Archive for February, 2010

In addition to catching trophy Roosterfish, we are also trolling and sight-casting for trophy jacks.  Today we just started trolling out from the Serena Marina entrance and immediately hooked into trophy jacks and Rooster fish.  Our biggest jack was caugth trolling a live mullet, while our largest Rooster fish again hit a Rapala X-Rap #12 trolled on #50 lb. Rapala Titanium Braid on a Magnum heavy action spinning rod and Rapala  Xi large spinning reel.   Tomorrow we head-up to Serena’s Cardon Resort located about :45 minutes north of Mazatlan, Mexico.  Cardon Resort will be our base for fishing some of the biggest largemouth in Mexico at El Salto.  Make sure to check-out all the action.  If you would like to plan a trophy fishing trip and enjoy excellent accommodations and food in Mazatlan, Mexico, make sure to check-out, www.serenaresidences.com .

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
January 21, 2010
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION:
Mario Carr (905) 580-3472
Learn fly fishing secrets from the best – 2010 Canadian Fly Fishing Forum™ April 10-11 in Burlington
It can start innocently as making your first cast or just as an excuse to be out on the water on a summer’s day.  Then, it suddenly turns into a life-long obsession and you’re hooked. “Fly fishing is no longer just a sport but a lifestyle.  But getting started is not as easy as it looks,” said John Fox, chair of the 2010 Canadian Fly Fishing Forumâ„¢.
“From tying your first fly to casting techniques, the Forum has a beginner’s program that has been tailored made to teach people how to start in this fascinating hobby.”
Back by popular demand this year is Fly Fishing for Women.  This beginner and intermediate workshop is presented by well known instructors Heather Jones and Sherri Steele who have been introducing women to fly fishing since 1998.  But the Forum isn’t just for beginners.  There are more advanced topics as well.
The 2010 Canadian Fly Fishing Forum will be held April 10 -11, 2010 at the Holiday Inn in Burlington, Ont.  Sponsored by volunteers from the Izaak Walton Fly Fishing Clubâ„¢ (IWFFC), all proceeds from this non-profit event benefit fisheries conservation.
2010 Canadian Fly Fishing Forum
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“For more than 33 years, this event has helped promote fly fishing and raised more than $200,000 for fisheries habitat improvements, education, scholarships and many other conservation efforts. Well known speakers such as Ian Collin James, Phil Rowley, Jim Wenger, Sheldon Seale, Paul Schlote, Elliot Deighton, Steve Wascher, Trevor Nowak, Thibaut Millet, Mike Verhoef, Jay Passmore and Dave and Jan Shenk share their tips at 32 workshops designed for beginners and experts.
Some seminars include: Fly Tying, Casting, Knots and Leaders for Beginners, Tackle Basics, Fly fishing for Women, Fishing, Ontario’s West Coast, Stillwater Staples, Approaching a New Lake, What to do for Early Success, Fly Fishing for Musky, Simple Ties for Realistic Flies, Creating, Designing Patters, Stoneflies and more.
In the Exhibit Hall, the International Showcase Fly Tyers will share their secrets and amaze you with their creations. You can also learn about fly fishing organizations in your area and experience a fly fishing bonanza of tackle, gear, fly tying supplies, guides, lodges, books, art and more.  “We’d like you to spend the whole weekend with us. If you pre-register, the best value is the two-day package — $75. This includes entry to the exhibit hall on both days and all seminars.
“If you can’t attend both days try our   la carte menu and pick the individual seminars at $12 each and the exhibit hall entrance fee at $10 per day. Children under 16 accompanied by an adult are admitted free.

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“On Saturday evening, April 10, the club holds its annual awards and fund raising banquet.  Guest speaker is biologist and guide Trevor Nowak.  As always, the banquet features raffles and a silent auction.  Funds raised will benefit conservation,” said Fox. 

IWFFC, a not-for-profit club, was founded in 1971 in Oakville to promote fly fishing and conservation practices. The club supports many local conservation activities, both financially and with volunteers.
The 2010 Canadian Fly Fishing Forum is organized and run entirely by volunteers from various fly fishing clubs in the surrounding area.
For further information on the program or to register online, visit www.iwffc.ca or call (905) 276-6345.

My wife Barbara, myself and our TV crew are having a great time saltwater fishing and enjoying the World Class accommodations and food at Serena Marina, Golf and Residences in Mazatlan, Mexico.  Today we chased billfish up to 20 miles in the Ocean and saw two Striped Marlin.  Sergio Castro had one Striped Marlin on for about 2-minutes, but it got off.  We estimated it’s size at 100-140 lbs.  After our days fishing we had a chance to experience the luxurious Serena Residences first hand.  If you are looking for a quality Mexican holiday that combines world class accomodations & meals with trophy saltwater fishing, Serena is the place to come.  We would encourage you to check their website out at, www.serenaresidences.com .

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My wife Barbara, the crew and I are having an excellent time filming excellent saltwater fishing footage from Serena Marina, Golf and Residences, in Mazatlan, Mexico.  Today we travelled about 20 miles north in a 26 foot Glazier Bay centre-consul boat equipped with twin 150 hp. Yamaha 4-stroke engines.  I rigged up Rapala Magnum heavy-action baitcating rods equipped with Rapala Hydros counter-reels and 80 lb. test braid to fish for a variety of trophy fish.  Today’s highlight was hooking trophy Roosterfish in the 20 lb. range.  We fished live Mullet on a single hook.  The fish off the west-coast of Mexico seem to really like the Rapala X-Rap #12 and we are down to just one.  Hopefully we will be able to get some more to hook additional big fish.  As an added treat today, we spotted shellfish anglers snorkeling for oysters, we stopped by and bought a couple of dozen oysters and had them fresh on the boat on the half-shell with a squirt of lime….wow, they were awesome!! We’ll keep you posted daily on our fishing action.

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MEDIA RELEASE CRRC PRESS CONFERENCE ON THURSDAY FEB 11TH AT 1PM February 10, 2010, Peterborough, ON – The Community and Race Relations Committee of Peterborough (CRRC) announces the launch of a Public Service Announcement (PSA) focused on the attacks against Asian-Canadian anglers in Ontario. Featuring Italo Labignan, well-known host of the Canadian Sportfishing Show, the PSA condemns the numerous attacks against Asian-Canadian anglers in communities surrounding Peterborough, and encourages the public to report any wrongdoing witnessed. Launch & Press Conference: When: Thursday February 11th, at 1pm. Where: New Canadians Centre, 204 Sherbrooke street, Peterborough, ON. Note: Italo Labignan will be in attendance and available to media Identifying himself as both a sport fisher and an immigrant, Labignan was deeply disturbed by these attacks, stating these attacks cannot be tolerated. Created as part of CRRCs ongoing work on the issue of racially-motivated attacks and graffiti, the Committee is pleased to have Labignan add his voice to those who strive for an Ontario that is safe for all to live, work or fish in. Download: http://74.208.108.43/FTP/PSA%20Race%20Relations%203.zip   View: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Pla5tSTcgc0  We began our work on the issue of the attacks against Asian-Canadian anglers in 2007, and are launching this PSA on the eve of the sentencing hearing for one of those cases anticipating that the court will respond appropriately said Mike Ma, coordinator of the CRRC. Trevor Middleton, 23, will be sentenced for aggravated assault and criminal negligence in a case that was racially motivated according to victims and community members, in Newmarket on February 12, 2010. “While we remain extremely concerned about the Trevor Middleton case which is now being considered for sentencing, we believe that it is important to take a proactive stance before the next fishing season to prevent future crimes with professional fishermen like Italo Labignan,” said Karen Sun, CCNCTO, “We are really pleased to have his support for this important message to the public.” Media availability: Italo Labignan, Canadian Sportfishing Inspector Mike Reynolds, OPP Acting Detachment Commander Constable Steve Dyer, Peterborough & Lakefield Police, Community Services Unit Elizabeth Thippahwong, Community & Race Relations Committee -30- For further information: Mike Ma, Community and Race Relations Committee of Peterborough, 705-742-9658, racerelation@gmail.com

Noel Gyger reports.  Considering it is still winter the weather has been fair with continued warmer than normal daytime temperatures.  Dressed properly anglers should be comfortable fishing this time of year. The river heights have been up and down but are staying in fishable shape.  Lots of folks are heading out for some winter Cutthroat Trout, Dolly Varden Char and Steelhead fishing with both fly and conventional gear. The upper end of the Zymoetz (Copper) River is closed to angling (as of December 31, 2009) to protect the “wintering over” wild Steelhead. To be clear just the upper reaches of the river are closed but one still may angle on the very low end, just make sure you fish below the boundary at the first canyon.  The water has been open, free of flowing ice all week. I heard Steelhead fishing is good, especially on the fly rods.  Trout and Dolly Varden Char are also being caught. The Kalum River is open to angling all winter.  I have heard of some good Steelhead catches but the boys had to work hard for them.  It is mostly walk and wade as the water is way too low for a jet boat.  The Kitimat River is in good shape and is open all winter for fishing. Cutthroat Trout are the usual target but a few Steelhead have been hooked also. Covering lots of water with pontoon boats is the ticket.  The South Folk Pontoon Boats are the choice of anglers.  Check out the Ron Wakita report below.  Winter Chinook fishing in the Kitimat Harbour and Douglas Channel is good right now but is weather dependent. Winter Chinook fishing in Prince Rupert is great when the weather is good.

If you would like to book a guided fishing trip with Noel Gyger, you can reach him at, www.noelgygler.ca .

This years show is bigger and jam-packed with new fishing stuff, boats, motors and everything you want to find out about if you are a fisherman.  There  are lot’s of fishing personalities doing seminars & forums at two different locations.  My wife Barbara & I treated our grandson Benjamin to his first fishing show and he enjoyed it emensly.  He even sat through my 1-hr seminar at the demonstration tank and joined me at the front for questions & answers.  If you love to fish, make sure to check-out the Spring Fishing & Boat Show that will be running right through this weekend until Monday at the Airport International Building, Hall 5.

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Sergio Castro reports that Trophy Rooster fish are continuing to be caught out of Mazatlan, Mexico.   Serena Residences offer trophy saltwater fishing as well as trophy largemouth bass fishing on El Salto Lake.   If you are thinking of booking a trip to Mexico, make sure to check-out, www.serenaresidences.com .

Take the family fishing!
Ontario Family Fishing Weekend offers three days of license-free fun

The Ontario Federation of Anglers and Hunters (O.F.A.H.) is encouraging everyone to take advantage of the upcoming provincial Family Day holiday and license-free fishing opportunity to get outdoors during Ontario Family Fishing Weekend, February 13-15, 2010.

“Ice fishing is a great Canadian winter pastime and a very family-friendly activity,” said Mike Reader, O.F.A.H. Executive Director. “We invite families across Ontario to take the opportunity to head out to a nearby lake or pond during Ontario Family Fishing Weekend and drop a line. It’s a terrific way to connect with our natural resources.” “If you’ve never tried fishing, this is the perfect time,” said the Honourable Linda Jeffrey, Minister of Natural Resources, of the upcoming license-free fishing opportunity.

Fast Facts:

• Safety first. Check conditions before you head out and frequently while out. Clear ice should be at least 10 cm (4 inches) for walking. Anything less is not safe. Carry rescue equipment and a whistle or cell phone.
• Across Ontario, Canadian residents do not require a fishing licence from February 13-15, but must follow all other fishing regulations, which can be found in the Fishing Ontario, 2010 Recreational Fishing Regulations Summary. Copies are available online at www.ontario.ca/fishing and in print from ServiceOntario centres.
• OFFW events are currently registered for the following communities: Bancroft, Cambridge, Cardiff, Espanola, Ennismore, Hearst, Honey Harbour, Marmora, New Liskeard, Ottawa, Pefferlaw, Trout Creek and Verona. Other family-friendly events may also be planned so check your local listings. Visit www.familyfishingweekend.com for details.
• Ontario Family Fishing Weekend is an initiative of the Ministry of Natural Resources. The program includes a winter weekend and a summer event in July which runs concurrent with National Fishing Week. The OFFW Steering Committee is comprised of the O.F.A.H., MNR, Fisheries and Oceans Canada, and the Canadian Sportfishing Industry Association.

With 100,000 members, subscribers and supporters, and 660 member clubs, the Ontario Federation of Anglers and Hunters is the leading nonprofit fishing, hunting and conservation-based organization in Ontario. To learn more, visit www.ofah.org.

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Ashley Rae reports.  I headed out for what would be my first successful ice fishing adventure a while back on the Bay of Quinte, ON. I had been out ice fishing before about 4 times in my entire life but never had any luck. This time I went out with the Quinte Ice Fishing team. I would strongly recommend a local guide if you are new to ice fishing. I learned the basics and felt safe. I caught my first 5 walleye, 2 of them around 10am and the rest after nightfall with my biggest at 10 pounds! Using a flasher I could see the fish were following my bait up from the bottom, and then striking aggressively. The ice was 8 inches thick at our location and the water was around 17 feet deep. If you are heading out stay away from any major currents as the ice won’t be as thick there. Temperatures coming up this week in the BOQ area are in the -7°C range. I hope to be heading out again, so hopefully I can bring in some more walleye. I definitely love ice fishing now!

You can learn more about Ashleys passion for fishing by visiting her blog at, http://www.ashleymrae.blogspot.com/.