sheepshead

Ryan Zanelli Barrie ON Smallmouth Bass

Gary Girard Laval QC Largemouth Bass

Paul Michele Stuart, Fl Walleye

Mark Forabosco Mount Elgin ON Steelhead Troy Fiwchuk Selkirk MB Channel Catfish

12 Real Fishing – Winter 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’

January 3 January 10 January 17 January 24 January 31 February 7 February 14 February 21 February 28 March 7 March 14 March 21 March 28

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

Canada-wide

Nat Geo Wild HD

Sunday 9:00 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

READY FOR BATTLE Voted Best Saltwater Reel at ICAST 2014, the Penn Battle II retains its proven, full-metal body, sideplate and rotor while incorporating new features for increased durability and fishability. Enhanced line-capacity rings indicate a properly filled spool for maximized castability, five sealed bearings and one anti-reverse bearing provide improved corrosion resistance and keyed HT-100™ carbon-fiber washers increase maximum drag up to 50 percent. Battle II reels come in eight sizes, from the ultralight 1000 to the salt water sized 8000.

www.pennfishing.com

STORAGE SOLUTIONS Horizon Plastics International has just launched Sport Bins, rugged storage solutions for avid hunters, fishermen and outdoorsmen. Sport Bins come in Green Camo or Sand Camo and are available in standard or truck bed mountable configurations. Built by a unique manufacturing process using structural foam for incredible strength and light weight, the bins feature rugged hinging, padlock compatibility, built in bungee tie-downs, built in cup holders, and they are stackable. Each bin measures 31” x 17.5” x 13.5” and has a 20 US gallon capacity. The standard bin weighs just 13-pounds with the truck mountable model coming in at just 17-pounds.

www.horizonplasticssportbin.com

GET THE PICTURE SeaLife, has introduced its new, permanently sealed, waterproof camera, the Micro HD. Designed to be virtually maintenance-free, the Micro HD’s high-definition videos and still images are transferred via a USB cable connection that attaches to the camera’s waterproof body. Two versions of the camera are available; a 16GB and a 32GB WiFi model. Measuring a mere four-inches wide and featuring a 2.4” LCD display, a 140-degree, wide-angle, distortion-free lens and a maintenance-free, lithium-ion battery, the Micro-HD is ideal for anyone who enjoys shooting images or video, underwater or in any other adverse or marine environment.

www.sealife.com

14 Real Fishing – Winter 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

PACK IT UP HT’s new Polar Fire Xtreme deluxe ice rod cases feature durable denier shells, cushioned reel pouches and an inside hard tube lining to protect your rods, guides and rod tips. The 3.5” diameter tubes easily accommodate two combos, and two outside zippered storage pouches are great for neatly packing away extra spools of line, tools or lure boxes. A removable, adjustable shoulder strap allows for hands-free transport, and Polar Fire Xtreme deluxe rod cases are 43” long to accommodate rods up to 42” long.

www.htent.com

FLASHY FISHING Ultra Tungsten introduces the T-Blade spinnerbait, an extremely compact finesse spinnerbait that is loaded with features. Built with a dense tungsten head to prevent rolling, an ultra-sharp needle point hook, a stainless steel ball bearing swivel and a resilient, super tough wire, the T-Blade can handle the fiercest bass or pike. Available in two different blade configurations - a silver, double willow combination and a silver Colorado/gold willow model – the T-Blade comes in 3/8, 1/2 and 5/8-ounce sizes and eight fish slaying colours!

www.ultratungsten.com

THE BEST LINE Voted Best New Line at ICAST, Berkley’s new IRONSilk has been designed to be fished in the most abrasive environments - like around zebra mussels, pads and rushes, docks or riprap. IRONSilk is up to 33% more abrasion resistant than other lines of the same diameter while its unique, smooth composition allows it to flow through rod guides 20% to 25% percent faster, delivering longer, smoother casts. New IRONSilk is opaque green, has great UV resistance, comes in 300 yard spools and is available from six to 20-pound test.

www.berkley-fishing.com

Winter 2015 – Real Fishing 15

fishing

Bob Izumi is the host of The Real Fishing Show.

By Bob Izumi

Organized Fishing As I get older I’m not sure if I’m getting wiser, more organized or less organized, but I definitely know what I want in life - getting to the point where, when I go fishing, I don’t have a lot of unanswered questions and I’m ready to rock once I hit the water. For instance, I’ve done many columns and tips on getting your tackle organized but, truth be known, lately my equipment’s been getting a little bit unorganized. I travel so much and I fish way too many tournaments so when I come back from a trip I just don’t have time to get all my equipment sorted and it ends up going in piles. Walleye trolling equipment piles, ice fishing piles, lake trout gear piles, fly fishing piles, brook trout gear – you know what I’m saying. I’m not going to say it’s a New Year’s resolution, because I’ve said that before, but my wish is to get all my tackle compartmentalized and organized. The same goes for my rods, reels and additional equipment. The other thing is something that I really wish I’d done over the years but I haven’t. For decades my good buddy, Derek Strub, has kept notes from his tournaments. He’ll make detailed notes after every day on the water of the water temperature, the depths, the locations, the lures he used and what he caught. Whenever he goes back to a lake he’s been on before he reviews his notes to refresh his memory about how the fish react under different conditions. For instance, every year for the past halfdozen years we have fished a team tournament over in Wisconsin called the Sturgeon Bay Open. As we make the 14-hour drive over there Derek gets his notes out and starts to read what the conditions were. Then we compare the current conditions with what we’ve had in the past six-years. If you can believe it, it’s never been the same twice. Eventually one of these years it’s going to click and we’re going to have a year that’s 16 Real Fishing – Winter 2015

exactly the same as it was in the past. Another thing I am bound and determined to do this year is to expand on the areas that I fish frequently during my tournaments. Over the years I’ve amassed so many spots on my GPS/sonar units that it can be downright confusing. In the last couple of years I’ve actually put notes beside the icons on my sonar so I’ll know what those waypoints are marking. For example, if I’m cruising along and catch a five-pound smallmouth and there’s a four-pounder following it I’ll just punch that spot in and save it. Then I’ll punch in a note like, “a 5 and a 4” as a reminder of the size of two bass that were using that area. The next time I’m out there on that body of water I’ll instantly remember what was there. You have to realize that I have thousands of waypoints recorded so this is a good way to keep them organized. This year something else I want to do is fish a lot more new water. With as many tournaments as I fish, some of my practice time is limited so it could take me two or three days just to check old water. What I plan on doing more of this year is to try and spend at least 70% of my time looking for new areas. I’ll use the other 30% of my practice time to check old spots. For me, for the most part, fishing is all about learning. Resting on your laurels doesn’t work

because anglers, especially in the tournaments that I fish, are getting better every year. They find a lot of the areas that you have found over the years. So you have to try to be one step ahead of them by expanding and finding new spots. There are so many things you can learn by just trying to forget some of your older memories and expand. Now that’s contrary to what I said about Derek Strub’s notes but you have to understand that notes are only guidelines. We use them and try to utilize any information we can, but we also know it’s a new year and things change. The weeds could be different, the water temperature could be warmer or colder, the bait could have moved– there are so many factors that affect a fish’s location. In summary, my goal this year is to get organized, have a clear head when I get to my location and most of all, just have fun. ?

IT KEEPS GET TING BET TER Introducing the new Mitchell 300. Its innovative bail halo design increases strength and prevents line from getting underneath the spool. The reel comes equipped with an advanced polymeric body, rotor, handle, and aluminum spool for added durability. These reels will deliver on the legendary durability and performance of the Mitchell 300 family.

Thatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Mitchell. Thatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s the joy of fishing. www.fishmitchell.com

/mitchellfishing

fly fishing By Stephen May

Imitating Minnows Yes, big fish eat little fish. Fly anglers have been using streamer flies for centuries to imitate baitfish and have had pretty good success for a wide variety of species. There has always been a low key, cult-like following for this type of fly but the streamer is now getting more popular. More people are figuring out that imitating batfish is a ton of fun, requires significant skill to perfect, and can net you some of the biggest fish in the river. There are hundreds of different streamer designs out there, and having the correct one for the conditions and waters you are fishing can make a big difference. Be ready to adapt to what the fish want on any given outing. The profile and size of your fly can be extremely important. At times, matching the size and shape of the local bait can be critical to success. At other times, large flies may attract the attention of dominant fish. Small, subtle streamers can have their days too. Also consider that slim flies sink well and that bulk equals buoyancy. There can be a benefit to using bulky flies, as they can be located by fish through sound and vibration, but they can be tough to get deep. Fly colour is often debated. Should you match the natural minnow colours or use bold, outlandish flies? Both have their days. I often match colour to the style of presentation I am using. If I am covering water looking for a river monster I go big, bright and bold. If I am working clear waters for spooky fish, a subtle fly that matches a local minnow might be more appropriate. Another consideration that is often overlooked when flinging streamers is the depth that the fly rides. That light, fluttering fly that dances on the end of your tippet can be deadly in a shallow riffle but useless if fish are holding in deep cover. Getting streamers into the zone where the fish are feeding is important. 18 Real Fishing – Winter 2015

Be prepared with a variety of weights of streamers or fly lines to work different depths. A fly’s action is a key to its success. A stiff and lifeless pattern, or one that moves in an unnatural manner, will not be successful. One that swims like a wounded and vulner-

able dinner will get hook-ups. Flies built with soft, natural or synthetic, materials all breathe life when they are in the water. Even with recent improvements in soft plastics and hard bait engineering, nothing looks as alive in the water as a well-constructed streamer. When fishing streamers, you are the puppet master in charge of bringing out their fish-fooling action through your retrieve. The use of strips and slack line can create different actions in the fly. What you are usually looking for is what I like to call, “vulnerable life”. The fly should look alive, but easy to eat. Both you and the fish will know when you have this right! If you are looking for a new fly fishing challenge that can hook you up with bigger trout, bass, pike, musky or saltwater species, take a look at the advances in streamer fly designs and techniques. It certainly is an exciting fly fishing frontier. ?

15 OTHER

MODELS IN STORE

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

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

water’s edge By Dave Taylor

The Snow Goose Depending on where you fish, the snow goose (Anser caerulescens) is either a familiar sight or a bird you likely have never seen. Migrating birds in North America use several “flyways”, a general term that refers to the favoured routes migrating birds tend to use. Ducks Unlimited has divided North America into four major “flyways”; the Atlantic (Quebec and Canada’s East Coast down to Florida east of the Appalachians); the Mississippi (Ontario south along the Mississippi drainage); the Central (from Nunavut south through the Prairie states and provinces) and the Pacific (west of the Rockies). The snow goose uses all four but, within these broad generalizations, its routes are far more localized. Take Ontario for an example. The vast majority of snow geese that migrate through this province either come down the Ottawa Valley on their journey to and from their Arctic nesting grounds or they stay well to the west. Individual snow geese could turn up anywhere but the large flocks have a pretty well

20 Real Fishing – Winter 2015

established routine. The Toronto area, for example, seldom sees more than a few of these geese in any given year. On the other hand, Prairie anglers and people living near Quebec City may well see these birds by the thousands. Snow geese were nearly hunted to extinction and by 1916 they were a protected species. They have bounced back and today number over six-million birds. Five-million of these use the Central Flyway and about a million use the Atlantic. That is an increase of 300% since the 1970s. This huge increase in numbers has prompted many biologists to warn about the negative impact on the bird’s Arctic nesting grounds. Snow geese nest on Canada’s tundra and the largest colonies are found along Hudson’s Bay, from James Bay west and north up to Canada’s high Arctic islands. There are two colour phases, the darker

“blue goose” and the white “snow goose”. Both colour phases can be found in both lesser (A.c. caerulescens) and greater snow geese (A.c. atlantica) populations. Each species occupies its own distinct nesting area. The lesser is the more abundant of the two sub-species. Both sub-species are degrading their habitat through overgrazing on their sensitive tundra nesting areas and, because of that, hunting limits have been raised in both Canada and the United States to help reduce the population. Snow geese are smaller than the giant Canada geese. The greater snow goose, the larger of the two subspecies of snow geese, weighs between three and five-kilograms. The lesser snow goose is smaller and weighs about half of that. The greater Canada goose, by comparison, weighs up to six or seven-kilograms. Snow geese begin their northern migration from the wintering sites on the Atlantic and Pacific Coasts and the Mississippi delta area, in March. They arrive on their tundra nesting areas around mid-May. By then the birds have paired up and nesting begins. Typically four eggs are laid. Nesting failure due to late winter blizzards does occur and, if a nest is lost, the female cannot lay another batch of eggs. By the end of the summer the geese are on the move and arrive at their wintering areas by November. Natural foods include marsh plants, sedges, cattail rhizomes and grasses. Agriculture in both Canada and the United States has provided a new source of foods. Waste grain in corn fields and winter wheat shoots are now an important source of food and supplement native plant food during migration and while on their wintering sites. Keep your eye peeled for flocks of these geese flying overhead when you are out fishing in the spring and fall. As their population continues to grow they might just show up in new places! ?

PERFORMANCE ENHANCED DOWN.

PERFORMANCE ENHANCED DOW DOWN N

columbia.com

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

Mitchell Spinning Reels As an avid fisherman and tackle collector I can honestly say that there haven’t been any other spinning reels invented like the Mitchell 300 and its left handed version, the Mitchell 301. These were reels that almost all fisherman desired in the 1950s into the 1970s and beyond. There wasn’t another spinning reel on the market - or produced - that would rival this black beauty made in France. When you think back to your father or grandfather casting this marvel of its time, seldom would you hear a complaint. Most of the time you’d simply hear, like my uncle would say, “Best spinning reel ever made”. As a tackle collector, when I view tackle calls this reel surfaces at an alarming rate. Most of the time they still work like precision watches. Mitchell reels were invented in France and trace their original development back into the late 1930s. A tackle company in France, called La Canne a’ Peche, were designing a reel that they named C.A.P., after their company. They contracted the Carpano & Pons

22 Real Fishing – Winter 2015

Company, a company noted for watch making, to help in development of the C.A.P. reel. At the time Maurice Jacquemin, who worked for the Carpano & Pons Company, was also working on his own reel design, a reel that just wasn’t for holding line, but a tool that would cast greater, precise distances and retrieve line without entanglement. After years of development the Mitchell Moulinet spinning reel was born and it set itself apart from reels of its day in both mechanics and design. This reel was designed around the spool, special gearing and axle and, of course, the classic “egg shaped” body we see on almost all spinning reels today. The C.A.P. reel started production in 1937 and, in 1939, the first version of the Mitchell reel was in test runs. The Mitchell reel was actually named after Maurice Jacqueimin’s son, Michel, but French law prohibited proper names to be used as product brand names thus the “Anglicized” name, Mitchell. In 1942 the first Mitchell reels were produced for sale in France and they underwent several changes up to 1946. The third version Mitchell started in 1946 and with this success, watchmaking was gradually lost and disappeared behind this new industry.

Prior to the invasion of France and the beginning of WW2, Mitchell reels were sent to tackle store worker, Dick Wolf, in New York City. He appraised the reels’ suitability for the American market and his report was quite favourable. It wasn’t until Tom Lenk, who worked for Garcia in 1938, returned from the war and placed his focus on Mitchell reels in 1947 that things really took off. Mitchell reels were reported on in the New York Times in 1951. The reporter, after seeing the reels at the New York City Sportsman’s Show stated that, “The Mitchell, an import, is one of the finest spinning reels we have ever tried”. Around 1955 the Garcia Corporation, with Tom Lenk as president, handled distribution in the USA and Canada. Garcia Outdoor Sports Ltd. of Mississauga, handled the Mitchell distribution in Canada. Carpona & Pons reported in 1955 that 10,000 crates of Mitchell reels were exported to the USA. Each crate contained 60 reels for a total of 600,000 reels. By 1958 Mitchell was producing the Mitchell 300, 302 (salt water), 304 (round body), 306 (intermediate), 308 (ultra-light), 330(auto-bail) and the Mitchell 350 (high speed series). The reels were marketed world-wide. Many more models followed throughout the years but by far the most famous were the black bodied Mitchell 300 for right hand, and the 301, made for the left-handed angler. Mitchell reels are high on a reel collectors list. Some of the values on extremely rare or unique items can easily top the $500 mark but nicely displayed models in their original boxes can be found at reasonable prices. They are an ideal entry point for the novice reel collector and, with many models to choose from, it wouldn’t take long to have a real collection. ?

Bob Izumi’s fans know they can count on him to share his adventures and professional secrets. And Bob knows he can depend on Mystik ®Lubricants to keep his boat ready for action. You can too. Our custom-formulated marine engine oils and grease provide the uncompromising OEM performance and corrosion protection you need to experience Lubrication Domination.®

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BOB IZUMI LEGENDARY FISHERMAN

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real fishing fish facts

Brook Trout Salvelinus fontinalis

Brook trout are one of eastern North America’s native fish species and have been introduced to many parts of western North America, South America, New Zealand, Asia and parts of Europe. Their natural range stretches along the Atlantic seaboard from the Ungava region of Quebec south to Cape Cod, west through the Appalachian Mountains to the Mississippi and Great Lakes drainages and north to the western edge of Hudson Bay. Brook trout are not true trout, but members of the char family. They have a typical trout-like shape with an elongated head, somewhat rounded snout and a long, laterally compressed body. Brook trout have a squarish dorsal fin, small adipose fin and a slightly forked tail. The pectoral, pelvic and anal fins have white leading edges followed by a black line while the rear portions are generally reddish in color.

24 Real Fishing – Winter 2015

The brook trout is one of the most beautiful of all freshwater fish. They range from olive-green to dark brown or black along the back with lighter sides that fade to silver or white on the belly. The top of the head and back are covered in light green, yellow or creamy colored wavy lines or vermiculations that are broken into spots on the sides. The flanks feature red spots surrounded by pale bluish halos. Brook trout spawn in late summer or fall, generally over gravel beds in the headwater areas of their home streams. They may also spawn on gravelly shallows in lakes but there must be a spring upwelling or some form of moderate current for the spawn to be successful in these areas. Brook trout eggs can hatch in as little as 50 days in 50°F water or they may take up to 100 days in water temperatures of 41°F. Brook trout are creatures of cool, clear, well-oxygenated water and prefer water temperatures below 68°F and will move from the shallows of lakes out to deeper water during the warm months. In rivers and streams brook trout may move downstream to deeper holes or they may retreat to cooler areas in the stream such as undercut banks, logjams or other shaded areas. In larger rivers some brook trout will migrate downstream and enter lakes or the ocean during the summer months. Brook trout can range in size from five or six-inches up to several pounds. Generally the size and nature of their home water reflects the size of the fish in it. Brook trout from small creeks rarely surpass a foot in length while those from larger rivers with access to lakes or the ocean can average two to three-pounds and can often surpass

DID YOU KNOW? Although they are known primarily as a freshwater species, brook trout are actually anadromous and can survive in both fresh and salt water.

FAST FACTS Colour: Olive green to dark brown or black on the back fading to light brown or yellow on the flanks and cream or white on the belly. The top of the head, back and upper flanks are covered in yellow to greenish vermiculations that break into pale yellow dots and blotches along the flanks, interspersed with reddish dots surrounded by blue halos. Size: The average stream dwelling brook trout is between 5 and 10-inches long while those inhabiting the Great Lakes and large, remote rivers can grow to over 20-inches and upwards of 5-pounds. Life Span: Generally 4 to 5-years but some specimens may reach 8 to 10-years of age. Habitat: Cool, clear, well oxygenated streams, rivers and lakes with water temperatures of 68°F or lower. Spawning: Brook trout spawn in late summer or fall over gravel beds in headwaters of streams. Lake dwelling specimens will often spawn on near-shore gravel beds.

RECORD The current IFGA All-Tackle World Record brook trout is a 14-pound, 8-ounce giant that was caught in Ontario’s Nipigon River in July, 1916.

five-pounds. The brook trout is one of Canada’s most popular sport fish and they are pursued in open water as well as through the ice. They are voracious feeders and will take a wide assortment of small lures, artificial flies and live baits. When hooked, brook trout are dogged fighters that utilize a twisting, running, rolling fight plan that is similar to that of a lake trout. ?

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26 Real Fishing – Winter 2015

JANUARY

MONDAY

TUESDAY

THURSDAY

3:06 3:30 9:03 9:27

am pm am pm

1:54 - 3:54 2:18 - 4:18 8:21 - 9:51 8:45 - 10:15

am pm am pm

2:42 - 4:42 3:06 - 5:06 9:09 - 10:39 9:33 - 11:03

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am pm am pm

7:30 7:54 1:57 2:21 -

9:30 9:54 3:27 3:51

am pm am pm

8:18 - 10:18 8:42 - 10:42 2:45 - 4:15 3:09 - 4:39

am 9:54 - 11:54 am 10:42 - 12:42 am 11:30 - 1:30 am NA pm 10:18 - 12:18 pm 11:06 - 1:06 pm 11:54 - 1:54 pm 12:42 - 2:42 am 4:21 - 5:51 am 5:09 - 6:39 am 5:57 - 7:27 am 6:45 - 8:15 pm 4:45 - 6:15 pm 5:33 - 7:03 pm 6:21 - 7:51 pm 7:09 - 8:39

am pm am pm

1:06 1:30 7:33 7:57 -

3:06 3:30 9:03 9:27

am pm am pm

1:54 - 3:54 2:18 - 4:18 8:21 - 9:51 8:45 - 10:15

8:42 9:06 2:39 3:03

am pm am pm

7:30 7:54 1:57 2:21 -

9:30 9:54 3:27 3:51

am pm am pm

3:06 3:30 9:03 9:27

am pm am pm

1:54 - 3:54 2:18 - 4:18 8:21 - 9:51 8:45 - 10:15

am pm am pm

8:42 9:06 2:39 3:03

am pm am pm

7:30 7:54 1:57 2:21 -

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NA 12:42 - 2:42 6:45 - 8:15 7:09 - 8:39

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1:06 1:30 7:33 7:57 -

am pm am pm

5:54 - 7:54 am 6:42 6:18 - 8:18 pm 7:06 NA am 1:09 12:45 - 2:15 pm 1:33 -

8:18 - 10:18 8:42 - 10:42 2:45 - 4:15 3:09 - 4:39

am pm am pm

9:06 - 11:06 9:30 - 11:30 3:33 - 5:03 3:57 - 5:27

am 9:54 - 11:54 am pm 10:18 - 12:18 pm am 4:21 - 5:51 am pm 4:45 - 6:15 pm

2:42 - 4:42 3:06 - 5:06 9:09 - 10:39 9:33 - 11:03

am pm am pm

8:18 - 10:18 8:42 - 10:42 2:45 - 4:15 3:09 - 4:39

2:54 - 4:54 3:18 - 5:18 9:21 - 10:51 9:45 - 11:15

am pm am pm

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29 7:06 7:30 1:03 1:27

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am pm am pm

10:42 - 12:42 am 11:06 - 1:06 pm 4:21 - 5:51 am 4:45 - 6:15 pm

4:18 - 6:18 am 4:42 - 6:42 pm 10:45 - 12:15 am 11:09 - 12:39 pm

3:42 - 5:42 am 4:06 - 6:06 pm 10:09 - 11:39 am 10:33 - 12:03 pm

am pm am pm

9:18 - 11:18 9:42 - 11:42 3:45 - 5:15 4:09 - 5:39

am pm am pm

2:54 - 4:54 3:18 - 5:18 9:21 - 10:51 9:45 - 11:15

am pm am pm

8:30 - 10:30 8:54 - 10:54 2:57 - 4:27 3:21 - 4:51

4:30 - 6:30 am 4:54 - 6:54 pm 10:57 - 12:27 am 11:21 - 12:51 pm

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1:06 1:30 7:33 7:57 -

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11:30 - 1:30 11:54 - 1:54 5:57 - 7:27 6:21 - 7:51

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10:06 - 12:06 am 10:30 - 12:30 pm 4:33 - 6:03 am 4:57 - 6:27 pm

25 am pm am pm am pm am pm

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3:06 3:30 9:03 9:27

am pm am pm

8:42 9:06 2:39 3:03

am pm am pm

6:54 7:18 1:21 1:45 -

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am pm am pm

NA 12:06 - 2:06 6:09 - 7:39 6:33 - 8:03

am pm am pm

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

am pm am pm

5:18 - 7:18 am 6:06 5:42 - 7:42 pm 6:30 am 12:33 NA 12:09 - 1:39 pm 12:57 -

26 4:30 - 6:30 4:54 - 6:54 10:57 - 12:27 11:21 - 12:51

am pm am pm

8:06 8:30 2:03 2:27

19 10:54 - 12:54 11:18 - 1:18 5:21 - 6:51 5:45 - 7:15

am pm am pm

am 5:54 - 7:54 am 6:42 pm 6:18 - 8:18 pm 7:06 am NA am 1:09 pm 12:45 - 2:15 pm 1:33 -

am pm am pm

am 9:54 - 11:54 am 10:42 - 12:42 am 11:30 - 1:30 am NA pm 10:18 - 12:18 pm 11:06 - 1:06 pm 11:54 - 1:54 pm 12:42 - 2:42 am 4:21 - 5:51 am 4:21 - 5:51 am 5:57 - 7:27 am 6:45 - 8:15 pm 4:45 - 6:15 pm 4:45 - 6:15 pm 6:21 - 7:51 pm 7:09 - 8:39

am pm am pm

23 3:18 3:42 9:15 9:39

3:30 - 5:30 am 3:54 - 5:54 pm 9:57 - 11:27 am 10:21 - 11:51 pm

3 am pm am pm

7:42 - 9:42 8:06 - 10:06 2:09 - 3:39 2:33 - 4:03

am 10:42 - 12:42 am 11:30 - 1:30 am NA pm 11:06 - 1:06 pm 11:54 - 1:54 pm 12:42 - 2:42 am 4:21 - 5:51 am 5:57 - 7:27 am 6:45 - 8:15 pm 4:45 - 6:15 pm 6:21 - 7:51 pm 7:09 - 8:39

2:06 - 4:06 2:30 - 4:30 8:33 - 10:03 8:57 - 10:27

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9:06 - 11:06 9:30 - 11:30 3:33 - 5:03 3:57 - 5:27

23 am pm am pm

am pm am pm

1:18 1:42 7:45 8:09 -

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6:42 7:06 1:09 1:33 -

am 3:30 - 5:30 am 4:18 - 6:18 am pm 3:54 - 5:54 pm 4:42 - 6:42 pm am 9:57 - 11:27 am 10:45 - 12:15 am pm 10:21 - 11:51 pm 11:09 - 12:39 pm

1 7:30 7:54 1:57 2:21 -

am 5:54 - 7:54 am pm 6:18 - 8:18 pm am NA am pm 12:45 - 2:15 pm

14 7:06 7:30 1:03 1:27

am 3:30 - 5:30 am 4:18 - 6:18 am 5:06 pm 3:54 - 5:54 pm 4:42 - 6:42 pm 5:30 am 9:57 - 11:27 am 10:45 - 12:15 am 11:33 pm 10:21 - 11:51 pm 11:09 - 12:39 pm 11:57 -

1:54 - 3:54 2:18 - 4:18 8:21 - 9:51 8:45 - 10:15

1:06 1:30 7:33 7:57 -

8 am pm am pm

2:42 - 4:42 3:06 - 5:06 9:09 - 10:39 9:33 - 11:03

am 10:42 - 12:42 am 11:30 - 1:30 am NA pm 11:06 - 1:06 pm 11:54 - 1:54 pm 12:42 - 2:42 am 5:09 - 6:39 am 5:57 - 7:27 am 6:45 - 8:15 pm 5:33 - 7:03 pm 6:21 - 7:51 pm 7:09 - 8:39

8:18 - 10:18 8:42 - 10:42 2:45 - 4:15 3:09 - 4:39

am pm am pm

8:18 - 10:18 8:42 - 10:42 2:45 - 4:15 3:09 - 4:39

3 am pm am pm

2:42 - 4:42 3:06 - 5:06 9:09 - 10:39 9:33 - 11:03

2 9:30 9:54 3:27 3:51

9:06 - 11:06 9:30 - 11:30 3:33 - 5:03 3:57 - 5:27

SATURDAY

7:30 7:54 1:57 2:21 -

Good Time

9:06 - 11:06 9:30 - 11:30 3:33 - 5:03 3:57 - 5:27

FRIDAY

am pm am pm

6:42 - 8:42 7:06 - 9:06 1:09 - 2:39 1:33 - 3:03

3:30 - 5:30 am 4:18 - 6:18 am 5:06 3:54 - 5:54 pm 4:42 - 6:42 pm 5:30 9:57 - 11:27 am 10:45 - 12:15 am 11:33 10:21 - 11:51 pm 11:09 - 12:39 pm 11:57 -

FEBRUARY

WEDNESDAY

Excellent Time

MARCH

Best Fishing Times 2014

DOUG HANNON’S

To order your copy of Doug Hannon’s 2014 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

28 8:06 8:30 2:03 2:27

am pm am pm

Last fall Scott Walcott, from West Lake Willows Resort, invited Bob Izumi out for a few hours of walleye fishing on Lake Ontario and the result was one of those outings that everybody dreams of. The guys trolled Berkley Flicker Minnows from about 9:30 in the morning until noon and got 10 fish between 9 and 11-pounds, along with one “small” walleye that only weighed 7-pounds. If only every day could be that good!

28 Real Fishing – Winter 2015

Applying Toda

30 Real Fishing â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Winter 2015

yâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Technology A Modern System for Ice Fishing By Tom Gruenwald

What a transformation! The sport of ice fishing has undergone radical changes over the past decade. Substantial technological advancements in cold weather clothing, vastly superior electronics, premium tip-ups, technique-specific ice rods with precision matched reels, a vast array of specialty lines, progressive ice lure designs and innovative accessories have made it possible to stay on the ice longer, more comfortably and more productively than ever before.

Winter 2015 â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Real Fishing 31

As a result, previously unrealized concepts, new patterns and refined tactics are being formulated at an unprecedented pace - one that is rapidly revolutionizing the entire face of the modern ice fishing world. Even the means of transferring this knowledge is incredibly efficient with the internet becoming a catalyst for this information explosion. Anglers from the furthest extremes of the ice fishing belt can now download exceptionally sophisticated mapping apps, utilize GPS capabilities and share data virtually instantly by using powerful technologies that were unheard of less than a generation ago. We even have the ability to access specific information - such as the results of fish management assessments and surveys, ice conditions and current fishing reports making it possible to research waters likely to offer the experience we desire directly from the comfort of our own homes, 24/7/365. How? Simply establish the region you want to fish and then consult the Ministry of Natural Resources websites and records, not only searching for waters within your target area that best meet your desires, but carefully looking for those meeting specific goals. If you’re taking kids and seeking action, for example, research waters loaded with a large population of panfish or smaller gamefish. The fish may not be big, but they’ll likely keep you busy. Should you be more interested in a chance at the fish of a lifetime, review various record books looking for environments that have historically proven capable of consistently producing

such fish. After all, you can’t catch trophies if they’re not there! Once you’ve narrowed your selections, begin reviewing individual lake profiles. Using your computer, tablet or smart phone, you can access and use sophisticated electronic apps like the Navionics Boating App. Featuring lake mapping technologies and related innovations to closely examine your target waters; you can use these powerful tools to locate potentially productive structures and pre-plan spots to fish. Using a smart phone, for instance, you can integrate mapping technologies with GPS capabilities to obtain directions to your key lakes, find the closest access points, pinpoint coordinates for specific structures, associated vegetated flats, deep weed lines and other classic winter fish haunts. You can even plan and establish direct routes between such places. You’ll find electronic maps not only reveal the lake’s bottom structure, but they do so in remarkable detail. Deluxe packages offering tight, one-foot contours and satellite photo overlays essentially produce three dimensional images of the lake bottom. This, along with information regarding bottom content, types of cover available, forage species present and other relevant information help provide a picture of your target waters as never seen before, making it easier than ever to pinpoint hotspots. “The Navionics system was engineered to help you identify the most productive structures and, in turn, find and catch more fish,” shared Tshombe Moore, Canadian sales manager for Navionics. “In addition

The Navionics system offers user generated SonarCharts™ and Community Edits to add amazing detail to standard electronic charts.

32 Real Fishing – Winter 2015

to unprecedented, highly detailed nautical charts; user generated, refreshable features such as SonarCharts™ and Community Edits provide what we call ‘Freshest Data’ and this is all available with just the press of a button!” This means articles and posts offering ideas, tips and hints from other anglers can be easily accessed. You can also keep your own customized records - not only about the lake in general, but about specific locations and patterns that have personally produced fish for you - either as privately held or publicly shared files. Before the ice even forms you can use the combination of your sonar and plotter to refresh charted electronic mapping data of waters or specific areas of interest that either haven’t been mapped or haven’t been sounded to the desired level of detail! Consequently, not only can you now view detailed electronic maps but, by using related web integrations and functions, you can find contacts and access inside information provided by reliable fishing sources to help plan your fishing strategies. Business owners, guides and other anglers often share discretionary information on-line about specific locations. Sometimes they will even outline various tactics and techniques they have successfully employed when fishing these spots. At the same time there are often discussions about what’s working now, along with a variety of related information you can use when preparing for your trip. With all this commanding information in hand you can travel onto the ice and access the best spots more efficiently than ever before. Speaking of on-ice travel, today’s increasingly reliable snowmobiles, four wheelers and tracked vehicles offer loads of features and accessories that will help you get there capably, safely, and in style. One of the most interesting of these progressive vehicles is the nearly miraculous SnoBear. The SnoBear has been designed to be a premium ice fishing dream machine, allowing the perfect blend of comfort and performance, essentially becoming your bass boat on ice. Once backed off the trailer you can step inside and, other than running out to set and periodically check your tip-ups, you’ll be able to fish without having to leave the comfort of your fully enclosed, insulated cabin. Inside you’ll find comfort-

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able seating, ample storage for all your gear, a carefully planned layout of mounts and brackets, a full gamut of electronics and even a thermostatically controlled forced air furnace! You’ll travel with peace of mind given the incredible traction provided through superior weight distribution - less than one pound per square inch - and safely, too, thanks to the SnoBear’s built-in floatation and escape hatches. Guided by your Navionics maps, you can drive your SnoBear directly from feature to feature, comfortably. Once on location, simply open the floor covers to access the ice, drill your holes and, after using your sonar and underwater camera to confirm you’re in the right position, hydraulically lower the cabin to the ice. You’re now ready to start fishing, efficiently and comfortably, all day long. Thanks to lighter, quicker starting and faster cutting auger designs, the task of drilling holes no longer feels like a chore. Whether manual or power, simply choose a premium auger of the appropriate diameter to best suit your needs and, after being sure everything is properly tuned and the blades are sharp, you’re ready to go. 34 Real Fishing – Winter 2015

Sonar has come a long way too. Many units now feature self-leveling transducers with wide or narrow cone diameters for use in shallow and deep water situations, respectively. Other features include automatic range settings, digital depth readouts, multi-color displays for interpreting the signal strength of marks and monitoring fish activity levels, as well as interference reduction settings to provide better display readings when fishing in groups. There are sophisticated mode settings that enhance display clarity in select situations and even zoom features allowing you to focus on select portions of the water column. This

allows you to use the entire screen to scan a significantly smaller range, resulting in even greater display detail. Today’s sophisticated sonar units allow you to gain more knowledge about the location you’re fishing while more closely monitoring your presentations and how the fish respond to them. Today’s high resolution underwater cameras take things a step further. Since you’re able to actually see what’s being represented by marks on your sonar, you can reliably differentiate the type of cover present - say weeds or wood – and to positively identify the exact kind of vegetation, be it coontail, cabbage, skunk grass or some other weed type. You can even determine if those plants are healthy and green. The same goes for forage and fish. Not only will you be able to confirm they are present, the depth they’re holding and monitor their responses to your presentations, but you will be able to positively identify both the forage species and the game fish making those big marks on your sonar screen. Significant improvements are coming to everyday gear, too. Take tip-ups, for example. Like other premium models in the HT Polar family, the new Polar Thunder is

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The Ice Rigger is a unique rod holder that uses a tip-up style flag to reveal strikes.

guaranteed against freeze-up but this unit also features a slender frame that’s easier to store and transport and it has a large capacity spool to accommodate hard-running fish. Additionally, not only can the tube mechanism be adjusted to increase trip tension settings when using larger rigs, but the flag wire can also be adjusted at various angles to the trip shaft, allowing an even greater number of potential settings. The flag wire is even telescopic, to allow for greater visibility in deep snow. HT’s Magnum Polar Pop-Up is another revolutionary new tip-up design boasting a trip mechanism that is controlled by magnetic tension between the signal indicator and the spool. To increase or decrease the strength you simply move the magnets closer together or further apart. Since this trip isn’t subject to freezing, it functions in any weather. The signal flag is also protected within the tubular body, so there are no inadvertent “wind trips”. In addition, the Magnum Polar Pop-Up features a huge capacity spool with a vertically oriented drag so it picks up line quickly. This feature is ideal when fighting hard running fish in deep water. It also includes a sheath that covers the hole to help prevent freeze-up while blocking out light and blowing snow. 36 Real Fishing – Winter 2015

Then there’s the Ice Rigger, a unique rod holder that uses a tip-up style flag to reveal strikes. Since the Ice Rigger incorporates a rod and reel, it’s essentially used just like any standard dead stick system but, since strikes are revealed by the tip-up style flag, you can fish them effectively from a dis-

tance. Ice Riggers feature fully adjustable rod holder bases to better accommodate the longer rods and larger reels typically used for larger fish like pike and lake trout. Best of all, after a fish strikes the line free-flows from the spool, so you can allow the fish to run while fully maintaining control of the timing and strength of the hook-set. You can now fish tip-up style but, whenever you hook-up on the Ice Rigger, you’ll be able to fight the fish using your favorite rod! Of course, the wide variety of techniquespecific ice rods, premium reels, tension controlled bite detection systems, high-performance lines, innovative lure designs, specialized rigs and hooks now available allow for a countless number of variables to experiment with. This ultimately leads to a wider range of methods and techniques to help you stay ahead of the crowd and significantly improve your on-ice game. The bottom line is, today’s technology provides distinct advantages and places us lightyears ahead of past generations. We may even be in the midst of what ice anglers of the future might refer to as “the good old days.” So don’t miss out on this incredible opportunity! Try applying today’s technology to your winter ice fishing strategies. You’ll find it will definitely make a difference! ?

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Walleye By Wes David

38 Real Fishing â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Winter 2015

I don’t know about you, but winter is my least favorite of the four seasons. Cold weather, bad road conditions and my boat sitting motionless makes me long for any one of the other three seasons. Like most Canadian anglers I get out a few times throughout the winter months for a little ice fishing but, to be truthful, I’m just trying to scratch an itch that can’t be reached until the ice comes off the lakes and reservoirs and the water is free to flow again.

Winter 2015 – Real Fishing 39

Like a youngster waiting for Christmas morning to arrive, I keep telling myself that soon it will be the first week of the fair weather fishing season and I will be on my favourite lake at my secret walleye spot. I know I’m not alone in my thoughts and many Canadian anglers are thinking the same thing. However, despite the anticipation of the fair-weather season, many walleye anglers can get discouraged with the lack of hookups when fishing during the post-spawn transition. Truth be known, the lack of hookups is usually the fault of the excited angler and not the fish. You’ve launched your boat and raced across the water in pursuit of a great walleye bite. You arrive at your hotspot on your favorite walleye lake and the water temperature is within two or three degrees of what it was in the fall when you last fished your honey hole. You tie on the same bait that the walleye couldn’t get enough of during the fall fishing season. The screen on your fish finder is jammed full of fish. However, after several hours of unproductive casting, jigging and trolling, you ask yourself, why are the walleye not biting? The problem is

40 Real Fishing – Winter 2015

not usually with the walleye, but with how you’re fishing for them. The difference between the fall feeding frenzy and the spring lockjaw can be found in the walleye’s instinct and their energy level. In the fall, a walleye’s instinct is to feed and build reserves for the winter. Often, the fall fishing season will produce some of the biggest and most plentiful catches of the year. The water begins to cool and the light levels begin to drastically change. With shorter days and cooler water, walleye instinctively begin to feed aggressively. I’ve had some of my best “numbers” days, and every year I catch my biggest walleye of the year, between late September until well into November. However, what’s happening during the fall is completely different from what’s happening during the spring and through the post-spawn transition. We’ve all heard the saying, “big baits catch big fish”. That may be true at certain times of the year however, after the spawn has taken place in the spring, throw that information out the window. Walleye have just endured a long winter. Cold water, minimum light, and low oxygen levels have all

taken a toll on them. Not to mention the fact that they have just finished spawning and this has further depleted their energy level. Walleye are now running on their reserves and will spend a great deal of time resting. They will still be feeding, however, they have no interest in running down a fast moving bait. The less energy they have to use to feed, the better. It’s a rare year that I’m not on the water on opening day, or close to it. Like most walleye fishermen, I’ve anticipated the open water season all winter, but to get postspawn walleye to take your bait you must contain your excitement and slow down your presentations. You will also enjoy more success if you downsize your baits. There will be enough time later in the season to use the spinnerbaits and crankbaits you invested your hard earned money on. In the spring of the year, immediately after the walleye have spawned, small baits and minimal movement will help you land more fish. Locating walleye in the spring, so you can get your slow moving, downsized baits in front of them, is obviously the most important aspect of getting bit.

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Understanding the species, their seasonal habits and their movements will help you find, and ultimately land, more walleye during the early post-spawn season. Male walleye begin migrating from their deeper wintering haunts to their staging areas in mid-February and will stay for a month or even longer in advance of the anticipated spawn. Female walleye won’t arrive until the water has reached close to ideal spawning temperatures, which may vary in each province or state, but is generally between 6°C and 12°C. Walleye spawn in areas of the lake with gravel to softball-sized rocks. The fertilized eggs fall into the crevices among the gravel and rocks where they are protected from egg eating predators. It’s common for walleye to return to the same area to spawn, year after year. The water depth that walleye prefer to spawn ranges from 2 to 6-feet in depth and, because the eggs require constant aeration, walleye in lakes and reservoirs deposit their eggs on shallow areas exposed to the wind or moving water. The fertilized eggs will hatch in 18 to 21days and the hatchlings will live off their egg sacs for the first two-weeks of their lives. Each female walleye can lay up to 500,000 eggs, however, only an estimated 3% of the hatched walleye fry will survive to the fingerling stage. And only an estimat42 Real Fishing – Winter 2015

ed 2% will survive to adulthood. Although walleye don’t guard their fertilized eggs, male walleye may stay in the spawning area for up to a month after the spawn is over. The length of their stay will also depend on the water temperature, light, and availability of food. Females, however, will start to move to their early summer locations shortly after they spawn. Knowing where the spawning areas – as well as the post-spawn retreats – A float rig is a great finesse option for post-spawn walleyes.

are on your favourite lake is important knowledge to keep tucked away. I may be a little extreme, but I keep notes of all this information for many of the lakes and reservoirs I consistently fish in the spring of the year. During the winter months, anglers can also study topographical maps of their favorite lakes, or the lakes they plan to fish during the open water season, and have locations pinpointed well before they launch their boat. As soon as the season opens I head straight to the spawning areas. I like to throw out two anchors, one at the bow and one at the stern of my boat, because this will keep the boat completely stationary. A trolling motor with and auto-pilot function works very well, however, if the lake is a little rough, I find anchoring holds the boat a little more stationary. I position myself straight out from the spawning beds in 6 to 12-feet of water and try to intercept walleye as they move out of the spawning areas and into deeper water. I like to downsize my baits as well, starting with a 1/16 to 1/8-ounce jighead and a stinger hook, tipped with either a piece of nightcrawler or a small minnow. It doesn’t seem like you can go too small. I’ve landed post-spawn walleye with perch jigs tipped with a maggot. Send the little baited jig down and be patient. Because of its light weight, its descent will be slow. Once it hits the bottom, take up the slack line and lift the jig off

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the bottom about 6-inches and then let it hang motionless. The idea is to almost mimic the presentation you’d use during a slow ice fishing bite. The majority of the active feeding walleye will be males but it’s not uncommon to have large females, that are moving out of the area, grab your stationery bait as they swim by. If the lake is a bit rough, try a drop-shot rig. I like to tie a ½-ounce weight to the bottom of my line and the same small, baited jighead tied 6-inches above the weight. The weight will sit on the bottom and will help hold your bait in place. You must remember to take up the slack line and keep the line tight at all times so you can detect the subtle bite of a walleye. Patience and a motionless presentation is key with post-spawn walleye and this style of fishing will test the patience of any angler. However, good things come to those who wait. With all the advancements in modern technology we can teach ourselves a lot about the species we fish for. If you have an underwater camera, send it down and you will be amazed at how many walleye are in the depths beneath you. Position your camera so it’s facing your bait and watch the responses you get when you do different things with your jig. I’ve watched walleye 44 Real Fishing – Winter 2015

put their nose right up to my bait and not take it. I’ve seen how the slightest movement of my bait would make the walleye back away from it. I’ve also watched walleye sit motionless with their nose to the bait for long periods of time, then suddenly inhale it. Many walleye are missed because the angler never feels the fish take the bait. The fish sucks water in, creating a vacuum and drawing the bait into its mouth, and then exhausts the vacuumed water out past their gills. If the bait is not to the walleye’s liking it will spit it out and the angler sitting above is none the wiser. Patience and keeping a tight line will definitely help you detect

more strikes. Walleye are very finicky at this time of the year and they won’t take a bait until they are ready. In fact, I’ve had perch take the bait harder than a 7-pound postspawn walleye. Put yourself in a post-spawn walleye’s position. When you’re feeling rundown and you’re close to the point of exhaustion, do you always feel like eating? No. And you definitely don’t feel like gorging yourself. That’s why downsizing your bait and using a slow or motionless presentation is so important at this time of the year. Small, easy meals and lots of rest are what walleyes are looking for after the stresses of the spawn. Fishing for post-spawn walleye may not be for everyone. If this is not your style of fishing, you may want to wait a week or two for the water to warm up and the walleye to move into their late spring to early summer locations. In this stage of the season the underwater world is bursting full of new life. Weed beds are full of new growth, nymphs and insects are hatching and there are lots of young fish fry for the walleye to feed on. This, coupled with energized and hungry walleye, is the time for some fast walleye fishing and it’s the time when your new spinnerbaits and crankbaits will excel at enticing aggressively feeding walleye. ?

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By Craig Ritchie

An Angler’s Mecca If you like to fish, nothing beats a visit to the Freshwater Fishing Hall of Fame.

And just like that, there it was. Far and away the largest muskie I had ever seen, all green and black and shiny in the morning sky, towering overhead with four or five people waving from its mouth. It sounds like a fish story but, when you visit the Freshwater Fishing Hall of Fame, fish stories are the order of the day. Like millions of other anglers, I’ve known about the Freshwater Fishing Hall of Fame for a long time. Located in Hayward, Wisconsin – the heart of muskie country for anglers on both sides of the international border – the Hall of Fame is famous for its iconic muskie sculpture. Measuring a full 143-feet long and towering above the grounds, the fibreglass-andsteel replica is not only the world's largest muskie, it’s also the tallest structure in Hayward, offering a commanding view of the Hall of Fame grounds and surrounding countryside from the observation platform located between its toothy jaws. But there’s far more to the Hall of Fame than its massive muskie sculpture (just one of 46 Real Fishing – Winter 2015

more than a dozen different species displayed on the museum’s grounds). Founded in 1960, the Freshwater Fishing Hall of Fame sits on a six-acre site in Hayward with four exhibit buildings. In all, it offers more than 25,000-square feet of display space for its permanent collections, which include more than 400

mounted fish, over 1,000 outboard motors (including Ole Evinrude's first outboard, from 1909) and more than 100,000 lures, rods, reels and other historically significant angling artifacts. Sometimes described as a shrine to anglers, you have to stand within its hallowed walls to realize just how much of an understatement that really is.

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My opportunity to finally visit the Freshwater Fishing Hall of Fame in person came about in the early summer of 2014, as part of a last-minute invitation from a good friend to come muskie fishing in Wisconsin. June is prime time to catch big muskies up shallow, and the opportunity to fish some legendary muskie waters – including the famed Chippewa Flowage, home to multiple world record catches – was just too good to pass up. But in truth, it was the opportunity to go to Hayward and visit the Hall of Fame that really sealed the deal.

Big Fish Apart from displaying tens of thousands of rare and unusual angling artifacts, the Freshwater Fishing Hall of Fame maintains records for the largest freshwater fish caught on hook and line. The official record book, updated each year, is where you can find the current information on world record catches for every freshwater species in North America. There are all-tackle and line-class records in both catch-and-keep and catch-and-release categories, some of which have yet to be filled. The Hall of Fame added records for livereleased fish, in addition to its existing catch-and-keep records, in 1993, providing an innovative means of recognizing signifi-

48 Real Fishing – Winter 2015

cant angling accomplishments while encouraging conservation of the resource. Recognition for these catches is based on total length only, to encourage less stressful release, and has been well received by conservation-minded anglers. While the museum’s extensive tackle displays were staggering, I was particularly interested in checking out the record catches. That was totally self-serving, since at one time I held a Freshwater Fishing Hall of Fame line-class record of my own, for a 37inch rainbow trout that I caught on 6-pound test while fishing with famed match angler and float builder, Mick Thill. Although that record didn't last for very long – some guy on the West Coast soon beat it with a 40inch sea-run fish – the experience still left me feeling a bit of a personal attachment when I visited the Hall of Fame. That said, any thoughts about my own angling prowess were soon dashed upon viewing the 300-plus mounts of different record catches. Talk about a humbling experience! Seeing a photo of a 60-pound-plus muskie or a 70-pound-plus lake trout is one thing, but seeing it in full size 3D as a preserved mount takes one’s sense of awe to a whole new level. “We receive about 40,000 visitors a year, and that’s both hard-core anglers and families,” says Emmett Brown, National Freshwater Fishing Hall of Fame Executive Director. “Our mission is to promote freshwater sport fishing throughout North America and Europe. We do that

through our Hall of Fame program, where we recognize people who have made a lasting contribution to the status of sport fishing, of course. But we’re also North America’s caretaker of sport fishing records, with more than 3,000 entries in our record book covering 125 different species.”

A Side Trip to the Mercury Museum No visit to Wisconsin’s muskie country would be complete without a side trip to Fond du Lac to visit the Mercury Marine Museum, located inside the Children’s Museum at 75 W. Scott Street, Fond Du Lac, Wisconsin. The Mercury Marine Museum offers a unique, in-depth look into the rich heritage and history of the company from its beginning years, through World War II, and every decade since. You can view Mercury products that changed the marine industry forever, and find out the back stories behind them. Other exhibits detail Mercury's legendary and mysterious Lake X testing facility in Florida, company founder Carl Kiekhaefer’s successful NASCAR run, historic boat race titles and other products produced by Mercury, including snowmobiles, chainsaws, motorized bikes and even a prototype lawnmower. The museum is open Wednesdays through Sundays from 10 to 4; call (920) 929-0707 for information.

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Checking out some of the hundreds of record catches at the Freshwater Fishing Hall of Fame.

After more than 40-years of record keeping you would think the number of new records set each year must be fairly small – after all, fish only grow to a certain size. But that’s not the case, says Brown. “Between our line test records and alltackle records, we still probably see 50 to perhaps 60 new records each year. Sometimes the new record is only a matter of ounces larger than the old one, but it still counts and we recognize it accordingly.” Brown says the greatest growth in record catches is in the catch-and-release category. “Things have changed and a lot of people have come to realize that trophy fish are too valuable to be caught only once,” says Brown. “The catch-and-release category has really gained a strong level of acceptance, and there too we see new records every year. Sometimes it’s only a matter of an inch or two, but again, it counts.”

Fishing Hall of Fame So what’s an angler’s best shot at setting a new world record? Brown says anglers interested in setting their own record should study the current record book and see where the opportunities exist. Some categories may be beatable or vacant entirely. You might feel a little silly fishing for perch with 60-pound test just to establish a line class record but, if you feel you can beat the existing record, then why not? Some anglers with multiple records to their credit follow that exact approach, says Brown.

Among The Greats While anyone can get lucky and land a record catch, it takes a lifetime of achieve50 Real Fishing – Winter 2015

ment to warrant consideration for actual enshrinement in the Freshwater Fishing Hall of Fame. The Hall of Fame has enshrined more than 300 people and organizations to date, all of whom have had a lasting national or global impact to the benefit of freshwater sport fishing. Inductees fit into one of six broad categories. The Legendary Angler category considers people who have had at least a regional achievement in their efforts to make a lasting impact to benefit freshwater sport fishing. The Legendary Communicator category was recently added, and considers people who have developed a unique communication means that helped introduce fishing to the public or bolstered public interest or awareness. The Legendary Guide category is one of the more popular ones, and includes people who have gained a unique level of credibility as judged by their customers, the region they work in or their peers. Another category, devoted to Organizational/Governmental Achievement, considers organizations or government agencies which have demonstrated or performed a valuable service to benefit freshwater sport fishing, whether local, regional or national. Then there is the Special Recognition Award, which recognizes individuals, groups or organizations for their programs benefitting freshwater angling but which are not covered by other recognition categories. In 2009, the Hall introduced a new Legendary Artist category, intended to recognize those artists and photographers whose works depict freshwater fish, freshwater sport fishing, fishing tackle and

equipment. They’re the people who inspire us to get out there, and introduce others to our sport. The names of the individuals that fill some of these categories read like an angling Who’s Who. You have legendary anglers like Al Lindner, Ron Lindner and Gary Roach, who invented fishing techniques we all take for granted today. There are angling pioneers like Izaak Walton and Dame Juliana Berners, who introduced the idea of fishing for sport through their writings in the 12th and 14th Centuries respectively. There are modern-day communicators like writer Ernest Hemingway and television host Hank Parker, who have not only caught record fish themselves, but put fishing into millions of households with their literary and television work. And there are the angling innovators like Ole Evinrude and Lauri Rapala, who dramatically changed the way we fish.

When You Go Let’s be honest – if you like to fish, then visiting the Freshwater Fishing Hall of Fame is probably already on your bucket list. So why not do a road trip and combine it with a few days of muskie fishing in the Hayward area? Getting to Hayward is easy – it’s a reasonable drive from either southern Ontario or southern Manitoba, or you can fly to a nearby airport (Minneapolis or Duluth) and rent a car from there. The Freshwater Fishing Hall of Fame is right in town (just look for the giant muskie) and is open from April 15 through October 31, seven days a week. ?

CONTACT INFORMATION Freshwater Fishing Hall of Fame 10360 Hall of Fame Drive Hayward, WI 54843 Tel: (715) 634-4440 www.freshwater-fishing.org

Wisconsin Department of Tourism (800) 432-8747 www.travelwisconsin.com

DOUBLE DIPPING ON ICE By Steve May

Ice fishing can either be a ton of fun or an exercise in frustration. Staring down a hole in a frozen lake does not seem like fun, or make a lot of sense, to those who have not had some success and know how productive this style of fishing can be. There are a few techniques that can help make your time on the ice better spent with a bent rod versus staring down a vacant hole. After doing a bit of homework and figuring out where to go, where the fish should be and what type of baits others have had success with, the next question that crosses your mind is, what technique should I use? Should I go subtle in the frigid conditions and gently lower a tiny bait? Or should I try to attract attention with a heavy, flashy, rattling offering? One technique that I use to increase my odds of hooking up is what I like to call the double dip. Unlike doubling up on salsa with a nacho, this technique is highly recommended. With dipping, you are fishing a few different styles with the same rod. This can really make your fishing effort much more efficient and has a variety of benefits that will

help you fish more effectively each time you are on the ice. For many years I headed out on the ice with two different rigs: a jigging setup and a deadstick rig. This probably sounds familiar to many experienced ice anglers. After drilling a bunch of holes I would put out the deadstick rod and then work the other holes with the jig-

Winter 2015 â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Real Fishing 53

ging stick. Many times I have set down the jigging rod to attend to the deadstick outfit and, on a couple of occasions, I have watched the jigging rod careen down the hole before I could get back to it! This got me to thinking; if fish would eat a deadsticked spoon, why not up the odds by putting something soft and smelly on the jigging rig as well? The subtle presentation could be located just above the flashy lure. I could then drop the lure down, work it for a bit, put it in the holder and go to another hole with another similar rig. I could use the fish attracting jigging action in combination with a subtle deadstick presentation on the same piece of monofilament. Hop scotching with similar rigs would allow quick water coverage and I could hit each hole with two techniques. Other advantages were that the heavy attracting lure dove to the bottom pronto and could attract attention, luring in fish that might just need a bit more time to investigate the more subtle presentation before they would commit. After trying the double dipping approach I can honestly say that it works! Now I rarely rig up for one style or the other. I use both jigging and deadsticking together, at least until the fish tell me that they have a preference for one technique over the other. With this technique the jigging action of the flashy lure attracts attention as it punches the subtle bait down to the fish, where it can be left to slowly work its magic. After a

few minutes, set down the rod and use the “down time” to get another bait down and working in a nearby hole. After jigging it for a while set it down and let it deadstick while you go back to the first rod and rework it or move it to another hole. This is an effective method to fish efficiently and cover a number of holes pretty quickly. I like to hopscotch rods using this technique until I start to see a pattern or find the depth where the fish are active. On many days one technique dominates over the other but, with my new approach, I do not have to guess as to which is better – the hooked fish tells me everything I need to know! This double-edged presentation saves time and allows for two different approaches to be used on the same rig. I have found that this technique usually works better than either of the approaches on their own. A heavy, flashy spoon or rattle bait anchors the presentation and the subtle bait tied up the line will close the deal with fish reluctant to hammer the aggressive lure. The cool thing is that this approach works for me with a variety of species when on the ice.

Brook and Rainbow Trout Do not be fooled into believing that that these fish only eat tiny baits, they love big stuff too! When chasing brookies and ‘bows

I use a full-sized spoon, despite fishing in pretty shallow water for the most part. I have caught a hundred times more brookies in water under four-feet deep than in deeper water. Rainbows like a bit more ceiling space but areas under eight to 10-feet deep seem to be productive water for these trout. A flashy Buckshot spoon is a favorite of mine where there is a soft bottom. If there is wood below, a tube jig is a more snag free option. Tipping the jig with a minnow or piece of GULP can be beneficial. I like to couple the heavy bait with a subtle fly, artificial trout egg or a bead. Small shiner minnows or a PowerBait crayfish/nymph are also good options for winter trout.

Lake Trout Lakers prefer to eat fish and your rig should reflect this. Favorites include white tube jigs and a variety of heavy spoons that can effectively fish to the prime 30 to 70foot depths that often house good lake trout populations. Couple the larger lure with a shiner minnow tied a couple of feet above it and you have a deadly combination.

Perch I originally worked the kinks out of this double dip technique on perch. A small but heavy spoon is my usual starting point. Jigs are also a good option and a rattle baits can also be deadly. Above it I usually go with two droppers when perching. Have you ever reeled in a triple header of jumbos? Above the lure I use the bait that the fish tell me they want through the day. Minnow pieces are a favorite of mine on the droppers, as live minnows swimming around can make you think you are constantly getting subtle bites. Perch eyes are perfect when things get fast and furious as they are very durable and can last through a few dozen fish. Flies that imitate small insects can also be effective, low maintenance options. 54 Real Fishing – Winter 2015

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Go-To Rigs for Other Species For bluegills and crappies I like to use a tungsten jig with high riding spike, hackled ant, or fly with a maggot trailer. If I’m targeting walleyes, a small, heavy spoon combined with a high riding minnow can be an effective one-two punch. Whitefish are suckers for a spoon and bead or a spoon and small minnow combination. I’ve also had success with a spoon paired up with a flashy fly.

The Double Dip Technique Double Dipping involves attaching an aggressive lure to the bottom of your rig and having a dropper placed above it. Drop the lure to the bottom and then work it hard by bouncing it off the bottom to stir up some silt and attract attention. Then slow things down by putting the rig in a holder. This deadstick part of the presentation is when the subtle bait on the dropper shines. But, don’t be surprised if the larger lure gets whacked, especially if there is a bit of meat attached to it.

Droppers I learned the dropper technique on a cold day on Lake Simcoe while filming with Bob Izumi and the late John Vandivier. John was putting on a clinic with the fussy perch and he wanted his secret technique kept under wraps. Well, over 15-years later, I think that drop shotting (which was what he was doing) is now sufficiently out of the bag to share. John used a bell sinker and tied a pair of droppers to the line, one up about six-inches and the other about a foot and a half. 56 Real Fishing – Winter 2015

Baited with minnow pieces, full minnows, soft plastics, beads, perch eyes or maggots, this technique has fooled tons of fish for me. It is most effective when the rod is loaded properly with a taut line and then the rig is placed in a holder to be deadsticked. The subtle takes are easy to see with this method and, when a fish really hammers the bait, there is something to hold on to the rod for you! The dropper should consist of a lightweight bait that will not easily snag on the main line. Being a fly angler, I lean on flies a lot for trout and panfish situations. When the water is cold, slow moving bugs are easy for lethargic fish to track down. Isopods are my favorite, but glow worms, hares ear nymphs and other lightweight nymphs with a bit of flash and bugginess are all solid options. A single bead with a bit of meat, an artificial trout or salmon egg, or any number of soft plastics can be quite effective. The good old minnow or even a perch eye can also be deadly as dropper baits. For larger fish, a full, lively minnow is a perfect option.

Rigging Up for the Double Dip There are two ways to rig droppers. The easy method that I like for perching and small trout is to use a figure-eight loop knot. To tie this, thread the dropper (or droppers) onto to the line and then tie on your anchor lure. I often use a snap or snap swivel for this so the lure can be changed if needed. Then hold the dropper a few inches further up the line than you want it to rest. Pull the main line to make a loop, with your hook or fly in the middle of it. Then tie a figure-eight knot to encase the lure. I like shorter loops that stick out from the main line two or three inches but you can make these loops bigger or smaller. That is up to you. I use four to six-pound test for most of these rigs. This is a bit heavier than traditional, subtle deadstick

rigs, but I have not found a drop off in hook ups. Also, the heavier line helps because the knot compromises the strength of the rig by about 25%. If I want a more powerful rig, I incorporate swivels. This allows me to tie stronger knots and is my go-to method when looking for lakers, whitefish or walleye. Tie the swivels in place where you want the droppers to be and add the droppers to the top loop on the swivels. If the dropper is six to eight-pound test it should sit out from the main line and not tangle, unless it is too long. Keeping the droppers under six-inches is recommended, but less than four-inches is even better.

Tackle I like a rod with a soft tip and some backbone. Spinning rigs are my choice but you can use whatever style you like. One essential is a good rod holder, either a standalone model or one mounted on a bucket. I know from experience that these will save on lost rods! Enjoying a crisp winter day out on the lake and dipping a few fish up from the icy depths truly is a wonderful Canadian tradition. Give this system a try and see how it can increase your enjoyment of ice fishing this winter. ?

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Tales from the Road By Bob Izumi

I got an interesting phone last fall from an old friend, Donnie Ratliff, from Greenup, Kentucky. I used to fish with Donnie and his father but I hadn’t talked to either of them in over 30-years. Back when I was around 19 or 20-years old I met Donnie’s father, Ken, in Erieau. He had been going there with his family and friends for many years to fish for bass in Rondeau Bay. At the time, Donnie was about 4 or 5-years younger than me so I mostly fished with his father. Eventually I started fishing with Donnie and we became good friends. When we were talking, Donnie told me he is now is retired. Heck, when I knew him he didn’t even have a job; he was still a student in high school! It’s funny how the years go by and boy did it ever bring back some memories. That call came while I was en-route to fishing Big Rideau Lake with my friend and tournament angler, Bryan Pollock. Bryan loves to fish all different species but one of his favourite things to do is target lake trout. We had arranged to meet up for some “video game lakers”, which is a type of lake trout technique where we use our Lowrance HDS 12 sonar to spot the deep lake trout. Once we find them we lower down a 3/8ounce football head jig with a four-inch Gulp chartreuse jigging grub and vertically jig for them.

As soon as you start to see that arch come up on the screen of your graph as your jig is descending, you engage your reel and start a medium-speed retrieve. The fish either streak up and you’ll get a bone-jarring strike or they’ll bail on you and swim back down. It’s some of the most exciting “new technology” fishing you’ll ever do and it’s all with the aid of your graph. Your catch ratio would be cut by 95% or more without a good graph. Bryan is a master at reading his electronics and he schooled me by catching about five fish to my one. My son Darren, who runs the camera, wanted to give it a try and off-camera he proceeded to catch three really quickly, just to show me how it’s done. As the old saying goes, “you can’t teach an old dog new tricks”, and in this case this old dog was having a hard time catching on to this technique. Despite being outfished it was a lot of fun and we got some great video shot. After fishing with Bryan we were off to the Ottawa River to do a little scouting for the Renegade Bass Classic. The Ottawa River has a reputation for kicking out some pretty good sized fish but it also has a reputation of being a pretty tough body of water to consistently do well on, especially in tournaments. There’s no guarantee that you’re going to catch a limit of fish all the time and it’s one of the few bodies of water where the names in the top-10 change quite frequently from year to year. We found a few fish here and there but I certainly didn’t feel like we were on to anything that would win the tournament.

Then it was off to Craganmor Point Resort to tape an episode of the Real Fishing Show. It’s just a couple of hours north of Toronto and it’s in the heart of the 30,000 Islands area of Georgian Bay. We decided to target smallmouth bass while we were there and, on my first day, I took out the owners’ son, young Andrew Overend. We caught some smallmouth bass by fishing some of the numerous underwater humps and bluffs within minutes of the resort. Unfortunately the rain came in and shortened our fishing day but we certainly Bob and Andrew Overend caught some fish and shared some laughs while fishing at Craganmor Point Resort.

had a lot of fun, caught some fish and shared some good laughs. On the next day I got out with John Whyte. John is a tournament fishing buddy of mine who has had a cottage up there for many years and he knows the water very well. We ended up catching some very nice smallmouth in excess of five-pounds on a wacky rigged Berkley Havoc Flat Dawg during our outing and were able to finish off the show. Then it was off to Bark Lake in the Haliburton Highlands to take some Canadian Tire and Home Hardware dealers fishing. These folks had all won trips through an annual OFF! Deep Woods contest that we hold for dealers from across the country. As usual it was a ton of fun, everyone caught fish and we had a great couple of days up there. Winter 2015 – Real Fishing 59

As soon as I finished at Bark Lake I headed over to Ottawa to join my son, Darren, for the Renegade Bass Classic. On day-one Darren and I fished for the first couple of hours without catching a fish and things were not looking good. But one thing about tournament fishing is that it’s never over until the last cast. About mid-morning we caught our first fish in some scattered weeds. A while later we caught a second fish from some reeds. We kept at it and got our third fish in the reeds and then our fourth from under a boat dock. With fiveminutes left before check-in time we finally got our last keeper of the day in some lily pads. We raced back to the weigh-in and made it with 40-seconds to spare. We had 15.8-pounds for the first day, which kept us in the top-20. We had some work to do though, as Jay McCormack and Mike Desforges were leading with 20.41-pounds. With nothing to lose, on day-two we decided we would go check out some new water. We ran about 30 or 40-miles to an area that Darren and I hadn’t pre-fished and hadn’t been to in five or six-years. We proceeded to catch a fairly quick limit, which is unusual for us on the Ottawa River. Darren put on a clinic and caught four in a row in about five-minutes of flipping. We got a limit of keepers and then started looking for better fish. As the day wore on we ended up catching some pretty good fish. Darren caught one that was over four-pounds, we each had one about three and things were going pretty good. Then Darren got a bite, set the hook, and the fish wrapped around a reed and was hanging in mid-air. I jumped on the trolling motor and headed over to it but before we could get there the fish fell off. My guess is that it weighed between three and three and a half-pounds. We ended up with 16.53-pounds, which turned out to be the second biggest weight that day. We moved up to fourth place and were 1.35-pounds out of first. If we had caught the fish that Darren lost it would have moved us into second place and it may have even been enough to give us the win. That fish turned out to be a very expensive one and we won’t forget it for a long, long time. Sometimes the fish that you lose are more memorable than the ones you catch and this was definitely one of those. 60 Real Fishing – Winter 2015

After the tournament, Scott Walcott, from West Lake Willows Resort in Prince Edward County, gave me a heads-up and told me that the walleyes were on, so we decided to make a quick trip to go fishing on Lake Ontario with him. Scott and his family run West Lake Willows and Scott is also a charter captain on Lake Ontario and the Bay of Quinte. He’s figured out where the big walleyes are before they come into the Bay in the fall, so we got out for a couple of hours of fishing and taping. We were trolling the new Berkley Flicker Minnow, both on planer boards and with clip-weights, using 10-pound test Trilene on Abu Garcia Alphamar line counter reels. What can I say; from about 9:30 in the morning until noon it was non-stop walleye action. It was amazing how Scott had these fish dialed in. By using his Navionics chart with the Freshest Data he had the area we were fishing completely mapped out. We got 11 walleyes including one small fish - a seven-pounder - but the rest were all between 9 and 11-pounds. The fishing was unbelievable. It was one of those shoots that I love because it makes it really easy to tape a show. My son, Darren, wanted to see if he could get his personal best walleye so he put the camera away and reeled in the next three fish, including an 11-pounder. Mission accomplished! When we got back, fishing guide Taro Murata asked me if I wanted to go cranking for salmon on Lake Ontario at night. That sounded like something different so we met up in Toronto to do some night cranking and it was absolutely incredible. We landed five salmon, all between 20 and 30-pounds, by casting ¾-ounce Sebile Action First Lipless Seeker crankbaits on Abu Garcia Veracity and Veritas Winch Series crankbait rods. These are softer action rods that are good for using with treble hooked lures. We must have had 40 or 50 hits that night and, although we lost most of them, we did land five of those big bruisers. What an adrenaline rush! After fishing with Taro I took a quick flight to Ottawa to speak at the Canadian Safe Boating Council’s annual symposium. I returned the next morning and went straight to a top-secret meeting in the GTA regarding some new products that are in development. One of the cool things about what I do for a

living is that every now and then I get involved with some of the companies I work with on some of their product ideas way before they hit the stores. You’ll see this one about a year and a half from now and you’ll be very impressed with it. I’d like to be able to tell you about it but I was sworn to secrecy before I left the meeting. Then it was time to head to the B1 tournament on Lake St. Francis, in Valleyfield, Quebec. This is an event I look forward to every year as some of the best anglers from across Ontario and Quebec come out to compete in it. Darren and I were feeling pretty good after our pre-fishing for this event because we had located a number of good areas that were holding fish. On day-one we had a decent limit of fish but should have had over 20-pounds had I not lost a key, five-pound class fish. I got a hit on a tube jig, set the hook and was fighting the fish towards the boat. I got it about 2/3 of the way in when it made a big jump and appeared to spit the hook. When I reeled the tube in I discovered the hook was broken, right at the bend. I remember putting on a hook that had a little bit of rust on the bend but thought nothing of it, which was a big mistake. The hook broke at the wrong time and the wrong place during the wrong event and cost us, big time. It would have given us a top-10 finish for day-one and would certainly have had us in contention moving

into day-two. As it turned out, we weighed in 17.92-pounds and were quite a few pounds back on day-one. Day-two didn’t get much better. We only had one smallmouth by mid-day and ended up panicking and going for largemouth. In the last hour and a half Darren and I flipped five largemouth, kept four of them, and ended up in 38th place overall. In hindsight, we should have stuck to our guns and stayed with the smallmouth bass. I can’t wait to fish the B1 again next year and I will definitely put my mind towards those smallmouth bass that keep winning year after year. On Thanksgiving weekend I took my daughter Kristin, her boyfriend Travis, and my son, Darren, out for a little fishing on Lake Erie. The four of us decided we would fish the Berkley Havoc Flatt Dawg in shallow water and, in a few hours of fishing, we managed to catch around 15 smallmouth bass. We had a perfectly calm day and had a lot of fun out there.

After the holiday I had a day of muskie fishing scheduled on Lake St. Clair with my old buddy, Captain Jim Fleming. I invited John Ward, from the Cuda fishing tools company, to join us and he eagerly accepted. We had a great day and caught 11 muskies on that outing. I’ve got to say that Captain Jim has never let me down on a fishing trip. He’s one of those professional charter captains that, if the fishing’s not good, he’ll tell you not to come down, unlike some other guys who will take your money no matter what the conditions are. The only problem is, if you want to go muskie fishing with Jim, he can sometimes be booked a year in advance because he’s so good. I’m always watching the wind during the fall of the year and whenever there’s a flat day forecast I try to get out on the water. After my muskie trip I noticed there was calm weather coming so I said to my son Darren, “Let’s go shoot a little bit of video

using the Johnson Thinfisher blade bait.” I grabbed a handful of ½-ounce gold Thinfishers and rigged up some 7-foot, medium heavy baitcast rods (you can use spinning rods too) with Trilene Professional Grade braid and fluorocarbon leaders. We fished on Lake Erie, working some subtle breaks that went from 28 to 32-feet of John Ward, Bob and Captain Jim Fleming with one of the many muskies they caught on Lake St. Clair last fall.

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Winter 2015 – Real Fishing 61

water, and ended up catching some pretty decent smallmouth up to 4 ½-pounds. What was really cool were the bonus walleyes and perch we caught. I got one jumbo perch that was about 16-inches in length – it looked like a smallmouth bass – and six bonus walleyes on our short outing. The Johnson Thinfisher is an absolute fish-catching machine. Last spring I talked about how many big walleyes we caught with it over in Sturgeon Bay and on Lake Erie, as well as the numbers of smallmouth bass it caught. The key to using it during the cool water periods is to cast it out and let it go all the way to the bottom. Then just barely lift it a foot or two, just until you get a vibration, and then drop it down again. Let it sit for a few seconds and then repeat the subtle jigging motion. You’re only working a foot or so of the strike zone, near the bottom, but if there are fish in the area that’s where you’ll catch them. Then it was up to Lake Simcoe to fish with my buddy and fishing fanatic, John Whyte, in the Lake Simcoe Open tournament. My track record at this tournament

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62 Real Fishing – Winter 2015

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Andrew Wheeler and Bob Izumi with a couple of late fall Lake Erie smallmouth.

has not been too stellar so it was time to see if I could break that curse with John. John lives on Lake Simcoe and he does very well there, although his track record in this tournament isn’t much better than mine. The tournament is run out of the City of Orillia and it was cold and windy as we blasted off and made the run out onto Lake Simcoe. We fished hard all morning but at 11 o’clock our livewell pumps were still not running and things were looking pretty dismal. We talked about whether we should stay on Lake Simcoe and possibly not catch a fish, or if we should run back to Lake Couchiching, where you really don’t have a very good chance of winning but you can at least catch some fish and maybe get a prize. We decided to go to Lake Couchiching for the last few hours and ended up getting three smallmouth and one largemouth for a total of just over 12-pounds. We were just ounces out of cashing a cheque, which seems to be the story of my season. I think we were two places out of the money in this tournament and there were three others this year where I was one place out of the money. If we’d have caught one more fish in this one, even if it was a 2-pounder, we would have made the top-10. But that’s how it goes. At least John and I had a lot of laughs while we struggled out there!

Then I had another day scheduled with fishing guide Taro Murata. We had planned to go for muskies in the Kawarthas but made a last minute change and decided to go for largemouth bass on the Bay of Quinte instead. It was super-cold and super-windy that day but we ended up catching a couple of pike and five largemouth, all using the Sebile Action First Vibe Machine crankbait. As soon as we launched the boat we noticed the weeds were really slimy and dirty. We fished them for about an hour but didn’t get a bite so I said to Taro, “Let’s try throwing crankbaits on rocks and see if we can’t get a few fish.” The first largemouth was probably a good 4 ½-pounds and I had it right up to the boat before the hook pulled out of its mouth. Then, a few casts later, I got one about 3 ½-pounds. We proceeded to get some pretty nice largemouth by casting the Vibe Machine around rock breaks off of points and islands. Although we scraped up enough fish to get our TV segment shot the fishing wasn’t exactly phenomenal, but it did show how perseverance and covering water can pay off and salvage a day. Then I had a chance to spend some time on Lake Erie with Andrew Wheeler, from Abu Garcia. Andrew is in charge of designing all of the new Abu Garcia rods and reels. Even though it was cold and rough, Andrew

was a trooper and he ended up catching his personal biggest smallmouth bass on a Johnson Splinter spoon that day. It was so cool to spend some time with him and to test some of the new products that he is working on. Unfortunately, once again I’m sworn to secrecy as to what I saw that day. Then it was off to meet up with Taro Murata again, this time at a studio in downtown Toronto for a photo shoot. Taro is branding of himself as the “Jedi of Fishing” and I was told that I would be the Master Jedi in the shoot. When I got to the studio they had some Jedi uniforms ready for us to put on and they told me that I would be holding my Revo Rocket powered light sabre while wearing a Jedi cloak. It was pretty funny when they told me I wasn’t allowed to smile during the photo shoot. I guess being a Jedi fishing master is pretty serious stuff! Last but not least, we were invited to Between the Lines Winery to do some wine tasting for next year’s Izumi red wine. For a

few years now we’ve been working with Yannick and Greg Wertch from Between the Lines and it’s always nice to be in on the ground floor in selecting next year’s wine. In the process we ate a great meal of Arctic Char and beef shank that was catered by

the Epicurean restaurant in Niagara-on-theLake. What can I say, it’s a dirty job but I’m glad that I’m doing it! Have a great winter everyone, and remember to stay safe this season. ?

Winter 2015 – Real Fishing 63

What’s COOKING

Chef Tim’s Signature Grilled Calamari in Brown Butter “This recipe, in one form or another, has been on every restaurant menu I’ve ever worked at. I was an apprentice when I was given the opportunity to add my own dish to a menu and this was the dish.” --- Chef Tim Tibbitts

INGREDIENTS

DIRECTIONS

1 lb

cleaned calamari tubes and tentacles

½ lb

unsalted butter

Make sure calamari is well cleaned, remove the quill from the tubes and remove the beak and eyes from the tentacles.

1 head

roasted garlic cloves kept whole and not squashed

plum tomatoes, insides removed and diced to small dice

½ cup

Kalamata olives, pitted and cut in half lengthwise

¼ cup

capers

¼ cup

chopped fresh parsley

3 cloves

fresh garlic, chopped

small red onion chopped

½ cup

olive oil

whole lemons, cut in half, then grilled

64 Real Fishing – Winter 2015

Cut the calamari across the tube, leaving a small piece attached. The finished cut will look a little like a slinky. Place the prepared calamari, chopped fresh garlic, red onion and olive oil into a bowl to marinate for a couple of hours. Meanwhile, in a small sauce pot, cook butter over medium heat until the milk solids begin to change to a golden brown colour and the butter begins to smell nutty. The longer you can hold out before taking it off the heat the better the flavour you get. Be careful, it burns quickly and will turn bitter if you cook it too long. Remove from heat and transfer to a metal bowl. Do not refrigerate unless as a leftover.

Remove calamari from marinade and season with kosher salt and black pepper. Grill over very high heat for 30 to 60-seconds or until the calamari begins to curl and tighten up. Do not overcook the calamari or it will become as tough as rubber bands. Meanwhile, reheat some of the butter with roasted garlic cloves, capers, olives and tomato, just until hot. Place grilled calamari on the plate and spoon butter and accompaniments over the top. Serve with grilled lemon. Special thanks to Tim Tibbitts, chef and owner of the Flying Fish Modern Seafood in Freeport, Bahamas for providing this recipe. Follow Tim on Twitter @flyingfishfreep, on FaceBook at www.facebook.com/FlyingFishModernSeafood or on the web at www.flyingfishbahamas.com.

Bringing him in took six hours. Why rush dinner? 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.

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Salmon Tale

Artist:

April White

Medium:

Acrylic original on archival board

Contact:

Wind Spirit Art - Studio & Gallery 4643 Marine Avenue Powell River, B.C. (604) 485-7572 www.aprilwhite.com

66 Real Fishing – Winter 2015

Haida Nation artist April White’s painting entitled, ‘Salmon Tale’, depicts the story of how salmon came to human beings and why they continue to spawn in coastal streams and rivers. The formline painting, in the red and black colours of her ancestral traditions, depicts the spawning form of Taawaan~Chinook salmon, representing the Salmon Chief, and within this, Raven, who brings the chief’s son to the people. The work has just won the Pacific Salmon Foundation Stamp Art Contest and will appear on the 2015 fishing-license stamp.

Graphite and fiberglass construction. One-piece stainless steel guides. Tougher than the original.

@uglystik

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