There are two major tours in bass fishing the B.A.S.S. Tour (The Bass Anglers Sportsman Society) and the Wal-Mart FLW Tour. These tours have the best anglers in the world all competing for millions of dollars in prize money, ya that’s right it’s not a typo, millions of dollars for catching fish. This is just the tip of the iceberg, the money these anglers earn by winning is peanuts compared to the money they earn from sponsors. Just how much money they earn from sponsors is not known since all of these contracts are confidential, but these guys, their boats, and their trucks are all completely covered in ads, not to mention all the commercials, tv shows, seminars, and different trade shows they attend. It all seems pretty easy, getting paid to fish, but it’s far from it. If these guys don’t perform consistently then they fall out of the standings and they can kiss their sponsors goodbye. In order to get into these really big tournaments it takes years of practice and a special skill to really understand what bait and method of fishing really works on any given lake. Not only that, but these guys are constantly on the road. Many of them fish 250+ days a year, now to do that you really have to be dedicated and love to fish.

Probably the sports best known pro and arguably the best angler around is Kevin Van Dam, or just KVD for short. He’s been fishing professionally for over 20 years now and in this time he has become the all time money leader just in payouts from tournaments. He’s amassed over $5.6 million in his career and of course with that set all sorts of records. He is the exception to the rule, but it is not uncommon for the top level anglers to have made $1 million+ in tournament earnings. Pretty much all of these anglers are American, and the tournaments take place in the U.S. since that is where all the big sponsors are. There are of course smaller tournaments in and around the U.S. and Canada, but the prize money is never as much as in these very large corporate sponsored events. If you want to see how these tournaments operate or would like to enter one, contact your local fishing club and they will be able to point you in the right direction, some of them even host their own tournaments for the weekend angler.

Bass fishing has become such a huge phenomenon that there are even university teams participating in their own tour, where they next pro anglers are honing their skills. Obviously these anglers have to concentrate on their education so they don’t get to fish 250+ days like the pros, but they at least get a taste of what a pro angler has to go through come tournament time. Fishing is no longer being looked at as just a weekend past time at the cottage, it has become really big business.

This is going to sound nostalgic so please forgive me, but I remember waking up as a kid on Saturday mornings and watching all the fishing shows with my dad. This was the only time when you could really get any info about fishing from professionals, apart from going to seminars. Now all I have to do is flip the channel to WFN (The World Fishing Network) and I can catch fishing shows 24/7. Many of the shows are focused specifically on bass fishing but there are a number of shows that give you information on how to catch any variety of fish, from freshwater to saltwater. With the advent of the internet a ton of information is easily available bringing fishing further and further into the mainstream, just like this site!

It is easy to see just how big an industry fishing is. These examples are just the tip of the iceberg, but can really give you an idea how far the industry stretches.

When you go to your local fishing supply store you can be easily over-whelmed by all the different lures that line the aisles. Fishing really is a multi-million dollar business and those lure companies need to keep on coming out with new and exciting products to keep on making a profit and keep you buying. Buying all these products and specific baits for specific conditions can really hit your bottom line. Unless you are an avid angler I would suggest that you don’t necessarily need to go out and buy any lures for your first time fishing. All you will need is some hooks, bobbers, and weights. As for bait try using the most natural thing you can, live minnows.

What do all the lures try to do? They all are attempts to mimic the real thing, the fish’s natural prey, minnows. Professionals can only use artificial baits when they are competing and of course they are sponsored by these multi-million dollar companies so that is what they try to recommend to all anglers. However, if you are a recreational angler or a first timer, a minnow is the perfect way to go. It is also a great way to introduce children to angling. Many kids don’t like that idea of putting a worm on a hook, but baiting a fish always seems to be easier for them to stomach, and it can be very entertaining for them to look in the minnow bucket and see the one or two dozen minnows swimming around.

Minnows can usually be purchased around any major fishing lake. Your best bet is to ask a local and they can usually point you in the right direction. These are usually small mom and pop style shops and if you chat them up you can usually get a little information about where the best places to fish are or at least what seems to be biting. Depending on the bait shop, minnows can often be purchased in different sizes, small, medium, and large and they are usually purchased in one or two dozen. Most bait shops will put your minnows in a plastic bag and they will pump in oxygen to keep the minnows alive, however it is a good idea to have some sort of a bucket with you. There are several types of specifically designed minnow buckets on the market that can be purchased for a few bucks. Some are just buckets, others are buckets with an aerator to pump in oxygen so the minnows can survive longer while others are buckets with perforated holes in them so you can actually put the bucket in the lake where you are fishing in order to let the minnows survive that much longer. Don’t worry, these style of minnow buckets have a trap door that will not allow the minnows to escape.

Minnows are pretty hearty little fish and they will survive quite some time in a bucket or even in the plastic bag that they come in. Of course this all depends on where you store them. If you put them out in the direct sunlight of a hot summers day then they will not survive for long, but if they are kept in a shaded are, or better yet, in the lake where you are fishing, then they can survive all day or even a few days.

There are many ways to bait a minnow. I will cover these ways in a later article/video. However, just to hold you over before then, you can hook a minnow through the nostril, through the back bone, or even through the meaty part of the tail. The idea is to not kill the minnow but to hook it in a way that it will look injured. Fish can’t resist an easy meal like this and will gobble it up. If are lucky enough to get larger minnows make sure that you use a wire or fluorocarbon leader as this can entice a bite from a larger predatory fish with teeth like a pike or walleye. Once the minnow is hooked all you have to do is cast it out there on a bobber and wait for a bite.

Personally I love to fish so I have quite an array of tackle, but I still do use minnows from time to time. If I don’t feel like casting every few seconds or am just relaxing then I will always go for the minnow. The main time I use minnows is when I’m ice fishing. There are many minnow suppliers in and around Lake Simcoe, where I tend to go, and they are readily available. The perch, whitefish and the occasional lake trout love these little guys and by hooking up a minnow it allows me to put my rod down and warm up my hands.

The next time you head out fishing, give your lures a rest and try using the natural prey, minnows.

Obviously make sure that you have your reel spooled with line before you head out or you won’t be fishing at all. The first thing you will need is a little tackle box with some extras in it. If you are a newbie to fishing then you don’t need anything fancy. You can just use a plastic container with a few items in it. Make sure you pack a few extra hooks, weights, and bobbers in there because you never know when you might get a snag and rip off all of your rigging. I can’t name the number of times I’ve been ill prepared and have had to borough stuff off my friends or vice versa in order to get back in the action. If you think you’ve pack everything but forget one thing your day can be ruined.

Always always always have your fishing license on you when fishing! This should actually be at the top of the list because if you’re caught without your license the fines are insanely high and you will probably be turned off fishing forever. More info about this is covered in the article Fishing License, A Must Have For All Anglers. In all my years of fishing I’ve only been checked 3 or 4 times but thank goodness I had it on me or I would of paid through the nose.

One piece of gear that is often over-looked by beginning anglers is a pair of needle-nose pliers. Pliers are very handy if a fish swallows your hook or if the hook is difficult to get out. I have a pair of pliers that are old and rusty but I’ve had them as long as I can remember. They have even come in handy for me when I got a hook stuck in my hand.

The final piece of gear you should have on you is a little knife. Something like a Swiss Army knife or any little pocket knife. You will need this to cut your line and trim off tag ends off of knots. You will quickly learn that a knife like this has many purposes and comes in handy a lot more then you think. I always have one in my tackle box and I use it all the time.

These are the very basic items all anglers should have on them when they head out to go fishing. Whether it is your first time heading out or you are a seasoned angler you will be lost without these. I hope this little article has helped you out so that next time you won’t be stuck without an extra hook or without a pair of pliers to help get your hook out of a fish’s mouth.

As we all know by now, fish like to hide in some of the nastiest structure around. In and around trees, stumps, logs, rocks and weeds. This presents a bit of a problem, you want to get your bait in there in order to yank them out, but in doing so there is a chance you’ll get your bait snagged on something other than a fish. Most of the stuff you get snagged on you can break away from, usually weeds or lily pads. However there are those times when you just can’t break away as your hooks have really dug themselves deep into a log or a tree stump. For some reason it always occurs with that brand new bait you’ve been dying to try out and can lead to some serious frustration not to mention put a dent in your wallet.

I’ll give you a few tips that have worked for me, but be aware this is no guarantee. For me it’s usually a 50/50 shot on whether or not I’ll get that bait back. The first thing I usually do is quite simply pull on it a bit. Sometimes you may think you’re snagged but it’s just some weeds or the sheer force of yanking on it might break it free. This “traditional” and easiest method comes with a drawback though. If you really hammer at it you’re just going to dig those hooks deeper into whatever it is that you’re stuck on and make getting it out of there a whole lot harder.

If this method fails, try keeping tension on the line but moving you rod from side to side. This jerking action may pull the hooks out of whatever you’re stuck in. However, there is a word of warning with this method, make sure you have protective glasses on and no one is behind you because if that bait frees up and comes flying out of the water with all that tension on it, it can really do some damage. Basically, have your cat like reflexes ready for this one! If this method yields nothing then what I like to do is keep tension on the line and pull on it with my hand and release it a few times, just pluck away at it. This vibration along the line can also loosen the bait up.

If you are on shore, release your bail and go for a walk. Sometimes I walk quite a ways, and then try this method again. If it doesn’t work from one side, walk in the other direction and try. There have been times where I have walked 100 meters away from my bait to try this method, with my friends all laughing at me, but it does sometimes work. A different angle of attack can really help.

When on a boat all these methods become a little easier since you can actually bring your boat around a full 360 degrees and get all angles of attack. On a boat I find my chances usually increase dramatically when retrieving a snagged bait. On the boat I also sometimes use a paddle to help free the bait if it’s not too deep under the water.

When all else fails there is only one thing to do unfortunately, and that is to cut your line. Nothing relieves the stress of getting snagged quicker than re-tying and catching that next big fish. Hope these tips can come in handy the next time you get a bad snag.

Spinning Reel

A spinning reel is your most basic reel. When people think of a fishing reel 99 times out of a hundred they are thinking of a spinning reel. Here is an image of one.

Spinning Reel

There are many benefits to using this type of reel and many different uses for it. If you are new to fishing this is the reel you want to use. It is plain and simple and very easy to learn how to operate. All that you have to do to use this reel is pull your line up with your finger to your rod, release the bail (just flip the thin metal half ring around the spool of line), and then cast. Once your bait is out there all you have to do is give your reel a turn with the handle and the bail will re-engage and will be ready to pull in your fish. It is a great reel to use when fishing with a bobber or when vertical jigging for fish that are sitting in deep water. In another article I will go into more depth about how to use this reel.

A major benefit of this type of reel is that it can be used whether you are left handed or right handed. The handle on these types of reels can easily be switched by simply unscrewing it and flipping it to the either side. Personally I like to retrieve with my left hand as I find it a more natural way to hold it. Here’s a quick video showing how quick and easy it is to flip the handle.

Casting (bait-basting) Reel

This style of reel is the one I most often use, but be warned if you are new to fishing or don’t fish too often then get yourself a spinning reel. This style of reel is the one most pros use when trying to catch bass as it can be more precise and is used in many different ways. It is completely different than a spinning reel as it does not sit on the bottom of your rod. This reel needs a totally different rod for it to work as it is attached to the top of your rod and the guides (the rings where your line goes through) are also on top of your rod with this style reel. Here’s a picture of one so you can get an idea of what it looks like.

Casting Reel

A casting reel works in a completely different method than the spinning reel. It takes more control and you have to be a little more engaged with it in order to use it properly. It involves calibrating the reel every time you put on a different lure and when you cast it out you actually have to stop the line from spooling out with your thumb. These reels tend to be a little more expensive than a spinning reel as they have more gears and better bearings in them but if you plan on really getting into fishing then this style of reel is where you want to be headed. One drawback from casting reels is that they are not interchangeable like spinning reels are. What I mean by this is that they are either for left hand retrieve or right hand retrieve so you have to make sure what you feel more comfortable with before you buy one. Just like spinning reels I prefer to have a left hand casting reel as well.

Spin Casting Reel

This style of reel is a combination of a spinning reel and a bait casting reel. It sits on top of your rod just like a casting reel but it casts more like a regular spinning reel. The line on these reels is completely enclosed in a cover, but in order to spool your line on the cover comes off for easy access. Personally I have used this style of reel only a few times and was not too happy with it. If you line gets a knot in it or comes off the spool then you have a big mess on your hands. These reels are usually quite cheap and it is reflected in their build quality. Many people get this style of reels especially when they are new to fishing but it quickly becomes more frustrating than it’s worth. My suggestion, simply speaking from personal experience, is to stay away from these reels. Get yourself a good quality spinning reel and you will keep your problems at a minimum. It is very easy to use and will give you years of good service, even if you don’t take super care of it.

The next thing to consider when you head out is what kind of bait or lure you will need for ice fishing. The easiest way to get started is by using live bait. For this minnows are the preferred bait. They are simple to use, require the least amount of work and technique. The best way to set your rod up for this technique is the drop shot. What you want is to put your minnow in the strike zone. The drop shot is an easy way to get your minnow down to the bottom of the lake where the fish like to hide in the winter. The drop shot consists of a large weight tied to the bottom of your line and then a hook tied about a foot above that. The weight will get your minnow down and will stir up some of the lake bottom making fish curious about what is going on. Fish will naturally be drawn to this as they see the commotion and then hopefully they will sense your minnow and attack. The minnow drop shot technique is easy to set up and easy to fish. Once your weight hits the bottom, you will know this once your line stops spooling out, you just have to leave to minnow down there and wait for a strike. From time to time you can reel up to check on the status of your minnow or attach a new one to keep it alive and fresh. You will know when you get a bite when the tip of your rod starts dipping up and down. At that time what you want to do is reel up a tiny bit to pull up any slack in your line and set the hook by pulling your rod tip straight up. Then all you have to do is reel the fish in.

Other than a minnow you can use a lure. Lures require a little more work than a minnow but can also be very effective. There are a variety of lures you can use but something like this Lindy Darter Lure is a good start.

Lindy Darter Lure – 1/8 oz. – Redtail Expand the bite window with a proven jigging patternDeadly for walleye, bass, pike and other predator fishExcellent under ice and in open waterProduces an erratic, darting action fish can’t resist 9 loud rattles attract fish from distanceKiller high-def holographic finish Complete with premium treble hooks The Lindy Darter Lure is a great vertical jigging pattern designed to expand the walleye bite window so you’re catching all day, not just fishing all day. Complete with killer, high-def holographic finishes and nine super-loud rattles to call fish from a distance, the Lindy Darter Walleye Lure darts around erratically, and at the peak of the jig the Darter quickly turns with a rolling action before naturally swimming back down. Because the Darter is naturally appealing, there is no need to tip the premium trebles with waxies or add attractant to draw strikes through the ice or when vertically jigging in open water.. Lindy® Darter Lure

With its rattles it can cause some commotion under the ice and stir up the fish. With a lure like this you want to pop it through your ice hole and get it close to the bottom. From there you can vertically jig it by pulling your rod up and down about 2 feet every 3-4 seconds. Try to change up your rhythm from time to time to make it seem more natural. If you are in deeper waters your lure will also follow the currents under the ice, so be careful that your lure doesn’t tread too far away from your ice hole or you will have a lot of reeling to do and it may cause you to lose a fish. There are a variety of lures out there for ice fishing. You can also use something like this minnow shiner from Northland Fishing Tackle. You can fish this in the exact same way as the Lindy lure. So try your luck with lures and see if you land something through the hard water.

Northland Fishing Tackle Puppet Minnow – Silver Shiner – 1-1/2” Designed for vertical jigging below a boat or ice hole Swims in a semi-circle when jigged, pumped or dropped on a free-fall Adjustable swimming action Lipstick® wide-angle hooks Tie this puppet on your string and hang on! Northland Fishing Tackle’s Puppet Minnows are some of the most versatile and deadly swimmin’ lures ever developed for vertical jigging below a boat or ice hole! The Puppet Minnow’s hydrodynamic, airplane-style body design allows it to swim in a semi-circle when jigged, pumped or dropped on a free-fall. The versatile Puppet Minnow features an innovative triple threat tie-system which allows anglers to alter the Puppet Minnow’s swimming action in a snap, while the lifelike Baitfish-Image® color schemes entice bone-crushing strikes. Deadly for perch, crappie, walleye, trout and other aggressive predators, so tie on a Puppet Minnow and hang on! Equipped with Northland Fishing Tackle’s ultra-sharp Lip-Stick® Wide-Angle Hooks. . Northland Fishing Tackle Puppet Minnows®

Minnows and lures are effective, but if that does not satisfy your appetite for ice fishing, then you can also use a vertical jigging spoon. Usually when you head out for ice fishing the lures are a lot smaller than when you head out in summer. Here is an example of a vertical jigging lure.

Bass Pro Shops XPS Tungsten Jigging Spoon – 1/2 oz. – Nickel Wherever you find fishermen hauling up fish from their deepwater lairs… wherever anglers make hay by snap-jigging the shallows and ripping the weeds… wherever superior flash, detail and action could make a difference in your catch—that’s where our XPS® Jigging Spoons really shine. These are without a doubt the finest spoons on the planet, with compact precisely shaped bodies, brilliantly detailed lifelike finishes, and 3-D Lazer eyes that scream “Hit me!” You can’t fish ’em wrong—and the fish just plain pound ’em! Discover the joy of fishing with XPS® spoons today! Tungsten is heavier than lead – so these spoons are much smaller than comparable lead spoons, allowing you to “match the hatch” with no loss of sink rate. Classic design with brilliant scale finish.. Bass Pro Shops® XPS® Tungsten Jigging Spoon

So don’t hide inside all winter long and just dream of summer fishing, get out there and hit the ice.

For ice fishing you basically need five major items. Number one is an ice fishing rod and reel combo like this one from Frabill.

Frabill Fin-S Ice Fishing Spinning Rod and Reel Combo – 26″L Carbon fiber blank increases sensitivityBlank through handle Stainless steel single foot ice guides3 plus 1 ball-bearingInfinite anti-reverseMulti-disc front load dragMachined aluminum spoolSub-Zeroâ„¢ lube for smooth operationTapered drag knob for reducing line catchReversible handleBuilt for finicky bites through the ice, Frabill’s Fin-S Ice Fishing Spinning Combo features solid carbon blank construction with a blank through handle for increased sensitivity. Complete with special stainless steel single foot ice guides and a comfortable cork handle, these sensitive Fin-S ice rods are matched with a reliable spinning reel featuring 3 plus 1 ball bearing, infinite anti-reverse, multi-disc front load drag system and a tapered drag knob which reduces line catch. The machined aluminum spool is lubed with Frabill’s Sub-Zeroâ„¢ lube for smooth operation in the coldest temperatures. Whether you’re jigging for panfish or trophy walleye, there’s a Fin-S Ice Fishing Spinning Combo that’s perfect for the task. . Frabill® Fin-S Ice Fishing Spinning Rod and Reel Combo

Ice fishing rods come in many different “actions” such as light, medium, or heavy. Depending on what you will be fishing for a medium action rod is a good place to start. It will allow you to fish for nearly all the fish species and will be the most diverse ice fishing rod you can get if you are just starting out.

Secondly you will need some fishing line that is specifically designed for the cold weather. Ice fishing line usually comes in smaller pound test then regular lines since the fish don’t fight as hard as they do in the summer and they don’t have anything such as weeds or structure to bury themselves in. You can learn about fishing lines and their specifications in my article What Line Do I Need. This ice fishing line from Stren would be a great start.

Stren Ice Line Pony Spool – 100 yards – 6 lb. Designed exclusively for supple performance in sub-freezing weather, Stren’s Ice Line delivers outstanding tensile and knot strength and is suitable for all reels. In addition to offering outstanding strength in cold conditions, Stren Ice Line is highly-manageable and is sensitive enough to transfer the slightest bumps. Plus, the hi-vis gold color makes this ice line easy to see. 100 yard spool.. Stren® Ice Line Pony Spool

Third you need an ice auger. This is as essential as a fishing rod because without it you can’t get at the fish. There are a variety of ice augers out there. Some make 6” holes while others make 8” holes and then there is the issue of a manual auger where you have to use your own strength to drill the hole or a gas power one. If you are just beginning a manual auger that makes a 6” hole is the best way to go. It doesn’t cost a fortune and you will quickly get the hang of it once you drill a few holes. You can usually get them on sale in the beginning of the year or check your local classified ads to get a great deal. Here is an example of one and me stuggling with one.

Coming Soft rubber Power Hump handle Stainless steel auger’s powder-coat finish resists ice buildup Rugged, telescoping, 2-piece handle adjusts up to 6” Ultra-lightweight and very portable Equipped with razor-sharp machined stainless steel blades Includes protective blade cover Excellent value and high quality. Bass Pro Shops’ Hand Ice Auger gets you fishing fast! Stainless steel auger features a powder-coated finish to reduce ice buildup. Bass Pro Shops’ Hand Ice Auger boasts a 2-piece telescoping handle that extends up to an additional 6”. This Ice Auger’s soft rubber Power Hump handle and ergonomically designed knob provide a comfortable but sure grip. Ultra-lightweight construction means your ice auger is easily transported on the ice, too . short desc

Piotr struggles with an ice auger.

The fourth thing you will need is an ice skimmer. Basically this is a colander that you will use to scoop out any ice and snow that falls into the hole you drilled. This will be the cheapest item you will buy for ice fishing and the cheaper the better. These things don’t really break and my suggestion is to get a plastic one just in case it slips out of your hand it won’t end up at the bottom of the lake. Here’s what it looks like.

Bass Pro Shops Chipper Skimmer Ice Fishing Tool Corrosion-resistant metal Combines an ice-chipping chisel and ice skimmer Easy to transport Keep your ice fishing hole smooth and slush free with one tool, the Bass Pro Shops Chipper Skimmer! Constructed from corrosion-resistant metal, this Chipper Skimmer Tool conveniently combines a tough ice-chipping chisel and a large ice skimmer into one easy-to-transport tool. Measures: 24”. . Bass Pro Shops® Chipper Skimmer Ice Fishing Tool

The fifth and final things you will need are warm clothes and the will to get out there. Make sure you dress very very warm and take extra clothes. If you are cold you won’t enjoy yourself and you won’t land the big one.

There are of course many other items you can buy, rent, or borrow for ice fishing, but what I just mentioned are the essentials. If you are looking just to get started then this is all you really need. Ice fishing huts, heaters, snowmobiles, sleds, and fish finders are items you can get once you get hooked on ice fishing (pardon the pun). A great way to head out for your first time is to go with a licensed ice fishing hut operator. They will usually provide you with all the tackle you need, a nice warm ice hut, bait, and travel to and from the hut. Just a word of warning however, going out with a hut operator, even for one day, can cost you almost the same amount as the equipment I just mentioned. So do some research, check out prices, hut operators, locations, and get out there on the hard water. I will cover more on ice fishing in following articles.

Waiting for the bite on Lake Simcoe.

Pound test is the measurement that all fishing lines are measured against and this measurement will be clearly labelled on any fishing line you buy. Pound test is a measurement that explains how much weight or pressure the line can support before it breaks. Obviously the more pound test the line has the more weight/pressure it can support. Now you may be asking why am I mentioning pressure? Well the reason is that you may be able to land a 6 pound fish on 6 pound line but don’t forget that fish will be fighting you, may get wrapped up in some weeds, or some tree stumps making the actual pressure greater than 6 pounds, so ideally you want a line that has a greater pound test than the fish you will catch. The main idea is to really think about what type of fishing you plan on doing, what you will be fishing for, and what works best for you.

1. Monofilament Line

Berkley Trilene XL Smooth Casting? Line – 110 Yards – 2 lb. Berkley’s Trilene XL Smooth Casting Line is an excellent all-purpose mono line that combines incredible handling with exceptional strength for trouble-free fishing. Famous for its limpness, low memory, smooth handling and toughness, this easy casting Trilene XL Line’s unique formula also ensures less line twisting, fewer kinks, minimal backlashes and superior abrasion resistance.. Berkley® Trilene XL® Smooth Casting? Line – 110 Yards

Monofilament line, often just called mono, is probably the most popular type of fishing line. It is simple and cheap to make therefore it is usually the first type of line that most beginning anglers use. Often times when you buy a cheaply made rod and reel combo it will come pre-spooled with mono line, but as I mentioned in my article What Rod and Reel Do I Need to Started With Fishing stay away from those too good to be true deals as they will simply frustrate you, break down, and cause tangles. Don’t get me wrong, there is a place and time for mono line, just as there is a place and time for all lines but I really do not want you to get aggravated with cheap fishing equipment.

Mono line comes in many pound tests but usually you will see it anywhere from 5 pound test up to 20 pound test. It also comes in many different colours from white and clear to blue and green. The idea is that the colour of the line blends in with the colour of the water you are fishing. Mono is a great line to use for beginners, but be aware that there are some drawbacks with it. It is susceptible to UV rays and heat causing it to degrade and weaken. It also has a tendency to absorb water the older it gets, so initially it will stay on top of the water when you cast it out making it easy for you to set the hook, but as it gets old it tends to start sinking making your hook sets not as effective. Mono line also has high stretch. This means that when you go to set the hook you will have to set it quite aggressively to make sure you hook up with your catch. It also has less sensitivity when fishing which may cause you to lose a fish or two. If you plan on trying fishing for your first time or are not an avid angler I highly suggest you try using mono line first and as you begin to fall in love with fishing you can start looking at other options in line.

2. Braided Line

Berkley FireLine Braid Fishing Line – 15 lb. test /4 mono equiv. diameter – 110 yards Designed for flawless performance on casting reels, FireLine Braid offers all the original FireLine characteristics that anglers love: smooth feel, easy casting, durable and ultra sensitive. The revolutionary construction of FireLine Braid makes it round, smooth, easy-to-cast, ultra-sensitive and strong, properties that keep the line from digging into the spool. Whether it’s pitching bushes, trolling ledges or casting jigs, there are not much many applications where FireLine Braid doesn’t excel.. Berkley® FireLine® Braid Fishing Line

Braided lines, my personal favourite, have a few advantages over mono lines, but their one major drawback is that they are quite visible and can scare off fish. The way around this is by attaching a few feet of mono or fluorocarbon line on the end of your braided line so that the portion of your line that is attached to your bait looks natural and blends in with the water. Braided lines usually have a higher pound test rating then mono lines and can range from 15 pound test up to 65 or even 70 pound test. These lines are not as susceptible to heat and UV rays as mono line is since they are made out of different materials and even though they are usually rated higher in pound test they are thinner than mono. They have excellent knot strength, are abrasion resistant, and have very low stretch allowing you to easily set your hook and pull fish out of really heavy cover such as weeds, lily pads, and stumps. One unique thing that I really like about braided lines is that they are quite visible for the angler. This means that you will be able to see your line tighten and can set your hook that much faster to make sure you hook up and land a fish.

3. Fluorocarbon Line

Berkley Vanish Fluorocarbon Fishing Line – 250 Yards – 4 lb. – Clear Virtually invisible and proven not to spook fish!Designed to refract light just like water, Berkley’s Vanish Fluorocarbon Fishing Line is virtually invisible to fish. Vanish Fluorocarbon also maintains its strength when wet (unlike other lines), casts well, and is sensitive enough to detect the softest bites. Plus, Vanish offers excellent shock absorbency when you set the hook.. Berkley® Vanish Fluorocarbon Fishing Line

Fluorocarbon line is one of the newest and hottest lines on the market. It is a great all around fishing line and if you plan on fishing often and wish to have less tangles I highly suggest you forego buying mono line and spend the extra money on fluorocarbon. Fluorocarbon is valued for its many characteristics. This line becomes almost invisible once it is in the water so fish do not get scared off, it has low stretch which allow for quick and solid hook sets, and it is very abrasion resistant. Fluorocarbon is so strong and abrasion resistant that it can be used as a leader since fish have an almost impossible time trying to bite through it. When fishing in clear waters I love to use this line. It comes in a variety of pound tests ranging from as little as 4 pounds up to 20 pound test. Another big advantage with fluorocarbon is that it has very low memory. Unlike mono line, fluorocarbon will not come off in spools or coils when stored on your reel for long periods of time, in turn causing less tangles and more successful fishing.

If you are just getting started in fishing then mono line is definitely the way to go, but if are getting more experienced and more serious about fishing try using some braided or fluorocarbon lines.

FOR PRICING 2011 CLICK HERE (Look on page 2 of the pdf)

Sport Fishing License: The basic difference between the sport and the conservation license is in the amount of fish you can keep. As I mentioned in previous articles I am more of a catch and release angler, but will keep the occasional fish for a shore lunch. If you plan on eating a lot of the fish you catch then the sport license is for you. The amount of fish you can keep on this license differs based on what region of Ontario you are fishing. Be sure to check the Ministry of Natural Resources (MNR) website to see what you can keep, how many you can keep, and at what times during the year you can fish for a specific species. The Sport Fishing License is available in three basic ways:

1. You can purchase the Outdoors Cars with a three year Sport Fishing License tag

2. You can purchase the Outdoors Cars with a one year Sport Fishing License tag

3. If you have an Outdoors Card, that is not expired, you can simply get a Sport Fishing License tag for that year

The Outdoors Card is just a general card that is used for both fishing and hunting licenses, hence its generic name. This way the MNR saves on costs for producing the cards. On the back of the card are divided rows where upon purchase of your tag (the license for the year) the salesman/woman will put a sticker in one of these rows, or if you purchase a brand new outdoors card you will be mailed it and will have an imprinted tag on the back. If you purchase a brand new Outdoors Card it is usually valid for three years and all you have to do is get a new tag each year. You can get these renewal stickers at most Canadian Tires, Bass Pro Shops, online at the MNR site, and at many of the smaller bait and tackle shops.

The prices for the three basic Sport Fishing Licences differ and change from year to year so check the MNR site for details. License are not too expensive and are a small price to pay just in case an officer from the MNR checks to see if you have one. If you are caught without a license the fines can be quite large, they can even keep your car or boat until you pay the fine which can go as high as $5000. So be sure to get a license and play it smart.

The Outdoors Card is issued provincially so be sure to get the proper license for where you plan on doing most of your fishing.

Conservation License: As I mentioned the only real difference between the Conservation and the Sport Licenses is in the amount of fish you can keep. Again, check the MNR site for regulations on this. Just like the Sport License, the Conservation license is available in the exact same way but is a little cheaper. The three ways are:

1. You can purchase the Outdoors Cars with a three year Conservation Fishing License tag

2. You can purchase the Outdoors Cars with a one year Conservation Fishing License tag

3. If you have an Outdoors Card, that is not expired, you can simply get a Conservation Fishing License tag for that year

If you are not an avid angler then you can even purchase a license just for one day. The price also varies from year to year but it may be a good idea if you are thinking about getting into fishing or can only get out one day a year.

If you have guests from out of the country and plan on taking them around Ontario to see the beautiful sites here and to show them some of the best fishing in the world, then they too need a licence. These are temporary licences and can be good for up to a week. You can purchase these from anywhere where you can get your license tags or Outdoors Card.

The Outdoors Card does not require any special id and can be easily purchased. All you have to do is give your name, address (so they can send it to you), your height in centimetres, and your eye colour.

BE SURE TO KEEP YOUR LICENSE ON YOU AT ALL TIMES WHILE YOU ARE FISHING!!!!!!!

Even if you are fishing at the end of your dock at your own cottage and have the license inside the cottage then an officer from the MNR can give you fine for not having the license on your person. If you just purchased your license and have not been mailed you official card, then you must make sure that you have the piece of paper proving that you have purchased your card. This must be on you at all times as well.

If you’re heading out for a day of fishing be smart and get your license. The officers may check your license only once in your lifetime, but this will save you a ton of hassles and a ton of money in fines.

Outdoor Card

Classic Trolling

Classic Trolling: Side view

 The other method of trolling is to use a trolling motor. Now this method is not “really” considered trolling but it also allows you to cover a lot of water and get into some tight places where fish may be hiding. A trolling motor is an electric motor that attaches either to the bow of your boat or the stern. You will see many professional bass anglers using their trolling motors once they find a place where the fish are biting. By using the trolling motor you can pull up your main engine so that it does not get snagged or damaged on anything and then you can simply manoeuvre your boat in and out of weed pockets or shallow areas, the places where the monsters like to hide. When using a trolling motor you will usually be casting your bait and retrieving it making it a quite different method from the traditional trolling method described previously. The electric trolling motor is also whisper quiet which does not spook the fish and allows you to creep in on them as if you were stalking your prey.

For the traditional trolling methods you can use a trolling plate or even a drift sock on your boat to slow down the speed at which you are travelling. When your main engine is on, even if you are going at a slow speed, your propeller will still create a tunnel of water behind your boat. By using a trolling plate you disperse this “noise” from your propeller and help maintain a calm water zone behind your boat which in turn will not spook the fish. Secondarily the trolling plate allows you to slow your boat down even more so that you can slow the presentation of your bait if the fish are proving to be a bit sluggish. A trolling plate simply attaches in and around your propeller and can be lowered quite easily when you desire to do some trolling or can be easily raised when you wish to get under way. They come in a variety of sizes and materials but it is best to get the largest trolling plate you can afford and one that is made out of metal, not plastic, as the plastic ones have been known to easily break off.

A drift sock can also be used when trolling but it is not as effective as trolling under the power of your main engine. A drift sock is quite simply a large cone shaped device with a hole at the thin end to allow water to pass through. A drift sock is lowered into the water and adds more friction while you are getting pushed around the lake by the wind. This too will allow you to slow down your bait or will allow you to spend more time over certain structure, such as a sunken island or drop off, where the fish will be hanging out.

As mentioned you can troll a large bait behind your boat in order to entice to big boys to bite. Traditionally when trolling you will use a large crank bait that can be either deep diving or shallow diving depending on the depth of the water column that you are fishing and the fish you are targeting or a large spinner bait such as a Musky Killer. You can also use a swim bait or even a spoon when targeting the large fish you can catch when trolling. You would never use a worm and bobber when trolling and jigging is also a bad idea. You can easily get snagged up if you were to troll with any of these methods and it wouldn’t prove to be a very effective way of catching monsters. I will go in greater depth about trolling methods and baits to use in later articles but for now this is just to give you an idea of what trolling is all about and what to use.

Check out some of the maps I have posted and target some of the trolling lines I have outlined. Try your hand at some trolling and don’t forget to get some large baits to target the large varieties of fish you can catch using this method.