As the captain of
Bite Me Too Sportfishing and a proud member of the Gibbs Pro Team, Mat Urbanski embarked on a remarkable journey during the 2023 fishing season. Facing the unpredictable forces of nature, exploring diverse territories, and targeting a variety of fish species, Mat shares his insights, challenges, and successes in this retrospective on a season filled with passion and dedication.
-
Fishing Season Overview:
-
Mat reflects on the 2023 fishing season as a testament to the relentless influence of Mother Nature. Unpredictable weather patterns, heat waves, and severe storms challenged the Bite Me Too Sportfishing team on the west end of Lake Ontario. Despite the external challenges, Mat emphasizes the evolving perspective on success, shifting from tournament results to appreciating the experience itself. He underscores the importance of responsible resource utilization and actively contributes to habitat restoration efforts and scientific studies, embodying the ethos of stewardship and conservation.
-
Areas of Focus:
-
With access to both the north and south shores of Lake Ontario, Mat took advantage of his strategic location in the west end "horseshoe." In 2023, he made a deliberate effort to explore the world-class Lake Trout fishery on the south shore, despite the allure of salmonid species like Chinook, Coho, and Steelhead. Bronte, Oakville, 50 Point, Port Credit, and the Island became his favored haunts, showcasing the diverse and rich fishing opportunities in the region.
-
Species of Focus:
-
Mat's primary focus during the 2023 fishing season remained on Chinook salmon, driven by tournament objectives. However, the cooler water temperatures from April to June allowed for the pursuit of a variety of other species, including Coho and the renowned Lake Trout fishery. Mat highlights the unique aspect of Lake Ontario's versatility, where anglers can encounter Chinook, Coho, Atlantic, Steelhead, Brown trout, Lake Trout, and even Pink Salmon all in the same trolling environment from April to September.
-
Top-Performing Gibbs Products:
-
Gibbs products played a pivotal role in the success of Bite Me Too Sportfishing during the 2023 season. Mat specifically praises the new
Stinger Sidekicks, which exceeded expectations with their unique action, proving effective when traditional choices fell short. The
Kingfisher II "fish-shaped paddle" continued to dominate, excelling when paired with big meat rigs and anchovies. Mat highlights popular patterns such as
Herring Aid,
Casper series, and the new Stinger series Glow UV Frog. Additionally, he emphasizes the significance of spoons like the
G-Force series and the
Stinger series in various patterns, adapting his lineup based on prevailing conditions.
-
Mat's 2023 fishing season with Bite Me Too Sportfishing was a tale of adaptation, appreciation, and commitment to the natural resource he cherishes. As he navigated the waves of Lake Ontario, faced challenges head-on, and celebrated the diverse fisheries, Mat exemplified the essence of a true angler – one who not only hunts for trophy catches but also actively contributes to the preservation and sustainability of the environment he holds dear.
Leave a comment