Getting started with a specific fishing technique can be difficult.  What colour of lure? What trolling speed should you use?  Live bait or artificial?

I am sure at one point or another we have all asked similar questions.  Even the professionals had to start somewhere.

Im my experience, the ultimate way to get a leg up in the fishing world is to reach out to other, more experienced anglers.  The best way to do this? Aside from being in any Tim Hortons at 4 am on a Saturday, Fishing Forums can be a close second.  Fishing forums are great places to make connections with fellow anglers, discover previously hidden resources and ask virtually any question under the sun.  In my experience, if you can ask it, some one can answer it.  Almost always someone will reply with a tip to get you on your way to mastering a technique or species.  If your lucky and polite, they may even take you out for a one on one demonstration!

Below are a list of great forumns which have a strong Ontario base:

Fish Ontario: http://www.oodmag.com/ – very good resource for all things hunting and fishing.  This was the very first forumn I joined.  Filled with great people who are friendly and helpfull, I have made many friends on this forum over the years.

Ice Shanty – http://www.iceshanty.com/ice_fishing/index.php?board=26.0 – dedicated to ice fishing in Ontario.  This is a great resource for the Kingston Area.

Bay of Quinte Be ‘N’ Brag Fishing Forum http://forum2.quintefishing.com/viewforum.php?f=1 – you guessed it, specific forum for both soft and hard water fishing in the Bay of Quinte Area.  Also includes several members who are well versed in the brown trout fishery on Lake O.

Hawk Talk – http://www.fish-hawk.net/index.php?i=forums&mode=forum – Also a great forum for Ontario.  Also includes great information including fishing maps for specific lakes with directions on generic ways to fish specific lakes for beginners.

Lake Ontario United Forum http://www.lakeontariounited.com/fishing-hunting/  – all the gab on salmon, rainbows and browns that you can handle!