Happy to announce that Charger Bass Boats has partnered with Go Power Sports (Portland, Ontario) for the Ottawa Boat and Sportsmen’s Show.

We will have a Charger 496 on display and will be more than happy to answer any questions – and of course – put you in your own brand new Charger boat!

Charger 496 (20 Feet 6 Inches)

Stop by the Go Power Sports booth (#1800) and meet the Charger Team, including Dave Chong, Ben Woo, Dale Minicola, Shawn Carson and myself.

See what all the fuss is about….and how a Charger is able to give you more bang for less bucks than our competitors can.

The Ottawa Boat and Sportsmen’s Show runs from February 23 to 26 and is located at 4899 Uplands Drive.

Charger Multi Species SUV 190 (19 Feet 4 Inches)

For more information:

Ottawa Boat and Sportsmen’s Show

Go Power Sports

Marine Central

Charger Boats

See you at the show!

Justin

Being on a fishing hiatus for the winter months has allowed me more time to enjoy wildlife photography. And when you are a “nature nut” like myself, documenting your day in the outdoors has become a great pastime.

I spent the last two days trying my hand at duck photography. The colours of many of these birds are wondrous, and catching one in flight, although somewhat tricky, can provide you with a rewarding image. I have much work to do on the in-flight shot but I’m fairly certain these ducks aren’t going anywhere.

These were taken on the Ontario side of the Ottawa River and are all drake or hen mallards – except one.

This next sequence of four shots shows a drake mallard “stretching” his wings. I used a continuous shutter to capture these.

This next four-shot sequence shows a drake coming in to land. Neat to see how they utilize their wings as air brakes.

American Black Duck

Yours In the Outdoors,

Justin

(click on images to view full size)

Sometimes you get lucky when carrying a camera. What was supposed to be a day scouring the Gatineau escarpment for eagles, turned into a wonderful photo opportunity when two does spent more than twenty minutes posing away. Best part was – they were no more than fifteen feet from me the whole time!

Here are a few of the more than 300 images I shot. Enjoy!

Was also fortunate to stumble across a snowshoe hare. You can see from these photos why their best defence is the colour of their coat…and the fact that they remain perfectly still when alarmed.

Yours In The Outdoors,

Justin

(click on images to view full size)

Fully Charged for 2012

New partnership with boat manufacturer raises the bar yet again

The 4th edition of the Berkly B1 Canadian Bass Open is set to take place this September 22/23, returning once again to beautiful Lake St. Francis out of Salaberry-de-Valleyfield, Quebec. Following an outstanding event last fall, the interest in what can now only be dubbed as “Canada’s most prestigious bass tournament” is at an all time high. In 2011, the Berkley B1 hosted anglers from 5 different provinces and delivered a spectacle that was second to none. In 2012, the Berkley B1 raises the bar yet again by introducing a revised payout structure that features a new grand prize. As the new official boat partner of the Berkley B1, Charger Boats will be providing a fresh from factory, 18.5 foot fully rigged dual console bass boat, powered by an Evinrude E-Tec outboard motor. “Our mission from day one was to raise the level of competitive bass fishing in Canada to new heights,” states Ben Woo, President, Berkley B1 Canadian Bass Open. “Our new partnership with Charger Boats makes the Berkley B1 the only event in the country where you can fish for only two days and have the opportunity to win a bass boat. Needless to say, this makes it more exciting than ever to B the 1.”

Charger Boats is a family owned and operated company that has been handcrafting boats out of Richland, Missouri, USA for the last 40 years. Now firmly planted and ready to do business in Canada, they plan to take the fishing and boating scene by storm. “When the opportunity to partner up with the Berkley B1 presented itself, we knew it would be the ultimate platform for us to showcase our boats,” says Dale Minicola, Director, Charger Boats Canada. “Having the chance to put our product in front of the best bass anglers and helping to create even more excitement towards this sport, excemplifies exactly what Charger Boats is all about. As our slogan implies, we like to put in with the best.”

*Boat shown is for illustration purposes only. Actual prize boat may vary. Colours and options to be determined and announced at a later date.

Also new to the Berkley B1 roster is Lowrance, manufacturer of world-class marine electronics. Known for their cutting edge technologies such as StructureScan and now introducing the all new StructureMap, Lowrance will be equipping the Charger 1st place prize boat with two HDS5 Gen 2 units. Gen 2 units available this season feature even faster processors and StructureMap capabilities.

Registration for the 2012 Berkley B1 is slated to open at 8am on Saturday, February 25th via the official website found at Berkley B1. With the introduction of an online registration form, this will streamline the process and make the registration procedure more efficient. Early bird registration will be in effect, as any registration completed and received between 8am and noon on Feb. 25th will be entered into a starting position draw. Registrations received after this timeframe will be placed in a first come, first served sequence. Participants are encouraged to contact B1 administration ahead of time should they require any clarification on the new registration process. As usual, team entries can be viewed on the official discussion board found at Fishin-Canada.

For more information on the Berkley B1, request media event access or inquire about sponsorship opportunities, please contact:

For more information on Charger Boats or dealer and consumer inquiries, please contact:

]]> http://justinhoffmanoutdoors.com/2012/02/08/b1-canadian-bass-open-and-charger-boats-join-forces/feed/ 0 justinhoffmanoutdoors ChargerB1 http://justinhoffmanoutdoors.com/2012/01/30/joe-balogs-goby-replica-a-perfect-fish-trap/ http://justinhoffmanoutdoors.com/2012/01/30/joe-balogs-goby-replica-a-perfect-fish-trap/#comments Mon, 30 Jan 2012 00:24:30 +0000 justinhoffmanoutdoors http://justinhoffmanoutdoors.com/?p=700 ]]> Hello All,

Being in the fishing industry, I am given the opportunity to see and test many of the latest lures, tackle and accessories. Some cross my desk that are quickly dismissed, while a select few really make me take notice. The Joe Balog’s Goby Replica is one of those baits.

Realism and attention to detail is apparent at first look. Each lure is hand painted and poured and are hand crafted from real goby samples by one of the leading swimbait manufacturers and taxidermists in the United States. You honestly would swear this bait was alive!

While fishing the Western Basin of Erie in the mid 90′s, Joe Balog observed smallmouth bass spitting up gobies by the dozens, rather than their normal diet of crayfish and shiners. It was evident the bass preferred the easy-to-catch, high protein exotics to their native forage. At that time, Balog developed the first ever goby bait, the Drop Shot Goby. But after a few years of fishing with the bait, even with the incredible success of the technique, Balog theorized that there had to be a better, more realistic way to mimic a goby to the bass. Over seven years later, the Goby Replica was born.

The bait is heavy and hugs the bottom, just like the real thing, and can be fished in water upwards of forty-feet deep. It lays at rest upright, balanced perfectly on its pectoral fins. Those same fins lightly kick when the bait is moved, just like a real goby.

The Original Goby Replica weighs one-ounce and measures four-inches in length. It is available in five colours to match goby phases and different water bodies.

These life-like lures appeal to trophy smallmouth and largemouth bass, walleye, lake trout, pike, muskies and more. This is one lure I can’t wait to put through its paces this coming season!

Please check out Goby Replica for more information and ordering instructions.

For those that aren’t aware of the history of the Goby and their introduction to the Great Lakes, here is some background information, compliments of The Ontario Federation of Anglers and Hunters:

Distribution

Gobies belong to a large family of fish represented by many species throughout the world. Two species from eastern Europe, the round goby and the tubenose goby (Proterorhinus semilunaris) were introduced to the St. Clair River in the late 1980s. It is believed that both species arrived in North America after being transported in the ballast water of ships originating from eastern Europe. In the fall of 2005, the Ontario government amended the Ontario Fishery Regulations to make it illegal to possess round goby and tubenose goby alive.It is also illegal to use them as bait.

After being discovered in the St. Clair River in 1990, both round and tubenose gobies have been found in Lake St. Clair, the Detroit River, and Western Lake Erie. Round gobies have also been found throughout much of Lake Erie, Lake Huron, Lake Ontario, southern Lake Michigan, and western Lake Superior. It has been found in Michigan’s inland waters and recently in inland Ontario, at Trent Severn Waterway (between village of Hastings and Healey Falls), Rice Lake, the Pefferlaw River and Lake Simcoe at the mouth of the Pefferlaw River. The round goby has completed their dispersal throughout the five Great Lakes in less than a decade, a dispersal almost as fast as the zebra mussel. It is believed that the isolated Great Lakes populations on Lake Superior were transported by intralake ship ballast water transfers from the St. Clair River area.

Impact

Round gobies have become extremely abundant in the St. Clair River, Lake Erie and parts of Lake Ontario reaching densities of more than 100 per cubic metre of water. In some areas they have become an annoyance to anglers due to their habit of stealing bait. The round goby is an aggressive fish that can spawn several times each season. These characteristics, combined with its abundance and relatively large size, mean that the round goby will probably have an impact on native fish species. The smaller tubenose goby is not as abundant and widespread as the round goby and should not have as much of an impact.

Although it is too early to tell what impact the round goby will have in the Great Lakes, changes have already occurred in the St. Clair River. As round gobies have flourished, the abundance of the small, native, bottom-dwelling fish such as mottled sculpin and native logperch (a small relative of the yellow perch) has declined dramatically in the river. Similar changes are expected to occur where the round goby becomes abundant elsewhere. It is not clear what this will mean for larger fish species, but it could affect their feeding habits. Round gobies have also been observed feeding on the eggs and fry of sportfish and may impact on these populations. Although walleye and other predators are feeding on gobies, their populations have continued to expand despite this predation.

Prevention

Although anglers and boaters can help to prevent the spread of gobies to inland waterways, there are no known ways of eliminating gobies from a large open system such as the Great Lakes. Gobies, like many other exotic species are here to stay. Although some predators are feeding on gobies, it is unlikely that they will significantly reduce goby numbers. The proliferation of zebra mussels and quagga mussels in the Great Lakes provides an ample food supply for the round goby, and they will continue to expand their range in the Great Lakes. Early detection of isolated populations may help slow or restrict the spread of round gobies. You can do the following to prevent the spread:

* Learn to identify round gobies and if caught, kill them. Do not throw them back alive
* Do not use round gobies as baitfish
* Dispose of bait properly: Do not release bait into the water
* Always drain water from your boat, livewell, and bilge before leaving any water access
* Never dip your bait bucket into a lake or river if it contains water from another water source
* Never dump live fish from one body of water into another body of water

Yours In The Outdoors,

Justin

(click on images for full-size versions)

Happy to announce that I have been chosen to be on the eTackle.ca Pro Staff Advisory Team.

eTackle.ca is a family run online tackle store based out of Clarington, Ontario. Carrying the best and most popular tackle and accessories, eTackle.ca offers a premium buying experiece…all from the comfort of your keyboard. 

Shipping rates are extremely reasonable and when placing an order over $200…..Completely Free!

A committment to quality, service, and with a shipping guarantee, eTackle.ca should be your first stop when making that next fishing purchase.

I am looking forward to working with Phil and his company and will be available to answer any fishing questions directly through the site.

Click on Image to Go to Site

Yours in the Outdoors,

Justin

Reflection is good, but looking toward the new season with pen and paper should be a rite we all embrace. How about compiling a “bucket list” for 2012 – filled with your fishing goals, desires and untried wants – and make this year of angling your best, and most interesting yet. Here are a dozen ideas to get you started.

1. Embrace The Ice

Ice fishing is growing in leaps and bounds, with comfort, technology and unlimited know-how all at our fingertips. If you’re a fair-weather angler that shuns winter fishing, make this year your goal to take auger to ice. There’s never been a better time to embrace the lure of ice fishing, and the community spirit, bountiful fish and elongated line wetting will make you a convert in no time flat. Guaranteed.

2. Chase a Different Fish

Make it a goal this season to target a specie of fish you have never caught. It could be a crappie, sturgeon or even a muskie. Chasing the same few fish every year can become a bit repetitive, and most of us are guilty of it. Broadening your game fish horizons can be a tonne of fun and an exercise in knowledge, but most of all, an accomplishment. Here’s to catching my first laker and carp this coming season!

3. Learn to Fly

Fly fishing puts a completely new spin on angling, with an emphasis on graceful casts, reading water and entomology. But most importantly it is a hands-down fun way to fish. Beginner kits are economical and streams easy to access, making this sport a great one to tackle this year.

4. Share Your Passion

We all know why we love fishing so much, so lets share that passion with another. Make it your goal to introduce one new person to fishing this year. Whether it is a child, a parent or an elderly neighbour, passing on your knowledge and enthusiasm will help in getting a would-be angler hooked for life. The smile on their face will be thanks enough.

5. Take a Trip

Pack up your family, or your fishing mates, and head to one of the thousands of lodges that dot the North American wilderness. Choose a fly-in or a drive-to, but either way get ready for rejuvenation and relaxation, fantastic fishing and monumental memories.

6. Join a Club

Want to make new fishing friends, learn techniques and reap the abundant camaraderie? If the answer is yes, then a fishing club is right up your alley! Most towns have fishing clubs that are looking for new members, and the weekly or monthly meetings can be a treasure-trove of experience and fun.

7. Lend a Hand

We have all been witness to it – the garbage left behind by uncaring “anglers.” Not only does this trash pose an environmental concern, it is also unsightly and gives fishermen a bad name. Organize your own cleaning crew this season and spend the day beautifying our waterways. A few garbage bags and a couple of hours can have such a dramatic impact if we all pitch in.

8. Try a New Technique

Don’t know how to flip? Dropshot? Give yourself the opportunity to learn at least one new technique this year. Study, practice and succeed, and your time on the water will become more rewarding and productive.

9. Learn Your Electronics

Your electronics can offer you so much more than just the depth. Put in the time to increase your knowledge and understanding of your unit – and let it show you what it can really do. Believe me, the anglers that know the ins and outs of their electronics always catch more fish.

10. Hit a New Spot

An angler is a creature of habit, often trailering the boat to the same handful of lakes time and time again. Each year I make it a goal to fish three new bodies of water – this gives me added variety, allows me to figure out something new, and updates my ongoing list of lakes I know and have at my disposal. What will your three lakes be this season?

11. Share in a Shore Lunch

Fish are delicious. No doubt about that. But whom has yet to savour a mess of fish cooked over an open flame – out in amongst nature? Make it a goal to organize a shore lunch this year. With a little planning and a few items, this tasty treat on shore will become a favourite pastime. (Just make sure you catch the fish!)

12. Target a Trophy

Set a goal for yourself in terms of catching a trophy fish. It could be a 5lb largemouth, 10lb walleye or 50” muskie. Goals give us drive, and once you break your mark, simply set the goal higher.

Yours In The Outdoors,

Justin

Hello All,

For those that own an aluminum boat, and are looking to make some upgrades this season, make sure to check out my article in the latest issue of Ontario OUT OF DOORS magazine (Jan/Feb. 2012). It is on newsstands now.

I also produced a  companion video to further explain the work I did on my Springbok Pro 140.

Happy Boat Building!

Yours in the Outdoors,

Justin

Then, the snow started to fall.  Not tranquil flakes Norman Rockwell might depict, but the ferocious, mean-spirited kind that only the Grinch could conjure up to spoil a deserving child’s Christmas.

I was sitting on frozen Big Rideau Lake, near Ottawa Ontario, and beginning to hate ice fishing.  My good friend “Big” Jim McLaughlin was parked a mere 20 feet away, cozy and content in his one man portable hut, oblivious to the elements outside. To make matters worse, I could hear regular splashing sounds coming from his hut, as he tossed chunky crappie into a half-filled bucket of water.  I, on the other hand, had one frozen crappie laying at my frostbitten feet, a snowbank of white stuff steadily covering my lack of fishing success.

On that day I vowed never to hit the ice without a portable hut in tow.

The modern portable hut is the greatest invention to be bestowed on the ice-fishing fraternity since the power auger.  Gone are days of cold feet and hands, blowing and ice-covered line, and aborted outings due to unbearable weather.

Choosing a portable can be tough task for the newbie, but narrowing down the choices will lead you to the perfect home away from home.

Why Choose a Portable?

Modern portables are simple and practical.  Gear can be stored and loaded effortlessly, allowing easy transportation to and from the ice, all in a package that can be pulled by hand or snowmachine.  Windows, doors and seating structures offer most of the luxuries that a wooden hut would have, without having to remain in one spot.

Portables allow unparalleled mobility, with a quick “fold down and trudge on” mentality by the owners, which cannot be found with anglers in stationary varieties.  And with prices coming down and portables becoming more affordable, and with a wider variety available each passing season, it’s no wonder that more and more anglers are recognizing their benefits.

A Material Matter

Portable huts are manufactured from a wide range of materials, but mainly nylon, canvas, or poly-cotton.  For the most part, the type of material is less of an issue than its strength and thickness, as these separate the good from the mediocre in terms of performance.

Choose a hut with the thickest, toughest material you can afford.  A strong, tear resistant outer shell prolongs the life of a portable, while also keeping the warmth intact.

Making sure the material is breathable also goes a long way towards ultimate comfort by cutting down on condensation buildup.  A water-resistant material is also the way to go for obvious reasons, as is making sure it is fire retardant.

Try to buy a dark material that will absorb the sun’s warmth, cutting down on heating costs.

Sizing Up the Competition

For solitary anglers, a one-man hut is sufficient.  They’re small and light, easy to transport, and heat up and hold warmth well.  Many companies offer a variety of sizes in one-man huts, so check around to see which one suits your needs, budget, and body size.

If you carry a lot of gear or prefer more room to stretch out, a two-man portable would be better.  It also gives you the option of offering a chair to a fishing buddy that might want to tag along.  Moving up a size increases purchase cost, but the extra space is worth the investment.

When dealing with extended families or numerous angling comrades, look at four- or six-man cabins or systems that can be used to connect two smaller huts.

With added size comes weight, though, and pulling a king-of-the-hill hut requires a snow machine – and, you’ll likely need a truck, trailer or roof racks to transport it to the ice.

Setting It Up

There are two main types of huts on the market – fold-over and tent style.  A fold-over simply pulls over the top of you in one fluid motion.  They’re slick and the fastest style available.

Folding tent styles are usually box shaped and incorporate aluminum or alloy poles that are hinged or snapped together to form the inner frame.  They take longer to put up, but are still great buys, as long as the process isn’t overly complicated or time-consuming.

Test a few styles at the shop and pick the one you feel most comfortable with.  Just remember, it will become your second home for a few months each year, so choose wisely.

Take a Seat

Portable-hut seating options include providing your own or relaxing in a built-in version.  Most flip-style huts have a self-contained seat, while tent varieties are more prone to be without one.  Built-in seats should be strong, durable, and, most of all, comfortable.  A padded topside comes in handy during long hours on the ice.  Many styles offer built-in tackle trays and cups and rod holders – other useful additions.

The drawback to using your own chair is having to lug it out on the ice.  It can be strapped down to the hut when towing, but this is less convenient than having a built-in one.  That being said, bringing your own chair gives the freedom to place it in any position you desire, something that’s not always possible with the built-in variety.

Peering Out

Windows are pretty much standard in today’s portable huts.  Without them, watching tip-ups, checking on the weather, and seeing what’s happening around you would be all but impossible.  The larger the windows, the better.  For shallow water sight fishing, however, you will want the option of darkening the hut to let you see better in the water below.   So, make sure windows have covers.

Many first-time hut buyers overlook that windows should be positioned at the appropriate height for them.  Depending on your posture in the seat and on your body height, windows can be either too low or too high for viewing purposes.  Try a potential hut with the chair you intend to use it with.  If you’re not seeing eye to eye with the windows, then the model isn’t right for you.

Heating Up the Inside

In order to keep warm in your hut, a portable propane heater is a necessity.  There are several styles, with the new breed of catalytic heaters being the safest on the market, offering flame-free heat and approval for inside use.  Run off small propane canisters, they can keep you toasty warm when the temperatures outside is frigid.  For most portables, 3,000 BTUs is the bare minimum needed.  Look for heaters offering up to 9,000 BTUs for larger portables.  I’ve used a Mr. Heater “Portable Buddy” for many years now, and find that the option to switch from 4,000 to 9,000 BTUs is optimum for both my one and two-man hut.

A Towing We Will Go

To haul your portable across the ice, the two main options are to use brute strength or pull it behind a snow machine.  In either case, a built-in sled on the bottom of your hut is needed.

Most portables on the market fold down into compact sleds molded out of polyethylene.  The sled can hold all essentials needed for a day on the ice – including bait buckets, rods, auger, and sonar – and allows for easy transport over snow and ice.  Make sure the sled you have is strong and durable to take any punishment you may give it.

Hand-tow ropes should be thick and with enough length so that the sled isn’t nipping at your heels.  Make sure ropes are easy on the hands, as you’ll be spending a significant amount of time pulling the hut to and fro.

Bottom runners should be large, with smooth edges, allowing for easy towing.  A sled with a tapered front rides over snow more easily, something your muscles or snow machine will thank you for.

Good luck on buying a portable hut that’s perfect for your needs.  Getting set up with one can lead you on new and exciting adventures.  Not only will your success rate increase, but also your comfort level.  Enjoy the thrill of owning a home away from home – and make your own “Rideau” story a tale from the past too.

Options and Accessories

Ice Anchors

Great for securing your hut to the ice when faced with windy conditions.

Reflective Tape

Built into the hut, these strips can add a margin of safety during the night when snowmobiles are whizzing by.

Runners

Additional runners or wear strips can extend the life of your sled and help keep it on track during towing runs.

Storage Pockets

Ideal for storing mitts, tackle, or anything else that comes to mind.

Travel Cover

This is essential for pull-over huts, but is usually an option.  Go for one.  It will keep snow, rain, slush, and mud out of the hut when being towed.

Small Shovel

An inexpensive, lightweight plastic kid’s shovel fits easily inside a folded portable hut and is handy for leveling snow when setting up a hut or for banking snow around it to keep out the cold air.

Yours In The Outdoors,

Justin

(click on images for full-size versions)

It isn’t very often that a fishing book gets published, and in turn, makes industry folk sit up and take notice. My good buddy, fishing partner, and fellow Ontario OUT OF DOORS magazine writer did just that.

“Ice Fishing – The Ultimate Guide” is the award-winning, debut book written by Tim Allard. For those that love ice fishing – or are looking to get their feet wet in the sport – this is the real deal. Hands down.

Covering everything imaginable in the world of ice fishing, Tim’s precise and illustrative prose provide invaluable direction in such topics as species, location, equipment, safety, and fishing fundamentals. The high-quality images are more than worth the price alone.

“Ice Fishing – The Ultimate Guide” was the recipient of a First Place finish in the Book Category at the 2011 Outdoor Writers of Canada Annual Communications Award and also received a Second Place award in the Book Category at the 2011 Outdoor Writers Association of America Excellence in Craft Contest.

“Whether you are an ice fishing novice or pro there is something in this book for you. Tim did an excellent job depicting the many aspects of one of Canada’s favourite pastimes!” says Bob Izumi, host of The Real Fishing Show.

“Tim’s an expert at catching anything that swims. This guide also features the input of more than 20 veteran ice anglers. Loaded with information, photos, and illustrations on tackle, tactics, fishing locations, along with safety tips and modern clothing options to keep you warm, it’s a must-have for beginners and old pros.” John Kerr, Editor-in-Chief Ontario OUT OF DOORS Magazine – Published Fall 2010

“Ice Fishing – The Ultimate Guide is a great book for anglers of all skill levels. The content is easy to understand and will teach you things you never knew to catch more fish on the ice. The photos? This book has the finest array of photos – to deliver the fun of ice fishing and teach anglers - that I have ever seen. This book will not disappoint!” Jeff Gustafson, professional angler and ice fishing guide.

Look for “Ice Fishing – The Ultimate Guide” in major book retailers, tackle outlets, or order online here:

Ice Fishing – The Ultimate Guide by Tim Allard

Good Fishing,

Justin