We’ve noticed a sharp rise in the number of Canadian kayak anglers over the past 3 seasons, most notably here in the province of Ontario. With well over 5000 lakes to fish and some of the best bass, pike and musky fishing in Canada, I’m not surprised. I’ve seen a lot of shore anglers turn kayak angler, and even some boat folks add a kayak to their fleet as well.
So far in 2009, we’ve witnessed huge carp, mammoth musky, and some big ol’ walleye of mention come from Ontario waters. David Kochberg from Richmond Hill nailed a beauty 50” musky from Georgian Bay and U.S. Army Lt. Col. Elward “Pat” Cortez followed suit with a chunky 44.5” from the Madawaska River system as well. Ottawa-based guide (and host of WFN’s upcoming Big City Fishing) Jamie Pistilli put on many a carp clinic this past spring on the Ottawa and Rideau Rivers catching carp from his kayak up into the 20lb class. Kayak guide Jeffery Goudreau had the walleye dialled in on the Detroit River as well, putting his clients onto ‘eyes up to 10lbs.
2009 has also marked the first annual Ontario Kayak Fishing Classic which was the first kayak-specific fishing tournament in freshwater in Canada. Over 30 participants assembled on Lake Kashagawigamog in Haliburton, Ontario for the weekend of July 11th/12th. Prizes included (2) SOT kayaks, lots of paddling and fishing gear, and some great clothing. Everyone went home with some great shwag and even better memories. Consider a family trip to Ontario next July and work a kayak fishing tourney into it, I’ll keep you abreast of dates and location for the second annual tourney. We’d love to meet and fish with some of our american counterparts.
We’ve had plenty of meet ‘n greet outings on the water this year in various parts of southern and eastern Ontario. Always nice to meet up with fellow Yakfishers and discuss techniques and check out each others rigging and, of course, catch some fish!
For more information on kayak fishing in our neck of the woods, visit Yakfisher.net - Ontario’s Home to Kayak Angling!