Spiel

....What would be the synergistic effect of eating Lake Ontario salmon with Grand River walleye? Just out of curiosity.

....Oastler Lake Provincial Park, camped there few summers back with my kids. Didn't do any serious fishing but did get a few smallies on topwater one evening. There's supposedly lake trout as well and I did discover some big hooks down deep on the sonar near the east shore but I didn't have any means of fishing them with the tackle I had. Honestly though I don't think I'd head there to fish but it is a beautiful park with a great beach for the kids. and according to there website there's rainbow trout?

....Sad but so true, this crap still happens today and we still don't have enough officers in the field to deal with it, in fact I'll bet we have less. I hope to hit the lake after the weekend boys are done with it Glen. It's nice when you don't have to fish weekends.

Is Lake Simcoe benefiting from pre-election goodies? Aug 06, 2008 article/113072Laurie Watt / simcoe.com Federal government cash is trickling into Lake Simcoe through a variety of creeks – and announcements from three MPs. In the past month, there have been several funding announcements involving Barrie’s Patrick Brown, Simcoe North’s Bruce Stanton and York Simcoe’s Peter Van Loan. The MPs have handed over anywhere from $6,500 to $315,000. The trickle of funds are part of the federal government’s five-year $30-million commitment to clean up Lake Simcoe, said Brown – and are not merely photo opportunities in the slow news days of late summer leading into what could be a late-fall election. “There’s been about 25 announcements throughout the summer around Lake Simcoe. This is my third,” said Brown, at a Tuesday afternoon cheque presentation. He did not provide a list of projects but a scan of the three MPs websites revealed duplication. This week’s $75,750 will go to stabilize and naturalize the banks in Sunnidale Park, in the city’s north end. Last year, Barrie and the Lake Simcoe Region Conservation Authority upgraded the lower creek, near Simcoe Street. Naturalizing the banks of creeks allows runoff to be filtered before it runs into the creeks and lake – which reduces phosphorous, and therefore limits algae growth, which in turn improves fish habitat. Native plants along the banks improve wildlife habitat, prevent erosion and improve the appearance of the creek. Other projects the local MPs have been involved in include a $6,500 Holland River project in the southern part of the county, as well as a $30,000 contribution to the Kitchener Park naturalization project in Orillia. Last week, Brown presented a $315,000 cheque for upgrades to Hotchkiss Creek, which flows into Kempenfelt Bay near Tiffin Street in Barrie. “There’s no federal election this fall – I guarantee you,” said Brown, stressing the announcements are significant only because of the federal government’s desire to clean up Lake Simcoe. “(The $30 million) is being distributed over five years. There’s no posturing. It’s doing what is right for Barrie, what is right for Lake Simcoe and what is right for Simcoe County,” he said. Barrie Liberal candidate Rick Jones, however, said the Conservative government is putting cash in Barrie particularly, to gain attention. “$30 million over five years – in terms of a priority, the environment is not one with this government. Their allocation of funds reflects that,” he said. The Liberal Green Shift policy would make the environment a priority, Jones said. “Our first order of business would be very significant. We have a policy,” he said, which encourages individuals and corporations to fight climate change. “It’s an all-encompassing program. It’s economically sustainable. It’s comprehensive and touches on the corporate and individual levels. It’s not an after-thought. It’s a priority.”

Lake Nepahwin water quality control study underway Aug. 8, 2008 BILL BRADLEY / northernlife.ca Lake Nepahwin, located in the centre of the city on the other side of Lake Ramsey, is the subject of a study by city staff. The water body, which is one of the deeper lakes in the area, is home to populations of cold water fish, such as lake trout and splake, as well as smallmouth bass, northern pike, brown bullhead, rock bass, pumpkinseed and white sucker. The lake is approximately 127 hectares in size with a shoreline length of 11.8 kilometres, according to a report by K. Smart Associates of Sudbury entitled Lake Nepahwin Stormwater Quality Control, published July 28. There are 1,822 permanent residents and three seasonal occupants along its shores. The City of Greater Sudbury has completed a Municipal Class Environmental Assessment for the lake and its drainage area. The object is to protect water quality and reduce potential flooding of private property by controlling storm-water runoff, said Ronald Norton, drainage engineer with the City of Greater Sudbury. He was commenting after a public meeting at Countryside Arena Wednesday evening for landowners and residents located in the watershed of the lake, from Walford Road, to the Lo-Ellen Park area, to Harrison Drive off Long Lake Road. The problem identified is that there are six major storm sewers that drain into the lake, located along the north, west and southern shorelines. As storm-water enters the sewer system through catch basins and ditch inlets, pollutants, garbage and sediment end up in the lake. In 2007, over 300 truckloads of sediment was removed from the lake by the city. Snowmelt and rainfall in the urban area of the Lake Nepahwin Watershed wash many urban pollutants into the lake, including suspended solids, heavy metals, petroleum residues, floatables like coffee cups and plastic water bottles, salts, fertilizers and pesticides from lawns and gardens, pet waste and wildlife droppings, such as geese. The storm sewers carrying pollutants into the lake at the various locations around the lake are quite large, 30 inches to 78 inches, said Norton. “People whose properties are next to the outlets really notice what is washed into the lake. Their remarks about pop cans, coffee cups, and oil slicks coming out of the outlets and into the lake are the most common comments we received at the public sessions we have held,” said Norton. After receiving more public comments by the end of the month, staff will prepare a report to city council next month on what options are available to filter out contaminants flowing into the lake, as well as a public education program, said Norton. To send comments on the lake e-mail [email protected], fax 560-6109, phone 674-4455 ext. 3616 or drop off a letter at 1800 Frobisher Sreet, off of Falconbridge Road.

New canine teams added to strengthen MNR enforcement Aug. 8, 2008 / northernlife.ca The Ministry of Natural Resources is strengthening its enforcement capacity with the addition of three canine services teams to assist field conservation officers in their investigations and other duties. The new teams will work out of Thunder Bay, North Bay and Bancroft. Three canine teams are already working out of Dryden, Sault Ste. Marie and Sudbury. The teams provide valuable support in tracking violators from poaching or crime scenes, and locating concealed fish and wildlife, firearms and other evidence of crimes. They also play a key role in search and rescue efforts, and take part in education and community outreach activities. “These new canine teams will expand and strengthen the ability of our conservation officers to inspect, enforce, educate and collaborate with other agencies,” said Natural Resources Minister Donna Cansfield. “Since 1990, canine teams have helped Ontario’s conservation officers protect our natural resources and keep our great outdoors safe.” Canine teams are made up of one conservation officer handler and a highly trained dog. Each team must complete a 16-week training course at the ministry canine training centre in Sudbury, and attend refresher training sessions throughout their time of service. Canines accompany their handlers every day to work and ride with them in boats, snow machines, helicopters and all-terrain vehicles. In addition to working with conservation officers, the Ministry of Natural Resources’ canine teams also provide assistance to the Ontario Provincial Police, municipal police services and other natural resources agencies.

Lure company backing Georgina fishing tourney August 06, 2008 / yorkregion.com Georgina: The Aurora Bassmasters announced Normark Canada will throw its support behind the Bass Pro Shops Lake Simcoe Open in Georgina slated for Oct. 25. Rapala’s commitment will put a spin on its heritage and beginnings in the hands of Finlander, Lauri Rapala, with an influx of cash and product that will directly benefit competing anglers. “On behalf of Normark Canada (Rapala), we are proud to lend our support to this exciting event,” vice president of sales John Newton said. This late season tournament could establish new record weights, he aded. Organizers are optimistic anglers of all levels will compete in this event. If you want to be part of this tournament, you are encouraged to pre-apply because the second year field will be limited to 80 teams. Total entry fees per team will be $280. This includes $20 for big fish and $10 for launch. You can pre-apply by sending a $50 non-refundable deposit or the entire amount payable to Aurora Bassmasters: c/o Herb Quan 58 English Ivy Way, Willowdale, ON M2H 3M4. Payment in full must be received prior to Sept. 30. Cheques must accompany a completed 2008 application form available through www.aurorabass.com As new information is made available, it will be posted on the Aurora Bassmasters site at www.aurorabass.com in future.

Lake Superior commercial fisher banned from fishing for 10 year August 8, 2008 Two Thunder Bay men have been fined $8,000 for commercial fishing offences, with one man receiving a ten-year ban from participating in the commercial fishing industry. Daniel Sameluk, 34, pleaded guilty to two over-quota charges and was fined $4,000. Jarvis Sameluk, 64, was convicted in court of two over-quota charges and was fined $4,000. He also received a ban from any involvement in the commercial fishing industry for the next 10 years. The commercial fishing ban was imposed as a result of a range of convictions over more than 25 years. Commercial fishing licence holders are responsible for taking the appropriate steps to ensure that they do not exceed their quota. The over quota fish seized by the ministry were sold for more than $3,800 which was redirected to the Special Purpose Account for funding fish and wildlife work across the province. Justice of the Peace John Guthrie heard the case in the Ontario Court of Justice, Thunder Bay, on November 29-30, 2006, and March 10-12, 2007. On June 24, 2008, the Justice of the Peace John Guthrie rejected the abuse of process application and convicted Jarvis Sameluk on both counts. To report a natural resources violation, please call 1-877-TIPS-MNR toll free, any time, or contact your local ministry office during regular business hours. You can also call Crime Stoppers anonymously at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477).

.....Welcome to OFC Steve.

....So I'm in the midst renovating my oldest daughters bedroom, big job actually. I'm installing new laminate floor which required me to remove the baseboards. What does this have to do with the Saugeen you ask youself? Well behind the baseboard filling the gap at the bottom of the dry wall was rolled up newspaper and the first piece I pulled out and unrolled had an article about the Saugeen River, on the front page no less. Uh, what are the odds? It's in fanatastic condition so I've reprinted the article here for those interested. The Hamilton Spectator - Wednesday April 4 1973 - Home Editon 10 Cents Pochers killing trout for valuable roe Southhampton (CP) - An Ontario conservation officer says poachers are dip-netting, seining, speraing and clubbing rainbow trout along the Bruce Penninsula in a search for roe. Gerry Harris, a conservation officer on the Saugeen River near Southhampton, said yesterday the roe has a high black-market value as bait. All fish-taking is illegal since the season does not open until April 28. "THE RAINBOW run is on full blast-the feeder creeks are loaded with fish," Mr. Harris said. "All hell's lettin' loose." Frank Legace, a conservation officer at Owen Sound, said about 45 charges have been laid so far. Five poachers were caught yesterday morning and fined $100 for fishing by means other than angling. Under the law, the maximum fine is $1,000, and "an officer can seize any equipmetn used by the poacher," he said. Charles Weir, a natural resources official in Toronto said there is illegal about an angler using roe as bait, as long as it is from a fish he caught. "But he must not sell it or barter it to someone else." ANGLERS rate roe as the surest bait for trout and a glass jar full brings a minimum $5. "The price has gone as high as $40 a pint," Mr. Legace said. "If they break it down into pellets (sacks) and insert a hook, they would make even more." He said roe from a prime female trout could bring as much as a $160 in bulk and $225 to $250 when put into sacks complete with hooks.

....Good morning, nice to have you on board.

....Well done Dan. You're going to love the new ride I can assure you of that.

Ethanol’s bad trip Posted: August 07, 2008, by Ronald Nurwisah nationalpost.com By William Robson Summer should offer a chance to forget the antics in our federal and provincial capitals, and some of the boondoggles that result. But some issues, such as government mandates to mix ethanol with gasoline, have a way of following you. For users of gasoline-powered engines, such as chainsaws, water pumps — and, most critically, boats — summer may bring ethanol-related problems closer than ever. These problems are a classic instance of unintended consequences. Regulations made with one eye on polls and interest groups and the other on administrative convenience often pay no attention to how badly simple bureaucratic edicts fit a complex world. Ontario has required sellers of gasoline, on average, to mix 5% ethanol in their fuel since 2007. Although higher content in some gasoline stations can currently offset straight gasoline in others, advocates want higher content. Many provinces have similar or more stringent mandates, and by 2010 Ottawa will mandate 5% ethanol across the country. Dalton McGuinty took a brave stance by backing away from a plan to boost the Ontario mandate to 10%. For many users, even 5% ethanol is trouble. More extreme across-the-board mandates will make things worse. New racks have appeared at hardware stores displaying fuel additives promising to solve ethanol-related problems. There are a lot of them, because ethanol in gasoline can cause damage, especially out on the water. For users of marine fuel, ethanol’s key flaw is its affinity for water. Boats — no surprise — operate in wet environments. Marine fuel tanks often admit air; some must do so to work properly. In a boat, that air is typically damp. Water combines with ethanol, and if the mixture is not agitated and burned quickly, the water-laden ethanol will separate and sink to the bottom of the tank. Marina owners try to ensure they get pure gasoline, but boaters who bring gasoline from the highway to save a few bucks are risking more than they know. The drawbacks of ethanol-blended fuel do not stop there. Ethanol is an aggressive solvent that can break down parts commonly found in marine, chainsaw and pump engines. Some of these engines have labels warning against gasohol, but many older ones do not. And a warning is little use to those who cannot get pure gasoline in any event. Worse than the bureaucratic clumsiness is that the premise behind forcing ethanol on consumers is misguided. Replacing gasoline and other fossil fuels with ethanol is supposed to be greener — emitting less of the greenhouse gases many think are warming the planet. But corn-based ethanol, the major focus of Canadian policies, has a large environmental footprint. Corn must be grown, harvested, milled and fermented to make ethanol, which must be distilled and further processed before mixing with gasoline. Each stage requires such inputs as land, fertilizer and other fuels. And each input has environmental impacts — including greenhouse gas emissions — of its own. Douglas Auld of the University of Guelph recently took a critical look at the corn-based ethanol in a C.D. Howe Institute commentary. Problematically, different attempts to measure the full “life-cycle” impacts of various fuels yield different answers about whether substituting corn-based ethanol for other fuels reduces greenhouse gas emissions at all. And even if it does, the reductions come at a high cost. Some of that cost is fiscal. Professor Auld calculates that reducing CO2 emissions by subsidizing ethanol will cost around 10 times the current world market price for greenhouse gas abatement. Since ethanol yields less energy per litre than gasoline, governments will recoup some costs through more revenue from volumetric excise taxes on fuel. But lower energy density means more fill-ups, burning more fuel and more taxes that consumers have to pay to travel the same distance. Which brings us to other costs from distorted prices and decisions: Most notable is the diversion of agricultural land to ethanol production, and the resulting upward pressure on food prices. These impacts are harder to measure in dollars, but they nevertheless cast further doubt on the wisdom of mandated fuel ethanol. Finally, there are costs that may never show up on the policy balance sheet — such as gasoline-powered fire pumps that break down, chainsaws that seize up and outboard motors that cut out. Happily, we can still modify, or even withdraw, the regulations that threaten to force ethanol blended with gasoline on all Canadians in the years ahead. Ethanol advocates, politicians and public servants who have staked their professional careers on biofuels will insist that the policy brings a large benefit at a small price. But for a boater whose engine fails in bad conditions, the unintended consequences of a mandate to buy unreliable fuel could impose a cost few of us would readily pay. Financial Post — William Robson is president of the C.D. Howe Institute. Douglas Auld’s study is available at www.cdhowe.org.

Brian's got it straight, they're my choice as well.

....Bloody awesome.

....Good stuff Joey. Better than I did Sunday morning with only little fellas coming to visit.

....Good morning Roy. I'll be working today so the smiles are somewhat limited.

....You've got a gem of a neighbor there Garry and I've no doubt Natalie thinks very highly of you. We should all be so lucky.

....All sounds good to me and who couldn't be happy with a cooler full of perch. Oh and happy birthday Phil.

Scugog's angling for fishermen Durham Tourism looks to shed some light on one of the region's jewels Tue Jul 22, 2008 Chris Hall / newsdurhamregion.com LAKE SCUGOG -- With a sharpshooter's precision and relentless determination, Doug Lavis casts over and over again into the shallow, green waters of Lake Scugog. Under a brilliant blue sky on a recent sweltering Tuesday morning, Mr. Lavis stands at the front of a borrowed boat, displaying the angling skills he's accumulated over years and years of fishing. First swinging back his rod, Mr. Lavis sends his lure flying towards a patch of weeds and lily pads with a mere flick of his wrist. The life-like mouse lure, which he's dubbed 'The Rat', hurtles a fair distance away from the boat, a small splash and some ripples the only tell-tale signs of its arrival as it bobs in the water. The Canada Geese nearby hardly notice. In about 20 minutes on the water, Mr. Lavis has cast dozens of times. Out goes the lure, followed by the slow, steady reeling that drags the hook back over weeds and, in open spots, inches below the water. It's a game of waiting, and Mr. Lavis is prepared to play. With a slight wind pushing the boat, the weeds along the mouth of the Nonquon River get closer. A quick cast out onto the weeds and Mr. Lavis prepares to maneuver the boat away from the plant-life with a stomp of his foot on the trolling motor controls, but he's sidetracked by a sudden and vicious tug on the end of his line. In a flash, his line goes taut and the end of his rod curves, nearly bending over under the weight of a fish struggling on the other end. Mr. Lavis' hands are a blur as he reels in the line and as quickly as the fish took its ill-fated bite, a three-and-a-half-pound bass is being lifted over the edge of the boat. Pleased with his catch, Mr. Lavis closely and carefully examines the fish before unhooking it and tossing it back into the water. "This is a really good lake. It's a got a really good fishery but people don't seem to care because of all the weeds, but the weeds are where the fish are," said Mr. Lavis, 54, a sales manager in real-life but a true fisherman at heart. At the other end of the boat, Joe Montgomery is having just as much fun on the water, but without the same results. He casts over and over and over, trying to entice a fish or two to grab his lure. The countless geese swimming nearby provide most of Mr. Montgomery's entertainment for the morning - other then applauding Mr. Lavis' catches - but he's fished enough in his 85 years to know that sometimes the fish bite and sometimes they don't. He's fished in every one of Canada's provinces and territories, each state in America and throughout Europe in his days. He holds world fly-fishing records. He also spins a great tale or two of his fishing adventures. But most importantly on this day, like Mr. Lavis, he talks of how great the fishing is on Lake Scugog. And that's the point of the day. In an effort to shed a little light on local tourist sites, Durham Tourism officials have pulled all the strings necessary to cobble together three fishing boats, a trio of angling experts, local and regional officials and the media for a morning of fun in the sun on Lake Scugog. For years now, fishing on Lake Scugog has been a well-known pastime, explained Patrick Olive, Durham's commissioner of economic development and tourism. But in these days of skyrocketing fuel prices and competition for tourists, it's time to refocus on what Durham has to offer and to rekindle interest in local day-tripper destinations, he said. "We want to significantly re-establish the importance of fishing in Durham Region and the diversity of fish in our lakes and the fact that Lake Scugog happens to have world-class fishing," said Mr. Olive. The region, he continued from a perch beside the water at Goreski's Lakeside Resort, is a day-trip market and Durham is "anxious to create a destination for families and a place to take the kids, a great place to enjoy." Also jumping on the chance to enjoy a morning out on the water was Scugog Mayor Marilyn Pearce. Teamed up with professional angler Danny Dunn, the veteran mayor made the most of her time by catching perhaps the nicest looking bass of the day. "The fish were striking well and it was a great experience," she said, recalling with awe Mr. Dunn's wrestling match with a monstrous muskie. "It was fun to get out on the lake and see what it was all about and the fish certainly seem to be alive and well." That was the general consensus of the day. In Mr. Lavis' mind, Scugog has some of the best fish around. They're clean, containing no parasites, bugs or worms, and their health appear to be "just unbelievable. They're nice, fat and healthy. They're very good, healthy fish, as far as I'm concerned." As well, there's plenty of diversity, noted the fishing experts. There's fish of all sorts, from walleye, muskie and panfish to large- and small-mouth bass, and they come in all sizes. Lake Scugog has had its ups and downs over the years, said Mr. Lavis. But, "in my opinion, it's holding its own." Fishing, he continued, "is relaxing for me. It's not to put food on the table, it's a sport. If nothing else, it's a nice, slow boat ride. A bad day on the water is better than a good day at the office."

MNR_Minister Cansfield impressed by Island streams facelift July 30, 2008 Margo Little / manitoulin.ca ASSIGINACK-Motorists travelling the Bidwell Road last Tuesday would have noted the demonstration of some genuine pioneer spirit. On a sweltering July day an army of workers was visible hauling cedar rails, toting large rocks and wading through a once sluggish creek. This was the scene that greeted Ontario's minister of natural resources, Donna Cansfield. Surrounded by members of the Lake Manitou Area Association, the Manitoulin Streams group, the Stewardship Rangers and local landowners, she made her way to the banks of Norton's Creek. The minister received a firsthand glimpse into the ongoing efforts to rehabilitate the historical cold water Brook Trout stream. Seija Deschenes, Manitoulin Streams co-ordinator, was on hand to make sure the itinerary flowed smoothly. "Manitoulin Streams wants to rehabilitate the upper creek to help benefit the productivity of native brook trout and to increase the available spawning habitat for the wild Lake Nipigon strain brook trout that have been stocked by the MNR into Lake Manitou," she explained. "It is our intent to improve bank stability by installing fencing that will inhibit cattle access to the river." The minister was also accompanied by MNR representative Bob Florean. "In 2007 College BorŽal students conducted stream surveys on behalf of Manitoulin Streams," he said. "This stream (Norton's Creek) is the most impacted because of cattle erosion over the past 50 years. Just picture the damage caused by a 500-pound steer stepping into the stream for a drink." He showed the minister where volunteers were busy building cedar rail fencing approximately 75 feet back from the creek. "Cedar is a sustainable harvest," he noted. "It's cost-effective to use local cedar and, of course, it will last for a hundred years." Mr. Florean also introduced the minister to the local Stewardship Rangers and Ontario Rangers from Killarney. The group of 17-year-olds was immersed in carrying boulders, creating pool and riffle areas and placing woody material along the shoreline for cover. "Fifty years ago this stream was only two metres wide," Mr. Florean added. "It kept eroding and falling in. But with the help of the rangers, it has been cleaned up quite a bit. They even found a gravel pit nearby to use to improve brook trout habitat." Assiginack Reeve Leslie Fields also joined the tour of the site. She reaffirmed her township's commitment to the Manitoulin Streams project. "Our generation made some mistakes so we are trying to bring it back," she said. "We know we have a responsibility to return things to as natural a state as possible. When the cattle were first placed on this land, there may have been 10 head or so. But as time went on, the herd grew to a hundred so they changed the natural course of things. It's up to us to take action for future generations." For Minister Cansfield, the visit to Manitoulin confirmed that the MNR's funding is producing positive results. She praised the volunteers and the rangers for working together to improve water quality and fish habitat. "They genuinely care about the land and want to make it better than they found it," she observed. "The MNR has contributed $60,000 to the stewardship and ranger programs in the Manitoulin area. The more the MNR can do to support this work the better." In her view, the unique resources of Manitoulin are worthy of preservation. "Preservation of the trout and the coldwater streams is a priority with the MNR," she said. "It is important to do a good restoration job because it will bring in a lot of tourist dollars for the local economy." During her visit the Expositor asked her about the potential of a wild turkey release on the Island in the future. She stressed that an environmental assessment process is underway to determine the feasibility of such a project. "They have experienced extraordinary success elsewhere in southern Ontario," she said. "If wild turkeys were to be released on Manitoulin, it would be necessary to keep it controlled. Hunters would have to be educated and well versed in the turkey shoot. The assessment study is going to show us if it is appropriate for this area. We know there are successful pheasant hunts here so it is not dissimilar to that." Her visit to Manitoulin reinforced the necessity of not only protecting the vulnerable coldwater streams, but the Great Lakes as well. She noted that increases in rain and snowfall this past autumn and winter have helped somewhat. "As we continue to monitor water levels, the provincial government is also participating in the International Joint Commission's five-year study to better understand the cause of low water levels in the Upper Great Lakes," she said.

Key to pros landing fish is in details August 3, 2008 Rod Watson / buffalonews.com When it comes to catching smallmouth and largemouth on a consistent basis, there’s more that separates the pros from weekend anglers than just the endorsements, the sponsors and the $50,000 bass boats. Attention to detail, the willingness to skip favorite spots and try new water, and practice before getting to the lake are some of the reasons Bassmaster Elite Series anglers are competing for a $100,000 top prize on Lake Erie today while the weekend angler is just praying for a bite. What do the weekend anglers do wrong? “A lot of times they don’t pay attention to the area they’re fishing, the subtleties of it,” said Elite Series pro Matthew Sphar of Pavilion. For instance, he said, anglers may catch fish on a point, but not notice that it was the clump of submerged weeds on the point — not the entire point — that was holding the bass. They’ll waste an hour fishing the rest of the point and not get another hit. “There’s so much that our eyes will pick out that the average weekend angler wouldn’t pick out as key targets,” said Sphar. Watching your electronics to pick up what’s on the lake bottom is a key part of that. “If we drive over a boulder, a light bulb is going to click and we’re going to turn around and throw on it,” Sphar said, while the weekend angler will just keep driving. Pennsylvania pro Paul Hirosky said most amateur anglers need to slow down. “Usually, they fish too fast,” he said. Hirosky notes that top-ranked pro Kevin VanDam is regarded as a “power fisherman” who typically has his trolling motor on high speed. But VanDam himself has said that even though his boat may be moving fast to cover water, his lure is often moving slowly — or even sitting still — while in the strike zone. “For every time I’ve seen Kevin fish fast, I’ve seen him fish slow, too,” Hirosky says. Hirosky also advises giving up the psychological security of shallow water and its visible targets. “Spend more time fishing deeper water. A lot of time, going out a little deeper can pay huge dividends,” said Hirosky. “It’s a little harder, you have to rely on your electronics fishing deeper. But the rewards can be greater.” So can the rewards of not being wed to a spot simply because “this is where I caught them last year, or this is where I caught them five years ago,” said pro and TV show host Shaw Grigsby. “A lot of times [weekend anglers] continually fish the same spots,” Grigsby said. While a spot may produce at the same time of the season year after year if conditions stay the same, conditions rarely do. Water levels change, weed beds that were there one year may get cut down the following year — or the following week — or sheer fishing pressure may cause the bass to move. That’s why the pros spend a lot of time motoring around looking for new spots. And one of the best things weekend anglers can do is practice to improve “their casting accuracy and their presentation,” said VanDam. While pinpoint accuracy and a splashless entry aren’t as critical when jigging at 40 feet on Lake Erie, they can make the difference when fishing the docks or shallow weeds in the Niagara River or any inland lake. Big fish don’t get big by falling for sloppy presentations. You have to be able to drop the lure “on top of his nose and get it in the water quietly without a big splash,” said VanDam, the two-time Bassmaster Classic winner. How do you do that? By going out in the backyard and practicing the underhand roll cast, which gives the lure a low trajectory for getting under docks and also minimizes splash. If you can learn to do that, “you’re going to catch a lot more fish,” said VanDam.

DEC Investigating Fish Die-off on Lake Erie Shore Public Advised To Take Care in Handling Fish and Game, Call DEC If Dead Wildlife Is Found July 28, 2008 great-lakes.org The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) is investigating the deaths of mudpuppies and fish washing up on the shore of Lake Erie. Mudpuppies, an aquatic salamander, along with smallmouth bass, catfish and sheephead are among the species that have been found dead at locations including Point Gratiot, Sunset Bay, Evangola State Park, and Sturgeon Point. The mudpuppy and fish die-offs can be caused by a number of factors, such as water temperature changes or various diseases. DEC has collected a mudpuppy sample and has sent it to a lab for analysis and to potentially determine a cause of death. Based on the characteristics of the species found to date, there is the potential that the mudpuppy and fish deaths are being caused by Type E botulism toxin, a poison produced by Clostridium botulinum. This bacterium is common in the environment and can produce harmful levels of botulism toxin under some conditions. This specific strain of botulism has affected fish, birds and other species in Lake Huron, Lake Erie, and Lake Ontario in recent years. The disease results from the ingestion of the toxin produced by the botulism bacterium and can be harmful to humans who eat birds or fish that have been poisoned by this toxin. There have been no reports of any human illnesses associated with this recent mudpuppy and fish die-off. DEC is continuing to gather sick and dead fish and other species to check for botulism and other potential diseases. The public is urged to contact DEC if they discover any dead wildlife along the lake shore by calling DEC's Fish and Wildlife office in Buffalo at (716) 851-7010 or Allegany at (716) 372-0645. Although botulism has not been confirmed, DEC is encouraging the public to take certain steps to help reduce the potential of the disease to harm humans. Pet owners should prevent their animals from ingesting or having contact with dead wildlife along the shore, as the disease could also harm pets. People are not at risk for botulism when swimming in areas where fish kills have occurred, however swimmers should avoid swimming in water where there are large numbers of dead fish.

ICAST celebrates fishing equipment history July 28, 2008 great-lakes.org Ten influential fishing products created over the past 75 years, from rods to reels to electronics, have helped make fishing the great sport it is today, according to a new survey from the American Sportfishing Association (ASA). The Anglers' Legacy Innovations Awards were unveiled at the International Convention of Allied Sportfishing Trades (ICAST), the world's largest annual sportfishing trade show. More than 7,000 members of the sportfishing community were gathered in Las Vegas to see the latest innovations in gear and accessories. EFTTA members featured highly in the final top ten list which spanned six categories, including accessories, electronics, lines, lures, reels and rods: Original Floater Minnow (1936) remains one of the most successful and widely copied hard lures in sportfishing's history. Original and current manufacturer: Rapala Spring loaded Bobber (1947) made suspending a baited hook at a desired depth simpler and easier. Even today this item is virtually in every angler's tackle box. Original manufacturer: Nibble Nabber, Current: Various companies Mitchell 300 (1949) was the first commercially successful spinning reel, and is still one of the most common reels used today. Original manufacturer: Mitchell, Current manufacturer: Pure Fishing Creme Plastic Worm (1949) changed the sport forever as the first, and still famous, long-lasting artificial worm that both looked and felt real. Original and current manufacturer: Creme Lure Company Closed Face Spincast Reel (1949) made fishing easy and affordable to everyone regardless of age, size, gender and expertise. Original manufacturer: Zero Hour Bomb Company, Current Manufacturer: ZEBCO Brands Lowrance Fish Lo-K-Tor (1957), the "Little Green Box" introduced anglers to the use of sonar in locating individual fish. Original Manufacturer: Lowrance Electronics, Current: Lowrance/Navico Monofilament Line (1958) improved the durability, affordability and casting ability of fishing line while reducing its visibility to fish. Original manufacturer: DuPont Stren, Current manufacturer: Pure Fishing Minn Kota Trolling Motor (1958) was the first electric gear-driven trolling motor gave anglers the ability to quietly maneuver and position their boats. Original manufacturer: Minn Kota, Current manufacturer: Johnson Outdoors Fenwick High Modulus Graphite Rod (1972), with its super-sensitive carbon (graphite) fibers, revolutionized the method of making fishing rods and how anglers fished. Original Manufacturer: Fenwick, Current Manufacturer: Pure Fishing Shakespeare Ugly Stick (1976), with its special construction, created an affordable, unbreakable and dynamic fishing rod still in use today. Original and current manufacturer: Shakespeare