However, I confess to being somewhat taken back realizing that some of the fish were being subject to unavoidably damaging treatment prior to their release back to the water. The very process of laying the measuring tape along the fish's lengths (for their photos) necessitated laying them down either on the floor of the canoe or on the ground. It became evident to me that despite being eventually released, some of these fish's skin were getting both dried-out and abraded ... two conditions that negatively impact on their survivability upon release. Trout skin is extremely delicate in this respect.

I appreciate the enthusiasm and efforts involved in last year's fishing contest. And, I'm not faulting anyone for the treatment of the fish. If anything, I feel bad that I hadn't anticipated the effects that would happen to the fishes' skin.

Instead, this year I'm going to replace the contest with a wide-open "Look What I Caught" photo section. No measuring is required. In fact, it will be required that the "brag-photos" show the fish either still attached to the hook and line or properly supported by hand horizontally. It is hoped that the brief photo-taking session will minimally impact on the fishes' survival when released.

In keeping with successful "catch-and-releases", I'm recommending that use of landing nets be kept to a minimum, as nets can abrade and harm trouts' skins.

However, this year's change doesn't mean I'm adverse to catch-of-the-day shore meals! It's just that when we "catch-and-release", the fish deserve the best chance to survive.

So, lets leave the tapes at home this year and look forward to sharing a whole bunch of happy-faced "Look What I Caught" photos.

By April 9th, 2006 'Bo' (Ken Born) had developed his idea to this point ... "In the days ahead, I'm going to be looking for 4 small championship pins that I'll purchase. One for bass, one for specks and one for lake trout. Years ago, my group used to have a pin that said "World's Greatest Fisherman" that was given to the one catching the most trout during our annual spring trip. Has anyone seen these lately or something similar? Once winners have been decided and their pictures scrutinized for accuracy, I'll mail out the pins to the winners, who in turn will mail them to next years winners, and so on."

This Fishing section will record submission photos along with appropriate information. In the interest of fair play, submission photos must be of fish caught legally in Algonquin Park during the 2006 fishing season by the person claiming the catch. Participants are encouraged to practise catch and release and to use barbless hooks in the interest of lessening impact on the Algonquin fishery.

A measuring tape or ruler must be visible in front of the fish for photo-verification of its length.

For the purposes of this contest, the length of a fish will be its "fork length". This will minimize harmful handling of the tails of "catch-and-release" fish, reduce the variability of the fanning (or not) of the tail, and eliminate the potential of inaccuracy if the longer portions of the tail are damaged. The length is from the end of the head to the fork of the tail.

Weight is not being used as the determining factor.

While a contestant may use his/her 'forum-handle', they must also submit their 'real' names so as to formalize the submission process. In addition, a general area of origin is required .. for example: of the Ottawa area, of New York State, of the Toronto area, etc.

Also, a general idea of the location in which each fish was caught will be required .. for example: Booth Lake, a small lake west of Canoe Lake, Petawawa River downstream of Cedar Lake, etc.

Lastly, it is expected that some description of the method, equipment and conditions of the catch be provided in each submission .. not to the point of giving away 'secrets'.

Submissions will be recorded by species .. Lake Trout .. Brook Trout .. Splake .. Smallmouth Bass .. as per the side-menu navigation tabs. Should another species be caught, another section will be started for it. However, 'pins' may not be awarded by 'Bo' for other than trout species .. just recognition and bragging-rights.