Fishing with Jackfish Lures

2011 year in review.

2011-12-08T14:32:00.000-07:00

I've been kicking back and watching the snow flying outside, and making sure to have my NFL Fantasy Football roster set each week. Ohh Yeah this angler loves football, and hey I am in the playoffs in both my leagues. Best part is my wife Laura is a big football fan as well and so both of us have had a blast this fall. Over the last few weeks I have gone over some of my 2011 fishing notes and looked at photos and been skimming through posts and reports on lures and other cool stuff with JFL. You know, I have had a super season, one to remember for a long time, so here are some of the highlights of a super 2011.

Laura at the show in March, this is before the show opened up at our JFL Casting pool sponsored by Servus Credit Union and 94.1 FM the River.

It all got started for us in the shop here at JFL working on a cool new spinner and getting ready to roll it out in the spring. We got the season kicked off at the 2011 Athabasca Outdoor show. At the same time we were in the mix of the Ultimate Fishing Town contest! You all remember that don't you? Here are a couple of highlights of those two events.

From my "Athabasca Outdoor Show a Success" post.

There were many new fly fishermen and women who showed up to learn how to cast properly and learn tips on how to fish and present their lures. They all had a great time and left with a satisfaction and confidence to go out and have a fun time fishing and learning.

From my "Thank You WFN" post.

I woke up on May 10th going through my regular routine, doing my job and getting ready for the MLWT fishing tournament that was coming up for us. I fired up my computer and was curious to see who had made the top 20. Opened up the Ultimate Fishing Town page and there was Athabasca listed in the top 20! I actually walked out of the shop and then walked back in and looked again to make sure I saw what I saw. I emailed Mark at the River who had already known and was already on it, next I called the Mayor to let him know, he was excited to know we had made it and started into action to help out. Next I knew if we were gonna go for it I had to let Alberta know we were in, so my next call was to the CTV in Edmonton who did not answer, so I sent them an Email which they told me they did not do stories for other TV channel contests!! So I called the CBC and they jumped on the story, sending up to Athabasca, reporter Michael Dick to cover the story for us. Which aired on that Friday May13th, and we had a good momentum built up and were preparing to try and go all out when on Sunday May 15th we had to drop everything we were doing and help Slave Lake and the victims of the forest fire that burned down a large section of Slave Lake.

For us the spring time was a hectic one, and we had our bid for the Ultimate fishing Town take a huge blow when Slave Lake suffered a big fire that burned many people out of their homes, for Athabasca it was a time for us to stand up and help out and that was done to near perfection. We had a good spring of fishing and caught some big fish and had some great results. Then it was time to pack up and head out to Gregg Lake for the 2011 Junior Forest Wardens National Camp out. Here are some highlights of that great event.

A moment at the opening, this was something to see just awesome.

From my "at the National camp out" post.

Laura and I had never seen an opening ceremony before so we were intrigued to say the least and decided to show up for the opening. First of all I could not believe the number of people who drove and flew in from all over Canada to this event I am not official with this number but I think at least 1000 people showed up. You can see from the photos Camp Central was packed and the amazing part is not all had arrived yet. They introduced the Committees and leaders and National Campout Chairperson Al Wardale got up and had the instructors come up front to receive a cool instructors pin. And then the clubs all marched to the front and had a torch lit to start the fire to open the camp up. What was very interesting is they had ash from the 2008 National Camp that they put in before they lit the 2011 fire. The opening was very very nice and we had a great time.

One of the unforgettable moments of the 2011 season for me, out on the deck with these kids who were having a blast fishing. This is one of my favorite photos of the 2011 season, we managed to capture pure fun on camera.

I will not ever forget this little girl who lit up after she got her new gear, Rebecca was one outstanding kid and I know she is going to become a great angler.

More from my "at the National camp out" post.

So we got started on the different types of fly fishing and different gear and so forth, and how Balance is everything to make sure to pick and balance their gear properly for the individual. Then we came to the maintenance of the fly lines. I took the old 30 year old dusty outfit and showed the whole group how to clean and stretch the fly line. I know from my best friend "experience" the line could have been 50 years old it did not matter if cleaned and stretched it would do it's job. We then took it down to the lake and after some instruction the woman who brought the outfit to the lake was smiling as she was fly casting with it. Now it took some time for her to get her mechanics down but she was doing it and with her 30 year old outfit. There were guy's who were blown away with how that worked, I heard a bunch of "I can't believe it's" but hey, gear is gear and if it's clean and not damaged gear does what gear does. I told them all, the gear is a tool we impart the action to the tool and it don't matter if it's 30 years old or brand new if you know how to use a tool you can make it work. All were blown away with that example, and for me I was glad that old fly gear made it up there for an example to use, what an awesome opportunity given to me. And I can assure you all, everyone in that session now has an understanding of how to use fly fishing equipment.

Yep, the National Camp out was an amazing experience, one to last a lifetime. I remember I could not wait to show you all the photos and do some posts on it. I still feel like I did not get it all done right but some events are so big one guy's experience of it just does not cover it all. so listen believe when I say it was one amazing event you all should at one point in your life experience. Well on the way back from Gregg Lake I picked up my nephew Tyler and brought him up with us for the summer. He had a blast also, although I still think he is a little hot that I beat him at the archery range. It was near the end of July that WFN picked me as a Top Ambassador, what a great honor it is.

Here is a piece of my "Be a WFN Ambassador" post.

We are here to provide information and share the WFN with our communities and not just the angling part of our community all of it everyone in our communities. When we have that big WFN on our hat or shirt we owe it to every Ambassador on our team to be the very best representative we can possibly be. I am a lucky man who has the privilege of having a career in the fishing industry, with ownership of a tackle company. And the same word applies to my duties with JFL. The objective is to forward the sport of fishing, with knowledge and passion.

I managed to put 312 points on the board for Team JFL and finished the season in second place, for the second season in a row. Spent many an hour in the boat with my wife Laura fishing, and had a real blast here are a couple of photos of my better fish this season.

One of my spring time Baptiste Lake Pike, this one rocketed out of the water for a spectacular fight.

An Amisk Lake Jalopy Perch that could not resist my new spinnerbait, oh yeah you read that right Spinnerbait!

Another big chunky pike from Baptiste Lake, ton's of fun.

Well this post could get big if I don't end it here, so I will end it with a section of my "Be a WFN Ambassador" post. This section is something I really believe in, and after the year I had the new perspective I have to come away with made 2011 very special for me.

One year has passed since then, and I had a one year with WFN post all set up and recently had to redo the whole thing. In fact I threw the whole thing out! Because when I got back from the JFW National Campout, I had a whole new outlook of just what an Ambassador of the WFN means to kids, and parents we touch with our fishing knowledge. I was humbled by the fact that we greatly influence those who read and listen to our posts and videos and look at our photos. I know kids will try the things we write about for fishing. So I decided to be more of a representative, like I was supposed to be in the first place with my posts. And so goes with this one also, because really to do WFN justice I must represent it properly. The kids see everything right down to how we act in public even buying a loaf of bread. When we have the WFN on our hats at the store, or where ever we are we must remember, we Represent the WFN, and we must act accordingly. Because some kid might be watching, someone will notice how we are, and how we act will influence people. So when folks see a WFN hat they will associate that with class and honor, and a great channel on T.V. Let's make people want to tune in and peek their interest, make it possible for others to get involved. If we represent properly, there is no limit to how many anglers we can touch and get involved.

I am off for holiday until next year, so let me just say, 2011 was so much fun, I can only wish 2012 will be as much. So I wish you all a Happy New Year to come. More big fish to get caught, more memories to be made, and more fun to be had.

Gary Love WFN Ambassador Athabasca, Alberta, Canada.

Home Made Lures, The JFL Story.

2011-09-01T11:02:00.000-06:00

For me I have learned that Fishing is about the family, it’s about being outside and appreciating nature. It’s about friends and sharing time and building cherished memories with loved one’s. This is my foundation the base for everything I do as an angler, from Making lures and going to trade shows or fishing tournaments, or teaching the F.I.S.H program at the Junior Forest Wardens.

Flea flicking on the bow River with my friend Barry, Check out the Hat! I love it.

Inspiration is a big thing with me, just ask any of my friends, it always has been. Watching legends like Ron & Al Lindner on television catching big fish when I was a young kid. And catching Bill Dance and Roland Martin on T.V catching big Bass and having so much fun on the water. I remember as a kid, I wanted to be Al Lindner, he Made me want to be outside fishing. No anglers ever inspired me more than my Grandpa Frank Jackson, My Dad Gary Love Sr. And Al Lindner. These 3 men are the foundation on which I build my fishing seasons every year with the knowledge I have learned from all of them over the years. My dad and I have a lot of fishing memories, going back to when I was 4 years old and caught my first Blue Gill. Dad was and still is the biggest influence and my best Inspiration when it comes to fishing, and the memories he and I have of over 38 years of fishing together are deep and many very funny. I will bet my dad still has his good luck shirt I put a hole in with a hook one time, and I still have Laura's dads pierced ear bucktail from 1999. Yeah that was 8 inches of pure sexy for the old fella, a big bucktail hanging from his ear, floro green to boot, and like any true fishermen we never let him live it down.

It took both my wife Laura & I to catch this fish, it went for an early proto MM series I made at home.

I have been absolutely driven, since I was a small kid to go fishing. That drive combined with all the inspiration I was getting led me to create my first fishing hooks when I was 8 years old. Of course Dad did not like that I was cutting up the coat hangers and designing lures out of them but he did not say to much about it. I was interested in making my own stuff way back then, hooks lures you name it. I am going to talk about the drive I had as a kid to go fishing. Of course we know most normal kids like to play Video Games at the arcade now day's it's xbox, and watch TV All day, some go to play baseball and others Football some Hockey. Heck some kids just sit there and eat all day and read comic books like my buddy Ivan, and some just listen to music and day dream until dinner time. Not me, I was out mowing lawns, raking leaves, digging flower gardens for the neighbors, and getting paid pretty good for it. I ruined two lawn mowers and garden tools to numerous to count all in the pursuit of fishing, my mom will not let me near her garden tools anymore. Wintertime I was shoveling walks and drives, I would sit and watch for the snow to fly and would wish for the snow so I could go do the neighbors walks. My price was what ever my customers wanted to give me, I told them all, I was working for fishing. This went on for some time, and I got so popular with the neighbors that they started calling the house and booking appointments for lawn work. What was I doing with all my money you ask?

Look at this ugly thing, an early lure I tried to get to work but it never got better than a 50% hook up.

Well I subscribed to In-Fisherman magazine and Field and Stream, was glued to In-Fisherman T.V and do you all remember the In-Fisherman radio shows? I loved them, and the rest of the money I gave to my Dad. I would give it all to him and say to him hey we got some fishing money let’s go fishing. Dad would give me some of it to spend on myself for lures and other fun stuff and the rest he would use to take the family out fishing. I worked hard, and every time we would go fishing the more hooked I got. I would try things I learned in the magazines and would just be amazed at how well the things I was learning worked. And I worked harder, and kept going and over and over again, we would go fishing, every time. It was feeding my Inspiration, every time Dad would load up the gear and take me fishing the more Inspired I was, and I could not wait to get a lure in the water. Over the years and learning and being on the water and being outside, and working for my fishing habit, I learned a lot.

Here is a look at some of my early stuff, none of these made the cut for todays JFL.

As I got older the creativity took a firm hold on me, it was not good enough to just go fishing and fish with other lures. I had to catch fish with my own creations, of course learning like I did from a child to the time I was in my late 20’s made a big difference. Many bent wires and broken pliers along the way, I created a Bucktail first. I started making some for Dad and the family, and we would fish with them, and catch lots of fish. The Bucktail, is the lure that got it all going, my own JFL design and what a great lure this one turned out to be. I was tired of the spinners available at the store; they were not durable enough and not big enough to satisfy my need to catch big Pike. So sitting at Mom and Dad’s coffee table, and taking into consideration all the things I wanted in a spinner, I started creating. Well my first lure was quite some kind of ugly. I had the idea and now just had to refine it and test it, to the lake we went and right away I started catching bigger fish with the lure. This started getting popular and my Bucktail started to gain momentum with folks and well, Jackfish Lures was started. A tackle company born from Drive & Inspiration & Creation all of the things combined working together.

Today's BT-11 JFL Bucktail, this spinner got it all going.

I was born to fish, I love it so much, what else would drive me to such lengths to go fishing. Now that JFL had become a reality and people were asking about the bucktails, it was time to go to a trade show with the lures I was making. I am a fisherman and not a showman, so when I did my first show I was nervous and very worried about it. I remember my first Sportsman's show like it was yesterday the 1998 Edmonton Boat & Sportsman's show, I sure learned a lot of things that year and will always remember it fondly. I was the new kid on the block a new product and no trade show experience. Had never spoke in front of a group of people before and I was in knots. I thought about Al Lindner and how he must have felt when he did his first speaking, and thought if he can do it so can I. But the butterfly's were still there and they were not going away. So I got to work and I made what I thought was a lot of bucktails in the 9 months leading up to the show. We were in a very large Agriculture and community complex for the show and Dad made us a sign and we hung it from the curtain that made up the back of our booth, it sure looked small in that big building. We had no cash register, Mom just had a money pouch and a small cash box, she says, well boy, she had a smile on her face, she said, your gonna have to take cash and that’s all there is to it. We displayed the lures on the top of the table and pulled up several chairs as this was going to be a 5-day event and 10 hours a day of standing is hard on the feet. I remember having 10,000 butterfly's in my stomach. It was hard to breathe, and fretting that everyone would hate my products, you know how it is with nerves. The whole time we were setting up, I was a nervous wreck and could not calm my nerves. As the time grew closer to the show opening, the butterfly's grew to about 50,000 and the time seemed to take forever, I almost thew up a couple of times. That is when I saw a line up of people I never imagined, I turned around at the concession. They were lined up 10 wide and as long as 2 football fields or more, I could not see the end of the line. Literally thousands of people lined up to get in the doors. I remember just grabbing a coke and heading back to the display awe struck, and trying to keep my nerves calm. I told Mom hey you are not going to believe how many people there are out there, it’s just amazing and crazy.

2004 Edmonton Boat & Sportsman's show, moments before opening.

Open go the doors, and you could hear cheering as the people entered the doors, guy’s whooping and hollering shouts of joy to finally be inside the center. It was only a few minutes and we were selling hooks, did I say selling hooks, yeah selling hooks lots of them. Right away we started thinking uh oh we should have made more product, it was non-stop steady people from start to finish that day. At the end of the day I knew I was in low product on hand trouble. The next day I had to bring in a table and I sat there behind the selling table tying bucktails and bending lures and building product on site. One after another, I could not stop, and after the last packaged lure sold I was all there was. As soon as I would complete a lure it was gone, I could barely keep up making the lures as they were purchased, and soon I fell behind, and next thing you know we were taking orders. Day 3 opened up and WOW it was hectic, I was sold out in minutes, and back behind the table working again. I remember shaking my head saying to myself never again will I come here without enough stock, and possibly never again anyway.

Giving Fly casting instruction at the 2011 Athabasca Outdoor show.

People were really glad to see the old fashion bucktail lying on my table and they were willing to spend their money to buy them. after the show was finally over Mom says well boy guess you know by now people like your lures. I was exhausted and thought about not doing anymore lures, I was tired and thought about just sticking to fishing and forgetting the lures, I was overwhelmed by the whole thing that had just happened. I had a photo of a bear that had swum across long lake one summer, and remember thinking the bear just does what a bear does. I thought I am what I am a fisherman, and thought about Grandpa and Dad. The response I got from the people was just amazing, they were starved for a good Northern Pike bucktail, it is a lure pattern that slowly faded away with all of the plastic lures flooding the market. So I decided to stick with it, and to always do this right, I have and continue to keep it real to keep it North American, and to kind of keep it old fashion. Hand crafting every lure and inspecting every one of them before they leave the shop here in Athabasca. I now have a shop, and a field team base of operations up here on our own acreage, no more coffee table. We have an international competitive field team, and every member holds the same values, because for us excellence is not an act; we have made it our habit. We have a 600 square foot display complete with casting pond for trade shows, it’s a long way from the humble booth we had at the start, but my values are still the same as they were at the first show. My home made lures caught on, and now even after 16 years we still craft each one as though our own family is using it. Because as I said above, Fishing is about the family, it’s about being outside and appreciating nature. It’s about friends and sharing time and building cherished memories with loved one’s.

The Jackfish Lures Casting pond at the 2011 Athabasca outdoor show.

300 + lure designs later and many thousand’s of fish caught, I am still just as Driven as I was when I was a kid mowing lawns. The drive to go fishing is just so deep inside me it’s part of my soul. We all have some special gift, something we love to do more than anything else. I am so lucky that I had a Mom and Dad that recognized mine was fishing and let me go crazy with it. I hope my designs and the Lures I have created inspire some kid out there to go fishing, and be driven to work hard and cherish every moment on the water. And hey for Al, Ron & James Lindner, you all are the best, your love and passion for fishing so inspires me I will never be able to thank you enough for your hard work. And for you all reading this, Lindner's Angling edge T.V on WFN is must see T.V and make sure to watch the end of each program it will lift you up. I see in the kid’s we teach at the Junior Forest Wardens every season, one unique kid that has that same drive I have. I think about them all the time, with a smile, and I sometimes pray for them, and wonder how they are doing, who’s lawn they might be mowing, and who’s walk they are shoveling. And then I am taken back to the 70's & 80's when I was a kid and I remember my Dad, Lucky was I,, Lucky was I,, to have him and to still have him today. I love you Mom and Dad, Thank you so much, because of you the world is a better place, I am a better man, and a better angler.

Gary Love WFN Ambassador, Athabasca, Alberta, Canada.

Be a WFN Ambassador.

2011-08-03T14:48:00.000-06:00

When you go look at the definition of the word Ambassador it is loaded with political responsibilities and has several meanings. However there is one word that shows up in almost every description of the word. It's a word that ties every one of us Ambassadors together on a collective team, with WFN on our hats and shirts. The word is "REPRESENTATIVE" in many of the dictionaries you will see this phrase "an authorized representative or messenger". A representative that is what we as Ambassadors of the WFN are, over and above our fishing duties and responsibilities. We are here to provide information and share the WFN with our communities and not just the angling part of our community all of it everyone in our communities. When we have that big WFN on our hat or shirt we owe it to every Ambassador on our team to be the very best representative we can possibly be. I am a lucky man who has the privilege of having a career in the fishing industry, with ownership of a tackle company. And the same word applies to my duties with JFL. The objective is to forward the sport of fishing, with knowledge and passion.

Kids like Rebecca watch how we are, and what we do, we must strive to be a great example for kids.

I remember the day I decided to sign up for the Ambassador program it was in late June of 2010. Before I hit the submit button on my application I paused and asked myself if I could be a good representative and do it all the time, with the same passion as I do for JFL. I had to set some time aside and have balance and decided I could do this, and once I did that I hit submit. And I was not sure the folks at WFN would approve me for the program anyway. I got an email that said within 30 day's I would be notified if I had been accepted. It was on the same day I applied that I was approved to be a WFN Ambassador, and at that point I started my journey with WFN.

Even our own family, kids like my nephew Tyler, they see how we are and the example we set.

One year has passed since then, and I had a one year with WFN post all set up and recently had to redo the whole thing. In fact I threw the whole thing out! Because when I got back from the JFW National Campout, I had a whole new outlook of just what an Ambassador of the WFN means to kids, and parents we touch with our fishing knowledge. I was humbled by the fact that we greatly influence those who read and listen to our posts and videos and look at our photos. I know kids will try the things we write about for fishing. So I decided to be more of a representative, like I was supposed to be in the first place with my posts. And so goes with this one also, because really to do WFN justice I must represent it properly. The kids see everything right down to how we act in public even buying a loaf of bread. When we have the WFN on our hats at the store, or where ever we are we must remember, we Represent the WFN, and we must act accordingly. Because some kid might be watching, someone will notice how we are, and how we act will influence people. So when folks see a WFN hat they will associate that with class and honor, and a great channel on T.V. Let's make people want to tune in and peek their interest, make it possible for others to get involved. If we represent properly, there is no limit to how many anglers we can touch and get involved.

At trade shows, at the store, it don't matter let's set a great example for others.

One year now, and I have many good memories from this experience, and have met many new friends. It even altered the way we represent JFL on line. To have more time to share with folks the advantages of WFN I moved JFL from our own .com to the Facebook and Twitter. Two great ways to share WFN with a wide range of family and friends. I found it gave me more time to do both things, share WFN & JFL and do it right. Since then I am discovering that the WFN has provided us our own regions to post to also, it's an avenue to meet even more friends, and share more fishing with everyone. Then there was the WFN Ultimate Fishing Town contest. I had a real blast with that, and met more friends from across Canada. It brought our community closer and just in time when our community was called upon to make a big sacrifice this spring. I learned that a WFN Ambassador is a representative of his or her community. All of the community not just the Anglers but to everyone, my goal is to have WFN in every home in Athabasca. Over time I hope it's done and all have the chance to watch WFN. Our 100th birthday has been successful in Athabasca and summer is going along just fine. I am happy and feel good to be part of this great team of WFN Ambassadors.

My Wife Laura fighting another fish, She is an avid fan of WFN, and Lindner's Angling Edge!

It was last week, WFN did something I did not expect, they selected me as a Top Ambassador! It took some time for it to sink in that WFN had picked a guy from way out here in the bushes in Athabasca. With all the Ambassadors to choose from, and so many great posts from everyone. I was and am humbled to the core again. This kind of honor must, no it requires me to do more and that I will do. It set me to thinking about the last year, and my decision to hit that submit button on my application to become an Ambassador. I can say it was one of the best choices I ever made, It has improved me as an individual and been a real pleasure to be part of this. So looking forward I will take it a day at a time as always, and during the day's ahead, I am looking for way's and opportunities to represent the greatest network of anglers associated anywhere in the world. If you scroll through and read this post, and your not an Ambassador! Ask yourself this question! Can I REPRESENT? If your answer is yes, Click the Submit button on your application. I will tell you this, as an Ambassador, now a Top Ambassador, if your willing to represent, and give of yourself to the great sport of fishing. There is no better place to be than with the WFN, and your experience will be of great value to those whom you share it with. And your time will have been well spent and the sport of Fishing better for your efforts. As well you will grow as an individual, So hey Can you Represent? Come join us! Thank You WFN for the opportunity, and for a seriously fun year, it's been a blast.

Gary Love WFN Ambassador, Athabasca, Alberta, Canada.

Jackfish Lures at the 2011 Junior Forest Warden National Campout.

2011-07-25T08:43:00.000-06:00

July 10th to the 16th 2011, William A Switzer Prov Park, Gregg Lake Alberta. The theme was Back to our Roots. And I did pack the camera first this time!! This time Laura and I were able to be there for the whole week and this time we did things different. We packed along a bunch of Jackfish Lures and a weeks worth of programs like the. Pike & Walleye on Spinnerbaits, Lake Classification & Ecology, Fishing Equipment Rods Reels Tackle boxes. Catch & Release Techniques, Fishing Safety & Situational Awareness. Also Fly Fishing and Fly Tying were included for the very first time and all with a different approach to the style in which Laura & I presented each program. At the 2011 Junior Forest Warden National Campout at Gregg Lake Alberta.

Opening ceremonies of the 2011 National campout.

Laura and I had never seen an opening ceremony before so we were intrigued to say the least and decided to show up for the opening. First of all I could not believe the number of people who drove and flew in from all over Canada to this event I am not official with this number but I think at least 1000 people showed up. You can see from the photos Camp Central was packed and the amazing part is not all had arrived yet. They introduced the Committees and leaders and National Campout Chairperson Al Wardale got up and had the instructors come up front to receive a cool instructors pin. And then the clubs all marched to the front and had a torch lit to start the fire to open the camp up. What was very interesting is they had ash from the 2008 National Camp that they put in before they lit the 2011 fire. The opening was very very nice and we had a great time.

More from the opening.

Some of the moments of the opening ceremonies to the 2011 National camp.

More from the opening.

Here are a list of other sessions that were going on all over camp for the week. A day in the life of a squirrel, Advanced geocaching, Adventure Orienteering, Air Rifles, Archery & It's History, and Atlatls & Throwing Sticks with Alberta Parks. Also going on were, Backcountry trip planning & equipment, Bark Book Making, Basic Map & Compass skills. We are not done yet, Beading, Bear Awareness & Avoidance, Bear tracking, Beginner Canoe Camping, and Flatwater Canoeing. We have to keep going now, here are more. Black Powder Chairs, Blacksmithing, Blow Darts, Bugology, Bush Bucksaw, Bushcraft Knives, Campfire cooking. Nope we are not done yet here are more. Capote Making, Card Weaving, Carving tool sharpening, Chainsaw safety. Let's keep going, Combustibles, Crochet, Crossbows, Tree Identification. OK OK you get the point eh the list just keeps going and going and going. There are tons of cool things for everyone.

Canoes ready to hit the lake for a week of fun.

Yes I did, I talked up the advantages of having the WFN as a regular part of a fisherman's lifestyle, and told everyone to tune in. DEMAND WFN I said. I had questions a plenty about the WFN hat I wore all week. I had to represent the Ambassadors out there and we got it done. And hey we might add to the Ambassador ranks as we get more people hooked on fishing. This time out we used the basic principles of the F.I.S.H program and instead of a bunch of paperwork and discussion we were far more hands on and conversational. We freed ourselves up to be more personal An approach I thought would help all to learn more effectively the programs we were there to instruct. I could go over to a person answer their question and have a much more personal impact. Well it paid off big and on day one as we had a little girl who stood out as a pure Natural to the sport of fishing. This little girl was used to her Dad and brother going fishing, and she herself had no gear and up until that day had not cast a lure before. She picked our Pike & Walleye on Spinnerbaits course for some reason. There had to be that inner fishing bug I speak of sometimes that drew her to our program. I know if we had of done the program the old way we did before this little girl would have lost interest. Instead she was engaged in the conversations, and when we got down to the lake for the fishing part of the program I showed her one time how to cast a lure. She was casting farther than all of the boys and adults there that morning, the kid has real skill and did everything to her best, great attitude to go with and confidence.

First session on Monday, Pike & Walleye on Spinnerbait.

More of the first session, just before we got going.

The first session on the dock fishing, Rebecca is on the other side of Laura casting.

She, Rebecca made an impact on Laura and I both, and at one point Laura looks over at me and says "Gary" and pointed to Rebecca. My answer was an immediate "Absolutely" You all will remember the Rod and Reel I recovered from the bottom of Baptiste lake! Well it was my plan to restore that rod and reel and give it away at the campout, however time did not permit me to get that outfit fully restored. So Laura and I bought a similar model and had decided we were giving it away and the collection of lost lures we have recovered over the last several seasons of fishing. Rebecca so impressed Laura and I we gave it to her and the lost lures. We made it clear to everyone there, that a lure someone has the misfortune of losing is not a lucky thing to the person who finds it. The only way to restore the luck is to give it away to someone worthy. The lures we find that have been lost do not belong to us, an angler lost it in an unlucky turn of events. It's not ours, and we may never know who it belongs to, but hey, here is what is right. Rebecca had no gear to start that day, now she has her own rod and reel, and a small set of lures to get her started. Now the lost lures have purpose and luck restored for this young angler. All in that session understood the passion and love of this sport Laura and I have, and it was clear from that point on we were doing this right as everyone had a blast. For the rest of the week our hands on personal approach really paid off for the kids and adults there to learn fishing tips and basics.

Here is a shot of Rebecca and her new rod & reel, what a wonderful kid.

The fly fishing program was amazing and one where I had an opportunity dropped into my lap by one woman who arrived at our session with an old fly rod and reel that had sat in the dusty garage for more than 30 years! You can't write this stuff or make it up the outfit was seriously old. She was concerned it would not work and she would not be able to cast it. I saw the chance immediately and with no hesitation I told her it would work and that she would cast it just fine. She laughed and looked at me like I was kind of crazy. Several of the men looked at me kind of funny like, and some asked if it was possible for that old thing to work. I said to them we will make this outfit work you will see, I had them all hooked for the rest of the day.

Gregg Lake, Laura, caught a Brown Trout out there on a spinnerbait we use for Pike! Cool Eh!

So we got started on the different types of fly fishing and different gear and so forth, and how Balance is everything to make sure to pick and balance their gear properly for the individual. Then we came to the maintenance of the fly lines. I took the old 30 year old dusty outfit and showed the whole group how to clean and stretch the fly line. I know from my best friend "experience" the line could have been 50 years old it did not matter if cleaned and stretched it would do it's job. We then took it down to the lake and after some instruction the woman who brought the outfit to the lake was smiling as she was fly casting with it. Now it took some time for her to get her mechanics down but she was doing it and with her 30 year old outfit. There were guy's who were blown away with how that worked, I heard a bunch of "I can't believe it's" but hey, gear is gear and if it's clean and not damaged gear does what gear does. I told them all, the gear is a tool we impart the action to the tool and it don't matter if it's 30 years old or brand new if you know how to use a tool you can make it work. All were blown away with that example, and for me I was glad that old fly gear made it up there for an example to use, what an awesome opportunity given to me. And I can assure you all, everyone in that session now has an understanding of how to use fly fishing equipment.

Gregg Lake has Pike, Walleye, Lake Whitefish, and Brown Trout.

I had one girl who never fly cast before, again another like Rebecca, I took some extra time to show her the mechanics of the casting and showed her one time. This wonderful girl Chelsea, was flea flicking with the best of them. Again on now day 3 of this event another total natural and by the end of the course she was making casts and performing the Double Haul. I have spent hours and hours with other students to get the double haul down. Chelsea was doing it in minutes, and had a perfect attitude and confidence about her that rubbed off on all of the other folks at that session. I was impressed with the quality of this individual and just amazed at how natural she picked up the sport. It's people like Chelsea who make up the collection of folks at the events the JFW put on, classy, classy, classy, wonderful kid.

Another session of kids and parents out fishing despite the weather.

We had fun with the fly tying session and several anglers were able to pick up on how to spin deer hair and trim it into toads and poppers. Once again a little girl, stood out a real crafty smart kid who picked up on the spinning very fast. I had her start with a wire worm which she tied in a few seconds and once I saw she was a quick study got her spinning. Again showed her once the rest is history a pure natural, and with practice and a creative streak she will have fun tying fly's for years to come. Her dad sitting next to her picked up on the spinning also they will have a blast I know it fly fishing. Another stand out all week was a kid named Bernard from Rocky Mountain House Alberta this kid was just plain smart. Quick study and Laura taught him how to make the Western Toad which he managed to make one almost perfect, a great kid and he had to be because Laura does not show that pattern fly to just anyone.

Laura and a group of anglers headed to the water front.

Day 4, was fun and again full of great sessions going on all around the entire camp, & canoes and kayaks all over the lake. Laura and I had a bit of a break as we just had the morning session and were free to participate in the Trade show for instructors. They had a table set up for us to display the Jackfish Lures products. So Laura and I get set up and we are barely done when one of our fine students from the week Joann shows up and picks up a few lures and purchased Laura's Western Toad Fly's which I had forgotten back at our camp. So I jump in the truck head over get the fly's and by the time I got back 20 minutes had gone by and we were sold out of product! I said to Laura what happened? She starts laughing and says everything sold! I was astonished, and said to her WOW that was fast! Laura in her typical way smiles and says all done! Chief Warden Terry Garrett comes over and asked if another instructor, a late arrival could share the table with us they also had some wares to sell. I told her we were all done sold out, we moved out and let the other folks in to do their selling. I could not believe the response we got, it showed that people really cared about what we had to say and learned a lot from us, it felt good to say the least. On the same day the silent Auction was going on, there were hundreds of items in there by the looks of it. The tent was packed and they managed to raise over $10,000 it was a total success. Remember now this event is way out in the bush people camping for a week, over $10,000 raised for the silent auction!! WOW Just amazing.

Day 4 trade show silent auction day.

More from day 4.

Lot's of things going on at Camp Central.

Camp Central was the gathering place all week, live bands and much more going on.

By Friday day 5 Laura and I are starting to hit a wall of tired physically, just about wiped out, and we managed to get up get ready and finished out the week. Our last session was on Fishing Gear and Tackle boxes and we also took everyone down to the water front for fishing. The kids had a blast and we had several parents show up and thank us for the instruction they had received during the week and at noon we were all done. I said to Laura where did the week go? It went by fast and before we knew it we were sitting at the closing ceremonies. I was so tired that I did not want to get out of my chair that afternoon, and if there had of been a T.V with WFN on I would not have got up from that chair, I can tell you that.

Friday morning just before we got started with our final session of the week.

More from Friday morning.

Friday Morning Fishing, gotta love it.

Kid's having fun fishing, what a great week.

Up behind Al on stage is the amazing tile board the kids painted during the week.

The closing ceremonies.

The closing ceremonies were just as cool as the opening however a little sad for lot's as camp was now over. During the week the kids from all over the camp had been painting individual tiles for a tile board and during the closing they unveiled the tile board it turned out to be quite the art work a real cool representation of the week, which managed to come out looking like the Junior Forest Warden logo. Classy, Honest, fun, these are words which describe the Junior Forest Warden program and it's people. If you have been looking for an association to join the Junior Forest Warden program is by far the best I have seen for letting the parents share with the kids, all participate together. If you don't have a Junior forest Warden in your area start one, it's easy to do go here to www.jfwa.ca all the info you will need to start your club is there. Laura and I and Jackfish Lures are honored to have been part of this amazing event and look forward to the next one. Hey I sure hope to see you there.

Gary Love Jackfish Lures Field Team Captain/WFN Ambassador, Athabasca, Alberta, Canada.

Lead! A real toxic Issue.

2011-06-20T12:28:00.000-06:00

I wonder how many of you have ever opened a split shot sinker with your teeth or held one in your mouth when going through your tackle box. I am pretty sure most of us have without giving it a second thought because we were focused on the fishing. Lead is a toxic substance and can be harmful to humans in many ways, according to federal and state government agencies in the U.S.A and Canada. Knowledge of this has lead to a ban on lead based paint, and as a fuel additive, and also household plumbing pipes, and window coverings the list goes on. Here in Canada Shotgun shells with lead shot are now banned, and only non lead shot may be used. Many efforts have been made towards public awareness about the hazards of lead and many people are aware of the risk. However there is a lot of work still to be done, you see humans are not the only species who suffer from the effects of lead, many of our Common Loons suffer a terrible death every year due to lead poisoning.

A Split shot Sinker inside a dead Loon!

At least 27 different species are known to be affected by lead poisoning including numerous duck species, the Trumpeter, Tundra and Mute swans, Bald eagles, Sandhill cranes, and the Common loon. Studies conducted in the late 1990's and early 2000's in New England and New Hampshire and Minnesota found in some areas over 50% of loon mortality is due to lead poisoning from sinker and jig ingestion; and is the most frequent cause of loon deaths in New Hampshire. Up to 17% of the loon deaths in Minnesota were the result of lead poisoning.

Here is a big sinker a loon consumed from some sort of fishing rig.

This is a closeup shot of the above photo, look at the sinker the bird consumed. This is obviously some sort of rig that was broke off from an angler.

Likewise the Canadian Wildlife service has shown significant mortality in the Common Loon from ingestion of lead sinkers and jigs. I have looked into this several times, the numbers are real, this is a serious issue and one we have to work on. There are many documents that clearly warn of the risks of lead toxicosis in water birds. Direct ingestion rather than other environmental sources are clearly the leading cause of lead poisoning in our birds.

This is another sinker from a broken fishing rig, and another dead loon, these photos are just a drop in the bucket, there are many such photos. Some are very disturbing, showing the birds dying.

Boat trauma, commercial fishing nets, botulism, mercury, aspergillosis, and others round out the beating our water birds take every year. Here is what happens in most cases, birds commonly pick up small pebbles to grind food for digestion. Small lead sinkers and jigs are often mistaken for pebbles, or the bird consumes lures with fish and lead attached directly. The lead enters the gizzard, where stomach acids and abrasion break down the metal and it is absorbed into the bloodstream. What happens next is a real heart breaker, if you love the outdoors as much as I do. The poisoning then causes behavioral changes in the bird including loss of balance, gasping, tremors, and an impaired ability to fly. Now the bird is more vulnerable to predators, it has trouble feeding, mating, nesting, and caring for its young. It becomes emaciated and often dies within two or three weeks after eating the lead. Just one lead sinker or jig can poison a water bird, and make it suffer.

This is the way I like to view the Loon.

I am not a crazy environmentalist, or one of those over the top goofs who go to far to the extreme to discuss a problem. I love the outdoors and Fishing and Goose hunting just like all of you. What I want to discuss here is how can we help and do something without hurting the fishing Industry. How can we help and how can we as fishermen and women work together to better our sport and the outdoors we love without getting the Crazy people to take up the cause and want a ban on fishing products. Lets face it there are some of those politicians who would love to cut into our Fishing heritage and destroy it. Lead has always been the sinker and jig material of choice because of the density and the cheap cost to the manufactures. However there are some very high quality non-toxic sinkers and jigs out there made out of a variety of different metals. Like Bismuth, Tin, and Steel, to name a few.

A Deer swimming by on it's way across the lake, I enjoy these moments when fishing.

Would a ban on Lead fishing products help?? And My goodness who would first of all, and could it ever be enforced? Our countries are struggling with major budget deficits as it is, so there is really no money to enforce such a thing. It would only hurt the industry as I see it. Different metals are available, and easy to work with, Bismuth is so very easy to work with and has a density 86.4% of that of lead and is a great emitter of sound like steel However steel is a little harder to work with but nonetheless is a great metal for sinkers. Tin is the hands down best for pinch on, and split shot sinkers because it is so pliable. And the non-toxic paints these days are out of this world. Professional anglers have commented on the quality and durability of these products, and are starting to change the way they look at lead products. However to ask a manufacturer to retool and go lead free would be crazy and cost some companies millions, and could put some out of business. And so like the lead, the issue is toxic also, and a very difficult thing to try and work on. We should really ask ourselves what our environment and our waterfowl, fish, and wildlife are worth to us and make some changes in the way we fish and the way we teach our kids to fish. There has to be a way we can make a difference and help out without going to some extreme. Can we adopt different techniques and styles of fishing? Can we use a super-line to help prevent break-offs? There has to be a way we can support the industry and make sure we don't leave a mess of product in the water that could end up in a bird. So I think it boils down to us as individuals, ask yourself What Can I Do? I really think this issue comes down to us and if we take charge and show we care, the radical groups will not have a leg to stand on. I am going to experiment with new systems and presentations to see if there is a new way I can fish more efficiently and make less of an impact on the lake. Can we leave less out there? Oh yeah I think so, and in the case of lead, Less is more in this case. I look at the work Ducks Unlimited has done over the years and I just marvel at how wonderful that organization has been and the amazing work they have accomplished. I know if we all work together, our outdoor resources will last for generations and continue to be a great heritage we pass on to those coming up behind us.

Gary Love WFN Ambassador, Athabasca, Alberta, Canada.

Fathers Day, Memories of Dad.

2011-06-15T12:17:00.000-06:00

Pa Love and his first Silver Pike.

Fishing with my dad has been something I always cherish, and remember with fondness every time we go out. From the time I caught my first bluegill to the time I got my first Halibut, to my first Pike, Walleye, well you get the point my dad has been there for some of the best moments of my fishing career.

With Jackfish Lures and all of the field testing we do I have so many memories with dad that it's hard to just pick one. Long Lake in Alberta here in 1997, Dad and I set out on the lake at 6am like usual and headed for the far north end of the lake. What we did was head down all the way and fish our way back. This takes all day and well one fish after another and Dad finally catching a nice 10 pound pike around noon we decided to eat lunch and while sitting in the boat we observe a Black Bear swimming across the lake.

I remember Mom telling us to be careful because a bear had been sighted around the area and was a problem. Dad and I both saying "yeah no problem" like usual Ma is just to worried we said ha ha. We are out fishing more than once a week most of the time and you just get so used to your routine and how nature is around you that you just feel a part of it when your out there.

I remember this day being so calm and nice out Dad and I talked everything from fishing to the plight of the L.A Kings our favorite NHL team and the standard family talk. And well we had been in the boat for 10 hours time we were done we had caught and released over 70 some fish each and we were tired.

So we pull the boat up to shore at the Launch at the old abandoned scout camp and we start up the hill to go get the truck and well there he is. Mr. Black Bear, right in the way of where we want to go, and nothing but the lake behind us. We just fished for 10 hours and we are so tired and we just don't need a bear right now. I remember saying to myself Wow, Now What ha ha. Dad taught me when I was a kid to always wear a nice one piece knife when outdoors and we both had buck knives on us.

Well the bear goes up on his hind legs and starts to show some aggression, and Dad says to me just stay calm and get your knife in your hand. So I look over at Dad and there he is with his knife and I have mine now, and we both just stood our ground and did not back off or move forward we just stood there ready to fight if we had to. I remember thinking I might just get one good shot at this bear and was figuring on where I would get him with that shot when the bear growls and starts to run off in the other direction toward the truck

Dad looks over at me and says I did not need that ha ha, there was just no sign of fear in the man. A quality I have grown to love over the years, yeah my Dad I love em so and cherish every chance we get to fish together. I know there will be a time come when I would give anything to fish with him one more time so every chance I get I take it.

Fathers day and Dad's and fishing, well it don't get any better than that, it's a special thing and I hope you all have that chance to enjoy Dad this year and catch a few great memories.

Gary Love WFN Ambassador, Athabasca, Alberta, Canada.

Ultimate Type of Fishing

2011-06-07T10:54:00.000-06:00

My Ultimate type of Fishing, is hands down Freshwater fishing for Big Northern Pike. For this type of fishing I am going to get into some detail about how we do it here in Athabasca. For this post to be honest I have to tell you right now, I own and operate Jackfish Lures, and I use JFL exclusively. So in order for me to do, properly, an article on my Ultimate type of fishing I have to mention JFL. It is one of the reasons I enjoy this so much, fishing with my own creations, and fishing with my wife Laura, Fresh water for big Northern Pike yeah it's the ultimate for me.

BT-11 JFL Yellow Bucktail, this is one of my favorite lures.

When we prepare a field trip which is what we call it here at JFL, because we are always field testing products. 90% of my fishing in a season is field trips planned and prepared during the week along with my other responsibilities here at JFL. Fishing makes up a giant chunk of my life, and a big portion of that spent on research. We start here in the shop, going over maps and depth charts and looking at the recent weather conditions that have come through our area and the area of the lake we are prepping for. We will go back several weeks and look at forecasts and then break out our info gathered from years of fishing, data we have documented, and try and match up the days planned with past weather patterns and conditions combined with fish locations we have recorded for those times. It gives us a starting point to work with. This is a process we have included in our F.I.S.H program sessions we do for the Junior Forest Wardens of Alberta. Every Angler can develop their own records and patterns, if fishing is important enough, homework must come first especially if your looking for big and I mean Big Northern Pike.

One of the many map types we use at JFL for trip planning, this is Baptiste lake in Athabasca.

Above & Below is a sample of Baptiste Lake here in Athabasca, we use maps like these and others to gather a starting point with all of the other data we have. Once on the water my Humminbird Finder helps to locate underwater structure in the areas we choose to explore first. These maps only help gather a starting point for us, we get on the water and get our electronics fired up to get the detail and underwater information needed to target our casts or trolling runs.

This is another look at Baptiste Lake in Athabasca.

Before we leave the shop we make sure our gear is ready and in good order so when we get to the lake we can set up the boat, launch it, and once on our starting location we can start to fish. I like to set up several rigs one bait casting set up a 7' Medium Heavy action Rod, for me St. Croix, with an Abu Garcia 5600 reel loaded with Suffix 832. Also a spinning set up 7' Medium heavy action, for me St. Croix premiere series, and an Abu Garcia Soron STX reel, I also have two set's of the same St. Croix rods with Abu Garcia Suveran S3000M reels. If I am going to Long Lake a Fly set up for pike as well, an STH Reel set up on a 9' 8-9wt Penn gold medal series rod, with Cortland 444 floating rocket taper, with a 7' Cajun Optix leader. We prepare all the gear ahead of the trip also, and make sure our leaders are in good order and tied on properly. For me a Palomar knot is best, I like 9 inch wire leaders for Pike fishing with my casting & spinning gear. Below is a diagram on how to apply a Palomar knot.

This is one of my most used knots, the Palomar knot.

Lure selection is next, and there are many lures to choose from, like I said before it's JFL for me, so I will go right to, for big pike, my bucktail spinners and will also throw JFL spinnerbaits. I have something to cover every situation I will face from top water to 60 degree tube jigs. My go to lure of choice is the JFL, MM-12 Red n White Mean Muskie spinnerbait, I like spinnerbaits they make a great searching presentation when first getting to a location. Also they make for a fast aggressive style of fishing which we just love out here in Athabasca. There is nothing like having a 25 lb Northern slam a spinnerbait in range of where you can see the strike happen and have a big fight with it. We have caught some fish that will knock your knees together for ya.

Nice Northern from Baptiste lake Athabasca, Alberta.

We are always looking for trophy pike, and our system works it's been successful for many years. My Wife Laura loves this style of fishing and has herself caught some amazing pike, and together we have had some great fishing day's. Our field team does a remarkable job every season our team format is multi species. However for me there is nothing better than fighting a big Northern Pike. Not only that but hey if you want a quality feed of fish for your efforts Pike is hard to beat! Every angler has his or her ultimate type of fishing, and this is part of what makes the sport so special. Fishing is such a vast and diverse sport that you can be guaranteed there is an ultimate for everyone. For me it's Freshwater fishing for Northern Pike, with Laura and a good collection of JFL, and my good buddy Chickadee, my Boston Bull dog.

Gary Love, WFN Ambassador Athabasca, Alberta, Canada.

Fishing Balanced= More Fun & More Fish.

2010-07-13T15:32:00.002-06:00

Abu Garcia Soron STX 30

Balance in fishing has this season come up several times at Jackfish Lures, and on our field team and chat room, the topic of how to balance rod's, reels etc has been discussed quite a bit. It's been really this season's hot topic to discuss. Well as Captain of Team Jackfish Lures I am going to spell out Balanced fishing, the way it should be..
Now some may think Balanced fishing is keeping sure footing in the boat or balancing on a log from shore over a nice fishin hole, or pivoting a rod and reel on their finger.
I am going to get into proper balanced fishing here, proper balanced fishing is important and can make all the difference in winning a tournament or having a meal on the table.

Balanced fishing starts at home! Yep it all starts at home I am one of the blessed few who have a career in fishing, but most of you all have other day jobs. Really it is the same for all of us balance starts at home. It starts with our Mom's and Dad's, Wife's and Kids, or even single folks. It starts with our daily attitudes and relationships at home and work. How are we interacting with our family and co workers and friends.

Time is the one most important thing that gets balanced in a home. And nowadays even more so with all of the activities the kids have going on and work schedules. So finding time for fishing takes a balanced life at home and work, with all things being considered some don't get much time for fishing. But having the balance of schedules and time and being able to enjoy your life. My gosh I have a friend who has no time for anything he is just run ragged. No time for fishing!! Well Fishing is his escape. No escape well now the attitude is a little chippy at home and that reflects on the work environment also, and well one little thing leads to another and chaos will rule.

Balance your time at home and work and eat good meals and live healthy and keep things in order and have a balanced home and work life. Balanced meals are vital, at home and on the water balanced snacks and water are very important. The pay off is you will be happier and less stressed and have time for your favorite sport Fishing. A fishing trip starts at home also, with preparation and planning and research into the lake you want to fish. The fish your targeting and the diets of the fish your after, even the lure's your going to need. Checking your gear and making sure your gear is balanced as well.

Proper balanced gear was a hot subject also this season, it's more than balancing a rod and reel on your finger. To get the most out of your skills and to properly develop skills you need balance in all areas of your life. We all come in different sizes and shapes and when discussing gear, what works for me will most likely not work for you.

To properly balance your fishing gear, you first need to plan your gear for the species of fish your going to use the gear on. Set ups for Trout will be very different than set ups for Pike or Bass or pan-fish. So, and you know, your reading this article, what species of fish are you after most of the time? Set up your rod and reel for that species, and balance your outfit to yourself. You may need a heavier weight rod and a lighter weight reel or a light rod with a heavier reel. You can balance about any combo on your finger at the casting point but really the gear has to be fit to you. If you have sore joints and muscles from casting your rod and reel something is wrong it's not balanced properly for you. When your holding that outfit in your hands in the casting position you will be able to feel where the pressure points are. If you feel comfortable and no pressure points can be felt in your elbow, wrist or shoulders and you can use the gear all day and not be sore your gear is balanced.

In the store don't just settle for some cheap combo select a rod and reel and create your own combo balanced for yourself you will find a little more spent now will save a lot later. Me personally I use and love St.Croix Rods the Premiere series is out of this world and priced for those on a budget also. The made in the great U.S.A is another reason I like them, hand crafted to boot. I have used and continue to use and will always use Abu Garcia Reels. I have now 15 set ups everything from the Suveran S300M to the Soron STX and the Classic 5600. All are set up and balanced for me personally.

Pick your gear with care and make sure it's balanced, there are great reels from all brands find the one fits you best and balance it on a balanced rod and your set up is going to help you develop better shills and more accurately allow you to present your lures to the fish.
Balance does not end there! Tackle boxes need to be properly set up for you also. Make sure to pick a comfortable tackle pack. You don't want to be lugging a suitcase to the lake, I have seen some tackle boxes look like big upright tool chests! I like the Plano Guide series, and inside I can organize each box and keep everything I need in there and throw it over my shoulder and go. Boats also need to be balanced to the angler find what you are comfortable with and what suits the fishing your doing. Clothing needs to be right shoes are important especially if fishing from shore water proof with gore-tex is best keep yourself warm and comfortable. It all plays a role in a day's fishing.

A great place to see the latest in new gear is the trade shows, most places have a fishing and outdoors show close by every season. It helps to keep up with the new products coming out each season. In Edmonton the Edmonton boat and Sportsman's show is a nice one. Canadian National Sportsman's Shows are among the best in Canada. WFN has a great program on called Getting School'd with JP DeRose, his program is outstanding and informative on new products.

It don't matter if your a weekend angler or a seasoned pro, balance is everything in fishing. Even on the water and the gear we use the patterns we employ require balance and planning. The proper balance of electronics and good old fashion skill with the rod and reel and lures and your fish count will go up. I like to go after different species so balance in what kind of fishing you do may be needed also as you may come to a point where your bored of the same species or lake and need a little break and go after something different for a week or two.

The bottom line is have balance in everything your doing it will keep you happy and your family happy and most important your gonna catch more fish and have more fun each time out.

Gary L#69, WFN Ambassador, Athabasca, Alberta, Canada.

Confidence an Anglers best friend!

2010-05-10T13:34:00.004-06:00

Confidence is everything in fishing Period. I know some may disagree with me but the confident angler will kick the pants off of the angler without confidence, in every tournament hands down. I have seen with my own eyes this in action, and many times. Anglers sifting through their tackle looking for the lure to get that first strike, that first bump or anything. It usually never comes because the angler just has no confidence in his tackle. Belief can create confidence, but too many need to see to believe so they get held back.
Listen, when I started creating fishing lures I had many day's where I wondered what I was doing, but never lost sight of who I am and where I come from. I managed to keep myself grounded in family, and sometimes they were critical of some of my ideas. It caused me to really research the diets of fish and look at that and try and include as much biology and ecology into what I was doing. What it did was inspire confidence in myself and my abilities to create, on and off the water.
Field testing became a real escape for me and instead of worry and doubt I was prepared for a strike at any moment and sure enough they came with regularity. I found that I had a sense of confidence that I had not had before. Knowledge is the base, the foundation of Confidence, without it your sifting through that tackle box every few casts. I encourage everyone to continue to educate yourselves in this sport and in the environment you fish and hunt. Exploring the very ecosystem you fish will provide much needed information for you that books just can't explain properly, go out and explore your fishing spots and you will learn ton's of valuable information
Confident anglers arrive at their confident stage in the sport in many different ways, but one thing is for sure if you want to be successful on the water you need Confidence period. Keep your eyes open and observe what is going on around you, and keep building your confidence with knowledge.

Gary C Love