Catch and Release – March 2008

by Terri Mackinnon

 Before you decide to go out fishing there are a couple things that you should be discussing. Many fish are left on shorelines, by garbage cans or just simply thrown away after a day on the water fishing.

 I'm sure that their intentions prior to bringing them back to shore was good however, it is far too common and we all need to make a conscious effort to not allow it to happen.

I believe we can ask a couple questions that may prevent some of the waste.

1.  Are you or your family going to eat your catch? Are you able to clean your fish?

2.  Have you purchased your licenses?

3.  Do you know your regulations on the water? What the daily limits and sizes of fish and species that you are allowed to remove legally?

4.  Are you able to identify your fish?  I've seen many fish brought to shore because they had know idea what kind of fish they had.

There really is no other reason not to practice Catch and Release outside of consumption.

There taxidermists that can reproduce that trophy fish that you caught.  Take a photo, quickly take some measurements and let it go.  The taxidermist can now make you a perfect replica for your wall. Any you can now go back next year to try and catch it again.

Some things you should remember.

·        Keep the fish out of water for minimal time

·        Try and avoid touching the fish too much to remove its protective slime coating

·        Try to keep the fish calm.  The least amount of jumping around in the boat or hitting up against the shoreline will allow for it to be released with greater success.

·        Never tear out hooks from your fish, if they are embedded and not easily removed cut your line.  Hooks will rust out or dissolve without the fish being harmed.

·        Use the “Don’t keep a fish out of water longer than you can hold your breath theory.”  It allows you time to actually hold up a fish, take a picture and then release it back into the water.  Try it!

·        Some fish have sharp teeth like walleye or pike.  These fish are best being held across the back of the head, with fingers and thumb holding the gill plates closed.  Watch for the gills they have sharp edges.  Some fish like bass really have small teeth that don’t hurt so you can actually hold its lower lip between your thumb and index finger. This is my favorite technique and it took me the longest to want to try.  It feels like sand paper on its tongue, once you do it you will know the power it give you to hold up your fish like the professionals.  Lip Your Fish!

Then Give him a little kiss and let him go!

 

Competition Fishing.

Canadian women compete in a man’s sport or is it?

Canadian female anglers Terri Mackinnon and Cindy Burnham made their journey to Chesapeake Bay, Maryland in October 2007, to compete as the first Female Pro Team to make the U.S Angler Choice Classic and the bragging rights to also represent Canada.

 

Competition was not new to either of the women.  They both competed in the Preview year of the Women’s Bassmasters travelling to 6 events.  Terri Mackinnon actually still holds the best finish as a Canadian with her 8^th place finish in Bull Shoals, Missouri in her rookie year.  Cindy had competed in previous years in tournaments against the men and had a best finish of 9 in NY.

 

The two women decided to try the Team concept and signed up to spend the year fishing the U.S Anglers Choice series on Lake Erie.  They successfully took the top 3 position in there division with an impressive 700+ point season.  Both women were excited to represent not only Canada, but women in general when they fished against some of the best bass angler pairs teams in the U.S.

 

Mackinnon was not new to record breaking, she has had many accomplishment and achievements in her life since fishing came into it.  Burnham has also set records of her own. “We thought it would be a lot of fun to go out and see what we could do together” says Mackinnon. “Terri and myself travelled across the U.S the previous year tournament fishing and we had the opportunity to talk a lot about fish not carrying if you’re a girl or a boy” says Burnham. “We realized that it would be fun to go and try teamwork” says Mackinnon.  In 2006 Team FisherGirl was the brainchild of Mackinnon. “I realized that we had to take the sport seriously and what better way then to sponsor the first International Female fishing Team” says Terri Mackinnon.  As she adds “We ended up with the Angler of the year, so it was a great year.” 

 

“It was tough to fish a team environment when it was still technically against each other, however having the chance to fish with Terri and work together as a team was a great experience” says Burnham.

 

“Our sponsors believed in us, we believed in us and now we get to fish a dream. We wanted to share our passion for fishing with others, and it’s still amazing when girls come up and say how they wish they could fish as well as the boys, we laugh and say, You can!”  Ms.MacKinnon.

 

Females are welcome to most fishing tournaments and derby’s.  Check with your local bass, walleye, crappie or fishing clubs to see what types of tourneys they offer. There are many types of tournaments available all over the U.S. and Canada for a variety of species.  Local tackle shops also will be very useful.  Happy Fishing!

 

                                www.womenfishing.com

From Jewellery to Fishing Lures

12^th February 2008

Author: Terri Mackinnon

 

There was a time that my jewellery box was looking somewhat disorganized but contained a good variety of presentable items if required.  I never thought that I would find a passion that would see me own 5 tackle boxes and only a single jewellery box, but it happened.

 

 I have been asked many times why are there so many lures? What are the different types of fishing lures available?  And how do you know what to use?

We have to remember that not only do we have a large variety of fish but the same applies to fishing lures so the choices are endless.   Let’s take a look at the type of lures that are probably the most sought after for recreational fishing. 

 

 As fishing tournaments and derby’s take place across North America, manufacturers are capturing their audiences with the creation of Big Outdoor Superstores.  The thousands of lures displayed to entice the weekend warriors and their need to catch the big one create a staggering industry ready and willing to supply new and better products.  Professional anglers proudly holding up their sponsors baits with photo’s of their winning catch, ready and willing to share their secrets of success.  The choices are endless and not always cheap.

 

Spinnerbaits (cost – 1.50 – 7.00) are one of my favourite baits and definitely one of the most popular lures out there.  I know many would agree that it is probably one of the most effective lures ever invented. This lure can be fished at any speed, in any water conditions and used at a variety of depths.  They are available in a variety of colors so it would be recommended to ask your local tackle shop what color is working on the lake you are going to be fishing.  My other secret is a company called Naked Bait Co. www.nakedbaitco.com they have a skirt maker kit that is a must have to be able to customize your spinnerbaits.

 

Buzzbaits  (cost 3.99 – 9.99) are usually considered top or close to top of water.  They produce the popping, splashing, chugging and chirping that fish just love to come out of the water for.  These baits can be used effectively when you are trying to persuade a fish to come out of his hiding spot.  They come in a variety of shapes and sizes and will give you an experience you will never forget… bass may love them, but I have caught many pike coming out of the water.  My tackle boxes are full of every type.  My secret bait – PopR – Babybass color

 

Crankbaits (1.99 – 7.99) are another fishing lure that are used a lot by bass fishermen.  These cute baits come in all shapes and sizes and colors.  These baits mimic and attract fish sometimes with rattles and usually they are comparatively simple to fish.  This lures also have the capability of deep water fishing or shallow diving.  I use cranks anytime I get around points, shorelines with rock or small pebbles, and any time I want to wake up the fish these are my go to.  My preference is a White Bandit.

Artificial worms and minnows are also great bait. Probably my main go to when I am sitting back quietly.   You do not have to use live bait to catch fish.  Manufacturers have produced artificial baits that will fool any species of fish.     My favourite baits would be Yamamoto Bubble Gum Pink wacky style on a J hook #6 or 4.  Sit back and catch some fish.

 

If I could give you one great piece of advice: 

My real tip would be:    Check with the local tackle shop, they know what is biting and what it’s biting on.  Trust them and their advice.  It is the difference of landing a fish, or just enjoying the day.  Either way you’re a winner.

 

 

 

Over the past 3 months it has been a very difficult time watching both of my parents as they fight for there lives.   My father lost his battle with cancer this week and mom is trying to remain strong, yet now she is at peace with knowing that he will be waiting for her. 

 

I am looking forward to refocussing and getting back to making sure that womenfishing.com remains the number one Female Angling online magazine.

 

If you would like to contribute, please feel free to email me your suggestions. terri@womenfishing.com

 

Thanks again for all of your love and support during this time.

 

Terri Mackinnon

 

 

There was an article on BassFan this week that I'm sure will have alot of attention. The WBT Classic Spot Tuesday, October 30, 2007 by Harold Sharp             (Editor's note: Harold Sharp was the first tournament director Ray Scott hired. Sharp left BASS long ago, but as all readers of BassFan FeedBack know, he still cares passionately about the sport.)

http://www.bassfan.com/Opinion_article.asp?ID=107

IN MY OPINION:

Harold Sharp:  "I was there when it started, and women weren't allowed to fish BASS tournaments for a very good reason. When the first BASS rules were written, we were very concerned about the possibility that anglers would cheat. Fishermen already had that reputation, so we had rules to try to prevent that. "  

If I understand this correct.... 1st...Rules were created because of possible cheating.    Is he assuming that WOMEN Would make it Worse.. Since Men already had a Reputation of Cheating.. Then HOW does this make it worse???  Also, was he worried about Women Cheating with the Angler? 

Harold Sharp:  We installed a rule that two anglers in competition against each other would always be paired together in the same boat and must stay in sight of each other and their catch at all times until the weigh-in, which was usually 6 or more hours covering many miles of water.

Not many people can go this long without a bathroom break, which isn't a problem for males, but it would create a problem if a female was in sight. So for that reason alone, women weren't allowed to fish BASS tournaments

Let me first say, that by this point you have already given 2 reasons. 

I use to buy it, I thought that it was a legitimate argument until I had the opportunity to actually go out and fish in tournaments and realized that it was Never an issue on the boat, with my Male or Female partners.

Just an issue with some small time Bubba's that are afraid the world might see there goods..   Which is totally funny in today’s age with digital cameras? Videos, zoom lenses and You Tube... maybe they shouldn't be going to the bathroom outside at their leisure anyway.

This takes me to another point... Our lakes and resources, what about them?  Do they need it? Shouldn't we be trying to make sure we don't pollute them with human waste?

There are products out there that can make sure it’s not an issue, and there is a product out there that can end this debate immediately.

First:  Bassrooms -   www.coveryourbass.com provides the solution for the problem.  The portable covered bathroom pops up and closes in minutes.  Providing coverage and a safe disposal system.

I would have to be asking myself if Harold would have allowed Women to participate if the bathroom system had been around when the great old world of BASS Started... or if we would still have a Cheating Problem.

Just one girls thoughts.

Terri