2021 Sydenham Sportsman's Annual

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NIAGARA-ON-THE-LAKE 300 Taylor Rd. Ste A1

OTTAWA 3065 Palladium Dr.

VAUGHAN 1 Bass Pro Mills Dr.

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Proud Sponsor of the

Salmon Spectacular

for 33 years!!

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Welcome to the 33rd Annual Owen Sound Salmon Spectacular

P.O. Box 264, Stn. Main Owen Sound, Ontario, Canada N4K 5P3 Phone: (519) 376-7177 www.sydenhamsportsmen.com

Editors

Chris Geberdt SuAnn Geberdt

Photo Contributors

Kayley Geberdt, Debbie Thomson, John Ford, Ashley Rae, Brook Schryer, Rob Cameron, Mike Prevost, Jack Osadzuk, Mark Stiffel, Chris Geberdt, Dustin Rhodes, Paul Maddison, Ross Shaw, Robert J. Pye, Ray McKenzie, Stacey Urbshott, Alison Chmara, Cate Bester, Stu Paterson, Matt Hartnagle, Amanda Lynn Mayhew, Lindsay Geberdt Maxfield, Steve Bartley

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is published by the Sydenham Sportsmen’s Association,

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Scott Grimoldby, President Sydenham Sportsmen’s Association

We, like so many other events, had to take a year off due to the Pandemic, but we look forward to bringing back this fabulous event.

We don’t know at present what we will be able to offer, but the organizers are active and excited to once again share in some great fishing adventures and activities to finish off the summer.

I truly thank those who have supported us in past events and have stayed with our Festival to support us throughout these unprecedented times. I for one hope our situation improves and we are able to offer multiple activities for everyone

who will be joining us to have a great time.

Wherever you may be from, we hope you spend some relaxing time and enjoy our beautiful community. Please support those who support us, be well and most of all enjoy yourself.

I look forward to getting together again soon to enjoy the great bounties of our Community and what our local businesses have to offer. I wish everyone the best of luck in this years event.

Stay safe both on and off the water and may you all have a fishing adventure that will make memories to last a lifetime.

Editorial Contributors

Lindsay Geberdt Maxfield, Chris Geberdt, Debbie Thomson, Brook Schryer, Ashley Rae, Jack Osadzuk, John Ford, Mark Stiffel, Dustin Rhodes, Paul Maddison, Ross Shaw, Robert J. Pye, Craig Geberdt, Ray McKenzie, Stacey Urbshott, Alison Chmara, Cate Bester, Stu Paterson, Matt Hartnagle, Amanda Lynn Mayhew

Advertising

Chris Geberdt, Tom Carrick, Stacey Urbshott

Layout & Typesetting Ken McMillan

Design and & Publishing Consultants The Frog Prints 427 First St., Shallow Lake, ON

Printing

Transcontinental Printing - RBW Graphics 2049 20th Street East Owen Sound, Ontario N4K 5R2 1-519-371-5171 The Owen Sound Salmon Spectacular is a published trademark in accordance with the requirements of the Canadian Trade-Marks Act. Use of this mark is prohibited unless the express consent of the Sydenham Sportsmen’s Association is received.

Cover Photo: Fred Geberdt and his Bird Dog Fergie

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Awarded “MOST RELIABLE BRAND”

Proud to be the

OFFICIAL VEHICLE SPONSOR of the Salmon Spectacular for 20 years!

GREY MOTORS MAZDA 519-376-2240 www.greymotors.com 4.8/5

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Thank You for being a part of the D

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The Salmon Spectacular Co-Chairs

and was a Co-Chair for all 32 years.

Fred Geberdt was a workhorse behind all the derbies. He lost a hard fought and courageous battle with cancer in late 2020. Fred was a fixture in planning with the Mike Prevost Chris Geberdt John Ford derby committee, setting up all the equipment and taking it down Elsewhere in the magazine, you will see after the finish. We know some of the Conservation Projects that we Last year, many that other tributes will be have completed in 2019 and 2020 courtesy “We know that plans and efforts were in the magazine but when of the money you have spent. As well, our thwarted by Covid-19 other tributes will we lose a special friend Hatcheries are full of Chinook Salmon which developments and we and partner, it needs to be in the magazine will be stocked when the time is right. know that the 33rd may be highlighted. but when we lose a very well look different Of course, safety is our main concern.

We want to thank all in 2021, depending on special friend and Make sure you have a life jacket for each our retail outlets that sell pandemic developments. person in your boat along with the other partner, it needs to be the Salmon Spectacular However, we are required safety equipment. Remember, derby tickets. Watson’s highlighted.” committed to creating an boating and alcohol don’t mix!

Tackle House has been event that the public will and still is in the forefront All the best, on behalf of Chris Geberdt, enjoy. of Derby Ticket Sales. Gary, Cheryl and Drew Mike Prevost and myself.

We want to pay tribute to a gentleman Watson have been involved since Day 1 and John Ford, OSSS Co-Chair deserve special thanks. who was part of every Salmon Spectacular We want to welcome you on behalf of the three Co-Chairs and the many members of the Sydenham Sportsmen’s Association.

We thank you for participating in this years event and wish you the very best of luck. As well, we very much want to thank the many sponsors who help to make this event a reality each year.

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FEDERAL MEMBER OF PARLIAMENT Welcome all, I want to start off by thanking everyone who is involved with the Salmon Spectacular. It is truly a tremendous undertaking to organize an event of this magnitude, with such success year after year. I know that so many are excited for the event to be happening this year after the one-year hiatus due to the Covid-19 pandemic. When it was announced the event would be returning this year, it was a welcome announcement and something to look forward to after a challenging year.

The Salmon Spectacular has become a famed yearly tradition in BruceGrey-Owen Sound, where thousands of anglers and their families come to Owen Sound in hopes of making a big catch. The event is a huge driver of regional tourism and local economic development. The organizers of the event have always ensured that there is something for everyone; you don’t have to be an angler to enjoy the festivities and entertainment. The Owen Sound Salmon Spectacular will look different this year as a result of the Covid-19 pandemic, however the organizers have worked hard to ensure that the fishing derby with a scaled down version of the events tent can still happen despite all the challenges presented.

I also want to thank the Sydenham Sportsmen’s Association and the Bruce Peninsula Sportsmen’s Association for all their work and contributions to our communities, including their conservation activities that happen yearround which includes operating the hatchery and developing healthy salmon to be released into Owen Sound harbour.

The Salmon Spectacular is a true celebration of our rural way of life in every way, from the enjoyment of the outdoors, the competition, and how the event brings the entire community together.

Thank you again to everyone for their tireless work to ensure the Salmon Spectacular 2021 will be a huge success! I look forward to seeing you all at the derby tent as I look forward to volunteering once again!

Sincerely, Alex Ruff, MSC, CD Member of Parliament Bruce-Grey-Owen Sound

Ray Marklevitz (left), Bruce Peninsula Sportsmen’s Association Vice President Mike Smith (right), scooping yearling rainbow trout into buckets for stocking.

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PROVINCIAL MEMBER OF PARLIAMENT While Covid-19 prevented a derby in 2020, I look forward to the traditional fun-filled family event that highlights and promotes the amazing sport of fishing that your group of dedicated individuals has organized and hosted for 32 years!

A great event takes the dedication of the organizing committee, hundreds of committed volunteers, generous sponsors and all the enthusiastic men, women and children who love fishing. It is truly remarkable that the Owen Sound Salmon Spectacular, which started as a little local derby, has blossomed into the biggest family fishing festival in North America.

The ‘Spectacular’ gets better every year and is a major economic driver in our community bringing in visitors from all over Ontario, throughout Canada, our friends & neighbours in the United States as well as international guests. I have spoken with many who have been participating in the derby since the first year and who plan their vacations around the derby in order to come back and visit the ‘Sound.’

It is very gratifying to see how the Salmon Spectacular has grown over the years. Fishing continues to be a core activity (with lots of fish being caught to the delight of everybody who enjoys the fillets at the popular fish fry’s) and the event has also expanded to include a kid’s day, a ladies day, a fashion show, Elvis gospel, bingo, raffles, contests and many more fun activities.

There is no doubt this is a family festival of fish, fun and fellowship and music with major entertainment provided every day and night.

I extend my congratulations to every person involved in making this event so special. The organizers, committee members, and countless volunteers of the Sydenham Sportsmen’s Association, performers and sponsors all deserve credit for their continued efforts and dedication. And, of course, all the anglers who bring their gear and expertise and venture out onto the water looking for the big one (and the big prize!)

It has been a pleasure to attend and volunteer at the Owen Sound Salmon Spectacular Fishing Derby each year since I have been elected as MPP for the great riding of Bruce-Grey-Owen Sound. I look forward to seeing everyone there again this year, and to ‘continue to serve.’

Good luck to all anglers and a warm welcome to visitors and friends, both new and old!

P.S. It is with sadness and utmost respect, admiration and appreciation that I pay homage to the family of the late Fred Geberdt, long-time volunteer and one of the founders of the derby, who passed away recently. The Salmon Spectacular is what it is because of the devotion and leadership of Fred, and may his legacy always be that multitudes of people will enjoy fishing and the great outdoors for decades as a result of his devotion to conservation and stewardship. RIP Fred.

Bill Walker MPP Bruce-Grey-Owen Sound

BILL WALKER

MPP, Bruce-Grey-Owen Sound

MPP Bill Walker, left, supporting our Ontario Federation of Anglers and Hunters Conservation Dinner with Chris and Fred Geberdt

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519-371-2421 ▪ 1-800-461-2664 bill.walkerco@pc.ola.org www.billwalkermpp.com

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OWEN SOUND Greetings from Ian Boddy Mayor, City of Owen Sound As Mayor and on behalf of City Council, I welcome you to our beautiful City and to the 33rd Annual Owen Sound Salmon Spectacular.

Owen Sound is a proud supporter of this annual event as we welcome thousands of competitors to our region. Our volunteers, community involvement, and gathering with friends and family are a big part of what makes the Owen Sound Salmon Spectacular a success. The fishing derby may look a bit different this year as social distancing and wearing masks may still be in place, however, it will happen!

If you are visiting our community, I hope that you will take the time to enjoy our sights and hospitality.

We love our boating, fishing, and swimming at our waterfront beaches. We love our arts and culture. We have unique shopping and restaurants in our heritage downtown. We are closely entwined with our pristine natural environment with great views of the Niagara Escarpment and the blue waters of Georgian Bay. There is something here for everyone!

I hope you enjoy your time with us and return soon.

Have a Spectacular Time!

His Worship Ian Boddy, Mayor, Corporation of the City of Owen Sound

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COUNTY OF GREY Greetings and welcome to the 33rd Annual Owen Sound Salmon Spectacular!

We are so delighted that this wonderful event has returned for 2021 following last year’s cancellation due to Covid-19 restrictions. Organizers have worked hard to ensure it will be the best it can be, given these unpredictable times.

The Salmon Spectacular has become so much more than just a fishing derby. It’s time spent in the beautiful outdoors which has become so important this year, and it’s a family tradition for so many. It brings a group of passionate individuals together, with a common interest of fishing for sport, enjoying time on the water and making memories. Whether this is your first year, or your 33rd, we wish you all the best out on the fresh waters of Georgian Bay. When you’re not out searching for the ultimate catch, I hope you’ll take the time to experience all that Grey County has to offer. Check out our fantastic tourism website www.visitgrey.ca to learn more about our wide selection of culinary experiences, holiday rental locations, outdoor attractions, and so much more! Plan an adventure on a trail hike or enjoy a picnic lunch along the water. There is always something new to discover in the County of Grey; we hope you love it!

Finally, for all their hard work and dedication, I wish to thank the Sydenham Sportsmen’s Association.

Their unwavering passion for this event and efforts, are the reason why the Owen Sound Salmon Spectacular continues to be one of the most successful events of the year.

Best of luck, stay safe, and enjoy the bay – we’re all so happy you’re here!

Selwyn “Buck” Hicks Grey County Warden

TOWNSHIP OF GEORGIAN BLUFFS As a summer staple, the annual Owen Sound Salmon Spectacular brings our community together and maintains the integrity of one of our strongest regional pillars – a love for the beautiful outdoors.

While their 2021 event may have a different appearance than that of years past, I look forward to joining the Sydenham Sportsmen’s Association as they once again welcome us back to the outdoors, surrounded by the crystal clear waters of Georgian Bay. I encourage you to set your alarms, install some bait on your lure and join the activities, however different they may look. Stay safe and healthy, and always remember to consult local public health guidelines prior to making your plans.

“See you on the bay!”

Dwight Burley Mayor, Township of Georgian Bluffs

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COUNTY OF BRUCE As the Owen Sound Harbour bustles with activity for the 33rd Annual Owen Sound Salmon Spectacular, it is my pleasure as mayor of the Town of South Bruce Peninsula, to welcome participants, residents and tourists to a much-anticipated annual summer event. This fun and exciting angling competition, organized and hosted by the Sydenham Sportsmen’s Association (SSA) continues to grow in popularity thanks to the creativity and dedication shown by its members and the hundreds of volunteers, sponsors and participants who contribute to its success. The Salmon Spectacular has reached beyond the angling community to include so many other facets of the population. People who love good music, good food, the thrill of friendly, sportsman-like competition and a chance to connect with others in the community, are never disappointed with the variety of events provided throughout these lively days.

The Sydenham Sportsmen’s Association (SSA) is truly a unique organization with one foot placed in historical tradition and the other foot placed firmly in ecological concerns for the future. Members continue to foster interest and participation in the time-honoured skills of hunting and fishing, which were such an integral part of life in the past. They also recognize the need for environmental consideration of future generations and fulfill this recognition in several different ways. The Salmon Spectacular is an important fundraising event which allows them continued community outreach through education, conservation projects and the encouragement of skills which are still valued for their connection to nature, sport and self-sufficiency – skills that just can’t be learned on a computer! The SSA is a special community which gives back to the community and also reminds us to be self-aware in this wonderful, wild, natural world of ours that we sometimes forget to “see”!

I hope that visitors and residents alike will take advantage of the holiday atmosphere of the Salmon Spectacular to explore Bruce County and all of her lovely small towns. From the Scottish flavours of Kincardine, to historic Teeswater and Paisley, or the gentle shores of Southampton and beautiful Sauble Beach. Take a trip up the picturesque Bruce Peninsula through Wiarton to Tobermory, our quaint shops, cafes and stunning bike & hiking trails await you.

We live in an incredible corner of the world and we want to share it with you!

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Janice Jackson Bruce County Warden Mayor, Town of South Bruce Peninsula

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MUNICIPALITY OF MEAFORD The Municipality of Meaford is so pleased to be part of the 33rd annual Salmon Spectacular.

Each year as this event grows, it brings more and more anglers to the shores of Georgian Bay for an unparalleled fishing experience. Visitors keep coming back every year with the hope of reeling in the catch of the day and to enjoy everything our area has to offer.

When you’re not on the water, there are many parks, trails, and activities to enjoy. Learn more about the area with a visit to the Meaford Museum, or take in a show at our iconic Meaford Hall. There is no shortage of great restaurants and farm-to-table dining experiences, giving you a taste of what Meaford is all about. Find out more at www.lovemeaford.ca.

The Salmon Spectacular brings together friends, family and visitors to enjoy the beauty and bounty of Georgian Bay, and none of it would be possible without the dedicated volunteers who make this event happen. Thank you to the Sydenham Sportsmen’s Association for your hard work in organizing this event and making it bigger and better each year.

Barb Clumpus Mayor, Municipality of Meaford

Municipality of Meaford Council Members

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ONTARIO FEDERATION OF ANGLERS & HUNTERS

ONTARIO FEDERATION OF ANGLERS HUNTERS P.O. Box 2800, 4601 Guthrie Drive, Peterborough, Ontario K9J 8L5 Phone: (705) 748.6324 • Fax: (705) 748.9577 • Visit: www.ofah.org • Email: ofah@ofah.org

It’s that time of year again for the always-popular Owen Sound Salmon Spectacular, which is all set to go for an impressive 33rd year running.

For close to four decades this event has been a first-rate experience for everyone involved especially the attendees. And that is thanks in large part to the time and effort of the Sydenham Sportsmen’s Association (SSA) and the hundreds of volunteers that work tirelessly on putting this together each year. The Ontario Federation of Anglers and Hunters is proud to call SSA a member club and we can’t say enough about the conservation work they do in the Owen Sound region, as it greatly benefits fish and wildlife in this area.

Putting this event together has likely proven to be as challenging as ever in 2021 with the situation around the Covid-19 pandemic, so extra kudos goes out to everyone involved in the planning and execution of things this year. Your continued dedication to this event is admirable in so many ways. The long-standing success is simply amazing and something everyone should remain proud of.

On behalf of the 100,000 members, subscribers and supporters, and 740 member clubs of the OFAH, our heartfelt congratulations goes out to all of those involved in making this event such a success year after year.

Yours in Conservation,

Angelo Lombardo Executive Director Ontario Federation of Anglers and Hunters

Catch us at the Salmon Spectacular!

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Editorially Speaking Put The Year 2020 Behind Us – Looking forward to Positive Times Ahead For 2021

Where do you even begin we waited patiently to get thinking of what a year 2020 off the elevator, a young was! Similar to a fog slowly woman began talking about rolling over a lake and you this virus on a Cruise ship. Of hope it will fade away so you course, this had Earl hook, can see the beautiful sunrise. line and sinker, listening Most of us hoped it was intently as she told everyone only a dream and we would in the crowded elevator how wake up with everything she was stranded on the

by Chris Geberdt back to normal. As each day Cruise ship for over 2 weeks passed, it would be but a because of the Covid-19 mere figment of our imagination that virus. Social distancing, masks and this could even be true. We prayed and alcohol sanitizer wasn’t even on the wished that it was finally behind us radar for protecting yourself from the and we could get back to a way of life virus at this time. Not knowing what that we so much enjoyed. It was like a this virus was, I wasn’t waiting around mirage in the far distance overlooking to get an up close description by this a roadway and nothing was even there, young lady. If you know me and my in comparison to the Covid-19 virus not personality, my anxiety usually gets being able to see the end. the better part of me and I couldn’t get off the elevator quick enough. Good It reminds me of a movie I watched old Earl, he spoke to her for another 15 as a young child called Outbreak. I minutes until I informed him he would can still imagine Dustin Hoffman, the have to take the bus to the boat show. premier actor in this film, getting off

Chris Geberdt with his 7 Ib Northern Pike caught at Northern Walleye Lodge on Dog Lake.

On Saturday, March 7th we had our annual OFAH & Owen Sound Area Conservation Dinner hosted by the Sydenham Sportsmen’s Association.

Who could even imagine that our Conservation Dinner would go ahead just under the wire before the provincial lockdown took place on Friday, March 13th. Were we just lucky to have the dinner or was someone above looking out for the conservation fundraiser?

This would turn out to be a lifeline for our organization and the fish hatchery as most non-for-profit organizations struggled with no fundraising abilities throughout this difficult year.

the helicopter in his white protective suit warning everyone to stay in their homes and not to come out. It was like the provincial lockdown everyone withstood this past year, and who in their right mind would have even thought this would come to be a reality like we all experienced.

We had just started our show circuit in January 2020 at the Toronto Boat Show, promoting the Owen Sound Salmon Spectacular when we first even heard the words Covid-19. I still remember both Earl Jack and myself descending in the elevator at the Hampton Inn near Toronto airport, only to begin our 10 day adventure at the boat show. As

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Earl Jack and Chris Geberdt at the Toronto Sportsmen Show promoting the 2019 Owen Sound Salmon Spectacular.

It wasn’t long before major events throughout the Province were being cancelled or postponed beginning with the Toronto Sportsmen Show.

Owen Sound Salmon Spectacular Volunteers at the Toronto Sportsmen Show in 2019, one of many events cancelled in 2020.

Left to right Lindsay Geberdt Maxfield, SuAnn Geberdt, Marg Legate, Garry Legate, Margret Hedges, Chris Hedges, Gord Hedges, Kory Maxfield, Dava Mottoo, Chris Mottoo, Jim Glaves, Earl Jack and Chris Geberdt

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Like everyone, I was scared, worried and experiencing Covid-19 fatigue from being stuck at home for 3 months. We didn’t know what to do, as it was the unknown of this virus. We couldn’t go fishing as all the local boat ramps were closed, line-ups at the grocery stores developed and the world was changing faster than the road runner and the coyote on Bug’s Bunny. People flocked to the stores to stock up on toilet paper, paper towels, masks, hand sanitizer and store shelves became empty. It seemed like time paused for a moment, like the pause button on your TV remote and the Covid-19 virus eventually was declared a pandemic across the world.

We began to realize this was not going to leave us anytime soon and like most events, the 2020 Owen Sound Salmon Spectacular festival became a casualty of the Covid-19 virus. On Thursday April 30th, 2020 the Owen Sound Salmon Spectacular committee sadly made the decision to postpone the 33rd Annual Fishing Derby. It was decided in the best interest of the general public and our many volunteers, we would reschedule it for Friday August 27th to Sunday September 5th, 2021.

The support for the Owen Sound Salmon Spectacular was uplifting with e-mails, letters and phone calls showing how important this event was to Owen Sound & area. The positive response from the 2020 fishing derby sponsors and friends were in all honesty, “unbelievable.” We cannot thank you enough for the tremendous outpouring of support that everyone displayed throughout this most difficult year.

TRIBUTES TO LOVED ONES WE LOST IN 2020-21 I can relate firsthand how much losing a loved one hurts so much. We hold on and treasure all the great memories, pictures and stories that we loved so much to hear, cherish each and every day. Remember folks, hope is a good thing……”maybe the best of things” and “no good thing never dies” (quote from the movie Shawshank Redemption.) I can honestly say, each person we lost in 2020-21 “were good people in our lives” and they will always live on in our loved ones forever.

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Fred Geberdt and Wyatt Farquharson (sitting on ground), Mike Prevost (far right) beside Shane Ruther (far left) Kennydi, Tyson and Brian Farquharson planting trees on some of the Sydenham Conservation Foundation properties.

In early January 2020, my dad (Fred Geberdt) was once again diagnosed with cancer, bringing his fight to well over 16 years. He was determined to beat this relentless disease, always showing how brave and strong a man he really was. I have never known or met anyone that worked so hard and kept his family so close to his heart, always staying true to his beliefs in the great outdoors.

Going forward we wanted to change the channel, providing Owen Sound, I am so proud to say Meaford, Wiarton and he was my father, as Grey & Bruce Counties “I am so proud to say he taught me many some very positive news he was my father, as things in life. Some of that our event will be he taught me many the more memorable taking place in 2021. experiences were things in life.”

WE’RE BACK! The Owen how he taught me to Sound Salmon Spectacular sleep in a snow bank will look somewhat different because with limited resources, drink tea from of Covid-19, however, we will be having tree leaves and brush your teeth with the fishing derby with over $150,000 Red-osier dogwood. Believe me, that in prizes. Unfortunately with Covid-19, was only a tip of the iceburg which you may see a scaled down version of usually shows only one quarter of the events tent. However, we will build itself out of water. He was a wealth of around Covid-19, allowing us to do our information, always bringing the best events tent & fishing derby in a safe and out in me as a young man, repeating the responsible manner.

Brother-in-law Del Clark and Fred Geberdt sitting in the Little Mummichug on one of their many fishing adventures on the Saugeen River. words over and over to be kind, honest, positive and work hard.

As everyone by now is aware, he lost his courageous battle with cancer and passed away peacefully on a very sunny afternoon Tuesday, December 15th, 2020. We not only lost a true environmentalist for the great outdoors, but we lost a pioneer of the Owen Sound Salmon Spectacular. He was one of the original organizers and a Co-chair for the 32 years of the Owen Sound Salmon Spectacular’s existence.

It has been a very difficult year, however one of my dad’s final wishes was to stay involved and remember what he taught me growing up. If you quit and get discouraged always remember what you are striving to accomplish in life. Remember the only things you will be hurting in the end is the cause itself, which for us was stocking fish and conservation projects.

I will continue to follow in his footsteps and as one person told me, “the apple doesn’t fall far from the tree.” (For more on the celebration of his life on my dad Fred Geberdt, please refer to the article beginning on page 26 written by a good friend Jack Osadzuk)

MPP Bill Walker and Derby Co-chairs Mike Prevost, John Ford, Bill Douglas and Fred Geberdt at one of our Sponsor Days at the clubhouse.

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Bob Pegg was a Conservation Officer in the Wingham area for 38 years.

Bob Pegg of Bluevale passed away peacefully on Friday March 20, 2020 after a brief but courageous battle with cancer. He was treasured by his wife Susan of almost 48 years. He will be sadly missed by his sons Shane, Joel and his daughter Christa.

Bob was an amazing husband, father, brother and grandpa with his family.

He worked as a Conservation Officer for more than 38 years in the Wingham area. Bob was an avid outdoors person, who loved sports, hunting and fishing, along with spending quality time with his family. I had the opportunity to work with Bob over my enforcement career and what fond memories they were for me. Many times in life you have those moments or experiences that you treasure forever and you will

never forget. Bob was this for me when I wrote my first Provincial Offences Notice (P.O.N.) in my first year as a Park Warden at Ipperwash Provincial Park. I experienced my first goose hunt with both Bob and his son Joel. Every day I think of my memories and the picture that is on my desk at home of Bob, Joel and myself holding the geese from our hunt.

I still remember one cool night while on patrol with Bob like it was yesterday.

We were sitting directly across from the Port Albert fish ladder when he started telling me about a man he had caught years before fishing in the fish ladder.

Bob continued to tell me the story of this individual fishing in the fish ladder, when with an astonishing look on his face, he stopped talking, as his voice changed, “like that person right now fishing in the fish ladder.” It was unbelievable and like Bob’s friendly personality he decided to educate the individual with a warning. We both uncontrollably started to laugh as we walked back to the enforcement vehicle.

Bob turned to me and said, “I am sure that experience wouldn’t happen again this way in a hundred years.”

Bob is that one person in my life that affected me in such a positive way. I am so thankful I had the opportunity to be his friend and work with him to start my career with the Ministry of Natural Resources. He will be forever missed for

his smile, laughter and the adventurer he was for the great outdoors.

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Jim Merriam calling Bingo during The Owen Sound Sun Times Seniors’ Day at the Salmon Spectacular for many years!

There was great sadness in the Tara area as Jim’s family shared the news of his passing on September 19, 2020.

Jim passed peacefully in the Chesley Hospital, a hospital whose continued existence today is in large part owed to Jim’s relentless lobbying to prevent its closure. He was surrounded by the love of his family as he finally succumbed after a 21-year battle with cancer. Jim’s best friend and wife Mary Ruth was also by his side as she has been for so many years. Jim will be sadly missed by his children Kiera, Cathy, Pam and Tyson.

In 1992, Jim returned for a third time to The Owen Sound Sun Times to serve as editor, something he was

Chris Geberdt, Fred Geberdt, Geoff Ford, Craig Geberdt and John Ford with their catch at Northern Walleye Lodge on Dog Lake. (see related article on Page 131)

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great at doing. This would be my first experience meeting Jim and getting to know him with all the dealings through the Owen Sound Salmon Spectacular.

As time pushed on, I became a popular fan of Jim’s Funny Farm column that was well-known and well-read. Jims topics ranged from opinions on newsworthy events and controversial decisions to tales about his farm and his beloved mules or lighthearted jokes. He also used the space to promote charitable events that were dear to his heart.

Jim wrote and praised the work of the Sydenham Sportsmen’s Association and the Owen Sound Salmon Spectacular many times by using his column or editorial. Jim was a great promoter of our club and our event. He became a fan favorite at the derby site with the Wednesday Seniors afternoon bingo always sponsored by The Owen Sound Sun Times and Summit Place at Revera Retirement Living. He would pack the tent with well over 1500 in attendance to hear his lighthearted jokes and his famous bingo call.

Jim was a kind-hearted person and a compassionate man who used his talents to impact everyone around him.

He will be greatly missed by his friends, family and his Owen Sound Salmon Spectacular family. As “Roy Rogers” once

said, “happy trails” Jim, may you rest in peace my friend.

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Rick Morgan holding one of his prize catches. Rick’s fishing memories and favorite moments were for the allusive Large and Smallmouth bass.

Photo courtesy of https://www.springfishingandboatshow.com/ canadian-angler-hall-of-fame

On Wednesday February 3rd, 2021, we lost another pioneer for the great outdoors. Rick Morgan passed away peacefully following a lengthy battle with cancer. Rick leaves behind his loving wife Sandy, sons Steve, Todd, stepsons Craig and Mark. He will be forever remembered for his 25 year career with the Ontario Federation of Anglers and Hunters (OFAH).

Many of you will remember him as the host of the Angler and Hunter television show for five strong years which he displayed his true love for the great outdoors. I so remember watching Rick’s Angler and Hunter television show with my dad each Saturday morning. I always remember my dad saying that Rick was a person who displayed great leadership and we will see many accomplishments from this individual.

At the young age of 33, Rick became the Executive Director of the OFAH. Within a year he was promoted to Executive Vice-President of the OFAH. My dad was right, Rick did not disappoint anyone and he was at the helm during some of the Ontario Federation of Anglers and Hunters biggest achievements. He was instrumental in the reintroduction of the wild turkey and elk programs.

Rick paved the road for the biggest membership growth the Ontario Federation of Anglers and Hunters ever experienced. Rick pushed the boundaries to increase the membership of 13,000 to an overwhelming 83,000 members, making the Ontario Federation of Anglers and Hunters a force to be reckoned with and becoming the voice for all Anglers and Hunters.

Bob Hunt building S.S.A. bird boxes

Juniors holding up their bird boxes

Youth Day with juniors shooting at the .22 Range.

Craig and Fred Geberdt along with S.S.A. stocking fish.

Wayne Gallaugher plants trees, one of the many jobs he does on the property.

Cowboy shooters on the range at the club

Youth Day at the Archery Range

Proud group of S.S.A. members accepting the distinguished Mary Pickford Award

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He led the way in promoting the youth programs and the hunter safety initiatives throughout the Province.

He was a true outdoorsman, always working for the future of fishing and hunting. Rick said it the best, “The love of our sport never goes away and hopefully the dedication of people like us never goes away also.” You will be missed Rick for your devotion and dedication toward what you so loved; hunting, fishing and family.

~~~~~~ We also lost one of the great Sydenham Sportsmen’s Association (S.S.A.) past president Paul “Barney” Robins who passed away after a battle with cancer at age 85 on April 15, 2020.

Barney was a S.S.A. executive member for a number of years and served as president in 1969 and 1970. He was a well known local sports figure and businessman who enjoyed hunting and fishing and time spent at his cottage on Manitoulin Island with his family.

We are forever thankful to have people like Barney Robins serve in the S.S.A. organization.

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Wow! The 33rd Annual Owen Sound Salmon Spectacular! Who would have ever imaged having an event for this length of time. An event of this magnitude doesn’t happen overnight and it sure doesn’t take place without the help and dedication of our many volunteers, Owen Sound Salmon Spectacular committee members, Bruce Peninsula Sportsmen’s Association, Sydenham Sportsmen’s Association (S.S.A.) executive, 750 (S.S.A) members and sponsors. You often hear the term pictures say a thousand words. Well, I hope you enjoy the volumes of pictures taken by folks like Rob Cameron, Mike Prevost and Jack Osadzuk, just to name a few of our great photographers. Thank you to everyone who helps with this amazing event and enjoy the photo gallery display.

The Sportsmen’s 2021 Outdoors Annual has become very popular with everyone. It wouldn’t be the magazine of quality and professionalism if it wasn’t for our layout and typesetting person, Ken McMillan. He has been involved with the publication of this magazine for well over 25 years. Well done Ken and from the many folks who have enjoyed this magazine for so many years, thank you.

Graphic Designer, Ken McMillan, waiting at his computer for Chris Geberdt to send along material for the 2021 Sportsmen’s Annual.

I also want to acknowledge the powerful article on (page 42), written

by Amanda Lynn Mayhew. She is the creator of Just Hunt Adventures TV program and her new TV Series, That Hunting Girl™.

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She is one tough outdoors woman and it is a pleasure to have her contributing to the Owen Sound Salmon Spectacular. Look for her appearance in the weigh-in station at the Owen Sound Salmon Spectacular LiUNA Local 1059 presents Molson Coors Derby Tent on Saturday, August 28th between 10 a.m to. 4 p.m. promoting her upcoming adventures.

will have two additional boats (formerly one boat for the largest trout) will be available to be won for the Largest Salmon, Largest Rainbow, Largest Lake Trout and Largest Brown Trout.

Another outstanding and upcoming outdoors woman, Ashley Rae, will also be contributing another outstanding article for the Owen Sound Salmon Spectacular.

Ashley Rae is a full-time multi-species angler residing in Ottawa Ontario, Canada. Although she did not grow up in a fishing family, Ashley fell in love with the sport at an early age through being introduced by a family friend. I hope you enjoy her story that is found on (page 109) in the magazine.

Largest Rainbow you can win a 14 ft. G3 Boat and trailer, 15 Hp Yamaha motor, Lowrance Graph, Manual Scotty Downrigger and Replica Fish mounts. On the boat our dad’s name, Fred Geberdt, will be on the boat along with the sponsorship of Bayshore Broadcasting, supplied by Advanced Marine & Powersports of Owen Sound and Lake Belwood, Fergus.

I also want to pay tribute and acknowledge the Denis Bester Memorial that will be running from 12:01 a.m.

Friday, August 27th to Saturday, September 4th, 2021.

Denis was a great supporter of the Owen Sound Salmon Spectacular and we wish them all the best with their event.

Cate Bester, Denis’ daughter, will be writing an article about the Denis Bester Memorial and how his love for fishing had such an impact on both her and her brother, Luke Bester. I hope you enjoy her story that can be found on (page 148).

Denis Bester Tickets are available online.

For more information go to denisbestermemorial.com In Closing and Final Remarks When writing this editorial, it was difficult to think of how our world has changed so much and what a year 2020 was for me personally. I had to take the approach in 2021 to stay positive and asked myself the question, how can I make things better for others around me? That being said, I have concentrated my efforts on remembering my Dad’s legacy through the love of the outdoors, the Owen Sound Salmon Spectacular and the many conservation programs he continued to do right up until the day he passed.

I am happy to announce for the 2021 Owen Sound Salmon Spectacular we

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Largest Lake Trout you can win a 14 ft.

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Largest Brown - Sportspal square back canoe, Minkota electric motor, 1 Yamaha life jacket, tackle box and tackle package, no fish mount.

We all can plan on some exciting and positive times ahead for everyone with this year’s Owen Sound Salmon Spectacular.

I once again leave you with the picture of my Dad and my brother Craig fishing on the Bay near our residence in Owen Sound located by the old Goodyear plant near the east side boat ramp. In 2019, I put the picture in purposely upside down and told you to take a closer look.

The picture was so perfect with the calm water, peaceful and it looked so genuine.

I leave you in 2021 with the same picture looking the correct way. Now things seem so accurate and real with such a beautiful picture.

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by Paul Maddison

Hooking Kids On Fishing The first fishing memory I have comes from when I was about seven years old, traveling roughly 30 minutes from home to a small stream which was known to have some trout. I was excited to try out my new rod and close-faced reel. After digging up tiny worms, one of them was threaded onto my hook. After some patience and coaching, I brought in a 5” Speckled trout. Although not a trophy, for me this was success. I still have that photo somewhere with a broad smile on my face.

I feel fortunate to have shared this experience with my daughter and son, as I did with my father. Although they are now both adults, photographs still trigger fond memories of outings, overnight trips and outdoor experiences that you can’t get from television, social media or the dreaded video game monster.

For as long as I can remember, I’ve enjoyed the outdoors with my fishing buddies. Day, overnight and longer adventures have established relationships which extend beyond the camaraderie fishing itself. Upon return, stories are shared along with photographs. Many would like to see their children have similar experiences which they too can also pass along.

I know of a few others who have introduced fishing and the outdoors to the little ones but left disappointed

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with something they believed could be achieved with relative ease. When trying to get your children or grandchildren outside, there are a number of things to keep in mind.

Planning That First Trip Remember: this is their trip, not yours.

They need to enjoy the experience and look forward to the next one.

A wide variety of fishing kits geared toward children can be easily found at many stores at a reasonable price.

Invite them to join you to pick out tackle and gear from Paw Patrol, superheroes and princesses, whatever peaks their

interest. Consider changing the line that comes with the kit. Replacing it with 4lb or 6lb mono will do the trick. You will need some additional hooks, weights and maybe another float to increase chances of success. Keep it simple with small artificial baits or the trusty worm which can be used for the smaller, easy-to-catch fish. Bait dangled from a bobber is an easy approach to catch that elusive first fish. Hopefully this simple approach will keep their attention.

Packing up a good lunch or bite to eat along with snacks and drinks is a MUST. You don’t want to finally get to that fishing spot to find they’re hungry.

Bringing along a favorite book or stuffed animal might make the car ride go by a little quicker. Cell phones can capture and immediately share photographs of a good day out. When picking out the best ones for printing, I usually had two copies made. I make sure the kids had a photo album of our adventures not only with the catch, but also with friends and relatives who joined us for the fishing trip.

Location, Location, Location

Ryan Maddison, Age 4, Sunfish

When selecting that first fishing spot, take your time, do some research. The biggest factor in establishing long term interest is continued success.

Involvement will quickly wane if they’re not enjoying themselves or get bored.

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Pan fish are always a good start, easy to catch and in large numbers. In addition to the many lakes and rivers in southern Ontario, conservation areas and a few remaining trout ponds with easily caught fish can also be options. Some of the Spring outdoor shows with charity or free trout ponds can be opportunities as well.

and rental boats available. Ensure you’re not trespassing when selecting your fishing spot. Be careful when fishing around docks or other boats. You don’t want lines wrapped around docking ropes or bouncing off the moored hull of someone’s large expensive yacht.

Common sense tells me that areas

If you’re lucky enough to have access to a family or friends cottage, they may have already been exposed to fishing from the dock or shore.

For intel on great fishing spots, try your local tackle shop. Along with helping you pick out the most appropriate gear, they will know of local opportunities and derbies to get you started (which might even involve prizes to get kids more pumped about catching fish).

In the Spring, large numbers of perch congregate in the shallows to spawn.

Some organizations run derbies with children’s categories along with prizes.

It’s a good opportunity to introduce fishing. Lake Simcoe has a number of publicly accessible shore locations in addition to the many boat launches

marked as NO FISHING are areas to avoid. Unfortunately, I’ve seen many who don’t respect this request.

If you’re lucky enough to be fishing from a boat, add some of the fish caught to the live well. This private fish tank can keep a level of interest if the fishing becomes slow. Assigning names or playing with them (not handling them too much) and if they can, release them safely at the end of the day. This can keep them entertained. We all want the fish released to be caught again in the future, but sometimes this outcome doesn’t happen. We referred to these as “circle of life” fish, stressing to the kids the fish will provide food for other fish or birds.

I’ve taken many trips of this type with other family members combining it with an overnight hotel stay. After a few hours of fishing, the pool is always a must do. After a dinner out, a trip to the movie theater makes it a full day before calling it a night.

As Time Goes On Tiera Maddison, age 4, Rainbow trout

As the kids get older, it’s time to upgrade! Those starter fishing kits may

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no longer be age or skill appropriate.

Again, have them join you to make the next pick of a rod and reel. The selection should be generic enough to accommodate a number of fishing scenarios. Flexibility is key. A spinning reel spooled with 6lb to 8lb mono coupled with a 7’ fishing rod will last them for a few years. I bought small tackle boxes at this time for both my son and daughter when they were about 9 years old. Make sure these tackle boxes don’t start off empty, pick up a few favourite or good lures to get them started.

When they were in their teens, the trips became more adventurous and after bigger fish. Although you may not always catch something, the possibility

of something epic is usually enough for motivation to start planning a return trip. Teaching still continues: spooling lines, knot tying, landing and removing hooks from caught fish along with releasing them successfully are skills they’ll need to practice and refine.

Although it was relatively small, he finally caught the fish he was focusing on for a couple of years. His joy was similar to my own with a tiny Speckled trout so long ago.

Tight Lines!

I view myself as being quite an enthusiastic fisherman, however, my son is now more into it than I am. He has joined me and a few of my fishing buddies for day trips on the lake, charters, ice fishing and a fly-in trip to northern Ontario. Over the years, he’s accumulated his own equipment and experiences to the envy of his friends.

My son caught his first Muskie in the Kawarthas when he was about 12.

Sullivan Forbes, age 7, Perch Ryan Maddison, age 10, Smallmouth bass

Sullivan Forbes, age 5, Perch, with Hugh Ahearn (Gramps)

Ryan Maddison, age 18, Walleye.

Sullivan Forbes, age 5, Perch

Sullivan Forbes, age 5, Lake trout, with Marc Forbes (Father)

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Fred Geberdt . . . A life well lived!

The local news headline – “A prominent member of the sporting fabric of Owen Sound & Area, Fred Geberdt has passed away.”

County Elementary School Science Fair and Competition.

An avid hunter, angler and gatherer, Fred soon discovered that many of his colleagues at Strathcona School and other local schools shared his interest in the outdoors; and new friendships were bonded. Amongst these fellow teachers was Robert “Bob” Knapp, an avid Bruce Trail hiker, who in 1970 with his wife and hiking partner Marie, had also moved to Owen Sound where Bob taught Outdoor Education at Alexandra Community School.

“Fred Geberdt remembered for the love of outdoors - taught generations about science & nature.” – announced the sad news that Fred had passed away at his home in Owen Sound on Tuesday, December 15, 2020 at the age of 79 years. The news In 1970-71, Fred and Bob were that Fred had lost his lengthy, both involved with Grey-Bruce courageous battle with multiple Pollution Probe, an organization forms of cancer, came just days involved in early recycling, following the announcement anti-litter programs and other that Fred Geberdt had been environmental issues. One of the selected as the 2020 recipient of studies that Pollution probe was

by Jack Osadzuk the City of Owen Sound Senior conducting was a survey of how Citizen of the Year Award. local residents felt about how the east shore of Owen Sound was being Raised in Hanover, Ontario, Fred met his used. Bob had also become acquainted with wife and soul mate Donna Ferguson who Mac Kirk, Resources Manager for the North was from Walkerton, Ontario. The perfectly Grey Conservation Authority. Knapp was matched couple began a 57 year marriage, shocked and spurred into thoughts of action together raising 5 children and seeing their when Kirk told him of the large tract of east family grow with 12 grandchildren and 7 great grandchildren.

shoreline owned by the McLauchlan estate that was likely to be lost to development.

Looking for support, Knapp turned to Fred Geberdt to help him lead an effort to save the property in question for public use.

Without hesitation Fred was on board and with a lot of effort on their part, between the two of them and the support of other interested parties who became involved, this large tract of shoreline known as Squaw Point and Paynter’s Bay was saved for public use and the creation of Hibou Park.

Robert and Marie Knapp, self published a book “The Story of Hibou Park (April 2008, Stan Brown Printers Ltd., Owen Sound, Ont.) In his book, Bob referred to Fred Geberdt as “a well known naturalist and friend, who coled the campaign.” In his acknowledgements

The Fred Geberdt family’s Owen Sound story began following Fred’s graduation from Teacher’s College in Stratford. And when he secured a teaching position at Strathcona Senior Public School, Fred and Donna purchased their forever family home on Owen Sound’s East Bayshore Road in the early 1960’s.

Fred was initially hired as a gym teacher, but not long after he moved to teaching science where he excelled in a career that would span more than 35 years. Fred loved to teach and share his passion and knowledge of science, nature and the outdoors with young people. He was for many years a driving force in the Grey

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Fred and Donna Geberdt, Elaine and Jack Osadzuk attending an OFAH conference

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Knapp also went on to say, “The project would never have happened without Fred Geberdt. We were a good team. Together we encouraged each other as we worked on a seemingly daunting task.”

Stepping into the middle of this Hibou story is when I believe is the first time I met Fred Geberdt. I recall the occasion as being at a general meeting of the Sydenham Sportsmen’s Association (SSA) held on May 4, 1972 in the former CIAG Computer Building (the present Owen Sound Police Services headquarters). Bob Knapp and Fred made a presentation to the SSA, seeking financial support towards the purchase of the east shore McLauchlan property and informing the group of the urgent need for action. Fred impressed our group with a well prepared, strong and passionate presentation and in a conversation with him afterwards, I was further impressed with the character quality the man possessed and wondered how we could recruit him into our organization.

The Sydenham Sportsmen’s Association passed a motion to financially support the effort to purchase the 182 acre Squaw Point/Paynter’s Bay properties and on June 21, 1972, SSA President Don Jewell and I presented Bob Knapp and North Grey Region Conservation Authority resources manager Mac Kirk, with a cheque for five hundred dollars. By today’s standards $500 would

not seem like a large amount of money, but in those days it was. The donation from an organization with limited monetary resources as the SSA was at that time, reflects how much impact the project and the presentation by Fred Geberdt had on our association’s members.

history – Fred Geberdt’s involvement in the SSA activities is legendary.”

Fred was a gifted teacher, but he also was a life-long student filled with curiosity and a desire for knowledge and a passion for sharing everything he learned. Meticulous in his record keeping, Fred also possessed John Ford also met Fred Geberdt in the tremendous leadership skills and courage, early 1970’s. John moved to Owen Sound which with well thought out plans and in 1973 to teach math at Strathcona Senior leading by example he was able to motivate Public School where Fred also taught. others to become actively involved in new Somehow the topic of fishing initiatives and projects came into a conversation that benefited the Fred was a gifted and Fred invited John to go environment, the teacher, but he also fishing with him after school community and the and thus began their longwas a life-long student Association. It would time friendship. filled with curiosity be difficult to find Fred and John volunteered a single element and a desire for together with the Grey-Bruce of the Sydenham knowledge.

Pollution Probe organization, Sportsmen’s where they gathered used Association that since newspapers and shipped them to Toronto for Fred Geberdt joined the SSA, does not in recycling; a project which John says Fred was some way bear Fred’s fingerprints. the organizer.

Fred was involved and instrumental in In the following year or so, John Ford the early development of the SSA property; encouraged Fred to join the Sydenham including the shooting and archery ranges, Sportsmen’s Association, where Fred trap and reloading facilities. He also deserves continued his environmental efforts, recognition for his leadership in all aspects organizing huge Pitch-in-Days with SSA of the planning and construction of the SSA Junior members and many students from his school classes. In John’s words, “the rest is continued on Page 29

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clubhouse and their services. Fred was an active participant in the SSA’s many stream restoration and improvement projects, tree planting, deer yard management, Pitch-In cleanups and the many work parties and other social activities and community events that the SSA has become known for.

He was instrumental in the creation and construction of the SSA Fish Hatcheries and actively involved in yearly egg collections and fish stocking. If you had to pick one of the SSA’s projects or activities, I believe the watery classroom of the SSA fish hatcheries is where his real passion was. Fred would be the first to credit the many faithful volunteers and hatchery managers, past and present for the success of the hatcheries.

John Ford said, “Fred developed most of the protocols for hatchery maintenance, egg collections, fertilization and other scientific procedures that we follow in the hatchery.”

The two friends, Fred and John worked a weekly shift together in the hatchery until health prevented Fred from continuing.

Fred was also one of the leading volunteers in the creation of the SSA Spawning Channels which provide spawning conditions for Rainbow trout, Brown trout, Brook trout and Chinook salmon that have resulted in the recruitment of tens of

thousands of wild trout and salmon into the fishery.

John further credits Fred, who as president of the Sydenham Conservation Foundation for many years along with other Foundation Directors, had a direct influence in acquiring approximately 1,535 acres of local significant natural areas. John said “Fred’s love of the outdoors was obvious to all who knew him.

He planted many trees for the SSA and the Sydenham Conservation Foundation. Most recently, he helped plant trees on the Doug Reid Memorial Conservation property in the former Derby Township.”

As one of the original founders of the Owen Sound Salmon Spectacular, Fred served as co-chair of the event and the Salmon Spectacular Committee for all of the initial 32 years that the event has been held.

Again, as one of the founders of a popular and successful conservation fundraising dinner event, Fred along with his son Chris, co-chaired the SSA/OFAH Conservation Dinner for 25 years.

Back in the mid 1970’s, as a new member of the Sydenham Sportsmen’s Association, Fred was eager to participate and actively volunteered on several committees. Through the years following his election to the

This photo taken 25 years ago in August 1996, shows a visibly upset Fred Geberdt; concerned with the death of hundreds of wild Rainbow, Brown and Brook trout caused by what may have been a chlorine leak from the purification system of the Harrison Park swimming pool into Weaver’s Creek.

A day prior SSA hatchery volunteers had stocked 2,000 Rainbow trout into a Pottawatomi River tributary and were about to plant 10,000 Rainbow into the Sydenham River tributary creek when fortunately SSA member Doug Reid noticed the dead fish, thus saving the SSA raised trout from a similar fate.

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SSA Executive, Fred effectively served as chairman of numerous committees, while always stepping up when help was needed by other committees and by participating in SSA events, functions and fundraising.

Through all the years since initially being elected to the SSA Executive, Fred remained actively involved in the affairs of the Association serving as a continuous member of the executive, including terms as president in 1982, 1983 and 1986. He was a repeat recipient of the Sportsman of the Year Award and the Conservationist of the Year Award.

Respected by his colleagues for his contributions, on June 1, 2006, the Board of Directors of the Sydenham Sportsmen’s Association presented Fred Geberdt with a Life Membership in recognition of his many years of dedicated volunteer service.

Serving as a SSA delegate to the Ontario Federation of Anglers and Hunters (OFAH), Fred was actively involved in OFAH Zone H affairs for years and has served numerous terms on the OFAH Zone H Executive.

He was elected and re-elected to numerous terms to the provincial OFAH Board of Directors, serving as an OFAH Provincial Director at Large and a member of the OFAH Fisheries Advisory Committee, including terms as a efficient and effective advisory committee chairman.

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In 2002 Fred was awarded the OFAH Gord Blake Memorial Conservation Award and in 2007 was the recipient of the OFAH Jack O’Dette Conservation Leadership Award.

Throughout his years of teaching and volunteering, Fred has deservedly received numerous nominations, recognitions and awards for his contributions and dedication.

One of the many Sportsmen Outdoor shows that Fred volunteered to promote conservation within the Sydenham Sportsmen’s Association.

Fred will continue to be remembered by many for what he has done, but most of all he will be remembered for the person he was and the life that he lived.

Since I first met Fred 50 years ago, I have continued to be impressed with his leadership skills and patience, his dedication and his amazing organizational ability. But what impressed me the most was how he valued his relationships with people. And while all were important to Fred, none were more valued than his family.

Fred truly loved with pride, each and every member of his family. He loved talking about them and being with them. It didn’t

matter if it was a family celebration or work parties, Salmon Spectacular, SSA projects, picking berries, hunting, fishing, or a canoe and camping trip – to Fred it meant sharing good times together with the ones he loved above all.

Fred was a hockey fan and he and Donna were season ticket holders for the Owen Sound Attack Major Junior “A” Hockey Team’s home games. They also belonged to the team’s fan club, the Attack Pack, and went on many trips with the fans, supporting the team at their away games. It was quite common to hear either Fred or Donna’s

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name called out over the arena speakers as they were frequent winners of the game night raffles.

Dogs – mostly hounds – beginning early in his life – remained as a big part of Fred’s family and life. He enjoyed night hunting with his coon hounds in the company of family members and friends. His interest in hunting with dogs also included rabbit hunting with beagles, waterfowl and upland hunting for pheasant, originally with “Twig” his late German shorthair and more recently with his Brittany spaniel “Fergie”. These outings provided lots of opportunities for memories and tales to be created.

Fred possessed a wonderful sense of humour and was a gifted and entertaining story teller. Like most great story tellers, the tale got better each time it got told – so you

could never say to Fred, “You already told me that one!”

Fred was a collector, as I am and I suspect most of us who hunt and fish are. He had an eye for detail as well as having a strong affection for quality knives. I still possess a knife gained from Fred many years ago in one of our many trades made during our fun and entertaining SSA Swap Nights.

I often think of those past times that were Fred’s early days in the SSA, when most of our young families were around the same ages and we enjoyed the many times spent together as parents; participating in junior rifle shooting and fishing trips, corn roasts, turkey shoots and other SSA family events. A lot of friendships were bonded during those times.

I have been fortunate and proud to call Fred a good friend. I miss his stories and most of all his company.

When asked by Fred’s family if I would write an article about him for the 2021 Sportsmen’s Annual Magazine, the notion to do so with the collaboration of others was already in my mind. And so, I asked Fred’s eldest son Chris, to approach his siblings and Fred’s long time friend John Ford with the question “What was your favourite time or experience shared with Fred?” I had expected a simple sentence or two that I could work into the article, but was pleasantly surprised to receive several stories of personal and memorable times each had shared with him.

Fred would have wanted them told and so do I. They can be found beginning on page 116.

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Are you fed up with spending all your money on spoons that easily lose their paint, tape and eyes after only a couple uses? If you answered yes then you need to check out FLINTSTONE LURES. All our spoons are coated with “Tuff Gloss”, a professional, hardened, high gloss protective clear coat with excellent UV resistance and long term durability. “Tuff Gloss” is sprayed on our spoons after the paint, tape, eyes, etc., are applied. “Tuff Gloss” provides a durable finish that helps maintain a long lasting, sun protected, and tarnish resistant, superior spoon, despite catching many fish.

give off an iridescent rainbow effect, hence the name Chameleon. Many of them also have fluorescent paint or tape, which when combined with the Chameleon tape produces a very wide variety of outstanding unique colour combinations.

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Fluorescent paint and tape will also absorb the Ultra-Violet light energy found

We have a new line of spoons called Chameleon. Our Chameleon Spoons are covered with a transparent colour changing tape. When viewed from different directions they will change colours and

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Authorized Service Centre for Most Tools & Equipment

1190 2nd Avenue East Owen Sound, ON N4K 2H9

Tel: 519•376•2495 • Fax: 519•376•2635 Email: murray@murraystools.ca

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Your One Stop Sharpening & Tool Repair Centre

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At The Home Depot, we’re committed members of our community. This means helping customers make better environmental choices for their homes, giving back to our community through The Home Depot Canada Foundation, and investing in community sponsorships.

The Owen Sound Home Depot is proud to support the

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Good Luck to all Derby Participants!

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Fishing Tackle for All Species in the Lake & Stream Downriggers & Accessories, Electronics Minnows • Worms • Spawn • Leeches Fishing & Hunting Licences

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TERRY’S TRAILER SERVICE • Car & Equipment Trailers • Cargo Trailers • Dump Trailers • Landcape/Utility Trailers • 5th Wheels • Hybrids • T@B • Tent Trailers & A-Frames • Travel Trailers • Used Trailers

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by Amanda Lynn Mayhew

Adventures in the Making Adventures you participate in today, will be memories and stories to share forever, turning into a folk story generations down the line. I still speak about my Grandfathers’ adventures and some of the highlights he was known for. It’s interesting to sit down with the older generation and listen to their passion from ‘back in the day’ when (fictional character Johnny) shot himself in the foot, or (fictional character Rachel) caught a hook in her face while out fishing. However, little things like that are what makes life an unpredictable adventure.

Having the opportunity to mentor others in the outdoors and see the delight on their face after learning and being successful is fulfilling to anyone in this industry and I am honored to be a part of that. Not only do I enjoy educating others in all realms of the outdoors, but I live and breathe the environment. It’s all I can do to contain myself when I know a new season is right around the corner. For myself, I hunt and fish as much as I can, traveling across the country, meeting new people, and listening to their adventures while capturing a new one together.

This past year was a tough one with not being able to interact like we are used to, but I still found a way to enjoy what I do and even share some of those trips with others.

Last Fall, my 14-year-old Junior Ambassador of Just Hunt, Wade, harvested his first ever black bear in Northern Ontario, weighing in at 450lbs., and to watch this young man in the stand, have patience, dedication, and the wits to make the perfect shot was captivating for me. Then to pause, wait, listen, death moan, success. His face lit

garybyers@xplornet.ca 519-372-0890 office 519-379-4279 cell 383327 Dawson Road Kemble ON N0H 1S0 www.garybyers.ca 42

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the dreary day up with a smile you could see for miles. His actions and dancing in the stand following that shot will never leave my memory, or yours after you watch it this season on THAT Hunting Girl on Sportsman Channel Canada. The excitement in his voice when calling his parents that he just ‘shot the biggest bear ever!’ was heartfelt. I was proud to be a part of that moment.

I have moments myself as well, always learning and always wanting to get out there for more. This past summer I joined Kings on the Run Sporting fishing and caught my first trio, Coho, Steelhead, and King salmon.

Now, for me, 5 years ago, I would not have known the difference between them as I never fished for these species until I moved to the West Grey area and started participating in the Owen Sound Salmon Spectacular with many individuals to show me different techniques along the way. I have learned so much and would never pass up a day of downrigging for Salmon.

from anything I have ever done before.

Standing in the water with the river running through your legs, is a feeling like no other. You feel free, and peaceful.

You have all your gear with you that you don’t have to move for hours and just the casting alone and watching the river and the drift is a whole different sensation of fishing. When that bite hits, it just becomes more exhilarating than any other type of fishing. It is hard to explain the sensation and the fight, but it is one that you will become addicted to easily.

Of course, throughout the year my fishing is diverse with Northern Ontario walleye and pike to ice fishing in the winter months for perch, whitefish, and other species. Fishing brings people together, gets them outdoors, a simple hobby that everyone can relate to, for conservation research, for food in the freezer and for the big one that got away.

Enjoy what the outdoors has to offer you, adventures in the making, stories to share and memories forever.

This past few months, I also picked up center-pin river fishing for Steelhead, and it is an entirely new experience

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Proud sponsors of the 2021 Owen Sound Salmon Spectacular.

We can help you make well-informed decisions with helpful advice.

Brad Unraw*

Geoff Keleher*

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District Director

Advisor

Advisor

Advisor

Tel: 705-737-3552

Business Development Consultant

Tel: 519-376-6850 ext. 2219

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Daniel Stryker* RIS

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Advisor

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Tel: 519-376-6850 ext. 2229

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Conservation...

Alive and Well!

While the Pandemic has certainly curtailed some projects, the Sydenham Sportsmen’s Association (SSA) has been able to complete some important wetland activities in 2019 and 2020.

Paired Mallards Wildlife Pond on Doug Reid Memorial Conservation Property In 2019, the Wildlife Advisory Committee (WAC) of the SSA decided to get the club support for a pond dig on the Doug Reid Memorial Conservation area in Georgian Bluffs. First, we asked the SSA Directors if this idea was feasible. We then approached the Sydenham Conservation Foundation (SCF) directors who are the property owners, for permission. Once this was granted, an application was made to the Grey Sauble Conservation Authority (GSCA) for a permit, as the location selected was

by John Ford

in the GSCA Protected Area. When the permit was granted, we finally, applied to Ducks Unlimited (DU) for a grant and for their expertise. David McLaughlin, the DU biologist, viewed the site, as did Mac Plewes, the GSCA planner.

we were very happy with the construction job completed. More shrubs will be planted around the pond in the future.

When we received permission from all parties, David drew up a detailed plan with dimensions and a cross section of the proposed pond. A number of WAC members visited the site and assisted in marking the boundaries.

In 2020, the Wildlife Advisory Committee wanted to construct another pond on a different Sydenham Conservation Foundation property. We wanted a location near Owen Sound where interested groups could view our efforts. We selected a property, presently named the Walker Wetlands, but soon to be named the Fred Geberdt Memorial Conservation property.

When the SSA Directors approved the plan, we hired King Holdings to do the construction. This half acre pond was constructed over several days and was named the Paired Mallards Pond. We planted White Clover on the excavated sections around the pond. It did take two plantings to achieve success. Since we had a history with King Holdings,

Walker Wetlands/Fred Geberdt Memorial Wildlife Pond

Again David McLaughlin, of DU, viewed and examined the area chosen for suitability and it was found to have a clay base for the pond bottom.

Since we were not doing construction

ENTERPRISES

Beginning construction of Paired Mallards Pond on Doug Reid Memorial property.

• Fencing • Excavating • Top Soil • Mulch • Snow Removal • Demolition • Haulage • Clean Ups • Gravel Andy Black Fire #117733 RR #4, Tara, ON N0H 2N0

Paired Mallards Pond filled with water during the winter.

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within the Conservation Authority Protected Area, we did not require a permit from them.

Permission was gained from the SCF directors as well as the SSA Executive. King Holdings again did the construction to create a larger pond with varying depths from 1.5 m to 2.5 m this time.

At last viewing, the pond was full of water and landscaping with clover plantings will be a project in 2021.

We are grateful to Ducks Unlimited biologist David McLaughlin for his expert assistance. As well, Mac Plewes, the GSCA planner was very helpful with the permit at the Doug Reid Memorial Conservation property.

It goes without saying, that we very much appreciate the efforts of the SSA Wildlife Advisory Committee and the Sydenham Conservation Foundation trustees. These ponds were truly a group effort!

Reviewing measurements on the Walker Wetland Pond

Ducks Unlimited drawing of proposed Walker Wetlands Wildlife Pond Project

Walker Wetlands Project in 2020

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Adam Watson 519.270.1103

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We would like to thank the Sydenham Sportsmen’s Association for allowing us to be their official marketing and technology partner. We are proud to have supported SSA with their new website and internet marketing campaigns. The foundation of our business has been to support local businesses in their online efforts and to get local businesses found online. We have been building success for Grey Bruce businesses over the last 7 years and we plan to continue to do so for years to come. Give us a call!

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Once again the Owen Sound Salmon Spectacular is upon us.

We would like to congratulate the Owen Sound Salmon Spectacular on its 33rd Anniversary.

As a proud sponsor, McDonald’s Restaurant would like to wish all participants the best of luck, and to have a safe and enjoyable fishing season.

With locations in Owen Sound, Port Elgin andSPECTACULAR Meaford 33rd ANNUAL OWEN SOUND SALMON

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Collaborative Sea Lamprey Control Continues to Protect Lake Huron, Great Lakes Fishery The Great Lakes Fishery Commission (GLFC), the binational organization charged with controlling invasive sea lampreys, has been hard at work protecting Lake Huron and the world-class fisheries it supports. The noxious invasive species native to the Atlantic Ocean invaded the Great Lakes in the mid-1900s and decimated the thriving Great Lakes fishing industry and the economies that relied upon it.

has reduced sea lamprey populations in the Great Lakes by 90% compared to their historic highs.

Despite the success, controlling sea lampreys in Lake Huron is no easy task; more than 120 tributaries to Lake Huron are infested with sea lampreys. Despite this, sea

by Ross Shaw lamprey populations remain near record lows, in large part due to the GLFC’s close collaboration with US and Canadian institutions like Fisheries and Sea lampreys use their sucker mouth, rows Oceans Canada, First Nations, and the US of razor-sharp teeth, and rasping tongue, Fish and Wildlife Service. Together, lamprey control crews have treated more than 1400 to attach to fish and drink their blood. kilometers of streams in just the past three Sea lampreys are devastating predators, each killing up to 20 kilograms of fish in years, saving millions of kilograms of fish valued in the hundreds of millions of dollars. its lifetime. Since the GLFC’s inception in 1956, the sea lamprey control program

Ribbon cutting at the newly renovated Denny’s Dam.

Sea lamprey control agents from Fisheries and Oceans Canada and the US Fish and Wildlife Service collect data during a lampricide treatment.

In addition to the work across borders, partnerships with Tribal and First Nation communities has contributed to low levels of sea lamprey in Lake Huron. In close collaboration with the Mississauga First Nation and the Garden River First Nation, the GLFC was able to treat the Mississagi River in August 2019 and Garden River in July 2020. The treatments of the rivers were a significant accomplishment; the Mississagi and Garden Rivers, along with the St. Marys River, are responsible for more than half of Lake Huron’s larval sea lamprey production.

Reports from treatment crews described densities of larval sea lamprey higher than

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any ever seen before, so those treatments were essential.

Other significant accomplishments in the protection of Lake Huron include the restoration of Denny’s Dam on the Saugeen River. The project, which was completed in 2018, was accomplished through a partnership between the GLFC and the Saugeen-Ojibway Nation. The restored dam now protects more than 100km of sea lamprey spawning habitat, capable of producing more than 30,000 sea lampreys per year.

Collaborative efforts with government institutions and First Nations communities across the Great Lakes basin continue to help the GLFC deliver a successful sea lamprey control program. Without sea lamprey control, the worldclass Great Lakes fishery that we enjoy today would be non-existent.

If you’re interested in learning more about sea lamprey or the GLFC’s sea lamprey control program stop by the GLFC’s booth at this year’s Salmon Spectacular and visit online at www.SeaLampreyControl.org.

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A sea lamprey wound on a recently caught salmon.

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“The Place To Eat and Meet”

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ooking Fly Fishing Guided Tour Booking Fishing Guided Tours (Drift Boat,Fly Walk N Wade, Open Water) (Drift Boat, Walk N Wade, Open Water) ~Live Bait

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Air Ivanhoe Adventure

Growing Up Geberdt For those of you who know us to the best fishing spots, my family, you know very without a doubt. Whether it was a well that travel is definitely weekend float down the Saugeen our thing. It is very likely that River, or a week-long stay on Lake one day when you look in the Nipigon, fishing was always part of dictionary, next to the words the deal. road warriors, you will see the Fast forward about 20 years to name Geberdt. Ever since I the year 2020. Three marriages, can remember, our family has four grandchildren and many miles traveled everywhere together. later, it was not surprising when

by Lindsay Whether it was a midnight trip Geberdt Maxfield my dad, Chris, decided in 2020, to Owen Sound and back, or this would be the year that our a completely unplanned adventure to Lion’s entire family would set off, once again, on Head for an afternoon adventure with our a family adventure into the great Northern dear friend, Jean Mothersell, we were one wilderness. This trip would take us to the with the road. small town of Foleyet, about an hour and These trips were not the jump on a plane twenty minutes South West of Timmins to and fly somewhere type of adventure either.

Air Ivanhoe fishing lodge. This adventure No way would it be that easy. It was a: “load was definitely going to be one for the books four children, Chris and SuAnn, and Nanny as it was the first time our entire family had and Poppa into a 3/4 tonne GMC truck and a been able to travel together to one place, all Chrysler minivan, and travel from one side of thirteen of us, see picture below.

Ontario to the other” kind of adventure. This This particular year however was very is what we lived for. Kids, adults and luggage different in many ways. Not only did we in tow, we would go where the road would have the added challenge of traveling with lead us. Of course, that road always brought

The entire Geberdt family overlooking Air Ivanhoe Lake while standing on the dock for a picture after a great fishing adventure.

Covid-19 restrictions in place, but our crew was a couple of members short this time.

Unlike other family trips, we had to embark without our OG’s, Original Geberdt’s, Nanny and Poppa. While it was hard to leave from Owen Sound and not have them join us, we were able to keep in touch with them throughout the entire journey thanks to technology.

If you have ever driven into Northern Ontario, you will know just how beautiful it truly is. After four months of full lockdown, I can tell you that it becomes even more magnificent. I savoured every second of the drive being surrounded by small towns, endless rows of trees, extraordinary wildlife, and just being with my family again after so many months apart.

As with most of our journeys, we are always on the lookout for wildlife in any shape or form. Sometimes, we find it, other times it comes right to us. It was quite something when we crossed paths with a Great Gray Owl in the middle of the road as he enjoyed his evening dinner. He was completely unbothered by our convoy of vehicles and refused to move from his place. Dad being first in the line of course, was quite quick to move out of his way.

Being in the vehicle at the end of the line, we were able to come to a complete stop before he decided he would finally leave his spot on the road. The entire scene was quite entertaining as all four trucks had to pull off to the side of the road to discuss, in great detail, what it was that had just happened before we could continue on.

Growing up in a family of conservationists, this was something that had to be discussed.

I remember immediately calling Poppa to share the news with him as he would be able to tell me everything I needed to know

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about this beautiful creature. To say the least, this trip had already gotten off to a good start.

By the time we reached Foleyet, it was about sixty stops and ten hours later, but we were finally at our destination- Air Ivanhoe!

Upon arrival, we were greeted with the pristine waters of Lake Ivanhoe. It was a

beautiful hot sunny day in July, and stepping out of the vehicle was a feeling unlike any other. The breeze off the lake with fresh, clean northern air breathed life into everything around us. Like I said before, this experience was different in so many ways.

Being in lockdown for many months leading up to this day made this adventure that much more exciting.

I was instantly humbled being surrounded by dirt roads, tin boats, float planes, and the warm, welcoming breeze off of the lake.

We were finally here and we were finally together once again.

For those readers who know my fishing fanatic husband, Kory, he did not wait a second to explore the docks and take in the scenery. To this day, I still wonder if his truck was even in park before he leapt out to head towards the water.

The hospitality was unlike any other experience we have ever had. Remember when I said all thirteen of us ventured out together? Well the best part in all of this was that our room in the lodge comfortably slept every single one of us, kids and adults alike.

The child in me of course had dibs on the ‘cool’ loft upstairs, while everyone else battled for bunk beds in the main part of the cabin. The joke really was on me however as it was not as ‘cool’ as I had expected, literally speaking. Our first night at Air Ivanhoe was the hottest day of the year, and I instantly regretted my life choices. Thankfully, the cabin came equipped with enough fans to keep everyone cool, no matter where you slept.

Kory Maxfield with his nephew Julian Parra Geberdt, holding his first ever Pike he caught at Air Ivanhoe.

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Kory Maxfield with his nephew Nathan Parra Geberdt, with one of the Walleye he caught at Air Ivanhoe.

Not only do you get to fish on Ivanhoe Lake, but you get the unique opportunity to fish the Ivanhoe river as well. In the Ivanhoe River, you can spend hours on end fishing for the vast quantities of pike, while also

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Continued on page 60

The Labourers’ International Union of North America (LIUNA) Local 1059 is, once again, proud to sponsor the Owen Sound Salmon Spectacular.

A JOB WE’RE PROUD TO TACKLE

For over 30 years the Salmon Spectacular has hosted those who love to fish in a spirit of camaraderie and sportsmanship, while rewarding their successes.

LIUNA believes strongly in those concepts as we build a team that receives good wages, benefits and a pension in return for their efforts.

So, to the participants in this year’s Salmon Spectacular, we say:

Good fishing!

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having a chance at a true trophy in the 30-40 inch class of fish. We were lucky enough to explore the river and witness the beauty of the wildlife as well and watch an Eagle soar overhead as we cast our spoons for Pike.

The lodge owners, George and Jeanne Theriault did an outstanding job seeing to the safety of visitors while still being family-friendly and welcoming every time we visited the gift shop at the Drive-In Lodge. Here, you can find any lure you might possibly need for fishing and any fishing tackle your heart desires. I should know as my husband, Kory, came home with more than a few Musky and Pike lures. On the other hand, I spent some time shopping the jewelry cases and picking up some souvenirs of my own.

Joel and his wife Daniela Theriault were very open to sharing tips and insider information on depths and recent fish trends on the lake. Growing up Bass fishing, it was nice to have a similar experience to drift fishing on Lake Huron, but in the Northern wilderness for Walleye. A jig and a worm was all that was needed for Kory and I to experience our first ever Walleye double header off of a mid-lake shoal. This was definitely a new experience for the both of us, and one that we will remember. Once we found this spot, it was great knowing that we could return to this specific location on

the lake with the young kids and know they would have the chance to catch a fish of their own.

When we were not fishing, you could find all of us cooling off in the water at the quaint sandy beach just down from the docks.

This was definitely a Lodge favourite for the kids as they spent most afternoons floating around and enjoying the great outdoors. As a kid, I always had the opportunity to swim in the open water wherever we ventured. It was quite nostalgic for me to be with the little ones again drifting around the lake without a care in the world. After the events of the year 2020, it was nice to have a moment where you could be free from all of your worries and just let everything float away. I know our family trip to Air Ivanhoe was one to be treasured.

Much like this fish in the picture to the right, I am just as eager to get back into the water of Lake Ivanhoe this summer.

I am looking forward to the

adventures that await and creating more family memories at Air Ivanhoe.

For further information please contact:

Air Ivanhoe George and Jeanne Theriault P.O. Box 99, Foleyet, Ontario, Canada P0M1T0 1-800-955-2951 Ph: 705-899-2155 info@AirIvanhoe.com

Nathan is asking Uncle Kory “where did my fish go?”

Unforgettable Fishing & Hunting Vacations Northern Ontario, Canada ~ Wilderness Adventures Air Ivanhoe offers the best in Fly-In Fishing and Hunting on the remote lakes and rivers of Northern Ontario Canada for Walleye, Pike, Perch, Bass, and Trout. The Ivanhoe River Inn is our premiere vertical log Drive-In lodge and offers cabins, boats, bait and tackle, and a restaurant. Nemegosenda is our Fly-In all inclusive lodge for guests seeking a truly unforgettable relaxing adventure.

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EXPLORE & DISCOVER YOUR ADVENTURE

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OWEN SOUND SALMON SPECTACULAR • Aug. 27th to Sept. 5th, 2021

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Fishing Trip of a Lifetime I was lucky as a child to grow up with a father who loved to fish.

As kids, my dad would fill the live well of our tin boat with small fish and my sister, brother and I would “fish” from the live well. I’m not sure if we actually ever hooked a fish but we always had lots of fun laughing, making up camp songs and eating lots of snacks.

and transported to the lodge located about six miles away.

At the lodge we were greeted by the staff, checked into our rooms and offered a great breakfast. By 10:30 am we had been fed, changed into our gear and were ready to fish.

by Alison Chmara

My first real fishing memories were while we were camping on Long Point Bay where I was taught to bait my own hook, cast and take my own fish off the hook. In the years that followed, I spent many hours fishing the lakes around our cottage in the Haliburton, Ontario area where we spent our summers. We mainly fished for Bass but occasionally visited a nearby lake for Muskie.

Although I enjoyed fishing and spending time with my dad on the lakes, my passion for fishing did not bloom until last year when my dad invited me to join him on a fishing trip of a lifetime.

In June of 2019, my father and I left our home in London, Ontario and made our way to God’s River, Manitoba. A community on God’s Lake, so remote that it can only be reached by air or by the ice road throughout the winter months.

All packed and ready to go, my dad and I boarded in London for the first leg of our journey to Winnipeg, Manitoba. We spent the night in a hotel close to the airport and were up at the crack of dawn to board a plane chartered by God’s River Lodge.

This leg of our journey took about one and a half hours since God’s River is located approximately 400 miles north of Winnipeg.

Although I knew that God’s River community was remote, I was surprised to see that the airport consisted of a single small building. We arrived around 9:00 am and were met promptly by one of the resort staff

That’s when we met Gilbert, our fishing guide for the five days of our stay. Gilbert had grown up his whole life in God’s River and was an expert in knowing the lakes hot spots for fishing. It was his job to make recommendations and plan for the days fishing, drive the boat, help set up the fishing lines, net the fish we caught and help release the fish after capturing our catch on camera.

God’s Lake is much larger than I expected.

Each time I thought we had reached our destination, a spot would open up along the shoreline and it felt like we were entering another lake. After half an hour we arrived at ‘the spot’ and Gilbert told us that this was prime for Walleye fishing. This was a new experience for me. I expected to catch a few fish but after about ten minutes of fishing, my dad and I had caught so many fish that I had to get the fish counter out of my tackle box! In a matter of a few hours, we had caught and released over seventy fish. By this time, Gilbert suggested we move to another area and have lunch, which the lodge had provided us with drinks and sandwiches. Luckily, I had packed some chocolate so that we could enjoy a little dessert and boost our energy for the afternoon fishing.

It was getting late in the afternoon and I was feeling a bit tired from catching so many large fish. Gilbert suggested we stop at a spot known for Pike on our way back to the lodge. Again, I could not believe the number of fish we were catching. The Pike were huge and fought every bit of the way. My dad was at my side giving me suggestions and encouragement. Although, to be honest, sometimes he would repeat over and over again, “keep the rod tip up, try not to snap the line and reel it in really slowly Al.” It was worth the experience as I landed each fish and I know that he was excited seeing me catch and land so many huge fish. Thanks Dad! Thanks to Gilbert, who was fast to grab the net and scoop the fish up. Day number one was a great success with over 100 fish registered on my counter. After a nice meal at the lodge, I was looking forward to an early night so that we could do it all again the next day.

The following days continued much like our first. Up at dawn, we would have a delicious breakfast and a quick coffee, gear up and meet at the dock to head onto the lake. The days were sunny but cold and we spent roughly seven hours touring around God’s Lake going to all the hot spots. Gilbert was always ready to move to the next spot if we felt we were not catching enough.

Then it was time to fish for Lake trout. I thought this would be my least favourite type of fishing. I have never been a big Lake trout fan as I felt that catching them was not nearly as exciting as casting and reeling them in. The thought of trolling flat lines behind the boat seemed boring to me but my dad promised it would be an experience I would not soon forget. We were headed to an area known for large Lake trout. Gilbert and my dad got our bait ready (herring

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rigs) and we dropped our lines, trolling slowly in deep waters for the Lake trout. I believe it was my dad who caught the first Lake trout. As he reeled in his line, it was the largest fish I had ever seen. Gilbert netted it and we were all filled with excitement. That was it, I was hooked! I could not wait to catch a Lake trout myself.

Finally, after some time, it was my turn.

FISH ON! The strength of this fish and its weight I had not imagined. Again, with my dad yelling at me, I mean coaching, I was able to get that Laker into the boat. It was

huge, a Master! That meant time to break and take some pictures. I was so excited, smiling from ear to ear. The fish was so big, I was amazed.

a little nap on the bow of the boat. It was relaxing, laying under the sun and swaying in the waves. My dad would wake me up each time there was bite on his line!

My dad was right, what an experience!

While it takes much longer to catch, the reward of bringing in a large Laker and possibly one that meets the qualifications of being called a Master was totally worth the wait! By lunchtime, I was exhausted. Of course, not wanting to cut fishing time short for my dad by asking Gilbert to bring me back to the lodge, I decided I would have

At one point while out in the deep water, my dad had a massive Lake trout on his line.

Gilbert prepared himself and got the net ready to help. As the Lake trout fought my dad’s hold on him, the handle on Gilbert’s net snapped. So what did he do? He did what any great guide would. He wrapped the net around his hands and dipped into

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the water to help bring that fish into the boat. I swear, if anyone was on shore they would have heard the excited screams and laughter coming from our boat. My dad and I were in awe at the size of the fish, but also how committed Gilbert was at providing exceptional service. No one would have believed us, but luckily, I caught that experience on video. Thanks Gilbert for your commitment to helping Ron get that fish onto the boat!

Late one afternoon, the sun was out, we had spent the morning catching Lake trout and my dad thought it might be a cool idea to try catching Brook trout down the river. I had never been Brook trout fishing before, so back down the lake, past the Lodge and onto the river we went. The rapids on the river were rough and fast, however, Gilbert guided the boat past all sizes of rocks and coasted from one area to the next with ease.

It was fun, but, also a frightening first time to be fishing on rapids. It was also very difficult. My dad caught a few Brook trout that afternoon, however, I was not so lucky. This type of fishing is fast fishing and something I was not great at doing. I lost a couple of lures and caught nothing. We moved further down the river to calmer waters, that way I could catch some Pike. It was slower fishing that afternoon, but the sun was out and we were able to go from wearing seven layers down to about four. It

was a beautiful day. While the fishing was not as productive as previous days, we did manage to bring a few Pike back to the lodge.

Our final day was the best. It was my dad’s birthday and also Father’s Day. We spent the morning catching Walleye and all the guides and their anglers met at a rock beach for a fish fry. The guides filleted the fish, and the lodge workers and a few local residents brought drinks and side dishes to add to the meal. It was so much fun, we laughed, talked with everyone about their experiences and the best part was we ate fresh fish. For my dad’s birthday, I gave him a picture of us together from when I was a kid, holding what is likely my first catch at Lake Erie, a small Largemouth bass.

definitely a trip of a lifetime. I am forever grateful for a week spent on the water with my dad. The smile on my face in every one of the hundreds of photos that we took while fishing is proof of how wonderful this fishing trip was.

I want to thank the entire staff at God’s River Lodge and especially Gilbert. The accommodations were great as were the meals. Despite the fact that I was the only female fishing client, I was made to feel safe and part of the fishing team. I recommend that other fisherwomen consider boosting their fishing experiences by visiting God’s Lake and God’s River Lodge.

I cannot wait to make this trip again this year!

The day ended with a couple hours fishing for Lake trout and before we knew it, we were headed back to the lodge to pack up, board a flight back to Winnipeg and then head home to London.

My dad was right.

This holiday was

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Congratulations to the Owen Sound Salmon Spectacular on the 33rd year of this great event!

Schneiders is proud to have been a sponsor since the beginning and proud of all the conservation work provided by the Sydenham Sportsmen’s Association members.

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Contest Prize Winners

A happy father and son were the winners of the Montana’s and Owen Sound Salmon Spectacular Cooler Draw

Keigan (son), Keith (dad) and Cohen (son) McGregor were the winners of the Owen Sound Sun Times Big Fish contest.

Georgia (daughter), Keith (son), along side Mike (dad) enjoying the Kids Day prizes they won at the 2019 Owen Sound Salmon Spectacular

Angelina White was the winner of the Perch Festival kids draw prize at the 39th Perch Festival sponsored by the Owen Sound Salmon Spectacular

Keith asking his mom and dad I want to go fishing in my new Sportspal canoe I won at the derby.

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Ontario’s

Invading Species Awareness Program Aquatic invasive species entering a waterbody to help are a serious threat to stop the spread of aquatic Ontario’s water resources, invasive species. including beloved sport Clean your boat and all fish like salmon, and related equipment before anglers everywhere must leaving the waterbody be wary of inadvertently and ensure it is contributing to the spread clean before by Brook Schryer, M.A. of these destructive Aquatic Program Specialist entering a new invaders. Although there Invading Species Awareness Program one. Look for any Ontario Federation of Anglers are many ways for us to mud, vegetation, and Hunters fight the introduction mussels, or other of invasive species in suspicious debris stuck Ontario, one of the simplest things that an in or on the vessel and its equipment. angler can do is to remember to CLEAN, Drain all standing water by pulling the DRAIN, DRY their vessel. transom plug, draining the live-well, Follow these simple steps when exiting and lowering the motor, and draining all other

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water-containing devices on the vessel.

Draining helps to eliminate small organisms, such as spiny waterfleas and zebra mussel larvae from the vessel.

Dry or disinfect. Some aquatic invasive species can survive up to two weeks out of water, and not every invader can be seen with the naked eye.

To remove undetected AIS, dry your vessel for at least five days in direct sunlight or clean every part of the vessel that came in contact with the water using hot water over 50°C or using a pressure washer with between 2,500 and 3,000 psi (most modern electric or gas-powered pressure washers can achieve this psi level).

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Stories with Dad

by Stacey Urbshott

We have never caught a monster or anything considered to be a trophy or record breaker. What we did catch was a time to bond, some fresh air and a break from our hectic lives.

Fishing with Dads does that. I have been fishing since I was a tot of 3 years old. My grandfather introduced me to fishing just as he taught my Dad. Fishing later became a passion and I would get out as often as I could.

I reflect on the days I have spent fishing with my Dad. He would tell me stories of his youth and fishing adventures of days gone by, a time before fishfinders, GPS and other technologies. I picture him as a young boy of about 12 years old. He had just delivered a load of oats to the Co-op in Wiarton from Purple Valley. He stopped at Colpoys Bay and saw a dark shadow at the waters edge.

He waded into the water and hid behind a rock before a large salmon swam directly in front of him. He dove in, grabbed the salmon wrapping his arms and legs around it and barrel rolling back to shore. He claims it was 25lbs, if not bigger. He put the fish into an empty oat bag to take home for his Uncle Jim to feed his hired men. I can’t tell you how many times I have heard that story. I hope to never stop hearing it. Somehow, the fish gets bigger each time he tells it!

and got bored after a few minutes. I would wonder down the dock talking to other fishermen checking out their catches and sometimes scoring snacks! One particular morning after hearing the “watch your rod” speech, I was part way down the dock intrigued by another fisherman’s cooler when I heard my father holler. I turned around just in time to see him fly over to my rod, like Superman! He grabbed my rod as it was about to be pulled out of the holder. He landed flat on his stomach with my fishing rod in his hands. I ran back and took the rod from him. As I was reeling, I was read the riot act on the importance of patience and to not walk away from my rod! I reeled in a large Splake. I was so excited once that fish was in the net. Dad went from being angry to proud of his little girl in no time.

I fished with Dad every chance I could as a young girl and teenager. We participated in the Owen Sound Salmon Spectacular year after year. My attention span was much improved and this time, I would be the proud one watching Dad reel in his fish.

As I got older and started life on my own, the fishing trips weren’t as frequent. I was living in Kitchener and had adjusted to city

life. Years later, I broke my shoulder (fishing... go figure) and decided to move to Owen Sound to be close to the water and away from the city. I was born in Owen Sound and it felt like coming home.

Dad would come visit from Kitchener and we would go fishing together again. We had some impressive catches, beautiful boat rides and a lot of fun times.

Fast forward to 2014. Mom and Dad were both diagnosed with cancer at the same time. The fishing was put on hold as we tried to navigate a different lifestyle with hospitals, treatments and many visits with specialists out of town. At this time, Dad started to repeat himself quite often. We thought it maybe was due to stress but, as it turned out, it is memory loss due to a medical condition.

Mom went into remission in 2015 and Dads cancer was deemed superficial and under control. Fishing resumed with him making frequent trips to Owen Sound to fish.

We once again participated in the Salmon Spectacular at times making the board and bringing home some sweet prizes.

Life was getting back to normal. We would fish every chance we had.

I have my own fond memories as a child fishing with Dad off the town dock in Wiarton, rolling spawn bags, waking up early, bundling up in layers of warm clothing and jumping in the old truck heading out to catch a big one. Each time he would warn me “If you are coming fishing with me, you need to stay put and watch your rod!” Of course, I had the attention span of a gnat

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The fishing wouldn’t last long. In 2017, Mom’s cancer came back with a vengeance.

We sold Mom and Dad’s house and moved them to Owen Sound where I could care for them. When the time came, we moved Mom into Chapman House. It was August, dad and I would fish the Salmon Spectacular morning and night with Hospice visits in between. My husband Gerry was amazing to make sure we were taking care of ourselves feeding us on the boat and accommodating our fishing schedule while Mom was sick. During our daily visits, we would tell her our fishing stories of the day, the catches, the ones that got away and she loved to hear them. We lost Mom in October and Dad came to live with Gerry and me. We fished a lot, weekends, weekdays in the evenings as often as the weather permitted. Dad had some beautiful catches on his Ugly Stik he won from the Salmon Spectacular. We had fish fries for family, friends and our church. Gerry fries the tastiest fish, ask anyone!!

Early in 2020 Dad received yet another devastating cancer diagnosis. He has four non metastatic cancers. Bladder, Prostate,

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Leukemia and Lung. Between hospitalizations, chemo, radiation and immunotherapy, fishing is once again on hold. The stories are becoming more plentiful. He reminds me of the time we went camping at the Rockwood Conservation Area. He took my younger sister Amanda and I fishing. After a couple hours of not catching any fish, he proclaimed “There are no fish in this lake , I will eat the worm alive if we catch a fish! “ My sister reeled in a small Rainbow trout and Dad, true to his word ate the worm much to our disgust!!

Some of the many benefits of fishing with Dads are the lasting memories and good old stories, true or not, stories I pass on to my own boys. To this day, the fish continue to get bigger every time the stories are told.

We continue to battle this terrible disease.

I look forward to a time where we can get out fishing together again. I am so hopeful. Every second Dad is fishing, cancer is not winning.

Get better Dad. Let’s go fishing! This time I promise to watch my rod.

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Memories of Days Gone By

This big Walleye was caught by Steve Klerks weighing in at 8lbs 7oz and 25 inches, caught at Kag Lake Lodge, on Kagianagami Lake using a 3/8 oz bondy jigging with a minnow.

Steve Busey, a master at what he enjoys doing the most, fishing the Owen Sound Bay after the Big Chinook salmon. Steve was a successful derby winner with an overall top salmon of 26.24 Ibs. in 2013.

Kent Hayward and the late Jim Weir with their prize Bull Moose. Steve Bartley sat in this moose infested swamp location for years without seeing an animal. Such a kind hearted individual Steve is, he gave up his spot for these two young lads. First time out Monday morning, a Bull stands up in front of Jim Weir and bang! The rest of the story is history.

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Give and take alone 40 to 50-years; the latter being the case for the most highly esteemed conservationists in the OFAH’s camp.

It’s through the context of membership loyalty that we ask all OFAH supporters – new and experienced – to consider over 25-years of OFAH rally calls:

by Robert J. Pye, CAE Manager, Business Development & Corporate Messaging

• When the OFAH vowed to take high court action against the spring bear hunt cancellation, our supporters reached into their wallets with donations for our heritage fund war chest.

• When our bright orange “Remember Bill C-68” stickers were on bumpers on every road, our members picked up their buddies, and then put themselves on eastbound OFAH chartered buses to protest the long gun registry on Parliament’s front lawn.

• When a provincial scale fish hatchery was destined to be moth-balled, OFAH partners and volunteers came to the rescue.

Find an organization that tells you they have over 77,000 active members and you will find an organization that people care about. Find an organization that tells you 11,000 of those members have been loyal for over 25-years, you will find an organization that people cannot live without.

11,000 OFAH members have been faithfully paying their membership fees, making donations, buying tickets and merchandise, and waving the OFAH flag since music was sold on cassettes. In fact, many members in the OFAH quarter century league were sewing on their first OFAH membership crests when the 8-track tape was new. Such a statement about OFAH membership service and dedication is not meant to be amusing, but rather humbling.

One can count on only one hand how many “passions” in their life receive such uninterrupted, undiminishing, unwavering support for an astonishing 25-years, let

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• When the OFAH wanted to take Sydenham Sportsmen’s Association’s youth activities program province-wide, mentors stood behind the creation of the OFAH Get Outdoors Program.

• When town councils were about to vote on discharge of firearms bylaws, Sunday gun hunting, and local fishing restrictions, OFAH members gave up their evenings, and even took shifts off work during the day, to “be there” in council chambers and cheer on their Federation staff in delivering the facts.

• And when the OFAH was paying office building rent, OFAH members, OFAH clubs and OFAH corporate partners, raised the dollars to provide our organization a permanent home. Not one penny from OFAH membership dues went into the construction of the OFAH Ontario Conservation Center (aka head office).

No one represents the etiquette of give and take better than OFAH members. They

count on their Federation to give one-hundred-percent professional and passionate effort, from staff and Board of Director volunteers alike, to achieve high performance advocacy, conservation leadership, and quality membership services, outreach, and modern-day communications.

It’s all done on the take of hard-earned membership and fundraising dollars. We never take it for granted.

Give and take is always a two-way street, and likewise for the OFAH rally calls. These days, the OFAH hears our supporters loud and clear as they call for help. Volunteers work their asses off on local conservation projects that are funded, in significant part, through local fundraising events. The traditional raffle, turkey shoot or fundraising dinner were always vulnerable to the brink of financial disappointment – either through volunteer burnout, community fundraising fatigue, loss of sponsors, low cash flow after local plant shutdowns, and now, the biggest rug ever pulled from under volunteer fundraising feet, the pandemic.

The rainy-day funds of many local associations are almost spent. The “pivot” to contactless life doesn’t happen overnight, or on the same night that tank-loads of fish need to be fed at a local hatchery. For some volunteers, right now and until at least we’re out of the Covid-19 woods, the “reset” means a reprieve on their generous community service time. For other volunteers, however, there’s never been a better time to raise the bar on their local conservation initiative. Take for example, a group of volunteers in the heartbeat of rural Ontario, connecting these days by Zoom to discuss hatchery expansion – not hatchery reduction. They decided to increase production of Rainbow trout! What an ambitious and inspiring goal that serves the fishery and directly benefits the angling community. As we’ve seen with outdoor space demand recently, the escape of fishing

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time has never been more important. When we look back on what the outdoors brings to mental health benefits in a time of crisis, the conservation volunteer will be among the pandemic’s proudest unsung hero.

the OFAH shaped their fascination for the outdoors. We see them telling their future to get involved in conservation too. We see future generations that understand support for the OFAH is always give and take.

Today, the new local conservation funding is another way the OFAH proudly gives. #IAMConservation Robert J. Pye

The time for the OFAH place in pandemic history is also now. Your Federation is prepared to do more to help local conservation initiatives succeed and navigate the pandemic storm. As announced in the April issue of Ontario OUT of DOORS Magazine, a new club funding program is on the way. Thanks to the tens of thousands of supporters, members, and non-members alike, who support the Federation by purchasing things like OFAH lottery tickets, we are in position to pay it forward. OFAH volunteers worked hard to sell lottery tickets previously because they knew the proceeds would be invested back into causes that were important to them. The new club funding program is a recognition that dedicated investment in those projects and volunteers is required regardless of whether they sold tickets or not. Stay tuned for more information as the OFAH will announce the roll out of this new program that can help cross promote the OFAH brand name with the “I AM Conservation” tenacity of local clubs and volunteers. It’s the kind of commitment every member of the OFAH should expect whether they are renewing Left to right; Tony Jensen, John Holmes, Os McArthur, (behind Tony), Herb Buck and beside is a first year of membership right now or Gerry Hilchey watching the stocking of Brown trout at the Owen Sound Mill dam. renewing their membership in the OFAH quarter century league.

11,000 OFAH members have been faithfully paying their membership fees for over 25-years, wow! Read that again because, with respect to others in the voluntary membership business, 25-years of membership loyalty is not likely something you will ever read anywhere else.

According to “future of associations” experts, the era of long-time membership loyalty as the OFAH now knows it, is already lost. Membership is no longer a forever-ship, especially for millennials and their own kids who may have zero interest in “belonging” but endless desire to support a cause in many other ways.

Whether support comes from donations or membership or both, the OFAH sees a bright future. The OFAH sees volunteers that need our support today to plant our seeds of conservation for tomorrow. The OFAH sees young people, including new Canadians, who during the pandemic, experienced fishing for the first time. We see those anglers returning to the lakes that were stocked this year by volunteers, and we see them catching their first Rainbow trout. The OFAH sees those anglers in the year 2046 renewing their OFAH support as part of the quarter century club, reminiscing about how fishing got them through Covid-19, and how

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The Sydenham Sportsmen’s Association

Then and Now The Early Years -

This year 2021, the Sydenham Sportsmen’s Association (SSA) celebrates 74 years of conservation (1947-2021). The original roots of this great conservation organization; and for that matter perhaps even a part of the origin of fish and wildlife conservation in Ontario began in North-Grey more than 160 years ago.

Many believe that the first Fish and Game Protective Association in the Province of Ontario was formed prior to the year 1857 and that this association was located in North-Grey County.

Like most organizations, its initial start occurred in a very small way when a local lawyer and his angling and hunting associates became alarmed over certain depletions of fish and game. They felt these depletions were attributed to overharvesting and the un-sportsman-like harvesting methods employed by some individuals.

the prestigious Mary Pickford – such as the Sydenham Fishing Conservation Award as the Club – together with some outstanding conservation club three-hundred North-Grey & in Ontario for the year 1940. The Bruce Counties’ representative Protective Association had the residents, organized further honour of being the very first to form an association with Ontario conservation club to the motto “Conservation is receive the award.

Our Aim.” This larger group of sportsmen and their affiliated In 1946, reorganization was

by Jack Osadzuk clubs became known as The about to take place once again.

Grey and Bruce Counties Fish According to a short history and Game Protective Association; a title prepared by Wm. Ingles which indicated to that is still engraved on some of the present this point in time – with the exception of Sydenham Sportsmen’s Association’s fishing interruptions to normal life caused by two trophies. In the early 1930’s members of world wars – fish and game conservation in the Protective Association successfully North-Grey had been well served for over lobbied the province of Ontario to have a ninety years by the succession of these proposed new provincial fish hatchery built groups of conservation-minded sportsmen. on the headwaters of the Sydenham River Because the strong conservation southwest of Chatsworth. The Chatsworth movement led by outdoors sportsmen Fish Culture Station was built in 1935. The had led to the creation of many such Ontario Federation of Anglers and Hunters conservation groups throughout Grey and (OFAH) presented the Grey & Bruce Counties Bruce Counties, it was decided locally that a Fish & Game Protective Association with

The formation of a Fish and Game Protective Association stemmed from the recognition of the need to create a united voice to lobby for legislation and regulations, enacted to help in the prevention of these depletions; particularly at a time when market hunting and fishing was a common practice.

An April 3, 1867 notice in the Owen Sound Comet, announced that the Owen Sound Game & Fish Protection Society was holding their Annual Meeting and Election of Officers and transaction of general business on Monday, April 18, 1867.

Another article in an 1894 edition of the Owen Sound Times stated “The Pottawatomie [sic] Angler’s Club was prosecuting trespassers.”

It is believed that from out of this club another Pottawatomi River based angler’s organization emerged. Founded in 1914 and incorporated in 1916, the Rockcliff Anglers’ Club was likely one of the earlier outdoors clubs to culture and stock trout. The group raised Brook trout in concrete rearing ponds on Maxwell’s Creek, a tributary of the Pottawatomi River.

In 1927, surviving members from these earlier groups along with other local groups

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reorganization and name change should be made to better identify the local group.

At the 20th Annual Meeting of the Grey and Bruce Counties Fish and Game Protective Association held at the Royal Canadian Legion in Owen Sound in 1947, the membership made a decision and voted to change the name of the organization to the Sydenham Sportsmen’s Association.

The original purposes and objectives of the former association were retained as well as the motto “Conservation is Our Aim.” John W. Allen was elected to serve as the first president of the newly christened association. He served the SSA in this role on numerous occasions and held many other SSA executive positions throughout the years. Best known as Johnny Allen, he was for the most part of three decades ”Mr. Sydenham Sportsman.” In 1952 John was elected as president of the Ontario Federation of Anglers and Hunters Zone 6 Huron and Erie.

From their very beginnings, local fish and game protective associations were the voice of the angler, hunter, trapper, conservationist and naturalist and their members represented every element of society.

Down through the years, the Sydenham Sportsmen’s Association has in all its projects and resolutions, worked with conservation as its prime objective. Other purposes of the association are to provide recreational opportunities, establish and maintain sportsman-landowner relationships, promote, protect and enhance our heritage activities, educate and inform the public, and most importantly, to foster a love and respect for wildlife and natural resources in young people.

For six decades since the 1940’s the association had both leased and been granted access to approximately six miles of the upper Sydenham River by very generous landowners, in an effort to keep these waters open for public angling. Through this arrangement, a solid sportsmanlandowner relationship developed which allowed the association to carry on a very active and extensive stream enhancement program. The fact that the public was allowed to access the river for fishing opportunities made it easier to lobby government for fish stocking and obtain provincial permission to do stream rehabilitation work.

Stream rehabilitation and improvement work done by the SSA on the Sydenham River, the Pottawatomi River, the Spey River,

Bothwell Creek, Keefer Creek, Maxwell Creek but also acted as a filter to help reduce silt and nutrient introduction into the stream, and some Big Head River tributaries, has due to run-off. been much more than the grooming or creation of areas for spawning and creating Members and landowners saw the nursery areas for juvenile trout. In some results of these types of effort in habitat cases, it also included restoration. The overall the installing of health and condition baffle and deflector of the Sydenham River Sydenham Sportsmen’s especially, dramatically logs and boulders Association has in all its improved as did the to increase the river projects and resolutions, populations of fish and current flow in certain worked with conservation wildlife, who with their areas and riverbank very lives depend on a stabilization and as its prime objective. healthy environment. fencing to protect both riverbanks and The lack of an adequate and healthy environment for small feeder springs by limiting livestock spawning Rainbow trout below the Mill Dam access to specific and safer water locations. on the Sydenham River, lead the association When re-opened and protected, small into an early project to help move fish feeder springs that had over the years been upstream and into the Harrison Park – Inglis trampled into the ground by cattle, helped Falls area of the river. increase the river’s water levels and flow as In 1952, the Sydenham Sportsmen’s well as raising oxygen levels and lowering Association built and installed the first fish water temperatures. River bank stabilization ladder at the Owen Sound Mill Dam. The by the planting of trees, grasses and steel structure was 55 feet in length and 34 shrubbery not only improved bank stability inches wide and weighing 2,600 pounds. The but also provided habitat and food sources ladder, designed by and under the direction for birds and other wildlife as well as shade of SSA past-president Jack Edgar was built by that helped reduce water temperature. fellow SSA volunteer workers in their spare Landowners were encouraged when time as employees at the Russel Brothers ploughing their land to leave a wider buffer Limited, Owen Sound facility. Following the along the river which aided to bank stability

Continued on page 99

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installation, SSA members maintained the ladder and monitored its success.

The reconstruction of the Mill Dam in 1959 by the North Grey Conservation Authority and the Province of Ontario provided the opportunity to install a permanent fish ladder. This new concrete ladder was Ontario’s first and precedent setting Provincial Fish-way to aid in fish migration.

The Owen Sound installation was prior to Chinook salmon stocking in the Great Lakes, so Rainbow and Brown trout were the species migrating through the Owen Sound fish-way at that time.

For the twenty-two years following the 1947 name change, the Sydenham Sportsmen’s Association continued on as it had in the past – doing great work for conservation, but still holding general meetings in rented or donated locations, with executive meetings often held at the home of the present chairman. The need for a home for the association became paramount in the minds of SSA members.

On November 25th, 1969 the association purchased fifty-five acres of land in Derby Township from Lyman John Williton at RR #3, Owen Sound. The property is bordered on the west by Concession 3 Derby and on the east by the Sydenham River.

Three years later in 1972, during the 25th anniversary year of the SSA, the association applied for and received its letters patent and became incorporated as a non-profit corporation. SSA members were issued a small Charter Member Certificate indicating they were a SSA member at the time of incorporation.

During the ten years following the 1969 purchase of their property, SSA members worked to shape the fifty-five acres into recreational and wildlife friendly areas. It took a lot of effort to clear the property which had become over-run with scrub and undesirable growth, but eventually roads, trap, rifle, and shotgun as well as archery ranges were established. Storage buildings, hydro and equipment purchases also became realities. But the ultimate decision

for many members, who knew that the association needed a headquarters of its own, was made when SSA President John Ford called an emergency general meeting to be held at the club property on June 28, 1979. A total of forty-eight members attended to discuss the proposal and survey several building plan options presented by the building committee, comprised of SSA members Tom Currie, Harold Hutchinson, Gerry Hilchey, Wayne Ferrier, Bev Harron, Fred Geberdt and John Ford. The mortgage on the property had been burned and a vote by the members to build was unanimous.

Debentures were sold to help finance the initial costs, members rolled up their sleeves, brought their tools, equipment and talents and construction began. The first general meeting held in the new clubhouse was on March 6, 1980.

Fish Culture and the Owen Sound Salmon Spectacular To answer the old question “which came first . . .” In the case of the Owen Sound Salmon Spectacular, it definitely was the egg.

The Sydenham Sportsmen’s Association fish culture program began in 1982 with an upwelling egg box installed in Weaver’s Creek below the swimming pool in Harrison Park. The first eggs that the SSA hatched by this process were Rainbow trout. After several modifications and additions to the original process in an attempt to offset conditions of nature and reduce fry mortality, the club realized in 1984, they needed a far more effective system located elsewhere, and contained in a small building with a good water supply available.

Within a short period of time the Weaver family was contacted for permission to erect a small garage size building and also tap into the fresh water source that formed the headwaters of Weaver’s Creek on their farm property located at the base of the Creamery Hill, southwest of Owen Sound. The Weavers accepted the club’s proposal and a leasing agreement worked out. The Ministry of Natural Resources approved the site and

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hatchery arrangement and in short order the SSA erected a small building.

Later the same year, the Weavers allowed the club to double the size of the building to accommodate raceway tanks thus doing away with the upwelling egg box. The hatchery was now producing both Rainbow and Brown trout.

In 1985 the Weaver family again generously allowed the construction of a second hatchery building and a year later in 1986, the SSA stocked the first Chinook

salmon into Georgian Bay. That year, as well as raising and stocking 200,000 Chinook salmon, the SSA raised and stocked 100,000 Rainbow trout and 100,000 Brown trout.

Over the following years, through hard work and experience by SSA volunteers, the hatcheries, raceways and tanks, as well as hatchery and stocking procedures evolved in a positive manner to become better labour and cost efficient. However, the expense of operating a fish hatchery even

with volunteer labour is enormous and the Sydenham Sportsmen needed a method to finance the operation.

During their early years of fish culture, the SSA ran three very successful annual sportfishing symposiums and tackle trade shows.

Organized by a dedicated committee, they brought in renowned speakers and experts from both Canada and the United States, to educate the angling public about the exciting new salmon fishery. Proceeds from these symposiums were used to start the SSA on its way into their hatchery operation and salmon stocking program.

The idea of creating a salmon derby as a method of financing the Sydenham Sportsmen’s Association’s fish hatchery operations was first spawned in the mid 1980’s when a group of SSA members rented accommodations at Sauble Beach to fish the Chantry Chinook Classic – one of Lake Huron’s first salmon fishing derbies. Due to some rough Lake Huron water conditions, the group spent considerable time on shore discussing the fishery and the possibility of a derby. Chinook salmon had been showing up in Georgian Bay tributaries for some time and the concept of an Owen Sound based salmon derby sounded feasible.

A committee was struck and the dates of August 26 to September 4, 1988 were set for the first Annual Owen Sound Salmon Spectacular and as they say “the rest is history.”

1940 Executive of the Grey and Bruce Counties Fish and Game Protective Association

Left to right: Back row: Treasurer Chas Buzza, President Dr. Norman K. Douglas, Director Ted McKay. Front row: Secretary Bill Lougheed, Director Creighton Bradford, Director (name unknown), Director Wm. J. Dowkes.

Named after a famous Canadian born Hollywood film star, the prestigious Mary Pickford Award has for the past 80 years been the Ontario Federation of Anglers and Hunters (OFAH) annual award for outstanding conservation work by an OFAH member club.

Shown in the photo, representing the recipients of the award in the inaugural year of the OFAH award being presented is the 1940 executive of the Grey and Bruce Counties Fish and Game Protective Association. The Association received the award primarily for its active fisheries and stream work.

In the following years and now known as the Sydenham Sportsmen’s Association, the Owen Sound based conservation group has been awarded the OFAH Mary Pickford Conservation Award on no less than 15 occasions.

Dr. Norman K. Douglas was a well known Owen Sound dentist, who served in executive roles including as president in both the Grey and Bruce Counties Fish and Game Protective Association and the Sydenham Sportsmen’s Association.

Prior to the Ontario Federation of Anglers and a number of the hunters clubs of the Ontario Hunters Association amalgamating to form the Ontario Federation of Anglers and Hunters, Dr, Douglas was active in the Ontario Federation of Anglers.

Dr. Douglas went on to serve the OFAH as the 1940 and 1941 president.

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How we got here is not only due to some great leadership and the tremendous effort of the army of more than three hundred talented and energetic volunteers who work so hard doing set-up, take-down and the hundreds of tasks during the hectic ten day event; but also a small core of dedicated individuals who put a twelve month effort into each year’s derby. Some of these members have been actively involved for every year of the event and even further back – to the time prior to “derby days” and hatchery operations – when the fundraising event was an annual fishing symposium and tackle trade show.

Thanks to these “Salmon for the Sound” pioneers and the committee members and volunteers both past and present, we have a Sydenham Sportsmen’s Association volunteer operated fish hatchery and a tremendous local fishing event, that has evolved into one of Canada’s premier family fishing festivals.

Salmon Spectacular sponsors have been a critical element in our success and they all deserve our thanks and support. We are extremely proud of our local sponsors and especially our friends at the Georgian Shores Marina, (formerly the Owen Sound

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Continued on page 102

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Marina) who have for all of our spectacular years been most gracious in donating the use of a large area of their marina property as the official and ever expanding Salmon Spectacular site. They have had to put up with a lot of disruptions to their marina and operations as a result of the overwhelming vehicle traffic through their property at derby time. We can’t thank them enough for their generosity and patience.

From its humble beginnings in 1988, to an event that attracts thousands to enter the contest or to take part in the activities and entertainment held in the big tent every day of the ten-day salmon festival, the Owen Sound Salmon Spectacular has become everything that the organizers could have ever hoped it would be.

It is difficult to imagine in hindsight, the tremendous amount of effort and dedication put forth by the volunteer members of the Sydenham Sportsmen’s Association during this period of development and operation of their fish hatcheries and the creation and operation of a major event as large as the Salmon Spectacular.

The Salmon Spectacular is a full twelve month operation, with sponsor and entertainment contacts and planning for the

upcoming year’s event taking place before the current year’s Salmon Spectacular has completed.

The hatcheries are also a full twelve month operation, with egg taking from wild fish in both the spring and fall of the year – Rainbow trout in the spring and Chinook salmon in the fall. Fish stocking also occurs at various times of the year and add to that a full schedule of hatchery duties and maintenance. Thanks to the initial generosity of the Weaver family and presently an agreement with the new property owner the Millers, the Sydenham Sportsmen’s Association has to date raised and stocked millions of fish, including Chinook salmon, Rainbow and Brown trout and Skamania from their volunteer run community hatchery into the Sydenham and Pottawatomi Rivers and Georgian Bay. The return of the salmon attracts thousands of visitors to Grey-Bruce each year to witness the fish leaping at the Mill Dam and following their upstream migration through the fish-way and Harrison Park towards the spawning channels.

The SSA has taken its hatchery skills into the classroom with the Elementary School salmon Hatchery Program. One classroom

in each of several local elementary schools acts as a host for a classroom hatchery. The class is provided with a specialized aquarium setup where they observe and record the life cycle from eggs through to the fry stage and participate in the stocking of their fish into the Sydenham River at Harrison Park.

Staying the Course While the hatchery and derby would have been a full plate for most volunteer organizations, the Sydenham Sportsmen’s Association continued on as well with the other activities and projects they were known for. Their stream enhancement and restoration projects, forestry and wildlife projects all continued, earning the SSA and its members, awards and recognition for their conservation efforts.

During the mid 1990’s the Sydenham Sportsmen’s Association with the cooperation of the Grey Sauble Conservation Authority completed two artificial Spawning channels in the mid-stretches of the Sydenham River that measure almost a mile in length; providing perfect spawning conditions for Rainbow trout, Brown trout, Brook trout and Chinook salmon.

The successful planning, construction and maintenance of the spawning channels are the result of thousands of man-hours, tons of washed gravel, strategic placement of logs and boulders and dedicated volunteers. The results have been the recruitment of tens of thousands of wild trout and salmon into the fishery.

Even though the Sydenham Sportsmen had all this going on, they still found time to further develop and increase the size of their club property which allowed them to create a wildlife demonstration area and woodworking shop in a building included in the purchase. They also put an addition onto their clubhouse that more than tripled its size and included full kitchen facilities, washrooms and basement storage.

The building shown above was an old city landmark located at 830 1st Avenue West in Owen Sound and the clubhouse of the Sydenham Club. A gentlemen’s club, it was incorporated in 1909 by letters patent to “promote, conduct or manage a social club”.

Membership was limited to 100.

The 2 ½ story clubhouse was constructed the same year at a cost of approximately $13,000.00 including furnishings and officially opened in the spring of 1910.

The building later became the home of Branch 6, Royal Canadian Legion and was the location of the 1947 Annual Meeting of the Grey and Bruce Counties Fish and Game Protective Association when their name was officially changed to the Sydenham Sportsmen’s Association.

The site, just north of the Owen Sound Library, is now occupied by the Tom Thomson Memorial Art Gallery and Museum of Fine Art.

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The volunteers at the SSA woodworking shop have throughout the years been an invaluable asset to all the committees, projects and activities of the Sydenham Sportsmen’s Association including the hatcheries and the Salmon Spectacular.

The SSA has a very active Wildlife Advisory Committee and a core of volunteers that has not only been responsible for the planting of thousands of trees, but also the construction, erection, inspection, recording and maintenance of more than 6,000 Bluebird nesting boxes, installed from Manitoulin Island to Orangeville. Wood duck nesting boxes and Mallard nests, Kestrel houses, Bee boxes, Bat boxes and other types of bird structures

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Continued on page 104

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have also been built and installed by the wildlife committee and workshop volunteers.

Some specific wildlife oriented projects include: Arran Lake and Isaac Lake Mallard nest structures – Long Swamp Deer yard enhancement – Derby Tract apple tree release cutting – Wetlands Wood duck box erection, recording and maintenance – McNabb Lake Wetland Beaver baffler installation – Conservation Authority forest access trails – Fencing to protect wildlife habitat against cattle and ATV’s.

Cowboy Action Shooting group within the membership; specializing in the use of older types of firearms.

read is a sort of rambling and much less than complete account of who we are and what we do.

Several SSA members are certified firearms instructors and offer firearms training courses for members wishing to obtain their firearms licence.

The SSA is an organization comprising of over 600 members of all ages and gender, who come from all walks of life and share a common passion for nature and the outdoors. The outdoor interests of our members individually are varied, but we are united in our role as conservationists. Our motto “Conservation is our aim” . . . is both a motto and a purpose the SSA proudly inherited from their former organization.

The SSA hosts a very popular annual Youth Expo, providing young people with the opportunity to learn about fish and wildlife and participate in a day filled with a variety of supervised heritage activities, such as archery The SSA has taken its and shooting sports, fishing, hatchery skills into the hands-on nesting box construction, etc. followed classroom with the by a BBQ.

An important subcommittee acts as a wildlife emergency response group to address fish & wildlife Elementary School situations that require Affiliation as a member swift action such Salmon Hatchery club of The Ontario as emergency deer Federation of Anglers Program yard feeding and trail and Hunters (OFAH), tramping when winter Ontario’s largest nonseverity stresses become critical. With MNRF profit, conservation-based organization approval, the committee has rescued and representing 100,000 members, subscribers released into Georgian Bay, numerous adult and supporters, and 740 member clubs, rainbow trout that would have perished after is another way that the SSA has been they became stranded in streams due to low successful in achieving many of their water conditions. conservation objectives over the years.

SSA members participated in the planning, funding, live-trapping and release of wild turkeys in what was a most successful reintroduction of one of Ontario’s native species.

Members of the SSA Shooting Sports Committee have every reason to be proud and boastful about their program and excellent outdoor shooting ranges, which were one of the first in Ontario to be approved by the Chief Provincial Firearms Office, under the authority of The Firearms Act of Canada.

The objective of the Sydenham Sportsmen’s Association shooting sports program is to promote all shooting sports as a valuable recreational activity. And to provide our members and their guests with optimum safe shooting opportunities on shooting ranges that meet and exceed all Provincial and Federal shooting range safety and operational standards. The SSA range facilities have been utilized by enforcement and security agencies as well as other groups to obtain their firearm instruction, practice and certification requirements.

The SSA Shooting Sports committee has hosted several Women’s Range Days, providing instruction and a program designed for women wishing to participate in shooting sports.

SSA shooting opportunities that exist are: trap, skeet and sporting clays, shotgun, .22 cal and high power rifle ranges, handgun range and a stationary practice and trail range for archery. There is also a

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With the support of this organization with a staff of highly qualified and dedicated professionals, issues of local, provincial or national concern are often resolved with government agencies that respect and recognize the credibility of the OFAH and its affiliate clubs.

This past year (2020) a dedicated group of SSA volunteers ran their 25th Annual SSA/ OFAH Conservation Dinner & Auction; a successful and important fund raising event creating funding for important conservation work.

Describing all the projects, activities and achievements of the Sydenham Sportsmen’s Association and the contributions by many of its outstanding members in any print form less than a large history book is almost impossible.

So what you have

The Sydenham Sportsmen’s Association extends an open invitation to non-members and guests to take in the SSA monthly meetings at the clubhouse located on Concession 3 Derby, in the municipality of Georgian Bluffs (Fire #082535).

Meetings are normally held on the first Thursday of each month, excluding July and August, starting at 7:30 p.m.

The SSA monthly meetings offer an evening of fun, fellowship, a rundown on club activities, news on outdoor issues, plus some exciting door prizes usually along with an informative guest speaker.

The welcome mat is out . . .

Please join us at one of our meetings.

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Fall Bass Fishing on Limerick Lake

By Ashley Rae of SheLovesToFish.com

Note: Please verify any travel restrictions along with public health guidelines before travelling outside of your region. Plan ahead before traveling by connecting with local operators and businesses to determine any new safety measures and procedures put in place.

Three years ago my partner, Eric, and I visited Limerick Lake for the first time. We had a memorable experience and had been talking about planning another trip there ever since. I was very excited when a recent opportunity to partner with Hastings County Tourism presented itself, along with the chance to head back to Limerick Lake for a fall bass fishing adventure. Not only did we experience some great fishing on this trip but the timing was perfect to witness the incredibly vibrant autumn colours as well!

About Limerick Lake

Limerick Lake is situated in the township of Limerick, Ontario, roughly 30 kilometers (19 miles) south of Bancroft. The lake is over 7.1 kilometers long and 2.2 kilometers wide. It is home to a variety of fish species including: Largemouth and Smallmouth bass, Lake trout, Yellow perch, Pumpkinseed, and more.

Limerick Lake Lodge and Marina

A New Partnership With Hastings County Hastings County is the second largest County in Ontario, stretching from the shores of the Bay of Quinte, up north to Algonquin Park, and Hastings Highlands.

My new partnership with Hastings County will provide the chance to explore some of the seasonal fishing opportunities throughout the region. I’ll be documenting each adventure through my website, www.

SheLovesToFish.com, and through my social media accounts.

We brought along groceries to cook our meals, and also decided to grab takeout at Bancroft Brew Pub one of the nights – which was delicious by the way!

Limerick Lake Lodge & Marina seems to be the heart of Limerick Lake and is home to the only boat launch and marina on the lake.

We spent two nights at the Lodge staying in one of the housekeeping cabins. It was nice to have our own kitchen and bathroom, and we had plenty of space to park the boat and charge the batteries overnight. It was also very handy being able to launch our boat right on site. If you don’t have a boat of your own, the marina also offers boat rentals.

During our previous trip three years ago, we had a wonderful visit with the owner, George Offshack. George is truly a wealth of knowledge, is very passionate about the area, and is a fantastic host. He writes a daily report on his website about what’s happening in the area, on the lake, and around the lodge and marina. George made it easy to plan our trip through email communication and we were also able to do contactless check-in. During this trip, our visit with George was limited to outdoor chats from a distance and he also touched base with us throughout the weekend via email. Limerick Lake Lodge is pet-friendly so we were really happy to bring our dog, Blitz, along with us.

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Locating Bass on Limerick Lake

Blitz loves being aboard the boat and spends the majority of his day sleeping, people watching, or sniffing out the occasional fish that comes aboard.

Fishing on Limerick Lake

We experienced a range of weather conditions during our visit with low wind and a mix of sun and cloud on our first day. Our second day consisted of a nearly all-day cool drizzle. Water temperatures ranged from 55-59 degrees Fahrenheit. Eric and I covered a lot of water and found that bass were primarily holding on or around boulders of various depths, and were in and around deeper weeds (ranging from 8 to 16 feet of water) with the denser weeds being more productive for us. We found the deeper fish to be less active. Okay, they completely snubbed us in most cases! The shallower fish were much more aggressive and would hit moving baits, such as an underspin.

For more information on the fishing seasons for Limerick Lake, please refer to the Fisheries Management Zone 15 regulations.

Limerick Lake has very clear waters. With a good pair of polarized sunglasses and some sunshine, it is easy to spot some of the shallower boulders and vegetation.

Eric with a Largemouth bass caught on an Alabama Rig.

A Largemouth bass being released.

Limerick Lake is popular for it’s bass fishing, along with Lake trout through the open water and ice seasons. We missed the tail end of the Lake trout season by a few days but were happy to focus on targeting Largemouth and Smallmouth bass. Bass are certainly among my favourites to chase and Limerick Lake has some nice ones!

ourselves from the structure and making long casts seemed to increase our chances of getting bites with the finickier fish.

On the Bass Menu A Largemouth bass caught on a Berkley Fusion 19 Underspin paired with a Jackall Rhythm Wave Swimbait.

We saved a lot of time searching for fish using the Garmin LiveScope technology which allows a live scan of an area from a distance rather than getting too close to the structure. This helped us to spot fish on/ around the boulders as well as hunkered in the weeds. We did roll over a few fish while exploring and noticed they spooked easily at times or just wouldn’t bite at all. Distancing

Eric and I had to pull out a number of presentations to figure out what the bass wanted. They really made us work for it!

We found that fishing a drop shot was most effective around the boulders. When fishing around weed flats and weed clumps, an underspin paired with a swimbait, a ChatterBait, and an Alabama Rig, were all effective for us. Another couple suggestions are a football jig around rocks and boulders, as well as throwing a Ned Rig along the shorelines. Although we only picked up a couple fish with these two presentations, they are popular items we typically throw often and have a lot of success.

One of Eric’s Largemouth bass caught on a drop shot rig using the Bass Magnet Phat Fry. If you’re looking for some fishing gear & tackle while in the area, Fish & Co. is a new shop that just opened up in Madoc, approximately 47 kilometers (29 miles) south of Limerick Lake Lodge and Marina.

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The Ones That Got Away Although we were very fortunate to land some nice fish throughout the weekend, there were a couple moments of heartbreak for me as well! While fishing a drop shot adjacent to a rock pile, I had a light strike. When I set the hook I felt a dead weight with 2-3 big headshakes before the fish came unbuttoned. When throwing a ChatterBait over a weed flat, I had a fish clobber it putting multiple feet of slack in my line. I reeled up as fast as I could but the fish was gone by the time I tightened up the slack. These are the moments that keep me wondering and, of course, make me want to return for redemption! Needless to say, we will be back to Limerick Lake again. Thank you George, and Hastings County for a wonderful weekend on Limerick Lake!

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Welcome to Georgian Shores Marina. Your Home on the Water. Located on the shores of the Scenic City in beautiful Owen Sound. We have over 400 slips available for both seasonal and transient boaters. Including 50 amp services for larger boats. We are power boat and sail boat friendly and offer both gas and diesel fuel at our conveniently located gas dock. We have a spectacular boaters lounge with a full kitchen, modern washrooms, showers, laundry facilities, FREE wifi, TV and BBQ’s. Take your boat into the inner harbour and moor in the heart of downtown Owen Sound where everything is just steps away. Parks, picturesque waterfalls, beaches, hiking/biking trails and vineyards are just some of the areas amenities. What are you waiting for!!

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Memories of Fred

Some Memorable Times with Fred Geberdt

by John Ford I first met Fred Geberdt in 1973. I had moved to Owen Sound to teach Math at Strathcona Senior Public School and Fred was the science teacher there.

Somehow, the topic of fishing came into a conversation and Fred invited me to go fishing with him after school. The following day, I brought my fishing rod and we went to his boat, that was tied up on the harbour wall near Mr. Transmission.

Fred and I worked together with Grey Bruce Pollution Probe. An organization which was an early forerunner to the recycling programs that we have in place today. As Pollution Probe members, we gathered newspapers from the Owen Sound public and had it sent to Toronto for recycling. Fred was an organizer for this activity and he organized huge litter clean-up campaigns with many students from his classes.

In the next year or so, I encouraged Fred to join the Sydenham Sportsmen’s Association and as they say, “the rest is history.” Fred’s involvement in the SSA activities is legendary.

I’ll leave it to others, to expand on these topics.

I do have a couple of stories about Fred and myself. They involve coon hunting.

Some of you will know that Fred had coon hounds since he was a teenager. We used to hunt on Friday nights as then we could sleep in on Saturday. One night, Fred and I had released the dog and were waiting for her to start trailing and barking. Since we were out in the boonies in Grey County, we were quite surprised to see car lights coming along this rough bush road. Fred directed me to stand on one side while he was on the other. When the vehicle got opposite us, Fred turned on his powerful coon light on his hardhat. All I can say is that a girl in that car, had eyes as round as spotlights and not much else on.

The car took off bouncing along the potholes and Fred and I had a good laugh!

The second story involved coon hunting as well and again on a Friday night. We happened to be in a Maple bush and had released the dog. Since there were piles of Maple leaves on the ground, we both made a pile and sat down to wait for the dog to strike. After a while with no action, we laid down in the leaves and as you can imagine, we both fell asleep. I’m sure we would have stayed there until sunup except for the dog.

She came back, checked up on us and found us asleep, so she licked Fred in the face to wake him up. It was probably 3:00 am at that time. Fred suggested that since there didn’t seem to be any raccoon there, we might as well go home and that’s what happened.

Those of you who attended Strathcona Senior Public School, know that electives were part of the school curriculum. Fred and I organized an Orienteering Elective.

We taught the students how to use a compass, etc. Fred and I set up an orientation route in Harrison Park and then finally one in the Bognor John Ford, Fred Geberdt, Chris Geberdt, Murray Monk and Marsh. We bussed the students to Bognor Craig Geberdt after another successful moose hunt.

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Marsh and they were supposed to use compass bearings to travel in a large circle and end up back where we were.

My first clue that things were amiss was a visit from our school principal, Fred Steinacher. To say he was unhappy was an understatement. Apparently, several students had walked through the swamp and up the pioneer road to Hwy 26. Then one of them, who at least knew where she was, walked all the way to her home.

Needless to say, those parents were not impressed. As I recall, Fred and I decided that there would be no more orientation. I suspect that Fred Steinacher was probably the one who really decided! After a time, I think Fred Steinacher probably laughed about it, but he wasn’t laughing that night in either 1974 or ’75.

Perhaps the most important elective that Fred organized was the Bushcraft Elective at Strathcona. The group of students accompanied by Fred and I, would eat our lunch on the bus heading to The Glen Conservation Area. Fred had his bus driving licence so he drove the bus. The group was involved in building a shelter from natural materials. One afternoon per week we worked on building this shelter. After 6 weeks, Fred and I evaluated the shelters based on if they could be made sleep ready with a little extra work. Those who passed, were allowed to go winter camping for the weekend. On the Friday night, we slept in the Lindenwood Schoolhouse and then slept in the shelters on the Saturday night. Fred and I tried to emphasize how important it was to stay dry just before going to bed.

However, there were always a few hanging up their clothes on a stick over the fire to dry out. I think that one of the Derby Co-Chairs might have been one of the “Wet ones.”

On Sunday morning, we would pack-up, have breakfast and head back to Owen Sound. I suspect that some of those students still remember Winter Camping Electives with Fred Geberdt. I know that I do!

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Memories of Fred

Mummy Chuck

Mom and Dad’s Fishing Adventure

by Chris Geberdt

One of my dad’s favourite stories was the time that he, mom and son Craig went fishing on Lake Huron in his boat, the Mummichug during the Kincardine Fishing Derby on a May 24 weekend.

Mom was very susceptible to sea sickness and when she experienced motion sickness it would last for days. On this particular day they felt fortunate as they launched out of Kincardine onto a nice calm Lake Huron. It wasn’t long before Dad and Craig started to catch some nice fish, just as the lake began to get some sizable waves. Well, poor Mom was feeling as sea sick as you can get and of course Dad and Craig were still catching some beautiful salmon. It wasn’t long before Mom was getting sick overboard, yet the fishing continued to be unbelievable.

Dad being the inquisitive person he was, noticed a boat following very close to them as they continued hammering the fish.

Poor Mom continued to get sick, giving up everything she had eaten for breakfast that morning. Oh, I almost forgot – they were in a hurry to get onto the lake fishing, so Mom quickly ate a bowl of Cheerios as they were on their way to the boat launch.

This is where the story gets interesting.

The boat that was riding Dad’s coattails called him on the radio. “Mummichug, Mummichug read Silver Bullet, come in please.” Dad replied “go ahead Silver Bullet.”

The individual comes on the radio asking Dad, “What are you using for chum out the back of the boat Mummichug? We noticed you’re catching a lot of fish and we found what looks like Cheerios floating on top of the surface. Is that what you’re using for chumming the fish, over?” Mom was still getting sick and Dad and Craig started to laugh at the boat captain.

“Silver Bullet”, Dad

replied, uncontrollably laughing. “No Silver Bullet that is my wife’s breakfast, as she had Cheerios this morning.” Silence, then all you could hear was them yelling at each other, “I told you it wasn’t chum!” As the boat quickly moved away from the Mummichug, Dad and Craig were still laughing about what had just happened and Dad said to Craig, “I think we better take Mom in as she is turning very pale.”

Mom didn’t go fishing for months after that experience and the Mummichug was renamed after their adventure. Dad rechristened the boat, naming it Mummy Chuck. Another true story that Dad continued to tell each year and the story only got better year after year.

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“Fred, did you bring the Gravol?”

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Congratulations to the Sydenham Sportsmen’s Association for organizing this fine event, and their selfless promotion of our community.

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thank you sydenham Sportsmen’s Association for keeping local fish on our kitchen tables.

LEONS IS A Proud supporter of the Owen Sound Salmon Spectacular. www.leons.ca 33rd ANNUAL OWEN SOUND SALMON SPECTACULAR

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Memories of Fred

Mom and Dad Donna & Fred Geberdt

by Chris Geberdt The story of my parents Fred and Donna Geberdt, began when they met in Port Elgin, Ontario at one of their many outings.

Mom being from Walkerton and Dad from Hanover, made it to be a match made in heaven for the pair of them.

Early on in their relationship, they both had to persevere to get dad through Teacher’s College in Stratford, Ontario. Once he had finished college, Dad had many choices to go anywhere in Ontario to teach.

The first place they ventured to check out was Sudbury, Ontario. They each surveyed the area around Sudbury and as Mom put it best, “there are no trees and it looks like the moon.” After that visit to the north they ended up in Owen Sound where our family’s story and Dad’s career begins.

Mom and Dad purchased the small house on the East Bayshore Road in the early 1960’s.

Dad secured a teaching job at Strathcona Senior Public School where he started as a gym teacher and not long after, moved to teaching science, where he excelled as a teacher.

Dad’s teaching career would last for over 35 years. He loved teaching and working with young students and sharing his scientific knowledge.

Some of his favourite moments in teaching were his winter survival electives, taking his students together with fellow teacher John Ford who became his lifelong friend, on winter camping trips to Lindenwood Schoolhouse. A very respected and popular teacher with everyone, Dad was an avid outdoors person, especially taking enjoyment from his many hunting and fishing adventures.

Dad was among the elite conservationists in Ontario serving as a director with the Ontario Federation of Anglers and Hunters and as Chairman of the OFAH Fisheries Advisory Committee, formerly serving as a

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Director on the executive of OFAH Zone H, volunteering for over 32 years as co-chair of the Owen Sound Salmon Spectacular, Director, Past President and Life Member of the Sydenham Sportsmen’s Association, Cochair of the Annual SSA/OFAH Conservation Dinner and President of the Sydenham Conservation Foundation. His exceptional knowledge of fisheries and the outdoors helped create the SSA Fish Hatchery Program and the success that it is today. He worked tirelessly most of his life-time as a conservationist to better fish and wildlife and the natural environment, especially in the Owen Sound Area. He was, with co-chair Bob Knapp instrumental in obtaining the property for many to enjoy, that became the Hibou Park Conservation Area.

Kelly, Carrie, Kim and Craig. Anyone who knows our family is aware that we are a very close bunch that would do anything for our parents. This being said, we especially want to thank our siblings, Fred’s daughters Kim and Kelly and son Craig for their unbelievable nursing support that allowed our Dad one of his final requests – to be at home.

Dad is now enjoying the bounties of nature and pheasant hunting with his late German short hair “Twig” in heaven.

A public celebration of Fred Geberdt’s life will be held at a later date when we are able to gather safely as a group once again, to be held at the Sydenham Sportsmen’s Association’s Club House.

Dad has been honoured multiple times with the Conservationist of the Year Award and Sportsman of the Year Award.

Most recently he was selected as the recipient of the 2020 Owen Sound Senior of the Year Award.

In presenting the awards, Mayor Ian Boddy said “Our community would not be as amazing a place to live without all of the volunteers that make it all happen.” Volunteers like Fred Geberdt!

Dad and Mom were married for over 57 years. Fred and Donna raised 5 beautiful kids: Chris,

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The locally owned Bell stores in Owen Sound and Hanover wish all anglers the best of luck!!

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Memories of Fred

The Mighty Saugeen River Annual Family River Trip with my Dad

by Craig Geberdt Every August my family planned a trip together, down the beautiful Saugeen River.

Always starting in Walkerton then slowly making our way to the 8th concession where we departed and headed for home.

This particular year, Dad and I decided we would partner up to paddle and fish together. So, on that Saturday morning we headed for Lobbie’s Park to meet the cousins and family members who always joined us on our canoeing adventures.

It started out a beautiful sunny morning when we left the park, and as always, we fished, told stories and had shore meals along the way. The weather was so strangely calm that it seemed odd to me. However, “the weather we get is the weather we want” Dad would always say.

A few hours into our trip I noticed the sky ahead of us was really turning a dark black yellowish color. “Hey Dad,” I said. “Look at that sky, it doesn’t look so good.” In his confident comforting way, he said it’s fine son, it will blow over. Well a few minutes later, the wind started to pick up to the point where Dad mentioned that we should pull close to shore and wait for it to pass. Slowly paddling close to shore to wait out the wind, I calmly replied to Dad, “well, at least it isn’t raining.” Much to our surprise within minutes it started to rain,

so much so, we were both bailing out our canoe. As we confidently bailed Dad looked back at me and spoke “well son, at least it’s not lightening and thundering out.” BANG, BOOM, CRACK, was the answer to that!

Sitting there huddled along the shoreline of the Saugeen River, we realized things were starting to get bad, real fast. The rest of the family and cousins were all out of their boats and safely taking protection on shore. Not us, we were going to ride this storm out . . .

“Right Dad???”

As the rain and wind pounded our canoe, I looked at Dad and commented “at least it’s not snowing out.” You guessed it! Within minutes and painfully, hail the size of corn nibblets began to pelt us unmercifully. The hail became so intense, that we pulled the lids off the coolers to help protect ourselves.

What seemed to us like days, but was likely an hour or

so, as the storm began to ease and the sky began to clear.

Dad and I began a slow paddle over to the rest of the family and gave a friendly yell “let’s get going the storm has passed” Family and cousins in tow, I looked at Dad as the sun began to shine through the clouds and said, “that sure was one H### of a storm!” His reply to me was, “Son on future trips, let’s not talk about the weather on this river!” I looked up at him with a big smile and said “YES, I absolutely agree,” as we paddled off into the sunset on the mighty Saugeen River.

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One of our many family canoe adventures down the Saugeen River

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Memories of Fred

Hunting with my Dad

by Chris Geberdt As I was growing up, Dad was involved with the outdoors so much that it made fishing and hunting almost an everyday event and so it became a natural way of life for me.

I remember fishing with Dad as soon as I could hold a fishing rod and being alongside, accompanying him hunting, when I was 10 years old.

Craig and Chris hunting with Dad

I will never forget my first time shooting dad’s old pump shotgun. We were hunting at the Glen Conservation Area and I was still just 10 years old.

Every time we would go out hunting, Dad would go over the safety and handling of a gun with me.

This time, Dad, not letting his eyes off me said, “It’s your turn son.” I am sure he laughed at me as my mouth dropped and I was shaking with excitement, and I repeated for the second time, “Are you sure Dad?” He replied, “This is the only way you will learn.”

Well-off in the distance, we could see a flock of wood ducks coming into where we were both standing and as Dad turned to me he said, “Ok here you go son.” He safely handed the gun to me while patiently peering over my right shoulder. I pulled up aiming at the first wood duck in the flock and believe it or not, the wood duck fell to the ground, hitting the water just in front of us both. I don’t know who was more excited,

my Dad or me. I unloaded the gun and tried to beat my dad and retrieve the duck before he could.

I will never forget that experience and can still picture seeing my Dad’s smile; raising the duck in the air and beaming ear to ear. “You did it son!”

We were both oblivious to the endless flocks of ducks landing all around us. We didn’t care about anything around us. For that split moment in my life, Dad could see me growing up before him and he was so happy. It was the story of the night which we repeatedly talked about all the way home.

Dad told everyone about my first duck and how proud he was of me. I will hold onto that special memory for the rest of my life.

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Memories of Fred

Turkey Hunting My Way Turkey Hunting with my Dad

by Craig Geberdt Every spring since the induction of Turkey Hunting, Dad would hunt every non-raining week day with his friend John Ford. I, youngest son Craig, was always welcome to join them but usually let the two of them enjoy their hunt together.

One particular occasion, Dad gave me a special invite because John was unable to go and rather than hunt alone, he really wanted me to go with him. So, of course, I obliged as always and told him I would be ready to roll at 3:45 a.m. which was insane but typical for Dad. So, the next morning the phone rang at 3:20 a.m. Rise and shine son, we are leaving in 20 minutes!! OK Dad I’ll be ready. That particular day we were heading to the Johnson farm in Balaclava, which was a favourite for both Dad and myself. We arrived in the dark (of course) and as usual he meticulously set up his decoys in their exact spots and found a perfect spot for us to sit and hunt together.

We sat patiently as he called with pecks and chirps for any Tom nearby to hear and come pay us a visit.

As the sun started to rise I was realizing that there were more noises coming from my belly than Dad’s turkey caller. What he didn’t know was that the night before some friends and I got into some delicious but greasy pizza and chicken wings; which was not ready for a 3 a.m. wakeup call!! “Dad...Dad,” I whispered. “I got to go to the bathroom.”

“Hurry up and make it quick” he said in his loving stern voice! So, off I go to the bush and perform Mother Nature’s duty. (ahh, relief.)

Getting back into position with Dad, he motioned to me quietly that a Tom was coming in along the bush line. We were waiting and ready for this Tom to head for the decoys. Oh no... .the noises in my belly were back and much louder than the first time, if you know what I mean! “Dad..Dad,”

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I whispered. “I got to go to the bathroom again!” This time his look was not so pleasant. He said something like “hurry the bleep, bleep up! You’re going to bust us!

So, off I go for round two of Mother Nature’s calling. Getting back into position with Dad this time I realized the Tom turned into two big Toms and were close to shooting range. As they were starting to gobble, I could sense a nervous excitement coming over both of us. Oh NO....I thought to myself....not AGAIN!!! “Dad”, “Dad.” I got to go to the bathroom again. Well, this did not go over well with him.

“Bankety, Blank, Blank...The Toms are so close just wait,” he said.

My response was “Sorry, I can’t” and headed off for round three of Mother Nature’s call.

Getting back into position this time was somewhat different as I realized the birds were gone and Dad was up collecting the decoys. Oh-Oh! Knowing he was likely not impressed with me I sheepishly approached him and said “What’s Up?” “What the Blank do you think?

We’re busted!!” “Oh, OK I said, guess we’re done hunting then?” “Yes son, we are done.”

favour, the sun was in the Tom’s eyes and the huge oaks would be great cover if I lined up behind one. As I made my slow jogging approach on the Tom, I figured that this was likely the last time I would get invited for an early morning turkey hunt with Dad. As I got close to the Tom, I slowed to a crawl behind the oaks. Please be there, please be there, I kept repeating. As I loaded the gun, I jumped around the tree. There it was looking at me, 20 yards away. Gobble, gobble...BANG! AHA! After I did my victory dance, I grabbed my Tom and headed back to Dad with a huge grin on my face as you can well imagine.

Bird in hand, as I got close to Dad I could see him gesturing in disbelief, that I got our Tom. Standing next to Dad, I put my gun down and proudly handed him the beautiful Tom. He looked at me shaking his head and said “unbelievable son. Never have I seen or heard of anyone stalking a turkey.”

Hugging each other and taking pictures, I looked at him and said “this turkey hunting seems pretty easy if you ask me.” He said “son that turkey did one thing wrong.” “What’s that,” I asked. “ IT MADE A BIG MISTAKE!” Redemption was on my side and Dad could not have been more proud of my stalking abilities. Although he did mentioned to me to refrain from pizza and wings next time I planned to go hunting with him. My response was “yes Dad, I promise.”

On our walk back to the truck with my head hung low (but feeling super light and good inside), Dad pointed and says “look over there in the next field.” Holy cow, I thought. That’s one of the Toms in the distance. I figured it was only four or five hundred yards away, no problem. So I said to Dad “I’m going after him.” “What? You’re crazy.” I stripped down a few layers, took my pack off, grabbed my gun and began my attack. I figured at this point I got nothing to lose. In my head, Fred and Craig sharing a toast after a successful hunt! the wind was in my

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A Fishing Partner For Life Start them young, it is likely they will be the ones to take you fishing when you are old.

Teach them to fish young and you will have a FISHING PARTNER FOR LIFE! Busy? How often do you answer “Yes!” We need to make time for the children in our life. Today’s kids spend more time glued to a screen than ever before. With video games, smart phones, tablets and the television all competing for the attention. Shut the screens off and get them outside fishing.

I am so grateful I started my son young and now I have a fishing partner for life.

He is 11 years old and hooked. He loves to fish and has a great appreciation of nature and conservation. Finding spare time isn’t always easy, but I learned fishing can be an hour long or days long…we spend our time fishing for all types of fish, sometimes in the kayak, the boat, from the shore of the lake or the river, ice fishing and have even deep sea fished in Cuba.

Fishing is a lifetime sport that will provide many hours of recreation, relaxation and time with family and friends. It is cliché to say the future is in the hands of our children

to fish while he was sleeping but it couldn’t be truer when it but trying to figure out how comes to this industry. Stocking, research, rehabilitation licensing, to heat up bottles on the boat was a challenge (thermos of this industry has a lot of layers.

Fishing teaches our kids so many hot water) but I figured it out. things. They learn to love the The worst was the witching hour between six and eight. outdoors and the beauty around them. Enjoying the simple things It seemed nothing I did could stop him from crying except that life has to offer. In learning, it is said that children retain 10% of by Debbie Thomson getting off the water. As he got older I brought a lot of snacks what they read, 15% of what they and a lot of toys. It took the cell hear but 85% of what they “do”, so take a kid fishing. phone getting thrown overboard before I learned to bring toys that float and put Your goal is to create a new angler who everything else in a waterproof bag that can enjoy the water with you for the rest floats. When I caught fish and let them go he of their lives. Fishing with kids can be would cry so I decided to bring a cooler with frustrating, especially if the fish aren’t biting. an aerator and put a few small perch in to It is your job to make it easier and exciting. keep him entertained.

While it may require some effort on your part He caught his first fish at 17 months, in the beginning, especially when their line jigging with his own rod (an ice fishing rod). gets tangled, instead of getting frustrated It freaked him out and he dropped the rod give them your rod and keep them fishing but I think it counts LOL. We also spent time while you fix it. Make it fun. fishing from shore. Fishing from shore allows I took my son out fishing for the first time kids to run and play when they need to and at three days old. At a week “old” I had the gives them an option for fishing on their stroller in the boat and at three months own or with friends as they get older. When the Playpen on the boat…At first all he he would get a little restless, we would did was sleep and eat and cry. It was easy

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go for walks and learn about geese, bugs, groundhogs, trees, flowers, sunscreen and so much more. There is no other place to teach a child the importance of cleaning up the garbage (even if you didn’t put it there) and to never litter. Some of the garbage we would come across was from other people that were fishing. Empty worm containers, pop cans and fishing line that had been left from anglers that had a “birds nest” or knot in their line. Always stick line in your pocket or put it in the garbage can. Fishing line can cause serious damage to animals that get tangled in it. Take back everything that you brought on your trip, and consider leaving the area better than you found it.

At two and a half he was reeling in his own fish. He would hold and kiss the fish (when I could get the pacifier out of his mouth) then let them go. At four he would get the worms and put them on the hook and when one of them caught a fish he would reel them in.

He could thumb a bass like a pro. At four I took him to his first Kid’s Derby. Kid’s Derbies are a great way to introduce kids to fishing and there are usually people around if you need help or are new to the sport yourself.

It is wonderful to see the excitement in a child’s face when they land a fish. Tytus won the four to five age division, something he remembers to this day. By seven he was volunteering and helping kids learn to cast as well as taking fish off the hook for Fishing Friendzy (a group designated to teaching kids to fish).

At eight I bought us both kayaks. My favourite memory was watching him fish, he was standing on his kayak still in his pj’s throwing his lure near the weeds.

The rain started to come down a little harder and I suggested we get back in.

His words are one of a true fisherman….”Ok mom, just one more cast!”

size doesn’t matter and always keep them wanting more. Catching fish is important, size isn’t. For example, Sunfish and other pan-sized fish are often plentiful and easily caught by beginners. Keep it fun, Perch and Sunfish are the best to target. However, they will always remember the “BIG ONE” if you are lucky enough to reel one in.

Poor or rich there is something out there for everyone. Whether you are using a worm and a bobber or spending a week at a fly-in fishing resort, being outside and learning the beauty of nature is something money just can’t buy and will be remembered for a lifetime.

Don’t make the first trip your last. It takes practice and patience. When you say you will do it again, keep those promises. A promise to take a child fishing is as important as any other commitment that you make.

Keeping that promise will strengthen your relationship. Remember, each child is different and will respond differently to the fishing experience. Keep an open mind, go with the flow and, above all, have a good time! Don’t forget sunscreen. Even with hats and long sleeves, reflected sun from the water will strike your face. Remember to do the back of the neck, ears and face. The sun is a lot stronger then when we were kids.

A full spectrum SPF with a rating of 60 is recommended for children. Water and bugs go together, it is important to use insect repellent. Certain seasons (Spring) and times of day (dawn, dusk) that can be particularly good for fishing but are also mealtime for the little critters. A good repellent will limit their

effects, but not eliminate them. Even if you are fishing from shore, life jackets or personal floatation devices (PFD’S) are a good thing to have for small children or weak swimmers.

Know and be prepared to explain the rules and abide by the limits and other regulations contained in the fishing regulation book for your area. Show older kids how to use the book and teach them how to identify some common fish.

HERE’S A CHECKLIST TO HELP YOU GET READY FOR YOUR FISHING TRIP: 1. B ring polarized sunglasses, sunscreen and hats for sun protection.

2. B ring insect repellent and insect bite salve.

3. Include a small first aid kit 4. B ring enough appropriate tackle for each person fishing.

5. I f you plan to eat your catch, bring a cooler or stringer 6. I nclude bait that is easy to get and use – worms, grasshoppers, crickets, grubs, caterpillars. Live bait is more entertaining 7. I nclude “picnic” food that is fun, such as snacks, fruit, sandwiches, and fruit drinks or water.

8. I f possible, fish near home so that the trip does not exhaust everyone before the fishing fun.

9. B ring and wear life preservers (PFD’s) if necessary 10. D o not take too many children at any one time 11. P ick up your garbage and leave the area better then you found it 12. Stay positive 13. Let them help plan the day 14. B ring toys that float if you are in the boat…remember phones sink 15. The biggest thing to know about taking a kid fishing is that it is about spending quality time together. Remember they call it fishing not catching, for a reason

Two things I have learned when it comes to kids and fishing are

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Chris Geberdt, with grandsons Nathan and Logan Parra Geberdt showing off their nice Walleye caught on Dog Lake.

Often you read about northern areas that offer the best opportunities to catch that elusive fishing experience and where to seek out that adventure of a lifetime. I have to begin my story of a fishing adventure by explaining how I first met both Warren & Melanie Thibodeau of North Walleye Lodge in Missanabie ON.

We arrived at the Sportsmen show in Sudbury on a very snowy day in April where our booth was setup right beside Northern Walleye Lodge and Green Wilderness Lodge.

by Chris Geberdt

Several years back we started to promote the Owen Sound Salmon Spectacular by attending many outdoor shows throughout Ontario. This particular Sportsmen show in Sudbury was featured as one of the best to attend and by all accounts everyone was correct.

It couldn’t have been more perfect as we became instant friends and before the weekend was over I had already booked my first fishing trip to Northern Walleye Lodge.

Warren Thibodeau and his brother, Russ ran Green Wilderness Lodge until 2006 when Warren went onto other adventures leaving Russ to run Green Wilderness Lodge. In 2010 Warren and his wife, Melanie purchased

Warren and Melanie, your fantastic hosts at Northern Walleye Lodge

Northern Walleye Lodge to start what has become one of the top fishing lodges in Ontario. Northern Walleye Lodge sits on the southwest shore of Dog Lake near the town of Missanabie just west of Missinaibi Provincial Park, north of Chapleau, Hawk Junction and Wawa in beautiful Northern Ontario.

The Lodge has become a popular family vacation destination and a fisherman’s paradise. The waters of Dog Lake are fed by the Lochalsh River, Dog River & many small streams creating an environment that is nearly perfect for such species as Northern Pike, Smallmouth bass, Perch, Lake trout, Burbot (Ling), White fish, Herring (Cisco), Walleye and Brook trout.

Craig and Fred proudly display their catch

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After being picked up in Missanabie by one of the Northern Walleye Lodge boats, you arrive to their waterfront cottages that range in size from one bedroom up to three bedrooms and have all of the amenities required to ensure a comfortable stay. They provide a full housekeeping plan and both Warren & Melanie will ensure you have an enjoyable trip and leave with many great memories. You can enjoy a more secluded adventure by escaping to the island cabin which is located about 3/4 miles from the main lodge and has an unbelievable scenic view of Dog Lake.

While they cater mainly to fishermen and hunters, their lodge is also large enough to accommodate a small to medium size conference group. It is ideal for corporate retreats and team building activities for your group to relax and get close to nature while still focusing on the corporate goals you have in mind.

Our experience at Northern Walleye Lodge has made so many unbelievable memories with our family and friends. It was Dad’s favorite place to go with both his sons, myself (Chris) and Craig along with his long-time friend John Ford and his son Geoff. See picture of our group on (page 16). It has become a great place to take our grandchildren to experience the great outdoor activities such as swimming, canoeing and fishing. We try to make it an annual fishing trip with our grandchildren each year for them to enjoy a true fishing experience. As a grandparent, you know it is a good fishing destination when all you do is bait their hook and net their fish.

THE CABINS AT NORTHERN WALLEYE LODGE AWAIT YOU Northern Walleye Lodge features clean and comfortable rustic log cabins that offer a long list of amenities in a remote wilderness setting. All the cabins are spaced 250 to 500 feet apart ensuring all guests can enjoy privacy. Each cabin has a picnic table along

with a gas barbecue to allow you to cook your own meals.

All Cabins (& Island Camp) Feature: · Electric lights · Pots and pans · Juice glasses, coffee mugs, plates, bowls, silverware, utensils and basic supplies · Stove top toaster · Full size electric fridge with top freezer · New comfy, cozy mattresses · Propane BBQ with utensils · Basic cleaning supplies provided in cabin (broom, mop and bucket, cleaners) · Axe supplied to cut your own campfire wood · 24 hour electric off of solar, with generator backup from a central system · Salt and pepper are the only condiments supplied · NOT provided in the cabin – bedding, bath towels, paper towels and toiletries · During the pandemic pillow, dish towels, dish cloths will NOT be provided · Please bring water to a rolling boil for a minimum of one (1) minute before consuming · Island cabin has a small solar system good for sleep machines and charging things.

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Having stayed in several of Northern Walleye Lodge’s cabins, the outings have been nothing but excellent.

So escape the stress of everyday life and head to Northern Walleye Lodge on Dog Lake for the best and most memorable fishing vacation ever!

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Memories of Days Gone By

IIya Glikman of Yamaha at our sponsors day with his nice catch of a 8 Ib Chinook salmon.

Kim Bartley with her 6 Ib Brown trout caught in the upper Sydenham River.

Logan Parra Geberdt with his 7 Ib Northern pike he caught at Air Ivanhoe last summer.

Connor Kreller with Josh (dad) and the 3 lb. Largemouth bass caught in Grand Bend.

If you wish to submit a picture for future magazines, give a brief description and email Chris Geberdt at cgeberdt@hay.net

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The History of Brecks In 1948 an entrepreneur Brecks. Having been an integral named George Breckenridge part of the company for decades received a few lures made she continued to build on in France. They were Mepps the heritage. The Savant Lure Aglias. The inventor, Mr André Company was acquired in 2013 Meulnar an engineer at the car and The Arthur T. Freer company, manufacturer Peugeot in Paris, manufacturers of the Lake Clear perfected the lure he had been Wabbler, in 2014. Both of these working on for years in 1938. brands were also relocated to

by Mark Stiffel George obtained the exclusive the Sherbrooke Quebec facility distribution rights for the where they are now brand in Canada in 1950. At the time George manufactured. was also involved in a number of other Mepps is the most businesses including; Seal Dry a rainwear popular spinning division, Fox ranching, a marina, flies for trout lure in the World. and salmon and a golf course as well as other Mister Twister is ventures. As the popularity of the the company Mepps lures began to grow George that started the soft decided to divest himself of the fox plastics revolution by developing the ranching and the rain wear and his Curly tail concept. Maxima is a world son David took over the fishing leader in fishing lines both for mainline side of the business. and in the fly-fishing sector. Williams is a Over the years David built Canadian heritage brand that celebrated Brecks into the multi-faceted it’s 100’th anniversary in 2016. Lake company it is today. Brecks is Clear and Maxima both celebrated 100 the exclusive Canadian national years in 2020. Mooselook dates to 1938. distributor of Mepps lures (since The original classics of these brands 1950), Mister Twister soft plastics are still currently the most popular from Louisiana and Maxima lines within their brands and lure categories. from Germany (both since 1983).

• Mepps lures; Aglia 1938, Comet 1955, Parts are imported and assembled, Aglia Long and Black Fury 1962, packaged and marketed Syclops spoon 1982 in Canada. David acquired outright • Mister Twister; 3” Meeny and the Williams fishing 4” Twister Curly tails 1972 tackle division •W illiams; Wabler 1916, Whitefish 1952, in 1989 and Ice Jigs 1960 moved the operation to the • Mooselook; Medium 160 Wobbler 1938.

Brecks facility Other sizes 140 & 380 to follow in later in Sherbrooke years.

Qc. In 2002 the • Lake Clear original LCW1 Wabbler 1920 acquisition of Mooselook followed.

These two storied lures have since been manufactured in the Brecks facility. David passed away in 2012 and his wife Sharon Gautrey took over the leadership of

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Brecks prides itself on quality. We invested in our own plating operation following the Williams acquisition, to ensure the quality of the genuine silver and 24 Carat gold finishes the Williams brand was renowned for. Following the acquisitions; of Mooselook, Savant and Lake Clear, these brands were also upgraded to the same precious metal plated finishes.

The 4 brands wholly owned by Brecks are fully manufactured in our Canadian facility.

Mepps is imported in parts from France, where it is manufactured. It is assembled and packaged in Canada by Brecks. Mister Twister is imported in bulk from the United States and packaged by Brecks. Maxima is imported from Germany and distributed in Canada.

Brecks has always believed in giving back and has supported the individual Outdoor writers and their associations for decades. We support a number of industry associations such as the; OWC, NEOWA, CSIA, SFI, AFTMA, OFAH and others. Annually Brecks was / is supports dozens of tournaments. We are extremely pleased to see the Owen Sound Salmon Spectacular back up and running for the coming season.

Good luck to all on the water during the tournament as well as all season. Be safe!

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Denis Bester Memorial Shootout by

Cate Bester

In 2020, the Denis Bester Memorial Shootout experienced a gigantic leap in popularity and success with 1,003 anglers and $20,500 raised for The Salvation Army Food Bank and Big Brothers Big Sisters of Grey Bruce. During a year defined by loss and cancelled plans—including the cancellation of the Owen Sound Salmon Spectacular— the shootout provided an opportunity to gather safely, celebrate together, and raise money for a community that needed support more than ever.

Although a whopping 750 tickets were the sudden loss of our dad to cancer, my brother, Luke Bester, asked Ryan what he sold last summer, the shootout comes from thought about doing something special to humble beginnings and a different name. honour Denny during the upcoming Salmon Originally the Derby within a Derby, it was Spectacular and Ryan ran with it. conceived of and planned by Ryan Amyot in 2017 to bring a new “angle” to the Salmon Georgian Bay and its salmon were a Spectacular: weigh in just three fish over primary motivation for Denny to move to a nine day period and all weights will be Owen Sound and start a family here in 1987. hidden. From 62 participants in that first In addition to fishing year to 1,000 tickets for with his brother, Wayne, sale in summer 2021, the “More important to and their fishing buds, tournament has truly my dad was anxious to him than catching become a tradition in its get my brother and I out own right. the biggest fish was on the water as soon as Alongside this growth making sure everyone possible. We had a Grew has been the notable boat called The Killer Bee had a good time.” change in name to The and some of my fondest Denis Bester Memorial childhood memories Shootout. This change came in 2018, come from time spent on that boat. He following the death of Denis Bester, my would wake us up before sunrise and load us father and one of Ryan’s co-conspirators into the cubby in our pajamas. for the Derby within a Derby. Soon after continued on page 150

Denis Bester with Cate (daugther), Luke (son) and Kathy (wife) on a great fishing adventure.

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Denis and Wayne Bester (brother) doing what they enjoyed most “FISHING.”

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More important to him than catching the biggest fish, which he often did, was making sure everyone had a good time. He was a generous teacher and would often let me sleep until he got a fish on the hook and wake me to let me reel it in. He wanted those around him to find fishing as exciting as he did, and was happy to share the feeling of reeling in a big one.

He taught me how to drive the boat, tie and cast, catch minnows and worms, choose the right spot, pack a good cooler, and be patient. Although I haven’t inherited the same devotion, love, and talent for fishing as my brother, the water remains the place I can go to feel close to my dad now that he’s gone.

After selling The Killer Bee, Denny spent a few years exploring angling around the region and the country. Thanks to his fishing buddy, Darryl Choronzy of the TV show Going Fishing, he was able to enjoy some pretty spectacular fishing adventures and take his hobby to the next level. When I spotted my dad proudly holding up his catch while flipping through the channels on a Sunday morning or saw him featured on the cover of Ontario Fisherman I really felt like he was a world famous angler! Eventually, he became a regular at The Owen Sound Marina once more with a hand in two new boats: a G3 with my brother and Old Buds with John Snider and Ken Morrison.

With or without a boat of his own, the Salmon Spectacular was always an annual highlight. Between being out on the water and in the fish tent, either as a volunteer bartender with Hydro One or as a patron, you were unlikely to see my dad far from the derby that week bordering August and September. He loved to fish and to share his catch, participating in the derby’s fish fry as well as hosting friends at our home to share his famous battered fried fish.

Kathy (wife), Luke (son), Colin (grandson), Ryan Amyot, Drew Watson and Mark Pedersen at the Denis Bester Memorial shootout 2020 Anyone who knew Denny well was likely to have experienced the joy of fishing with him. He was passionate about sharing his knowledge with the next generation and would be thrilled to see how this legacy has been carried on thanks to Ryan Amyot, Drew Watson, Mark Pedersen, and the other volunteers of the Denis Bester Memorial Shootout. With the birth of my nephew Colin in 2020, we are especially grateful for the occasion to dig up Denny’s old fish tales to share with his first grandson. We can surely imagine he would be the sort of grandfather who tied his own line with no hook so Colin would be the one reeling them in.

This year, the Salmon Spectacular will be held August 27th to September 5th with The Denis Bester Memorial Shootout ending September 4th. Choose three fish to weigh in to compete for a grand

Cate (daughter), Kathy (wife) and Luke Bester (son) volunteering at the 2019 Owen Sound Salmon Spectacular wearing shirts in memory of Denis Bester.

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prize of $5,000 and raise money for The Salvation Army Food Bank, Big Brothers Big Sisters of Grey Bruce, and Chapman House Residential Hospice. We are glad to welcome this third benefactor as they provided exceptional, compassionate care to my dad and our family during his last few days of life. For more information about sponsors, regulations, and purchasing tickets, check out www.denisbestershootout.com or follow them on Instagram @denis_bester_ memorial_shootout.

On behalf of myself, Kathryn, Luke, Cassie, and Colin Bester, happy fishing!

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BRUCE PENINSULA SPORTSMEN'S ASSOCIATION Stocking Fish Since the Sixties People don’t join service clubs seeking recognition or to win awards. But when two hard working veterans of the 300-member Bruce Peninsula Sportsmen’s Association received “lifetime achievement” recognition, they appreciated the honour. Both club Fisheries Chair Ray Marklevitz and former BPSA President Ray Reidel were presented with lifetime memberships to this conservation group that was launched in the sixties. They joined a long list of other conservation leaders and club founders to receive the same honour.

RAY MARKLEVITZ

Another former BPSA President Ray Marklevitz has also been an outstanding leader, volunteering for decades in numerous capacities. Ray served as BPSA Hatchery Manager for more than 30 years.

He still does his turn doing hatchery maintenance and fish feeding, and is the BPSA Fisheries Chair.

Sit down and listen to Ray’s stories about our early fish stocking efforts and you will be fascinated. Ray relates how BPSA was launched in the early 1960’s when a small group of dedicated outdoors folks decided to improve the sports fishery in Colpoy’s Bay in southwest Georgian Bay.

RAY REIDEL

Several locations were used to raise fish including a former Provincial Hatchery near the site of the Wiarton water plant and a

spring-fed pond at the Wiarton Golf Club.

At one point volunteers were moving trout fingerlings in pails with water spilling on the back seats of their cars. Rain, sleet or snow they labored on. It was a bit of an amateur effort, but it was an earnest effort aimed at improving our sports fishery.

Later, spring fed open concrete tanks were used at the site of our present hatchery. Then, with major community and government support, the present hatchery was completed in 2002. There were donations from corporations and individuals, the Ontario Federation of Anglers and Hunters, and many other organizations. Our mandate since the beginning has always been “to preserve and protect fish and wildlife” and to encourage conservation. In recent years we have been dedicated to recruiting more youngsters to get them outdoors and away from their screens.

In 2021 BPSA is celebrating its 59th birthday. It became a club in 1962, then a chartered club in 1965. Raising trout for our sports fishery began in 1968. We are proud of our record of having raised and released more than four-million fish. We boast the longest operating volunteer run community fish hatchery in Ontario.

A 40-year veteran, Reidel served as BPSA President for 10 years. Ray played an active role planning and building our new hatchery, the construction of the BPSA Gun Club range, and the overall well-being of the club. Ray was a major player during the BPSA re-introduction of wild turkeys in the Bruce Peninsula, yet another of this hard working group’s conservation projects.

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by Stu Paterson

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continued on page 158

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BPSA belongs to the 40-member Ontario Community Hatchery Program (CHP) which in recent years has covered half of the annual costs of operating our hatchery. CHP also runs inter-hatchery information sessions which allow fish raising volunteers a chance to exchange ideas and learn about the latest hatchery operation methods.

power interruption. He says during a test the generator supplied enough electricity at less than half throttle to power all hatchery electrical systems.

Over the years BPSA has treasured our partnerships. For 10 years Lake Huron Fishing Club volunteers have helped supply us with rainbow trout eggs for our hatchery.

We continue to work amicably with the Lake Huron Club, the Ontario Steelheaders, the Sydenham Sportsmen’s Association, the Barrow Bay and District Sport Fishing Association, and the Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry.

Hatchery Manager Al Sutter says we hope to continue to stock about 150,000 Rainbow and Brown trout a year. Al emphasizes we are always working hard to stock as many yearlings as possible to improve our fish survival rate.

Ray Marklevitz and Gord Smith BPSA Fish Committee Chair Marklevitz reports we are continually working on ways to improve the health, growth rates and survival rates of fish we release.

He notes we are grateful to the Community Hatchery Program (CHP) and the Ontario Federation of Anglers and Hunters (OFAH) for their generous support of our hatchery operation. OFAH operates the hatchery program which is funded by the Ontario Government. In 2019, through the Hatchery Program, BPSA welcomed a donated $1500 Honda generator which Sutter says will prove useful to keep hatchery pumps pumping and the heat on during a

For 20 years BPSA members have helped raise the giant tent used as the headquarters for the annual Owen Sound Salmon Spectacular. The Spectacular is easily the largest event of the year in Grey Bruce.

This volunteer effort saves the Sydenham Sportsmen’s Association (SSA), sponsors of

continued on page 160

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the big derby, about $10,000 a year. In return SSA provides BPSA with thousands of salmon yearlings to stock in Colpoy’s Bay. At times SSA has housed and fed some of our rainbow trout fingerlings during periods of drought.

We all work together for the good of the sports fishery.

Speaking of partnerships, our community members often show up to help us. In recent years we have had a record number of volunteers helping with stocking at Gleason Brook and with fin clipping at our state-ofthe-art hatchery.

While we are proud of our stocking program, our 300-member BPSA does offer much more to members and to the public.

Former President Frank Hutter, a BPSA member since the 1960’s, says he is proud of the many outreach programs launched

by BPSA. For many years our club lacked young active members, so Hutter launched the BPSA youth shooting program. Twenty years later Hutter points out that many of those original young participants are very active in club activities as adults. At one point noting a lack of women participants in club activities, Frank initiated a female only shooting night which continues now. Frank is the official BPSA Firearms/Hunter Education course instructor who introduces recruits to a safe shooting environment at our indoor range. Frank works closely with the Ontario Chief Firearms Officer to ensure we are in compliance with Federal and Provincial gun laws.

Hutter says he is proud to work with “a progressive fish and game conservation club” that continues to do positive things in our community.

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BPSA boasts a busy Handgun Club, Hutter’s youth and adult Firearms Training program, an active youth and adult archery program, our Tree Planting and Invasive Species Awareness “Boot Scrubber” Program.

We also want to thank Paul and Donna Maginnis for the junior and senior archery programs that they have been so involved with the BPSA. In 2020 our Sydenham Sportsmen’s Association friends sponsored several boot scrubber units which were installed near Owen Sound.

Our community outreach includes our annual Family Day Open House, open houses and hatchery tours for non-profit community groups, our popular annual fundraising BPSA Beef & Pork Barbecue, our annual Kids Fishing Derby at our hatchery pond, and our Community Living Derby every fall. In recent years more families have joined BPSA. Parents tell us they enjoy the opportunities we offer kids that encourage them to take part in outdoors recreation and learn about conservation, fish and wildlife.

please go to this link http://bpsportsmen. com/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/Oct-FurFins-Feathers-2020.pdf Something to think about. When you are out there netting fish, remember the hard work and determination that go into the stocking effort that resulted in the fish you catch. Thanks for supporting BPSA and our stocking partners!

And thanks for taking part in the 2021 Owen Sound Salmon Spectacular!

Good luck and “tight lines” to us all!

Stu Paterson Bruce Peninsula Sportsmen’s Association

One study on the value of what we do caught my attention a few years ago.

It concluded that BPSA fish stocking has attracted so many out of town anglers that it has pumped over $10 million into the GreyBruce economy.

“BPSA is a Community Hatchery Program supported club whose volunteers donate 1,500 hours a year raising and stocking 125,000 trout a year.”

Our old friend the late Fred Geberdt of the Sydenham Sportsmen’s Association spent many years as Chair of the OFAH Fisheries Advisory Committee. Fred said he learned a lot in that capacity. He often noted that “each fish stocked is worth $30 to the community where it is stocked.” So it’s safe to say, we ARE doing valuable work.

John Yakabuski, Minister Natural Resources and Forestry

Bruce Peninsula Sportsmen’s Association programs have been severely curtailed during the Covid-19 Pandemic. Stocking, hatchery feeding and maintenance were limited to smaller groups with masking at all times and strictly enforced sanitizing and physical distancing.

Post Covid-19, we look ahead to a full resumption of all activities. You are reminded that we always welcome new members.

“BPSA was established to help preserve and enhance fish and wildlife”

The blank BPSA membership form is part of each newsletter so if you are interested

Kevin Harders President Bruce Peninsula Sportsmen’s Association

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The Labourers’ International Union of North America (LIUNA) Local 1059 is, once again, proud to sponsor the Owen Sound Salmon Spectacular.

A JOB WE’RE PROUD TO TACKLE

For over 30 years the Salmon Spectacular has hosted those who love to fish in a spirit of camaraderie and sportsmanship, while rewarding their successes.

LIUNA believes strongly in those concepts as we build a team that receives good wages, benefits and a pension in return for their efforts.

So, to the participants in this year’s Salmon Spectacular, we say:

Good fishing!

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