Fishing - the hobby of a lifetime

By LLOYD FRIDENBURG
Special to the Sun

The grandfather teaches the father, who teaches the son. Perhaps true at one time but times have changed; we have become an urban society. Our food comes from the grocery store shelf and our entertainment comes from TV, videos, and computers. Our fathers likely didn't grow up on the land or simply may not have been interested in the outdoors. Then there are all of the new Canadians that have arrived over the past couple of decades, who may never have even dreamed of having leisure hours, let alone spending them by a quiet stream or drifting down a secluded lake.

Newcomers to fishing are often intimidated by their lack of knowledge. Rods, reels, tackle, waders, boats; plugs, spinners, poppers, divers, rattlers; nymphs, muddlers, dry, wet...no wonder people are intimidated. The art of angling is an evolution and you don't have to know everything to get started. Believe me, hidden deep in the roots of every pro is that bumbling, fumbling, usually unmentioned first cast. Fishing is about the experience, even more than about catching fish. It might sound cliché, but it is true.

So just how does someone get started? First of all there are the rules, some legal and others based on etiquette.

The very first thing to do if you are considering a venture into the world of recreational fishing is to pick up a copy of the annual fishing regulations available from most stores that sell fishing equipment or directly from the provincial ministry responsible for hunting and fishing (Natural Resources). Take some time to read it. Failure to understand the seasons and catch limits of various species can be a costly mistake. Next, buy your fishing licence. These are usually available at local tackle shops, marinas, etc.

Now, assuming you've read the rules for your area, you are legal, but there are also some unwritten laws -- the ones that will get you into trouble with your fellow fishermen. Everyone is out for a good time and there is an air of respect and camaraderie amongst the fishing fraternity. Newcomers are quickly welcomed, but just as quickly shunned if basic rules of etiquette are not followed. There is one all encompassing rule from which everything else flows: Show respect for others. There are few things more irritating than drift-fishing a short run and having someone walk right in beside you and cast over your line. Or, to have someone treat a lake or river like it is his or her personal domain.

FISHING ETIQUETTE

Now that you're legal and know the basic rule of fishing etiquette, where to start?

First of all, most of the waters flowing into the great lakes, the waters of reservoirs, streams, and even town ponds contain healthy populations of fish. A hook, line, rod, reel and a can of worms is really all you need to get started.

Different types of fish prefer to live and eat under different conditions. That includes things such as water temperature, depth, and clarity as well as the type and amount of bottom structure available. There is a wealth of information, in all types of media, to assist the novice angler acquire basic knowledge about fish habitat and structure. Your chances of success are greatly enhanced if you take the time to learn the habits of the species you are seeking.

Today most people own or have access to a computer. A couple of clicks will put you in touch with all the expert advice you will ever need. All you need to do is go to your favourite search engine, type in the word "fishing" followed by the location you want to fish (fishing+Laval Quebec). You'll be amazed at the amount of relevant information that unfolds before your eyes.

WHAT TYPE OF FISH?

Another consideration is your proximity relative to the type of fish you have chosen to target. There is no point getting your heart set on fishing for grayling if you live in Southern Ontario, unless you can afford to spend a few thousand dollars to catch one. Consider the amount of free time you have, the amount of money you can afford to spend and then explore the type of fishing available in your area. I've spent some of my most memorable fishing hours sitting in a lawn chair beside a lazy river, fishing for the "lowly" carp with a big gob of worms on my hook.

Just remember that you're never too old to begin the enjoyment of recreational fishing in Canada. It's part of our heritage! Nearly every province in Canada offers a free fishing weekend and every angler started sometime, so don't wait...just do it!