Rouge River

what a hot afternoon!I managed to catch this carp using a leftover bread found in the back of my car! 🤣🤣

This creek chub self-released itself into the plants and then back into the water. The catch and release happened within 2 minutes.

Was trying to fish for bass, but nothing bites, so I switched the gear and fish at the river beside it. New species unlock

Rainbow Trout on a busy city street?! When someone describes trout fishing, the first things that come to mind are "Remote," "Suburban," "Prestine creek," "Undisturbed," "Quiet," "Isolated," and so on. I never would have thought they could be found in the middle of a city, let alone under a bustling downtown street! After helping my wife with a busy day of shopping at a local shopping mall, I headed to a nearby river to relax and try my luck. It turns out that this river is loaded with fish! I caught my first Rainbow trout without having to travel outside the city, which is awesome!

This Rock bass was caught on a spinner bait that I picked up on a tree branch someone had lost on a snag LOL

Another pond visited! Canada is blessed with 20 percent of the world's freshwater. Its fishery and resources are truly vast. As anglers we are so well endowed with a large variety, and quantity, of fish. The sheer abundance of fishing spots across the country is awe-inspiring. There are so many river and lakes systems and different fish species to pursue that nobody could put a dent in the opportunities even if they spent a lifetime trying. It is even impossible for me to visit them all in a single province. However, I have set myself a more achievable goal - to explore every water body within a 30-minute drive from my neighborhood. This self-imposed challenge excites me beyond measure. It means that I can embark on countless fishing adventures without having to travel far. From serene ponds tucked away in quiet corners to mighty rivers flowing with life, and even the majestic lakes that dot the landscape, there is so much waiting for me to discover. I am determined to make the most of this opportunity. Armed with my fishing gear and an adventurous spirit, I will venture out to these nearby waters one by one. Each excursion will bring its own surprises and rewards, whether it's reeling in a prized catch or simply immersing myself in the tranquility of nature. As I cast my line into these local waters, I will witness the beauty of Canada up close. The shimmering sunlight dancing on the surface, the gentle ripples created by fish swimming beneath, and the symphony of sounds from birds and wildlife will create a harmonious backdrop for my fishing escapades. Not only will this journey allow me to hone my angling skills and deepen my connection with nature, but it will also foster a sense of appreciation for the incredible diversity of aquatic ecosystems that exist right at my doorstep. Canada truly is a haven for anglers, offering endless possibilities for exploration and adventure. So, armed with determination and a love for fishing, I am ready to embark on this quest. With each pond, river, and lake I visit, I will not only fulfill my personal goal but also strengthen my bond with the great outdoors. As a proud Canadian angler, I am privileged to have such incredible fishing opportunities within reach, and I intend to make the most of them.

I have been skunked twice! I have visited this pond three times, and it's been quite an adventure! Let me share my experiences with you. 9/1/2023, Sunny. It was a beautiful day when I first discovered this pond. Excited to see what lies beneath the water, I brought night crawlers and some jigs with me. Unfortunately, despite trying various promising spots, I had no luck. To make matters worse, the bush by the pond was full of sweetgum, and I ended up covered in spiky balls with my whole jacket. Talk about an awkward situation! And as if that wasn't enough, I forgot to bring bug spray and got chased by groups of mosquitoes. They left their mark all over my face and neck with their itchy bites. Determined to catch something, I kept casting, but there were no takers. Finally, a fire ant found its way into my boot and gave me a painful sting. the sting swollen up like a golf ball! That was the last straw for me, and I called it a day, going home empty-handed. 9/12/2023, Cloudy. It was my second attempt at this pond. Having learned from my previous mistakes, I wore more protective clothing against bugs and brought insect repellent. I also packed various types of lures and bait options. However, after an hour of searching, not a single bite came my way. Suddenly, the sky turned dark, and it started pouring rain! To my dismay, I hadn't checked the forecast and didn't have an umbrella or raincoat. Seeking shelter under a tree seemed risky during a heavy downpour, so I moved to a more open area and continued casting. Unfortunately, the rocks beneath me became slippery due to the muddy water caused by the rain. I lost my balance and fell waist-deep into the water, soaking not only my pants and shoes but also my phone. To add insult to injury, I sprained my wrist while trying to break my fall to support my body. Feeling utterly miserable, I decided to end the fishing trip early and returned home empty-handed once again. 9/21/2023, Sunny. It was a lovely day when I gave this pond another shot. To my surprise, the water clarity had significantly improved compared to my previous visits. I could clearly see fish following my bait after each retrieve. Initially, I was using a tiny jig with a small plastic bait, which seemed to pique their interest but not fully commit. So, I switched to a bigger hard lure and started with some triple hook jerk baits. And guess what? Bingo! On my first cast and a couple of twitches, I got a strike! A fish was on! It wasn't a massive catch, but it put up a decent fight. Encouraged by this success, I continued trying different crankbaits, and they all worked to some degree. Interestingly, this was the exact spot where I fished a couple of weeks ago, but the weather, water quality, and possibly even the temperature made a huge difference in my results! The moral of the story is: don't give up! Keep trying and keep fishing. During this single trip, I managed to catch 10 bass, 1 sunfish, and 1 rock bass. Persistence pays off.

Skunked at this pond... Fishing is a timeless activity that brings joy, relaxation, and a deep connection with nature. The soothing sound of water, the gentle breeze, and the beauty of the environment and surroundings can be incredibly therapeutic. While it's true that being empty-handed can sometimes be disheartening, it is important to remember that even the most skilled anglers experience moments of humility. These moments teach us patience, perseverance, and the beauty of embracing the unpredictable nature of fishing. It reminds us that success doesn't always come easily or immediately. It requires dedication, determination, and a willingness to learn from each failure. Every cast holds the promise of a thrilling catch, a memorable story, or simply a peaceful escape from the chaos of everyday life. So let's keep our lines in the water, for every missed opportunity brings us one step closer to that exhilarating moment when we reel in a prized fish. The journey is just as rewarding as the destination. By continuing to fish, we not only nourish our souls but also contribute to the preservation of this cherished tradition for generations to come.