It doesn’t matter if you’re a tournament angler or someone who only fishes a handful of times throughout the year, the goal is always the same—to catch fish. Sounds pretty easy, but having spent countless hours fishing throughout all seasons I can assure you, not every day is a walk in the park. The biggest challenge out there isn’t the fish, it’s the choices you make using the knowledge you have. The more knowledge and experience, the better prepared you will be to know when and where to make adjustments required to take your success to the next level. One of my favourite things about fishing is that no…
Author: Amanda Keszler
Amanda Keszler
Amanda Keszler is an avid angler who enjoys spending every minute she can in the outdoors, fishing and hunting with her family. She has been contributing to Hooked Magazine for almost three years now. Recently Amanda was featured on an episode of the Lund Ultimate Fishing Experience television show where she fished alongside her mentor, her father Alex. She regularly competes in Bass and Walleye tournaments across Manitoba and Ontario with her boyfriend Logan. The final year that she was eligible to fish as a youth in the Angler Young Angler fishing tournament in Pine Falls with Alex, they won first place. Since that day she has been hooked on tournament fishing and the challenges that it brings. Throughout the year Amanda targets many different species such as Walleye, Smallmouth Bass, Largemouth Bass, Crappie, Northern Pike, Lake Trout, and Whitefish. For the past three years she has been giving seminars at the Mid-Canada Boat Show in Winnipeg, Manitoba. “Hunting and fishing with my friends and family creates a bond and lifetime memories that I will always carry with me. There is truly nothing that I would rather be doing than spending time experiencing and writing about the great outdoors."
Dad, SUNDAY THE BEST DAY OF THE WEEK! Throughout my childhood, Sunday’s were always my favourite day of the week, especially during the fall. Prior to hunting season Dad would often take us down gravel roads outside of the city to go “deer watching.” I never really understood why this was one of our hobbies, but it was like we were playing a big game of hide and seek so I was always happy to tag along. We would sit still and quietly hide out in the truck while glassing through fields, waiting for movement. Dad always spotted them first, and no matter how hard I try he still beats me to…
Growing up with nature I remember peeking out the window of the camper, watching while Grandpa sipped on his coffee. He was silently admiring the beauty of nature and watching the chipmunks as they tried to steal his bag of sunflower seeds. Throughout the day Grandpa would tell me stories of his past while teaching me about the great outdoors. From carving my own roasting sticks, duck calls, wooden fishing rods, to bows, and arrows, we were always creating things together. Every trip with my Grandparents brought on new adventures with memories that I will always carry with me. Taking…
Everyone has their favourite spots and preferred lakes to fish during their time out on the water. It might be because of the proximity to your home or cottage, or maybe your time during the open-water season is limited- it’s habit to return to the same areas close to you that you’re familiar with. We are truly lucky to live only a short distance away from so many different rivers and lakes. For someone wanting to try a new body of water the choices of where to go are endless. DOING YOUR HOMEWORK Once you’ve decided on your destination, the…
This winter make it a point to be on the other side of the glass, get outside, and start exploring. In our region we are so fortunate to have different rivers, lakes, and ponds to drop a line in. Within a short drive away from Winnipeg I can target Crappie, Walleye, Northern Pike, Whitefish, and Trout, to name a few. To be successful during the ice fishing season is to be prepared. Space is limited when I am on my snowmobile so I pack a handful of my favourite go-to lures for each species and keep them all in one…
ON THE HUNT If I was asked to describe White-tailed deer hunting in one word, it would be “challenging.” It is absolutely physically and mentally demanding, but so rewarding when all the hard work that you put in finally pays off. Many hours throughout my year are spent scouting, monitoring trail cameras, and setting up hunting stands and blinds when permitted. Similar to fishing, when it comes to hunting you can never have too many spots. When I head out in search of deer activity and new hunting areas, the first thing I watch for is narrow, matted-down trails leading…
The first time I used a bottom-bouncer was probably ten years ago and I still remember thinking, “this is silly I wonder how long until I snag this thing on the bottom.” Well it wasn’t long before I was snagged, but let me tell you, it is certainly not silly. It may not be the most fun application to use, and depending on what weight you are using your arm may be sore after five minutes, but it will be worth it because this is truly a great way to cover water and land numbers of Walleye, even when the…
To be successful during the ice fishing season is to be prepared. Space is limited when I am on my snowmobile so I pack a handful of my favorite go-to lures for each species and keep them all in one tackle box that fits right in my backpack. Usually when we head out for the day we have a target species in mind but if that species isn’t co-operating I know have the option to switch gears and try for another. Somewhere in the lake there will be fish willing to bite and the goal is to find them. Crappie…
Fall is probably my favorite time of the year for many reasons. It marks the start to hunting season, the leaves and shrubs begin to morph into many beautiful colors, and it’s a great time to be enjoying the outdoors. Most of all when I think about fall, I think of hungry Smallmouth Bass. Throughout the year we take mental notes and try to remember any spawning areas we passed by, as well as where we found groups of Bass in the summer. We use this information to try and pinpoint where we think they will be headed next, during…
It may be the roar of the creeks and rivers that just opened up, or the smell of rain for the first time in months. Whatever the trigger may be, if you haven’t already started you need to start thinking of spring and all the excitement it could bring to you, if you are up for it! This year I did not get out on the ice as much as I had hoped but it has only made me more excited for the open-water season that is about to start. We are so fortunate to be surrounded by the most…