I am from a small community in Northern Ontario, called Cochrane, which is eight hours northeast of Toronto. I've had a lifetime of experience fishing for my own local species of walleye, northern pike, and lake trout, so I've grown to love the sport.

This past July, I made a trip to Newfoundland to visit in laws for the first time. We happened to be visiting when the cod food fishery opened up so of course we set out early morning on July 25 (opening day) to go fishing on the Atlantic. There were more than 30 boats fishing in the area and the action was non-stop. I was excited when I landed a few small cod and an interesting-looking sculpin. Within approximately 20 minutes of fishing, I was reeling in a heavy fish that fought with me for 10 minutes. Everything was so new to me and there was so much going on that I wasn't sure what to expect on my lure. Eventually I saw the white-bellied beast coming up to the surface and it was then that we realized I had a monster fish. We quickly found the net, but the fish's head wouldn't fit into the net! Once we landed it in the boat, we were all so speechless at what lay on the floor! It was a 26-lb, 40.5 inch long cod! I've never caught anything so big in all my life and I would be very surprised if I ever do again. Newfoundland is a magnificent province with the friendliest people and the most beautiful landscapes. I will return again as soon as possible and hopefully during another food fishery!
  Submitted By: Lynn Roy