The Joy of Fly Fishing in New Brunswick

Freshwater and saltwater fishing are the favorite pastimes of Canadians and many tourists but the real excitement comes when you take up flyfishing in Canada. Canada offers a lot of first-class fishing trips that are well worth your time and money. The memories last a life time and the desire to return is always in the back of my mind.

Canada has the ideal water where a variety of fish species are abundant and can be enticed by a fly and good presentation. Some of my favorite fish to fly fish for are trout, salmon, bass and even pike, pickerel and musky.

There are also plenty of shops and establishments that sell fishing gear and supplies. Fly fishing in Canada is divided in two groups, the fresh water fishing and salt water fishing.

The most famous fishing in Canada is the Salmon Fishing, which is both enjoyable and rewarding. Our Salmon varieties in Canada are the Coho, Sockeye Salmon, Chinook and the chum and of course my favorite, because I live on the east coast of Canada is the Atlantic Salmon.

Salmon are known for their size and beauty and awesome fighting power. Many fishing guides in Canada specialize in the adventure of Salmon Fishing, especially fly fishing.

Canada is also known for fly fishing. Fly fishing, which is an older type of sport fishing, is about catching a fish using an artificial lure called a “fly.” Many resorts and establishments in Canada offer great packages on fly fishing trips.

After I had practiced fly fishing for a while I moved up to fly fishing for salmon. That is an experience you can share but it is always best experienced to really understand why it’s so addictive.

Fly fishing for salmon and trout is great but one day I decided to fly fish for bass. I found this to be a great way to get some one hooked on fly fishing. The main reason is that you can fly fishing for trout and salmon but a lot of care needs to be taken to keep out of the trees but not so with the places we fish for bass.

I purchased two float tubes so that I could reach areas that are out of reach of other boats and even canoes, plus I was equipped to take friends fishing.

Over the years I have found a ton of places bass live. Out of those many great fishing spots I have a few places that are just made for fly fishing newbies. They can learn fly fishing basics, catch fish with dealing with the wind or getting hooked on everything around them.

As they grow in experience I introduce them to some of my other fishing spots that take a bit more learnin’ and practice.

My favorite spot to take fly fishing newbies is a flooded strip-mine that has been stocked with smallmouth bass. This is such a great spot because it has little to zero wind, a lot of hiding places for bass to ambush their dinner and you can fish this area with or without a boat or float tube.

The area is surrounded by high hills created by all the mining which keeps the wind down. Plus over the years trees have taken root and now there is even better cover for the bass and more trees block more of the wind on those windy days.

I started life in Ontario, Canada. Our family lived in Scarborough until at age five something happened and I became an orphan. At that point life turn pretty sour and I was shifted from one stranger to another until I guess I just lost myself and turned into an angry little boy.

I am not actually sure how many homes I had been in by the time I was eight but I know it was at least five homes. I was also too young to understand why all this was happening and no one was offering an explanation so as a kid I knew somehow it had to be me.

Then in 1961, just before school started I was moved again. In my mind it couldn’t have been much worse. I went from living in the city to a farm in the country with no indoor plumping. The homes were at least a quarter mile apart and the only person I knew was me.

To make it even worse I was told that it would be best for me to repeat grade two. They felt it would be less stressful on me and I would become more social.

So I was a hurt and lost little boy who didn’t see any light at the end of the tunnel. But all that was going to change.The people that took me in had an older son, he was almost twenty, his name was Chuck. Chuck took me under his wing and treated me like he had known me my entire life. I had a big brother.

Chuck took me to a small river at the back of our farm and introduced me to swimming and fishing. I had not even held a fishing rod before that.

The day Chuck took me fishing for the first time changed my life forever. While I was fishing I wasn’t angry I was actually free for the first time.

Those days seem so long ago but are so clear in my mind. I have spent many many hours wetting lines and have introduced a few people to the joy of fishing.

All I can think of to end this heart felt post is thank you Chuck and to you…
Take a kid fishing.

Alaska is known as one of the most bountiful areas for salmon fishing, and is ideal for a world class fishing trip of a lifetime.

The reason they are so plentiful is because of extreme tides along the West Coast and the gush of ocean currents that create an environment ideal for the breeding of thousands of bait-fish.

Alaska is also known as one of the best places to go if one wants to fish for giant King Salmon, the largest specie of salmon.

The best way to catch these giant salmon (in saltwater) is through trolling or by angling a baited line drawn into the water.

Fishing for giant King Salmon can be a year round activity (especially in Seward).

The most sought-after species of salmon are the following:

1. The King Salmon (Chinook) are the largest of all these species.  Its weight averages between 20-40 pounds, the heaviest recorded of which is 112 pounds, and can be as long as 3-4″.  It has a blue-green back that is lightly spotted.

The average life span of a Chinook Salmon is about five to seven years.

Its flesh can range in color from ivory white to a deep red.

Common names for this specie of salmon include tyee, springs, mouth/kings quinnat and tule.

2. Silver Salmon (Coho) on the other hand is slightly smaller with an average weight of 8-12 pounds.

These specie prefer small streams in which to spawn between the months of July to November.

3. Sockeye Salmon, on the other hand, are the most sought-after of its entire species because its flesh has a color of deep red and it has a firm rich flavor.

In fishing for salmon in Alaska, one has to be well equipped with the right equipment (and donned with the appropriate apparel).

Listed below are some of the needed equipment/materials and tips for hassle-free fishing:

1. You must be clad in layers of warm clothes (not necessarily bulky ones as it can hinder in the fishing activity).

2. Over these everyday clothes, a waterproof overall, boots and bibs are likewise necessary to ensure that one would stay dry since after a hook-up, some fish may resist with maximum struggles.

3. Fleet or cruisers that offer services for fishing are usually stocked with bait.

4. A guide on board a cruiser ensures that even amateur fishermen will enjoy the activity by providing crash-lessons onboard. They usually hook the bait for the guest and inform the party as to where specific species of fish may thrive for selective fishing.

Fresh water fly fishing is a sport involving the catching of fish in ponds, lakes, rivers and streams. At times fly fishing does require a lot of patience. Even though fly fishing can be a challenge you can learn how to fly fish in just about 10 minutes.

After one learns the art of fly fishing the fun can begin but it’s a sport that will take you a life time to master because there is always something new you can learn.

Anyone can participate in this fun activity, including the kids. It was as a kid I was exposed to fishing and it has been my favorite hobby for the past 40 years.

To start, you have to check your Province or State’s fishing requirements and make sure if a license is needed for you to fish. If it is required, you must acquire one by checking with a sporting goods store. They will help you to get it, and some will even provide it for you. Here in New Brunswick Canada we can get a fishing license in just about every store you come across outside of the cities.

During the time that you are in your favorite sporting goods store, you can look around and buy the right fishing equipment that you will be need for your trip. Considering that you are a beginner, make sure that you budget well the cost and your spending on the equipment, not deciding on expensive equipments; buy only the basic things you will need.

When in doubt as to what is needed, ask the help of the store keeper, but do keep in mind that you need to stick to a budget. Take your time and don’t hesitate to ask how to use each piece of equipment that is offered to you. Artificial lures for bait can be used or you can simply look for worms from your back yard.

An inexpensive fishing rod and reel will be enough along with a fishing line, hooks, weights, a bobber (this keeps your line afloat), fishing lures and net. A polarized sunglass is also essential, as it will help to see clearly through the water and lessen the glare.

Then if you don’t know the good locations to fish, ask about local “hot” spots, or check your State’s fishing regulations for information about fishing locations around your State.

The time will surely come when you will be a better fisherman; then you may decide on upgrading your equipment. In the meantime, keep things simple.

It is always advised that you avoid fishing alone. Always be with a friend, as when emergency strikes, there can be someone who can call for help.

It is wise to start fishing in shallow waters. Aim your cast in shady or rocky areas where the water is deep, as this is where the fish is expected to be found. Keep in mind that this is all practice first.

As your skill level develops and increases, you can then attempt into deeper waters. But before going, take the time to practice casting to familiarize yourself with your rod and your reel.

What better place to practice than your back yard. To do so, mark off an area using a rope and use this as your guide in aiming your cast. Rehearse and study your movements to discover a method that will work for you. Bear in mind, cast with your wrist, and not with your arm.

Fishing hooks are very sharp and needed to be handled with care to avoid injury. Before casting, it is important that you should look around you and stay unobstructed to avoid hurting other people with your hook.

When the right time has come and you go fishing for real, keep in mind to cast your line always ahead of the fish, making your bait land slowly, with as little splash as possible. The fish will see well at a close point, but cannot see behind.

If your casts are going in a disorganized manner, move closer to the water so you can gain better accuracy.

Watch the bobber closely for any movement. If and when a fish grabs the bait, the bobber will be pulled under water. This signals that you got a fish on the line. Don’t get too excited. Remain calm.

Keeping your line tight, slowly reel in your catch. Place the net near and use it to bring the fish out. Remove the hook from the fish with great care.

If you got an undersized fish (as noted in the state’s regulation book), quickly return it to the water. Likewise, if you have no intention in eating your catch, do not waste it and return it to the water. Releasing the fish will supply the water with more fish, giving future fishermen the thrill to experience a catch.

Lastly, look around you and feel the calm, restful and serene view of the river.

Have fun!