Since my last post, A LOT has happened so please bear with me on this long post! My new boat has arrived at Urban Sport in Arnprior (Ontario). The motors and trolling motor are now installed, the batteries are in and the electronics will soon be rigged. I can’t wait to hit the water very soon! I will do a walk-through video once everything is completed but I may just want to hit the water first đŸ˜‰ You understand, right?!
Bass season opened last month here where I live and I’ve been fishing nearly everyday (for a few casts off the dock at least) if I can help it! The season opener was a lot of fun as this year for the first time, I began fishing at midnight. You can read about opening day in my article for the Kingston Whig-Standard newspaper here:Â http://www.thewhig.com/2016/06/22/a-memorable-weekend-to-start-the-bass-season
Alewife is a primary food source on several lakes that I fish, so I’ve been having a lot of fun throwing topwater (like the Heddon Super Spook) when the conditions are right and I see bait busting. I picked up a few new ’13 Fishing’ brand rods and reels over the winter and have finally been breaking them in on some bass. I’ve been using the Envy black (moderate, 7’4″) for my crankbaits and my spooks as well and have noticed a major difference with hook-up ratio and also casting distance. Can’t believe I didn’t add a moderate rod to my collection sooner, it is amazing for moving baits!
You can see a few of the main presentations I’ve been using so far this season: wacky weedless senkos, the Livetarget Sunfish, and punch rigs. I’ve also been using some deep diving cranks (the Strike King Deep Diver – Series 6), Super Spooks, swimbaits, and swim jigs. I’m sure there are some others I am forgetting. I love trying new gear each year so as the season goes on I’ll get more into detail. You can read my recent article on topwater bass presentations here: http://www.thewhig.com/2016/07/06/topwater-strikes-get-anglers-heart-pounding
I had the opportunity to be a guest on The 4 Outdoorsmen Podcast a few weeks back. I always love chatting with this hilarious crew! They’re always making things interesting (there was some singing involved this time, LOL)! You can listen to the podcast here:Â https://www.spreaker.com/user/sbarnard4/the-4-outdoorsmen-ashley-rae-and-bob-mei
National Fishing Week took place across Canada on July 2-10th this year and I was very fortunate to help promote the event as an ambassador. I wrote an article about National Fishing Week which appeared in the National Post and other news outlets. Here is the link to the National Post article:Â http://news.nationalpost.com/life/travel/celebrate-national-fishing-week?__lsa=98d7-829d
This past Sunday, I took part in the Napanee Rod & Gun Club Kids Fishing Day. This annual event takes place at Conservation Park in Napanee along the boardwalk and provides children with everything they need to try fishing at no cost. Lunch is included too! The weather was looking a little questionable in the morning but it turned out to be a very nice day with many fish caught and huge smiles! Thank you to the volunteers and everyone that made this event possible. I am thankful I got to be part of it! The photos I took can be viewed here:Â https://www.facebook.com/ashleyraefishing/photos/?tab=album&album_id=10155134980567818
My next big adventure takes place this Sunday when I’ll be hopping on a flight and heading to Saskatchewan! This will be a dream trip for me as I’ll be fishing with good friends Jeff & Jason Matity (of matitysgetfishing.com) that I landed this amazing personal best pike with during my visit last year among other memorable catches! In addition to this already sweet deal, I am going to have the opportunity to get out on the water with the World Record Rainbow Trout holders, and fellow Alumacraft Boats team members, Adam & Sean Konrad (of Fishinggeeks.net)! Pinch me! I cannot wait to share this adventure with you guys đŸ™‚
Thanks for stopping by! Until next time (and since I’m kind bad at keeping this blog up to date), be sure to connect with me on social media where I am posting more frequently:
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