It was winter, 1969. I was 10 years old and out with my dad and a half dozen of his friends, ice fishing at Chin Lake, Alta. The only other kid in the crowd was Peter Zubersky, a year or two older than me. Miffed to be out with a girl, Peter was quite convinced that he'd be able to teach me a thing or two about the manly sport of fishing.
I took to ice fishing immediately. At one point, Peter complained enough about my "good luck" and his jinxed fishing spot that my dad convinced me to swap holes with Peter. By the end of the day, it was Girl: 11, Pete: 0.
We've come a long way, baby. According to Beth Mairs, director of Wild Women Expeditions, women are taking to the sport like...well, like a fish takes to water. Women-only travel is mostly a North American phenomenon, says Mairs, and the number of women pursuing fishing vacations is on the rise.
Canada is probably best known for salmon fishing, but with an abundance of freshwater lakes and streams, and the three-way border of oceans around us, great fishing experiences are a snap to find.
Below, find a few fishing hotspots to get you in the mood.
1. Newfoundland/Southwest Pond
Located along the northern tip of Newfoundland is Tuckamore Lodge. Renowned for its Atlantic salmon from Southwest Pond, it's not unusual to hook a four-pound salmon here, and fisherfolk frequently find brook trout and Arctic char dangling from their line.
TIP: Ask about the Outdoor Woman package -- geared to women who want to learn outdoor skills.
For Newfoundland's fishing guidelines, visit:
www.labrador-fishing.coml
2. Quebec/Outoaouis Region
The Outoaouis Region of Quebec boasts 20,000 lakes with an ample supple of pike, walleye and bass. There are many fishing hot spots to choose from, but let's focus on a spectacular one!
Halfway between Ottawa and Montreal, the Fairmont Kenauk at Le Chateau Montebello sits on a 100 square mile, 65,000 acre protected wilderness area. One of North America's oldest and largest private fish reserves, the property includes more than 70 lakes. The preservation of these resources is protected by Fairmont Kenauk at Le Chateau Montello's own biologists and naturalists -- who are available to guests of the property.
TIP: Successful fishing day? The chef at the Fairmont Le Chateau will prepare your catch for you.
For Quebec guides to fishing regulations, visit:
www.fapaq.gouv.qc.ca/
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