Reel Adventures Fishing Charters’ Kerry Reed is launching into prime fishing season with television host and fisherman Jim Hoey. Earlier this month they filmed an episode of The Dimestore Fishermen here in the Kootenays.
They cast into the waters of Kootenay Lake in search of the giant Gerrard rainbow trout and bull trout. Reed said the giant trout are unique to the area and can range from 12 to 20 pounds.
This time of year the rainbows will be surfacing to feed so the fishermen were trolling the waters.
Hoey wasn’t on his own.
He brought two people from Calgary who won the trip as a result of a silent auction fundraiser for Trout Unlimited.
Regardless of the weather, Reed said they were going to have a blast. While Reed also does river tours, he said Kootenay Lake is the “bread and butter” of his 16-year-old Balfour business. This time of year, he focuses on Kootenay Lake so his clients can relax in a heated boat.
Hoey is no stranger to Nelson as he filmed an episode catching the large trout with Reed three years ago. Hoey said he was thrilled to be back in Nelson.
“We had such fantastic memories,” said Hoey. “I have a real love for the area as people are welcoming. It’s a special place and really good fishing for the rainbow trout that inhabit Kootenay Lake.”
He explained that the show focuses 60 per cent on the community and its history and 40 per cent on fishing and fishing tips.
“The point is to capture the spirit of our adventures,” he said.
Photo: Balfour businessman Kerry Reed being filmed by D’Arcy Vandergucht of The Dimestore Fisherman.
“I have a lot of experience with outfitters and Kerry would never say this about himself but he is looked to by other guides and he is a high level person,” said Hoey.
From a tourism perspective Dianna Ducs, executive director Nelson Kootenay Lake Tourism said a rough tally of a couple thousand people participating annually in seven larger fishing derbies is a strong indicator on the significance fishing has on Nelson’s tourism industry. She estimates it is 50/50 locals and visitors.
“Each derby has their own draw but for instance the Rainbow Derby put on by Gill & Gift in Balfour hosts about 100 (fishermen); Woodbury hosts 300; Kaslo Hotel another 300; and Creston’s Canadian Training Resource (attracts) about 420.”
The episode will air in April 2015 on NTV, CTV-CITL, Shaw local cable in Alberta and Hoey hopes to see it on WILD TV syndicate.