Wednesday, March 21, 2012

Breaking the Lead

Aside from my near-incessant--I'm sure you'll agree--ramblings on the Storm Kickin' Stick, I must said it lead me to a rather good customer service tale.

You see, back on that fateful fishing trip up in Huntsville when said lure paid for itself in a few nice catches, I lost it to the depths of the lake.

Here I am, three catches into the day, the sun setting and the mosquitoes rising. Confident in the power of my lure, I cast out far and clean. I'm skimming the weeds, hoping to draw out the predatory instinct of the pike to make him take my bait. Suddenly, I yank hard, there's something on my line... only to determine after a bit of reeling, that I'm snagged. No problem, if you're not snaggin', your not fishin'.

So I work the rod back and forth, holding it straight like my braided line prefers. I figure my leader's a solid 30 lb test, my line 20, and I've pulled harder before, so if anythings going to snap, it's my line. Yank, yank, tug hard, tug hard... nothing, it's not coming. I keep tugging, yanking, and snap! I almost fall back. I broke my line.

No worries, I say to myself, I'll just padding over there and retrieve my bait from the weeds. I row the boat, and it starts to glide right for where I believe the lure to be. I get closer and the lure comes in sight. I think I'm a bit high, so rather than try to grab it I try to slow the boat down. I've overshot, and the boat slides right over.

Unconcerned, I back paddle, assuming the weeds will pop-up and my lure will be retrieved. Instead, she's nowhere to be found. I life weed bed after weed bed with no success... my lure is sunk.

Pissed off, I reel my line in so I can swap out the leader and put on a blue shad, it still kicks, so I'm hoping for similar results. Once the lines in I take a look, and I'm shocked to see that the leader is intact, the end of which slipped out of its weave resulting in my lost lure.

Not wanting to miss the moment, I swap the leader out and get the blue shad into the water. The balance of the day shuts me out, and we head back to camp for a beer.


Returning to civilization I contact Matzuo's customer service and relay the whole story to them, impressing my dismay at losing my lure off their faulty leader. The response is simple and straight forward, they ask for my address and offer to replace my leaders and the lure with their competitive brands. A few weeks later I received two packs of non-Matzuo's leaders (Mark thinks they went to Walmart to grab them), and four Matzuo lures, that seem to be roughly competitive to the Storm Kickin' Stick.

My battle-hardened Kickin' Stick remains lost to the depths of a lake in Central Ontario, but I'm pleased with the response from customer service, and I'll be trying these new leaders--replete with welded connectors--on my new lures this season... I may even give the Matzuo leaders a run for their money.

Tuesday, March 20, 2012

Fishing Report - March 19th, 2012

Who: Myself and my daughter
What: Fishing with chicken hot dogs on catfish rigs and perch rigs
Where: Forks of the Thames, south shore
When: March 19th, 6:30 PM - 8:00 PM
Weather: 19 degrees Celsius falling as the night went on. Stable and clear skies.

The catch:
  • 6 lbs Channel Cat on hot dog with catfish rig.
  • 1 lbs Smallmouth Bass on hot dog with perch rig on the retrieve. Returned to the water immediately.
The bite was just starting to heat up right around 8:00 PM. I had several bites on my line that came and went, but time was up and we had to go.

Monday, March 19, 2012

The Weather

I didn't get out fishing this weekend as I was taking my cub pack camping. A good time was had by all and we got to see lots of cool things camped next to a swamp. Several mosquitoes landed on me and it got me thinking about how this winter is going to influence the upcoming fishing season.

I imagine the biggest change will be the breeding season of the fish.  Fish have thermometers not calendars, so once the water heats up, so will the breeding. Will the trout have moved through the rivers before the season begins?  Will the bass be off their nests by later May? Will the dry winter make for very a shallow Thames River?  A few years back when we had a really dry summer, the bass fishing was awesome because they were all holed up in the few deeper sections of river. Wet wading also becomes a lot simpler.

Of course the warm winter could be no indication of the summer and it might be a cold rainy summer when the fish are turned off the bite completely.

Hopefully the nice weather continues. I hear the perch will start running in Lake Erie soon.

Friday, March 16, 2012

Asian Carp Threat

I have been following the Asian Carp threat for the last couple of years now.  Here is a recent article.

http://www.theobserver.ca/ArticleDisplay.aspx?e=3502621

Pond Fishing

Pond fishing can be fun when you don't want to hit the big water, or just want to get out for a short time. Ponds can also work out great for fishing with kids where there are lots of little fish to catch. I usually hit the ponds a couple times a week in the summer with my kids.
Below is a list of just some of the ponds in and around London.
Westminster
Location: London (Wellington and Southdale)
Access: Off Wellington Rd; from Parkwood Hospital; various trails throughout the conservation area
Fishing: Sunfish; Largemouth Bass
Notes: The Southernmost pond (Tumblesons Pond) is a private pond with no public access.
Pond Mills
Location: London (Pond Mills Rd between Bradley Ave and Southdale Rd)
Access: Parking lot off Pond Mills Rd, various trails lead to fishing spots
Fishing: Sunfish; Largemouth Bass (I've seen 4+ lbs in the North Pond); rumored Pike
The Coves
Location: London (Springbank Rd, west of Wharncliffe Rd.)
Access: From Greenway Park; Springbank Rd.; Cove Rd.; Duke St. There are some paths to the various ponds.
Fishing: Sunfish; Carp; White Sucker
Komoka
Location: Komoka (West of London off Glendon Dr.)
Access: Parking off Komoka Rd.
Fishing: Sunfish; Bass
Notes: Only some ponds are public access, please check before fishing.
Dorchester Mill Pond
Location: Dorchester (East of London off Hamilton Rd.)
Access: Numerous access points off Mill Rd and Pondview Ct.
Fishing: Crappie; Sunfish; Largemouth Bass
Notes: Connects to the Thames River which is abundant with small bass in that area
Sharon Creek Reservoir
Location: Southeast of Deleware off Longwoods Rd.
Access: Parking lot off Springer Rd; Bridge off Carriage Rd
Fishing: Sunfish; Bass; Pike; Walleye; Crappie
Arva Mill Pond
Location: Arva (North of London off Richmond St.)
Access: Limited public access
Fishing: Sunfish; Bass


Wednesday, March 14, 2012

The Storm Kickin' Saga

Last week, a package was handed to me. Contained within was gold, lots of gold... and apparently rumblings of this being limited gold.

As I've rambled about before, I've heard great things and had great success with the Storm Kickin' Stick. The only problem is mine was stolen, due to a faulty leader--more on that later.

I've searched the interwebs for an online supplier, and both Bass Pro Shops and Cabela's list them, but not in the black and gold colour of tasty little perch. As such, I've been growing more and more concerned that I might not hold a shilling's worth of gold ever again.

Alas, Mark called our local tackle Guru, Steve, over at Lambeth Rod & Tackle (link unavailable due to, well, no website) and Steve called his Storm rep to put in an order. Steve asked for 6, the Storm rep said he had 4, so Steve ordered them, and Mark and I bought his stock.

All's well, right? Well, not really. I mean, what's it mean that Storm only has 4 of them?! Are they still producing more? Do I hold in my hand the last 3 (I took the majority of them from Mark) precious lures?

These questions and more burn at my soul, but until my supply dwindles down, I'll abide my fate and catch all that the Storm Kickin' Stick will allow.

If you're so inclined, call your local tackle shop now, and put in a request. If they have none, tell them to call their Storm rep and put in a request. Kicking lures are great, and I've been told they're a closely guarded secret of pro anglers. Well, you too can hold the power of the kick, call your tackle shop now!



Finally, in the words of Forest Gump: "... and that's all I have to say about that."

Sunday, March 11, 2012

First Catch of the Year

The weather was good today so I decided to hit the Thames for a couple of hours. I saw a few people fishing, not much was biting but I did manage one sucker for the afternoon (About 2 pounds).  The kids had fun building forts on the banks.  Their biggest regret was not bringing string to practice their lashings and knots.


Friday, March 9, 2012

I Won a Prize

A couple of weeks ago I enter a contest over at the FishingFury.com blog. I won and the prize arrived yesterday. It was a selection of KIWI products. I'm going to try them out at cmp next week.  Thanks to FishingFury.com for the awesome gifts.

I've been following their blog for about 4 years now. It is great and I encourage you to check it out.


My Greatest Day of Fishing

My greatest day fishing was August of 2009 when my family was camping in the Kingston area.  We went down to Lower Brewer's Lock to get some sunfish for the kids.  We took 3 rods, perch rigs and 18 worms.  The sunfish were plentiful and we stopped counting at 100 catch and release in the first hour or so.  The sunfish kept up like that all day, including some big ones.  We spent more time unhooking fish than having our rods in the water.  The only time we stopped was for the steak and shrimp lunch my wife prepared on the BBQ. When we got tired of the sunfish many hours later I started to target bass.  2 cast with a tube jig against the far shore and I had a 3 pounder on the end.  After many, many bass and hundreds of sunfish we had to call it a day.

The fishing and memories were so good, I'm thinking of doing a 6 hour drive just to fish it once more on a weekend this summer.

Wednesday, March 7, 2012

License Renewal

I renewed my Fishing License today online. Can't wait to get out and start catching this year.  I might try to get out Sunday as the temperature is set to hit 11+ degrees.

The new online way of renewing is very easy and convenient. A lot of local tackle stores are no longer offering licenses because of new government rules about having Internet access and dedicated phone lines.

Monday, March 5, 2012

Bait Bucket List 2012

This year I'd like to try a few different/new things fishing.


Fishing from a boatI fished from a boat in 2011 for the first time. (A sinking paddle boat with a hole doesn't count) I was looking after 8 kids on our Cub houseboat trip, so my boat fishing was limited to about 30 minutes on the last day. I'd like to get out on the water for the whole day and just relax and fish. I'm thinking of doing a charter this year.

Using less live bait this year
It's no secret that I like to use live bait. Sitting on the river's edge with a perch rig and a box of worms is a great day for me. I want to try some more active fishing this year.  My most successful year in terms of numbers of bass was 5 years ago when I threw nothing but artificial lures.

Trying more hard body baits
When I do use artificial lures I prefer to use tubes and jigs and inline spinners.  This year I am excited about try some Live Target lures and some Storm hard body baits. I'm going to work on retrieval technique and see what I can make the lures do.

Catching 2 new species of fish
I don't care what they are, or where they are, I want to try and target and catch two new species of fish this year. Learning to catch new fish will allow me to employ new techniques in my everyday fishing.

Catch a really big catfish
I've caught lots of 5-6 pound catfish in the Thames. This year I want a 15 pound+ fish. I may have to take a couple of road trips further down the Thames or out to the Grand River to catch this fish. I can't wait to see the rod straining against this monster.

Fish Toronto Harbour before a Jays game
I haven't been to a Jays game in nearly 20 years. This summer I want to take my son to a game and before the first pitch, we'll get our lines wet along the lake front. I've seen some pictures of nice fish pulled out of there.

To catch more bass this year
The last few years have been poor for catching bass.  A couple of small one here or there. (Exception: some of the big ones I pulled out in Perry Sound) I am going to target them as of June 23rd.  I've got a couple places in mind to start. Hopefully with the new lure selection and some research I'll get my fill of bass this season.

Learn and break down and clean my reels properly
Armed with online instructions I'm going to be tearing down my reels before spring hits.  I'll clean, grease and oil them and put them back together.  It should be fun and will preserve my equipment longer.

Friday, March 2, 2012

Species I have caught

  • Bluegill
  • Pumpkinseed
  • Bullhead
  • Channel Cat 
  • Largemouth Bass
  • Smallmouth Bass
  • Rainbow Trout
  • Carp
  • White Sucker
  • Redhorse Sucker
  • White Bass
  • Sheepshead
  • Northern Pike
  • Rock Bass
  • Perch

Thursday, March 1, 2012

2012 Spring Fishing & Boat Show

I'm a goal maker. It might have been evident in my discussion of the 2010 show, it might not have been. Either way, this year I set some goals for the 2012 Spring Fishing & Boat Show: find some Storm Kickin' Sticks or other lures, find some cheap waders, maybe find a new reel. Then I expanded the latter to be find a baitcasting reel.

And I was off! Working my way through the show with all these goals. Mark and I had to decide: watch IF4 (International Fly Fishing Film Festival--hence IFFFF, or IF4) or watch Dave Mercer. Ultimately, we decided on Dave, as it gave us more time for the show, and I was looking forward to seeing what he'd sell me this year. That meant that after sleeping in travelling delays, we had about an hour and a half to kill before Dave took to the aquarium stage.

Mark wanted to swing by the hunting show, which was an addition this year, or at least expanded. Guns, bows, air guns, neat stuff, but not a whole lot for me to get too keen over, as I really don't need another expensive hobby. Then, like the red sea parting, the crowd cleared and I saw it: the best fishing apparatus a man could want... at least, a coffee drinking angler. A hand-pump fueled espresso maker. Long story short though, I couldn't find a clause on my Spousal Approval Form for the acquisition of coffee making supplies at a fishing show, so I decided to defer the purchase... but someday, I might get one!

I noted the fly casting pond as we passed, and committed to returning for a few tips on my roll cast. Later that day when I did return, I was able to get some good instruction, which after re-reading the online articles I'd read on the roll cast solidified my understanding of the process and some of the key areas where I need improvement. Ultimately, as with everything fly-casting: it's all about a straight-line path of the rod tip.

I did score a pair of waders through the show. Mark pointed them out, and the sign showed an MSRP of $40, but they were on 'show special' for $25. I asked about them, and they only had size 9, so I held off. Wandering through the show, I later re-considered and decided to try them on. There seemed to be enough room for them to fit, so I bought them and we'll see how they hold up this year. I figure worst-case scenario I can sell them on Kijiji for $20, and buy a larger size at MSRP.

As for the Storm Kickin' Sticks, the whole show was a shut out, I found an 8" one, but that was it! On the other hand, I did happen across a 3-segment Live Target. It's a herring, but the general feeling is that Pike won't care. Also, after Dave's show, I mentioned to him that I'm a big fan of the Storm Kickin' Stick, and that since I can't find them, what were his thoughts on the 3-segment Live Target. Ultimately, he said they perform the same, and there's still a "kicking" action, but I think it's clear Dave's sponsorship has moved from Rapala (owner of Storm) to Live Target, so I question that advice--at least, until I see it in action.

I also picked up a 3.5" Live Target mouse. During my Pike fishing trip one of my co-anglers used a mouse and it attracted a lot of attention (in fact, I was a prick and after 3 failed bites on his mouse, I threw a Storm Kickin' Stick right over his path, kicked it twice, and caught his fish), so I was eager to get my hands on one.

Last but not least I held off on the new reel, especially the baitcasting reel after I found out I'll need a new rod too (to get the ringer grip thingy). Not to mention the benefits I learned of microguides which when factored into the baitcasting format should add quite a bit of distance to my cast and has me quite excited. I figure that'll be a 2013 addition to my tackle box, and I'm looking forward to it.

All things considered, a good show, and I'm looking forward to getting on the water!