A fly fishing journal - Ste-Marguerite River: The Quebec 2009 ...

by Christopher Chin

As you can see my primary activity in my leisure time is flyfishing. I've been guiding for Atlantic Salmon and Sea run brook trout on the Ste-Marguerite River for several years so naturally this is where I spend most weekends and spare time. I also spend quite a bit of time online. This Blog is to follow us around a bit as we live our passion. Visit my Home Page - Fishing the Ste-Marguerite part 1 can be found here

One of the aspects that I just love about the Quebec Atlantic Salmon Mentorat is the steps they have taken to break the myth (that is – the myth that fly fishing for Atlantics is for the Elite, the Rich, the Pros or the Snobs).

I like to get new comers to realize that salmon fishing is REALLY for anyone who cares to try it. Tradition around many rivers makes some of the old clan see Salmon fishing as a sport for the rich. Today our shore lunches are less on the cucumber sandwich side and more toward chicken pot pie and Jack Daniel's.

A few years ago, a group of Salmo salar enthusiast set out to initiate newcomers to the sport of Atlantic salmon fishing. A couple years later, this small little activity grew! The third annual edition had Pro Staffers from many of the major rod makers, literally thousands of dollars worth of door prizes for the Sunday banquet, over 40 Guides and Instructors as well as countless others who took care of meals, logistics, reservations and impromptu gastronomic picnics. (Well, Amelie Dussault did a Lion’s share of the logistics).

Even with the “bigger and better” format, the same philosophy holds true from the first event. The main purpose of the weekend is to initiate newcomers to the sport.

The participants in this year’s activity (as in the past 2 years) were divided into 2 groups:

The Mentorat Class: Anglers with less than 3 years or 10 days of salmon fishing under their (wader) belt.

The Discovery Class: Anglers who have some experience or have already done a previous Mentorat and who wish to discover a new salmon river or two.

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