I guess its about that time. The nights are freezing, the days are freezing. It's sadly about time for me to put the sticks away and maybe think about charging the flasher. Okay, maybe not quite, but I am certainly at the end of the road for my 2013 fishing season and I can't wait to review it. From start to finish, this was a fantastic season for me. I had some really tough streaks, some really hot streaks and that, ultimately, is what fishing is all about. It's what keeps me coming back. I caught some big fish, I caught some small fish and I had fun every step of the way. I lost small fish, I lost big fish and it only added to the experience.
Recently, as many may have noticed, I havent spent much time doing tournaments outside of our club. There are a good number of reasons including budget that have prevented me from doing them, but most of all, I have really been enjoying fishing. I like the availability of going anywhere, anytime and fishing for anything. When the time is right, I will continue to fish more tournaments, but for now, I am enjoying the "freedom".
Ice fishing season this year was a good one. As stated, we had some really tough days and some really good ones. A few days with over 20 lakers iced and a few with 0. Thats the way it goes. I spent a lot of time in the 110 foot range this year, and as shallow as 40 by the end of the season and managed to put a lot of good fish on the ice. One interesting note, even though I do not target them, I never landed a single whitefish this year. Not one. Weird. Ended the season off chasing slab perch at last ice. What a blast!
Next up was crappie season, it was a short one, as I only got out a few times, but managed fish every time. Micro tubes under a float produced well for us this spring targeting fish in emergent vegetation.
Steelhead season arrived and I actually went a few times this year, both east and north. No really special stories there. Caught a good number of fish on a mix of roe, beads and flies.
Spring pike was up next, and as many of you know, it is a favourite for me. I booked a week off work to head north and chase gators. This season was by far the best I've had for giant pike, we fished 4 different lakes over 2 weeks and were able to boat big fish in every one. Fish were pretty awkward to pattern as they were in different stages on each lake, but once you learn their spring habits and routine, a pattern can be made and you will be able to find them. Our top producers were the Imperium Baits Ace, Imperium prototype grub and a Salmo Slider, fish in water as shallow as 3 feet to as deep as 35 feet.
Early bass season in the Kawarthas was awesome this year, and I was mostly focused on bass from there on out. I spent a lot of time pitching this season, and the results showed, as I earned my 3rd Barrie Bassmasters AOY title. All in all, a great year, I also got addicted to musky fishing, a little late in the year, but next season, I'll be putting some time in! The biggest highlight of my year, was not even the AOY title. It was my fiancee, Kelli's 5th place showing in the second week of the Salmon Derby with a 32.74lbs tank.... her first time downrigging! Lots of fun!
Thanks for reading, see you on the ice!
