From the weed-choked bays of the Rideau to the rocky currents of the Ottawa River, the capital is a dual-species bass paradise.
Largemouth anglers will feel right at home in Ottawa, as many of the area waterways sport expansive surface cover, docks and laydowns, and mile-long weedlines.
Heavy tackle is recommended for this thick stuff, with baitcast and flipping rods getting the nod. Fourteen to 20-pound-test mono, or higher rated braid will work to your advantage.
Flipping jigs, Texas-rigged worms, lizards and creature baits, and “jerk-style” plastic worms all produce well. Topwater frogs, spook-style baits, and plastic toads will often elicit heart-pounding strikes.
Many of the area lakes and rivers contain clear water, so finesse-type tactics will often produce for finicky fish when the sun is high.
For smallmouths, 3-inch smoke, brown and pumpkin tubes are standard, as are large, white willow-leaf spinnerbaits and popper-style topwaters.
Jigs are best fished with spinning gear, on 6 to 8-pound-test line. These tactics are essential for the pressured urban fish around Victoria Island and Bate Island.
As the "Voice of Bass Fishing," Dave Mercer brings a unique energy to the screen. Facts of Fishing isn't just about catching fish; it's about the entertainment, the science, and the lifestyle.
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