Get hooked on kayak fishing
AND JOIN A DERBY MADE FOR THIS KIND OF SPORT
L
ong summer days with a warm breeze and beautiful sunsets are
the perfect recipe to get hooked on kayak fishing. This style of
fishing has been in existence since the early days of indigenous
people and according to Wikipedia, archaeologists have found kayaks
dating back 4,000 years, used by these people mainly to get to their
hunting territory.
In more recent times, kayak fishing is gaining
popularity for more reasons than survival. With
a shift in how people get out on the water –
kayaks, canoes, stand-up paddleboards – kayak
fishing is one way to lessen anglers’ carbon
footprint. It’s also a great way to unobtrusively
approach spooked fish. Kayak fishing allows
you to explore small bodies of water where fish
are not pressured by other anglers, and it’s a
bunch cheaper than a powerboat.
JORDAN
This fast-growing sport has attracted some
DUROCHER
veteran kayak anglers to the Ontario Kayak
Fishing Series (this year, Quinte multi-species
July 9–10 and Grand River smallmouth Oct. 8). In the Ottawa Valley
year by year more paddlers are seen packing a fishing rod,
experiencing the co-existence of paddling and fishing. Some kayak
anglers will tell you that wetting a line from a kayak can be one of the
most peaceful experiences on a ripple free, calm body of water.
Recently, the Town of Petawawa and the City of Pembroke
recreation departments partnered for the first annual Upper Ottawa
River Kayak Fishing Derby, to be held during their annual Upper
12 | FISH, HUNT RIDE
Ottawa River Race and Paddling Festival. Organizers felt that a kayak
fishing derby could increase the overall interest of paddlers and
sportsman alike.
The first derby is scheduled for Saturday August 6 at Petawawa
Point, about an hour and a half west of Ottawa-Gatineau. This nontraditional fishing derby is a catch-measure- photo- release event, a
multi-species tournament with prizes for the longest pike, walleye,
small and largemouth bass. Plus, an additional category for the overall
longest fish.
Each participant must take a photo of their fish using their own
mobile device or digital camera. A measuring sticker will be provided
for anglers, to be conveniently placed on their kayak.
Judges will retrieve the photos from the mobile devices or digital
cameras to determine the winner. First- and second-place cash prizes
will be awarded for all five categories.
Cost to participate is $60 before July 8 and $75 thereafter. Anglers
can also expect impressive swag. A souvenir Upper Ottawa River Kayak
Fishing Derby lucky strike lure will be one of the many items, valued at
$100!
Plus, all registered anglers will automatically be placed in a draw for
a Riot Escape angler fishing kayak along with a White Water Zodiac
fishing tour, courtesy of Ottawa River Adventures.
Kayak rentals are available, although limited. So, if you are looking
to land a big one this year, why not do it on the beautiful Ottawa River
during the first annual Upper Ottawa River Fishing Derby. Drop a “line”
to Kelly at [email protected] or visit UpperOttawaRiverRace.ca
for complete details.
www.fishhuntandride.ca