Each season, the Northern Ontario Walleye Trail sees new anglers coming to compete, making it the best walleye circuit in northern Ontario. Many are already seasoned walleye anglers, however, there are some youth anglers that are starting to make a name for themselves in the circuit.

One such angler shares his passion for fishing. It is my pleasure to introduce this week’s NOWT pro youth angler Cameron Racine.

Q) Where were you born?

A) I was born in Sudbury, Ont. then moved to Timmins, Ont. around the age of five where my fishing passion began.

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

A) The people that played a role in getting me started fishing would be my dad and many cousins. We would always go out at the camp on Nepewassi Lake in Sudbury, Ont. Even before I could walk, I was in the ice hut waiting to see how many fish we could catch.

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

A) As a child, I had begun my fishing experience at Nepewassi Lake but I really started to fishing constantly at the Cache. Every weekend I would take out my 14-foot aluminum and fish for pike in the bay. I spent countless hours dialling in that small area of water, and after a while my young self figured it out and had great success throughout the years.

Q) What age did you start fishing?

A) I had started fishing when I was very young. I’ve been at for as long as I can remember.

Q) How did you get into walleye tournament fishing and why?

A) My fishing passion began at a very young age but developed as a grew up spending summers at the Cache Campground going out to fish with my dad. But my passion truly sparked when Annie and Henri Roberge began to tell me tournament stories which I was really intrigued with. This had continued as I grew up and they were very kind to participate in many of the AYA tournaments at the campground. Participating in these tournaments really sparked my interest in the NOWT once I had gotten older.

Q) What was your most memorial fishing experience and why?

A) My most memorial fishing experience was defiantly this winter on Horwood Lake. I had hooked into a big northern pike and we had fought it for quite some time. The suspense not knowing the species on the ice was exhilarating. Once it came through the hole, I never had smile bigger on my face. It wasn’t just the big fish coming through the hole that made my day, it was because of the great friends I had around me to enjoy that moment. What a day. I couldn’t believe the reactions on everyone’s faces. It was truly special.

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

A) My passion of fishing really opened up when I had met Craig Salmonson. He had taken me under his wing and took me out to teach me many techniques throughout the past few years and I am very appreciative of that. Craig had taught me the ways of the tournament trail and how to be a respectful angler as well as a successful one. During this NOWT season, I could not believe the kindness of other anglers.

I was able to gain some great experience fishing the Kap River Walleye Tournament with Rock Bouchard. I learned many new skills and techniques that I will never forget. Rock was always a big idol to me as I was growing up. There was never a better day when I was a kid then when Rock would bring his Skeeter bass boat to the shop for service.

Also this season, I had the opportunity to fish the Sagamok Walleye Classic with Sebastien Lizotte. I had a great time learning that river system from him. We had a phenomenal time in the boat together, labelling ourselves as Team Hurricane because we both loved to leave things laying around in the boat.

Him and many other angles today have encouraged me along the way, including Paul Ethier killing with me on the ice last winter and being a big help with my Lowrance products, Ken Perreault helping me with the latest tackle, Denis Perrier teaching me the basics of bottom bouncing as a kid, and all the other anglers throughout my life have taught me everything I know today. I am very fortunate to have those anglers support me every day.

Q) List sponsors and tournament finishes.

A) J&B Cycle and Marine, Princecraft Boats, Mercury Marine. 2018 Kap River Walleye Tournament, 4th place. 2018 Sagamok Fall Walleye Classic, 3rd place.

Q) Biggest fishing supports over the years?

A) My Biggest supports over the years would be my dad and the many NOWT pro anglers along the way. They have truly made my passion what it is today.

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

A) My favourite fish that I like to fish for would be walleye. I love the challenge and variety that comes with trying to catch these fish. Feeding patterns can change day by day, and I love the different techniques used to catch these fish. It’s also a great fish to go and catch with family and friends as they make a good fish fry and can be a lot of fun once the hook it set.

Q) What is your favourite fishing technique for walleye?

A) My favourite technique would defiantly be the jigging rap. I really enjoy the fast action that this lure has and nothing beats hooking up with a big fish on the upstroke with one of these baits.

Q) Why do you fish walleye tournaments?

A) I do walleye tournaments because they are just a blast. It is amazing, the feeling of catching a big fish in a tournament and just the focus and everything involved is what I enjoy. I really enjoy the pre-fish and trying to dial in certain areas. Also, spending the weekend with some great friends is the best. Being able to fish throughout those days just makes it even better.

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

A) I agreed to get my bio done because I wanted to help encourage youth angling. It is a very fun sport I would really enjoy if other youth anglers could enjoy this series as much as I do.

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

A) Tip #1: Confidence is key. Being doubtful throughout the day if you don’t have good fish in the live well isn’t going to help you get anywhere. Keep the focus and try new things.

Tip #2: Change things up. One thing I’ve heard a few times now from fellow NOWT anglers is that they are stubborn and do not try new techniques. Give new things a try. It could end up working very well for you.

Q) What would be some of your greatest accomplishes over the years of fishing?

A) Some of my greatest accomplishments over the years would be building the friendships that I have today because of fishing. It’s not always about who catches the biggest fish. It is about spending that time together and appreciating it. That’s one thing I’ve really gotten to now over the past few years.

I would like to thank Cameron for sharing his journey with us along with his inspiring words to young anglers that are thinking about competing in the NOWT one day.