98Fahrenheit

Source: The Toronto Star (http://www.thestar.com/News/article/198816) Scientists urge action; shipping industry fears cost of controlling virus could be catastrophic Apr 03, 2007 04:30 AM (Peter Gorrie, Environment writer) Sometime this spring, Great Lakes fish could start dying by the tens of thousands. It happened a few times last year: This year might be worse. The killer will be viral hemorrhagic septicemia, or VHS, a virus that's a mystery except for one thing – it spreads fast and kills many types of fish. The disease leaves its victims – salmon, lake trout, perch, pickerel, white bass, muskie; in fact, almost every sports and commercial species – belly-up, with bulging eyes, red splotches and bleeding organs. Exactly when and how it got into the lakes isn't certain. Nor is its eventual impact. "There is no way of knowing," says Gary Whelan, fish production manager in Michigan's department of natural resources. "This is a new virus in a new location, so we have no experience to guide us." The deaths to date are just a small fraction of the millions of fish in the lakes. Even so, governments around the lakes are worried enough to try unprecedented steps to contain the virus. VHS is suspected to be the latest on a growing list of destructive species – including zebra mussels and round gobies – brought into the lakes from Europe and Asia, usually in the ballast water of ocean-going ships. The potential impact on fish isn't the only concern. VHS doesn't harm humans, but that doesn't mean others that follow will be so benign, says Jennifer Nalbone, of Great Lakes United, a cross-border advocacy group based in Buffalo that for years has demanded strict controls on ballast. "It's a wake-up call that the lakes are vulnerable to any pathogen getting in here. We need to try to slow the spread but also to close the door." ----- Initial reports said VHS was detected in the Bay of Quinte in 2005 by John Lumsden, a fish health specialist at the University of Guelph. The first big die-offs it's blamed for came last year. New evidence suggests it's been in the lakes a few years longer, Lumsden says. In any case, in a short time it has infected all except Superior. The virus is an Atlantic Ocean strain of VHS, one of four main varieties around the globe. Like the other invaders that gain a foothold, it can't be stopped. Provincial and state scientists just want to slow it down. The control effort is creating conflict with fish hatcheries, anglers' groups and, especially, ship owners. Companies that sail only within the Great Lakes warn some proposed solutions could put them out of business. Still, the cost of not acting would be much higher, says Whelan. "We can't wait forever. The amount of damage being done is incalculable. Everyone has to play their part." Ontario's ministry of natural resources is so concerned about infected fish swimming into inland waters that a couple of weeks ago it tried to prevent salmon and other species from swimming up rivers to spawn. It closed the fishways that let them pass barriers such as dams. It also made it illegal for humans to help fish over impediments, a common springtime practice. The measure would have stopped most fish reproduction on 18 major rivers, including the Credit, west of Toronto, and the Ganaraska, to the east. "We're just trying to give ourselves some time to get a handle on where the virus is," John Cooper, spokesperson for the ministry's Lake Erie Management Unit, in London, said while the order was in place. "We're trying to keep it confined to the lower Great Lakes as long as possible." But late last week, Natural Resources Minister David Ramsay announced the fishways could reopen. The Ontario Federation of Anglers and Hunters and other fishing groups had strongly opposed the closing, and the scientific evidence wasn't strong enough to justify shutting down spring fishing activities, Cooper says. "We don't know enough at this point," he says. "If the science was clear, the fishways would have been closed." Instead, the province – like many American states and the U.S. government – has slapped restrictions on moving fish, minnows and other live bait, and fish eggs from infected to uninfected areas. The U.S. recently banned carrying fish across state and international borders, even when the boundaries run through infected water. That's put a crimp on big-prize fishing tournaments and, again, the government is under pressure to back down. Some experts argue the only way to stop invaders is with tough restrictions on ships – both ocean ships and those that operate only on the Great Lakes. Attempts to control the movement of infected fish is just part of the solution, Nalbone says. "You don't solve the problem by dealing with half of it." The unwanted creatures generally arrive in ballast water, which ships carry to stay stable when not carrying cargo. It's dumped when they pick up loads. Once invaders are in the lakes, local ships spread them around. Whelan and many others say the only answer is to require all ships to disinfect their ballast water. The cost would be catastrophic, particularly for domestic ships, says Jim Weakly, president of the Lake Carriers' Association, which represents American lakers. And that, he suggests, brings a different threat: "You have to take into account the economic importance of the lakers, and the cost of treating the ballast ... and you need to ask what the benefit would be." The shippers are already putting screens over the pipes that carry ballast in and out of their tanks, he says. They're also using their pumps full force, to pulverize fish that do make it through the screen. But among the many things not known about VHS is how long it survives after its fish host is killed, or in open water. If it lasts a few days, it could still be spread in fish bits. Industries always react that way to new regulations, says Whelan. "The reality is that we have billions of dollars worth of damage to the fishery and it's high time they did something." As for exactly what will happen this summer, and beyond, that's another uncertainty, Lumsden says: "2006 was probably just the start. This may go on for several years." Eventually, fish might adapt to the virus, letting it recede into the background, he says. Even then, "it may not be a good one."

Stradic ONLY. I have the Stradic MgF2500 .... Japanese Domestic Model. It's awesome! Love the drag!

sweet and tasty!

Check the regulations on Ministry of Natural Resources site. Rice Lake is CLOSED right now. First available date .... Last Saturday of April ....

Never mentioned anywhere for a price under $75. Where do you see that?

Check out the baitcast reels on sale for the Spring Classic @ BPS: http://www.basspro.com/servlet/catalog.CFP...UGHAN_CIRCULAR1

i'd go with the Shimano Stradic MgFA with a GLoomis Rod.

Here's the flyer for 2007: http://www.basspro.com/servlet/catalog.CFP...UGHAN_CIRCULAR1

Here's the flyer for 2007: http://www.basspro.com/servlet/catalog.CFP...UGHAN_CIRCULAR1

Here's the flyer for 2007: http://www.basspro.com/servlet/catalog.CFP...UGHAN_CIRCULAR1

Here's the flyer for 2007: http://www.basspro.com/servlet/catalog.CFP...UGHAN_CIRCULAR1

That's for Americans. We're talking for us Canadians here in Toronto.

By any chance would this be in the papers? ie. The Sun, Star, etc.?

Anybody here have the flyer for Bass Pro's 2007 Spring Fishing Classic (March 10 - 18, 2007)? If so, would someone be kind enough to post it here? Thanks!

I'd use eMule or baidu.com

The LA Kings had Black Uniforms. As did the Chicago Blackhawks. So did the Philadelphia Flyers and Pittsburgh Pengiuns. Anything wrong? Nah.

Thanks!

Sell them on eBay. The next issue of Beckett should list them in the back of the issue.

The Toronto Maple Leafs have moved their surplus goalie. Sources tell TSN that Michael Tellqvist has been traded to the Phoenix Coyotes in exchange for forward Tyson Nash and a fourth round draft pick. Another source suggested there may be a minor-league player from Toronto accompanying Tellqvist to Phoenix, but that has not been confirmed. Nash, 31, has been in the minors this season. He played 50 games for Phoenix last season, notching six assists. His best NHL season was 2000-2001 when he scored eight goals and seven assists for 15 points while piling up 110 penalty minutes. Nash played with Darcy Tucker in junior, winning Memorial Cups with the Kamloops Blazers. The Coyotes are looking for Tellqvist to shore up their inconsistent netminding. Tellqvist played 25 games for the Leafs last season, posting a 10-11-2 record with a 3.13 goals against average and a .895 save percentage. He failed to stick with the Leafs this season after Jean-Sebastien Aubin beat him out for the back-up job behind Andrew Raycroft.

Good morning Guys!!!!! Need some help here! Is there any good fishing around Frankford, just north of Trenton on the trib of Trent? Please let me know. Looking to play a bit of hookie tomorrow from work since the weather seems alright. Probably my last trip of 2006 and then truly hanging it up until April for springtime crappies! Thanks in advance!

Su Wong marries Lee Wong. The next year, the Wongs have a new baby. The nurse brings over a lovely, healthy, bouncy, but definitely Caucasian, white baby boy. "Congratulations," says the nurse to the new parents. "Well Mr. Wong, what will you and Mrs. Wong name the baby?" The puzzled father looks at his new baby boy and says, "Well, two Wong's don't make a white, so I think we will name him... Are you ready for this?? Are you sure you are ready?? Well....here it comes... ... ... ... ... Sum Ting Wong

FISHING KNOT BASICS 1. Choose the right knot and tie it correctly. 2. Lubricate knots with water or saliva before drawing tight. 3. Draw knots as tight as possible. 4. Trim tag ends close to the knot. ===================================================================== Specialist Fly Knot Spider Hitch The offshore fisherman often have a need to tie a double line - a long loop of line that is obviously stronger, and easier to handle, than the line itself. In accordance with International Game Fish Association Rules, the double line may be up to 4.5m long in lines up to 10kg, and as much as 9m in heavier lines. The double may be tied by means of the simple Spider Hitch with lines to 15kg. The big game boys use the Bimini Twist, a double that is normally formed by two people who make the intitial twenty twists. The Bimini is obviously beyond the scope of this little book. It's smaller brother, the Spider Hitch, is a much faster and easier knot for the light tackle fisherman. Form a loop of the desired length, say 1.25m. Twist a section into a small loop. This is the only tricky part - hold this loop with thumb and forefinger, the thumb extending above the finger, and with the loop standing up beyond the tip of the thumb. Wind the doubled line around the thumb and the loop 5 times. Send the rest of the long loop through the small loop, and pull gently to unwind the turns off the thumb. The knot is now formed and worked into tight coils. Surgeon's End Loop The Surgeon's End Loop forms a loop at the end of a line. This provides a means to quickly attach leaders and other tackle. This end loop is very easy to tie and very reliable, but it is slightly more bulky than the Perfection Loop. Surgeon's Knot One of the quickest and strongest knots for joining leader material to line with unequal diameters. Some people get confused when looking at drawings of this simple knot because the drawings do not show the full leader length. Just remember to pass the end of the line and the whole leader through the loop twice. Trilene Knot The Trilene Knot is a strong reliable connection that resists slippage and premature failures. The Trilene Knot is an all-purpose connection to be used in joining monofilament to swivels, snaps, hooks and artificial lures. The knot's unique design and ease of tying yield consistently strong, dependable connections while retaining 85-90% of the original line strength. The double wrap of mono through the eyelet provides a protective cushion for added safety. Tucked Sheet Bend Usually employed by the fly fisherman, the Tucked Sheet Bend is commonly used for joining the backing line to the tapered line. It is not an especially compact knot, but has a very strong attachment which cannot be said for the more aesthetically pleasing Perfection Loop. Make a Blood Bight at the end of the backing line. Take the end of the tapered line. Pass it through the Blood Bightand make a simple Sheet Bend. Now pass the end of the tapered line back through the closed loop of the Sheet Bend. Hold both ends of the tapered line to tighten and draw into shape. Turle Knot I have included the still-used Turle Knot for old times sake. Also known as the Turtle Knot, and Major Turle's Knot, it is simplicity itself to tie, but is one of the weakest knots. It should never be used for light lines, and there are better knots for use with heavy ones. Pass the line through the eye of the hook. Make a simple loop. Carry the end of the line on to make a Simple Overhand Knot upon the loop. Pass the loop over the hook. Draw up into shape. Uni Knot The Uni Knot is a good alternative to the Improved Clinch. It is very reliable and very easy to tie. This is a good knot when it is getting dark or if your eye sight is less than perfect! Wedge Knot

FISHING KNOT BASICS 1. Choose the right knot and tie it correctly. 2. Lubricate knots with water or saliva before drawing tight. 3. Draw knots as tight as possible. 4. Trim tag ends close to the knot. ===================================================================== Nail Knot The Nail Knot is a popular and time tested knot to join fly line to leader. Use of a hollow tube instead of a nail makes for easier tying. Non-Slip Mono Loop The Non-Slip Mono Loop doesn’t slip and often tests close to 100 percent of the unknotted line strength. For lines testing from 8X to six pounds, use seven turns, five turns for lines in the eight to twelve pound class; four turns for fifteen to forty-pound line; three turns for fifty or sixty pound and two turns for lines heavier than that. Offshore Swivel Knot The Offshore Swivel Knot is exceptionally strong - if one strand breaks, the other will probably hold regardless of the amount of stress on the knot! Often used in conjunction with a Bimini Twist Knot, it can also be used to attach a hook. Palomar Knot A popular and easy to tie knot for small terminal tackle connections. It is one of the few recommended knots for use with braided lines. Perfection Loop This neat and compact knot forms a loop at the end of a line. It can be tied to result in a very small loop. Rapala Knot The Rapala Knot is popular method to tie a lure (such as a Rapala!) to a line such that it can move freely and unimpeded by the knot. Essentially the same as the Non Slip Mono Loop, the knot has one more step in it’s making. Whether this makes it more secure is still up to debate. It does make it slightly more difficult to tighten down neatly, but with practice can be done. You should know how to tie one or the other for the occasions that you want your bait to swim more naturally. San Diego Jam Knot As the name implies, this knot was popularized in San Diego, California. Often used by fishermen chasing the tuna on long range boats in Mexican waters, this knot can be tied quickly, especially if tied to a heavy lure such as the “iron” jigs thrown to the tuna. Just let the lure hang down while making the wraps. Then hook the lure to the rail of the boat (skippers hate this!) and pull it tight. It is also now being used with braided lines and has become popular with fishermen going after Peacock Bass in South America with 30-50 pound test braids. Scaffold Knot This is a much simpler variant. In all likelihood, this Grant's Uni-Knot. I have used it for more than fifty years and it has never failed me, whether tied in 1kg or 50kg monofilament. It was taught to me by the late Wally Kerr, a top flathead fisherman. Pass a 15cm loop of line through the eye. Lock the upper part between thumb and forefinger, making a loop. Make two more loops over the double part, holding them too, between thumb and forefinger. Pass the end through the two loops just made, plus the first loop made in step2. The formed knot can now be drawn into shape, and worked down against the eye of the hook or swivel. Snell Knot Considered by many pros to be the best method of attaching a hook to the end of a line or leader when fishing with bait. Snelling a Hook One small problem is the variety of names that may be applied to the one knot, for example, a Granny is a False Knot, a Clove Hitch is a Waterman's Knot, an Overhand Knot is a Thumb Knot. But when we come to snelling a hook, the length of nylon attached to the hook may be a snell or a snood. I now find that the actual job of tying the snood may be called snoozing, while snelling is often jealously thought of as an art restricted to the fly fisherman. I have fished with bottom-fisherman on the Great Barrier Reef who routinely snell their hooks. Restricted to lines of breaking strength less than about 20kg, the process is a simple one. Pass the end of the line, trace or tippet through the eye twice, leaving a loop hanging below the hook. Hold both lines along the shank of the hook. Use the loop to wind tight coils around the shank and both lines, from the eye upwards. Use from 5 to 10 turns. Use the fingers to hold these tight coils in place. Pull the line (extending from the eye) until the whole loop has passed under these tight coils. With coils drawn up, use pliers to pull up the end of the line.

FISHING KNOT BASICS 1. Choose the right knot and tie it correctly. 2. Lubricate knots with water or saliva before drawing tight. 3. Draw knots as tight as possible. 4. Trim tag ends close to the knot. ===================================================================== Egg Loop The Egg Loop was one of our most requested knots - so here it is. Steelheaders and salmon fishermen rely on this knot to attach a cluster of eggs or yarn to a hook. It works best with hooks that have turned-up or turned-down eyes. Float Stop The float fisherman uses a running float for casting and general handiness, and stops the float from running up the line by using the Float Stop. It has the advantage that the stops moves readily over the rod guides, but grips the monofilament nylon so tightly that it will not slide over the line. It should be made with about 12.5cm of nylon, usually the same diameter as the line itself. Take 2 turns (3 if necessary) around the main line at the chosen point. Bring both ends around to form a Surgeon's Knot. Tighten into shape bringing the coils close together. Hangman's Knot There are at least 6 variations of the Hangman's Knot, - all of them excellent for terminal tackle, swivels and hooks. The "standard" Hangman's Knot holds only five turns when tied in monofilament nylon. If tied in rope, and used for its stated purpose, it takes eight turns. Pass a 15cm loop of line through the eye. Bring the end back on itself, passing it under the doubled part. Make five loops over the doubled part. The formed knot is worked into shape. The knot is sent down the line, against the eye of the hook or swivel. Improved Clinch Knot The Improved Clinch Knot is has become one of the most popular knots for tying terminal tackle connections. It is quick and easy to tie and is strong and reliable. The knot can be difficult to tie in lines in excess of 30 lb test. Five+ turns around the standing line is generally recommended, four can be used in heavy line. This not is not recommended with braided lines. Jansik Special Knot Another beautifully simple knotthat can be tied in the dark, The Jansik Special is a high strength knot tied as follows: Put 15cm of line through the eye of the hook. Bring it around in a circle and put the end through again. Making a second circle, pass then end through a third time. Holding the three circles of line against each other, wrap the end three times around the circles. Either hold the hook steady with pliers, or make it fast to boat's rigging or safety lines. Holding strain on the hook, pull on both ends of the line to tighten. King Sling Knot

FISHING KNOT BASICS 1. Choose the right knot and tie it correctly. 2. Lubricate knots with water or saliva before drawing tight. 3. Draw knots as tight as possible. 4. Trim tag ends close to the knot. ===================================================================== Albright Special Knot The Albright Knot is one of the most reliable connections for joining lines of greatly unequal diameters or different materials (including mono to braided or single strand wire). It is easy to tie and should be in everyone’s arsenal of knots. Arbor Knot An easy to tie method of securing the end of the line to the arbor of the fishing reel. Big Bight Knot Another end loop can be tied quickly and easily using the Blood Bight Knot. Double the line back to make a loop of the size desired. Bring the end of the loop twice over the doubled part. Now pass the end of the loop through the first loop formed in the doubled part. Draw the knot up into shape, keeping pressure on both lines. The Blood Bight Knot is often used for attaching a dropper when fishing deep water with several hooks. Some anglers attached the hook directly to the end of the loop, which should be at least 30cm from the end of the line. This is not a good practice, especially when the fish are shy. Far better to attach a single strand of nylon to a short Blood Bight Knot, using another Blood Bight Knot, or a Surgeon's Knot. Blood Knot Use this knot to join sections of leader or line together. It works best with lines of approximately equal diameter. Berkley Braided Knot Double Turle Knot Tied in monofilament nylon, the Turle Knot may slip unless another Simple Overhand Knot is made at the end of the line where it leaves the Turle Knot. It is improved substantially by using the Double Turle Knot. Pass the line through the eye of the hook or swivel. Make two simple loops, and carry the line on to make a Simple Overhand Knot around both loops. Pass both of these loops over the hook or swivel. Pull on both parts of the line to draw the knot up into shape against the eye of the hook or swivel. Double Uni Knot (Line to Line Uni) The best knot for joining together two fishing lines of approximately the same diameter. This knot can be used with braided lines. If you find the Blood Knot cumbersome to tie, try the Double Uni - it doesn't get any easier than this! Dropper Loop This knot forms a loop anywhere on a line. Hooks or other tackle can then be attached to the loop.