FISHING DAVE BROWN
They take determination This past summer my wife, Ann, and I were invited to
Muskies:
attend a one-day fishing derby in Papineauville, Quebec by Peter Levick, Ottawa Chapter Chairman of Muskies Canada. The event was held at Peter’s place along the Ottawa
River. It was a good chance to introduce myself (and Bounder magazine, of course) to a host of Muskie fishermen. I’m predominantly a walleye and trout fisherman, so I was also able to learn a little more about the sport of Muskie fishing. Last March, while Peter and I were discussing how he
could build a bimini top for my boat, we talked about the Chapter. Even though I knew the Ottawa and Rideau rivers
are universally renowned for Muskies, I didn’t know how Muskies Canada supports the fishery through its conservation efforts, practices and research. I could hardly wait to attend the tournament. But first I attended one of the seminars that Muskies Canada was
conducting at the Valley Fishing and Outdoor Show in Carp. I wanted to learn more about how to fish for these monsters. It was then that I realized I might have been a little out of my element. These guys were talking about the temperature of the water, precision-trolling tactics, phases of the moon and how it impacts fish size, and catching success rates. The focus was not only on fishing tactics. These people were talking about the “science of fishing”. It was enlightening.
I had planned on taking my boat to Papineauville, but local
Muskie fishing experts Mike Mitchell and Jarrett Carter talked me out of it. They explained what gear and lures it would take to catch and release a Muskie. I realized I was totally unprepared. Some of the lures they use to catch a Muskie look more like what
someone might use to catch a barracuda or tuna down in the Bahamas. Many of Peter’s lures were more than 12” long, and the colour selections he had were simply amazing. With Mike’s and Jarrett’s advice in hand, I decided we
would drive to Papineauville and arrive just before everyone came in for the afternoon barbecue lunch and fundraising raffle. In retrospect, it was a wise decision on my part to stay
on shore talking to the guys and acquainting myself with the sport rather than wasting time on the water. I don’t think Ann would have enjoyed fishing in the cold wind and rain. This, apparently, is the type of weather the serious Muskie angler loves. It told me these guys are serious and committed Muskie fishermen. “This weather is nothing!” said Jarrett Carter. He proceeded
to tell me a story about a guy who attempted, without success, to get a boat that was frozen to its trailer racks off into the
14 BOUNDER MAGAZINE
www.bounder.ca
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