Two Guides Traveling Two Roads

The generic definition that comes to mind when we think of a fishing guide is someone who helps us catch fish, period. But if we take the time to peel back the layers of this onion there is so much more to it. Guides bring people together - fathers and sons for example - creating traditions that are handed down for generations and that are looked forward to every year with the same anticipation as Christmas morning. They can teach and mold a new lineage of anglers and forge rich memories that will last a lifetime. This is not only an interview with two gifted fishing guides. Although it highlights the techniques and specialized methods of two very distinct angling practices, most importantly it reminds us that at the end of the day there is far more to fishing than just catching fish.

- Mark Forabosco

The New Age Road

Rob Cadeau smiled as his boat skimmed across the glassy water on that bluebird August morning. Even though we were going in excess of 45-miles-per-hour the 150 horsepower engine was barely above a whisper.

“The first spot that I plan to hit is one of my favourites,” commented Rob as he snapped on a large jerk bait, whose colour could only be classified as gaudy.

I, on the other hand, decided to go with a top water lure. On the second cast my guide reared back hard.

“Fish on, and it’s a good one!”

Five minutes later, and after a couple of photos, the near 30-pound muskellunge was slipped back into the dark water.

Robert told me how his career as a guide started out quite by accident.

“I was always busy taking friends out and just by word of mouth people got my number from a tackle shop reference and asked me to guide them. It took off from there. It’s been a fun journey. I have done a number of television shows, met some great people and, most importantly, made some lifelong friends.”

As a guide, Rob is unique in the fact that he targets multiple species in numerous waters. He pursues muskellunge on Lake Superior river tributaries early in the season; later on in the year he’ll concentrate on Georgian Bay and Lake St. Clair. He also guides on Muskoka’s Lake Rousseau and Lake Joseph for lake trout, trophy pike and walleye. He also takes guests out on Lake Ontario for salmon and trout.

Being that Rob is a sales representative for one of the largest hunting and fishing firms in the industry I wanted to hear his thoughts pertaining to the ever-evolving technology in the fishing industry and its effects on anglers in general. When I asked him about this, Rob handed me his musky rod with a large double bladed spinner tied on.

“Try casting this out,” he said.