Dec 07

Trout Fishing The Waters Of The Bow River

A Look Back On the 2015 Fishing Season

The 2015 fishing season started early for me this year. The mild winter we had in Calgary lead to anxious anglers wanting to wet a line before the rest of the crowd dashed towards the banks, eager to set the hook into a willing trout’s yapper. I was contacted by Ben in March to row his low-pro Hyde drift boat for himself, and his good friend Barkley in just the second week of the month. The banks were still lined with a five to six foot ice shelf, but who really cares when you have fish on the brain! The river was clean and clear, making the trip a big success that early in the season. Ben was casting lures and Barkley was using a San Juan worm set up on his fly rod. We had a stellar day for that time of the year, after all the boat should have still been in the garage.

The weather continued to be pleasant and warm into April, and I had another two successful trips that month, with some great fish being caught and released. I was blown away at the fact I was guiding clients that early in the year. Normally I don’t start guiding until the end of June, depending on how much run off we see coming out of the mountains. Typically the river is unfishable for two to three weeks as the water turns to chocolate milk coloration. This year the river went dirty for just over a week, and then turned fishable in early June. June started with Bill and Renee Mains. Renee bought a fishing trip for her husband Bill at Christmas time. She played a few tricks on Bill when he went to open his gift. It was like a puzzle until he reached the third box which contained the guided fishing gift certificate to come battle large trout on June 27th. What a trip it ended up becoming! Both Bill and Renee had a 5-10 fish day, respectable on any river at any time. We all had a blast and the weather was spectacular. Continue reading

Oct 15

Cabela’s Opens New Location In Calgary, Alberta

Cabela’s Open’s In Calgary, Alberta.

Cabela's Calgary, Alberta Canada

http://www.cabelas.ca/

Cabela’s much anticipated grand opening happened this morning here at the new Calgary, Alberta location. Line ups packed the parking lot, as hordes of people waited patiently for the first glimpse of fishing and hunting heaven.

The ribbon-cutting ceremony, hosted by Cabela’s executives and special guests, began at 9:45 a.m. and concluded with the grand-opening ribbon being cut by an arrow shot from a bow by Cabela’s Ambassador, Steve Ecklund. Doors opened for business at 10 a.m.

I headed up to Cabala’s, located at 851 – 64th Avenue NE at the Deerfoot Mall, right after work to have a look inside. I shot this picture before heading inside the 70,000 square foot store. As I walked inside the door I was greeted by some killer stuffed fish hanging on display overhead seen here below.

cabela's-new-calgary-alberta-location

I sauntered over to the fishing department to check out the selection of lures and rods, and was immediately impressed with the lures on the shelf. They had every lure I use to fish the Bow River with. So I grabbed a basket and added some items. I turned to my left and saw a familiar face working in the fishing department. My friend Tyler, whom I have the pleasure of seeing in another local tackle shop, pleasantly shook my hand and said hello. Tyler is a super nice guy and knows his products very well. Whether it is gear fishing or fly fishing, Tyler will make sure you are informed about the products you seek. I highly recommend Tyler if you are shopping for anything fishing related!

We finished our chat and I finished my shopping with several products by Rapala and Live Target in my basket. I walked the entire store before heading to the cashier to pay for my products. I must say I will be back to shop at the new Cabela’s location even though it’s not very close to my residence.

 

“Cabela’s stores offer thousands of products, including hunting, fishing, camping, hiking, boating and wildlife-watching gear, as well as clothing and outdoor-themed gifts and furnishings. The company is famous for its strong brand and world-renowned reputation for delivering quality merchandise, value and legendary customer service”.

Sep 02

EGO S2 Slider Net

EGO S2 Slider Fishing

The importance of a good fishing net

Safe fish handling is an essential part of ethical angling, and of protecting the resource for current and future anglers worldwide. Catch and release fishing is an important part of sustaining a healthy fishery and keeping fishing alive across the globe! Releasing a fish doesn’t guarantee its survival, but careful handling can reduce the stress on fish which gives it a better chance to live and reproduce.

The tools needed are equally vital in keeping fish healthy! A proper landing net, made from high quality products will aid in ensuring caught fish will swim away and live another day. As a fishing guide, my primary objective is to get the fish back in the water as fast as possible! The longer the fish remains out of the water, the less chance it will have to survive!

I have used many types of nets on the market but found the best types of landing nets to be made of rubber mesh. These types of nets let you land your fish quickly, without getting the hook tangled within the mesh of the net. I have seen many fish perish as a result of hooks getting stuck, adding additional time to unhook and release the fish. Studies have shown that when the use of a landing net is required or preferred, it is best to use one made of rubber or knotless mesh.

The very best net I have found on the market is the EGO S2 Slider net! This net lets you land the fish at the boat, or use the retractable handle, which comes in various lengths, to land your fish away from the boat. The 18 inch slider model (72011) extends to a 36 inch reach. The EGO S2 net boasts an innovate grip design, which makes it easy to hold in your hands when landing your prized catch. Its non-tangle, lightweight rubber mesh makes this net the perfect net for your boat. Compared to standard nylon nets, the EGO S2 provides safer fish handing, reduced time to release, flexible ease of use and durability.

Head over to EGO S2 website to purchase the best fishing net on the market today!

EGO S2 Fish approved, guide recommended.