Expert: Dan Galusha - 1/9/2005

Question
Hi I'm Cristiano and I'm 13 years old.  I'm doing a science fair project on bass fishing in Ontario.  I really enjoy fishing and would like to teach others about fishing.  I would appreciate your help by answering some questions.  I would like to thank you in advance for your help.


1.   What is your favourite fishing spot for bass in Ontario?

2.   What type of bass do you prefer to fish for?

3.   What is your favourite type of lure for catching bass?

4.   What is your favourite lure brand in general and for bass fishing?

5.   What type of  fishing rod do you prefer to use for bass fishing?

6.   Do you have a favourite brand for fishing rods?

7.   Should we eat the bass that can be caught in Ontario? Explain.

8.   Do you have a favourite fish recipe?

9.   Are you concerned about the impact of environmental changes on fish and fishing?

10.   What advice would you give to kids that want to learn how to fish, and beginners in general?

11.   How do you think fishing affects wildlife and the environment? Good / Bad / Does not affect; Explain.

12.   What information would you like to share that you believe would be important  in a project about fishing and specifically about bass fishing in Ontario.  

Answer
Dear Cristiano,
I don't know if this question got crossed up, or what, but there was an answer sent a couple of days ago.  However, I'll paste a copy of what was sent at that time.


  First, thank you for contacting me.  You have a very interesting project.  I had a science fair project when I was your age, which was about protozoa.
  I have answered your questions below, but would also suggest that you visit the Bassin' USA web site at www.bassinusa.com, and place these questions to the pro staff, of which I am a member.  They are bass fishing pros from all across the United States.  Some of the pros in the New York area may be able to answer your questions on Ontario.  As you can see, mine were more of the general bass fishing answer.
  The answer I gave on my favorite bass was for the black bass species.  I also like fishing for white bass, which some people do not realize is the true bass.  Black bass are actually members of the sunfish family.
  The answers to your questions follow:

1.        What is your favorite fishing spot for bass in Ontario?
           On this I do not have an answer, as I do not fish that area.

2.        What type of bass do you prefer to fish for?
           Largemouth, but I also like smallmouth and Kentucky spotted

3.        What is your favorite type of lure for catching bass?
           A Texas rigged 3 or 4-inch tube.

4.        What is your favorite lure brand in general and for bass fishing?
Gene Larew Lures, for soft plastics; Stanley Jigs for spinnerbaits; Norman Lures for crankbaits

5.        What type of fishing rod do you prefer to use for bass fishing?
           6' 6” graphite trigger casting rod, with a Garcia C4 reel

6.        Do you have a favorite brand for fishing rods?
           Berkley Pro Series Lightning Rod

7.        Should we eat the bass that can be caught in Ontario? Explain.
I'm not sure about eating on a safety basis.  However, I am a catch-and-release          bass angler.

8.        Do you have a favorite fish recipe?
  I like grilled trout, with an Italian salad dressing marinade.

9.        Are you concerned about the impact of environmental changes on fish and
fishing?
Yes, especially the introduction of aquatic animals and vegetation that are not normal for certain bodies of water.  Another concern is acid rain, and chemical pollution.

10.        What advice would you give to kids that want to learn how to fish, and
beginners in general?
Read magazine articles and books, explore web sites and watch TV shows and videos pertaining to the sport.  However, the best thing is experience, and for that as much fishing as possible is necessary.  Find someone who is experienced to take the beginner fishing.  Also, keep it simple, and not get carried away with too much, and too complicated of tackle.  The best areas to learn are smaller, well stocked lakes, such as farm ponds and lakes.

11.        How do you think fishing affects wildlife and the environment? Good /
Bad / Does not affect; Explain.
Fishing will not harm any of this if it is well managed, and people adhere to the rules and regulations.

12.        What information would you like to share that you believe would be
important in a project about fishing and specifically about bass fishing
in Ontario.
I can't help you on Ontario, but it would be important to explore the benefits of size limits, and catch-and-release fishing.

  I hope all of this has helped in someway.  If there are any further questions please feel free to contact me.

Best of fishing,
Dan