Welcome to Week CLXX of ‘Fishing Parkland Shorelines’. Like most of us I am a novice fisherman, loving to fish, but far from an expert. In the following weeks I’ll attempt to give those anglers who love to fish but just don’t have access to a boat, a look at some of the options in the Yorkton area where you can fish from shore, and hopefully catch some fish.
When the temperature climbs to 30C -plus in August, a slow time for fish anyway, and you are fighting a bug, and have extra work on your plate, getting away to fish gets shelved as an activity pretty quickly.
But it’s still possible to stay involved with fishing, which is a good thing when you happen to have a weekly space to fill in the local newspaper.
In my case I have found a recent interest in podcasts. For those unfamiliar with podcasts a wikipedia definition is; “a digital audio file made available on the Internet for downloading to a computer or portable media player, typically available as a series, new instalments of which can be received by subscribers automatically.” I’d make that a bit simpler in explaining them as being essentially radio-style shows you can listen to via computer online, or you can download to listen to later.
My initial introduction to podcasts came not that long ago actually, finding two great ‘pulp-influenced’ shows at www.decoderringtheatre.com
‘The Red Panda’ is a hero in the tradition of ‘The Shadow’. The shows are set in Toronto starting in the years leading up to the Second World War.
The other offering, ‘Black Jack Justice’ is a great pulp detective show.
Both shows have been produced for more than a decade, so I am still catching up, and loving both.
Yes that was me digressing again, but if you give the shows a try they might be on your mp3 player the next time you go fishing.
Having found that podcasts are great because you listen at your convenience, finding ones which fill just about any niche interest you might have, finding some offerings on fishing was a natural.
In the past I have covered several fishing blogs, and they are a great resource, especially in winter when you have long evenings you can fill reading.
Podcasts are just another way of sharing information, and have the advantage of being easily downloaded so like audiobooks, can be listened to as you drive, jog (not me personally ever), disc golf (much more likely for me), garden, or fish. I’ll add here you can find informative podcasts on cars, running, disc golf and gardening too.
My first stop was ‘The Outdoor Journal’, which is actually a radio show on SN590 The Fan, but is also available as a podcast by following the links at www.odjradio.com
The show is Ontario-centric given that is its base audience, but 590 The Fan has a reputation for ’stylistic’ shows including ‘Prime Time Sports’ with its host Bob McCowen.
‘The Outdoor Journal’ is a good listen with Angelo Viola as its host.
From their website Viola has a pretty extensive resume to draw upon as host. He is one of Canada’s most recognized and respected outdoor enthusiasts. Having spent most of his life in pursuit of the ultimate outdoor and fishing adventure, it is only natural that his love of nature landed him the “best job in the world” as co-host of The Fish’n Canada Show, as well as The Outdoor Journal Radio Show. Today these programs air in 12 countries in six different languages. In North America the television shows air in over 200 markets weekly and according to Angelo “The best is yet to come!” His career as a broadcaster has blossomed to include several other non-outdoor related worldwide broadcast productions such as “The Last Cull”, fishing’s first ever reality television series. Angelo is always making his presence felt in the outdoor industry and is known as one of the leading designers of new and innovative fishing tackle and outdoor gear. His knowledge of what works and what doesn’t makes him one of the industry’s most sought after product endorser, and has had several very successful product campaigns affiliated with his name. His natural on air delivery has endeared him to audiences worldwide.”
Of course a lot of online resources on fishing in Canada focus on Ontario, population being what it is, that includes www.canadianriverangler.ca That said it is a rather interesting resource site to look through, and there are a few podcasts to listen to as well.
You can of course enjoy the journey of discovering your own favourite fishing podcasts by delving into what are essentially podcast hubs, ‘Net sites with dozens of podcasts available.
One such spot is http://app.stitcher.com, where you can find shows such as ‘Fish Talk Radio’ with John Henigin. While not specific to Canada, it is a good listen expanding the dreams we all have of fishing places not familiar and far from home.
The Stitcher site is excellent in that it provides a large variety of podcasts, so the fisherman who is also a hunter will find shows of interests, as will geocachers, hikers, comedy fans, and well most people are likely to find something they will enjoy on a site like this one.
So my suggestion is to give one of the podcasts mentioned here a listen, and then by all means, spend an evening doing some web surfing and you will no doubt find yourself a few podcasts to help build your knowledge of fishing, or just providing something to listen to the next time you hit the water with a rod in-hand.
And speaking of fishing the province has announced a second free fishing weekend this summer for Aug. 29 and 30.
“Due to the extreme wildfire conditions earlier this summer, we are offering a second free fishing weekend,” said Environment Minister Herb Cox in a release. “Whether you’re a novice or an experienced angler, everyone deserves the opportunity to experience fishing at one of the beautiful lakes in our province.”
Although licences are not required during free fishing weekend for Saskatchewan residents or visitors, all other fishing regulations remain in effect, including possession limits.
Free fishing weekend does not apply in national parks and anyone planning to take fish out of the province must purchase a licence. Residents are also reminded to be respectful of any fire bans that may be in effect over the free fishing weekend.
For more information about fishing in Saskatchewan, including comprehensive information about types of fish found in the province, as well as specific catch limits, see the 2015 Anglers’ Guide, available at ministry offices or online at www.saskatchewan.ca/fishing
