Jon

I had an older Olympus C-750 and got an Olympus hard plastic waterproof case for it. I found it was big, heavy and expensive but worked well for me. I only used it snorkelling but it was rated for deeper than the waterproof cameras. It leaked on my brother the first time he used it, but seems happy with it since. I have a Nikon DSLR and would love to get a completely waterproof case, but the cost, size and weight are all limitations. I purchased a Kata rain cover Kata Rain Cover, which is good for rainy days but by no means perfect. The more I get interested in a waterproof housing/case, the more I think buying a waterproof camera is the way to go. While I didn't buy the DSLR to sit in the closet, there are times when I should leave it at home. A compact waterproof camera is small, lightweight and some of them are good to 33', which meets the vast majority of the situations you will find yourself in. They, of course, have their own limitations (lack of zoom, speed, etc). Jon

Was at a local river yesterday and got some good shots.

As said by 'aniceguy', there is no public access to the dam at Streetsville. The Old Mill dam on the Humber upstream from Bloor Street is just as good a spot to see salmon jumping. Jon

I think aroun 200 people registered. It was busy around the launch but not too bad on the water. Fishing was slower on Sunday with cooler weather, pressured fish and anglers knowing what they needed to win. Jon

Here are the results: Longest Bass: 1st Place: 48.3 cm (19.0 inches) 2nd Place: 48.2 cm (18.9 inches) 3rd Place: 47.8 cm (18.8 inches) Longest Yellow Perch – 33.2 cm (13.0 inches) Longest Northern Pike – 75.4 cm (29.6 inches) Longest Black Crappie – 31.5 cm (12.4 inches) Jon

Definitely a nasty plant and should be gotten rid of CAREFULLY when it is found. While the height and purplish stems are good indicators of giant hogweed, there are some similar native species, though, and you should be sure of your id before you go about removing a bunch of plants. Similar species include cow parsnip (as previously mentioned), wild parsnip and angelica. These species are in the same family as giant hogweed and are also found around the GTA. A quick Google search of species similar to will provide many links to web pages with id information. Jon

I think you'll find they were largemouth bass, not smallies. I would love to see a photo of a smallie from there. Other fish in Island Lake are pike, black crappie, yellow perch, rock bass and sunfish. Jon

I don't know much about the Sault College course and whether or not it has an enforcement, biology or restoration focus but if you aren't set on becoming a CO, there are numerous other careers to choose from. Check MNR for stewardship or biology positions, or Environment Canada, Fisheries and Oceans Canada, Conservation Authorities or non-government organizations for other additional opportunities. Good luck in whatever you choose. Jon

Craig: It's been a while since we've chatted. The last time we spoke was when we walked the Humber to check out the fishways. I hope things are well. I will start by saying that I am a supporter of the Atlantic salmon program and have been involved over the last couple of years. I am also a steelhead, chinook, bass, muskie, crappie and perch fisherman. I am not expecting this post to convince people that don't support the Atlantic salmon program to buy in. I just want to put some perspective on the numbers of fish stocked in Lake Ontario. I did a quick search on the Great Lakes Fishery Commission website, which has a fish stocking database for the Great Lakes (GLFC stocking database). The other information came from the Lake Ontario Management Unit Annual Report (Lake Ontario Management Unit). I don't think their numbers are completely accurate or up to date, but they are the best numbers that I know of. As of the writing of this post, the MNR page doesn't seem to be working. The numbers show that in 2006, there were 644,650 rainbow trout stocked on the US side of Lake Ontario (GLFC database). The 2006 LOMU Annual Report indicates that 251,545 rainbows were stocked in the Ontario waters of Lake Ontario. The total is 896,195 or just 100,000 shy of 1 million. The GLFC database also states that 1,826,900 Chinooks were stocked in 2006 on the US side, with an additional 406,806 stocked on the Ontario side. A search of both web pages indicates that a total of 374,255 Atlantics were stocked in 2006 on both sides of the lake (345,455 in Ontario). Last year's confirmed returns of Atlantics were just under 50 fish in the Credit, with a few others in Duffins and Cobourg. All of these are believed to be the same year class (grilse). It will be interesting to see how many return this year with a second year class to add to last year's returns. How many 2 year old Chinooks would have returned from a 2006 stocking? Probably pretty low numbers as well. Chinook salmon typically return to spawn in their 4th year. Therefore, fish returning in 2008 were largely a result of stocking in 2004. In that year, a total of 2,384,761 Chinooks were stocked in Lake Ontario (GLFC database). In the same year, 948,807 rainbows were stocked on both sides of the lake (GLFC database). 305,569 Altantics were stocked in Lake Ontaro in 2004, of which 35,865 were on the Canadian side. While certainly low, there were reports of a few larger Atlantics in the Credit last fall. According to the GLFC database, Atlantics were stocked starting in 1986, rainbows in 1975 and Chinooks in 1969. Totals stocked over the years are 5,152,378 Atlantics, 26,453,636 rainbow trout, and 71,620,356 Chinooks. By the way, the GLFC database reports that lake trout were first stocked in 1963, on top of an admittedly low population, and continues to this day, with more than 400,000 stocked in 2007. I have no idea what the cost to raise these fish is but it is easily into the millions. The runs of trout and salmon we see every year are made up of a number of year classes established over numerous years of stocking and wild production. The numbers haven't been there for the Atlantics and time, not me, will obviously tell if the Atlantic salmon reintroduction program is a success. While this assessment is by no means the be all and end all to this debate, I hope that it makes some people rethink this program. Jon

Highdrifter: I was one of the guys that helped out. Can't say I remember you but it is nice to see the benefits. Hope you are still in the business. Jon

I took this photo a couple of days ago at a river some of you will recognize. With the warmer weather ahead, they should be active again this weekend.

Hey - I'm the guy you ran into just before you left your car. Sounds like you did quite well! I should have brought my fishing stuff rather than my camera. I hope you have as good luck or better next time. Jon

I'm relatively web-savvy, but I thought I had struck gold when I saw an email from Cabela's about product testing. I have bought one or two items from them on the web over the last couple of years so I was suspicious but not overly so. It did seem strange enough that I didn't click on the link but went to the web-page by typing in the url. I had filled in most of the form but something kept gnawing at me. Perhaps it was the poor english in places, the slightly different web address from Cabela's or the "too good to be true" nature of the email but I got spooked and sent an email to Cabela's. As it turns out, the email wasn't from them and I hope I have saved myself a lot of trouble by not clicking "submit". Anyway, here is the email but don't click on the link. Hello. You have been randomly selected to product test 2008-09 equipment and gear. Cabela's Outdoors Online, equipment can range from simple saltwater fishing gear to 2009 New Ford truck. There will be a one page questionnaire or product review with a self addressed stamped envelope that will need to be submitted (all questions answered) within 60 days of receiving the gear. Please click here, Cabelastore...... Cabela's Store Point is - be suspicious and check if something seems even remotely out of place. Jon

Check Radioworld to compare. Great prices and local (for us GTA folks). I have heard their return policy is not so great, though. I bought my fish-finder from them at last year's Fishing Show and have had no problems. I was told by Bass Pro that they would price match a Radioworld price if you brought in the add. I think they had the Garmin 76CSx for $449, while Radioworld is $349. If you have any gift certificates, Bass Pro may be your best bet. If you do go with LeBaron's, invest in the Club Card which gives you 10% off non-sale items. Worth the $25 on the purchase of an expensive item, plus the other purchases you make. They bumped it up to 20% off this past December. Jon

I finally got around to uploading one of my videos. This was taken through the viewing window: I also have some underwater video using an Aquaview. Jon

I get asked to enter a password when I click on the link. Any suggestions? Jon

99% sure it is a fallfish. An expert told me the pointed tips on the tail and the black pigment on the scales are what he looks at. Jon

The windows are covered up due to excessive algal growth but I have seen trout and shiners in there. I have some video, which I may try and upload to utube sometime. Palgrave is just south of Hwy 9 on Highway 50. Jon

I can't stress how important it is to talk to the MNR before you contemplate stocking a pond/gravel pit. It there is no inlet or outlet, then the issues are different, but things like disease transfer are still applicable. I can think of numerous cases where the well intentioned, approved introduction of a species did not go as planned (e.g. cane toad in Australia, asian carp in the US). There are also numerous cases where a well intentioned, unapproved introduction also created a whole other set of issues (e.g. rock bass in lake trout lakes). You also need to think how the fish you are thinking of introducing will impact the existing angling for you and the other anglers that fish there. Jon

There are no smallmouth bass or bluegill at Island Lake. In no particular order, the fish you are most likely to catch are pumpkinseed (sunfish), largemouth bass, northern pike, rock bass, black crappie, yellow perch and brown bullhead. I'm not too familiar with where the walleye in Scugog spawn, but they do have access to a number of rivers. The are no good streams for walleye to spawn in at Island Lake. Jon

I currently have a 1997 Outback 5 speed with 263,000 km on it. I bought it used with 62,000 km on it. Had problems like many other owners with the head gasket, which isn't cheap to repair. Front calipers and CV boots seems to be recurring issue recently. Stainless steel exhaust which is not cheap to replace. Parts aren't cheap either and not that many dealerships. On the positive side, well built, AWD is great and I'm still on the first clutch. I never have much luck with cars but this has been pretty reliable overall, and it suits my fishing and camping needs well enough that I just bought a new 2007. Jon

I think the plant with the yellow flowers is yellow iris. If so, it is introduced and invasive. I think that the other is dames rocket, also introduced and invasive. Jon

I think this is the link: http://ontariofish.proboards84.com/index.cgi?board=general Not very active. Jon

Interesting that the course dates are outside of bass season!! Jon

According to page 1 of the 2005-2006 Recreational Fishing Regulations Summary, those who qualify to fish without purchasing a fishing licence may fish with the same catch and possession limits as holders of a Resident Sport Fishing Licence tag. Additionally, they have the same responsibilities as those who have purchased an Outdoors Card and fishing licence tage and must abide by all regulations. Jon