This weekend across Ontario, ice conditions improved enough that thousands of Anglers were able to get out and catch some fish.
With temperatures finally stabilizing in the below-freezing range across Ontario for extended periods of time, thousands of anglers were able to get on the ice across the Province this weekend to enjoy one of the best winter activities there is: ice-fishing.
Outdoor Action Ontario’s intrepid field team of DJ McPhail and Ben Martin deployed to separate locations to document the type of frenzied action you can expect across Ontario waterways during the hard water season. The areas of interest include the Bay of Quinte (BoQ) and the Ottawa Valley, where OAO and friends were able to target various species of fish.
DJ McPhail was able to capture some incredible moments out on the Ice including some nice fish taken by prominent BoQ anglers such as Rob Henry, Andrew Allore and Matthew Heayn.
Their first attempt at hard-water success was in search of Quinte Gold – walleye in the 10 pound plus range taken from the BoQ. These fish, known as a “once-in-a-life” type of catch for most, are in fact well-known in the Quinte region of Ontario and the winter is a prime season to target them.
However, being early in the season, the crew of anglers fishing in the BoQ had to make a game-time decision after only being on the ice for a couple of hours. They could chance some spots where ice was as low as 2-3 inches in search of Quinte Gold, which would be unsafe, or they could utilize their time better at a safer spot, and target some different species of fish.
With that, the strategy was to head to the Trent River, where a bonanza of multi-species fishing ensued.
Avid Ice-anglers Andrew Allore and Matthew Heayn are shown with the fruits of their labour – a gorgeous Ontario Northern Pike.
The successful outing was highlighted by a beautiful Northern Pike caught on a large Jigging Rap. Not to be outdone, Ontario Angling enthusiast Rob Henry was able to bring in some specimen-style Crappie, focusing on ultra-light techniques through the ice with small Buckshot baits.
Rob Henry showcases Crappie caught fresh through the ice at Ontario’s Trent River.
In the Ottawa Valley (specifically the Outaouais region) OAO’s Ben Martin teamed up with elite angler Christian Gervais to target panfish, specifically Perch. This is a tremendous species to target across Ontario for a couple of different reasons – one being they are plentiful, and two – if you desire, they just happen to be delicious to pan-fry!
Every winter, thousands get out on the ice, from Lake Simcoe to the Kawarthas to Georgian Bay and beyond, all targeting perch. Another benefit to fishing for perch is that they usually frequent areas with other pan fish, so the odd bluegill, crappie or even bass species may take hold of your lure below the ice. This is one of the more exciting elements to ice-fishing. Until the fish gets near your hole, you really don’t know what to expect.
The essential gear of the day in the Outaouais was our use of the Navionics app. This made marking our general range of depth easy, and along with our electronics allowed us to drill numerous holes in the ice to follow schools of perch as we caught them and the school proceeded to shift along underneath us.
Outdoor Action Ontario’s Ben Martin is seen braving the elements while Christian Gervais targets Perch in the Outaouais region of the Ottawa Valley.
The other important component was the ultra-light gear we employed to catch all of our fish. Bites were nothing more then a fleeting “tick” on the line, and unless you were able to reel down and set the hook, “Catching” as opposed to just “Fishing” could prove elusive.
Fortunately we all had the equipment and skill needed to detect even the lightest bites, and our day was as productive as could be considering it was the first “official” ice-outing of 2016 for Outdoor Action Ontario.
A look at some of the bait selection used for targeting Perch out on the ice – this same arsenal can produce other pan fish and Walleye right across Ontario.
One of the most important factors at this time of year when you get onto the ice still has to be your own personal safety. As was expressed to me by my fishing partner for the day, Christian Gervais, he wears his floating survival suit made by Mustang in all early-season ice adventures and also whenever he is on unfamiliar or deep water.
At the Bay of Quinte, even though our team of Ice Anglers was incredibly well-experienced, they made the personal choice to target another body of water due to concerns related to ice-safety.
Highly-skilled angler Christian Gervais shows off his Survival suit (by Mustang) – a wise investment for any angler venturing onto unknown waters.
Every ice-fishing season there are tragic stories that take place. Sadly, as is the tendency with most “accidents” – the majority of these events could have been avoided if particular cautions had been taken.
We will be ensuring that our coverage of outdoor activities through Outdoor Action Ontario is always done with a view towards teaching our followers proper techniques and skills to ensure they can practice whatever winter activity they enjoy the most while also keeping in mind the numerous safety factors that come into play with specific activities.
Continue to follow us and share our adventures with your network – you never know when Outdoor Action Ontario could be coming to an area near YOU!
For more information on OAO’s Friends, please follow them through their various social media sites:
Rob Henry – https://www.instagram.com/robbieredneckjr/ & http://www.northernontario.travel/blog/rob-henry
Christian Gervais – https://www.facebook.com/Christian-Gervais-Bass-Tournament-Angler-188276101210232/
Matthew Heayn – http://www.paddleandfins.com/
DJ McPhail – http://djmcphailphotography.com/
Ben Martin – www.outdooractionontario.com
For more information on Navionics – see here: http://www.navionics.com/
For information on Rapala ice-fishing products – see here: https://www.rapala.ca/products?keys=&field_product_category_tid_i18n=3896