Gord Pyzer, Outdoor Canada’s long-time fishing editor, signs off in his final article

It’s hard to believe more than four decades have passed since I sat down to write my first article for Outdoor Canada magazine. Looking back now, it feels like the blink of an eye, but those many years are filled with countless memories and friendships, and the kinds of stories only a life spent on the water can bring.

When I began this journey, I could never have imagined how deeply it would shape my life. Throughout the decades, I’ve been privileged to share tales of memorable fish, quiet mornings, conservation challenges and the enduring beauty of Canada’s waters.

I’ve also had the opportunity to visit many far-flung fishing destinations, and I still pinch myself to make sure it wasn’t all a dream. Fly fishing in Tasmania for the wildest strain of brown trout left in the world was a dream come true, as was trolling for marlin on the Great Barrier Reef, and catching giant pike in the Gulf of Finland. The 950-pound bluefin tuna we released off the coast of P.E.I. was the cherry on top of the sundae, while the trophy we won in B.C. at the Daiwa World Salmon Championships was the whipped cream. And the hazelnuts? The scores of giant pike, gorgeous grayling and 40-pound-plus lake trout from such fabled Canadian waters as Great Bear Lake, Kasba Lake, Reindeer Lake and Lake Athabasca.

And along the way, I’ve learned as much from you, the readers, as I’ve shared in these pages. Your emails, text messages and passion for fishing have been a true inspiration, and a wonderful reminder of why I’ve loved doing this so much for so long.

Now, however, it’s time for me to reel it in. For health reasons, I have made the difficult decision to step away. It’s bittersweet, of course, but I find comfort knowing Outdoor Canada magazine—and the fishing community it serves—will continue to thrive.

The world of fishing has certainly changed since I first cast my line into these waters. In the early days, sonar was in its total infancy and technology such as chartplotters and electric trolling motors were beyond any angler’s imagination. Yet the essence of fishing remains the same today as it was back then: the thrill of a tug on the end of the line, the camaraderie of fellow anglers, and the responsibility to protect our precious natural resources for future generations.

To my colleagues at Outdoor Canada—Patrick, Scott, Sandra and Bob—thank you. Your support has been my compass, guiding me through every feature, column and blog. It’s been my privilege to tell the stories of our waters and those who cherish them.

Though I’m stepping away from these pages, my heart will always be on the water, and I’ll still be cheering for every big catch, every conservation win, and every young boy and girl discovering the magic of a rod and reel for the very first time.

I’ll leave you with this: fishing is about far more than catching fish. It is about connection—to the water, to each other, and to ourselves. Take care of those connections, and they will take care of you. Thank you for these many extraordinary years. I wish you all tight lines and calm waters for many more to come.

Also see Bob Izumi’s heartfelt tribute to Gord Pyzer at www.outdoorcanada.ca/GordIsGreat (coming tomorrow).