The Ottawa Citizen from Ottawa, Ontario, Canada • 33

The Citizen, Ottawa, Thursday, November 5, 1981, Page 33 RecireaGnininn 11 i 1 1.. i 1 1 in I. ii i. Muskie fishermen hook some big ones in November River, muskie are caught challenging and with Even the damp, pene Outdoors Grant Hopkins the promise of being the most satisfying because the conditions often work against the angler. Some of the Ottawa River spots worth trying, or keeping in mind for next year, are Lac des Chats at the railway bridge east of Arnprior, Fitzroy Harbour around the islands, Breckenridge Bay along the weed line, and Shirley's Bay off Innis Point.

On the St. Lawrence consistently over the years at Johnstown near the bridge, off the Long Sault Parkway near Ingleside (Lake St. Lawrence), and in the holes off South Lancaster (Lake St. Francis). For anyone wanting try closer to Ottawa, muskie frequently haunt the downtown portions of the Rideau River and stretches south of Kars within sight of the bridge across Hwy.

16, among other places. through by working it back and forth along the edge of the ice!" Hooking into a goliath muskie can be a heart-pounding experience at any time but November angling is particularly Tiafe ft ifrom aim expert 6Not everybody needs snow tires. Here's the all-season radial we suggest9 trating weather and shorter days of November don't cause muskie fever to subside. With some of the best muskellunge fishing in Canada within a few hours drive, or less of Ottawa, it's not surprising there are diehards who seek out this most powerful and meanest-looking of Ontario's gamefish right to the last day of the season. These anglers know that heavyweight muskies go prowling close to shore late in the autumn, wolv-ing down meals of three and four-pound pickerel and pike, and snacking on victims of lesser magnitude such as perch, rock bass and sunfish.

The 'lunge terrorize the weedbeds in their fall buildup of a fat reserve to carry them through a relatively inactive winter period. As compensation for numb fingers and varying degrees of discomfort, the late season muskie man has one of the best chances of the year to tangle with trophy fish. As well, solitude is assured because waters normally buzzing with boats, water skiers, bugs and other anglers are now deserted. There is a small group of muskie zealots in Ottawa who are amazing in their dedication and tenacity in pursuit of this fish. They seek 'lunge whenever they can, be it July or November.

The first to come to mind are George McDonald and Paul McEvoy from the Laurentian Trading Post. Their favourite waters are the St. Lawrence River near Pres-cott. The current is swift in this part of the river and the muskie tend to stay deep. The only way to run plugs, such as Swim-whiz and The Believer, down near botton in 15 to 20 feet of water is with an outfit commonly used for summer lake trout leadcore line, a stardrag reel and a stiff, short rod.

Snags, weeds and fast water make the St. Lawrence a tricky enough proposition to fish in the daytime, but McDonald and McEvoy do all their trolling at night. Muskie in the St. La- wrence are noted for being after dark feeders and just because a guy can't see what is going on is no excuse for giving up. At least in their opinion.

The pair has taken a number of fish in the 20-to 30-pound bracket, and when the muskie are hitting stay at it right to freezeup. "One night late one fall we got to the river and found it frozen along the shore," related McEvoy. "We made it out in the boat and started fishing, but in the glare of the shore lights we ran right up on a pan of ice! Took us a while to get organized again." Another right-to-the-last-minute muskie angler is Jim McLaughlin of Vanier. McLaughlin operates an intriguing tackle and bait business on Bank St. ner the Queensway and he is among the top 'lunge experts in the province.

This year, he has 39 keeper-sized muskies to his credit (all released) which were taken from the Ottawa and Rideau Rivers. McLaughlin tosses menacing, hook-laden baits with a 5'8" graphite rod and Ambassadeur level-wind casting reel with the precision of a surgeon as he methodically covers the water. "Late in the fall I resort to spinners, jointed plugs and jigs that I can work slow, "McLaughlin revealed. "Jerk baits such as Suicks and Teddies have to be moved too fast for muskie at this time of year. "I fish right through to the end of November when the season ends.

The only time I've ever had my line broken was one time I was casting from shore along the Rideau, I hooked into a fish at least 20 pounds and he sawed my line "We recommend this all-weather radial tire for city driving. It gives year-round service and avoids seasonal changeovers. It's a quiet riding tire with an aggressive tread and protective curb guard sidewall design," 7m McLaughlin of Vanier shows off his big fall muskie taken from the Rideau River i Aeep your ieer warm ursi Knioht-Ridder Newxnaners Step into the dressing room with John Messina. John manages a sporting goods each store in Superior, and knows how Size P185-75R13 Installed Offer expires Nov. 2881 to prepare his customers for the ele ments.

Ana jonn Geneves in starting on the bottom line in winter warmth for fithi no "The main thing to keep warm is your If You Can Purchase The Same for less. We'll Refund You The Difference! (Advertised within 30 days) -4 ieet, ivicssina saia. mem aamn things are cold, nothing else matters." a factor. Messina also touts an Air Force surplus boot, which he thinks may be warmer than a regular pac boot. It has an all rubber exterior with two layers of felt in a sealed bladder inside.

An air valve like the ones on your car tires allows the bladder to be inflated, thus increasing the air trapped inside with the felt. And trapped air is warmth. Trouble is, the boots might feel like cement blocks on your feet if you have to trudge too far to your ice hole. They're heavy. Inside your boots, you want warm sox.

That means wool, Messina said. "The problem is, people put wool socks over cotton," Messina said. "That's no good at all. When wool gets wet, it retains its warmth. Cotton doesn't." Messina recommends wool blends with at least 85 or 65 percent wool.

The wool provides warmth, while the other fabric (usually nylon or rayon) adds strength. easily. "To me, I think these Sorel or pac boots are the best," Messina said. "They come in so many different kinds. There must be 15 different styles." These are the well-known rubber-bot- Fibiis sjgsss cmJFt) I I I tomeu, leamer-ioppeu uoois wiin removable felt liners.

The differences between styles, said Messina, is usually the grade of leather used in the uppers and the thickness of felt inside. At the upper end "of the price range, fashion also becomes Now you can be a Better Woodworker with our unique system. lliiSIl liefer II I WE'RE GOING TO SELL ALL OUR 0 DATSUN 310 HATCHBACK COUPE GX FRONT WHEEL DRIVE: ASK ABOUT 4 OUR REVOLVING Limited-Time Factory-Direct Sale It's more than a tool it's a woodworking system One compact and economical unit that gives you the five most needed workshop tools: 10" Table Saw. 16V Vertical Drill Press. Horizontal Borinq si's Thb WeeM DON'T WAIT! LIMITED SUPPLY OF 81 DATSUNS-COME IN NOW-WE'RE WILLING TO DEAL CHARGE Machine.

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