| Bass conservation is not taken lightly here in Ontario. | | | | Italian descent my parents, born and raised in Italy, |
| Just a few weeks ago Detroit River was our | | | | still to this day, don't understand why you can't keep |
| destination for Spring Walleye. During our outing we | | | | and eat tournament fish. It is within your limit after |
| thought we would try our luck at Pike fishing. No | | | | all, they say! In the old days, Ontario was more |
| sooner did the baits hit the water; we had an Ontario | | | | blessed with an abundance of fish to eat than it is |
| Ministry boat on our tail! "Do you know that there is | | | | now. The old ways are changing to newer ways that |
| a five hundred dollar fine for catching Bass out of | | | | keep conservation for the future generations in mind. |
| season here in Ontario, and I can take your boat | | | | My 7 year old son knows that our Bass outings are |
| away too?" He said. Well, I must say, we were in | | | | release outings. Occasionally we have a meal, but |
| shock! I almost wanted to put my hands up in the air | | | | that is rare. I think it's what we are taught as |
| and surrender! I know I checked my regulations | | | | youngsters that sticks with us all our lives. |
| before my outing to keep up to date with changes | | | | I strongly feel that conservation has to be taught. |
| and Pike were in season. I even mentioned our Pike | | | | We need to understand why we take pictures of |
| fishing intent and still he seemed adamant in telling us | | | | the lunker Bass and sometimes harvest the smaller |
| Bass were not in season! | | | | Bass. If we must prove to a Conservation Officer |
| Now some may have been upset, but for me it was | | | | that we have successfully attended our Turkey |
| good to see that Ontario Bass are well protected. I | | | | Conserving Course in order to hunt them the why |
| think Ontario's Conservation Officers are doing a fine | | | | not a Bass conserving course, or Pike or any fish for |
| job and have my deepest gratitude for their efforts. | | | | that matter! |
| They can't do it alone. Bass anglers like us must do | | | | Ignorance plays a major roll in over fishing in Ontario. |
| our part as to not disturb nesting Bass during our | | | | If we teach our young and old generations the |
| Walleye, Pike or Pan Fish outings. When Bass are | | | | proper conservation techniques then the fishing of |
| caught, release them as soon as possible so that the | | | | tomorrow will look bright! The most important rule of |
| nest is not left unguarded from predators. Move on | | | | conservation should be; Mount a picture of your prize |
| to another area altogether or just refrain from | | | | fish on a wall or even a replica, but if you must eat a |
| casting until further down shore. Nesting Bass tend to | | | | fish then why not eat the smaller better tasting fish |
| strike anything that is in the vicinity of their nests so | | | | and release the trophies. And while you are enjoying |
| avoid obvious nesting grounds. Stained water is great | | | | your catch of the day you can always stare at the |
| Pike water where spinner baits are concerned, but it | | | | 'big one' that didn't get away and know that there |
| makes for poor visibility and the odd Bass strike does | | | | will be more to come because of your conservation |
| occur. | | | | efforts! Remember, bigger fish have memorable |
| Ontario is a melting pot of nationalities and being of | | | | battles and smaller fish have a memorable taste! |