Hooked Magazine Volume 16 Issue 1

Ice. Snow. Fish. And you.

It doesn’t get any better than the incredible, thrilling hard water fishing you’ll find in Saskatchewan. With expansive ice, a long winter, and multiple species to go after, you’re sure to find the ice fishing adventure of your dreams right here.

Start your trip at fishhuntsask.com

JEFF GUSTAFSON considers himself very lucky that is able to pursue a living within the fishing community. His motivation to continue on is to put off having to get a real job for as long as he can! Now 40, Gustafson is competing on the Bassmaster Elite Series, the top level of competitive bass fishing. This will be his fifth season fishing the Elite Series and his eleventh season fishing professionally in the US. When he is back home in Kenora he spends much of his time fishing on Lake of the Woods and area lakes. His favourite waterbody currently is the English River system, north of Kenora, which has incredible fishing for smallmouth, walleye and pike. He is still guiding throughout the year around home to stay busy and get on the water with long time friends and clients. Off the water, Gussy contributes his writing to over a dozen publications annually, posts content regularly to his social media pages and works closely with sponsors to promote fishing and their products. You can find him online at gussyoutdoors.com and on social media.

FROM

on a fly in trip one of the many outposts that Shaun Jackson operates on the east side of Lake Winnipeg. You will see in this issue that we will be giving away a fly in trip with Jacksons Lodges and Outposts as a 15th Anniversary Prize!

Meantime television host Wes David generously organized another trip giveaway as part of the celebration. This one is to northern Saskatchewan and Nordic Lodge at the end of the summer. The lucky winners will even get to appear on the Fishing the Wild West television show!

Dale Martens heads up north again to the wild Gods River for big brook trout. Kevin Rossi visits rainbow alley in Central British Columbia and Glenn McDonald outlines some fantastic fishing adventures for the whole family in Northwestern Ontario!

It’s a big year here at Hooked magazine. We are celebrating our 15th Anniversary, an important milestone.

Over the last ten years that I have been the editor of the magazine we have expanded our editorial offerings. This in no small measure to the new writers that have made the magazine what it is today.

There has been a huge jump in popularity in wild foraging. Saskatchewan outdoor writer Lowell Strauss was invited on an incredible adventure to central Alberta this past fall. His article is titled “Bounty in the Boreal” and you will see why once you read it. He savoured a day, learning about nature’s bounty and feasting on wild ingredients expertly prepared by masters in their craft; a team of anglers, hunters, and foragers — outdoor chefs collectively known as From the Wild.

Speaking of foraging we have a recipe from Josh McFaddin as he prepares some burbot for the pot, all brought to you by Hunt/Fish Manitoba.

This Special Anniversary Issue is our biggest of the year. Our writers travel the world to tell stories of their outdoor adventures. Jeff Gustafson, who has been writing for Hooked from the beginning, visits Australia to catch the mighty barramundi. It really is the trip of a lifetime. Rebekka Redd, meantime, heads to Argentina to catch a wide variety of exotic species on a fly rod.

Of course, we have our usual adventures close to home. My family and I go

We haven’t forgotten that it is currently ice fishing season. Dave Shmyr heads out for last ice burbot, and Mike Sweatman tells us how to catch tullibee in the wintertime.

For those looking for some great information on boat rigging we go to one of the best in the business. Hardcore tournament angler Jamie Bruce tells all on to how to rig your fishing boat to be the most efficient fishing catching machine possible. He really knows his stuff, and this is part one of a two-part series.

In our Conservation corner, regional biologist for eastern Manitoba, Eric Mullen gives up some fascinating information of successful handling of trophy northern pike. Some fantastic facts that will really make you appreciate how valuable a species northern pike are.

All in all, we pretty much have it covered. Make sure you also follow us online as we will be having tackle giveaways during the year.

Don Lamont, Editor

ON FISHING AND THE GREAT OUTDOORS

Publisher

Hooked Media Inc.

President Kevin Stobbe - 204-771-4041 kevin@hookedmagazine.ca

Editor Don Lamont - 204-292-5234 dlamont46@gmail.com

Design/Production

Nuance Design nuancedesign@shaw.ca

Advertising Dave Simpson 204-782-9070 dave@hookedmagazine.ca

Writers

Jamie Bruce, Wes David, Jeff Gustafson, Don Lamont, Dale Martens, Glenn & Kyla McDonald, Josh McFaddin, Eric Mullen, Rebekka Redd, Kevin Rossi, Dave Shymr, Lowell Strauss, Michael Sweatman, John Toone

Illustration

Chloe Brown

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Hooked Magazine is published 5 times a year by Hooked Media Incorporated 15-971 Corydon Avenue, Winnipeg, MB R3M 3S3. We carefully inspect all ads for accuracy, however, the publisher and the printer shall not be responsible for any mistakes, design errors or incorrect information which is provided by the advertiser. The advertising, photographs, editorial and artwork is the property of Hooked Media Inc. and not that of the advertisers. The entire contents of this publication are protected by copyright and are intended for the sole use of the public. Any reproduction or duplication of the contents in any form, without the consent of Hooked Media Inc., is prohibited. Return undeliverable copies to Box 15 RPO Corydon, Winnipeg, MB R3M 3S3. Copyright ©2023 Hooked Media Inc. Printed in Canada.

“As one of Lacombe’s most vibrant recreational areas, the Len Thompson Trout Pond presents an opportunity to build a solid foundation of inclusion and the opportunity for outdoor recreation through angling for the mobility impaired and their families,” says Jason ‘Jigger’ Lunn, founder of the Team Jigger Foundation.

A quadriplegic himself following a 2011 motor vehicle collision, Jason and his foundation have worked tirelessly to advocate for those facing barriers to accessibility. “Accessibility breeds inclusion, and inclusion helps to remove barriers for many people in our communities,” adds Lunn.

The dock will be permanently installed in the pond via steel piling and have a wooden deck and railing system that will be sturdy and safe for all participants.

There will be several picnic areas on the dock that will allow for anglers and non-anglers alike to enjoy a unique lunch venue on the water overlooking the World’s Largest Fishing Lure.

“Angling attracts people from one of the widest variety of ages, capabilities and physical ability,” said Brad Pallister, Vice President of the Lacombe Fish and Game Association. “As an Association, a key part of our mandate is to help attract

AIS NEWS NOT GOOD

Spiny Waterflea, an aquatic invasive species, was detected in five samples taken from Foot Print Lake (near Grand Rapids, MB) through monitoring conducted by Manitoba’s Aquatic Invasive Species Unit during the 2022 open-water season. A total of 25 SWF were found in five out of seven samples collected from seven different locations within Foot Print Lake. A detection of this quantity indicates

people to all the benefits that fishing offers through accessible fishing opportunities in our stocked trout ponds. We really wanted to see if we could create a flagship fishing dock to compliment this busy pond, but also a dock that could be accessed by every angler no matter their mobility.”

The completion of this complex project will be done with several financial partners. The Government of Alberta’s Community Facility Enhancement Program will contribute $80,000; The County of Lacombe will contribute $75,000; The City of Lacombe will contribute $75,000; The Lacombe Fish and Game Association will contribute $50,000; The Team Jigger Foundation will contribute $15,000; and Len Thompson Lures will contribute $15,000.

The park attracts an estimated 9,000 users of all ages primarily throughout the spring, summer and fall months. It is estimated thousands of additional visitors visit the park to take a picture with the Guinness World Record Certified World’s Largest Lure that was installed in 2019.

Construction is expected to be complete over the winter months. This will allow for a Grand Opening of the dock at the Lacombe Fish and Game Association’s annual Kid’s Can Catch Day held at the Len Thompson Pond on June 3rd, 2023.

there could be an established or reproducing population in the lake. The Aquatic Invasive Species (AIS) Unit initiated a response protocol, as well as developing and implementing a containment plan.

Spiny Waterflea are native to Eurasia and were originally introduced to North America via ballast water of ocean-crossing ships into the Great Lakes. movement. For example, they can be present in standing water in watercraft or water-related equipment (e.g. bait buckets) or become entangled

FISH AND WILDLIFE

ENHANCEMENT

FUND (FWEF) CONTINUES TO GROW!

The Manitoba Government announced that another $794,000 was being put in the FWEF This announcement by Natural Resources and Northern Development Minister Greg Nesbitt was on top of the $20 million in trust already.

“Our government has long recognized the importance of supporting projects that conserve, manage and enhance fish and wildlife species in the province,” said Nesbitt. “We took significant steps to modernize the FWEF with new funding and delivery model and made a historic $20-million investment to the endowment fund in 2020. We are pleased to announce this additional funding, which will allow the 2023 program to grant more than $1.3 million to support projects across Manitoba.”

Projects are identified through a competitive grant process overseen by the minister-appointed FWEF Committee and through innovative leadership projects recommended by the FWEF Committee.

The criterion for grants is wide ranging and administered by the Manitoba Habitat Heritage Corporation. Non-profit groups, local agencies and research organizations can apply for funding for initiatives that conserve and enhance Manitoba’s fish and wildlife populations including those that: study fish and wildlife populations; promote sustainable and ethical hunting and angling practices through education; protect or improve critical fish and wildlife production habitat; and secure property to provide public access to angling and hunting opportunities or to protect critical fish and wildlife production habitat. The minister noted the funding recipients will be announced in spring 2023.

The nearly $800,000 in funding is comprised of 10 per cent of the annual fees collected from recreational angling, hunting and trapping licences, all restitution payments collected for fish and wildlife infractions, and all voluntary donations collected from the public through Manitoba’s e-licensing system (www.manitobaelicensing.ca ). Over 23,000 people voluntarily contributed more than $143,000 in the 2020-21 and 2021-22 fiscal years to the FWEF through the e-licensing system. Manitobans can also contribute directly to FWEF through The Winnipeg Foundation website by visiting the following link: https://mycharitytools.com/gift/wpgfdn/donate?fund=2635.

For more information on the Fish and Wildlife Enhancement Fund, visit: https://gov.mb.ca/nrnd/ fish-wildlife/fish-and-wildlife-enhancement-fund/ index.html.

in fishing gear. Once introduced they cannot be eradicated. There are no known pesticides or eradication techniques to address SWF in a waterbody.

Simple quick actions (e.g., Clean,Drain, Dry) can prevent the largely irreversible, negative consequences of AIS. visit: Manitoba.ca/StopAIS. If you have any questions about AIS or the Province’s response please contact Kayla Peterniak, Aquatic Invasive Species Ecologist at 204-791-3809 or kayla.peterniak@gov.mb.ca.

The

Lacombe

MINNKOTA TALON-ANCHOR FROM ANYWHERE

Control Talon from anywhere on your boat at the push of a button – whether it’s the included wireless remote, optional wireless foot switch, your smartphone, your Humminbird fishfinder, i-Pilot or i-Pilot Link system, or Wireless Stomp Switches. Only Talon has up to 15’ of anchoring, and User-Selectable Anchoring Modes that let you pick the perfect hold for any condition, from rough water to soft bottoms minnkotamotors.com

MUSKIE MUNCHIES WOBBLY TICKER TRIPLE SLURP

Over the last few years Muskie Munchies introduced the Triple Slurp, then made it better with a variety of add ons with the most significant add on being the tickers that create a lot of noise while bouncing off the blades. The Wobbly Ticker Triple Slurp includes those tickers, but also introduces a new blade with offset blades. This adds extra vibration as it wobbles through the water, well as different pitches as the ticker bounces off of the different sized blades. muskiemunchies.com

SPIDERWIRE DURABRAID HI-VIS YELLOW

After its introduction at ICAST 2021, SpiderWire DuraBraid continues to impress anglers that demand high performance as the most abrasion-resistant conventional braided line on the market. Now, this popular braided line is available in HiVis Yellow. SpiderWire DuraBraid sets the standard in technical performance with an increased abrasion resistance that is 25% tougher than other conventional braids. purefishing.com

MARCUM PURSUIT HD L

The Pursuit HD L is MarCum’s masterpiece and the ultimate in underwater viewing. Don’t let the size fool you, MarCum packs more technology into the Pursuit HD L than any camera before it. With an HD feed and vivid colors displayed on its ultra-bright screen, the Pursuit HD L makes viewing easy. A host of other high-points like on-screen display of temperature, depth and direction, HD video-out, and DVR, mean you’re looking at the most feature-laden camera in the history of underwater viewing. marcumtech.com

THUNDERMIST LURE COMPANY

Thundermist has a variety of lures and terminal tackle. As many anglers know, attention to detail is key and sometimes it’s the little things that make the biggest difference in catching and releasing fish. I do a lot of three-way rigging for lake trout and the T-Turn 3-way swivel from Thundermist Lure Company is truly a game changer. What makes the T-Turn 3-way swivel so unique from other three-way swivels, is the center of the swivel is free to spin 360 degrees allowing your lure or bait to move freely as attended and eliminating all line twists and tangles at any speed while fishing any depth or structure. The T-Turn 3-way swivel comes in a variety of sizes for a variety of applications and allows an angler to spend more time fishing and less time untangling his/her three-way rig. thundermistlures.com

CDN DOCK SHOXS

CDN Dock Shoxs come in sets of two and are made from a rigid high-quality material with a parachute-quality cord material that runs through the rigid tube with quick attach carabiners on one end. They are designed for daytime use and easily adapt and safely connect your boat to any dock situation you may encounter at a boat launch. They take up very little space when not in use and can even be stored in your boat’s rod locker without interfering with your fishing rods. But best of all, when in use, Dock Shoxs keep your boat a safe distance away from any boat dock eliminating nicks and scratches on your boat. cdndockshox.com

LITHIUM PROS BATTERIES

Weighing just one-fifth the weight of a typical bass boat battery system, the M3265-36 38.4V 65Ah Lithium-Ion Trolling Battery from Lithium Pros allows anglers to dramatically reduce the weight of their vessels for speed and fuel efficiency, and the versatility to fish shallow areas. The BCI Group GC12 sized battery weighs 39.2 lbs yet provides as much trolling power as three 76-lb Group 31 220RC traditional batteries. Its 152 reserve minutes is enough for a full day of use with a typical trolling motor. Using an optional onboard DC charger extends the battery’s capabilities even further by generating power from the outboard engine’s charging system. lithiumpros.com

PLANO ICE ROD CASE

The Plano 44” Ice Hunter Combo case is the largest and most efficient ice fishing storage box on the market. The massive custom foam interior can protect up to 14 rods and reels with additional room for the rest of your gear. The exterior is made with shock-and drop-resistant, industrial strength material for all-season protection. The 44” Ice Hunter Combo Case includes six Plano 3600 StowAway boxes to give anglers additional storage space for the ice fishing bait and tools that anglers need to fish all winter long. planomolding.com

RAPALA JIGGING SHAD RAP

The Jigging Shad Rap® has more pronounced movement, with slow circle down action. Raising in a sharp snapping motion will cause the bait to circle faster. A quick vibrating motion can also be used at fixed depths to prompt strikes from otherwise lifeless fish. A deadly weapon under the ice, or fishing open water for suspended fish, also the right choice for working deep, submerged structure. Single reverse hooks on both ends with center treble and eyelet that can be tipped with your favorite bait. Zinc weighted, shad profile in natural, glow and UV color patterns. rapala.ca

DAIWA KAGE™ ICE FISHING RODS

The Innovative Light Weight Design is achieved through several proprietary Daiwa rod building technologies. This allows for a Slim Design blank that maintains the strength and durability of a much larger diameter rod. The SVF or Super Volume Fiber blank manufacturing process utilizes concentrated fiber for more strength allowing a smaller volume of, typically heavy, resin. This results in a lighter, slimmer blank that is Sensitive and Strong. The unique Megatop rod tip is an ultra-sensitive yet strong and durable top section, ideal for a light bite through the ice. The Fuji Tangle Free Guides with Alconite Inserts are built tough and assure a trouble-free drop. The comfortable Crafted Cork Handle transitions seamlessly with the Hand Shaped Reel Seat. daiwa.us.com

THE MIGHTY BURBOT!

BY DAVE SHMYR

As the ice fishing season is creeping up on its end many of you are planning your final trips on the hardwater. A lot of us are out to get after the schooled up panfish such as the yellow perch.

Some of the best perch fishing happens from now until ice off. You will also have a good shot at some real trophies in the two pound range with the big females putting on extra weight with eggs.

That same holds true for walleye and pike. I love last ice because of the variety of opportunities that are presented.

All are extremely great options to make for late ice memories, but there’s one tasty fish we all seem to forget about, the mighty burbot. How can anyone forget a pretty face like that?

Over the years I have been fooled many times, thinking I had that ten pound walleye on the end of the line. Over the years we have had this heartbreaking scenario happen.

It really hurts when your night fishing for hours on end without a bite then a huge mark comes on your flasher that gives you the walleye thump!

After a wild ride all you see are whiskers coming up the hole or the tail of the big burbot coming up it first.

After so many situations like this over the years it’s truly made me appreciate the look of those unique fish. I use to get bent out of shape wishing it was a giant walleye but now I laugh every time.

I often have anglers with me who have never seen one in person so that gets a wide variety of responses. I had one friend almost knock my tent over trying to get as far away from one as possible. And have seen a few kids get scared over the appearance of the burbot when it came on to the ice. But all in all don’t judge the book by it’s cover! It’s one of the best tasting fish you can eat from the freshwater.

I’ve been lucky enough to witness this cool experience several times on an underwater camera. It literally looks like a pile of snakes on the bottom together in huge numbers. Running into this scenario you will have a busy day catching burbot all day . When you catch a fish between three and fifteen pounds or better all day long your arms tell you how good the fishing was the next day!

LURE SELECTION

The best part about getting set up for them is very simple they take a wide variety of lures and bait. The famous jig and minnow is always a great option for the burbot. I also find three to five inch silver or gold flutter spoons with a lot of vibration work well. But the very best bait for them, especially this time of year, is a rattle bait ! It absolutely drives them nuts ! Using an aggressive jigging method near the bottom also allows you to fish with heavy line. You also don’t have to pay near as much attention to detail as you would triggering walleye or panfish.

FINDING THE SWEET SPOT

Summertime is the best way to cover a lot of ground to map out key burbot areas with your electronics. This saves time in the winter, so you don’t have to spend a ton of time drilling holes and searching. The underwater camera doesn’t lie and is a very effective tool for this technique. Drilling a spaced-out grid along these areas and the use of the under-water camera can lead you to great success for the burbot.

I know its going to be hard to convince you all to fish for these fish for the rest of the season, but I suggest you give this a try, it’s a pile of fun! Nothing like a good family day on the ice in the snake pit!

Just remember to wash all your gear and clothing after handling these suckers all day or you will end up with a bunch of pet cats show up at your house. n

LATE WINTER SPAWNERS

Burbot are one of the few fish to actually lay their eggs under the ice. This usually happens between mid February into late March. They spawn on gravel flat areas in less than 20 feet of water. I’ve had my best success on sunken sand bars that carry gravel and shallow gravel flats. The one cool thing about the burbot is during the spawn they often create what I like to call “the snake pit”!

“

POWERING YOUR BOAT THE RIGHT WAY

With a new boating and open water fishing season just a few months away, it’s a great time to start thinking about adding or upgrading batteries to your boat.

Never have we had so much technology and equipment available to us as anglers and boaters, and to be honest, staying on top of everything can be a daunting task. Whether you’re planning on choosing and installing your own batteries, or having them installed by a professional, it is certainly worth while to take a few minutes to educate yourself on the application an installation of new tech. As a competitive angler and equipment nerd, I opt to rig my own boats, and I keep my eyes out for the latest and greatest tech for the upcoming seasons. Follow along as I walk you through some new tech and rigging considerations in the world of batteries.

Trolling Motor Battery technology has probably been one of the biggest advancements to the fishing and marine world in recent years. Lithium trolling motor batteries started appearing in the battery banks of some of the most hardcore tournament anglers and guides, but as they become more available and af-

fordable, they’re becoming a staple in the boating and fishing world.

For the past two years, I have been using three 12 volt 100 AH lithium batteries for my 36 volt trolling motor. The advantages over AGM have been remarkable, with the most notable advantages in longer run time and a weight reduction of over 150 pounds from the bow of my Lund 2075 Pro V-Bass. My current setup using a Minn-Kota Ultrex would get me around 14 hours of extreme heavy use. The same set-up on my new Garmin Force 36 Volt trolling motor gets around 20 of the hardest trolling hours I could throw at it. A big part of that is the brushless motor in the Garmin, but nonetheless, I was amazed with the results from the lithium upgrade.

In 2023, I’m going to be fishing several Bassmaster tournaments in the US, and because I am all about preparedness, I thought about travelling with a second set of batteries in the event of failure. Technical difficulties in high level tournaments can cost you your entire fishing career and tens of thousands of dollars, so anything I can do to circumvent equipment failure, I want to know about!

After some heavy research, I found that there was already a fail-safe solution in place for a 36 volt system. Powerhouse

Many anglers opt to run a dedicated lithium battery just for their electronics, which has proven effective in reducing interference and taking the risk of killing your starting battery out of the equation.

Lithium

That is a massive amount of power in a small, neat, and light package and is more than capable of powering a tournament angler from dark to dark, or a recreational angler for days. Because this 36-volt battery is so compact, I can add a second one in parallel. This could give me days of power without having to worry about plugging in, and it would also provide me with a failsafe in the extremely low chance that one of the batteries failed. Most recreational anglers aren’t going to have to go to such extremes and opting for a single 24v or 36v 60 AH battery is a great way to take advantage of lithium technology and makes for a clean, space saving install in any boat.

Specialty Batteries:

As a fishing tech nerd, this one is particularly exciting to me. With new sonar tech live Garmin’s Livescope sweeping the fishing world, combined with a general increase in screen size and power requirements on all units, there has been a need for dedicated power in many cases.

Many anglers opt to run a dedicated

offers 36 volt batteries in both 60 AH and 40 AH sizes that fare around the same size as a 31 series AGM or Lead Acid battery.

lithium battery just for their electronics, which has proven effective in reducing interference and taking the risk of killing your starting battery out of the equation.

What excites me, is recently, some of the top electronics gurus on the planet have been utilizing a dedicated 16v power system for all their electronics. They claim improved clarity, especially with forward facing sonar, and your amperage load is reduced by 20%, thus giving you longer run time. Any advantage you can get in competitive fishing can be the difference between winning and losing, and this is one of those things that could be the difference maker. Of course, I won’t know for certain until I turn on my graphs for the first event of the year, but if it ends up being the difference maker people are claiming, I may have to keep it quiet!

Cranking Batteries:

Cranking batteries are my nemesis. While I really focus on having everything operating at a high level all season, sometimes I let my foot off the gas when it comes to off-season battery maintenance. I can’t tell you the number of years where I’ve backed my boat into the garage late in the season and haven’t looked at it for a month, and when I go to power up, everything is dead because I left my cranking battery connected.

The next step I usually take is to hook said cranking battery up to a charger and pray that I bring it back to life, well, it rarely happens. I then go out, spend another few hundred dollars on a cranker, and do it all over again.

Some years, I actually remember to take care of it, so I get halfway through the next season and start to experience low voltage and failed starts when fishing long tournament days with pumps, poles, tunes, talons, and graphs running all day.

This obviously isn’t the case for everyone, but for everyone using high powered electronics and cycling a lot of charge

times through your cranker, I would guess this sounds all too familiar. To be fair, this is really only a major issue I have with my tournament boat, loaded with advanced technology.

I have another boat as well,an old 17’ Lund Outfitter with a 5” depth finder, and rarely have battery issues because the battery isn’t being cycled 5 times a week or being drained by the electric playground on my big Lund.

Cranking batteries aren’t like trolling motor batteries, and there really isn’t a general answer for everyone. As I mentioned earlier, if you have a small rig with little to no electronics, and aren’t going far from home, a smaller 24 series lead acid battery will probably suit your needs just fine for a couple years.

If you’re heavy into the fishing game, have a lot of electronics, and have been changing out cranking batteries, checking out lithiums could be the best option.

Lithium cranking batteries are only just becoming mainstream in the last year or two, and very few companies even make batteries that can do so. They offer the same weight saving and long lasting advantages as deep cycle lithium trolling motor batteries, and really, the draw to me is that I can really “set it and forget it”. I don’t have to worry about flatlining the battery and not having it come back to

BUS BARS

One real improvement I have discovered over the years is the use of “Power Distribution Blocks”, aka, bus bars. With so many electronics requiring direct power to your batteries, using bus bars can really clean up the whole operation. Instead of “stacking” ring terminals on your battery posts, installing these bus bars with a single heavy gauge wire to each bar from their respective terminals allows you to expand the real estate of your battery posts. They’re available all over the place, and you can get a set for around $50. They’re guaranteed to save you some headaches!

life, or worry about docking it in the water overnight, or killing it in a tournament day. The one I’m running this year even has an emergency start button that caries enough reserve capacity to start your big motor and bring you back from the dead. One of those things that you don’t plan on using, but you’re glad you have it.

You certainly don’t need a full boat of lithium batteries to catch fish or enjoy your time on the water, people have been enjoying the lake and catching fish for years prior. That being said, they’re one of those technologies that truly make your outdoor experience more enjoyable, more reliable, and hopefully put a few more fish in the boat over the course of the season. It took me 15 years of jumper cables and heartache to learn that investing in a good battery system is definitely a good plan. n

Cisco Disco!

BY MICHAEL SWEATMAN

While we packed up at the end of a short, family ice fishing session, a local fellow stopped by as he was hopping from shack to shack on his ATV to ask how the fishing was. Reflecting on the steady bite we enjoyed, my wife Christy asserted, “We did pretty good targeting cisco”. The fellow kind of nodded his head, said nothing, and drove off.

UNDER THE RADAR

Some freshwater fish species don’t get much love. The lowly cisco is a favourite snack of pretty well all predator fish,

but at best seen as a nuisance bi-catch of hardwater walleye anglers. Their distinctive smell and oily quality keep most people from eating them — so why bother targeting cisco? The potential for non-stop action, the benefits of harvesting them for bait, or the challenge of learning to read an exceptionally light bite are a few great reasons to deliberately target cisco through the ice. Welcome to the cisco disco!

WHERE TO FIND THEM

Cisco are distributed from the Qu’Appelle River system to the top of Northern Saskatchewan, favoring deep,

oxygen-rich lakes. There are lots of great options, but Mission or Katepwa Lake are two hotspots. Spawning between October and December, they school up in large numbers and get aggressive during the ice fishing season. Cisco are pelagic, meaning they associate with open water more than bottom structure as they roam in search of suspended zooplankton and small insects. Knowing this, a good place to start looking for them is to find a 30–50-foot basin and set up near the edge. School after school of cisco will move through, so there is little need to move once you find some on your sonar.

GOOD EYESIGHT

Cisco put their large eyes to use while feeding. Many times, I’ve jigged a small spoon way above a suspended mark on the sonar and the cisco will shoot up 20 feet to satisfy their curiosity. It is important to use tackle that incorporates some flash. Bright sun seems to fire them up too—likely they try to capitalize on the visual advantage. They tend to display a slow bite at dusk and dawn, so targeting them during the mid-day lull will round out a multi-species day.

Lures with glow or UV coatings doesn’t hurt either. Cisco have small, soft mouths so it is important that the terminal tackle will fit and keep them pinned. Using a drop chain or a leader to get some distance between your hook and your lure is a good technique. Tipping your hook with a mealworm or a synthetic maggot gives the cisco something to key in on.

On a recent trip, we incorporated all of this by using the kokanee salmon ice fishing rigs we had strung on our rods (the remnants of a failed trip to British Columbia due to weather).

TERMINAL TACKLE

To make a kokanee rig, take the treble hook off your favourite pike spoon, add an 18-inch leader, and tie on a small, weighted jig. I found a pink glow VMC tungsten fly jig or a Northlands Forage Minnow under a William’s Whitefish spoon caught the most cisco that day.

The tendency of cisco to roam throughout the water column makes using a flasher or sonar unit important. They can be anywhere from the lake bottom to right under the ice. Like lake trout, cisco can regulate their swim bladders by “burping”, so they are not as susceptible to barotrauma.

TRIGGERING THE BITE

A good technique is to drop your lure at or past the mark your sonar. Next jig your lure aggressively to gain attention. If there are no marks on the screen, jigging like this at the mid-water column can often bring in a school from afar. Once you see a mark level out with your lure, reel up 3-5 feet. This will get the cisco chasing up toward your bait and separates their interest from your lure.

Cisco put their large eyes to use while feeding. Many times, I’ve jigged a small spoon way above a suspended mark on the sonar and the cisco will shoot up 20 feet to satisfy their curiosity.

On the underwater camera, I observed the cisco often smacking into the bigger spoon section of the rig until I reeled up and presented the jig in front of their nose. This slight of hand usually results in a bite. If they don’t commit, drop your

rig 10 feet past the fish in a free fall to re-establish the chase. The bite is exceptionally light, and their mouths are paper thin, so it takes some practice and keen observation of your rod tip and line to keep them pinned.

DINNER FARE?

Cisco are absolute candy…if you are a lake trout, burbot, pike or catfish! I must admit I brined and smoked a batch, and the result was not unlike smoked whitefish. However, the cisco we keep are more often converted into burbot and lake trout by serving as cut bait. The oily flesh creates an effective bait cloud, and the flesh is much firmer than sucker. We vacuum pack some each year to have on hand for pike quick strike rigs, chum for lake trout, burbot bait, and cut bait for channel catfish. Check your local regulations surrounding the use of fish for bait. Above all, ensure you thoroughly freeze the fish before using them as bait to destroy any parasites.

Some days, you just need to satisfy the need to land a maximum of fish with a minimum of effort. With no limit and little to no effect of barotrauma, targeting cisco make for a fun outing. If nothing else, it is a good way to learn to read electronics or keep young anglers interested past their short attention span. Like disco, it might seem like senseless glee or annoying fun, but cisco fishing is definitely catchy! n

Sonar is key to finding cisco as they school all throughout the water column.

Large schools of cisco roam around main lake basins as seen on an underwater camera.

Two kokanee rig inspired setups. Left: Williams Whitefish and pink glow VMC Tungsten Fly Jig. Right: Gibb’s Croc and a forage minnow style jig as terminal tackle. The spoon or flasher attracts and the jig—best tipped with a worm-like bait—seals the deal.

CISCO OR TULLIBEE?

Part of the same family and genus as lake whitefish, cisco are related to their bigger cousin. The easiest way to tell the difference between whitefish and cisco is the jaw. Lake whitefish have an upper jaw that extends beyond the lower jaw. The Cisco’s lower jaw extends beyond the upper jaw (think Bubba from Forest Gump). Lake whitefish spend most of their time of the bottom of sand and mud flats rooting out prey while cisco slurp in suspended prey. So, what is the difference between tullibee and cisco?

Well, nothing. They are really the same fish, different name. The choice is largely regional, although there seems to be a specific sub-species of cisco in the Great Lakes region that the term tullibee adorned once upon a time. Kind of like the use of pike and jackfish or (dare I mention) walleye and pickerel. It is interesting to note the regional difference between Provinces: Saskatchewan’s Anglers Guide lists cisco as one of the 28 sport fish species while tullibee is used in the Travel Manitoba Master Angling Program. Whatever you call them, a healthy population of these fish are the foundation of world-class sportfishing on the Prairies.

LITTLE SASS

Fantastic Outpost Fishing!

For the last three years I have been trying to book a trip in to one of the many outpost fishing camps owned by Shaun Jackson. Three years ago, the pandemic got in the way, then in 2021 forest fires made travel to the eastern side of Lake Winnipeg a no-go zone. In fact, Shaun lost two of his outposts to fires. You might say it has been a tough couple of years for Jackson’s Lodges and Outposts.

That has all turned around in 2022 and it was hard to even get a booking for one of his many camps. If you go on his website, you will see that there are three different zones to book into. The closest is Big Echo Outpost in the Whiteshell. It is only a five-minute plane ride from his airbase in Lac du Bonnet. My son and I along with three other people flew in for three days in 2015. This outpost might just have the best fishing, with trophy smallmouth bass and plenty of big hungry walleye. The cabin is also spectacular, sleeping ten people. It’s also probably the most popular of his outposts so it pays to book well in advance.

I was determined to visit one of his 13 other outposts, so it was the first week of August when my family and I hopped

on one of his many float planes. We were headed to the cabin on Little Sass, part of the Sasaginnigak River system.

Shaun had recommended Little Sass because of the good fishery on this medium sized lake on the eastern side of Lake Winnipeg. Forty-five minutes later we landed and quickly unloaded.

KEY PIECES OF EQUIPMENT

We had along a satellite phone and portable generator, two things we needed as it turned out. The Honda generator was used to charge our lithium batteries that powered our fish electronics. I had only brought one smaller lithium, but I recommend two, so you have a backup. I had the Auto Chart live feature on pretty much the whole time we were on the lake. By the end of the three days, I had some outstanding charts of the best fishing holding spots, with a ton of waypoints marked.

SATELLITE PHONE A GAME SAVER!

It also kept our phones topped up for picture taking. It was the satellite phone that really was important though. On our third day a forest fire broke out on the southeast side of the lake. I spotted it when we turned around the corner of an island in the lake. I

quickly swung the boat around and headed back to the outpost camp. I grabbed the satellite phone and got a hold of Jacksons airbase. Even as I was talking the fire started to blow-up and had spread to twice the size. In half an hour, we saw the spotter plane from Natural Resources fly over and ten minutes later a water bomber arrived. In no time, the fire was in control. I mention this because it is a vital piece of equipment when out in remote areas.

MEDICAL EMERGENCY

I can remember falling and hitting my head on the dock on one fly-in with no phone. It could have been a serious accident with no way to call for help. If you plan a remote outpost trip with no cell service, make sure the operator you book with offers a satellite phone or someway else to call for help.

OUTSTANDING FISHING

Over the three days, we had some excellent angling for walleye and pike. I was also impressed by the overall size of the fish. We found the walleye and pike on some of the many reefs that this lake has near the main lake basin.

While our largest walleye was not quite 24 inches there are have been walleye

over 30 inches caught in Little Sass. There are also a few pike over 40 inches registered each year. We found the walleye in 20 feet of water on the average.

On our first day we had nonstop action, but things slowed on Day Two after a change in wind direction. I could see on my Helix 5 depth finder that a lot of the fish had moved off bottom. This coincided with a late mayfly hatch on the lake.

LATE INSECT HATCH

On Day Three we switched over to Ned Rigs with Z-Man HULA STICKZ to imitate mayfly larvae. This did the trick as we once again had non-stop action.

As is the case with all of Shaun’s out-

posts, the lodging was comfortable and well maintained. There was brand new barbeque set up along with a deep fryer for some shore lunch fish. Close by was water pump powered with a small solar panel. Out back was a big propane hot water heater to go with the indoor shower.

All too soon the trip came to an end. As we waited with our gear on the dock, I was pleasantly surprised when the plane landed. We were treated to ride back to Lac Du Bonnet on one of Jackson Airs two Grand Caravan aircraft. Made by Cessna, these are state of the art bush planes that can land on water or land. It is billed as the Ultimate Utility Vehicle by the manufacturer.

STATE OF THE ART

The Grand Caravan EX turboprop was engineered for challenging missions, high payloads and short, rough runways while delivering single-engine economy and simplicity. After getting picked up at Little Sass on water we landed on land on the way back. Shaun can also ferry customers to the Winnipeg Airport on these great aircraft.

If you are looking to book a fly in trip of lifetime, Jackson’s is tough to beat for both value and convenience.

You can find them online at jacksonslodge.com n

Everything is included on this 42 ft houseboat. Three curtained rooms with bedding and full bathroom. Stocked kitchen & bbq. Also available are fishing boats to rent and use the houseboat as your main accommodations. Please call for details 306-461-8353.

From a fisheries management perspective, it is very difficult to re-establish trophy pike fisheries once they are lost, and therefore it is very important to carefully manage and protect trophy pike lakes.

TROPHY NORTHERN PIKE

BY ERIC MULLEN

Northern pike (Esox lucius) are a popular sportfish species among anglers in Western Canada and around the world. They are widely distributed, feed aggressively, fight hard, and provide year-round opportunity for those seeking excellent table fare or chasing trophies.

ADAPTABLE SPECIES

These fish inhabit a wide variety of habitats from small streams to massive lakes and are geographically widespread. Pike have a circumpolar Holarctic distribution, meaning they occur naturally in most of the Northern Hemisphere above 40 degrees latitude around the globe. They become the apex predator in many fisheries once they outgrow the risk of being eaten by other predators.

Top predators are extremely important as they control prey populations and contribute to a healthy, well-balanced fishery. In this article, we will explore the biology, ecology, and management of pike to provide anglers with a better understanding of the species and the fishery we all enjoy.

PREDATORY ROLE

Pike are large, solitary predators well suited to detect prey movement both visually and by sensing vibrations in the water. Pike have sensory organs located on facial pores and along the lateral line.

Pike are sit-and-wait ambush predators, mainly relying on the movement of prey fish to provide feeding opportunities.

Once prey is within striking distance, pike can accelerate explosively, almost two times faster than rainbow trout. That speed is generated by length and slender body shape, allowing an “S-shaped” burst movement versus the “C-shaped” bursts typical of other sportfish species. As they strike their prey, their large, rear-facing teeth keep fish trapped in their mouth and reduce the chances of prey escaping.

HARD TO SEE

Pike have excellent camouflage, and often use aquatic vegetation to mask their profile as they ambush prey. That is why a thick weed patch can provide such excellent pike fishing, particularly in clear water where cover is most important for hunting success.

When water is turbid and visibility is poor, pike may take advantage of open-water habitats, possibly due to decreased visibility providing cover for targeting pelagic prey (e.g. cisco, mooneye). Overall, pike are extremely adaptable and can use a variety of foraging techniques depending on what habitat and food sources are available to them. For example, pike in deep Canadian Shield lakes containing cisco (tullibee) often forage in deep, offshore habitats, much like a lake trout. Additionally, smaller pike are a prey species themselves, and pike have been reported attempting to consume other pike up to 80 per cent of their own length, though the risk of being cannibalized is reduced once a pike reaches 50 cm (20 inches) in length.

FOOD CHOICES CHANGE

As pike grow, their diet quickly shifts from aquatic insects and small baitfish to feeding on most anything they can fit in their mouths. Yellow perch and white suckers are common near shore prey for pike. Perch are a particularly important food source for juvenile pike that stay close to shoreline habitat.

However, in systems with offshore habitat, adult pike may opportunistically forage in deep basins, targeting species such as cisco and lake whitefish. As a prey item, cisco and whitefish are excellent pike forage as they reach larger sizes and have higher energy densities than perch and white suckers.

HIGH PROTEIN FORAGE

Cisco provide roughly twice the calories by weight of perch and suckers and are easily swallowed due to their streamline shape and soft fin rays. This high nutritional value may allow pike to reach greater body sizes and better reproductive condition than habitats where pike feed exclusively on perch and suckers. A study published by the University of Manitoba found that the abundance of cisco was positively related to the maximum size of pike in lakes across Ontario. This same study indicated that natural mortality for pike was lower in lakes with higher cisco densities, possibly indicating that cisco provided a surplus of energy that could be allocated to other physiological processes and allow fish to persist and grow in the systems for longer periods.

ECOLOGY

In small, shallow lakes with limited food sources and sub-optimal habitat, pike will exist in high densities, reach sexual maturity at smaller sizes, and “stunt” before reaching sizes that typically are of interest to sport anglers [e.g. 76 cm (30 in) or more]. Stunting can occur due to habitat and food conditions, but also because of angling pressures such as if large mature pike are removed from the population and there is no harvest on the more abundant

Angling generally tends to target larger, faster growing fish as they are bolder and more aggressive when it comes to foraging, and thus take lures more readily. When pike are over harvested, the unintended outcome is the removal of faster growing individuals from a population, particularly if there are no size restrictions on the harvest of trophy-sized, mature fish, which are typically 15+ years old. Many anglers have experienced or heard of lakes that have historically produced large pike but now only hold a greater density of smaller fish. The concept of historic overfishing may partially explain this phenomenon in some lakes if many of the older fish were removed from the population and subsequently, the remaining smaller pike will become the spawning stock, potentially decreasing the quality of the fishery in the long term. From a fisheries management perspective, it is very difficult to re-establish trophy pike fisheries once they are lost, and therefore it is very important to carefully manage and protect trophy pike lakes.

Anglers play a large role in ensuring the conservation of pike fisheries, particularly when it comes to catch and release fishing. Anglers travel from far and wide for a chance to catch a once-in-alifetime pike, researching and scouting for waterbodies that can grow 102+ cm (40+ inches) pike. For anglers fortunate enough to catch one of these monsters, careful and efficient handling is necessary to ensure the fish will survive after it is released. Mortality does sometimes happen after catch and release in every species, but if anglers use best practice and are ready to safely release these giant pike, mortality rates will decrease and trophy fish will have a greater chance to survive, grow, spawn, and be caught again by the next lucky angler. Pike are an iconic Canadian sportfish species and we all play an important role in protecting the future potential of this unique fishery.

sub-adult pike. Keep in mind that the only predator to a pike once they reach about 50 cm (20 inches) is other pike or musky (if present), so if all the large pike are removed from a system, there are no predators to regulate and control the increasing population of smaller pike, which can then stunt in a lake. Anglers typically have less desire to fish in stunted pike lakes, particularly if the dominant size class is less than ideal for consumption or sport.

MANAGEMENT

The highest quality pike fisheries will have a diversity of food options and habitat. That’s why some ‘slough lakes’ that lack depth and habitat diversity may never produce large pike but will instead have large numbers of small to medium sized pike. This may be due to adaptations towards a faster life history strategy in lakes with less desirable forage and habitat, meaning pike are maximizing their reproductive output in these systems by growing quickly early in their lives, maturing faster, and consequently having higher natural mortality rates and a lower maximum size. Trade-offs like this are seen in many species and habitats in freshwater, but in the context of pike, it is useful to know that not all individuals will reach trophy sizes, and in some systems it is natural for pike to use this fast life history adaptation. The various life history strategies of pike have important implications when it comes to fish harvest and management.

CONSERVATION

Protecting large mature fish in a population is very useful for several reasons. Female pike grow much larger than male pike; in Lac du Bonnet Lake, Manitoba, male pike rarely exceed 70 cm (28 inches), whereas large females often exceed 100 cm (39 inches). This is why maximum length limits are used to protect predominantly mature, spawning females. Allowing trophy females to spawn year after year provides many population-level benefits as these individuals produce superior egg quantity and quality, as well as pass along genetics for good growth potential. The Manitoba Fisheries Branch has proposed new province-wide angling regulations in 2023 for pike in order to maximize these benefits, including setting a provincial maximum size restriction at 75 cm (29.5 inches). These regulations intend to preserve trophy fisheries and promote long-term production; however, they alone are not enough to ensure the preservation of quality pike fisheries.

Average length-at-age of female and male northern pike in Southern Manitoba, based on samples collected from Lake Winnipeg, Lac du Bonnet Lake, and the Winnipeg River (20092021). Data for older female and male pike are not shown due to high variation and low sample sizes for these age classes. Estimated average weight of northern pike by length, calculated using a standard weight equation derived from a dataset containing the lengths and weights of 1,281 pike sampled in Lake Winnipeg, Lac du Bonnet Lake, and the Winnipeg River in Southern Manitoba (2009-2021). n

Eric Mullen is a Provincial Fisheries Biologist living and working in Lac du Bonnet, Manitoba. His work is focused on monitoring and studying fisheries in Manitoba’s Eastern Region. Eric completed his Masters degree at the University of Manitoba studying the effects of catch and release angling on Lake Sturgeon in the Winnipeg River. As an avid angler, hunter, and canoe tripper, Eric takes any chance he can to explore Manitoba’s wilderness areas.

Northern pike are able to swallow and digest large prey items, pictured here is a yellow perch found in a pike’s stomach in Eastern Manitoba.

FISH FORWARD

BY DON LAMONT

Fish Forward is a partnership of provincial, national, and international organizations working to ensure the sustainability of Manitoba Fisheries.

To make that happen this group plans to help commercial fishers acquire and maintain Marine Stewardship Council (MSC) eco-certification.

It was interesting to hear what Kurtis Haynes, Program Director for MSC Canada had to say. Haynes has travelled the globe, encouraging groups to work towards sustainability. He believes Manitoba is at the top of the list when it comes to working towards that goal.

“Partnerships like Fish Forward are instrumental in encouraging and rewarding both sustainable fishing and consumption” Haynes stated.

Manitoba now has two eco-certified commercial fisheries. Cedar Lake was awarded the classification on November 3rd.

After the collapse of that fishery in 1996, the commercial fishers approached the provincial government to discuss the need for change. They agreed to voluntarily close the fishery from 1998 to 2003 to let the stocks rebound. They also agreed to reduce the number of commercial licenses. The Cedar Lake group also got involved in a Collaborative Stock Monitoring Program that is critical to determine sustainable harvest levels.

In 2021 with the help of all levels of government Cedar Lake entered the MSC assessment process.

FLOYD GEORGE RECEIVES HIS MSC CERTIFICATION

I had a chance to sit down with Floyd George, President of the Cedar Lake Fisheries Inc. He believes in ten years you won’t have a market for fish that isn’t eco-certified. “Achieving MSC certification and working with Fish Forward helps us reach new buyers and makes sure the fishing industry is alive and well for generations to come.”

The organizations leading Fish Forward are: Indigenous Services Canada, the Province of Manitoba, the MSC and the International Institute for Sustainable Development.

Dimple Roy is the Director of Water Management for IISD. She said this organization came together to close some of the gaps and challenges that groups were facing to get their certification. This group can supply guidance and help with funding along the way. They are also putting commercial fisher together with buyers for their sustainable product. You can check out more on their new website at fishforward.ca.

In Manitoba there are over 300 lakes that are commercial fished. During the winter months, Manitoba is the largest supplier of freshwater fish in Canada.

The commercial fishing industry employs 2,300 Manitobans annually and 85 percent of those are Indigenous. For most it is their main source of revenue.

Most of our fish do not stay in province with over 80 percent of the 13 million kilograms harvested per year shipped internationally. There is a real demand growing within this province among restaurants and grocers to sell local MSC certified local fish.

In Manitoba there are over 300 lakes that are commercial fished. During the winter months, Manitoba is the largest supplier of freshwater fish in Canada.

Waterhen Lake was the first freshwater fishery in Manitoba and Canada and the second in the world to achieve eco-certification in 2014. Waterhen was re-certified in 2020.

According to MSC, much of the seafood available in this province is shipped from afar. This contributes to greenhouse gas emissions or is produced in a way that collapses ecosystems. More and more Canadians (over 60 %) agreed that sustainable harvest is the way to go. As we grow our sustainable commercial fisheries in this province, it helps everyone and the planet.

For those who have trouble seeing the future with our commercial fishing resource, Fish Forward can help. n

A NEW PARTNERSHIP TO WORK ON SUSTAINABILITY!

The commercial fishing industry employs 2,300 Manitobans annually and 85 percent of those are Indigenous. For most it is their main source of revenue.

Floyd George, President of the Cedar Lake Fisheries Inc. receiving his MSC certification.

Bounty in the Boreal

BY LOWELL STRAUSS

Ipacked my bag in eager anticipation of the culinary adventure prepared for our group. It was late September, and northern Alberta weather can be unpredictable, but on this day the spirits of the forest smiled upon us.

Unseasonably warm temperatures proved the forecast right. Still, a cool freshness in the forest reminded me winter was not far away. It was an omen; I savoured the day, learning about nature’s bounty and feasting on wild ingredients expertly prepared by masters in their craft; a team of anglers, hunters, and foragers — outdoor chefs collectively known as From the Wild.

Adventures like this are easily accessible for those hungry to learn about wild food. The base camp for this one-day outdoor workshop lies 100 kilometres due north of Edmonton. At a small, secluded property on the edge of the boreal, Kevin Kossowan, our host for the event, built a rustic permanent camp among the poplar and pines to serve as an outdoor classroom.

The pleasant smell of woodsmoke — familiar and comforting to all who spend time outdoors—greeted me as I opened

the truck door. Kevin was there to welcome us too. He led us up a trail and back to a simpler time.

From a small clearing in the woods, I saw the camp kitchen, banquet table and a large canvas wall tent, a comfortable space Kevin crafted for his guests. At the ‘back’ of the kitchen is a woodshed that Kevin calls his wood library. It contains cut, split stacks of aspen, white spruce, alder, birch, pine, and tamarack firewood sorted by species, each of which imparts a unique smoky flavour to the food. A brick rocket-style stove is where much of the food magic happens. Kevin dry-laid the bricks and tested the design until it worked. At the stove, we watched Chef Alexei Boldireff as he fried, seared, and braised the wild ingredients for the menu.

Our outdoor cookery workshop coincided with the peak of fall colour. And a tapestry of yellow, orange and red were the backdrop for the day. Shed antlers and naturally fallen leaves decorated the tables and tent giving them a rustic touch of class that only mother nature can provide. Tea service waited on a raised table. Today we’re drinking Chaga tea, a wild edible fungus found on white birch trees, which is now a trendy health food. Sipping

this mild beverage awoke my taste buds for what was yet to come.

We grab our packs and head deeper into the forest. Along the way, Kevin pointed out some of the edible plants. He believes that eating outdoors is best done when ingredients under your boots inform your meals. It’s a philosophy that changed how I look at the plants in my environment and makes me want to improve my plant identification skills. But there is more to it than that; I need to learn the plant flavours and use them accordingly— either as the star ingredient or a subtle flavour. Common plants like horsetail, stinging nettle, and even wayside plants like dandelions are edible.

We stop along the trail and watch Kevin prepare a hot tasty snack on the go. He pulled out a twig stove, a small Billy pot and the ingredients he had prepared in advance. His passion for wild food is evident, and his teaching style informs and entertains. In less time than it would have taken to rehydrate a commercially made (blah-tasting) meal-in-a-bag, Kevin lights his stove and prepares a serving of organic farro (an ancient grain) cooked in chanterelle lobster butter with wild onion cream. How decadent!

We carry on learning more about the plants and their habitats. We see hazelnut, chokecherry, saskatoon and highbush cranberry. The catkin of alder, another tree we encountered, has a zesty, citrusy flavour with a peppery finish. And can be used in place of black pepper. If you’re looking for an ingredient, you first must understand where it grows and which season you’re most likely to find it — something Kevin knows well after his decade-long journey of wild foods exploration.

Chef Alexei had been busy in the camp kitchen preparing our appetizer — onion cakes made from wild onions from right there in the forest drizzled with a lodgepole pine sauce. Meanwhile, Kevin poured us a cocktail made using fireweed syrup. The complexity of the flavours made me truly appreciate this wild food.

Next up was the crash course in wild mixology. In bush camp, the ‘bartender’ chops chunks of ice with a mini hatchet! Kevin prefers large clear pieces of ice because they provide cooling power without diluting the drink. We enjoy several cocktails, including a tequila margarita featuring a sea buckthorn liqueur, lime and spruce sea salt and Kevin’s take on an Old Fashioned also staring local wild

plants. Wild mixology is a sub-discipline of wild foraging, and mixing drinks made from infusions of wild syrups is a study of its own — so much so that From the Wild hosts stand-alone mixology workshops.

As Chef Alexei prepares the main course, Kevin shows his base camp kitchen kit. In it, he has the expected bowls, whisks, knives, plates and cutlery — standard in any kitchen — plus the extra items for campfire cooking like leather gloves, paracord for making a tripod, portable grills, a knife roll (made from moose hide), and a Formastropsis birchulina or stropping fungus.

Food always tastes better in the outdoors, but when I saw the confit duck leg topped with cream and charred onions married with the aroma of wood smoke on my plate, I knew this course would rival some of the finest food I’ve ever eaten. I was right! A sticky toffee pudding topped with spruce caramel and highbush cranberry jelly, topped with maple whip cream, and served with Labrador tea, finished the From the Wild feast.

A Forest Full of Food and Flavours

Kevin’s perception of wild food has changed from when he first explored wild

From the Wild’s Kevin Kossowan shares his passion and knowledge about wild food in his web series ‘From The Wild.’ Kossowan’s adventures have taken him across the country, and he regularly works with chefs exploring the culinary potential of the Canadian wilderness. More recently, Kossowan and his From the Wild team began teaching foraging, cooking and mixology workshops at his base camp north of Edmonton. The courses run from May to September, including half-day foraging walks and full-day workshops. But book early to avoid disappointment. Kossowan loves introducing new people into his world of foraging, wild mixology, and camp cookery— and an event is the best place to get started. To learn more, visit fromthewild.ca/events

food ingredients. “I once thought about ten percent of the plants were edible, and the rest were not. I now think the opposite is true. Except for the toxic plants (of which there are few), I use most boreal plants in my cooking. Flavouring comes from including the plant directly or by using its smoke.”

Kevin approaches food in layers. “I’ve learned to trust my palette. If a wild-inspired dish is missing something, I add another flavour. I build each recipe up to have the start-to-finish flavour profile I want; some ingredients add bold flavours and others provide complexity. The best part about foraging is discovering new in-season ingredients every couple of weeks throughout the growing season.” It keeps his food and ideas fresh.

Sustainability

Surrounded by trees, plants, fungi and living creatures, it is hard to imagine ever depleting this renewable natural resource. As we sampled this wild fare, however, the conversation turned to what is a sustainable wild harvest. The answer varies by plant, ecosystem, and location; however, we concluded that there is no need to hoard by enjoying a sample of what’s in season and using common sense when harvesting plants. It seemed to strike a happy balance with the group.

In camp, sound environmental choices were everywhere. Instead of single-use plastic cutlery Kevin used disposable wooden forks, knives and spoons, which he later burnt in the stove. He used vintage china and silverware rather than buying new and modern Hydro Flash outdoor kitchen cups, plates and bowls served as a long-life solution to serving and eating food.

Final Thoughts

Kevin’s workshop whetted my appetite for learning more about wild food. And it gives me another excuse to get outside and explore. Every meal becomes an adventure when an outdoor culinary journey is as close as the backyard or as remote as the backcountry.

For the outdoors person ready to go beyond the basics, an outdoor course like one of Kevin’s is a great way to start. Each year, more people are thinking about where their food comes from, and for those fortunate enough to play outdoors, it is all around us!

When I combine two of my favourite things, food and the outdoors, you know I’m in my happy place. Thank you, From the Wild, for the inspiration. n

Gods River Brook Trout

BY DALE MARTENS

David McKay, a Gods River resident and my guide, kept the outboard throttle cranked wide open. We sped toward a wall of whitewater that stretched from bank to bank, and David had no intention of slowing down.

At the last instant, a chute of smooth water appeared. The boat shot through it, straight towards some rocks.

David jarred the boat into a sharp lefthander. It was now on a collision course with the riverbank. A sharp right-hander corrected that.

A lazy zigzag brought us near the top of the rapids. (Is a lazy zigzag possible inside a set of monster rapids?) We were now aiming for a large boulder. Ten feet from the boulder, David nudged the boat over to a deep trough, and we slid out of the whitewater.

When I signed up for a trip to Gods River Lodge, I was told the guides were experts at maneuvering boats up and down the river’s many sets of rapids in search of trophy brook trout. I had imagined a slow, deliberate approach — not David’s full throttle attack. Needless to say, the first time we navigated a set of rapids,it was quite alarming. However, I soon got used to the drill, and actually started to enjoy it. Especially when I realized the size of the fish that were waiting.

THE WILD AND FAST GODS RIVER

Gods River Lodge is owned and operated by the Gods River First Nation. It sits in northern Manitoba, where Gods River exits Gods Lake and begins its tumble towards Hudson Bay. The lodging is comfortable, and the food is incredible. Most importantly though, it offers an angler

excellent fishing for walleye, pike, lake trout, and brook trout. The first three are primarily targeted in the lake, but the brookies dwell in the river. I was primarily interested in the brookies.

So David and I spent five days on Gods River,exploring all it had to offer in terms of Manitoba Master Angler brook trout — fish with a minimum length of twenty inches. The lodge boats access three sets of major rapids: 6 Mile Rapids, 20 Mile Rapids, and 40 Mile Rapids. Their names refer to how far downstream from the lodge they are. As you might imagine, there are dozens of minor sets as well. The rapids are where the brook trout live.

THE HARD WORK WAS REWARDED

Honestly, it was not a numbers game. In five days on the river, David and I

Wild boat rides and wilder brookies

worked hard for seventeen fish. But seven were over the magic 20-inch mark. The remainder usually stretched between 16- and 18-inches. They were all plump and robust. Although my initial intent was to fly fish exclusively, the fish had other ideas.

Regardless, fly fishing was how I started each day. It was not a match-the-hatch/ avoid-micro-drag scenario. It was combat fly fishing. Anchoring the boat in a nice calm spot below the rapids was a rarity. Wherever we were, David kept the boat running, maneuvering among intense and confusing currents and making sure I was within casting range of productive seams and runs. Since it was June and too early for a good hatch, I was on the bow of the boat with an 8-weight and a heavy sculpin pattern — chucking and ducking and stripping. The moving boat and turbulent water played havoc with my drifts - and my balance. If didn’t fall overboard, I was happy with my cast.

SLUGGING IT OUT WITH THE BROOKIES

Sometimes, David had the boat patrolling the base of the rapids, but more often, we were right in the middle of the whitewater, prospecting bedroom-sized pockets of calm. Another favorite spot was just above a major drop. David would hover the boat a few feet from massive standing waves as I cast.

Whether above, below, or in-between, when a fish hit, the rod tip got buried in the water and stayed there. The fights were slug fests.

In between rapids, there were runs that looked like classic trout riffles — enough surface disturbance to hide the fish but nothing too crazy. After bouncing around inside the major rapids, these were always relaxing and often productive. There were also opportunities to get out and wade— always with a life jacket and wading staff. In Gods River, deep water and a powerful current are never far away. Nevertheless, it was exhilarating to be on the same level as those big, northern brookies.

There were many times when my streamer was relentlessly ignored. Then it was time to take a spin rod off the rack and rig it with a Gulp minnow on a jig. That got to the bottom quickly and tempted finicky brook trout. However, when the trout really got lockjaw, David had me trying a couple surprising approaches.

One was running a crankbait behind the boat in the current. With the outboard, the boat would hold steady in the current — perhaps working slowly across

or down the river, and the deep diver would work its magic, constantly wiggling in front of the fish. On another day, when it was cold and rainy and miserable, and the fish were hunkered down, a strip of pike belly on a jig head put a good one in the boat.

SPECTACULAR SCENERY!

Although fishing — and boat rides — take center stage, Gods River is memorable for much more. On the trip to 40 Mile Rapids, the scenery changed from a Canadian Shield river, with slabs of granite and forest tight to the bank, to more of a tundra river, with muskeg along the bank and trees in the distance. And then, out of nowhere, solid rock banks closed in and shot up. We were in a narrow gorge for a few hundred yards — something completely unexpected when you are getting close to the Hudson Bay lowlands.

Once, while wading closer to the lodge, I stepped on a large, flat rock that was barely submerged. An eel-like creature, about 8-inches long, shot out from underneath my falling foot. It slithered along the boulder for a few feet and disappeared in deep water. I was shocked. “What the heck was that?” I yelled over to David. “Was that a burbot?”

“Sculpin,” he said. “They get big here. That’s one reason the trout get big.” The four inch sculpin hanging from my fly rod suddenly looked small. If I ever go back to Gods River, I might take some musky patterns. And maybe some Gravol for the boat rides… n

OTHER SPECIES

Walleye were a common bonus while fly fishing for brookies in the river. But they were spectacular in Gods Lake, which I spent a couple days on. Slow trolling a floating Rapala over sunken cabbage in a large bay led to one chunky fish after another. All of them were between 20- and 24-inches. There were also lake trout up to about 8-pounds on offer. David put me close to some reefs in 30-feet of water and we jigged for them. However, I was really hoping for a huge pike. Casting streamers and spoon near the islands just outside of major bays produced tons of action, but nothing big. WARNING! Expect to lose a few streamers to pike bite-offs in the river.

GETTING THERE

Guests take scheduled air service from Winnipeg to the Gods River community air strip. From there, lodge staff drives them the final kilometer or so.

Rainbow Alley

BY KEVIN ROSSI

“Well, I did hear about this one place, supposed to be real good… It’s called Rainbow Alley.” I overheard the grizzled old-timer say as I picked through flies at the fly shop.

He spoke loudly, as if inviting anyone else in the fly-shop to join in on his conversation. Rainbow Alley… I vaguely recalled a conversation with my dad from before I moved to Prince George. I think he had mentioned a place called Rainbow Alley… Trying not to be too obvious with my eavesdropping, I shuffled a bit closer so I could hear the store employee’s response.

“Ah yes…’ the employee replied, tailing off, as if deep in thought. “A buddy of mine did a trip there not two weeks ago. Said they caught 200 trout in a weekend of fishing, most of them nice size. I reckon it’s as good as they say, if not better. Maybe the best fly-fishing in all of BC. Just a shame it’s so damn far…” Now this caught my attention. The best fly-fishing in all of BC? 200 nice sized rainbows in a weekend? What was this magical destination they called Rainbow Alley? I must have been

staring, as when I came back to reality, both gentlemen were looking at me.

“Can I help you find anything son?” the employee asked.

“No thanks. I think I’ve got everything I need.” I replied, with the faintest smile crossing my face. And indeed, I had. Rainbow Alley, I thought. When would I be able to get to this mythical place, they called Rainbow Alley?

Fast forward two weeks, and I had gathered all the information I could on Rainbow Alley. The outlook was grim. Not only was Rainbow Alley nearly 7 hours away from Prince George, two of which were along busy logging roads, but it also required a boat to access- something I did not have. Bushwhacking it seemed like a near impossibility, and with my busy university schedule, making this trek to the legendary spot seemed like a dream, and nothing more. My obsession slowly faded, as I resigned myself to the fact it would probably have to wait…

However, life has a way of working itself out. This fall, I was making a trip to Smithers to enjoy thanksgiving with

friends. I was bringing my fishing stuff, hoping to sneak off for a bit to do some fishing with my good friend Morgan, a local Smitherine.

A few days before the trip, I asked him where he had in mind, and he uttered the two words I hadn’t even considered but were exactly what I wanted to hear… Rainbow Alley. It would be a bit of a mission, he admitted, as it was still two hours from Smithers. We would have to neglect our girlfriends for a whole day during thanksgiving weekend; likely landing us in the doghouse. But when would I be back there? When else would I be within striking distance, with a keen companion who conveniently owned a boat? I could not pass up this opportunity. The plan was set.

We were going to the Alley.

RAINBOW ALLEY

The Alley is a 1 kilometer stretch of the Babine River, roughly 2 hours north of Smithers. It flows north from the outflow of Babine Lake (BC’s largest freshwater lake), connecting Babine and Nilkitkwa Lakes. This unique geography is responsible for the amazing rainbow trout fishing here, along with the prolific runs of Pacific salmon. Several anadromous species utilize the Babine River and Babine Lake to spawn, and that means an abundance of salmon fry that must migrate back to the ocean each spring. They are vulnerable as they get corralled in the narrow one kilometer of stream connecting the two large lakes, and the resident rainbow trout congregate in this section for the feast.

TROUT AND MORE TROUT!

There is an abundance of resident trout, and migratory trout from the lakes that move into the stream to feed. In the summer, the feast continues, as a large stonefly hatch is known to occur in the river. To further fatten up these already gluttonous rainbows, the fall brings with it spawning sockeye salmon, and the fish once again have access to an all-you-caneat buffet of salmon eggs. This prolific food availability is why fish gather here basically year-round. It’s also why many of them grow quite large.

Now don’t get me wrong, this place isn’t a secret. It’s well known that there is excellent fishing here, and thus, it can be busy. In the summer, this isn’t the place to go if you want to the river to yourself. The fact of the matter is that it simply doesn’t matter how many others there are; there is so many fish in this stretch of river that you could fish with people all around you and still catch fish. So don’t let crowds deter you.

Luckily for us, it was quiet and peaceful over thanksgiving. We only saw one other group the whole day. We exchanged knowing looks as we passed each other. Then we continued with the excellent fishing.

RADIO RECOMMENDED

We departed Smithers at 8 am the morning after I arrived in town.

The lake was shrouded in heavy fog as we pulled up to the parking lot. We had no idea where we were or what was around us, yet the map told us we had arrived at our destination. We slowly geared up and prepared the boat, hoping the fog would clear enough to see at least a few feet. It never really did, so we decided to launch the boat and proceed towards the end of the lake very slowly. After a few minutes, we could see the lake was narrowing, and soon we were seeing splashy rises around us. We slowed down, and immediately could tell they were sockeye salmon in their death throes.

THE BEGINNING

We cut the motor and Morgan jumped on the oars, and soon were floating underneath a bridge where the road crosses in the small community of Fort Babine. We knew this marked the beginning of the alley. Looking around, we immediately could see evidence of many rainbow trout fleeing the boat beneath us, along with the occasional rise. It felt fishy. And despite not being able to see more than 10 meters in front of us, we felt confident when we began launching our first casts.

Soon enough, I hooked into a couple trout in the 16” range that put up very good fights. The average size was starting to go up. By lunchtime, we had caught over 15 fish with the average size being around 13”.

As we stopped for lunch the fog had lifted, and we now sat in sunshine. We could see the vibrant colors of the fall trees, the well-fed eagles overhead, and the mountains in the distance. We were in no hurry to get back on the water, knowing there would likely be plenty of fish to go around.

HOT AFTERNOON BITE!

We headed down to the lower part of the alley and anchored-in just upstream of a nice shelf. All of us caught fish in short order. Nathan tried a large streamer and immediately hooked a sizable rainbow. Morgan was having good success with a plain egg pattern. I was catching fish on a stonefly nymph, albeit with far less consistency than the two of them.

That’s when Morgan discovered the ‘money fly’. We decided to move back upstream and anchor-in at a shelf. Morgan had just switched to a new leech pattern.

It was olive and small, no more than 2-3 centimetres in length, compared to the larger leech I was using. Once he started using this fly, he went through a stretch of about an hour where he was catching a fish nearly every cast. He would catch 3-4 fish for each one we caught. He likely hooked over 30 trout in the span of an hour and landed upwards of 20. To his anguish, some of the larger fish got away, but he still managed some excellent trout.

ONE LAST CAST

Pretty soon, it was time to leave. We announced that we would leave once each of us had caught one last fish. Morgan took one cast and immediately hooked into his last trout. Nathan followed up within a minute. Then it was all on me, and I’ll admit it, I felt the pressure. Embarrassingly, It took me upwards of 5 whole minutes before I landed my last trout of the day. I savored every last second of the battle, and took great satisfaction in it’s beautiful colors as it wriggled in the net. I contentedly watched it swim away, then gathered my line; putting a bow on one of the finest days of trout fishing I’ve ever enjoyed.

FATE SUPPLIED THIS MAGICAL TRIP

Ever since the day my father passingly mentioned Rainbow Alley, a place he’d heard of from a friend, it had remained in the back of my mind. I thought back to the fly-shop and made a silent prayer of thanks to the loud talking old-timer who jogged my memory. And thanks to Morgan, for knowing exactly what I needed, even when I had forgotten.

All in all, we caught over 60 fish on this day. Yet even still, we remembered some of the big ones that got away. Some of the bruisers we saw flee our boat as we cruised above them. We thought of the fry migration in the spring, and the stonefly hatch in the summer. We knew there were trophy rainbows to be had. So even though we were 100 % content with our day, we all agreed we would have to return. That’s part of what makes a fishery legendary. There is ALWAYS a reason to return.

When that will be, I don’t know; I’ll let the universe decide. n

Wonderous Argentina!

BY REBEKKA REDD

Upon my arrival in Buenos Aires, I was amazed by the stunning building structures of the city. The streets and buildings have a mixture of European and South American vibes.

Meeting me at the airport were friends Felix, who co-owns the lodge we are heading to, and Sam who is a traveling angler and video creator. It was just the start of an incredible fishing journey to this South American country. First, we had to get to the lodge, and this was a six hour trip by car.

During that lengthy road trip we had a few mishaps, including a case of food poisoning for Felix.

We switched drivers and Sam took over the wheel and quickly remembered the basics of driving a standard. I grew up driving manual, but I lost the coin toss to drive. Between the three of us, the jokes and stories made the time fly by. Luckily Felix’s food poisoning had faded by the time we arrived at the lodge.

The Argentine landscape is truly breathtaking. From the city scape to the grassy plains of the countryside to the

towering peaks of the Andes Mountains, there is no shortage of natural and manmade beauty to behold.

During the trip, I had the opportunity to explore a variety of different environments, each with its own unique charms. The Don Joaquin River Lodge is situated in a lush, verdant region populated with greenery and bordered by rolling hills. The air was fresh, and the sound of birds and frogs serenading was music to my ears.

The lodge is home to a wide variety of wildlife, and I spent many hours exploring the surrounding areas and snapping photos of the abundant birds, reptiles including caiman, and other animals that I encountered. From colorful parrots to graceful anacondas, the Corrientes Province is teeming with life.

One of the highlights of my trip was observing the gauchos as they worked their stock near by the lodge. These skilled horsemen are an integral part of Argentine culture, and it was fascinating to watch them in action. I also had the pleasure of seeing Rheas, the largest flightless birds in South America, on several occasions.

These cousins of the ostrich are truly majestic creatures, and I couldn’t resist photographing them every time I spotted one. We had pulled the boat to a sand bar to fish, and in the same moments we spotted a small group of Rhea, and off I went camera in hand to check them out (at a respectful distance).

FISHING WAS SPECTACULAR

Of course, the main attraction of the trip was the fishing. The lodge’s location is close to 2 main rivers that hold a plethora of fish, and I was able to catch numerous species during my stay. From the elusive and feisty Dorado, the Surubi catfish, the ominous Chafalote, to the fierce Pirahna. I was thrilled to catch these bucket list species, some caught before on previous trips to South America! Pacu are also popular to catch in the same waters, but at different times of the year.

Each morning was a full breakfast in the main dinning area, and shortly after it was time to leave for the day. The boats conveniently awaited out front the lodge in the river. At the time of our stay, the

REDD’S GEAR GUIDE

FLY FISHING FOR GOLDEN DORADO (SALMINUS MAXILOSUS)

These powerful and aggressive fish are native to the rivers and streams of South America, and are highly prized for their fighting ability and stunning appearance. To have the best chance of success when fly fishing for Dorado, it’s important to have the right gear. Here are some essential items that you’ll need:

• Fly rod: 8- 9 weight rod - it has enough backbone but is still capable of making delicate presentations.

• Reel: Matching large arbour reel with a smooth drag is a must.

• Fly line: A tropical floating line is a good choice. Pack a 250 - 350 grain sinking line for days that the water is high and coloured.

• Leader and tippet: Dorado have sharp teeth, so it’s important to use a strong 7 1/2 foot(give or take) 25-30lb test leader and approx. 10 inch of wire bite tippet to prevent break-offs. Fluorocarbon is a good choice, as it is pretty invisible to the fish and has a high breaking strength. These are for general fishing conditions and can vary depending on the water, and time of year and size of fish that are being targeted.

• Flies: Dorado are opportunistic feeders and will eat a wide variety of flies. Streamers and large poppers are particularly effective for these fish, make sure the hooks are sharp.

rivers where much higher than normal, causing the water levels to be unusually high and coloured.

We adjusted to the elements, and our tenacity was in full force seeking fish. Every day we found them, but not with out great commitment and time casting! Whew!

All that effort worked up an appetite! Good thing every day included a fire cooked lunch and a siesta in hammocks! Our guides created some incredible lunches, including open fire cooked rib eye and all the trimmings. When in Argentina one becomes a meat-aterian or starve! When I’m home I rarely eat red meat, however one must indulge a little from time to time.

The fishing days ended at about 4 pm with an hour (or more) boat ride back to the lodge. Arriving exhausted yet feeling content from a full day of fishing, it was time to freshen up and get ready for dinner. That’s right, more prime cuts of local grass fed beef, cooked in true Argentine fashion, smoked and seasoned on open fires almost every night. Let’s not forget the empanadas, chicken stew, fresh stuffed pasta, cheeses, garden greens, fruits and fine locally grown Malbec wine. There is no going hungry at this place!

The lodge itself was luxurious, with comfortable rooms and all the amenities one could ask for. The central hub of the lodge is the outdoor veranda and a large, elegantly decorated dining and living room with leather sofas, antique and reclaimed furniture and chandeliers.

There was plenty of unique opportunities during this trip and as luck would have it, I had the amazing chance to spend some time at a polo ranch. Polo in Argentina is a highly competitive and popular sport. I was able to join in on a few matches and even played a bit of polo myself. It was an incredible experience and a great balance to my trip, which had mostly been centred around fishing.

After a successful week at the lodge and time at my friends polo ranch, my crew and I decided to cap off our Argentine travels in Buenos Aires, the capital city of Argentina. This vibrant metropolis was a feast for the senses, with its Europeaninspired architecture and rich cultural offerings. We spent a couple days touring the city, taking in the art, music, markets, food, and enjoying the lively nightlife.

As our trip came to an end, I couldn’t help but feel inspired and grateful for the

amazing experiences I had in Argentina. From fly fishing for bucket list species, to playing polo, drinking fine Argentine wine, and enjoying our cultural immersion, this destination offered a perfect blend of adventure and enjoyment. I left feeling content and already planning my next trip back. Stay tuned for the next destination. Wishing you tight lines and big fish! n

DID YOU KNOW:

Argentina is home to the largest dinosaur ever discovered. The Argentinosaurus, which lived around 100 million years ago, was believed to be over 100 meters (328 feet) long and weigh over 100 tons. Its fossil remains were found in Patagonia, a region in the southern part of the country known for its rugged landscapes and abundant dinosaur fossils.

LODGE INFO

The Don Joaquin river lodge is a true paradise for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts. The lodge comprises of 13 Suites, 2 Living Rooms, 3 Dining Rooms, BBQ Terrace with Wood Oven and a 14m swimming pool. Every suite has its own bathroom, air conditioning, daily maid service and free wi fi.

The Estancia country garden surrounds the lodge, with native Palm, Lapacho and Timbo trees and numerous species of other native Argentine fauna.

The central hub of the lodge is the outdoor veranda and a large elegantly decorated dining

and living room with leather sofas, antique and reclaimed furniture and chandeliers.

With it’s panoramic views of the beautiful Corriente river and large open spaces it is a great venue for corporate events and retreats in addition to families, honeymooners and groups of anglers.

But it’s the outdoor attractions that really make the Don Joaquin river lodge stand out.

The lodge is located on the banks of the Don Joaquin river, which is home to a wide variety of fish. From the elusive Dorado to the fierce Pacu, anglers will

have no shortage of opportunities to test their skills.

The lodge has a staff of excellent and passionate fishing guides with years of knowledge of the local waters.

In addition to the natural attractions, the lodge also offers a range of on-site amenities and activities. The food is truly world-class, with incredible meats cooked and smoked on open fires almost every night. And there are plenty of opportunities for relaxation, from spa treatments to evening fireside gatherings.

www.donjoaquinriverlodge.com

Top 5

Fishing Products from 2022

BY WES DAVID

The 2022 fishing season has come and gone and anglers across the country are now doing battle with a variety of fish species on the hard water.

Each year like so many other anglers I purchase a variety of new fishing and boating products and put them to the test throughout my yearly fishing adventures. However, as we all know, some of these new product work and many do not work. At one time or another, we have all thrown good money at bad fishing products. However, there are some fishing products that have exceeded our expectations. Here are my top 5, 2022 fishing products that exceeded my expectations on the water.

#1. CDN Dock Shox

At the Edmonton Boat & Sportsmen’s show on March 17-20, 2022, a booth called CDN Dock Shoxs caught my eye. As an angler that launches at a wide variety of boat launches throughout the year, I often must tie my boat to the dock. As any boat owner knows, tying your boat to the side of a dock can be very damaging. Your boat can often rub against the dock, creating nicks and scratches in the paint on the side.

If you look at the sides of any boat that has been on the water for a year or more and you are sure to find a couple of nicks and scratches from a dock. Yes, you can have buoys tied to your boat cleats to

create a protective bearer, however, boat buoys take up a great deal of storage room when not in use. As an angler who loves his storage space, I’m always looking for more storage. CDN Dock Shoxs achieve both goals of eliminating nicks and scratches on my boat while taking up very little to no space in my storage compartments.

Dock Shoxs come in sets of two and are made from a rigid high-quality material with a parachute-quality cord material that runs through the rigid tube with quick

Dock Shoxs keep your boat a safe distance away from any boat dock eliminating nicks and scratches on your boat.

#2. Thundermist Lure Company

Thundermist has a variety of lures and terminal tackle. As many anglers know, attention to detail is key and sometimes it’s the little things that make the biggest difference in catching and releasing fish. I do a lot of three-way rigging for lake trout and the T-Turn 3-way swivel from Thundermist Lure Company is truly a game changer.

What makes the T-Turn 3-way swivel so unique from other three-way swivels, is the center of the swivel is free to spin 360 degrees allowing your lure or bait to move freely as attended and eliminating all line twists and tangles at any speed while fishing any depth or structure. The T-Turn 3-way swivel comes in a variety of sizes for a variety of applications and allows an angler to spend more time fishing and less time untangling his/her three-way rig.

#3. Liquid Mayhem

attach carabiners on one end. They are designed for daytime use and easily adapt and safely connect your boat to any dock situation you may encounter at a boat launch. They take up very little space when not in use and can even be stored in your boat’s rod locker without interfering with your fishing rods. But best of all, when in use,

I have been using Liquid Mayhem for years but each year it continues to amaze me. Over the years I have gained a great deal of confidence in Liquid Mayhem. It works under all kinds of fishing conditions, including under the pressures of walleye tournaments where ounces could mean the difference in thousands of dollars.

Liquid Mayhem scent attractant is a paste and comes in a tube which makes it quick and easy to apply to any bait. You can add the scent within seconds to soft and hard plastics, jigs and bottom-bouncing harnesses, and even live and frozen baits.

I’ve used Liquid Mayhem on both freshwater and saltwater fish species including halibut in 300 feet of saltwater and lake sturgeon in the heavily stained and fast-flowing waters of the North Saskatchewan River. I rarely make a cast without it. I truly believe what makes Liquid Mayhem stand above the rest, is not only its powerful scent but also its staying power. Regardless of the fishing conditions, water depth, current conditions, saltwater, or water temperature, including extreme cold-water conditions, such as ice fishing, Liquid Mayhem has an irresistible scent with the staying power to entice and attract fish, regardless of the species under all fishing conditions. No fish can resist the Liquid Mayhem scent attractant!

#4. Len Thompson Lures

These iconic lures have been made in western Canada for over 90 years. Len Thompson Lures is well known for its handmade and hand-painted lures including the legendary Five of Diamonds which is also on display at the local Len Thompson’s Trout Pond in Lacombe, Alberta. By the way this is recognized as the new World Record largest fishing lure.

Len Thompson Lures are also well known for painting custom lures. Anything from logos, and literature, to colour patterns, can be customized onto a Len Thompson Lure. Len Thompson Lures also make the very popular and very effective Dimpled Series of lures and in 2016, the Northern King Lures were added to the Len Thompson Lure family.

The Northern King Lure originated on the east coast and is very effective when fishing salmon and trout species. In the

last three years, I have had amazing success with the Northern King on the west coast for salmon and three-way rigging for lake trout across Canada. However, in the same three years, I have also had incredible success casting and retrieving the Northern King Lures for shallow water northern pike.

It is easy to see why the streamlined profile of the Northern King Lures would be so effective on the Salmonidae species.

However, during the last three fishing seasons, I have been enjoying great success casting and retrieving the lightweight narrow profiled lure overtop of weed beds in the shallow bays across the prairie provinces. As I swim the lure overtop of the weed beds northern pike of all sizes come out of hiding within the weeds and hit the Northern King Lures with all the aggression of a great white shark. The Northern King Lures has become my go-to lures in the spring of the year for shallow water pike.

#5. Canalta Hotels

Now I completely understand that Canalta Hotels are not a fishing product. However, they have made a huge difference in my fishing experiences. Canalta Hotels are in rural communities across the prairie provinces and during the 2022 fishing season,

I stayed at Canalta Hotels from Lac La Biche, Alberta, to Selkirk, Manitoba, and everywhere in between across the prairie provinces, and I can assure you, Canalta Hotels are very angler friendly.

I booked a room at the Canalta Hotel in Selkirk, Manitoba, and as soon as the manager saw I was pulling a boat, she told me exactly where to park to ensure I wouldn’t be blocked in the next morning so I could get on the water early. She also informed me that she would turn on the outdoor plug-ins normally used in the winter for plugging your vehicle in so I could charge my trolling motor batteries. These simple gestures towards an out-of-town angler and an amazing complimentary breakfast made my next three days on the water very rewarding and trouble-free. I had a very similar experience when I was fishing walleye in Lac La Biche, Alberta, and when I stayed at a Canalta Hotel in Tisdale, Saskatchewan.

Whether you’re hunting, fishing, or just passing through, stay at a Canalta Hotel. They support outdoorsmen and women and I now believe Canalta Hotels are as important to my fishing trips as my tackle box.

These are five great products and companies that will truly make a difference for anglers and best of all, all five are Canadian-owned and made right here in Canada. n

NORTHWESTERN ONTARIO AWAITS

BY GLENN & KYLA MCDONALD

For those looking to plan a fishing vacation or destination trip to Sunset Country, January is the time to start thinking about summer. While most of Northwestern Ontario is ice fishing, lodge owners are busy filling their books with summer reservations.

Whether you are from the United States or Canada, winter is the time to start planning your fishing trip of a lifetime. Now is the time to visit Sunset Country. 2022 was amazing all over Northwestern Ontario, you don’t want to miss out!

NOT ALL TRIPS CREATED EQUAL

The number one mistake I see people make when booking a trip to Northwestern Ontario is not understanding what they actually want out of a trip. Budget concerns and availability are certainly high on the list, however many forget what the goal of the trip really is.

Are you looking for a multi species trip, a high numbers, high action trip? Are you looking for that ‘one’ fish of a lifetime? Is

this a family trip mixed with fishing and pleasure boating? The list can go on, the first thing to plan is the goal of your trip. It may be easy for a group of men to plan a fishing trip together, you pick a spot, grab a date and wait for the day to arrive. But did you really do the research? Does everyone in your group share the same passion for fishing as you? While you may be willing to battle mosquitoes until 11pm, they would rather enjoy a cocktail back at camp. Your 5 a.m. wake up call may not be for everyone.

Bring the wife and kids, Sunset Country is the perfect place for a family fishing trip. Do your homework, many lodges are located on beautiful beaches. How many families would say no to that summer vacation?

Set some goals of the trip up front and it will be much easier to plan a trip that can help you achieve them.

WHAT IS YOUR ENDGAME?

My friend, Kevin Wegner, a resident of Wisconsin fishes up in Canada a lot, on a variety of trips. He uses a weekly planner

and plans his days around things like sunrise, sunset, moonrise and moonset. If he is on a canoe trip in Woodland Caribou Provincial Park, he understands the mornings usually start with the least amount of wind, good time for paddling. The afternoons can be spent fishing in secluded bays. The evenings are spent relaxing with a campfire.

If he is on a musky trip on Eagle Lake and the moon rises a half hour ahead of sunset, he knows that is prime time to be on the water. That afternoon can be spent relaxing and having an early dinner to prepare for an exciting evening of casting.

The point is, maximize your time on the water and allow for rest periods. Kevin plans his meals around the best fishing times, not the other way around. Perhaps a storm is expected around noon, that’s the day to be out early and plan to have a late breakfast when you get off the water ahead of the storm.

Planning your time may not work for everyone, but being a father of three, I know you must plan your time to accom-

modate the children. Anyone who brings their kids on a fishing trip can already see the benefit of scheduling ahead of time. Knowing what my endgame is on every trip helps me be more efficient every time I am on the water.

FAMILY AND FISHING JUST LIKE PB&J

Nothing is more exciting than watching your children catch fish, the pure joy they have reeling in a fish. It’s addicting to witness. Quite honestly, helping kids catch a musky is one of the greatest things I ever got to experience in a boat.

Family fishing trips are amazing, or could be amazing. Do not expect young kids, or even teenagers to sit in a boat for eight hours at a time. We learned this lesson long ago. Kids that are uninterested will end your fishing trip faster than a pike can bite off your jig. While musky fishing with our kids, we plan some time out of the boat. A lunch break on the beach, some swimming and snacks can rejuvenate a kid to finish out the day. Many lakes have cool landmarks you can check out, a creek, a waterfall, maybe a hiking trail. Spend some time with the kids doing something they love, and they will spend the time with you doing what you love.

Does your wife just want to relax while dad takes the kids fishing? Or maybe the kids want to hang out at camp while dad chases the same musky for the third day? Many resorts are tailor made for that vacation.

CHECK BOXES FOR FAMILY FUN!

Sunset Country Adventures, on Edward Lake is home to a beautiful beach, complete with water trampoline, water toys

It might be January… Even though it’s winter and you might not be thinking about summer, now is the time to plan for that fishing trip you have always wanted to take. Musky fishing never stops for me, even in the heart of winter I am already planning trips for the summer.

and kayaks. Sure to keep the kids entertained while the parents can relax on the lakeside patio. Owned and operated by Steve and Erin Smith, and their four children, this could be the ultimate family fishing destination. Walleye, perch, bass, trout, pike and musky will keep the angler busy for a week, while the relaxed camp atmosphere will keep the family entertained as well.

https://sunsetcountryadventures.com/

YOU WANT ACTION?

If you have never experienced a Canadian fly out fishing trip you are truly missing out. There is still something primal about being dropped off hundreds of miles away from civilization, even in 2023. No cell phones, no city lights. Just nature surrounding you, oh, and some of the best fishing you will ever experience in your life.

Fly North Outfitters, in Vermilion Bay, Ontario can provide the trip of a lifetime. Five amazing lakes to choose from, including the famous Vaughn Lake, part of the walleye factory that is Lac Seul. You want to catch hundreds of fish a day, every day? Walleye, perch, bass or pike, a fly out trip is like winning the fishing lottery. You owe it to yourself to book a fly out fishing trip. Chris and Nicole Rob will take care of everything. Long gone are the days of shoddy cabins, propane stoves and fridges. Today’s fly out includes Honda generators, on demand hot water and cabins that will make you wish you didn’t have to leave.

https://www.flynorth-outfitters.com/

TROPHY HUNTERS BEWARE NO MORE

Many anglers will tell you they would gladly spend a week chasing a trophy

Are you looking for a multi species trip, a high numbers, high action trip? Are you looking for that ‘one’ fish of a lifetime? Is this a family trip mixed with fishing and pleasure boating? The list can go on, the first thing to plan is the goal of your trip.

fish, at the expense of catching numbers. However, after a day or two of little to no action that can break down even the hardest of anglers. Musky anglers are notorious for being stubborn, casting and casting after that one good bite. But you know what, I’ve seen many fishermen do the same thing chasing pike and smallmouth bass. Why not go somewhere and have the best of both worlds? Numbers and trophy potential!

THE BEST OF BOTH WORLDS

Enter Cedar Lake Lodge. Owned and operated by Wade and Tracy Underhill, this quiet island paradise is right in the heart of giant country. 2022 was the best year in recent memory for fishing on the Cedar Lake/Perrault Lake system. Huge walleyes, amazing bass fishing, crappies and perch by the hundreds, and true trophy sized pike and musky. Cedar Lake has it all, easy to navigate, easy to fish and absolutely loaded with fish. It’s no secret that it is one of our favorite lakes in the whole region. Cedar Lake Lodge is only a short boat ride from highway 105, however you’ll feel like you’re a million miles away when you’re on the deck of your cabin. Cedar Lake might be the best lake to provide you with a chance at a fish of a lifetime, all while keeping you busy reeling in fish all day! https://sportfishin.com n

BARRAMUNDI IN AUSTRALIA

The bite just about ripped the rod out of my hand and in an instant a fish was six feet in the air, jumping on the end of my line. I was doing battle with my first Australian barramundi and it was incredible.

Earlier in the year, fellow Bassmaster Elite Series angler Carl Jocumsen, who is from Australia, invited me over to participate in a few ABT (Australia Barra Tour) events. In an instant, my wife Shelby and I said we were in for this bucket-list trip down under. I was able to spend ten days fishing for these big, awesome fish and then we took in all that we could over another ten days along the east coast of Australia.

The Fishing

I’ve said it a few times now but the best way I can describe these fish is that they can jump seven feet in air and they would pull a musky backwards. We found out right away that if you had any weakness in your equipment, these fish would ex-

ploit it. We had split rings open up, hooks jacked, even the wires ripped out of our swimbaits. We were using 80 lb fluorocarbon leaders when we started and they would chew through that, even without having much more for teeth than a smallmouth bass does. They are just powerful fish and when they clamped down on your line and started jumping, they could chew it off. After some lost fish over the first few days, we beefed up everything and increased our landing percentage.

Barramundi are a saltwater fish that have been stocked in several freshwater reservoirs in Australia, which is where we fished. They call these reservoirs “dams” in Australia and most are relatively small waterbodies compared to what we are used to in Canada. We fished three different dams during our trip (Kinchant, Temburra and Faust) and they were each a few kilometers by a few kilometers in size.

Doing some research before we went over, I learned that many of the same tech-

Every fish catch was an adventure. You had to hook eight to ten to land five

niques that we use for bass will catch barra as well — swimbaits, jerkbaits, topwaters. You would think let’s just bring the musky tackle over but while they are big, aggressive fish, you need to bring some finesse to the table if you want to get bites, so most of the tackle we used was simply heavy bass stuff. Think flipping sticks, 50 lb braided mainline and then the 100 pound fluorocarbon leaders. Some of the anglers over there were using heavy spinning gear as well, with 5000 sized reels.

The Tournaments

Carl and I competed in four different events while we were over there and we actually did pretty good, fishing against the best barramundi anglers in Australia. We took a 3rd at Temburra, 6th at Kinchant, an 18th and a 6th at Faust. All of the events had around 40 teams competing.

The tournaments were similar to our bass tournaments in many ways, with teams fishing for a five fish limit of barra

(which we measure in the boat and then release). Three of the tournaments were eight hours events (4pm to midnight), while one was a 16-hour “all-nighter”, from 4pm to 8am. Before the all-nighter, which is the tournament where we finished 18th, the tournament organizer gave us a couple of sleeping bags in case we wanted to take a rest during the night. I figured I’d be able to just power through but we both ended up sleeping for a few hours. It was a grinder, believe me!

The reason for the late hours for the tournaments was it was hot during the day, with temperatures above 30 degrees Celsius and the barra would actually bite better after dark. In Canada we don’t typically fish at night so that was different

but I enjoyed it. We had a good moon throughout the trip which made it fairly easy to see out there and then we’d wear a headlamp that we could switch on if we needed to net a fish or re-tie a line.

Most of the fish were in the 18-30 pound range but they could get up to 50 pounds. We would measure the fish in centimeters on a “brag mat”, take a photo and then release them. A “good” one would crack the 100 cm line. An average barra was in the 80-90 cm range. The best one that I caught during the trip was a 104 cm fish, while Carl caught a couple of 109’s one night when we were practicing. The big fish caught during the events were in the 110-115 cm range.

Australia

It was the best fishing trip I’ve ever been on. If we had barramundi in Canada, I probably wouldn’t fish for anything else! The bites were savage and after you caught one, you just wanted to catch

6th place at Faust Dam Tournament

My biggest barra of the trip, a 104 cm beauty

Shelby and I on our flight over the Great Barrier Reef

another one. The people over there was top-notch as well. The tournament anglers were all great, offering to help us out, giving us tips and always having a cold beer ready at the end of the fishing activities. They are awesome people.

Away from the fishing, Shelby and I were able to visit the Australia Zoo in Brisbane, which is operated by the late Steve Irwin’s family. We were able to

get up close with kangaroos and koala bears, which was fun. We took a scenic flight over the Great Barrier Reef on our last day there, which was amazing. Getting to fish out there will be on the bucket-list the next time we go over there!

The food in Australia is superb, with the best fruit and seafood I’ve ever had. The coffee is also the best I’ve had. You don’t see any drip-coffee machines over there like we use in North America, instead most coffee is made with an espresso machine — it was so good. It really was the trip of a lifetime.

If anybody is looking to go on a oncein-a-lifetime trip, consider Australia. While we didn’t do the saltwater thing, there are some incredible saltwater fishing opportunities as well. n

ON THE ROAD WITH

A new fishing season is about to start up for me, with the first Bassmaster Elite Series event of the year taking place in mid-February down in Florida, at legendary Lake Okeechobee. It’s always an exciting time of year, getting to get back in the boat and start the tournament season. We have two events in Florida before the Bassmaster Classic in March, which is taking place on the Tennessee River, where I won in 2021, so obviously, I’m very excited for that event!

Speaking of my boat, I’m running a new Lund 2075 Pro-V Bass boat, the same as I’ve been fishing out of since 2017. This is my office and I have it rigged out with the best equipment to compete against the best bass anglers in the World. I have used the Humminbird Helix machines since they hit the market nearly a decade ago but I’ve made the switch this year to their Apex and Solix machines, which are a little more advanced. I’ve put off doing this the past several years because I knew how to do everything I wanted to on the Helix units and they work great but I wanted to run these newer machines for some of the advanced options they offer. I’m sure they’ll have some learning curve for me to get used to them but I’m excited to use the new units.

You can follow all of the action on the Elite Series throughout the season on the Bassmaster website. Another local anger, and good friend – Jamie Bruce – is competing in the Bassmaster Opens this year, with hopes of qualifying for the Elite Series so be sure to keep up with his results and cheer him on

HuntFishMB Recipes

Butter Burbot & Flatbread

BY JOSH MCFADDIN

Butter chicken has got to be the most popular dish coming out of the kitchen at an East Indian restaurant and with good reason. It’s hot, can be a pinch spicy, has a great tang and packs a large amount of flavour in its sauce. I had always wanted to make a butter chicken dish with burbot instead. Burbot fillets have such a great texture to them and hold up well when stirred into a sauce; unlike some other flaky white fish meats that tend to fall apart. Also, as my favourite freshwater fish to eat, I am always looking for new ways to slide this unique fish into new dishes — and thus spawned this incredible burbot recipe.

FLATBREAD

2-½ Cups of all-purpose flour

½ teaspoon of baking powder

1 Cup of greek yogurt

Salt

Butter (for spreading on later)

BUTTER BURBOT RECIPE

Fresh meat from one burbot, cut into 1” chunks 1 jar of Butter Chicken sauce (feel free to make it from scratch, if you like)

½ red onion, sliced

2 cups of cooked Jasmine or Basmati rice

Cilantro

HOW TO MAKE IT

Let’s start with the flatbreads. Mix together the flour, baking powder and a pinch of salt. Then add the yogurt and stir until you form a dough. If it’s a touch sticky, that’s alright, but if it is dry, you’ll want to add a touch more yogurt or a pinch of water until everything comes together.

Flour a flat surface and roll out a palm-sized ball of dough until it’s flat, about a ¼” in thickness.

Place the rolled dough into a preheated pan, lightly oiled and on medium heat until one side is toasted. Flip and repeat on the other side. This should only take a minute.

As the flatbreads come off of the pan, brush with butter, stack and set aside.

For the butter burbot, start with a lightly oiled pan and toss in the onion and burbot.

As soon as your burbot chunks are cooked through, add the jar of sauce and it’s done as soon as it starts to bubble.

Serve over rice, dust with fresh cilantro and enjoy your Butter Burbot with your gooey flatbreads.

If you liked this Butter Burbot Recipe, and want to learn additional recipes, see up to date Manitoba Fishing reports, and so much more, visit our website at HuntFishMB.com.

In this adventure, I travelled to Lake Manitoba to target walleye in this shallow lake with the hope of hooking into one of their aggressive bottom dwelling burbs during the twilight period at sunset. As luck would have it, we caught a few and were able to cook up this amazing dish the next day. No butter chicken dishes are complete without a little bit of flatbread, which is always a fan favourite! So included in this recipe is also a recipe that will most definitely scratch the itch for hot and buttery naan bread that’s easy to make and only requires a few simple ingredients to prepare.

Check out the full video at YouTube. com/HuntFishMB

Man Overboard!

>BY JOHN TOONE, ILLUSTRATION BY CHLOE BROWN

The Ups and Downs

It will all come together. It will all fall apart. These likelihoods play on the minds of anglers and hunters. We are more than ready to lay our hands on a freak of nature, and yet, we are not afraid to give pause if we find ourselves assuming ongoing roles in worst-case scenarios.

And so, as a new season approaches, we reflect and adjust and laugh at ourselves and shake our heads in wonder how we got so stupid and yet so darn lucky.

Careful thought is required for a successful outing. It is a real problem when you are not having fun. And I don’t mean just having fun in the moment. We can expect and prepare for very real low points, struggles and frustrations, and this is the normal wear-and-tear of a life outdoors. But when you are not having fun because of an injury, that can get you down in a hard way.

A buddy and I flew into moose camp in late August, armed with fishing rods and chainsaws and brushsaws and all sorts of crazy energy. But then I woke that first morning with the kind of lower back pain that I know too well to be of the very worst variety. Imagine a disjointed robot crumpled in a heap of sparks and then flames.

Still when able, we explored the changes to the landscape including examples of beavers doing whatever they damn well please. We caught our fill of walleye, and on the same leaderless crankbait, I brought a fifteen-pound pike close enough to touch. Buddy was choked when it broke-off. I was

happy that we didn’t tip the canoe or catch ourselves on an errant treble hook.

It is spooky to feel incapable when off-grid. But so it is. Eventually, all that I could think about was the moose hunt, one month away. It hurts the worst, the anticipation of having to tell your hunting buddies that you are out. One less person to work the camp and hunt, a set of hands however skilled, a set of eyes to help will a moose into view. There is a lot that gets done to earn that week-long hunt. It feels like an accomplishment and privilege to even being able to try for moose. Bowing out felt weak and entirely crushing.

Thankfully, the boys went out there and got it done. For the first time in many attempts, there was a young bull moose hanging in camp to show for our efforts, plus encounters with other bulls. The meal that night, paired with grouse, I can almost taste, almost. I will be in camp to hunt next year. And it felt better to get together upon their return for the good part of a day to butcher all that fine meat.

I felt like I had something to prove going into deer season. My property is in the zone where a second deer tag is available, and I feed two teenagers. That morning, I took a doe, one of two that appeared from nowhere at forty yards. That evening, I tagged the biggest buck that I have shot in my twenty years of whitetail hunting. I was happy, so happy, and dumbstruck. Breathing heavy and heart racing, then quiet and present, feeling the

weight of the animal, and grateful for the chance to get my head right again.

Other buddy also experienced his share of setbacks this year. We hunted most every weekend through bow and muzzleloader and rifle seasons. While others saw deer most every sit, he had little opportunity. Then, he watched the biggest buck on the property make a scrape inside of seventy-five yards from his stand. When the shot presented itself, he quite calmly whiffed it, a clean miss, likely a deflection from an unseen branch. Devastation set in hard. And it was into December until redemption came with another two-deer day.

Over the holidays we got together for our annual Shanksgiving dinner. This originated when I opened my big mouth about how good deer shanks can taste. Prior, no one wanted shanks and I would end up with more legs than a ZZ Top video. Now we share in the feast of Shanksgiving to remind ourselves of our great pursuits and those moments each season when everything negative in life goes silent and your surroundings become amplified. We thrive in wait for that opportunity to catch something good. It all seems tastier when made to feel that hunger first. n

The field work of Dr. Vince Crichton is now archived at www.docmoose.com. Please visit this dynamic website to learn more about moose in Manitoba and to share in Vince’s writing and resources for moose hunters.

TICKETS ARE AVAILABLE (CASH ONLY )

UNTIL MARCH 16, 2023 AT:

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Keystone Resort , West Hawk Lake 204-349-2250

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The Fishin’ Hole 204-586-8021

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