Dec 25
To all my friends and followers of the Bow River Blog and the Robertson Tackle Lure Co, we wish you all a blessed and Merry Christmas this year.
Huge thank you for all your support and we appreciate you very much.
May you all have a wonderful festive season
~Mike
Nov 19
This is Tanner. He was minding his own business when I happened to pass him on the Bow River. He was chucking spoons and was not getting much trout action!
I asked him if he ever fished with crank-baits before?? He said “no not really”. I asked him if he wanted to use some of my lures to try, which he happily replied “sure sounds amazing”.
I gladly gave him a Dreamsicle to try first. He was like “you sure man, really”. I’m VERY sure and I took the time to explain the techniques of the retrieve and even tied his hook up for him, showing him my favorite knot!
Was not long after he sent that lure down into the river he struck gold. Shortly after his gear failed on a cast and the lure was sent sailing across the river with no line attached
Help yourself to more and he gladly tied up another Dreamsicle !! He then insisted he give me 15.00 for the lure, and ran to his truck to get the cashola while I stayed in the spot we had !!
Super wicked young man and was an honor and pleasure to help him out.
I never wanted any money for the lures, I just wanted him to catch some fish. “Helping others is the highlight of our lives”
There is NEVER a fee for being kind
~Mike
Oct 31
Its been many moons since I caught my first fish, so far back in fact that that I hardly remember how old I was. I don’t remember how old I was, but I will never forget the feeling of that first fish. The tug on the line, the adrenaline rush, the smile that never left my face for days.
With nice weather this past weekend, I was able to take my girlfriend out to the banks of the Bow River. She has never fished and has never casted into the rushing waters of the Bow. We had breakfast Saturday morning and bundled up for a quick few hours shore fishing, inner city. As we arrived there were a few anglers fishing, so we gave them enough distance and proceeded to tie up a Green Ghost from Robertson Tackle. For those of you that don’t know, I started my own lure business two years ago. You can see my lure website here www.robertsontackle.com
Charlene picked out which lure she wanted to use at the house, and I gladly tied it up for her, showing her how to tie an improved clinch knot. After I tied up the hook, I showed her how to make casts, as this was the first time she has ever fished. She made some amazing casts and is a quick learner. After several casts, I decided we needed to cover more water and made the casts for her, and she reeled the lure in. As they say, teamwork makes the dream work!
Charlene is a “Natural” and was reeling the lure in at the perfect speed, putting the right action on the lure. Those are some things you just can’t teach. We moved up and down the bank hunting the fish. After only ten minutes or so, she hooked into her very first fish, a majestic Brown Trout. After a little guidance, keeping her rod tip up and having steady pressure on the fish, I reached down and scooped her amazing brown into the net. It was a very special moment and after taking the fish off the hook, and a few quick pictures, we shared a special hug in celebration. It was a very special moment I will never forget. Pure happiness and bliss filled both our hearts. After making several more casts, and changing lures a few times, Charlene got another amazing Rainbow Trout on the 3.5inch Pink Panther crankbait. Another blissful moment that was cause for a celebration!
The wind kicked up and there were no more bites to be had. Charlene and I decided to pack up and go. We walked off the bank with smiles on our faces and very grateful hearts. It was our first fishing adventure together and I look very forward to many, many more adventures with her soon!
It was a day I will never forget!
~Mike
Sep 17
Night fishing for brown trout on the Bow River can be an exciting and rewarding experience, but it also requires careful planning and attention to safety. Here are some tips to help you have a successful night fishing trip for brown trout on the Bow River:
Check Regulations: Before you head out, make sure to familiarize yourself with the fishing regulations for the Bow River. This includes information about fishing seasons, catch limits, and any special rules for night fishing.
Safety First: Night fishing can be more hazardous due to reduced visibility. Make sure you have proper lighting, wear appropriate clothing, and consider wearing a life jacket if you’re fishing from a boat or fishing the banks.
Equipment and Tackle: Use appropriate fishing gear for brown trout. Normally the bigger the lure (Bait), the bigger the browns. I like large lures that rattle loud. Colorful lures can also be effective while night fishing. Use a high-quality monofilament or braided line with a test strength suitable for the size of brown trout in the river.
Location: Research the best spots for brown trout on the Bow River. Look for deeper pools, undercut banks, and slower-moving sections of water where brown trout might be hiding during the night.
Moon Phase: Fishing during a full moon can provide more natural light, making it easier to see and navigate. However, during a new moon, the darkness might encourage larger trout to venture out for feeding.
Lighting: Bring a reliable and waterproof flashlight or headlamp with you. It will help you navigate the riverbank, tie knots, and see where you’re casting. Avoid shining the light directly into the water, as it can spook the fish.
Quiet Approach: Brown trout have excellent night vision and can be easily spooked by noise and sudden movements. Approach the water quietly and avoid making unnecessary disturbances.
Presentation: Brown trout are more likely to be close to the banks at night, looking for easy meals. Cast upstream and let your fly drift naturally downstream. Use a slow retrieve to imitate the movement of prey.
Patience: Night fishing requires patience. Since you have reduced visibility, it might take some time to locate the fish and get your presentation right. Be persistent and stay focused.
Land Fish Quickly: When you hook a brown trout, try to bring it in quickly to minimize stress on the fish. Using a net with a rubberized coating can also help protect their delicate scales.
Release Carefully: If you’re practicing catch-and-release, handle the fish gently, keep it in the water as much as possible, and support its body properly until it swims away on its own.
Buddy System: Fishing at night can be safer and more enjoyable with a fishing buddy. Having someone else there can also be helpful in case of any emergencies.
Remember, the Bow River’s conditions can change, and it’s essential to adapt to the specific conditions on the night of your fishing trip. Always prioritize safety and respect the environment while enjoying your fishing adventure.
Most of all, have fun !!
~Mike