As you know, I participated in the event and I certainly wouldn’t say there were any irregularities. It was first class from start to finish.

Having said that, of course, I am sure we all can appreciate that in events involving youngsters, and especially, where large numbers of volunteers are required to ensure that everything runs smoothly, there are always minor glitches and the need to make spur of the moment decisions. I think one of the challenges of the AYA program is that it has been so successful that every year, more and more towns, cities and areas right across North America want to run regional events and send their winning teams to the international championship. This puts a huge workload and strain on an otherwise incredibly small number of people who are truly, selflessly, dedicated to involving youngsters in the sport of fishing. Believe me, in these tough economic conditions, I am sure there are plenty of things that LUND President Andrew Klopak can do with his time, other than drive all the way to Kenora and organise a fun-filled event solely for young kids.

I was also, totally impressed with the way Michelle Trudeau, who coordinates the AYA program, sought out all the guides who volunteered their time and energy and asked them to provide her with comments about improving future Champsionship.

It is my understanding that Michelle is already working on a catch / photograph / and release weigh in system for the 2010 Championships. Personally, I think this will be a terrific improvement, as it is something that walleye tournament pros across the continent have eagerly embraced.

What this will mean is that in future AYA championships, teams will be able to “weigh in” their best 5 or even 6 walleye. It also means that slot limits can be disregarded because no fish will actually be kept or even placed in the livewell. Lake of the Woods also has a non-resident restriction that allows American anglers to retain only 2 walleye / day with only one being over 18-inches. Again, under a Catch, Photograph and Release scenario this will become a non-issue. A CPR program also places the least stress on the fish becasue they are immediately released after they are caught and it entirely eliminates the question, at the end of the day, whether a fish is alive, dead or stressed and if any penalties should be applied. Finally it will emphasize good conservation practises to all the participating young anglers.

So the bottom line, in my opinion at least, is that a wonderful fishing event, involving kids, will become even better.

A friend.

Gord

A friend.

Steve

A friend.

Gord

While it’s true In-Fisherman sent one camera operator to the event, it was actually Adventures North Productions with 3 camera operators who were the primary shooters of the AYA, as we have been for over 10 years!

As a Gold Sponsor of the AYA events since their inception, as producer of most of the AYA productions dating back to 1999, as a provider of TV air time for the AYA TV Specials, and as a member of the Lund ProStaff for almost 20 years, it was disappointing to see ‘Adventures North’ excluded in your article about the Angler Young Angler.

Steve MacInnis
Executive Producer
Adventures North Productions, Inc.