Ontario Chinese Anglers Association crowns Angler of the Year

The who’s who of the sportfishing industry in Ontario was on hand once again for this year’s crowning of the Ontario Chinese Anglers Association’s Angler of the Year. Taking home the top honour at the 16th annual fundraiser dinner and awards night on December 5 was Don Chu, while Yuk Fai Lee and Johnny Li tied as first runners up.

During the multi-course banquet at Casa Victoria, emcee Leo Stakos, co-host of Fish TV, helped the 400-member OCAA raise more than $19,000 through auctions, raffles and good-natured goading of the assembled guests. Among them were representatives from the Spring Fishing & Boat Show, Lund Boats, Nobis, Shimano Canada, Outdoor Canada, Johnson Controls, Mercury Marine, Canadian National Sportsmen’s Shows, Boat Tech, Lures and Tours, Pure Fishing, the Ontario Federation of Anglers and Hunters, Ontario Tourism, the Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry and more.

Founded in 1999, the OCAA describes itself as “a group of enthusiastic people who are willing to share and expand their fishing experiences and skills and learn about conservation and the environment.” The association lists its objectives as follows:

• To promote “Catch & Release” sport fishing, conservation, and environmental friendly concept in the Chinese Community.
• To encourage members to purchase Conservation license.
• To introduce and emphasize the importance of safe boating practices as provided by the Canadian Power and Sail Squadron.
• To clarify and assist members to understand and follow the fishing regulation published by the Ministry of Natural Resources
• To provide a vehicle for interested persons to get together, make friends and to share their fishing stories and techniques.
• To help and support charitable organizations.
• To invite professional anglers to share their knowledge, expertise and demonstrate their fishing skills to our members.
• To promote the joy of fishing and the importance of conservation to future generations.