Tag: Shorefishing

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The Right Angle RA-7 Casting

It’s all about the cast

Like the majority of you I began fishing with with a short Rod and $2 Reel.  Somehow my line never got Tangled in that tin cup, and plastic buttoned piece of crap.  There’s something to be said about simplicity there.  I’d cast that thing about 10 feet max.  That’s fine when you are Fishing small ponds, or off a dock.  My only bait those days were the worms I found flipping over rocks in the backyard.  That was the deal I had with my Dad.  Find at least 20 worms, and he would take my brother, and I Fishing.

Most of our little Fishing trips were successful.  It was a truly rare occasion that we didn’t catch anything.  Which only increased our desire to go Fishing more often.  It wasn’t long before I was asking for better equipment for Christmas.  A new Rod, and Reel that would allow me to cast way out to where I was sure the Fish must be.  I would soon learn that my predictions weren’t necessarily correct about that.  I decided on a Spinning Rod & Reel because that’s what I saw the majority of serious Fishermen using locally.  Took me a little practice to get used to it.  Once I had it figured out you couldn’t keep me from Fishing every decent day.

I was still using worms for bait, and having a lot of success with them.  Whenever I fished a popular spot though.  I’d see other people Fishing with lures.  Watching them expertly work a lure across a lilypad, or through some thick reeds to entice a fish to strike.  The urge to try this form of Fishing was just too strong to resist.  So the first chance I got.  I tagged along with my Dad to Canadian Tire, and bought a miniature tackle box plus lures kit.  It included some small Spinners, a couple Spoons, a few Jerkbaits, and of course a selection of rubber worms.

I grew up a short walk from the Credit River so I had the most luck with the Spinners, and Spoons catching Trout.  It was mostly dumb luck.  I’d cast my line to the opposite side of the River, and simply Reel it back in.  My ability to cast to a specific point had become quite impressive.  Most of my friends that fished, and even the local kids that were much older were impressed with my casting ability.  Even though I had this considerable weapon at the ready.  The number of fish I would catch was slowly decreasing.  So what was I to do?  Switch back to worms, and start landing more fish of course.

Fast forward to today, and I couldn’t tell you the last time I actually used live bait.  It’s lures only for me.  Every kind of lure you could think of.  My days of simply casting as far as I could, and reeling it straight back are long gone.  I can create all kinds of action with each lure.  My passion is Shore Fishing, but any Freshwater Fishing is fine by me.  I’ve been to so many places, and cast many a line.  I’ve had some very memorable days where it felt like every other cast got a monster strike.   That moment during a day of Fishing when you figure out which lure is irresistible to your target species.  If you haven’t experienced it yet, it’s crazy.   It feels like the Fish are practically racing each other to strike your lure.

One of the most successful days of fishing I’ve ever had was on Lake Simcoe.  Three of us went really early to a spot we new of.  We had fished there many times before, and always landed a few fish.  I knew it was going to be a great day when I hooked a twelve inch Perch with my third cast.  We were there for almost three hours.  In that time we caught 38 Perch including a couple really large ones.  I personally caught 25 of the 38.  Think about that for a moment.  I was landing an average of 8 fish per hour.  After I caught the first fish I knew I wasn’t going to change my set up for the rest of the day.  I bet you are wondering what the miracle combination was?  It was a 7ft two piece rod, with a Spincast Reel, a hook, and a worm.

So why won’t I fish with worms anymore?  Honestly it feels like cheating.  There’s very little effort involved.  If you cast out a worm, and a fish is close by.  There’s a very good chance that you’ll get a bite.  I treat Fishing like exercise.  If my arms aren’t difficult to lift after a day of Fishing then I didn’t try hard enough.  Enticing a trophy Bass to strike by deftly working a Hula Popper is far more satisfying then waiting for a Fish to swallow a worm.

Everyone enjoys Fishing their own way, for their own reasons.  For me it’s Casting every kind of lure until my arms fall off.  For others it’s Casting out a worm, and sitting on the riverbank while reading a book.  Whichever way you like to do it one thing remains the same for everyone.  It’s always exciting to land that first fish.  I caught 25 that day, but the first one was the most satisfying.

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The Right Angle RA-6 Harbourfront

Fishing Toronto’s Harbourfront

Last Tuesday the weather forecast was calling for clear skies.  My wife and I figured that it was a great opportunity to try our luck down on the Harbourfront.  We packed up our gear Monday night, and got up early Tuesday morning ready to go.  Got on the Blue Night TTC bus heading South, and made our way downtown.

There are a few decent spots to fish along the Harbourfront.  I personally have a couple of favourites though.  We began our day fishing the first of those.  Just West of the Jack Layton ferry terminal is a short little boardwalk that’s normally a docking point for private Water taxis.

It sits just above the water line.  Well it usually does.  With the Lake level so high from Spring rains.  Lake Ontario was making itself felt by spilling over the edge.

This has always been a great spot for jigging just over the edge of the boardwalk.  I’ve caught a nice sized Pike here in the past.  After about an hour of jigging with s few different lures, it was obvious that there weren’t any fish to be had here today.  That’s something you should know about this particular spot.  If you don’t get a bite, or see any fish early.  Pack up your gear and move on.  Predatory fish patrol the Harbourfront, but rarely keep to one area.  So don’t stay anywhere too long if there isn’t any activity.

My next spot is the welcome exception.  Just West of Stadium road near Stadium road Park is a small harbour with a few boat slips.

Sweet spot

The combination of the boats, boat slips, a dock, and underwater vegetation make for a perfect fish habitat.  It’s kind of an out of the way spot as well, so you won’t have to deal with too many distractions.  I absolutely love this spot!  I’ve caught Pike, Bass, and Drum here.   A quick note before I continue.  If you enjoy Carp Fishing, then anywhere along the Harbourfront is fine.  Just find a spot with calm water, and put out a line.  There are Carp all over the place.  I’m not interested in Fishing for Carp.  Still I see so many I’m tempted to begin.  Honestly I could just bring a long net along, and catch one with that.

I wasn’t out that morning looking to land a Carp though.  It didn’t take long before my favourite spot teased me.  A good sized Bass broke the surface by the boat Slips across from the Dock.  I switched to a heavier Spinner to make casting beyond that point easier.  I went with a number 4 Mepps Gold Spinner.

After about thirty minutes of casting I got a strike.  It was a hard strike, and I set the Hook well.  Really well in fact.  I know this because immediately after the Hook set the fish got Tangled around a Slip support post.  What should have been a minute at most to bring it in turned into twenty.  I was tempted to just cut the line a couple of times.  This was the first fish of the day though so I was determined to land it.  Fortunately my perseverance paid off and I was able to bring it in.  Looks like our luck had changed, or had it?

What I had assumed was a good sized Bass turned out to be a small Catfish.  Shit!  You think I’d be happy with at least catching something only a couple hours into our day.  Well I wasn’t, and neither was my wife.  What you don’t know about our previous Fishing trips is that my wife and I have a Catfish jinx.  Sounds like bullshit right?  Well it isn’t.  Whenever one of us catches a Catfish as our first catch of the day.  You can pretty much guarantee that it will be our last catch of the day as well.

Might as well just pack up our gear, and call it a day.  My wife did just that.  Packed up her rod, found a Park bench to relax on, and wait for the morning sun.  We had been out for such a short length of time that I wasn’t ready to give up just yet.  In the end I probably should have.  Not another bite for the rest of the morning.  There is a silver lining to this catfish cloud though.

Fishing downtown definitely has it’s advantages.  You are never too far from bathroom facilities.  Getting there, and back is really easy.  If you are craving a snack, or something to drink you don’t have to walk far.  Today’s advantage though, if you get Catfish jinxed you can just pack up, and find a decent place for breakfast.  We chose the restaurant at St. Lawrence Market, and got a spot on the patio.

All in all it wasn’t the best morning Fishing, but still managed to be a pretty good day.

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The Right Angle RA-5 Cheltenham

A totally fantastic Fishing hole!

Less than an hour Northwest of Toronto.  Provided you aren’t driving during rush hour of course.  Realistically you shouldn’t be driving during rush hour if you are hoping to catch a few fish.  There is  a little known spot that’s fantastic for Brook, and Rainbow Trout.  Along a stretch of Creditview road between King Street, and Olde Base Line in Caledon lies the small village of Cheltenham.  Unless you are from Cheltenham, or somewhere else close by.  You’ve probably never been to the great little stretch of the Credit River that runs alongside Mill Street in Cheltenham.

Beginning just behind the Cheltenham General store, and continuing Southwest to Mississauga road.  This small stretch of the Credit River is perfect for casting lures, fly fishing, or drifting worms with a hook and bobber.  There is a campsite Park at Mississauga road by the river which gets busy at times.  Personally I prefer to avoid fishing in groups, so I tend to stay closer to Creditview road.  As an added bonus, having the Cheltenham General store close by is really convenient.  It’s a great place for an early morning coffee, or lunch after fishing.

http://www.cheltenhamstore.com/

If for some strange reason the unthinkable happens!  You’ve been fishing for a few hours, and haven’t caught anything.  Don’t worry about it.  You are within a fifteen minute drive of a number of great spots.  About a five minute drive away is another great spot on the Forks of the Credit. There’s available parking, and one of the most picturesque spots on the river below the trestle bridge.

If you have read my previous The Right Angle posts then you will already know about my favourite spot in nearby Belfountain. Refer to my previous post for the exact location.

The Right Angle RA-2 Guelph Lake fishing

I’ve had the most luck in this area casting with Spinners.  A number 3, or 4 Blue Fox Silver Spinner has worked well.  Try whatever you prefer.  If you find something that works particularly well for you.  Please leave a comment and let me know.

A quick reminder for any new visitors to my blog.  Be sure to click on over to my VIP Subscription section in the menu.  For a limited time Subscriptions are free!  Monthly contests will begin at the end of summer.  All VIP members will be automatically entered.  You will be given notice of all upcoming contests, or events by email.  You will also receive a new post update each Friday.  Membership does indeed have it’s privileges my friends.

Keep landing Lunkers!

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FISHING

The Right Angle RA-4 Toronto Fishing

Fishing in the city of Toronto

Living in the center of the city has its advantages.  I’m a five minute walk from St. Clair station.  I can walk to the Eaton Centre in under an hour.  If you are familiar with Toronto, you’ll know that walking south on Yonge street is practically all downhill.  It makes for a very easy walk.  I have access to fantastic restaurants, galleries, theatres, festivals, and other amazing forms of entertainment.  This is supposed to be a fishing Post though.

Unfortunately the amount of conveniently located fishing spots in Toronto is sorely lacking.  Of course if you go out at just the right time of year.  You can get some pretty decent Salmon fishing in on the Don, or Humber Rivers.  If you like fishing for Carp?  I sure as hell don’t.  But if you do, then take a ferry over to Centre island.  Guaranteed you will catch some great sized Carp.

I’ve fished Grenadier Pond, and landed the odd sunfish.  Sorry I didn’t take a picture.  I recently fished Topham Pond.  All I got to show for it was a small catfish.  I actually have a picture of it.  If you would like to see it just send me a request.  I tried Centennial Park Pond in the west end, and came up empty.  I’ve fished all along the Lakeshore.  Sure I’ve landed the occasional fish.  Nothing worth bragging about mind you.  Sounds pretty hopeless doesn’t it?  I should just pack my gear in a car, and head North like everyone else right.

Well not so fast.

There is a spot accessible by TTC that never seems to disappoint.  The Rouge River mouth is a fantastic spot to fish for a number of species.  You can have a fair amount of success fishing from shore.  I’ve landed a number of very nice trout casting from shore.  I generally access the Rouge River by entering through Rouge Park.  There’s an entrance to the park at the Easternmost end of Lawrence Ave.  I’ve caught everything from Trout, Pike, Crappie, Catfish, and Suckers on the Rouge River.

There are a number of shallows, and weed beds to fish along the river mouth that are accessible by canoe, or inflatable.  If you have access to one.  I would suggest trying it for sure.  You will also be able to access some of the deeper water where trophy Salmon, and Trout can be found in late summer to early fall.

Even though I haven’t had much luck fishing many of the Rivers, and Ponds in Toronto.  I still try fishing each one a couple of times each year.  I don’t have to land a trophy fish every time out.  If I felt that way I’d absolutely hate fishing.  A nice calm day on the river making a few casts is enough for me.  Feeling the first rays of the sun warm my face in the morning is almost as satisfying as that first catch.

The days I’m determined to land something that’s picture worthy.  Those are the days I head out to the Rouge.  She’s never let me down.  So if you feel like fishing, but don’t feel like taking a trip out of the city.  Catch the TTC Blue Night, and head on out to the Rouge.

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FISHING

The Right Angle RA-3 Fishing Tackle

What every tackle box should have.

Quite a few of the items on this list are overlooked by rookie Anglers.  When filling your tackle box things like additional line, hooks, floats, weights, and lures, are obviously included.  There are quite a few other items that are often forgotten.  In this Post I’ll provide a list of items I don’t go without.

First of all if you intend to use lures, and fish for a variety of species.  I would add a package of quick change leaders to your tackle box.  Being able to quickly switch between different types of lures can be key to landing a trophy fish.  When fishing with friends it allows each of you to try a different presentation.  Then you can quickly switch to whichever lure the fish are striking.

The next item I won’t leave home without having it in my tackle box is Needle nose Pliers.   If you don’t currently have one in your tackle box.  Stop reading for a moment, and go add it in now!  You can thank me later.  If you’ve ever experienced how difficult it can be to unhook a Bass after it’s swallowed your treble hook.  Then you’ll understand the importance of the Needle nose Pliers.

Another important item to include in every tackle box is a textured rubber glove.  Some fish species are particularly difficult to hold.  Having a glove handy that you can slip on is so much easier.  Being able to get a better grip without having to squeeze the fish with additional force is extremely important.  Especially if you intend to catch and release like I do.  Too strong a grip will seriously harm a fish, and in most cases make a successful release unlikely.

Something I currently have in my tackle box that I didn’t include before is barbless hooks.  I won’t fish anywhere new without having a few with me.  I’ve also filed down a few of my favourite lures to make them barbless as well.   Experience has taught me that certain areas only allow barbless hook fishing.  Whether it’s local regulations, or because certain species are spawning.  If you didn’t include barbless hooks in your tackle box, your day is over before it even began.  You don’t want to miss out on a great fishing opportunity because you didn’t have a few hooks.  Trust me, it happened to me once.  I watched a kid land a 2lb Salmon on a section of the Credit River I had planned to fish.  If I had even 1 barbless hook that could have been me.  I’m never going to let that happen again.

The previous items were my absolute must haves.  There are a few other items I’ve added to my tackle box that aren’t absolutely necessary but worthwhile.  I have a small Flashlight because most of my fishing trips begin well before daybreak.  I keep a pair of Scissors in case I lose a leader to a snag or need to add a drop weight.  Cutting the extra bit of line after you tie the knot is much easier with Scissors than my teeth.  The last item I always have is a small package of tissues.  That’s right, if you fish in Canada you will deal with rapidly changing temperatures, and weather conditions.  Tissues come in handy for any number of reasons.  I almost always use at least one.

Add some or all of these items to your tackle box.  It will definitely make your next Fishing trip much easier, and more enjoyable.

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FISHING

The Right Angle RA-2 Guelph Lake fishing

Would I consider myself a professional Angler?

 HELL NO!

 I don’t enter tournaments, own a boat, or have ever purchased high end equipment.  I would consider myself an enthusiast.  My wife loves fishing almost as much as I do.  She never fished as a kid growing up so she’s still learning.  Every catch she makes is full of excitement for her.  We live in midtown Toronto so we are always looking for decent shore fishing spots in, and around the city.  We have found a few.  I’ll share them with you, along with what we caught in this blog.  Over the summer we take a few day trips out of the city to fish as well.  This year we are adding  Peterborough, Sandbanks provincial Park, the Bay of Quinte, and Minden to our list of places to fish.

Our first drive out of the city this year was up to Guelph Lake.  The Guelph Lake Park and Recreation area doesn’t open until 8:00am so we began our day at a great little spot I know of.  It’s only about 5 minutes from the Guelph Conservation area entrance.

The road 29 marker at the center of the picture is the spot.  The East side of the bridge is the better location but both sides will yield results.  Having a small dingy to get further away from the road is a real advantage for landing some really good sized Bass.  My wife and I just casted spinners and spoons for a couple hours from shore.  There are a lot of snags so precise casting is necessary from the East side.  If you can’t control your casts yet, then there are far more open areas on the West side of the bridge.   We spotted a few decent sized Bass breaking the surface about 30 feet further in from where we were fishing.  I hooked a Bass that immediately got under a downed tree and shook loose.  The time we spent there wasn’t for naught though because my wife landed a Smallmouth Bass.  Just a little guy,  but it was her first Smallmouth so she was thrilled.  We packed up, and headed over to the Guelph Lake Conservation area shortly after that.  It did not disappoint.  There’s a small dock a little ways in toward the island access in the Guelph Lake Conservation area.  We parked there, walked over to the dock and began casting spinners.  My third cast in I hooked a decent sized Largemouth Bass to start my day.  It’s the one pictured at the top of the Post.  My wife had a solid strike just a few minutes later but wasn’t able to set the hook quickly enough, and it got away.  It was about another hour before I landed another similarly sized Largemouth.  Already a good day by our standards.  The real celebration would happen another couple hours later.  Around 1:00pm I had worked my way a little further along the shoreline and found an access point where I could comfortably cast alongside​ the shoreline.  Maybe 25 casts later I got a heavy strike and set the hook well. Fish On!  I’m using an Ugly Stik spinning rod with 8lb test monofilament, and a size 3 Mepps spinner.  By the time I brought the fish within eyesight after working it out of some branches and reeds I realized that it wasn’t another Largemouth Bass. It was a Pike.  Not the largest Pike, or anything worth bragging about, but thrilling all the same.  My whole reason for coming out to Guelph Lake was to hopefully land a Pike.  I didn’t land a single Pike last year.  Not even a strike actually.  I’ve caught Pike in this area before, and there was a lot of talk of decent sized Pike being landed in Guelph Lake recently.  My day was a total success.  The wife was thrilled because she had never seen one caught before.  There’s something about the sleek lines of a Pike that just makes you think it’s a fast capable fighter.  Needless to say that my wife is now hell-bent on landing one herself.  We fished for another couple hours but the Pike was our final catch at Guelph Lake.

We took the 124 to Erin where our favourite little Pizza place is.  Whenever we are anywhere near Erin we will go a little out of our way to buy a Venezia Pizza.  Their signature pizzas are excellent.  There are a lot of great pizza places in Toronto.  What makes Venezia Pizza that much better is the crust.  Thin but not too thin.  Crisp without being brittle.  The taste actually adds that little extra zip whereas most pizza crust is just dull.  We took it to go, and made our way to Belfountain to try our luck at my absolute favourite fishing spot as a kid.

Favourite childhood fishing spot

At the corner of Shaws Creek and River roads there is an access that takes you down to the credit River.  I have never left this spot without landing a fish.  Usually a great spot for Brook Trout, we spotted a school making it’s way upstream.  We were casting Yellow spotted  Panther Martins upstream into the current, and slow retrieving them.  Basically we were allowing the current to carry the lures past the school, and just reeling them fast enough to keep them off the bottom.  Took about 30 minutes of casting but we both landed what I originally assumed was a couple good sized Brook Trout.  It wasn’t until after I posted a picture to the Fishbrain app that I was informed that they were actually Atlantic Salmon.  I was happy when I thought they were Trout.  Realizing that they were actually Atlantic Salmon made it that much better.  I’ve never fished for Salmon.  I was planning on fishing for Salmon later this year. There’s an area on the Don River that very few people fish that they’ve been spotted the last few years.

If you are serious about fishing, and are looking for places to fish.  I would strongly suggest that you download the Fishbrain app.  The community is very active, and like me aren’t afraid to share great fishing spots.