The Outdoor Canada website’s top 10 fishing and hunting stories of 2018

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As 2018 winds down, it’s a great time to revisit our website’s top stories of the year. Highlights include catch-and-release science, big-buck secrets, black spot disease, pimping your hunt camp, new hunting, bowhunting and fishing gear, and more.

For the second year in a row, www.outdoorcanada.ca’s most popular story of 2018 came from our esteemed fishing editor, Gord Pyzer. In the piece below, he explains exactly how and why big fish are so critical to our fisheries. Hopefully, the article sparked a few campfire discussions and reminded us all to carefully return those precious trophy spawners.

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#1 Why You Should Always, Always, ALWAYS Release Big Fish

If you want to continue catching big fish, keep only the small ones

Why You Should Always, Always, ALWAYS Release Big Fish

#2 2018’s best new hunting gear: 11 must-have accessories for heading afield

Our top picks included blades, packs, blinds, decoys, targets and much more

2018’s best new hunting gear: 11 must-have accessories for heading afield

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#3 2018 Canadian hunting forecast: top spots for deer, moose, elk and more

Our exclusive guide to Canada’s best big-game hunting—and the places to avoid

2018 Canadian hunting forecast: top spots for deer, moose, elk and more

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#4 Tackle Week 2018: 14 New Lures for Walleye, Bass, Trout, Muskies and More

The latest swimbaits, topwaters, soft-plastics, spinners, jerkbaits, and jigs for Canadian anglers

Tackle Week 2018: 14 New Lures for Walleye, Bass, Trout, Muskies and More

#5 2018’s best new hunting gear: Fantastic firearms and innovative ammo

Rifles, shotguns and loads for Canadian big game, small game, waterfowl and upland birds

2018’s best new hunting gear: Fantastic firearms and innovative ammo

#6 7 early-season secrets for hunting big bucks

Instead of waiting for the rut, hunt big bucks in the early archery season

7 early-season secrets for hunting big bucks

#7 2018’s best new hunting gear: Everything for the Canadian bowhunter

What new gear should Canadian bowhunters carry afield this year? Here are our top suggestions

2018’s best new hunting gear: Everything for the Canadian bowhunter

#8 13 unforgettable and inspiring images of outdoor adventure in Canada

Presenting the winning hunting, fishing, family & wildlife shots from Outdoor Canada’s 7th annual photo contest

13 unforgettable and inspiring images of outdoor adventure in Canada

#9 9 awesome creature comforts to pimp your hunt camp

New products to transform your backwoods cabin into a luxury chalet

9 awesome creature comforts to pimp your hunt camp

#10 The real truth about black spot disease, and how it affects fish

It’s common across North America, and the science behind it is amazing

The Real Truth About Black Spot Disease, and How It Affects Fish

And the runners-up are:

Hunter Dan’s 5 crucial safety rules for Canadian outdoor adventures

Gun review: X-Bolt Hell’s Canyon Speed rifle is made for tough conditions

2018’s best new fishing boats for Canadian anglers

Gun review: How Savage’s semi-auto A17 and A22 magnum did in our tests

 

6 of Canada’s top muskie hunters share their late-season secrets

5 expert tips for hunting with whitetail decoys

2018’s best new ATVs for Canadian outdoor adventurers

Secret lures and tactics for big fall walleye, trout, bass and crappies

Pro smallmouth secret revealed: The incredible marabou jig

Tackle Week 2018: The Best New Rods, Reels and Combos for Canadian Anglers