Author: Craig McDougall

MAKING INFORMED DECISIONS A KEY TO FISH MANAGEMENT  In Part 1 of our fish growth discussion, we summarized the basics of fish growth. We explained how being cold-blooded meant that most north-temperate fish species exhibit most of their growth when the water is warm, and that winter tends to be a non-growth period. We talked about how biologists age fish, the problems (errors) associated with trying to age older fish, and funding constraints which frequently preclude a good understanding of the “top end” of fish growth curves in most lakes and rivers. Finally, we touched on factors that can influence…

PUTTING THE PIECES TOGETHER TO GET THE MOST OUT OF YOUR SONAR! Sonar technology has evolved rapidly over the past decade. There are now many options available to freshwater anglers, and with those options it becomes increasingly difficult to separate real-world usefulness from marketing hype. 2D/CHIRP. Sidescan. Downscan. Forward-looking (also referred to as “live sonar”). These technologies each offer valuable information about the underwater environment that the other technologies cannot (or at least not as effectively). But are they each worth the investment for species and locations that you fish? BEST USE OF YOUR TECHNOLOGY In this article, I assign…

FISH GROWTH, TROPHIES AND THE ROLE OF HARVEST In a Hooked article published a few months ago, we discussed the basics of fish growth. We explained how being cold-blooded meant that most north-temperate fish species exhibit most of their growth when the water is warm, and that winter tends to be a non-growth period. We talked about how biologists age fish, the problems (errors) associated with trying to age older fish, and funding constraints which frequently preclude a good understanding of the “top end” of fish growth curves in most lakes and rivers. Finally, we touched on factors that can…

ICE FISHING MODIFICATIONS—CUSTOMIZE YOUR SETUP! I love ice fishing, probably more than I love open-water fishing. I love not only the actual “fishing” part of ice fishing, but I also preparing for it. When it comes to gear mods for ice fishing, for me, it’s all about maximizing efficiency and mobility on the ice. Less time spent messing around with packing and unpacking your gear throughout the day equals more fish caught (and who doesn’t want to catch more fish?). Proper organization will also protect your equipment from damage. SNOWMOBILE VEHICLE OF CHOICE I am partial to snowmobiles for getting…

 FISH GROWTH, TROPHIES AND THE ROLE OF HARVEST Growth of fish is, at least on the surface, a relatively simple concept – as fish age, they become increasingly large. To put that in scientific terms, fish exhibit “indeterminate” growth, meaning that they don’t stop growing at a certain point in their life (like birds or mammals, including humans). As a result, it is often generalized that the oldest fish of a certain species are the largest – the trophies that many anglers invest time, money and effort into catching. MANY VARIABLES TO HOW FISH GROW However, there can be large…

In response to drastic declines in Lake Sturgeon abundance, a considerable amount of effort has been allocated to improving the understanding of species biology and population status, as well as stocking to replenish stocks in areas where their appeared to be essentially no Lake Sturgeon left. Provincial and Federal governments, the hydroelectric industry, various academic institutions and resource user boards such as the Nelson River Sturgeon Board and the Saskatchewan River Sturgeon Management Board have all contributed over the past 20 years. As it turns out, many of the commonly accepted facts about Lake Sturgeon biology and the factors attributed…

Batteries to power flashers and portable graphs on the ice: the alternative to Sealed Lead Acid Most people use Sealed Lead Acid (SLA) batteries to power their flashers or portable graphs on the ice. Ultimately, a 12 volt (V) Lithium iron phosphate (LiFePO4, hereafter referred to just as “Lithium”)  battery costs you more upfront than a 12 V SLA would. But for many of those who take ice fishing seriously, the investment is probably worth it. I requested data from one of the Lithium vendors to beef up this review, but I am not affiliated with anyone producing or selling…