If Ontario is indeed the Carp fishing capital of the world, then why can’t the province compete on a world stage level?
Well, the answer is a bit complicated, and on this Fish’n Canada episode, we try to explain.
Enter the World Carp Classic, probably the richest fresh water fishing tournament in the entire universe. This event draws competitors from all over the globe and gives them a chance at great prizes, as well as a shot at the $1,000,000 plus first prize payout. Now THAT’S a fishing tournament!
With such a great name in the world of fishing, we should definitely get that baby over to Canada, right? In addition, with Ontario having a huge population of gigantic Common Carp (as well as a nice batch of Mirrors) it’s a no-brainer, right?
Well get this people, the only thing holding back the World Carp Classic from venturing to this part of the world is what we call “the 1 rod rule” in our fishing regulations. In Ontario, shore anglers can legally only use 1 fishing rod at a time. Everywhere else globally, two or more rods are allowed. With the Carp Classic wanting to take full advantage of huge weights, to obviously generate great viewing numbers, they will not run the event with 1 rod per angler. Now here is the kicker, the Ontario fishing regulations actually allow 2 rods per angler… as long as they are on the Great Lakes, and in a boat off shore.
Wake up MNRF, this is revenue just waiting to happen!
Classic Canadian Carp
So, if the Classic will not come to Canada, does that mean we can’t go there… no matter where it is?
The answer is no according to Len Perdic, who in our opinion is Canada’s #1 Carp angler.
Len has taken on a huge project in organizing and starting Canada’s inaugural and hopefully annual Canadian Carp Championship. This event is essentially a qualifier for the world championships. That’s right, we can’t host the tournament, however we can send participants; the next best thing.
The venue for the Canadian Classic was the St. Lawrence River in the Long Sioux / Upper Canada area, “THE” perfect water to hold such an event. Reason being, the Carp population there is incredible, and second, there is fantastic shore access to this great number of fish.
The Canadian Carp Classic lasted 53 hrs with 13 two-man teams competing. After many sleepless periods, Andrew Walker & Jarryd Monahan ended up with a landslide win, catching 105 carp for 1877lbs… can you believe that?
With that win, the Sainte-Marthe-sur-le-Lac duo have earned a berth in the World Carp Classic.
How does this young team feel they will fair out in the Classic?
“We have an idea as to what lake it will be on” says Andrew (location was kept secret at time of this writing) “It’s a massive lake that fishes very differently than the rivers we fish here. We have potential to do well. But no matter how we end up finishing, it will be the experience and expertise we gain after all is over that will ultimately put us in a winning situation”.
Best of luck to our optimistic Canadian entry.
In closing, we hope that this episode will open the eyes to Canadians, as well as the world, as to just how positive and economically valuable a fish like the Carp can be to a nation.
Ontario Carp, they are classic!
Sleeping in the trees
We must mention here, one of the most unique facilities we have ever stayed at during a shoot. It’s called the Robins Roost Treehouse… yes that’s right; we had a treehouse for accommodations. However, this is not any ordinary treehouse. As you can see by the pictures, this is nicer than most cottages. It is brand new, modern, very functional, and above all, spotless clean! Check out the following link for more details:
The Upper Canada Migratory Bird Sanctuary Campground – Robins Roost Treehouse
And if the treehouse happens to be booked, their beautiful cabins are a great second choice!
OTMP go fish ONTARIO
Did you know?
HOTSPOT brought to you by GARMIN
GETTIN’ THERE with RAM TRUCKS
To get to today’s Fish’n Canada destination, we first drove east on Hwy 401 and then exited south on Upper Canada Road. We next turned east on Hwy 2 and then south on Aultsville road. We stayed left on Morrisons road, and finally reached our destination: Robin’s Roost Treehouse in The Upper Canada Migratory Bird Sanctuary campground.
SPECIAL THANKS
- Go Fish Ontario
- St. Lawrence Parks Commission
- Tamara van Dyk, Environmental Programmer – Parks of the St. Lawrence
- Len Perdic – Carp Fishing Expert, World Carp Classic Qualifying Organizer – lenperdic@gmail.com
- Andrew Walker – Cast & Conquer
- World Carp Classic Tournament
- Berkley B1 Tournament
- Shimano Canada Carp Cup footage provided by: Robert Goldie: Wildbunnyhair Studios, The Angler Files