I reached out to an angler that comes from a family of die-hard anglers. From an early age, he spent time fishing with his grandfather and his parents Jim (Jimbo) and Lori.

After he left home, his parents decided to try their luck fishing in the Northeastern Ontario Bass Association and became one of the hottest teams to compete in it before the series close.

Today this angler is now making his own mark in tournaments and enjoys spending time with his family and friends passing down his love of the sport. Like his father did with him, he now competes in tournaments with his son Jaden.

His passion for the sport of fishing has allowed this angler to not only fish the Northern Ontario Walleye Trail, but to also compete in the Top 50 Pike Series as well.

Some of you may remember this angler from the National Fishing Week article I wrote last summer.

It’s my pleasure to introduce Jason Patry

Q: Where were you born?

A: I was born in Sudbury, Ontario. I currently live in Dowling, Ontario.

Q: Who played a role in getting you started in fishing?

A: My father and grandfather played huge roles in getting me hooked on fishing and the outdoors.

Q: As a youth, where did you fish and for what?

A: My youth years were mostly spent on Vermillion lake during the summer months. I remember fishing on Vermillion with my grandfather, Gene Patry, for catfish and walleye for Friday night fish fries. Man, I miss him. All those nights we spent together in the boat. That’s when I was hooked. The peacefulness, the sound of the frogs and birds, that smell in the air. Nature. The lake always seems to come alive just before dark. It was like a door opening up to another world.

Q: What age did you start fishing?

A: I started fishing around the age of three or four with my dad. He would take me all over northern Ontario fishing for walleye and lake trout.

Q: How did you get into Walleye Tournament Fishing and why?

A: I had been fishing pike tournaments for years with my father, aka Jimbo, and one year he didn’t have a partner for the Mattagami Walleye Derby and asked if I would go. I gladly said yes. It was something new. He knew that I liked throwing Jerk baits for walleye. It paid off we ended up in fifth place that weekend. I was hooked after that!

Q: What was your most memorable fishing experience and why?

A: My most memorable fishing experience was fishing with my son (Jaden) on a cold January 1st morning catching football sized speckles in the dark just before sunrise. I’ll never forget the look on his face when he pulled up a five-pound speck through the ice. We had our limit in two hours that morning. I knew in that instant he was hooked on fishing for life.

Q: List any anglers that helped you learn more about fishing over the years.

A: My Dad, Jim Patry, has helped me learn the most over the years. And I’m still learning something every day. Craig Salmonson, Rock Bouchard, Tori Garneau and Brian Fisher have helped me over the years to be a better walleye fisherman. Thank you, gentlemen.

Q: List sponsors and tournament finishes.

A: Emerald Isle Marine, Stratos boats, Evinrude Etec, Black fly lures, Ramakos

Four first place finishes in the Fish for Kids for Cancer pike tournament, three first place finishes in the Top50pike series. Many top 10 finishes in the Top50pike series.

NOWT:MFN 5th, 14th 19th and some we won’t mention.

Vermillion lake fall Walleye Derby: two 6th place finishes

Gogama walleye 6th

Q: Biggest fishing supporters over the years. (example, wife, family and friend(s))

A: My wife, Tanya and my mother, Lori, for putting up with my father and myself with our fishing addiction. They both have been very understanding over the years but sometimes not.

Q: What are some of your favourite fish you like to fish for and why?

A: Splake and Speckles are my favourite! After all these years when I think I have them figured out they throw a wrench at me and I’m learning how to catch them again.

Q: What is your favourite fishing technique(s) for walleyes?

A: My favorite fishing technique for walleye is Jerk baiting, especially throwing Rapala Husky jerks. When a 24-inch walleye hits a jerk bait in 4 feet of water and tries to take your rod out of your hand, that never gets old for me. It makes me feel like a kid again. The thrill and excitement of it makes me giddy and puts a huge smile on my face. It’s electrifying.

Q: Why do you fish walleye tournaments?

A: I love the competitiveness of tournament fishing. The rush of the blast off, making new friends, learning from other anglers. I enjoy the walleye tournaments for the two days of fishing, I find it’s more relaxing than the pike tournaments. I can take a break once in awhile from the jerk bait and fish with a jig and minnow.

Q: Why did you agree to have your bio done?

A: I agreed to have my bio done if it helps in some small way to grow our sport and attract some new anglers out there that are thinking of joining the NOWT, it may give them a bit of an insight to what this sport is all about. For me, it’s not about the winning (but it helps), it’s about meeting and making new friends from all across this beautiful province.

Q: Any tips you would give to a new walleye angler looking at fishing the NOWT?

A: Patience is a must. Be a sponge and soak it all up, learn from the other anglers. Most of them will gladly help you in any way they can.

Don’t be intimidated by the big boats if you don’t have one. I have seen many times that the size of the boat doesn’t matter. It’s determination, patience and sometimes a little luck that counts.

Every lake is different! Spending time on the water to learn it and find the structure, means everything. Think outside the box. You would be surprise sometimes what a walleye will hit.

Q: What would be some of your greatest accomplishments over the years of fishing?

A: Getting to spend quality time with my father and son in the boat. Meeting new people and making new friends. But there are two accomplishments that I have not yet achieved; winning the Top50 Pike Classic and the Mattagami Spring or Fall Walleye Tournament. But I am working on it and having fun doing it.

I would like to thank Jason for taking the time on agreeing to be featured and sharing some of his tips and accomplishments with us.