Attention Anglers...

I would like to welcome you to the first "Master Angler" e-newsletter of 2009. I am Steven Wintemute, owner of Hooked Media and publisher of Hooked magazine. It is an honour to be the fishing ambassador for Travel Manitoba. "The Master Angler" is your up-to-the-minute report on great fishing getaways in Manitoba, tournament news, special deals from fishing suppliers, the chase for Manitoba trophies, tips from the pros, real stories and so much more.

QUESTIONS OR COMMENTS? EMAIL STEVE WINTEMUTE

Did You Know?

The Master Angler Program

Did you know that the Manitoba Master Angler Awards Program is the oldest Master Angler program in North America, 49 years and going strong. Last year, almost 10,000 trophy fish from 30 qualifying species were caught and recorded - and almost 90% of those were released!

Did you also know that Travel Manitoba has created a new level of distinction to accompany our Silver Award "Expert" level, Gold Award "Grand Master" level and Platinum Award "Elite Angler" level: The Diamond "Ultimate" Angler Award.

Master Anglers can now achieve "Diamond" Ultimate Angler status by catching 20 different species of qualifying, trophy fish in Manitoba.

Unreal Ice Fishing

Recreational ice fishing has never been more popular than right now... just a short twenty minute drive north of Winnipeg! In Manitoba, Canada, there lies a "massive" fishery that for previous generations was only a dream to explore. That fishery is none other than "Lake Winnipeg", the tenth largest freshwater lake on the planet and "THE world class" ice fishing haven!

The reason for this 'extreme' walleye fishing... an easily accessible lake on which delicate conservation techniques have been applied -techniques such as barbless hooks, catch and release policies as well as proper fish handling practices which have all contributed to the health and success of this fishery.

During the weekend of January, 17th & 18th, 2009, a group consisting of twelve ice anglers from Minnesota and North Dakota respectively, caught in excess of 230 walleye during those two days while on this remarkable inland lake. The average walleye weight was approximately five pounds! More amazing was the trophy count recorded by the group - in total, they caught and released "fifteen" qualifying Master Angler trophy walleye that measured twenty eight inches or better. The largest of the large was a mammoth walleye that measured 32 inches in length, with a 20 inch girth and tipped the scales at a staggering 14.5 pounds!

For more information on booking your trip this weekend, check out the special fishing offers at www.travelmanitoba.com!

The ice fishing or "Hard Water" season- which it is so often referred to - is a lengthy one! On Lake Winnipeg, the season kicks off as soon as the ice is deemed safe to travel- this usually means late December. Once the season kicks off, the action remains hot throughout the duration of the winter season and right through the entire month of March. March 31st marks the last day of ice angling each and every year.

By today's standard, no other winter walleye fishery in the world can measure up to this magnificent walleye resource. Lake Winnipeg has raised the benchmark as far as trophy walleye angling is concerned. There is a buzz in the air among walleye circles everywhere, that the next "World Record" walleye may be realized very soon out of Lake Winnipeg! Many well-seasoned ice fishing enthusiasts feel that this day is not too far away...

It makes one wonder why they aren't testing their fishing prowess on the Winter Hard Waters of Lake Winnipeg. For more information on ice fishing on Lake Winnipeg or other amazing resources in Manitoba, why not contact 1-800-665-0040.

Let's Talk Fishin'!

I am always on the lookout for a hot new bait. Trouble is most of our local retailers don't have the time to do the research. In most cases the big retailers don't want to take a chance when a new bait comes along. I just found what I think are the hottest new bass and walleye baits available today. These life like baits are made with such detail they look real.

Grant Koppers created the most anatomically correct line of fishing lures I have ever seen. Fact is nothing exists like this in the angling market today! He has captured an artificial lure that looks real. If you did a life like comparison you could see that these are the ultimate in hard baits.

The LIVETARGET series is a group of multi-species lures that simply catch fish. I have had the opportunity to field test this product over the last few months and all I can say is hang on to your rod! I don't care what you fish for, be it walleye, bass or pike, these cranks will put fish in the boat! I can hardly wait to try these at the KBI next year!

These cranks will entice even the wariest trophy into a strike. The Golden Shiner, Yellow Perch, Crawfish and Shad are a must add to the avid anglers tackle box. These baits work well in all kinds of bottom variations, rocks, timber and weeds. These lures cast like a bullet and sink like a stone allowing you to cover a whole water system quickly.

You can vary your depth and find out just where the fish are holding in the water column. It makes it easy to establish a pattern and help you put more fish in the boat. Grant has designed a system to fish the baits that even a novice angler can easily follow. As a guide I understand that conditions change daily and are not often the same day in and out.

Each lure is designed with a specific action, sound and buoyancy for all fishing conditions. I can't remember being this excited about a bait (all right, perhaps the introduction of bulldawgs) in a long time. I can think of so many applications that these will work.

I have always promoted good cranks, the deep diving X-rap, the Frenzy and now the LIVETARGET series... check them out at www.koppersfishing.com, you will be glad you did. Till next issue,"Keep your lines tight!"

Our 2008 contest has closed, and we have a winner! Congratulations to Michelle Yanew, of Medicine Hat, Alberta! Her moment, "Roadtrip with my BFF," was randomly selected from all the entries. Good news - her BFF Nicole is joining her this time around too! Don't worry, we're working on an amazing prize for 2009, so keep your unique Manitoba fishing moments coming!