The idea of a fly in fishing trip in a remote area perhaps sounds obscure to you after years of fishing in overcrowded lakes, rivers, and streams.
Also, the idea of catch and release maybe sounds overly green after years of always keeping and eating your caught fish. If this all sounds offbeat, they work in tandem with one another as part of preserving nature for your own benefit.
Ultimately, if not for a catch and release policy on our Oak Lake here at Oak Lake Lodge, the pristine nature we provide for tourists could get thrown out of balance.
We know our vacations are like no other, especially when you respect the idea that the type of nature here is extremely fragile.
It's also very rare when you consider that we're miles away from any other homes, resorts, or corporate industries. As a result, we take extra care in preserving the surroundings so you and other tourists can continue to enjoy one of the most untainted places left on earth.
Maintaining the species of fish in our Oak Lake is one of our top concerns. Keep in mind, though, that our catch and release policy only applies to certain species of fish.
Specifically, it applies to Northern Pike and Smallmouth Bass, which frequently grow to large sizes, making them exciting catches.
Walleye and Muskie are smaller and more plentiful, so you can save those and eat them. Regardless, certain provisions apply to the catch and release policy.
It's why we recommend a fishing guide to accompany you on one of our private boats we provide.
Not only will you have someone to entertain you with fascinating stories, you'll also have an expert to help catch fish properly and release them into the water correctly.
When you hire one of our guides, you'll have a complete education on how to land fish in Oak Lake without causing them injury.
Many of our guides are lifelong residents of Ontario, Canada's remote wilderness, so they know the catch and release system like old pros.
Those who don't have experience with proper landing can inevitably damage fish to a point where it's no use releasing them back into the water.
Once in a while, unfortunate things happen due to various circumstances. In those cases, we let you keep those fish to eat so they don't die in the water.
It's in how you handle the fish, though, that makes all the difference. Your guide can show you how important a landing net is when you catch a large fish. The less you handle the fish with your hands, the less damage you cause.
Removing a hook works the same way, and using long-nose pliers helps make this happen faster.
But our guides will show you that if a hook gets embedded deep in a fish's throat, you have to cut the line to avoid yanking.
It's one reason why we promote the idea of using barbless hooks when you fish here.
Releasing fish is almost an art form on its own, and your guide will show you how.
Why this is important comes in how fast you get the fish back in the water. As more time passes out of the water, fish become stressed, so the sooner you remove the hook, the better.
We'll show you how to properly set the fish upright in the water and release them under their own power. Be sure that they look revived before you release them. If they don't look lively, they won't survive back in the lake.
Contact us
here at
Oak Lake Lodge
to book a fishing vacation with us. You'll soon appreciate the catch and release policy and have a new perspective on all of the rare nature around you.