I was first introduced to fishing trout in the 80’s at the age of 6 by my father. We would often leave early in the morning with a lunch and fish all day only stopping to eat. We have many great memories from those trips. As a young trout fisherman, I was noticing how trout would act differently to water and weather conditions. I started to notice how to target specific areas to increase my chances of success. I mainly walked streams or fished from shore but I have always been willing to go out with other anglers so we could share tools and tricks of the trade.
I only started multi species angling in 2015 in a Multi species Kayak tournament on the Hammond River. This was my first time competitively fishing in a one-day organized event and I mainly wanted to do it so I could see if I would enjoy it. That day was a blast, I was catching species I was targeting but I was also catching fish I had no idea existed. I specifically remember catching my first Pumpkinseed Sunfish, the fish had such bright and contrasting colours, I was thinking someone must have released it from their aquarium. That day had ups and downs because I had witnessed several anglers land a sturgeon and I was not so lucky. To my surprise, I ended the day in third place and have never looked back.
I have now competed in multiple events since 2017 called the Hook and Paddle. For the first 2 years I was consistently finishing behind a well known, experienced and accomplished angler. I continued to try and improve my knowledge and skill to improve. In 2019 I was able to accomplish my goal and ended up finishing in first place overall. I approached the next year with the attitude that I had to continue to grow my knowledge and skillset to maintain my chances of success. I have been fortunate enough to maintain my consistency by doing so and have won angler of the year for 2020 and 2021.
Although I am proud of my tournament results, nothing makes me prouder than the friends I have made and the adults and kids I have introduced to the sport. I have met people who have never really liked fishing or kayaking but after trying it, they are now regulars I see on the water. I have provided people with kayaks, canoes and fishing equipment because they have shown interest in participating. This sport sells itself and is not expensive to start. I make time outside of tournaments to go out and enjoy the days with Veteran’s, kids and even the odd competitor in the Hook and Paddle series. I have purchased a small boat in the past few years, and I continue to learn what this new tool has to offer.
I am a proud member of the Minnow Tackle Shop Pro Staff and love the fact I can refer people to a shop that not only sells equipment and tackle that work for our waters here in New Brunswick, but they also have friendly and knowledgeable staff that can help any angler. I know when people leave the shop, they have a sense of satisfaction, and they can’t wait to get out on the water.
Rene Pelletier
Multi Species Angler from Fredericton, NB