Outdoors

Bass opener right around corner

Bass certainly don’t measure up in terms of stature with rival freshwater species such as the muskellunge, northern pike or chinook salmon.
In terms of table fare, smallmouth and largemouth bass aren’t exactly deemed delectable delights like walleye, crappie, jumbo yellow perch or native rainbow or brook trout.
Despite what appears to be two strikes against bass, they remain a highly pursued species by anglers — not just experts, but piscators of all ages and varying skills.
Just what makes these fish a popular target species?
Part of it has to do with the anticipation of the long-awaited opener, as these fish are the last to become fair game in the province, speculated Wil Wegman, a Ministry of Natural Resources Aurora district office spokesperson.
The season opens the fourth Saturday of June, this year being June 28.
“Bass season is the last to open and, once it does, anglers are thrilled they can now go out to our lakes and rivers and not have to worry about whether the fish is in season or not,” he said.
An ardent bass angler, Wegman said another enticing factor is the tussle and high-water acrobatics bass put up when hooked.
In shallow or deeper water, Wegman said they can be caught by a variety of angling techniques and with the use of live or artificial offerings, some of which will work to perfection one day and not the next.
Adding to the popularity of bass angling has been the presence in recent years of big dollar, live-release bass tournaments, especially in the United States, and their exposure on specialty TV networks.
“These tournaments also produce high-profile bass pros that act as catalysts to attract more people to the sport of fishing,” Wegman said. “Just like Tiger Woods has attracted thousands of additional recreational golfers to his sport, someone like Bob Izumi does the same for bass fishing.”
Within York Region, anglers have access to some of the best bass fishing, virtually at their front doorstep. most notably on Lake Simcoe and Cook’s Bay, which Wegman describes as a world class bass fishery.
While there’s plenty of largemouth bass to be found in Cook’s Bay, he notes it often takes a backseat to the trophy smallmouth fishery that exists in Simcoe.
Part of the proof can be found during the fall when the Bass Pro Shops Lake Simcoe Open tournament takes place. From this event, which prior to last year was called the Crackle Cup, the current one-day all-time Canadian record of 29.90 pounds for a five-bass limit came from Lake Simcoe. That represents an average of almost six pounds per fish.
Some anglers note there are smallies lurking about in Lake Simcoe that tip the scales at almost eight pounds.
“It may very well be the best trophy bass fishery in Ontario,” Wegman said.
Apart from Lake Simcoe and Cook’s Bay, good bass fishing for largemouth can be found in the outlets flowing into Cook’s Bay, such as the Holland and Maskinonge rivers, Wegman said.
Inland bodies of water such as Fairy Lake in Newmarket, Toogood Pond in Unionville, the Milne Reservoir in Markham and Mill Pond in Richmond Hill, are also home to largemouth bass.
Lake Wilcox has a remnant smallmouth bass population as well as some nice largemouth, Wegman said, adding access to lake is at the northeast corner, off Lake Drive.
Musselmans Lake in Whitchurch-Stouffville also has largemouth bass and can be accessed through the Cedar Beach Park at the north end of the lake.

Big Brothers/Big Sisters tourney continues to grow

When Dave Chong hauls in a big fish or captures top prize in a fishing tournament, it brings about a feeling of joy and accomplishment. But what can make the Aurora resident and ardent tournament angler just as ecstatic is when he sees the faces of youngsters, who might not have the good fortune of wetting a line as often as he does, catch a fish. For the past three years, Chong has provided youngsters from Big Brothers Big Sisters of York with an opportunity to hone their piscatorial skills through his Catch A Dream Kids Fishing Derby. This year’s fun-filled day is June 28 out of Orillia on the waters of Lake Couchiching. During the derby, the youngsters, along with their big brother or big sister, will head out with a tournament angler for a four-hour angling expedition. Upon returning to shore, youngsters will weigh in their catches with trophies given to those who catch the largest northern pike, bass and panfish. A barbecue follows and gift bags are distributed to all participants. “What we want to do is to give the kids a positive outdoor experience,” Chong said. “The kids get to see what it feels like to be in a tournament and at a weigh-in. And they’re even excited just to have an opportunity to go on a boat ride.” During this year’s outing, Chong anticipates 80 to 100 youngsters. That’s a big jump from 30 when he first launched the derby after people with Big Brothers Big Sisters of York asked him if he could help make the outing a success after earlier attempts failed. In addition to seeing growth in the number of participants, Chong has seen an increase through the years in anglers who volunteer their vessels, time and gasoline to the cause. Adding to the derby’s profile has been the interest shown by sponsors as, each year, more fishing tackle manufacturers have taken an active role. Among them are Berkley, Humminbird, Strike Zone Tournament Baits, Shimano, Daiwa and Yamaha. Chong was quick to note he has also received support from non-angling sponsors who have donated cash and other prizes. While Chong logs a large amount of his own time running this event, he says it has been gratifying. “It’s a lot of work, but it’s OK. At the end of the day, it’s all worthwhile,” he said. “Anyone who comes out to the event gets blown away by how big the event has grown.” While Chong has the support of fellow tournament anglers and sponsors, the only thing he prays for is co-operation from Mother Nature to ensure a nice day for participants. “Knock on wood, the weather will be great,” he said. If you wish to become a part of this event, e-mail Chong at [email protected] or call him at 416-993-3477.