Bass-man PROfiles
Summer 2009 Issue
Jason Barnucz
Biologist/Bass Angler
By Wil Version
In this new feature for the magazine, we will profile one avid bass angler who also happens to be a fisheries biologist. The biologist can work for any government agency – Provincial, State or Federal. He/she can work for a private consulting firm, environmental organization or for a conservation authority.
Our goal is to promote the profession responsible for the research and management of our fisheries. It will also highlight the work of the individual biologist and hopefully be of great interest to our many BassMan readers.
Biologist/Age/Hometown/Agency/Location/Title:
34
Brantford, Ontario
Fisheries and Oceans Canada
Great Lakes Laboratory for Fisheries and Aquatic Sciences, Burlington, Ontario
Aquatic Research Biologist
Education:
Bachelor of Science – Trent University, Peterborough, Ontario
Terrain and Water Technology - Sir Sandford Fleming College, Lindsay, Ontario
Favourite Subject:
Aquatic Ecology, Limnology
Why you entered this field:
I’ve had a keen interest in the outdoors since I was very young. I grew up in rural Southern Ontario and spent most of my childhood fishing and camping across the province. Fishing was a family pastime which I quickly took a liking to. Most of my summers were spent chasing smallmouth bass in Long Point Bay or chasing largemouth bass in local pits, quarries and ponds. To this day I have a warm spot for these places and these species because of my angling youth.
Brief description of what you do for a living:
My current job is to assist Fisheries and Oceans staff in developing research projects. My primary areas of research are studying fish species at risk and invasive fish species in the Great Lakes Basin. I spend the majority of my time coordinating field research projects across Ontario. Research from these projects is used to help recover fish species at risk and monitor impacts of aquatic invasive species. I also enjoy teaching courses as well. I assist the Royal Ontario Museum with teaching fish identification to many fisheries professionals. I also assist the Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources in delivering Electrofishing Training in Ontario.
Example of a bass-related work project you are involved with:
I’ve had the privilege to explore numerous ‘bass waters’ in Ontario. Many of the species I study inhabit some of Ontario’s finest fishing locations like the Detroit, St. Clair and St. Lawrence Rivers. Most of this work has been done using large electrofishing boats and some of my finest memories include observing the diversity of these waterbodies and the fantastic bass populations that reside in them.
Describe your development as a bass angler?
I was introduced to bass fishing at the age of six at Long Point Bay with my grandfather, father and uncle. We spent many days each summer searching for smallmouth bass in the countless miles of sand/weed flats in the Inner Bay. I started a fishing club in high school which quickly became very focused on bass fishing. Many of the members used to join me on outings to local pits and quarries. We had several small tournaments, mostly from shore. During my college and university days my bass fishing was shared with steelheading and ice fishing. When I finished my post-secondary education in 2001, bass fishing started to take precedence in my life once again and now I chase bass every chance I get.
Do you compete in bass tournaments? If yes – why, how often, which series:
I have fished a few Bassmania Tournaments over the years but I don’t fish any regular series. Since 2003 I’ve spent most of my time fishing Bassmaster club events and stand-alone tournaments like the annual Bass Pro Shops Lake Simcoe Open. I’ve fished the occasional Northern BASS Opens as a co-angler and hope to do more. Club tournaments fit well with my busy work schedule during the summer months so I especially enjoy these.
Do you belong to a Bass club? Which one? What do you think are the major benefits of clubs and the associations they belong to?
I am currently a member of the Hamilton Bassmasters. This is a new chapter within the Ontario BASS Federation Nation (OBFN) and is growing fast. We have a great core of anglers and I look forward to some big things from this dedicated group. Due to the nature of my work I have moved quite a bit around Ontario the last few years. Through that time I have been a member of other chapters like the Kitchener-Waterloo Bassmasters and the Lindsay Bassmasters. I have made some great friends along the way and learned a great deal about bass fishing. BASS chapters are excellent for meeting local anglers who have a common interest and as a means for giving something back to our sport... through our youth and conservation programs. If you want to accelerate your bass fishing learning curve, be sure to join a bass fishing club. You won’t be disappointed.
What is your biggest bass? 6lbs 6oz – Largemouth Bass
Greatest tournament accomplishment:
I qualified for the 12 person Team Ontario through the OBFN in 2006 on the Ottawa River (Petawawa, Ontario). This is my biggest tournament accomplishment to date and provided me with a lot of confidence as a fisherman. Through my success at this event I had the privilege to represent the OBFN on the Connecticut River at the Eastern Division Federation Nation Championship in September 2007. I also made lots of great friends along this journey.
Favourite bass lake/ technique and time of year:
My favourite Bass Lake is tough to choose. One lake does stand out. Two of my favourite quarries provide copious amounts of angry smallmouth bass on top water and big largemouth in deep weeds. Heaven can be found on Balsam Lake! However, one of my biggest passions is fishing new lakes and learning new water. This is the fisheries biologist in me… always doing research on new places.
Do you think your fisheries profession/background makes you a better bass angler? Likewise, do you think being an avid bass angler makes you a better biologist? Please explain.
My years of field research have brought me to look at each day on the water objectively. Whether I am seeking out fish for work or play I don’t want to allow emotion to cloud my judgement. Success is very important to me so I try to remain objective. Paying attention to details and being persistent benefits me on the water, whether at work or at play. I think my strong interest in all fish species has helped me to develop patterns for successful days on the water.
Any other messages you’d like to pass on to BassMan readers about yourself or your profession?
There are some incredible resources available to bass anglers that fisheries biologists are exposed to all the time. Whether you want to learn about a new lake or an old favourite, talk to a local biologist and if you find one who likes to bass fish even better. You will be surprised what you can learn.
Bill Tufts
Biologist/Bass Angler
By Wil Wegman
Age: 50
Hometown: Montreal
Agency: Queen’s University
Location: Kingston, ON
Title: Professor, Department of Biology
Director, Queen’s University Biological Station
Education: BSc & MSc at Acadia University (Nova Scotia), PhD at University
of British Columbia
Favorite subject: Fisheries Biology
Why this field: I became fascinated with aquatic environments & creatures that lived in them at a very young age. I grew up spending summers in Nova Scotia (at the family cottage) playing in brooks and tidepools, and fishing wherever I got the opportunity.
Current job specs: University jobs like mine typically involve some administration, as well as teaching and research. The administration aspect of my job is to run the Queen’s University Biological Station (approx 7,000 acres of wilderness & six entire lakes). I also teach two courses in Fisheries Biology (one course in theory & one in field techniques). My lab at Queen’s conducts a wide variety of research targeted towards “Conservation of Freshwater Fisheries”. The research projects also normally involve the training of graduate students (MSc & PhD) who develop their theses from the research. So, in addition to addressing important conservation issues in freshwater fisheries, the research helps train the next generation of fisheries biologists.
Descriptions of bass-related projects you have worked on: I have worked on many different bass-related projects over the years. Virtually all of these are targeted towards conservation issues related to bass. In recent years, the most important project my lab conducted was a multi-year project to examine the biological issues associated with live-release tournaments. This project was a collaboration with Shimano Canada that worked extremely well. There were probably about ten different scientific publications that came out of that project. We examined tournaments from beginning to end with approaches that ranged from on-site sampling at the weigh-ins of real events to laboratory simulations that dissected and examined the many different parts of the tournament that fish experience. One of the end results of this project was the invention of the Shimano Water Weigh-In System. We found some serious problems with the traditional (air) weigh-in process and the water weigh-in system eliminates these problems. Development of the water weigh-in system is a big step forward for tournaments and would never have happened if we weren’t working with a forward thinking company like Shimano.
These days, we are working on a variety of different projects. One of the most interesting bass conservation projects is examining the impacts of big water tournaments on smallmouth bass. The important issue here is to determine the best conservation practices when bass are caught from significant depths. This has been a challenging project that has involved several years of study, but we feel that we are on the brink of some really exciting breakthroughs that we will be able to talk about very soon.
Possibly the most exciting news in the lab these days involves a much bigger picture. We are currently working towards developing a Center for Research and Training in Freshwater Fisheries at Queen’s University. Picture a 7,000 acre field station on the Rideau (including six additional lakes) and a main campus at the junction of Lake Ontario and the St Lawrence River; Queen’s is in a perfect position for this. With the help of Shimano Canada, we are developing a coalition of progressive organizations (including OFAH and the Canadian National Sportsman Shows) to support this effort.
How were you introduced to bass fishing?
I first started fishing bass at a very young age on family camping trips. I then became much more serious about bass fishing when I moved to Kingston to work at Queen’s about 20 years ago. The Kingston area has so many great fishing opportunities, but bass has become my primary focus in recent years.
Do you fish tournaments and how often?
Yes. I played a lot of sports growing up, including football in university, so I must be fairly competitive. We actually won two national football championships when I was at Acadia. In addition to the competition, I find tournament fishing makes me a better angler. I push myself a little harder and also learn a lot from other tournament anglers.
I first started fishing as an amateur in Pro Am events a few years ago when the lab was conducting research on tournaments as part of a collaboration with Shimano Canada. At the time, it really helped my understanding of the research we were doing. Then, it also became something that I looked forward to beyond the research. I like making my own decisions, so I quickly made the logical switch to the next level. These days, I fish about six to eight tournaments a year. My partner and I started fishing the Quinte Series a few years ago and still enjoy it. It’s a great series because it welcomes anglers with many different skill levels who all get to compete on an incredible bass fishery. I’ve also fished in Bassmania events and the BIG JIM Showdown out of Kingston the past two years. BIG JIM was my first Pro Am partner and we’ve remained great friends ever since. I’ve recently also joined a local club in the Kingston area, “Avid Anglers” that runs a smaller series of tournaments on many of our local waterbodies.
Biggest bass? 5.1 lb Smallmouth
Greatest tournament accomplishment: Weighing in 37.8 pounds, and finishing in the top ten, at the two day BIG JIM showdown in Kingston this year.
Favorite bass lake, time of year and technique: Smallmouth fishing on Lake Ontario in the fall. Dropshot/Carolina rigging.
Closing thoughts:
One other thing that I really want to mention is that I strongly believe that fishing, and being a part of the fishing community, makes me a much better fisheries biologist. My science over the years has been greatly enhanced by my constant first hand contact with the fishery and the fishing community. I think this might be an important message for organizations like provincial and federal government agencies that hire fisheries personnel. I am not sure whether the reverse is true yet (whether being a biologist makes me a better angler), but I would hope that having the analytical mind of a scientist should also help in the long run as an angler.
Cam Brownson Profile
By Brian Facey
Edited By Wil Version
Sponsors
Angler and Hunter TV sponsors include Mercury Marine, Shimano Canada, Lund Boats, Yamaha ATV's, Winchester Ammunition, Browning, Berkley, Excalibur Crossbow, Minn Kota, Humminbird, Ontario Out of Doors, and DT PowerSports. See also www.ofah.org.
How did you get your start in bass fishing?
Like many anglers it was family, especially my father and grandfathers, who got me started in fishing. I grew up within steps of the Otonabee River near Peterborough so I spent a lot … well to be honest…all of my time fishing for smallmouth there. Our neighbors, Steve and Stew Shields, really got me hooked on bass fishing and tournaments though. When I was young and getting the bass tournament bug I got to head out on a pre-fish with “The Bros” on “The Bog” … Lake Scugog for their upcoming event. It was there I saw my first bass hammer a flippin’ jig from under the floating matt of weeds and knew this was something I had to get into. To compete against not only the fish, but also other anglers was something I just had to be a part of.
Favorite lake?
That is a tough question as we have so many great lakes for bass in Ontario. Lake Erie has got to be on the list as the big smallies are just so awesome, with so many potential techniques that work: jigging spoons, dropshot, tubes etc., etc. My home Lake is Rice Lake and is certainly a favourite as well with potential giant largemouth and every year bigger and bigger smallmouth. It is hard not to think about all those little "hidden lakes" in the Halliburton area, around Kingston and up north of Lake Simcoe too. Many of these "off the beaten path" lakes hold both big bass, and lots of bass, and are great spots to learn and get confidence trying new techniques.
Favorite technique?
My favourite technique seems to change each year as new gear and new found techniques come out. Reading magazines like BassMan, Ontario Out of Doors and some of the U.S. magazines will keep you up on what's hot and new. Pulling largemouth out of heavy cover with a 7'6" heavy action Shimano Crucial has to be a favourite of mine in the summer. It really is amazing just how those big brutes find a home in some of the nastiest, shallow water there is. Finding them and getting them out is the challenge that is so intriguing. There is another side of the coin too - top water smallmouth is another technique that I absolutely love. Using either a popping type bait, or a walk the dog type bait, and having a smallmouth come up and take it off the top is just awesome. The fight is always second to none that way too.
Why bass and not other species?
Bass are still number one to me. I fish for bass the most and just love how there are so many different techniques to fish for them. It is tough to compare it to other species though as I love to fish in general for just about anything that swims. Time on the water for panfish, and then walleye not only provide you with some tasty early season treats but also helps get you ready for the upcoming bass season. The best bass anglers I know are not just bass anglers but are folks that love to fish period. They are out when ever they can be for what ever is in season so they don't lose the "touch".
Job as a fishing show host?
I am privileged to work for one of the most powerful conservation organizations in Canada; the Ontario Federation of Anglers and Hunters (OFAH). I have been an individual member of OFAH since I was 15 and part of my family’s membership before that. The TV show was started years ago when the Board of Directors decided that promotion of hunting and fishing and all the conservation work done by the O.F.A.H. needed to be promoted to a broader audience. As host of Angler & Hunter Television I am very pleased to be able to do my best to continue to achieve that goal. One of my favourite things about my position is the people I get to meet, fellow O.F.A.H. members, anglers, hunters and outdoor enthusiasts.
Was hosting a fishing TV show ever a goal for you?
As someone who loved the outdoors growing up I think it was a dream more then a goal. I certainly watched the Real Fishing Show, and still do. Bob Izumi is certainly a hero of mine, and when I was younger I dreamed that one day I could do something like that. I knew I wanted to do something in the outdoor industry, as that is where my true passion lies, but this opportunity never crossed my mind.
How did the TV Show gig come about?
I became host of Angler & Hunter Television in 2006 when I took over for Rick Morgan when he retired. I was very lucky to have been able to work with Rick over the years. Back then, and to this day, Rick has been a great mentor and remains a good friend. Though I worked with him in the years leading up to his retirement he really took me under his wing in his last year and showed me the ropes to hosting the show.
Do you still fish tournaments?
I still do fish tournaments whenever possible. I can’t help but love the thrill of competition and the camaraderie with tournament anglers. I love fishing and trying to learn new lakes and techniques and where better to do that then on the tournament scene.
Parting (drop) shots?
As a proud member and employee of OFAH, I get to see and hear about the many threats to fishing in general and to tournament fishing in particular. Anglers in each province need to be sure to support organizations and companies that support and defend us as anglers here in Canada. We are often quick to join something, or make a purchase, because of the "extras" the membership provides or because the product provided is cheaper, newer etc. … which isn't always the best way to do things. When it comes to those threats becoming reality, it seems to be the same organizations and companies that put their money on the line to defend that which we enjoy. We as anglers should not wait to support those organizations and companies only when the chips are down, but provide our support all the time. Though sometimes not in the headlines, the fight for our outdoor privileges goes on day in and day out.
An Interview with Andy Pallotta
By
James Cooper
Edited By Wil Version
The very first tournament that he ever fished was in 1987. It was the fall challenge out of Orillia and he remembers, “It was after the first day. We were in 12th place…and then reality hit”. What ‘hit’ was a passion that would soon come to consume his life and provide endless opportunities and memories for tournament anglers and dreamers alike.
In the late 1980’s and early 90’s Andy Pallotta owned his own construction company and after 1987 fished bass tournaments religiously. He spent the entire year in 1995 preparing for what would be the biggest gamble of his life – giving up the security of a prosperous company for the opportunity to run his own tournament circuit.
“I recall a large part of Andy’s preparation that year involved interviewing as many seasoned tournament anglers as he could. Finding out what they liked and didn’t like about the series they fished was a big part of his homework,” says BassMan editor Wil Wegman. “I first met Andy in 1987 at the last OV Pro Bass Tournament of the season that I was fishing in Port Perry. He heard I was teaching bass fishing courses at Seneca College and came over to see what all this tournament stuff was about. The man was totally enthralled with everything related to competitive fishing and two weeks later he was fishing the Fall Challenge in his new bass boat,” said Wegman.
In 1996 he ran his first Tournament. Thirteen years later, Andy Pallotta’s name is synonymous with competitive fishing in Canada. His Competitive Sport Fishing League (CSFL) runs more tournaments than any other organization north of the border (31 in 2008) and his Bassmania Series has been rocking the bass tournament scene with ever increasing weigh-ins, payouts and number of boats – all, while other tournament organizations rise and fall around him.
I got to sit down with Canada’s top tournament organizer to discuss his thoughts on what makes a tournament successful, what to expect in the future and so much more.
On tournament day, what do you do between Blastoff and Weigh in?
Andy: After we make sure everyone’s out (after blastoff) we take all the staff out for breakfast. At that point we make sure that everyone knows their duties and what’s expected of them that day. When we get back to the site nobody has time to actually sit down until the tournament is over and we’ve torn down the site. Together we’re building stages, moving boats, positioning chairs, getting the live release boats in the water and getting everything else organized. Everything takes a lot of time, and as fields get bigger we have more to do as our sponsors and anglers expect a certain level of professionalism.
How long has Vita been involved and how valuable is she to the success of the CSFL?
Andy: Vita’s been involved right from the very beginning and is essential to the entire operation... not just during tournaments but for all 365 days a year it takes to run the CSFL. She is the glue that holds it all together and the backbone of the business.
How many children do you have and what is their involvement?
Andy: Two. Victoria, who is now in University is the oldest and does everything from setting up the tournaments to registering guys, to assisting at the weigh ins. Basically everything that Vita and I do Victoria can now do as well. Nicole is the youngest and is just beginning to help out.
When do you consider a tournament to be a success? What about failure?
Andy: It’s all about how satisfied the participants feel afterward. A tournament is a success if it meets or exceeds the anglers’ expectations. If a guy walks away and is proud of how he/she finished, I’m proud too. Also I judge success by the level of community involvement; the more the better. We’ve run tournaments with just 11 boats and I’ve never considered them a failure. A failure is when everyone is unhappy and that hasn’t happened. The real definition of failure is when an event doesn’t run.
What has been your favourite venue? Why?
Andy: I like competitive lakes where things are equal for all. I like a lake that everyone’s familiar with and or where everyone can compete on a level playing field. For us, and Vita especially, we also like going to the different areas that we don’t get to see too often. Lake of Bays has been a treat recently and the Haliburton area will be a special new venue this year.
Where have you not held an event, but would really like to?
Andy: I would like to run a tournament in the Rideau area. That whole side of Ontario Intrigues me. There are some great areas in the North as well with some great communities like North Bay that we’ve had our eyes on.
You obviously love the sport; do you ever get to go fishing yourself? Andy: As it is difficult for me to fish throughout the tournament season, I have come to enjoy fishing for perch, crappie, walleye and pike early in the season and get out late in the fall for bass, walleye and muskie.
What do you do in the off-season?
Andy: Since we took on the Spring Fishing and Boat Show, our time has been pretty much consumed. We also take the mega tank across the country to different areas like Winnipeg or Bass Pro Shop’s open houses. We’re pretty busy through the winter and I feel that’s when I work the most. I try to get out and see as many anglers as possible. If we haven’t got anglers ...that’s when we’re in trouble, ya know what I mean?
What is the state of bass fishing in Ontario right now?
Andy: I believe it’s very strong. In the 80’s and the early 90’s, there were really only three organizations that held a total of 20-30 tournaments across Ontario. Now we run four qualifying events in each of our divisions (east, west, central and northern) plus the wild cards. Each of these tournaments can see 80-100 boats and some of them 140-150 boats. Then you have other areas like Quinte and further north around Ottawa where tournaments are gathering 80+ boats, so I think it’s extremely healthy. We just have to take the opportunity to work together; to grow uniformly and to continually grow and improve the sport.
If there is one thing that you could let tournament anglers know so weigh-ins run smoother, what would it be?
Andy: People have to understand the amount of time that is required to make sure that a tournament runs well and that everyone is looked after. Respecting other anglers and having the patience to take that extra minute to look out for each other at weigh-in really helps make it quicker to get in and out of the water. If we all work together it’ll help make it a little more fun for everybody. Patience is a virtue.
Best advice you could give a rookie tourney angler?
Andy: I think a rookie really has to get in there and just compete. Challenge yourself and continually try to do better. Admit to yourself that success usually comes from experience. Learn from your mistakes. It’s the really bad days where you learn the most. You have to get out there and just do it!
Best advice you could give a seasoned tourney angler?
Andy: To help some of these new guys coming out and make them more comfortable. Put yourself in their shoes and remember the things that people did (or didn’t do) for you that would have been helpful. Try to lend a hand when you can. Remember why you love fishing tournaments and try to get others to feel the same way ... It’ll help grow the sport for all of us.
What are your goals for the 2009 season
Andy: We’ve almost achieved our goals before the first tournament of the season by having good fields despite the economy for all of our different regions; including the new Northern Division. Our ultimate goal is to get them all at par. We’re not necessarily looking for anglers to compete in multiple tournament divisions but for new regions to attract new anglers in a more competitive league. I don’t think that our outreach is anywhere near what we want it to be or can achieve in the future. Hopefully, in the years to come, more of the organizations out there will come to the table and help create a fully unified Competitive Sport Fishing League.
I think that good things are coming, and we appreciate all the support we get from anglers, our staff, sponsors and spectators.
Winter 2009
Joe Adragna
BIO D.O.B 01/17/62
HOME: Toronto, born and raised. Three people have influenced my career the most. Al Linder really got me thinking about pattern fishing along with the importance of understanding seasonal moments. I admire Rick Clunn for the emphasis he places on versatility; and Larry Nixon for his attention to detail and tanacity - he never left a stone unturned.
Sponsors
- Berkley Pure Fishing
- X-point Daiichi Hooks
- Ice Team
- Vexlor Sonar Systems
- Colio Win Estates
- Extreme Marine
- Fishonline Canada
- Canadian Ice Fishing Championships
- Strikemaster Augers
- Release Me Baits
Highlights
- Five time topbass angler of the year - 2002/2003/2005/2006/2007
- 17 time tournament champion
- But the most rewarding to date is teaching our youth or others soon to be tournament anglers.
What's your favourite lure/tactic?
I can't really say I have one particular favorite, being versatile in this sport is the key to success. I do have my confidence baits, but only natures clues and the mood of the fish will dictate what presentation will work on any given day. If I'm bottom fishing or targeting cover, I lean more towards my jig-n-pig and some of the Gulp series baits. When covering flats and points, I'll most likely be throwing poppers or jerk-baits.
Closing Thoughts
In closing, I should note that I am delighted that there is now an "all bass, all the time" all-Canadian magazine. As to bass fishing, I would say that over time many different anglers get their turn in the winner's circle. On any given day, as in all sports its all about dedication and how how bad you want to win. On-the-water experience is critical to your success. It allows you to interpret the clues that mother nature gives you, and the environment that surrounds you, and to put those to work in your favour.
Fall 2008
Mike Desforges
BIO | D.O.B. 03/24/72
Home: I was raised in Burlington, Ontario. Although I fished my whole life, I really started getting involved in bass tournaments towards the end of high school. I graduated from Brock University in Environmental Science. I started selling real estate a year after graduating from Brock. Today, I continue to sell real estate for Re/Max, I fish bass tournaments and I guide on Lake Erie and Lake Simcoe. I just got married last October and I still live in Burlington with our wife and my two dogs.
Sponsors
- Bass Pro Shop
- Nitro Boats
- Johnny Morris Rods and Reels
- Humminbird Electronics
- Minn Kota
- Rapala
- Bluewater Optics
- Terminator
- Mizmo
- Gamakatsu
- Re/Max Professionals Inc.
Highlights
- Bassmasters Northern Open Points Champion 2005
- Canadian Fishing Tour Angler of the Year 2006
- Bassmasters New York Open Champion 2003
- CFT New Ark Open Champion 2006
- 7 Angler/Team of the year titles
What is your favorite lure/tactic?
My favourite lure presentation is still burning a 3/4 once spinnerbait for smallmouth. The combination of covering water quickly and the exciting strikes is what makes this technique so special to me.
Closing Thoughts?
I'd like to thank Bassman Magazine for putting out a magazine that caters to Canadian bass anglers. I know that the Canadian bass tournament scene isn't all about southern Ontario and it's nice to have a magazine like yours to help me keep up with what's happening in other parts of the Country. Keep up the good work.
Summer 2008
Jon Bondy
BIO | D.O.B. 03/04/73
Home Windsor, Ontario. Been a full time multi species guide on the Detroit River and Lake St.Clair for 15 years. I fish Lake St.Clair for bass, and the Detroit River for musky and walleye. I would say that I cut my teeth in fishing as a walleye fisherman and I've never had a full time job other than fishing. Website: www.jonbondy.net
Sponsors
Champion Boats, Mercury, Motorguide, Berkley, All Star Rods, Pflueger reels, Rattlehead Baits. Most of them I've been with for over 10 years.
Highlights
5 Bassmaster Top 10's, only Canadian in the Bassmaster Elite Series.
What is your favorite lure/tactic?
"Lately it would have to be the drop shot. My two best Bassmaster finishes (2nd and 5th) were drop shoting in 30-32 ft. It is very similar to how I learned to fish for walleye in the Detroit River; same deep water, same line size, same rod. Except instead of jigging the bait, you are just holding it there. The bite is similar too. I am a deep water structure fisherman by nature, and have no problem spending 10 hours a day just graphing looking for spots, without even making a cast."
Spring 2009
Charles Sim
BIO l D.O.B. - NA
I guess I’d have to call Big Rideau Lake my home lake. It’s about 40 minutes from the house and has just about every type of Bass habitat available. You can fish largies tucked up in the slop or hidden on the edge of a deep weedbed or smallies chasing bait on mid lake humps or cruising the deep shoals. My favorite Big Rideau tactic would have to be pitchin’a big old flippin’ jig on the many weed edges around the lake. www.charlessim.com
Sponsors
Shimano, Berkley, Humminbird, Minn Kota, Ranger Boats, Spro, Mizmo, Navionics, Orleans Boat World
Highlights
2006 CFT Big Rideau Lake Champion - 5 time CFT Calssic Qualifier - 5 top five finishes in 2008 - 6 top five finishes in 2007
What is you favourite lure/tactic?
Hands down it would have to be Lake Erie. With the number and size of Smallmouth out there, there’s no other lake I’d rather fish… too bad it’s so far from home. Both the east and west end of this part of Ontario are great fisheries.
I’ve won money on both but I think I have to give props to the east end for having just a few more and slightly bigger fish available. If I had to go out there with one weapon, it would be a dropshotted Berkley Gulp Goby on a 7’ 2” Shimano Cumara dropshot rod!