Fishing – Page 2 – The Outdoors Guy

April 6, 2016

Fish, Hunt & Ride Magazine, Spring issue around the corner

Ok all you hunting, fishing and riding aficionados out there, get ready for the next exciting issue of everyone’s favourite new publication;

Fish, Hunt & Ride magazine!!

Later this month, readers will be treated to more than DOUBLE the articles, news, interviews, tips and coverage of our Launch issue earlier this winter. Our FHR Writing Team has expanded as well to include 4 new columnists; each one an expert in the areas of ATV/All-terrain vehicles, Fishing, Firearms and Shed Antler Hunting.

Our original line-up of writers which includes ‘Uncle’ Ted Nugent, delved sooooo deeply into the Ontario & Quebec Great Outdoors this time, they barely managed to dig themselves out!

Our distribution has also expanded to include dozens of new convenient outlets around town and far off-the-beaten-path into the Upper Ottawa Valley and Outaouais Region. We’re getting FHR Mag out to more than 130 Outlets now, to the folks who can best be described as the ‘Diehards’ or, as our Francophone friends refer to as; ‘Nemrods’! Hoards of new hunters, fishers and riders have also taken-to FHR of late which is encouraging to say the least.

Thanks to all those who made our magazine an instant and overwhelming success – one that (if I do say so myself) is quickly becoming the best magazine the entire Region has to offer! (Its the one I like the best anyway)

I ask you, how can you go wrong with a Team of individuals who live, breathe, love and defend our hunting and fishing heritage until their dying day. And I say that without a word of a lie! (How’s that for dramatic)

So whilst waiting patiently for our Spring issue to arrive at local outlets, do yourself a favour and check-out our newly revamped website: www.fishhuntandride.ca

To borrow a line from our pal Uncle Ted, this spring we want you all to Fish, Hunt & Ride like you mean it!!

Jeff Morrison

*Editor-in-Chief | Fish, Hunt & Ride Magazine

Reaching 125,000-200,000 readers each season, every issue.

April 4, 2016

Trout or turkey, what be your pleasure?

Its Fins or feathers, folks???

Early Spring generally falls into two main categories for area sportsmen:

1) Trout

2) Or turkey

What be your pleasure? They’re both mere weeks away(even though it doesn’t feel like it)!!

Outdoorsguy

February 9, 2016

Ontario's Family Fishing Weekend coming up!

Photo courtesy of Jeff Morrison<br /><br /><br /><br />
Avid winter angler Grant Bailey with a nice walleye pulled through the ice.

Ice-fishing enthusiasts are heading into one of the busiest weekends of the season, as Ontario residents will be out enjoying the merits of Family Fishing Weekend – a province-wide initiative celebrating the sport of winter angling and without the otherwise mandatory fishing licence.

Eight years ago, the Ontario Government decided that a festive winter fishing weekend would be adopted to mirror National Fishing Week events during the summer. An Ontario Fishing License is not required Feb 13-15

For all those headed out on the hard top this weekend, play safe and have fun!

For more information on this great initiative: http://www.ontariofamilyfishing.com/

Outdoorsguy

January 21, 2016

Ice fishing season arrives, better late than never

Jeff Morrison, The Outdoors Guy, says that a minimum 5” of solid ice is needed for snowmobiles or ATV’s while 8” – 12” is required to adequately support a car or small truck.

(A minimum 5” of solid ice is needed for snowmobiles or ATV’s while 8” – 12” is required to adequately support a car or small truck.)

With this year’s winter angling season slowly getting under way, cold weather enthusiasts are being reminded that safety should always come first.

After some snowmobiles plunged through the ice recently, winter anglers who ventured out on the hard top this month need tell someone where they will be fishing, and when they plan to return. Appropriate clothing and equipment are also vital to safety and comfort. Some winter fishermen prefer survival suits and should carry a set of ice picks, while others go to the extent of using modified ice vehicles with the doors removed, in case of an untimely plunge. Ok, so tearing the doors off your car may sound extreme but the point is well taken. Please remember the rule that ice does not freeze at a uniform thickness, especially NOW at the start of the winter season where near-shore ice is undoubtedly thicker than ice further out.

Go catch those big ones this winter but for goodness sake be careful out there!

Negligent dog owners

A reminder to dog owners who allow Fido to run wild in the deer woods during wintertime, their actions can be devastating for whitetail populations at a fragile time of year. Conservation Officers must deal with feral animals each winter and, in case you did not know, are authorized to destroy any dogs observed chasing or injuring deer in areas where herds gather for the winter. Penalties for allowing your animal to be at large during the closed season for deer, range anywhere from $155 up to $25,000. With the high density of coyotes in our region it is also in your dog’s best interest to remain under wraps during the winter months.

Farewell to Alfred

Although I never met Mr. Alfred Beck, I feel as though I knew and understood the man on a deeper level. Prior to my becoming the Outdoors Guy with this publication that responsibility and honour was all Alfred’s. You may not know this but it is actually Mr. Beck’s writings that brought me to the Daily Observer three years ago. The man was a consummate outdoorsman, hunter and conservationist and possessed one attribute I quite envied – a vast life experience! After moving to Canada in the early 60’s, Beck quickly made this new country his home. Some of us were aware that his Germany was a country that enjoyed game hunting; however, few of us knew it was activity reserved mostly for the country’s elite. Alfred discovered quickly his new homeland in Canada boasted a plethora of natural resources, and he shared much of his experiences afield within the pages of this paper.

Thank you Mr. Beck for all that you brought to the sportsmen of the Ottawa Valley, may you continue to pursue your elusive wild game in the Great Hereafter.

Pembroke fish stocking!

A special thanks to Pembroke MNRF’s Resource Supervisor, Karen Handford, for the recent heads-up on a new tool which replaces the annual Pembroke District Fish Stocking Program. Instead of having to request the list of Valley lakes teaming with juvenile brook trout, rainbows, browns or splake, the MNRF have set-up a new page in this regard. The same information is now available as a digital map and printable summary. Check out the following site: http://www.web2.mnr.gov.on.ca/fish_online/fishing/fishingExplorer_en.html

Great Outdoors Trivia – Question #1

Put your thinking caps on people, here is question # 1 in the 2016 Great Outdoors Trivia Contest. The first person to correctly answer all three questions wins a prize package courtesy of Brecks fishing tackle and Tinks hunting Scents. Question #1: Yours truly is Editor-in-Chief of an exciting new seasonal hunting & fishing magazine called A) Fish & Hunt Ottawa B) Valley Outdoor Life C) Outdoors Guy Quarterly or D) Fish, Hunt & Ride. Keep track of your answers and send them to: [email protected] .

December 18, 2015

Ice fishing safety for if/when it freezes

This weeks outdoors column in the Pembroke Daily Observer:

http://www.thedailyobserver.ca/2015/12/17/safety-first-when-ice-fishing

Safety first when ice-fishing

Avid winter angler Grant Bailey with a nice walleye pulled through the ice.

With ice fishing season presumably just around the corner, winter anglers are reminded that safety must always come first.

Winter anglers who venture out on the ice this winter, should always advise someone where they will be fishing and when they plan to return. Seasonally-appropriate clothing and equipment are also vital for safety and comfort. Some winter fisherfolk prefer to wear survival suits and carry a set of safety ice picks, while others go so far as constructing modified ‘ice cars’ with all the doors removed and the roof cut-out, in the event of an untimely plunge. Remember that ice does not freeze at a uniform thickness across most lakes and rivers; especially at the start of the winter season when near-shore ice is always thicker than ice further out.

The Pembroke Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry wishes to advise anglers that not only is ice hut registration a requirement by law, it goes a long way to preventing wayward huts later in the season. Abandoned ice huts which end up in waterways after the thaw create havoc for boaters and early season fishermen. Registration numbers on all huts should be at least 2 1/2″ inches in height for improved visibility. You do not need to register tent-style huts made of cloth or synthetic material provided the base measurement is less than seven square metres. (75.4 square feet) To register your hut in Pembroke District, please call the MNRF at 613-732-3661

Supplemental deer feeding

Winter deer feeding is not just an enjoyable winter pastime it can be of great benefit to these animals as snow depth increases and temperatures drop. I currently have a half dozen, or so, whitetails feeding at my place which is about average for this time of year. I have had as many as 16 deer feeding at one time in the boom years. Remember that if you begin distributing feed in early winter, as I have, it is imperative to continue until spring as the animal’s digestive system will adapt to the supplemented diet. Ritchie’s Feed and Seed sells a terrific pelletized deer feed I’ve been using for years with good success. I’m sure other feed stores up the Valley produce a similar blend. Another less expensive way to help out our ‘deer friends’ during winter months is through increased access to natural winter forage, by creating hard-packed trail with snowmobile, ATV or even snowshoes. With deer numbers down in many areas it wouldn’t hurt to provide a helping hand this winter.

Fish, Hunt & Ride magazine – now available!

By now, sporting enthusiasts in the Valley have caught a glimpse of my new hunting and fishing magazine – Fish, Hunt & Ride (FHR) – distributed this past week to more than 100 outlets across Eastern and Northern Ontario and Western Quebec. My writing team not only includes regular material from Pembroke native (and trapper extraordinaire) Jordan Durocher, as well as a team of other great local writers, you have surely been enjoying Ted Nugent’s first FHR column. Uncle Ted will be with the magazine each and every issue. Feel free to send comments or suggestions on this new local publication and be sure to check out our Fish, Hunt & Ride (FHR) website: http://www.fishhuntandride.ca/

Great Outdoors Trivia Contest

Every year I hold a Great Outdoors Trivia Contest, in some form or another. They are always well received and include a generous price package courtesy of Tinks Scents and Brecks/Williams fishing tackle. This year I decided to kick the contest off right here with my good friends at the Pembroke Daily Observer! Everyone knows there are more hunters, fishermen and trappers per capita living in the Ottawa Valley than almost anywhere else in the world! You will need to be sharp and stealthy for this array of trivia questions, as they will require not only a vast knowledge of the great outdoors, but a keen eye as well. Stay tuned in January for Question #1.

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to one and all and I’ll see you right here next month!

September 17, 2015

New local hunting, fishing magazine to launch this Fall!

Well, I’ve been stringing everyone along for nearly 3 months now regarding some BIG announcement and time has finally come to let the (cougar sized)cat out of the bag!!

Cue the symphony!

Send out a warning shot(or two)!

Let the pigeons loose!

Light the celebratory fireworks because here it is!!

Following several months of (mostly) surreptitious planning and intense toiling, the time has finally come to announce the official launch of FISH, HUNT & RIDE (FHR) Magazine – featuring yours truly at the helm as Editor-in-Chief.

FHR Mag will be widely distributed this coming November (in print & online) reaching an estimated 125,000 readers throughout Eastern Ontario and Western Quebec, and the only publication dedicated to the outdoor pursuits of hunting, fishing and ATV’s!

And the best part is: it’s FREE!

The brainchild of veteran magazine publisher Dave Brown, FHR picks-up logically where Dave’s current publication; Ottawa Outdoors Magazine (OOM) (now entering its 15th year) leaves off. In the words of Publisher Dave himself. “FISH, HUNT & RIDE Magazine will complete the outdoor picture for me”.

As the ‘next chapter’ unfolds for my new boss and he builds on the success of OOM, Dave feels confident that with me as Editor-in-Chief of this new ‘hard-core’ hunting, fishing and riding mag, we may achieve our objective of providing the most comprehensive coverage of its kind!

This is one exiting time my friends and not just for me and Dave Brown, but for every avid sportsman and woman out there. In a climate where we’re forced to defend the right to enjoy our renewable natural resources in an ethical and sensible manner, in the face of adversity, FHR Mag is a VICTORY for anyone who calls themselves a true conservationist.

I was more than honoured this spring when Dave presented me the offer of the Editor-in-Chief position in this exciting new publication. It truly was/is like a dream come true! Even with my current ongoing hunting & fishing coverage, that material barely scratches the surface when it comes to promoting and defending our hunting and fishing heritage – activities enjoyed by thousands of avid folks on both sides of the river.

As with the big Provincial and National publications; FISH, HUNT & RIDE will delve into crucial aspects of the hunting, fishing and riding-world such as the latest in techniques, how-to’s, where to’s, product and lodge reviews, reader contests, cooking tips, trophy fish & game bragging boards, outdoor news, hunt camp spotlights and copious other assorted tidbits that make a sportsmen’s heart go pitter patter.

Unlike other publications however FHR will retain a more local charm and flair with a fresh focus on subjects and material that readers in the Upper Ottawa Valley, Outaouais, or say the St Lawrence Valley can relate to. It will be Eastern Ontario & Western QC’s only hunting, fishing & riding magazine.

I have already assembled a crack team of contributors composed of some of the most dedicated and experienced guys and gals in the field – from seasoned outdoor writers & journalists with decades of experience, to contributors who live to hunt and fish and are totally passionate about what they do. Some you may even recognize from right here at the Outdoors Guy Blog!

Passion and commitment to conservation and the Great Outdoors are aspects we all share and I cant wait for you to catch a glimpse of our first issue!

Speaking of which:

The coveted inaugural Fall/Winter ‘launch’ issue of FISH, HUNT & RIDE Magazine will arrive late November in an abbreviated form along with Dave’s winter issue distribution of Ottawa Outdoors Magazine. We’re hoping our FHR ‘teaser’ launch issue will have you all chomping(or champing) at the bit!

In the meantime, tell your family, tell your friends, tell uncle Pete up the valley, tell anyone and everyone about FISH, HUNT & RIDE – an exciting new magazine coming soon to an outlet near you.

Be sure to check out our website: http://www.fishhuntandride.ca/

Yours fully committed to the Great Outdoors,

Jeff Morrison

Editor-in-Chief – FISH, HUNT & RIDE Magazine
Follow me on Twitter: @ThatOutdoorsGuy

June 30, 2015

Anglers gearing up for most important week of year

(Avid angler Don with an ‘Outdoors Guy-class’ largie he caught up the Valley – too bad he took a bite out of the fish before releasing it – note teeth marks near tail)

With the most important fishing week of the year kicking-off this Saturday, anglers are being reminded of what this great sport is all about.

National Fishing Week & ON’s Family Fishing Weekend are about educating and informing the public on the merits of sport-fishing in Canada. During NFW, veteran anglers are encouraged to lend their support – offering those new to the sport a chance to cast a line and discover the fulfillment of fishing in this great country of ours.

In celebration of National Fishing Week, all walks of life -young or old – are encouraged to plan a fishing day at the nearest stream, pond, river or lake. More than 1.3 million licensed anglers participate in recreational fisheries and contribute approximately $2.5 billion to the Ontario economy each year.

Take note that no fishing license is required in Ontario between July 4 – 12, so regardless of what you have planned this weekend, try to include some time on the water. I know I will!

For more information on NFW: http://www.catchfishing.com/

For more information on Family Fishing Weekend:http://www.ontariofamilyfishing.com/

Outdoorsguy

June 19, 2015

Bass season just around the corner…

My June Outdoors Guy column in the Pembroke Daily Observer was out in print this week, and is now available online: http://www.thedailyobserver.ca/

Jeff Morrison, the Daily Observer's newest columnist, offers up his take on the great outdoors.

Bass may be the last fishing season to open each summer but with a growing list of devotees, it remains one of the most popular sport fish in Canada.

Each year, the Valley bass season in Fisheries Management Zone (FMZ) 15 gets underway the forth Saturday in June; two weeks later than most other sport fish. From a conservation standpoint, a later start allows for smallmouth and largemouth to complete the spawn and for young bass to mature so they may fend for themselves. Other species like walleye and trout play no role in guarding of the eggs so their seasons always open earlier in the spring. Anyone who fishes the Ottawa River, otherwise known as the Fisheries Management Zone (FMZ) 12, may begin bass fishing next Friday, one day before the rest of the FMZ 15. If anyone’s looking for me next weekend, I’ll be in Cobden trying to beat my personal bass record of 7 pounds.

Deer tags up for grabs!

Valley deer enthusiasts are watching the calendar closely as the antlerless deer tag validation draw closes on June 30. There are three application methods available although your chances at a tag remain the same, whether you apply by telephone, Internet or at a Service Ontario outlet. To apply over the phone dial 1 (800) 288-1155, but remember that if you have already purchased your regular deer license, you’ll not be permitted to enter the draw this way, and must apply either online or visit a Service Ontario outlet. For more information: http://www.ontario.ca/travel-and-recreation/apply-big-game-draw

Testing testing

I recently had the opportunity of trying-out a pair of Kamik’s new Bushman hunting boots and was very pleased that I did. Truth be told, I was not a huge proponent of old-school Kamik boots from the 1980’s. They were big and clunky and after a long day of lugging them around the bush, your legs were more fatigued than would be expected. Thank goodness things have changed greatly from a design standpoint, with this long-running Canadian boot manufacturer. The new Bushman boots are more form-fitting and snug around the ankles for improved comfort and support. These Kamik’s are 100 per cent waterproof with 7mm 4-way stretch neoprene uppers and a waterproof synthetic rubber shell. Part of reason they’re so lightweight is the company’s patented synthetic rubber material, which is 50% lighter than natural rubber and 30% lighter than other synthetic rubbers in its class resulting in a terrific lightweight, waterproof combination. I tested the new Bushman on uneven terrain while setting-up some new trail camera locations in the forest behind my house, but I could see these boots serving well during the first week of deer season. Kamik has succeeded in producing a solid pair of waterproof boots that weigh-in at a scant 34 ounces! For more information, check-out Kamik hunting boots online: http://www.kamik.com/b2c_int_en/men-boots-elements-S15.html

BAIT tourney a success!

The 27th annual Blind Anglers International Tournament (BAIT) hosted by Nangor Resort in Westmeath on May 29-30th was another big success and set a record for the most fish caught, with 11 walleye and 107 pike weighed-in, for a total of 287.6 pounds! The Catch of the Day prize went to the team of Pro Angler Rick Klatt and Blind Anglers; Darrell & David Furgoch. Biggest Pike prize was taken by team of Pro Rick Martin and Blind Angler Gord Wilson, with a nice 9.36 pound pike. The Biggest Walleye award went to Pro Angler Dan Fanning and Blind Angler Bill Rizzo. Number of Pike prize was taken by Pro James Vaillant and Blind Angler Madelaine Peters with 6 pike, weighing in at 24.52 pounds. The Number of Walleye prize went to Pro John Podlesny and Blind Angler Tad Skalski, for their 3 walleye weighing 3.57 pounds. A special thanks to Lions Club Chairman Al Page for the update and a huge round of applause to all the volunteers and Nangor Resort for another fanatic BAIT tournament!

May 22, 2015

Northern pike and walleye flurry begins!

My Outdoors Guy column for May is now out in the Pembroke Daily Observer.

Shout-out to my pals Anthony Dixon and Tina Peplinkie who bring the daily news to folks in the upper Ottawa Valley!

Check it out online: http://www.thedailyobserver.ca/

Valley anglers in search of northern pike and walleye have been out in full force with both species now fair game in Fisheries Management Zone (FMZ) 15. Be sure to check the rules and regulations before hitting the water this weekend! Where length limits apply, anglers should measure their catch carefully, and any fish caught must also be kept whole so it can be measured by a CO. If you should accidentally catch another species for which the season is still closed, it must be immediately (and safely) returned to the water.

FMZ 15 is a very large zone covering much of Northeastern Ontario; extending eastward to the Ottawa River, south to Arnprior, north to Deux Rivieres and west across all of Algonquin Park to Parry Sound. Best of luck in all your northern pike and walleye endeavours. I am hoping to land a few myself this weekend in Cobden. Early season northerns offer great table fare too with 4-5 pounders being the best eating size.

Blind Anglers International Tournament

I had the good fortune of touring Westmeath-area this past weekend; checking out the location for the 27th annual Blind Angler’s International Tournament. (B.A.I.T.) This region is a fitting location for such an event in a most beautiful part of the province. In two weeks’ time, legally blind men and women along with professional anglers will converge on Nangor Resort, for a fun filled weekend of angling! This year’s event kicks-off as usual with a dinner at the Westmeath Community Centre and runs from May 29th – May 31th. The opportunity to learn a new skill or to re-kindle an old passion, serves as a mechanism of rehabilitation for participants in this well-respected event. The Arnprior Lions Club will be hosting the tournament under the Lions’ B.A.I.T. project, and are justifiably proud of the benefits offered by this special program. For more information, please contact the Bait Hotline at: (613) 699-8412. Check out beautiful Nangor resort: http://nangorresort.com/?cfid=14694&cftoken=94689391

Conserving trout

When it came to brook trout, in my younger days it was always felt that ‘a fish caught was a fish kept’, but it doesn’t need to be that way anymore. On my recent trout trip to Temiscaming, we live-released 70 per cent of the trout we landed. To safely release a brook trout requires patience and a soft touch at canoe or boat-side. Barbless hooks and a good set of long-nosed pliers are a must. To witness a beautiful brook trout swimming away after a nice battle is an incredible feeling. Sure, you can catch enough smaller fish to bring home but doing your part for conservation will surely pay-off in the end. If you had asked me 15 years ago about letting a 2-3 pound brook trout go, I probably would have laughed. Practicing conservation of the species requires self-control but offers great long-term reward.

Quebec bear hunt

With all the hubbub around pike and pickerel, don’t forgot about the spring bear hunt across the river which also got under way this past weekend. Hunters need ‘bear ‘in mind that in certain sectors of the Outaouais the season closes on June 15th, two weeks earlier than for rest of the province which allows bear hunting until June 30th. With the month of June fast approaching, the once cautious animals will have become accustomed to feeding regularly at bait sites, and with the onset of mating season adult males’ travel extensively in search of a mate. Both of these factors will have a positive effect on hunter’s success rate. For more information on the Québec bear hunting, contact Tourism Quebec: 1 877 BONJOUR (266-5687).

Next time at Outdoors Guy

Be sure to check-out my next Outdoors Guy column where I’ll be launching the coveted Outdoor Trivia Contest with terrific prizes. Also on tap is another informative field-test as well as a huge announcement the hunting and fishing world will surely want to hear!

September 10, 2014

Fishing the Mighty St. Lawrence with Eric

My buddy Eric Dupuis, Adverting Guru with the Ottawa SUN, and his wife Bridgit headed out on the Mighty St Lawrence River recently for some late summer angling action, and here’s the result:

We launched out of Prescott on the St. Lawrence yesterday and caught a couple nice small-mouth and Bridgit caught a nice walleye.

Had to go deep to get them. Caught the first bass in 25′ on a tube and the 2nd one in 50′ on a drop shot.

Bridgit caught the walleye in about 40′ on a worm harness.

Caught them all around the marina and fort area. Caught a bunch of Gobies too.

Hoping to make it out again in 2 weeks.

Eric Dupuis