I was introduced to fishing at age 5 by a family friend. Arnold was the owner of Twin Oak Lodge on Lake Kashwakamak, and a very good friend of my fathers. My family and I would spend a couple weekends each summer at the lodge, and Arnold would always take time out of his busy schedule to take my brother and I fishing. We began with walleye fishing, but according to my dad the first fish I ever reeled in was a bass!! Arnold was the one who got me hooked.
It has been many years now since Arnold has passed, but my passion for fishing has grown. In 2008 I fished my very first tournament, the local Kiwanis Walleye World Walleye Derby. This is an annual event that is open for anyone to compete. I fished over night on opening night with a couple friends, and on our way back in the morning I hooked into an 8.5 pound walleye! Although I didn't win a prize that day, I was totally hooked on the excitement and competition of a tournament. Shortly after, I joined a local bass club called the Quinte Bassmasters in Belleville, Ontario (now called the Quinte Bass Anglers).
After joining the club that year, I fished as many tournaments as possible (up until 2010), volunteered for all of the kids events the club hosted and also helped host open tournaments in the community. It was rewarding to be part of a great group with a passion for fishing, and I have many great memories!
After joining the club that year, I fished as many tournaments as possible (up until 2010), volunteered for all of the kids events the club hosted and also helped host open tournaments in the community. It was rewarding to be part of a great group with a passion for fishing, and I have many great memories!
In 2009 I participated in the Adopt an Angler online contest with the World Fishing Network. It was a contest open to anyone in Canada and the United States, in which participants had to upload a video or photo and convince voters they deserved to be adopted to win a DREAM FISHING VACATION! Let me tell you, I saw this contest and immediatly made a video. With the support of local anglers, friends, family, co-workers and the power of social networking, I WON with 13,942 votes!!! Out of the 3 dream destinations, I chose deep sea fishing in Tobago. This contest was a great opportunity to meet and communicate with anglers from all over the world, and share my passion for fishing, and not to mention - go on the trip of a lifetime! Thanks to everyone that voted to make my dream come true.
I now spend my time kayaking and have taken a break from tournaments for a few months, but will likely be back soon and even hope to fish in some kayak tournaments in the future. I can't stop thinking about going ocean kayaking and reeling in monster fish on camera, so hopefully that will be my next big adventure!
I now spend my time kayaking and have taken a break from tournaments for a few months, but will likely be back soon and even hope to fish in some kayak tournaments in the future. I can't stop thinking about going ocean kayaking and reeling in monster fish on camera, so hopefully that will be my next big adventure!
I created this website to blog about fishing adventures, post photos and videos and even hold contests. Thank you for stopping by!
Ashley Rae
ashley@shelovestofish.com
