We ventured to Kananaskis Country last week for a family outing. This was one of our first hiking/fishing trips with the kids ages 8 and 5. They’re both keen fishers and have floated the Bow numerous times but had never had to carry rods through the bush.

One tip we shared with the oldest - from a lesson we learned the hard way years ago - always keep your rod strung up when walking through the bush. That way the leader will keep your tip section with you if your rod sections happen to separate.

I don’t consider myself much of a techie but am learning to appreciate how worthwhile handheld technology can be. Two good apps I’ve uploaded to my Iphone are “Animated Fishing Knots” (John Sherry - $0.99) and AB Fishing (Orbital Marketing - free.)

The Animated fishing knots application features a selection of knots for line to line connections, loop connections, and terminal connections. Aside from some basic information each knot is demonstrated via an animated video. Great resource for anyone whether you’re just getting started, want to improve the knots you currently use, or want to add an improved clinch to your knot tying prowess.

AB Fishing is essentially a hand held copy of the Alberta Sportfishing Regulations. Orbital Marketing also offers AB Hunting, BC Fishing, and BC Hunting.

Other apps we’ve used include:

• Ayetides - a great resource for saltwater anglers - by Hahn Software ($9.99.)
• WeatherEye - the Weather Network for local forecasts.

Watch here for future app suggestions.  

1. Duct tape - It fixes so many things and I have never been on a trip where I didn’t use it for something.

2. Crazy Glue - From repairing broken tip tops to making repairs on crushed sunglasses. It is a must

3. UV Knot Sense - This UV cure epoxy can be used in many ways; fly repairs, fly tying, rod repairs. It works in a lot of situations. I once used it to make a weedguard with some shock tippet and 10lb maxima while out on the ocean.

4. Wet Ones - They make single packaged wet ones towels that are great for cleaning up your hands after cleaning fish, or if you forgot your toilet paper

5. Hedz or Hads or Buffs - (the facemasks that have been all over the magazines the last few years that provide protection against the sun.) I recently lost my luggage on my way to a fishing destination.  These were at the top of the list for what I missed most from the lost bag.

6. Leatherman Tool -  You never know when you will need one of these fantastic tools.  I use mine every trip for something.

7. Pepto Bismol - Nothing needs to be said

8. Permanent Markers - Great for barring flies, marking your gear so it is not confused with others, marking luggage.  The list goes on. They are great to have with you.

9. Line Cleaner - A lot of times we spend a lot of money to go on trips. This is one inexpensive way to help get you the last couple feet to a fish or clean a line that was covered in sand, dirt or gas in the bottom of a boat.

10. Mole Skin.  This is a product that can be used to prevent blisters or used after the fact to keep them from getting worse.  Anytime you may be walking alot this is always a good idea to have.

These are just a few of the things that I wanted to share with you that are sometimes overlooked but come in very handy

Ok so it’s not news…. Alberta’s been barbless for years. This suggestion focuses on the process of de-barbing or pinching the barbs on your flies.

Lots of folks will sit down and de-barb their flies en masse while watching a favorite TV show or NHL playoff game. This is great for the flies you have now but could mean you miss new additions to your fly box. Remember to always check your flies before you cast them in the water and be sure to carry a set of hemostats or pliers with a flat section (no checkerboard edges) with you so you can de-barb the newer additions to the box.  

When de-barbing run your hemostat/plier parallel to the hook shank - don’t pinch across the hook/barb or you’ll weaken the hook.

For those of you who tie your own flies…. You may want to check out Dohiku hooks which is a newer product line available at the store. These are barbless competition lighter wire hooks. Save yourself the step of debarbing.

Before mixing your epoxy finishes, fil a small container with hot tap water. Let bottles of epoxy stand in water for 10 minutes. This helps to get the viscosity’s nearly the same consistency.

 Before drawing the finish into the syringe - insert syringe, pull plunger, pick up small amount of epoxy, lift. Eject small amount back into the bottle. Reinsert & fill to amount needed. This gets rid of the little bit of air in the syringe.

Mix epoxy thoroughly then pour out onto aluminum foil. This will give you a slightly longer working time.  

It’s time to check those rods and reels….

Check your rod tips for wear as they’re always the first area to show signs of wear or grooving. If worn check the rest of the running guides. Use a Q-tip. Run it along the inside of the guides. If the guides are worn they’ll pick up fibers from the Q-tip.

Check your reel seats to ensure nothing is loose and the screws are turning smoothly.

Clean cork handles using a 50/50 solution of bleach & water. Scrub with a used toothbrush. Rinse & let dry. They come out looking and feeling like new again.

Check those reels. Your drags should be left in the off position when not in use. If necessary clean and lube your reels. Check to ensure all the screws are tight.

Fly lines should be cleaned and checked for roughness and wear. If necessary replace lines. Always replace leaders if they are mono. Check your fluorocarbon leaders for nicks and scrapes, but remember that fluoro won’t degrade like mono does.

Double check your knots and backing.

I can’t count the numerous times I’ve seen a trophy fish lost early in the season because of equipment failure.

All the best and tight lines in the new season.

Wayne…

With the warmer temperatures we’ve been having, fish will begin to move from their winter holdouts to various types of water seeking a meal or two.  Don’t be afraid to try various different depths of water, pace of water, inluding shorelines and seams!  As seen in our river reports, fish are being taken from all types of water, including seams, fast water and slack water, both deep and mid-depth.

At the end of a fishing excursion tuck the end of your leader through a hole on your reel. That way the next time you head out fishing you won’t have to search for the end of the line - it’s right there and easy to access.

If you have a rod that’s hard to take apart at the end of the day this tip may come in handy. Prior to assembling your rod rub the ferrule against your nose. The oil will lubricate the ferrule and make it easier to take apart at the end of your outing.

This is a simple loop knot that I use for attaching most flies. I started using it to attach crab flies but after mastering it I can tie it as quickly as other knots. Now I use this knot because it allows the flies to move more freely on the tippet. (What’s wrong with a little more movement…)