|  If there were ever any question about the quality of fishing in Ontario, look no further than the results of the new Ontario Angler Awards, a program of the Ontario Federation of Anglers and Hunters (O.F.A.H.).
Developed to recognize outstanding angling achievements, the O.F.A.H. Ontario Angler Awards program has become an overnight success, with over 2,000 entries in its inaugural year. Based on a flood of entries during ice fishing season, the O.F.A.H. expects that participation in its Ontario Angler Awards program will at least triple in 2005. “The O.F.A.H. Ontario Angler Awards helps anglers to capture their fishing memories with a collector series of decals and certificates, provided free of charge. This program is for all anglers, young or old, novice or professional,” said Robert Pye, O.F.A.H. Communications Coordinator. As the 2005 fishing seasons gets underway, the O.F.A.H. tabulated results from last year’s entries and recognized its top lodges, camps and resorts that are now enthusiastically participating in the program. Congratulations to Camp Narrows Lodge in Fort Frances, for registering the largest muskie, largemouth bass and walleye in the 2004 Ontario Angler Awards Program. In Sioux Narrows, Crawford’s Camp landed the biggest smallmouth bass and lake trout; and Lake Simcoe’s Sea Otter Charters entered a magnificent 26-inch whitefish. The O.F.A.H. Ontario Angler Awards also celebrated Ignace Outposts in northwestern Ontario for entering the largest northern pike in the program last year. With over 40,000 frequent visitors to the Ontario Angler Awards’ web site, this program has become a proverbial brag-board where anglers show off their pictures, and learn how, where, and who’s catching fish in Ontario. It’s not surprising that over 100 lodges and resorts are also participating in the program because it provides outstanding testimony about fishing opportunities in their community. Anderson’s Lodge in Sioux Lookout has already submitted over 400 entries earning the distinction of O.F.A.H. Ontario Angler Awards’ “Lodge of The Year” in 2004. The O.F.A.H. Ontario Angler Awards is presented in partnership with Tourism Ontario, and sponsored by: Berkley, Shimano, Ontario Out of Doors magazine, and the Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources. Visit www.ontarioanglerawards.com | 
