A QUIET DAY ON THE RIVER [With 120 Friends]
The Quebec 2009 Atlantic Salmon Mentorat
[A series – Part 1 of 3]
In Eastern Canada, Atlantic salmon fishing has always been shrouded by a mystique or something. I suppose it hails from the history old the old private fishing clubs. Maybe it comes from certain angler’s who put themselves on a pedestal. Whatever the reason, it just seems darn difficult to get newcomers to try fly fishing for Atlantics.
Many very experienced anglers seem intimidated by the prospect of salmon fishing. Image the new comer to the sport?
A few years ago, an angler here in Quebec set about changing all that. He invited a dozen newcomers for a couple days on the river. Some Instructors and local Guides donated their time and a fine weekend was had by all.
This past Labour Day weekend, the Third Annual Quebec Atlantic Salmon Mentorat was held in the Saguenay region of Quebec. A couple dozen participants were in the Mentorat group, that is to so, they had less than 10 days of salmon fishing under their belt. Another group was in the Discovery class; reserved for anglers with some experience and just wanting to explore some new waters. The Pointe au Mire youth center also sent along 10 or so youngsters and 5 mentors. In all, over 120 people were on the rivers, including a couple dozen Guides and as many instructors.
Two anglers were paired up with one Guide or Instructor per day.
Jacques explaining some of the finer points of presenting the fly
New this year, many of the gear manufacturers sent reps along. Quite a feat
to have the Pro-staff come out to meet with a mere 100 people. (versus a weekend
show or such).
Pascal M. showing some tricks to Pascal P.
Two days of fishing and a third day of demos and equipment trials. The activity
this year was perceived as a fine success by all.
Pascal P. – Chasing bruisers on the #23 pool
Low water conditions made for difficult salmon – That didn’t stop Gilles from
connecting to a first ever salmon on his second day of salmon fishing.
As with any day of the river, lunch and fishing stories were on the menu –
Pascal Moreau, Romain Tremblay, Boris Tremblay and Pascal Perreault
The next Generation of Salmo salar enthusiasts!!!
This year, the Quebec Atlantic Salmon Federation (FQSA)
has joined in. To get more information about next year’s activity you can
connect to their web site. To know more about the 4 salmon rivers in the Saguenay
region, you can look up the Salmon Quebec web
site.
The spirit of the whole weekend in one click – Dave Bishop and Boris Tremblay
Next week: the Anglers
Chris Chin
Proulxville Quebec
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